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I INQUIRY ON MISSIONS, f
AND
*
* THE STATE OF RELIGION. *
LIBRAEY
OF THE
Theoloaical Seminary,
PRINCETON, N.J.
Case, ^.ztf-? Division
Shelf. I Ilk? Section
Book,
THE
PILGRIM'S PROGRESS./
JOHNBUNYAN.
WITH
Original 0ottS,
BY
THOMAS SCOTT,
CHAPLAIN TO THE LOCK HOSPITAL.
BOSTON:
PRINTED BY MANNING AND LORING, AND SOLD AT THEIR
BOOKSTORE, NO. 2, CORNHILL.
1805.
PREFACE.
1 HE high eflimation, in which the Pilgrim's
Progress has been held for much above a century, fuffi-
ciently evinces its intrinfic value : and there is every reafon
to fuppofe, that it will be read with admiration and advan-
tage for ages to come, probably till the confummation of
all things.
The pious Chriilian, in proportion to " his growth in
grace, and in the knowledge of Jefus Chrift," derives more
and more inftru&ion from repeated perufals of this remark-
able book ; while his enlarged experience and extended
obfervation enable him to unfold, with progreffive evidence,
the meaning of the agreeable fimilitudes employed by its
ingenious author : and even the carelefs reader is fafcinated
to attention, by the fimple and artlefs manner in which the
interefting narrative is arranged. Nor Ihould this be rep-
refented as mere amufement, for it has been obferved, by
men of great difcernment and acquaintance with the human
mind, that young perfons, having perufed the Pilgrim as
a pleafing tale, often retain a remembrance of its leading
incidents, which, after continuing perhaps in a dormant
ftate for feveral years, has at length germinated, as it were,
into the mod important and feafonable inftruclion ; while
the events of their own lives placed it before their minds in
a new and affecting point of view. It may, therefore, be
queftioned, whether modern ages have produced any work
which has more promoted the bed interefts of mankind..
IV PREFACE.
Thefe obfervatrms indeed more efpecially apply to the
Firft Part of the Pilgrim's Progress ; as that is complete
in itfelf, and in all refpects fupeiior to the Second. Yet
this alfo contains many edifying and interefting paffages :
though, in unity of defign, in arrangement of incident, and
in fimplicity of allegory, it is not comparable to the other.
Indeed the author, in his firft effort, had nearly exhaufted
his lubjecl ; and nothing remained for his fecond attempt,
but a few detached epifodes to his original defign : nor
could any vigour of genius have wrought them up to an
equal degree of intereft. It mure, however, be allowed,
that Mr. Bunyan here, in fome inftances, finks below him-
self, both in fertility of invention, force of imagination, and
aptnefs of illu fixation ; nay, he occafionally floops to a
puerile play of fancy, and a refined nicety in doctrine, which
do not well accord to the reft of the work. Yet the fame
grand principles of evangelical and practical religion, which
llarap an ineftimable value on the Firft Part, are in the
Second alfo exhibited with equal purity, though not with
equal fimplicity : and, on many occafions, the author rifes
fuperior to his difadvantages ; and introduces characters
and incidents, which arreft the attention, and deeply intereft
the heart, of every pious and intelligent reader.
It would not perhaps be difficult to prove, that the Pil-
grim's Progress is as really an original production of
vigorous native genius, as any of thofe works, in profe or
verfe, which have excited the admiration of mankind,
through fucceftive ages and in different nations. It does
not indeed poffefs thofe ornaments which are often mi (taken
for intrinfic excellence : but the rudenefs of its ftyle (which
at the fame time is aptly characleriftic of the fubjecc) con-
curs to prove it a mo ft extraordinary book : for, had it not
been written with very gieat ingenuity, a religious treatife,
evidently inculcating doctrines always offenfive, but now
more unfafhionable than formerly, could not, in fo homely
a garb, have durably attracted the attention of a polimed
pre :.\c, v
age and nation. Yet it is undeniable, that Bun van's Pil-
grim continues to be read and admired by vaft multitudes ;
while publications on a fimilar plan, by perlons of refpecV
able learning and talents, are configned to almoit total
neglect and oblivion.
This is not, however, that view of the work, which enti-
tles it to its highefl honour, or raoft endears it to the pious
mind : for, comparing it with the other productions of the
fame author, (which are indeed edifying to the humble
believer, but not much fuited to the tafte of the ingenious)
we mail be led to conclude, that in penning this, he was
favoured with a peculiar meafure of divine ailiitanee : es-
pecially when we recollect, that, within the confines of a
jail, he was able fo to delineate the Chriftian's courfe, with
its various difficulties, perils, conflicts, and fupports, that
fcarcely any thing feems to have efcaped his notice. In-
deed, the accurate obferver of the church in his own days,
and the learned ftudent of ecclefiaftical hiftory, mult be
equally furprifed to find, that hardly one remarkable char-
acter, good or bad, or mixed in any manner or proportion
imaginable ; or one fatal deluilon, by-path, or injurious
miftake, can be fingled out, which may not be paralleled in
the Pilgrim's Progress ; that is, as to the grand outlines;
for the minutiz, about which bigoted and frivolous minds
wafte their zeal and force, are, with very few exceptions,
wifely pafTed over. This circumftance is not only very
fnrprifmg, but it fuggefts an argument, perhaps unanfwer-
able, in confirmation of the divine authority of thole relig-
ious fentiments, which are now often derided under the
title of orthodoxy : For every part of this fingular book
exclufvely fuitfrthe different defcriptions of fuch as profcfs
trofe doctrines ; and relates the experiences, miftakes, falls,
recoveries, diftreffes, temptations, and confolations of ferious
perfons of this clafs in our own times, as exactly as if it had
been penned from the obfervatien of them, and for their
A2
Vi PREFACE.
immediate benefit ; while, like the facred Scriptures, it re-
mains a fealed book to all who are ftrangers to evangelical
religion.
Thefe remarks may very properly be concluded with the
words of a juftly admired poet of the prefent day, who in
the following lines has fully functioned all that has been
here advanced —
1 O thou, whom, borne on fancy's eager wing
Back to the feafons of life's happy fpring,
I pleas'd remember, and while mem'ry yet,
Holds fall her office here, can ne'er forget ;
Ingenious dreamer, in whofe well told tale
Sweet fiction and fweet truth alike prevail ;
Whofe hum'rous vein, ftrong fenfe, and fimple ftyle,
May teach the gayeft, make the graveft fmile ;
Witty, and well employ'd, and, like thy Lord,
Speaking in parables his flighted word ;
I name thee not, left fo defpis'd a name
Should move a fneer at thy deferved fame ;
Yet e'en in tranfitory life's late day,
That mingles all my brown with fober grey,
Revere the man, whofe Pilgrim marks the road
And guides the Progress of the foul to God.
'Twere well with moll 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 laft in comfort, peace, and joy,
And not with curfes on his art who ftole
The gem of truth from his unguarded foul.'
cow per, tirocinium, v. 129.
Several perfons have already favoured the public with
original explanatory notes, of the nature of thofe here pub-
lifhed ; but the editor, on mature deliberation, did not think
himfelf precluded by this confideration, from communi-
cating his fentiments on a favourite book, according to a
PREFACE. Vh
plan he had formed in his own mind. Every man who
thinks for himfelf has his own views of a fubject, which
often vary, more or lefs, from the fentiments of others,
whom he neverthelefs efteems and loves with great cordial-
ity : and the great Head of the Church has entrufted dif-
ferent talents to his fervants, to qualify them for ufefulnefs-
among diitinct defcriptions of perform It is indeed incon-
trovertible, that fome men will receive the great truths of
Chriftianity with candour and docility, when exhibited in a
flyle and manner fuited to their peculiar tafte, who difre-
gard and reject them, when conveyed in language which
numbers, perhaps juftly, think far more interefting and
affecting. It need not, therefore, be apprehended, that the
labours of different writers on the fame fubjecl mould ma-
terially interfere with each other : rather we may indulge
an hope, that, as far as they accord to the ftandard of
divine truth, they will, in different circles, promote the
common caufe of vital godlinefs.
The editor's aim, in this attempt to elucidate the Pil-
grim's Progress, is, to give a brief key to the grand
outlines of the allegory, from which the attentive reader
may obtain a general idea of the author's defign ; — to
bellow more pains in fixing the precife meaning of thofe
parts, which might moft perplex the inquirer, and which
feem to have molt efcaped the notice, or divided the fenti-
ments, of expofitors ; — to ftate and eftablifh, compendioufly
but clearly, thofe doctrinal, practical, and experimental
views of Chriftianity, which Mr. Bunyan meant to convey ;
to guard them carefully from thofe extremes and perver-
fions which he never favoured, but which too frequently
increafe men's prejudices againft them; to delineate the
more prominent features of his various characters, with a
fpecial reference to the prefent ftate of religious profeffion,
diftinguifhing accurately what he approves, from the defects
even of true Pilgrims ; — and in fine, to give as juft a rep-
Mil PREFACE.
refentation, as may be, of the author's fentiments concern-
ing the right way to heaven, and of the many falfe ways
and by-paths, which prove injurious to all who venture into
them, and fatal to unnumbered multitudes. In executing
this plan, no information that the editor could procure has
been neglected ; but he does not invariably adhere to the
fentiments of any man : and while his dependence is placed,
as he hopes, on the promifed teaching of the Holy Spirit,
he does not think himfelf authorized to fpare any pains, in
endeavouring to render the publication acceptable and
ufeful.
The text is printed, as it ftands in the oldefl editions,,
which may be fuppofed to contain the author's own termsr
which later editors have frequently modernized. A few
obfolete or unclaffical words, and unufual phrafes, feem to
become the character of the Pilgrim ; and they are often
more emphatical than any which can be fubftituted in their
ftead. Some exceptions, however, have been admitted ; as
the author, if living, would probably change a very few
expreffions for fuch as are lefs offenfive to modern ears y
and in other inftances the flips of his pen, while taken up
with things of vaftly fuperior importance, would now be
miftaken for errors of the prefs. Great pains have been
taken to collate different copies of the work, and to examine
every fcriptural reference ; in order to render this edition,,
in all refpects, as correct a& pofiible. — The editor has the
fatisfaction of adding, that he has been favoured by Mrs.
Gurney, Holborn, with the ufe of the fecond edition of the
Firft Part of the Pilgrim, by which he has been enabled
to correct many errors of fubfequent editions. The author's
marginal references feemed fo efTential a part of the work,
that it was deemed indifpenfably requifite to infert them in
their places. But as the marginal notes do not appear to
convey any material inftruction diftinct from that contained
in the text, and to be principally ufeful in pointing out any
PREFACE.
paflage, to which the reader might wifh to refer ; it was
thought moft advileable to omit them, and to fupply their
place by a running title on the top of every page, conveying
as nearly as poliible the fame ideas : for, indeed, they fo
incumber the page, and break in upon the uniformity of
printing, that all hope of elegance mutt be precluded while
they are retained.
Mr. Bunyan prefaced each part of the Pilgrim's Pro-
gress with a copy of verfes : but as his poetry does not
fuit the tafte of thefe days, and is by no means equal to the
work itfelf, it hath been deemed expedient to omit them.
That prefixed to the Firft Part is entitled ■ The Author's
Apology for his Book ;' in which he informs the reader
that he was unawares drawn into the allegory, when em-
ployed about another work ; that the further he proceeded,
the more rapidly did ideas flow into his mind ; and this
induced him to form it into a feparate book ; and that,
fhewing it to his friends —
4 Some faid, 'John, print it,' others faid, ' Not fo;'
Some faid, * It might do good ;' others faid, * No.'
The public will not hefitate in determining which opinion
was the refult of the deeper penetration ; but will wonder
that a long apology for fo valuable a publication mould
have been deemed neceffary. This was, however, the cafe ;
and the author, having folidly, though rather verbofely,
anfwered feveral objections and adduced fome obvious ar-
guments in very unpoetical rhymes, concludes with thefe
lines, which may ferve as a favourable fpecimen of the
whole. —
1 Would'ft thou divert thyfelf from melancholy ?
Would'fl. thou be plenfant, yet he far from folly ?
Would'fi thou read riddles and their explanation ?
Or elfe he drowned in thy contemplation ?
Doft thou love picking meat ? Or would'ft thou fee
A man i' th' clouds, and hear him fpeak to thee ?
Would'ft thou be in a dream, and yet not fleep ?
Or would'ft thou in a moment lau^h and weep ?
X ' PREFACE.
Or would'ft thou lofe tfayfelf, and catch no harm ?
And find thyfelf again without a charm ?
Would' ft read thyfelf, and read thou know'it not what,
And yet know whether thou art blell or not,
By reading the fame lines? O then come hirher,
AnJ lay my book, thy heart and head together.'
The poem prefixed to the Second Part, in a kind of
dialogue between the author and his book, is ftill lefs inter-
efting ; and ferves to (hew, that he had a more favourable
opinion of its comparative merit, than pofterity has formed ;
which is no fingular cafe. — Some verfes are likewife found
at the bottom of certain plates that accompanied feveral of
the old editions, which they, who omit the plates, or fubfti-
tute others, know not where to infert. To mew all regard,
however, to every thing that Mr. Bunyan wrote, as a part
•f the work, they will be found in the notes on the incidents
t# which they refer.
THE LIFE
OF
JOHN BUNYAN.
1HE celebrated author of the P i l g r i m's Progress was
born, A. D . 1 628, at E l s t o w , a fmall village near Bedford. His
father earned his bread by the low occupation of a tinker ; but he bore
a fair character, and took care that his fon, whom he brought up to the
fame bufmefs, fhould be taught to read and write. We are told, in-
deed, that he quickly forgot all he had learned, through his extreme
profligacy : yet it is probable, that he retained fo much as enabled him
to recover the reft, when his mind became better difpofed ; and that it
was very ufeful to him in the fubfequent part of his life.
The materials, from which an account of this valuable man mull be
compiled, are fo fcanty and imperfeft, that nothing very fatisfa&ory
muft be expected. He feems from his earlieft youth to have been
greatly addifted to grofs vice as well as impiety : yet he was interrupt-
ed in his courfe by continual alarms and conviftions, which were fome-
times peculiarly overwhelming; but they had no other erTeft at the
time, than to extort from him the mod abfurd wifhes that can be imag-
ined. A copious narrative of thefe early conflicts and crimes is contained
in a treatife publifhed by himfelf, under the title of Grace abounding to
the chief of Sinners.
During this part of his life he was twice preferved from themoft im-
minent danger of drowning : and being a ibldier in the parliament's
army at the fiege of Leicefter, A. D. 1645, ne was drawn out to ftand
centinel ; but one of his comrades, having by his own defire taken' his
place, was (hot through the head on his poft; and thus Bunyan was
referved by the all-difpofing hand of God for better purpofes. He
eems, however, to have made progreflive advances in wickednefs, and
to have become the ring-leader of youth in every kind of profanenefs
»and excefs.
His career of vice received a confiderable check, in confequence of
his marriage with the daughter of a perfon who had been very religious
in his way, and remarkablf bold in reproving vice, but who was then
Xli THE LIVE OV
dead. His wife's difcourfe to him concerning her father's piety, excited
him to go regularly to church : and as (he brought him, for her whole
portion, The Practice of Piety, and The plain Man's Pathway to Hea-
ven, he employed himfelf frequently in reading thele books.
The events recorded of our author are fo deftitute of dates, and regard
to the order in which they happened, that no clear arrangement can now
be made of them : but it is probable that this new attention to religion,
though ineffe&ual to the reformation of hiscondutt, rendered him more
fufceptible of convi&ions ; and his vigorous imagination, at that time
altogether untutored by knowledge or difcretion, laid him open to a va-
riety of impremons, fleeping and waking, which he verily fuppofed to
arife from words fpoken to him, or objefts prefented before his bodily
fenfes ; and he never after was able to break the afTociation of ideas
which was thus formed in his mind. Accordingly he fays, that one day
when he was engaged in diverfion with his companions, ' A voice did
'fuddenly dart from heaven into my foul, which faid, Wilt thou leave
lthy ftns and go to heaven, or have thy fins and go to hell?' The con-
fcioufnefs of his wicked courfe of life, accompanied with the recollec-
tion of the truths he had read, fuddenly meeting in his mind, thus pro-
duced a violent alarm, and made fuch an impremon on his imagination,
that he feemed to have heard thefe words, and to have feen Christ
frowning and menacing him. But we rauft not fuppofe, that there was
any miracle wrought ; nor could there be any occafion for a new rev-
elation to fugged or enforce fo fcriptural a warning. This may ferve
as a fpecimen of thofe imprefions, which conftitute a large part of his re-
ligious experience, but which it is not advifableto i%capitulate.
He was next tempted to conclude that it was then too late to repent
or feek falvation ; and, as he ignorantly liltened to the fuggeftion, he
indulged his corrupt inclinations without reftraint, imagining that this
was the only way in which he could poffibly have the leafl cxpeaation
of pleafure, during his whole exigence.
While he was proceeding in this wretched courfe, a woman of very
bad charaaer reproved him with great feverity for profane fwear-
ing ; declaring in the ftrongeft expreflions, that he exceeded in it all
men fhe had ever heard. This made him greatly aihamed, when he re-
flcaed that he was too vile even for fuch a bad woman to endure : fo
that from that time hz began to break off that odious cuftom— His guil-
ty and terrified mind was alfo prepared to admit the mod alarming im-
preffions during his tteep : and he had fuch a dream about the day of
judgment, and its awful circumuanc« and confequences, as powerfully
influenced his condua. There was, indeed, nothing very extraordinary
in this ; for fuch dreams are hot uncommon to men under deep convic-
tions : yet the Lo r d was doubtlefs, by all thefc means, fecretly influen-
cing his heart, and warning him to flee from the wrath to come.
JOHN BUN YAK. Xlii
Ke was, however, relu£lant to part with his irreligious aflbciates and
vain pleafurti ; till the converfation of a poor man, who came in his
way, induced him to read the Bible, efpecially the preceptive and hif-
torical parts of it : and this put him upon an entire reformation of his
conduct ; fo that his neighbours were greatly aftonifhed at the change.
In this manner he went on for about a year ; at fome times fatisfied
with himfelf, and at others diftrefled with fears and confrioufnefs of
guilt. Indeed, he feems ever after to have confidered all thefe convic-
tions and defires as wholly originating from natural principles ; but ii
this perhaps fome perfons will venture to diflent from him. A felf-
righteous dependence accompanied with felf-complacency, and furnifh-
ing incentives to pride, is indeed a full proof of unregeneracy : but con-
fcientioufnefs connected with difquietudes, humiliation for fin, and a
difpofition to wait for divine teaching, is an effect; and evidence of liJCy
though the mind be yet darkened with ignorance, error, and prejudice.
And he, that hath given life will give it more abundantly ; for, " The
*' path of the juft is as the mining light, that fhineth more and more un-
"totheperfeaday."
While Bun yam was in this flate of mind he went to Bedford.
in the exercife of his trade as a tinker, where he overheard fome wo-
men difcourfe about regeneration : and though he did not undeiftand
their meaning, he was greatly affected by obferving the eamellncfs,
cheerfulncfs, and humility of their behaviour ; and he was alfo convinc-
ed that his own views of religion were very defective. Being thus
led to frequent their company, he was brought as it were into a new
world. Such an entire change took place in his views and affections
and his mind was Jo deeply engaged in contemplating the great con-
cerns of eternity^pd the things pertaining to the kingdom of God,
that he found it very difficult to employ his thoughts on cny ftcular
affairs.
But this extraordinary flow of affections, not being attended by doc-
trinal information in any meafure proportionable, laid him open to va-
rious attempts of Satan and his emiiTaries. The Ranters, a fct
of the vileft antinomians that almoft ever exifted, firft afiailed him by
one of their party, who had formerly been Mr. Bu.vyan's compan-
ion in vice : but he over-acted his part; and, proceeding even to deny
the being of a God, probably furnimed the character of AtheYsw
in the PiLGk im's Progress. While Mr. Bun van was engag-
ed in reading the books of the Rante r s, not being able to form his
judgment about them, he was led to offer up the following prayer :
4 O Lord, I am a fool, and not able to know the truth fiom error :
4 Lord, leave me not to my own blind; ids, cither to approve or con-
V.emn diis doctrine. If it be of God, let me not de!j>ife it; if it be of
*the c'evil, let ;re not embrace it. Lord, I by my ftu! In tJ^s matter on-
B
»▼ THE LIFE OF
* Iy at thy foot ; let me not be deceived, I humbly befeech thee.' No
experienced ChrifHan will be furprifed to find, that the Lord, in an evi-
<lent manner, gracioufly anfwered this moft fuitable requeit. Mr.
Bun van foon faw through the delufions of the Ranters; and
probably referred to them, under the character of Se lf-w i ll, in the
fecond part of this work.
The Epiflles of St. Pa u l, which he now read with great attention,
but without any guide or instructor, gave occafion to his being affault-
cd by many fore temptations. Fie found the apoftle continually fpeak-
ing of faith ; and he could not undcrftand the meaning of that word,
or difcover whether he was a believer or not : fo that, miftaking the
words of Ch r ist,* he was tempted to feek a folution of this difficul-
ty by trying to work a miracle. He thought however it would be right
to pray, before he made the attempt, and thus he was induced to defift,
though his difficulties ftill remained. On another occafion he was de-
livered from great perplexities about the doctrine of electron, by reflect-
ing that none " ever trufted in God and was confounded ;" and there-
fore it would be befi for him to truft in God, and leave election, as a
*' fecret thing," with the Lord to whom it belonged. And the gene-
ral invitations of the gofpel, and the aflurance that " yet there is room,"
helped him to repel the temptation to conclude that the day of grace
was paft.
This brief account of his temptations and efcapes may teach others
the beft way of refilling fimilar fuggeftions : and it may fhew us, that
numbers are durably harafiedby fuch perplexities, for want of doctrinal
knowledge and faithful inftructors and counfellors. He was, however,
afterwards enabled, by means of thefe inward trial^^> caution others to
better effect, and more tenderly to fympathize wit^he tempted.
After fome time Mr. Bv nyan became acquainted with Mr. Gi F-
r o R d, an Antipcedo-baptift minifter at Be d f o r d, whofe conven-
tion was very ufeful to him : yet he was in fome refpects more difcour-
aged than ever, by fuller difcoveries of thofe evils in his heart, which
he had not before noticed; and by doubts concerning- the truth of the
Scriptures, which his entire ignorance of the evidences by which they are
moft completely authenticated, rendered durably perplexing to him.
He was, however, at length relieved by a fermon he heard on the love
of Ch r i st ; though the grounds, on which he derived fatisfaction and
encouragement from it, are not very accurately ftated. Soon after this
he was admitted, by adult baptifm, a member of Mr. Gif ford's
church, A. D. 1655, being then twenty-feven years of age; and after
a little time, he wasearneftlydefired by the congregation to expound or
preach, in a manner which is cuftomary among the DifTenters, as a
preparation to the miniihy. 1 For a while ae refilled their importunity,
*Matt. xv it. £0.
JOHN BUNYAN. XV
under a deep fenfe of his incompetency ; but at length he was prevailed
upon to fpeak in a fm.iil company, which he did greatly to their fatif-
fathon and edification. Having been thus proved for a coniiderable
time, he was at length called forth, and fet apart by farting and prayer
to the minifterial office, which he executed with faithfulnefs and fuccefs
during a long courfe of years ; though frequently with the grcateft tre-
pidation and inward difquietude.
As he was baptized 16,35, anc^ imprifoned 1660, he could not have
been long engaged in the work when the latter event took place : and
it does not appear whether he obtained a dated employment as aminif-
ter ; or whether he only preached occafionally, and continued to work
at his trade; as many DiiTenters very laudably do, when called to min-
ifter among poor people, that they " may not be burdenfome to them."
Previously however to the reiteration of Charles II. when the
churches were principally filled by thofe who have fince been didin-
guifhed as non-conformilis ; he was expect. J to preach in a church near
Cambridge ; and a ftudent of that univerlr.y, not remarkable for
fobriety, obferving a concourfe of people, was induced by curiofity to
hear ' the tinker prate ;' but the dilcourle made an unexpected impref-
fion en his mind ; he embraced every future opportunity of hearing Mr.
Bun vax, and at length became an eminent preacher in Cam-
BR IDGESHIRE.
( When the refloration took place, and, contrary to equity, engage-
ments, and found policy, the laws were framed and executed with ale-
verity evidently intended to exclude every m;m, who fcrupled theleaft
tutie of the doclrine, liturgy, difcipline, or government of the eftablifh-
ed church, Mr. Bu N y an was. one of the firft that fufTered by them ?
for being courageous and unreferved, he went on in his miniiterial work
without any difguife ; and Nov. 12, 1660, he was apprehended by a
' wajrant from Juftice Win gate at Harli ngton, near Bed-
ford, with fixty other perfons, and committed to the county, jail.
Security was offered for his appearance at the feffions ; but it was refuf-
ed, as his fureties would not confent that he fhou!d be reftri&ed from
preaching. He was accordingly confined till the quarter-feflions, when
his indiftment uated,— < That John Be nya-n, of the town of Bed-
|ford, labourer, had (UvitiJHy and pernicicuf^- abflained from com-
ing to church to hear divine fervice 3 and was a common upholder of
leverat unlawful meetings and conventicles, to the great dijturbance
♦and difiraaion of the good fubjeas of this kingdom, contrary to the
Maws of our fovereign lord the King.' The falls charged upon him
in this abfurd indictment were never proved ; as no witnefTes were pro-
duced.-,. He had oonfeifed, in convention with the magiftrates, that he
was a diffenter, and had preached : thefe words being confidered as equiv-
alent to conviaion, were recorded againft him ; and a* he refufed to con-
form, he ww femenced to perpetual baniihmeat. ,This fentence indeed
XVI THE LITE OF
was net executed : but he was confined in Bedford jail more than
twelve years, notwithftanding feveral attempts were made to obtain his
deliverance.
During this tedious imprifonment, or at lead part of it, he had no
books, except a Bible and Fox's Marty rology : yet thus circumftanc-
ed, ha penned the Pilgrim's Progress, and many other treati-
es ! He was only thirty-two years of age, when he was imprifoned ;
he had fpent his youth in the moil difadvantageous manner imagina-
ble j and he had been no more than five years a member of the church
at Bedford, and lefs time a preacher of the gofpel : yet in this ad-
mired allegory he appears to have been mod intimately acquainted
with all the variety of characters, which minifters, long employed in the
ficred fervice, and eminent for judgment and fagacity, have obferved
srnong profelTors or oppofers of evangelical truth!
No fewer than fixty DifTenters and two minifters were confined with
Mr. Bun Y an in this jail ! and as fome were difcharged, others were
committed during the time of his imprifonment ! But this painful fitu-
ation afforded him an opportunity of privately exercifing his miniftry
to good effeft. He learned in prifon to make tagged thread laces in the
intervals of his other labours; and by this employment he provided in
the moft unexceptionable manner for himfelf and his family. He feems
to have been endued with extraordinary patience and courage, and to
have experienced abundant confolations, while enduring thefe hard-
fhips : he was, however, fometimes diftrefled about his family, efpec-
ially hiseldeft daughter, who was blind ; but in thefe trying feafons he
received comfort from meditating on the promifes of God's word.*
He was at fome times favoured by the jailors, and permitted to fee
his family and friends ; and, during the former part of his imprifon-
ment, he was even allowed to go out occafionally, and once to take a
journey to London, probably to. fee whether any legal redrefs might
be obtained; according to fdne intimations given by Sir Matthew
Hale, when petitions in his favour were laid before the judges. Bat
this indulgence of the jailor expofing him to great danger, Mr. By N-
yan was afterwards more clofely confined. Hence I fuppofe ho*
arifen the opinion, which commonly prevails, that he was imprifoned
at different times : but he feems never to have peen fet at liberty, and
then re-committed ; though his hardfhips and reftraints were greater at
one time than at another. .
In the laft year of his imprifonment, (A. D. 1671) he was chofen
pallor of the diflenting church at Bedford; though it does not ap-
pear what opportunity he could have of exercifing bit pailorai ofice,
* Jer. xr. 11, xlix. xi.
JOHN BUNYAN. XVU
except within the precincts of the jail. He was however liberated foon
after, through the good offices of Dr. Bar low, bifhopof Li n c o ln,
after many fruitlefs attempts had been made for that purpofe. Thus
terminated his tedious, fevere, and even illegal imprifonment, which
had given him abundant opportunity for the excrcife of patience and
meeknefs ; and which feems to have been over-ruled both for his own
fpiritual improvement, and the furtherance of the gofpel; by leading,
him to ftudy, and to form habits of clofe reflection, and accurate inv^ffi-
gation of various fubjefts, in order to pen his feveral treatifes : when
probably he would neither have thought fo deeply, nor written fo well,
had he been more at eafe and at liberty.
A fhort time after his enlargement, he built a meeting houfe at
Bedford, by the voluntary contributions of his friends ; and here
he flatedly preached to large auditories, till his death, without meeting
with any remarkable moleftation. He ufed to come up to London
every year, where he preached among the non-conformifls with great
acceptance ; and it is faid that Dr. Ow e n frequently attended on
thefe occafions, and exprefiTed his approbation in very decided language.
He likewife made dated circuits into other parts of England ; and
animated his brethren to bear the crofs patiently, to obey God rather
than man, and to leave all confequences with him. He was at the fame
time peculiarly attentive to the temporal wants of thofe who fuffered for
confeience fake, and of the fick or afflicted : and he employed his in-
fluence very fuccefsfully, in reconciling differences among profeflbrs of
jhe gofpel, and thus preventing difgraceful and burdenfome litigations.
'He was very exaft in family religion, and the inftru&ion of his chil-
dren; being principally concerned for their fpi ritual interefts*, and com-
paratively indifferent about their temporal profperity. He therefore
declined the liberal propofal of a wealthy citizen of Lo N D o n, to take
his fon as an apprentice without any premium, faying, ' God did not
•fend me to advance my family, but to preach the gofpel /—probably
difliking the bufinefs or fituation as unfavourable to piety.
Nothing material is recorded concerning him, between his enlarge,
ment in 1672, and his death in 1688. It is faid, that he clearly faw
through the defigns of the court in favour of popery, when the indul-
gence was granted to the DifTenters, by James II. in 1687 : but that he
advifed his brethren to avail themfelves of the funfhine, by diluent en-
deavours to fpread the gofpel, and to prepare for an approaching ftorm hy
fading and prayer. The next year he took a journey in very bad weather
from London to Reading, Berks, to makeup a breach between
• a father and fon, with whom he had fome acquaintance ; and having
happily cffcfcd his laft work and labour of love, he returned to h*
B 2
XVlii THE LIFE OP
lodgings on Snow-hill, apparently in good health, but very wet
with the heavy rain that was then falling : and foon after he was feized
With a fever, which in ten days terminated his ufeful life. He. bore his
malady with great patience and compofure, and died in a very comfort-
able and triumphant manner, Aug. 31, 1688, aged fixty years ; after
having exercifcd his miniftry about thirty-two. He lies buried in Bu N-
hill fields, where a tombftone to his memory may ftill be feen.
He was twice married : by his firft wife, he had four children, one of
which, a daughter named Mary, who was blind, died before him.
He was married to his fecond wife; A. D. 1658, two years before his
imprifonment, by whom he feeras not to have had any children. She
furvived him about four years. Concerning the other branches of his
family we have not been able to gain any information.
Mr. Bu n y an was tall and broad fet, though not corpulent : he had
a ruddy complexion, with fparkling eyes, and hair inclining to red, but
in his old age fprinkled with grey. His whole appearance was pjain,
and his drefs always fimple and unaffected. He publifhed fixty trac>,
which equalled the number of years he lived. The Pilgrim's
Progress had paffed through more than fifty editions in 1784.
His character feems to have been uniformly good, from the time
when he was brought acquainted with the blefled gofpel of Christ :
and though his countenance was rather flern and his manner rough j yet
he was very mild, modeft, and affable, in his behaviour. He was back-
ward to fpeak much, except on particular occafions, and remarkably
averfe to boafting; ready to fubmit to the judgment of others, and dif-
pofedto forgive injuries, to follow peace with all men, and to employ
himfelf a? a peace-maker : yet he was fteady to his principles, and bold
in reproving fin without refpettof perfons. Many, flanders were fpread
concerning him during the courfe of his miniftry, fome of which he
jefuted : they have, however all died away ; and no one now pretends
to fay any thing to his difadvantage, except as a firm attachment to his
creed and practice, as aCalvinift, a Diffenter, and an Antipcedo-baptift,
has been called bigotry ; and as the account given of his own expc*
rience has been mifunderflood or mifreprefented.
He was undoubtedly endued with extraordinary natural talents ; his
underftanding, difcernment, memory, invention, and imagination, were
remarkably found and vigorous : fo that he made very great proficiency
m the knowledge of fcriptural divinity, though brought up in ignorance:
but he never made fuch progrefs in human learning. — Even fuch per*
fons, as did not favour his religious principles, have done ample juftice
to his mental powers. The celebrated Dr. Johnson ranks the Pi l-
«r im's Progress among a very few books indeed, of which the
j^aderj when he comes to the conclufion, wide* they had been longer;
JOHN BUNYAN. XIX
and allows it to rank high among the works of original genius * But
it is above all things wonderful, that Bunyan's imagination, fertile
and vigorous in a very great degree, and wholly untutored by the rules
of learning, (hould in this inftance have been fo difciplined by found
judgment, and d ep acquaintance with the Scripture, as to produce, in
the form of an allegory, one of the faired andmoft unexceptionable trea-
tifes on the fyftem of Calvinifm, that can be found in the En g l i s h lan-
guage ! In feve.ral of his other publications his imagination frequently car-
ried him beyond juft bounds : but here he avoids all extremes, and feems
not to deviate either to the right hand or to the left. Perhaps, as he
was himfelf liable to depreffion of fpirit, and had pafled through deep
diftrefTes, the view he gives of the Pilgrim's temptations may be too
gloomy : but he has (hewn in the courfe of the work, that this arofe
principally from inadequate views of evangelical truth, and the want of
Chriftian communion, with the benefits to be derived from- the counfels
•f a faithful minifter.
* Piozzi's Anecdotes of Johnson.— Boswell's Life of
Johhson, vol. ii. p. 97* 2d. edit,
THE
PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
PART I.
IxS I walked through the wildernefs of tins world,
I lighted on a certain place v^ere was a den ; and I laid
me down in that place to fleep : and as I flept I dreamed
a dream, (a) I dreamed, and behold «I faw a man
clothed with rags, (landing in a certain place, with his face
from his own houie, a book in his hand, and a great bur-
den upon his back.'* I looked, and faw him open the
book and read therein ; and as he read he wept and trem-
bled ; and, not being able longer to contain, he brake out
with a lamentable cry, laying * What ihall I do r'f (3)
* Ifaiah lxiv. 6. Luke xiv. 33. Pfalm xx::viii. 4. Hub. ii. 2.
f A&sii. 37.
(a) Mr. Buntan was confined about twelve years in Bedford jail,
for exercifing his miniftry contrary to the flatutes then in force. This
was ' th^ den, in which he fie;. t and dreamed:* here he penned this
inftru&ive allegory, and many other ufeful \v0rk3, which evince that
he was neither ibured nor difheartened by perfecutibh. The Chrii-
tian, who underftands what ufage'he ought to expect in this evil world,
comparing our prefent meafuiv of religious liberty with the rigours of
that age, will fee abundant caufe for gratitude ; but they who are dif-
pofed to complain, can never be at a lofs for topics, while fo much is
amif3 among all ranks and orders of men, and in the conduct of every
individual.
(£) The allegory opens with a defcription of its principal characters
The author in his dream faw him ' clothed in rags ;' which implies
that all men are finners, in their difpofiticns and conduct ; that their.
22 The "Pilgrim goes home in Diflrefs.
In this plight therefore he went home, and restrained
himfelf as long as he could, that his wife and children
mould not perceive his diftrefs ; but he could not be filent
long, becaufe that his trouble increafed : wherefore at
length he brake his mind to his wife and children ; and
thus he began to talk to them : * O my dear wife,' faid he,
* and you the children of my bowels, I your dear friend
am in myfelf undone, by reafon of a burden that lieth hard
upon me : moreover, I am certainly informed that this our
city will be burned with fire from heaven ; in which fear-
ful overthrow, both myfelf, with thee my wife, and you
my fweet babes, fhall miferably come to ruin ; except (the
which yet I fee not) fome way of efcape may be found,
whereby we may be delivered.' At this his relations were
fore amazed ; not for that they believed that what he had
faid to them was true, but becaufe they thought fome
fuppofed virtues are radically defective, and worthlefs in the fight of
God ; and that the Pilgrim has difcovercd his own righteoufnefs to be
infufficient for justification, even as fordid rags would be unfuitable rai-
ment for thofe who ftand before kings. ' His face turned from his own
houfe,' reprefents the {inner convinced that it is abfolutely neceffary to
Subordinate all other concerns to the care of his immortal foul, and to
renounce every thing which interferes with that grand object : and
this makes him lofe his former relffti for the pleafures of fin, and even
for the moil lawful temporal Satisfactions, while he trembles at the
thought cf impending destruction. * ' The book in his hand in which
he read' implies, that finners difcover their real ftate and character, by
reading and believing the Scriptures ; that their firfl attention i3 often
directed to the denunciations of the wrath to come; and that in this
cafe they cannot but continue to fearch the Word of God, though their
grief and alarm is increafed by every perufal. The * burden on his
back' reprefents that diflrefling fenfe of guilt, and fear of wrath, which
deeply convinced finners cannot fhake off; ' the remembrance of their
tins is grievous to them, the burden of them is intolerable ;' their con-
sciences are opprefled with guilt, even on account of thofe actions in
which their neighbours perceive no harm ; their hearts tremble at the
profpect of dangers of which others have no apprehenfion ; and they
fee an abfolute neceffity of efcaping from a fituation in which others
live moft fecurely : for true faith " fees things that are inviiible." In
one way or other, therefore, they foon manifeft the earneftnefs of their
minds, in inquiring " what they muft do to be faved ?" The circum-
stances of thefe humiliating convictions exceedingly vary, but the life
. of faith and grace always begins with them ; and they who are wholly
ftrangers to this experience are Chriftians only in name and form :
* He knows no hope who never knew a fear.'
Cowper.
• Heb. xi. 8. *4— *7»
His Familfs Behaviour to him, 23
Frenzy diftemper had got into his head ; therefore, it
drawing towards night, and they hoping that fleep might
fettle his brains, with all- hafte they got him to bed : but
the night was as troublefome to him as the day ; where-
fore, inftead of fleeping he fpent it in fighs and tears. So
when the morning was come, they would know how he
did ; and he told them worfe and worfe. He alfo fet to
talking to them again, but they began to be hardened :
they alfo thought to drive away his diftemper by harm and
furly carriages to him : fometimes they would deride,
fometimes they would chide, and fometimes they would
quite neglect him. Wherefore he began to retire himfelf
to his chamber, to pray for and pity them ; and alfo to
condole his own mifery. He would alfo walk folitarily in
the fields, fometimes reading and fometimes praying ; and
thus for fome days, he fpent his time, [c )
{/) The contempt or indignation, which worldly people exprefs to-
wards thofe who are diftreffed in confeience, commonly induces them
to conceal their inquietude as long as they can, even from their rela-
tives ; but this foon becomes impracticable. Natural affection a' o,
connected with a view of the extreme danger to which a man fees tne
obje&s of his moffc tender attachments expofed, but of which tbey have
no apprehenfions, will extort earneft reprefentations, warnings, and en-
treaties. The city of Destruction, (as it is afterwards called) figni-
fies this prefent evil world as doomed to the flames ; or the condition
of carelefs finners immerfed in fecular purfuits and pleafures, neglect-
ing eternal things, and expofed to the unquenchable fire of hell, " at
the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." They, who are
ignorant of the Scriptures, and unaccuftomed to compare their own
conduct: with the divine law, will be amazed at fr.ch difcourfe ; and,
inftead of duly regarding the warnings given them, will commonly
afcribe them to enthufiafm or infanity : and, as prophets, apoftles, and
the Son of God himfelf, were looked upon as vifionaries or befide
themfelves by their cotemporaries ; we may be fure that no prudence,
excellence, or benevo'ence, can exempt the confiftent believer from the
fame trial. Near relations will generally be the firft to form this
opinion of his cafe ; and will devife various expedients to quiet his
mind: diverfions, company, feafHngs, abfence from ferious friends or
books, will be prefcribed; and by thefe means a falfe peace often fuc-
ceeds a tranfient alarm. But when any one has received a genuine
humiliating difcovery of the evil and defert of fin, fuch expedients will
not alleviate but increafe the anguifh ; and will be followed by ftill
greater earneftners about his own falvation, and that of others. This
commonly ftrengthens prejudice, and induces obduracy : and contempt-
uous pit/ gives place to refentment, ill ufage, derifion, or neglect.
The difconfolate believer is then driven into retirement, and endeav-
ours te relieve his burdened mind by reading the Scriptures, and mei-
24 EvangeVyl meets andinJlruEls Chriflian,
Now I faw, upon a time, when he was walking in the
fields, that he was (as he was wont) reading in his book,
and greatly diftreffed in his mind ; and as he read, he
burft out, as he had done before, crying " What (hall I do
to be faved ?"*
I faw alfo that he looked this way and that way, as if
he would run ; yet he ftood (till, becaufe (as I perceived)
he could not tell which way to go. I looked then, and
faw a man named Evangelist coming to him, and he
afked, ' Wherefore doft thou cry V He anfwered, Sir, I
perceive by the book in my hand that I am condemned to
die, and after that to come to judgment ; and I find that I
am not willing to do the firft nor able to do the fecond.f
Then faid Evangelist, Why not willing to die, fince
this life is attended with fo many evils ? The man anfwer-
ed, Becaufe I fear that this burden that is upon my back
will fink me lower than the grave, and I ihall fall into
Tophet.% And, Sir, if I be not fit to go to prifon, I am
not fit to go to judgment, and from thence to execution :
and the thoughts of thefe things make me cry.^
'Then faid Evangelist, If this be thy condition, why
ftandeft thou dill ? He anfwered, Becaufe I know not
whither to go. Then he gave him a Parchment- roll ;
and there was written within, " Flee from the wrath to
come."f(^)
* A&sxvi. 30, 31.
+ Heb. ix. 17. Job xvi. 31, aa. Ezek. xxii. IA.
\ Ifaiah xxx. 33. § Matth. iii. 7.
fearing on his doleful cafe, with companionate prayers for his defpifers :
and thus he fows in tears that feed, from which the harveft of his fu-
ture joy will furely be produced.
(A The Scriptures are indeed fufficient to make us wife unto falva-
tion", as well as to mew us our guilt and danger : yet the Lord com-
monly ufes the miniftry of his fervants, to direfl into the way of peace,
even thole who' have previoufly difcovered their loft condition.—
Though convinced of the neceflity of clcaping from impending rum,
th,y & fitatei not knowing what to do ; till Providence brings them ^ac-
quainted with fome faithful preacher of the gofpcl, whofc xnftruAion.
afford an explicit anfwer to their fecret inquiries after the way of ial-
vation.
.(e) The able minifter of Christ will deem it neceflary to enforce
the warning, " Flee from the wrath to come," even upon thofc who
are alarmed about their fouls; becaufe this is the proper way of excit-
fog them to dihgence and deciHon, and of prcferving them from pro-
Who begins to run from heme, 25
The man therefore read it, and, looking upon Evan-
gelist very carefully, faid, Whither muft I flee ? Then
faid Evangelist, pointing with his finger over a very wide
field, Do you fee yonder Wicket-gate ?* The man faid,
No. Then faid the other, Do you fee yonder flrimng
Light ?f He faid, I think I do. Then faid Etangelist,
Keep that light in your eye, and go up directly, thereto, £0
ftialt thou fee the Gate ; at which when thou knocked it
fhall be told thee what thou malt do.
So I faw in my dream that the man began to run. Now
he had not run far from his own door, but -his wife and
children perceiving it began to cry after him to return jf
but the man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying
Life ! life ! eternal life ! So he looked not behind him, J
but fled towards the middle of the plain. (/)
The neighbours alfo came out to fee him run : and as he
ran, feme mocked, others threatened, <md fome cried after
him to return ; and among thofe that did fo, there were
* Matth. vii. 13, 14. + Pfalm cxix. 105. 2 Pet. i. 19.
$ Luke xiv. 26. § Gen. xix. 17. a Cor. iv. 18.
traftination. They, therefore, who would perfuade perfons ufl(Jet con-
victions, that their fears are groundlefs, their guilt far Ids than they
luppoie, and their danger imaginary, ufe the mofl etfe&ual means of
foothing them into a fatal fecurity. And no difcoveries of heinous
guilt or helplefs ruin in them/elves can produce defpondency, provided
the falvation of the gofpel be fully exhibited and propofed WWcru.
m {/) The awakened finner may be incapable, for a time, cVper$i--
mg the way of falvation by faith in Christ j for divine illumination 'i*
often very gradual : as the Pilgrim could not fee the Gate, when Ev vn-
gelist pointed it out to him. Yet he thought he could difcern the/W
**g Light; for upright inquirers attend to the general inftruAipnj and
encouragements of Scripture, and the declarations of the pardonino- mer-
cy of God, which by degrees lead them to the knowledge of Cflfiirf
and to faith hi him ; as our author fays in a marginal note, 'CriRi-r
and the way to him, cannot be found without the Word '— The Pil-
grim being thus inftrufted, « began to run :' for no perfuanor.s or con-
liderations can induce the man, who is duly in earnteft about ftlvation
to^ieglea thofe things which he knows to be his prefent duty • yet'
when this is the cafe, it muft be expected that carnal relations will L
pofe this new, courfe of conduct; ef?ecially as it appears to then* £
firudive of all prorpccl.s of worldly advantage.
1 he following lines are here fubjoined to a *ery .
1 CiiaisTi .n no fooncr leaves the world, bi
Evangelist, who lovingly him greets
With tidings of another ; and doth ii
Hun how to mount to that from this below.'
c
26 Objl'mate and f liable attempt to fetch him back.
two that were refolved 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 dif-
tance from them ; but however they were refolved to purfue
nim, which they did, and in a little time they overtook him.
Then faid the man, Neighbours, wherefore are you come ?
They faid, To perfuade you to go back with us ; but he
faid, That can by no means be : you dwell, faid he, in the
City of Destruction, the place alfo where I was born ; I
fee it to be fo ; and dying there, fooner or later, you will
fink lower than the grave, into a place that burns with fire
and brimftone : be content, good neighbours, and go along
with me. (g) ,
What, faid Obstinate, and kave our friends and our
comforts behind us !
Yes, faid Christian, (for that was his name,) becauie,
that all is not worthy to be compared with a little of that
that I am feeking to enjoy ; and if you will go along with
me, and hold it, you mail fare as I myfelf ; for there
where I go is enough and to fpare :* come away, and
prove my words. .
Obst. What are the things you feek, fince you leave all
the world to find them ?
Chr I feek an " inheritance incorruptible, undehled,
and that fadeth not away ?' and it is " laid up in heaven,"f
and fafe there, to be bellowed at the time appointed on
them that diligently feek it. Read it fo, if you will, in my
Tufli, faid' Obstinate, away with your book : will you
go back with us, or no ?
• Luke xv. 17. t 1 P* i- 4-6. Heb. xi. 6. 16.
~Z)~ The attention of whole circles of carelefs finners is generally ex-
cited when one of their companions engages in religion and forfakes
♦h paTty. He foon becomes the topic of cojverfatioir ; fome nd. erie,
others II l or threaten, others ufe force or artifice to withdraw him from
^purpofe , acc^to^r^^t difpo ■£« *— £ ~
£S2£t. ^*tt W'lE* **- off: thefe our
^tfor^S^ to perfuafion, and readily confents to
accompany him. *
Pliable confents to go with him, 27
No, not I, faid the other, becaufe I have laid my hand
to the plough.*
Ob st. Come then, neighbour Pliable, let us turn again,
and go home without him : there is a company of thefe
craz'd-headed coxcombs, that when thsy take a fancy by
the end are wifer in their own eyes than feven men that
can render a reafon.
Then faid Pliable, Don't revile ; if what the good
Christian fays is true, the things he looks after are bet-
ter than ours ; my heart inclines to go with my neigh-
bour.
Ob st. What ! more fools flill ! be ruled by me, and
go back ; who knows Whither fuch a brain-lick fellow will
lead you ? Go back, go back, and be wife,
Chr. Come with me, neighbour Pliable, there are
fuch things to be had which I fpoke of, and many more
glories beiides : if you believe not me, read here in this
book ; and, for the truth of what is expreifed therein, be-
hold all is confirmed by the blood of him that made it.f
Well, neighbour Obstinate, faith Pliable, I begin to
come to a point : I intend to go along with this good man,
and to caft in my lot with him. But, my good compan-
ion, do you know the way to this defired place ?
Chr. I am directed by a man, whole name is Evan-
gelist, to fpeed me to a little Gate that is before us, where
we mail receive inftructions about the way.
Pli. Come then, good neighbour, let us be going.
Then they went both together.
And I will go back to my place, faid Obstinate : I
will be no companion of fuch milled iantaftical fellows.(£)
* Luke ix. 62. f Heb. ix. 17 — 22.
(b) This dialogue admirably illufiratcs the characters of the fpeak-
ers. Christian, (for fo he is henceforth called,) is firm, decided,
bold, and fanguine : Obstinate is profane, fcornful, felf-fufficient,
aud difpofed to contemn, even the Word of God, when it interferes
with his worldly interefts : Pliable is yielding, and eafily induced to
engage in things of which he underftands neither the nature nor the
confluences. Chkistian's plain warnings and earneft entreaties ;
and Obstinate's contempt of believers, as * crazd-beaded coxcombs?
and his exclamation v/hen Pliable inclines to be a Pilgrim, ' What !
more fools flill !' are admirably charafteriftic ; and fhew that fuch
iarcafms and fcornful abufe are peculiar to no age or place, but always
follow ferjous godlincfs a3 the lhadow doe* the fubflance.
2$ Obflinate returns home.
Now I faw in my dream that when Obstinate was
gone back, Christian and Pliable went talking over the
plain : and thus they began their difcourfe.
Chr. Come, neighbour Pliable, how do you do ? I am
glad you are perfuaded to go along with me j had even
Obstinate himfelf but felt what I have felt, of the powers
and terrors of what is yet unfeen, he would not thus light-
ly have given us the back.
Pli. Come, neighbour Christian, fmce there are none
but us two here, tell me now further, what the things are,
and how to be enjoyed, whither we are going.
Chr. I can better conceive of them with my mind than
fpeak of them with my tongue : but yet, fmce you are de-
jfirous 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.*
Pli. Well faid ; what things are they^r.
Chr. There is an endlefs kingdom to be inhabited, and
eyerlafting life to be given us, that we may inhabit that
kingdom for ever.f
Pli. Well faid ; and what elfe ?
Chr. There are crowns of glory to be given us; and
garments that will make us fhine like the fun in the firma-
ment of heaven.^
Pli. This is excellent : and what elfe ?
Chr. There fhall be no more crying nor forrow ; for
he that is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our
eyes. §
Pli. And what company mall we have there ?
Chr. There we mail be with Seraphims and Cheru-
bims, creatures that will dazzle your eyes to look on
them. [| There alfo you mall meet with thoufands and
ten thoufands that have gone before us to that place ■-,
none of them are hurtful, but loving and holy ; everf one
walking in the fight of God, and Handing in his prefence
with acceptance for ever. In a word, there we fhall fee
the elders with their golden crowns ;^ there we mail fee
* Tit. i. a. t T*"a- xlv- x7- John x* *?— 29- * a TIm' iv*. *•
Rev. iii. 4. Matth. xiii. A3- § Ifa- xxv- 8" Rev« vii- l6> J7- »»■ *
|) Ifa. vi. a. 1 Theft iv. 16, 17. \ R*v. iv. 4.
Chriftian difcourfes with T liable. 29
holy virgins with their golden harps ;* there we mall fee
men that by the world were cut in pieces, burnt in flames,
eaten of beads, drowned in the feas, for the love that they
bare to the Lord of the place, all well, and clothed with
immortality as with a garment.f
Pli. The hearing of this is enough to ravifh one's
heart : but are thefe things to be enjoyed ? how mail we
get to be iharers hereof ?
Chr. The Lord, the Governor of the country, hath re-
corded that in this book ; the fubftance of which is, if we
be truly willing to have it he will beftow it upon us freely.J
Pli. Well, my good companion, glad am I to hear of
thefe tilings. Come on, let us mend our pace.
Chr. I cannot go fo faft as I would, by reafon of this
burden that is upon my back, (i)
Now I faw in my dream, that juft as they had ended
this tak, they drew nigh to a very miry Slough, that was
* Rev. xiv. 1—5. -f John xih 25. 2 Cor. v. 2—5. i Ifa. lv. 1—3.
John vi. 37. vii. 37. Rev. xxi. 6. xxii. 17.
(/') The converfation between Christian and Pliable marks the
difference in their characters, as well as the meafure of the new con-
vert's attainments.— The want of a due apprehenfion of eternal thines
is evidently che primary defeel of all who oppofe or negle<5t religion ;
but more maturity of judgment and experience are requifite to difcover)
that many profeflbrs are equally ftrangers to a realizing view ■ of the*
powers and terrors of what is yet unfeen.' The men reprefented by
Pliable diiregard thefe fubjea$ : they inquire eagerly about the good
Ibmgs to be enjoyed ; but not in any due proportion about the way of
fulvation, che difficulties to be encountered, or the danger of coming
fhort ; and new converts, being zealous, fanguine, and unfufpe&ine
are naturally led to enlarge on the defcriptions of heavenly felicity given'
in Scripture. Thefe are generally figurative or negative; fo that un-
regenerate perfons annexing carnal ideas to them, are greatly delighted -
and, not being retarded by any diftreffing remorfe and terror, or feclin^
the oppofition of corrupt nature, (which is gratified in fome refpect?
though thwarte4 in others) they are often more zealous, and feem *q
proceed falter in external duties than true converts. They take it for
granted, that all the privileges of the gofpel belong to them ; and, bein<r
very confident, zealous, and joyful, they often cenfure thole who are re-
ally fighting the good fight of faith, as deficient in zeal and alacrity —
There are alfo fyftems diligently propagated, which greatly encouraee
this delufion, excite a high flow of falfe affections, (efpecially of a mere
ielnflx gratitude to a fuppofed.benefador for imaginary benefits •) till
toe event proves the whole to be like the If, unites at the Red Sea, who
believed the Lord's word, and fang his praife ; but foon forgat his work*
and waited not for his counfel." Pfal. cvi. 12—24.
C 2
3 o They fall into the Slough ofDefpond. Pliable goes home,
in the midft of the plain, and they, being heedlefs, did both
fall fuddenly into the bog. The name of the Slough was
Despond. Heje therefore they wallowed for a time, being
grievoufly bedaubed with the dirt; and Christian, be-
caufe of the burden that was on his back, began to fink in
the mire.
Then faid Pliable, Ah ! neighbour Christian, where
are you now ?
Truly, faid Christian, I do not know.
At that, Pliable began to be offended, and angrily
faid to his fellow, « Is this the happinefs you have told me
all this while of? If we have fuch ill fpeed at our flrft fet-
ting out, what may we expect 'twixt this and our journey's
end ? May I get out again with my life, you fhall pofTefs
the brave country alone for me/ And with that he gave
a defperate ftruggle or two, and got out of the mire, on
that fide of the Slough which was next to his own houfe.
So away he went, and Christian faw him no more.(/£)
(&) The Slough of Despond rcprefents thofe difcour aging fears
which often harafs new converts. It is diftinguifhed from the alarms
which induced Christian to leave the city, and "flee from the wrath
to come :" for the anxious apprehenfions of one who is diligently feeking
falvation are very different from thofe which excited him to inquire after
Jt. The latter are reafonable and ufeful, and arife from faith : hut the
former are groundlefs ; they refult from remaining ignorance, inatten-
tion, and unbelief, and greatly retard the Pilgrim. They muft alfo be
«arefully diftinguifhed from thofe doubts and difcouragements, which
affault the eftablifhed chriftian : for thefe are generally the confequence
of negligence, or yielding to temptation : whereas new converts fall
into their defpondings, when moil diligent according to the light they
have received : and, if fome confcientious perfons feem to meet with
this Slough in every part of their pilgrimage, it arifes' from an imma-
ture judgment, erroneous fentiments, or peculiar temptations. When
the diligent ftudent of the Scriptures obtains fuch an acquaintance with
the perfect holinefs of God, the fpirituality of his law, the inexpreffible
evil of fin, and his own obligations and tranfgreffions, as greatly exceeds
t he meafure in which he difcerns the free and full falvation of the gof-
17-1, his humiliation will of courfe verge nearer and nearer to defpond-
ency. This, however, is not effcntial to repentance, but arifes from
mifapprehenfion ; though few in proportion wholly efcape it. — The
mite of the Slough rcprefents that idea which defponding perfons enter-
tain of themfelves and their fituation, as altogether vile and loathfome ;
and their confeffions and felf-abafing complaints, which render them
contemptible in the opinion of others. As every attempt to refcue
themfelves difcovers to them more of the latent evil of their hearts,
they feem to grow worfe and worfe ; and, for want of a clear under-
Chrijlian Jfruggles to the other Side. 3 1
Wherefore Christian was left to tumble in the Slough
of Despond alone : but ftill he endeavoured to ftruggle to
that lide of the Slough that was ftill further from his own
houfe, and next to the Wicket-gate ; the which he did, but
could not get out, becaufe of the burden that was upon
his back. But I beheld in my dream, that a man came to
him, whofe name was Help, and afked him, 'What he
did there V
1 Sir/ faid Christian, 'I was bid go this way, by a man
called Evangelist, who directed me alfo to yonder Gate,
that I might efcape the wrath to come : and as I was go-
ing thither I fell in here.'
Help. But why did you not look for the fteps ?
Chr. Fear followed me fo hard, that I fled the next
way, and fell in. (/)
ftanding of the gofpel, they have no firm ground to tread on, and know-
neither where they are, nor what they muft do. — But how could Plia-
ble fall into this Slough, feeing he had no fuch views of God, or his
law, of himfelf, or of fin, as this condition feems to pre-fuppofe ? To
this it may be anfwerffcd, that men can hardly affociate with religious
perfons, and hear their difcourfe, confefiions, and complaints, or become
acquainted with any part of Scripture, without making fome alarming
and mortifying difcoveries concerning themfelves. Thefe tranfient con-
victions taking place when they fancied they were about to become very-
good, and fucceeding to great felf-complacency, conflitute a grievous dif-
appointment ; and they afcribe their uneafinefs to the new doctrine they
have heard. — But though Pliable fell into the Slough, Christian
' by reafon of his burden' funk the deepeft ; for the true believer's hu-
miliation for fin tends greatly to increafe his fear of wrath. — Superficial
profeflbrs, expecting the promifed happinefs without trouble or fuffer-
ing, are often very angry at thofe who were the means of leading them
to think of religion ; as if they had deceived them : and, being defti-
tute of true faith, their only object is, at any rate to get rid of their un-
eafinefs. This is a fpecies of ftony-ground hearers abounding in every
part of the church, who are offended and fall away, by means of a little
inward difquietude, before any out-ward tribulation arifes becaufe of the
word.
(/) Christian dreaded the doom of his city more than the Sloughs
Many perfons, under deep diftrefs of confeience, are afraid of relief, left
it fhould prove delufive. Deliverance from wrath and the bleffings' of
falvation appear to them fo valuable, that all elfe is comparatively trivial.
Defponding fears may connect with their religious diligence ; but defpair
would be the confequence of a return to their former courfe of fin. If
they perifh, therefore, it fhall be, Avhile earneftly ftruggling, under deep
diiconragement, after that falvation for which their fouls even faint
within them. Their own efforts indeed fail to extricate them \ but in
due time the Lord fends them aififtance. — This is defcribed by the alk-
32 Help comes to deliver htm.
'Then,' faid he, * give me thy hand.' So he gave him
his hand, and he drew him out, and fet him on found
ground, and let him go on his way.
Then I ftept to him that pluckt him out, and faid, ' Sir,
wherefore, fince 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
fecurity ?' And he faid to me, this miry Slough is fuch a
place as cannot be mended. It is the defcent, whither the
fcum and filth that attends conviction of fin doth continu-
ally run, and therefore it is called the Slough of Dss-
pond : for Hill as the fmner is awakened about his loft
condition, there arifeth in his foul many fears, and doubts,
and difcouraging apprehenfions, which all of them get to-
gether, and fettle in this place. And this is the reafon of
the badnefs of this ground.*
It is not the pleafure of the King, that this place fnould
remain fo bad. His labourers alfo have, by the directions of
his Majefty's furveyors, been, for above this fixteen hundred
years, employed about this patch of gi%und, if perhaps it
might be mended : yea and to my knowledge, faid he,
here hath been fwallowed up, at leaft, twenty thoufand
cartloads, yea millions of wholefome inftructions, that have
at all feafons been brought from all places of the King's
dominions ; (and they that can tell fay, that they are the
beft materials to make good ground of the place, if fo be
it might be mended ;) but it is the Slough of Despond
Hill, and fo will be, when they have done what they can.
True, there are, by the direction of the Lawgiver, certain
good and fubftantial fteps, placed even through the very
midft of this Slough : but at fuch time as this place doth
much fpue out its filth, as it doth againfl change of weather,
thefe fteps are hardly feen, or. if they be, men through the
dizzinefs of their heads ftep befide ; and then they are be-
mired to purpofe, notwithftanding the fteps be there : but
* Pfal. xl %. Ifa. xxxv. 3, 4.
gorical perfon named Help, who may reprefent the inftruments by
which they receive encouragement ; a i'ervice in which it is a privilege
to be employed : or the Holy Spirit, the giver of hope and peace. —
Fear alfo is perfonified ; in the midft of the new convert's difcourfe on
the joys of heaven, fears of wrath often cafl him into defpondency, while
he fo meditates on the terrors of the Lord as to overlook his precious
promiies.
Pliable ridiculed on his Return. 33
the ground is good when they are once got in at the
Gate.* (m)
Now I faw in my dream that by this time Pliable was
got home to his houfe. So his neighbours came to vifit
him ; and fome of them called him wife man for coming
back ; and fome called him fool for hazarding himfelf
with Christian : others again did mock at his cowardli-
nefs, faying, * Surely, fince you began to venture, I would
not have been fo bafe to have given out for a few difficul-
ties :' fo Pliable fat fneaking among them. But at laft
he got more confidence, and then they all turned their tales
and began to deride poor Christian behind his back.
And thus much concerning Pliable. («)
Now as Christian was walking folitarily by himfelf,
he efpied one afar off come cromng over the field to meet
* 1 Sam. xii. 22.
(m) This account of the Slough, which our author in his vifion received
from Help, coincides with the preceding explanation. — Increafing know-
ledge produces deeper felf- abatement : hence difcouraging fears arife in
men's minds le& they fhould at laft perilh, and objections againft them-
felves continually accumjilate, till they fall into habitual defpondency,
unlefs they conftantly attend to the encouragements of the Scripture,
or, in the apoftle's language, have " their feet fhod with the preparation
of the gofpel of peace." — As this ftate of mind is diftreffing and en-
feebling in itfelf, and often furnifties enemies with a plaufible objection
to religion, the fervants of God have always attempted to preferve the
ferious inquirers after falvation from it, by various fcriptural inftruc-
tions and confolatory topics : yet their fuccefs i» not adequate to their
wifhes 5 for the Lord is pleafed to permit numbers to be thus difcour-
aged, in order to detect falfe profeffbrs, and to render the upright more
watchful and humble. Our author, in a marginal note, explains the
Jieps to mean, • the promifes of forgivenefs and acceptance to life by
faith in Christ;' which include the general invitations, and the vari-
ous encouragements given in Scripture to all who feek the falvation of
the Lord, and diligently ufe the appointed means. — It was evidently his
opinion, that the pach from deft-ruction to life lies by this Slough ; and that
rione are indeed in the narrow way, who have neither ftruggled through
it, nor gone over it by means of the fteps, — 'The change of -weather*
feems to denote thofe feafbns, when peculiar temptations, exciting finful
paflions, perplex the minds of new converts ; and fo, lofing fight o# the
promifes, they fink into defpondency during humiliating experiences :
but faith in Christ, and in the mercy of God through him, fets the
Pilgrim's feet on good ground.
(n) They, who affetl to defpife real chriftians, often feel and esprefs
great contempt for thofe that call off their profeffion : fuch men are
unable, for a time, to refume their wonted confidence among their
former companions ; and this excites them to pay court to tkem by re-
viling and deriding thofe whom they have forfaken, ,
34 Worldly-Wifeman meets Chrifticm,
him, and their hap was to meet juft as they were croiTmg
the way of each other. The gentleman's name was Mr.
Worldly-wiseman ; he dwelt in the town of Carnal-
policy; a very great town, and alfo hard by from whence
Christian came. This man then meeting with Chris-
tian, and having fome inkling of him, for Christian's
letting forth from the City of Destruction was much
noifed abroad, not only in the town where he dwelt, but alio
it began to be the town talk in fome other places ; Mafter
Worldly-wiseman therefore having fome guefs of him by
beholding his laborious going, by obferving his fighs and
groans, and the like, began thus to enter into fome talk
with Christian, (o)
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 afk me, Whithei
away ? I tell you, Sir, I am going to yonder Wicket-gate
before me ; for there, as I am informed, I ihall be put in
a way to be rid of my heavy burden.
World. Haft thou a wife and children ?
Chr. Yes; but I am fo laden with this burden, that
I cannot take that pleafure in them as formerly : methinks
I am as if I had none.*
* i Cor. vii. 29.
(0) The wife men of this world carefully notice thofe who begin to
turn their thoughts to religion, and attempt to counteract their convic-
tions before the cafe becomes defperate : from their defponding fears
they take occafion to infmuate that they are deluded or difordered in
their minds; that they make too much ado about religion ; and that a
decent regard to it is all that is requifite, which confllhs with the enjoy-
ment of this life, and even conduces to fecular advantage. — Worldly-
wiseman, therefore, is a perfon of confequence, whofe fuperiority gives
him influence over poor pilgrims : he is a reputable and fuccefsful man ;
prudent, fagacious, and acquainted with mankind ; moral, and religious
in his way, and qualified to give the very beft counfel to thofe who wilh
to ferve both God and Mammon . but he is decided in his judgment
againll all kinds and degrees of religion, which interfere with a man's
■worldly intereft, difquiet his mind, or fpoil his reliih for outward enjoy-
ments.— He refides at Carnal-policy, a great town near the city of
Destruction : for worldly prudence, modelling a man's religion, is as
ruinous as open vice and impiety ; though it be very prevalent among
decent and vircuous people. Such men attend to the reports that are
circulated about the converfion of their neighbours, and oftsn watch
their opportunity of entering into difcourfe with them.
He quefiicns himy and blames EvangeliJPs Counfel, 35
World. Wilt thou hearken to me if I give thee coun-
fel ?
Chr. If it be good I will ; for I ftand in need of good
coimfel.
World. I would advife thee, then, that thou with all
fpeed get thyfelf rid of thy burden ; for thou wilt never
be fettled in thy mind till then ; nor canft thou enjoy the
benefits of the bleflings which God hath bellowed upon thee
till then.
Chr. That is that which I feek for, even to be rid of
this heavy burden ; but get it off myfelf I cannot ; nor is
there any man in our country that can take it off my
fhoulders : therefore am I going this way, as I told you,
that I may be rid of my burden.
World. Who bid thee go this way to be rid of thy
burden ?
Chr. A man that appeared to me to be a very great
and honourable perfon : his name, as I remember, is Evan-
gelist.
World. I befhrew him for his counfel ; there Is
not a more dangerous and troublefome way in the world
than is that unto which he hath directed thee ; and that
thou fhalt find, if thou wilt be ruled by his counfel. Thou
haft met with fomething, as I perceive, already ; for I fee
the dirt of the Slough of Despond is upon thee ; but that
Slough is the beginning of the forrows that do attend thofe
that go on in that way. Hear me, I am older than thou !
thou art like to meet with on the way which thou goeft,
wearifomenefs,painfulnefs, hunger, perils, nakednefs, fvvord,
lions, dragons, darknefs, and, in a word, death, and what
not ! Theie things are certainly true, having been confirm-
ed by many teftimonies. And why fhould a man fo care-
lefsly caft away himfelf by giving heed to a ftranger ?
Chr. Why, Sir, this burden on my back is more
terrible to me than are all thefe things which you have
mentioned : nay, methinks I care not what I meet with in
the way, fo be I can alfo meet with deliverance from my
burden.
World. How earned thou by thy burden at firft I
Chr. By reading this book in my hand.
World, I thought fo ; and it is happened unto thee
as to other weak men, who, meddling with things too high
for them, do fuddenly fall into thy dillracHons ; which dif-
3 6 Worldly-Wifeman counfels Chrijlian
tractions do not only unman men, (as thine I perceive has
done thee,) but they run them upon defperate ventures to
obtain they know not what. '
Chr. I know what I would obtain ; it is eafe from my
heavy burden.
World. But why wilt thou feek for eafe this way, fee-
ing fo many dangers attend it ? Efpecially fmce, hadft thou
patience to hear me, I could direct thee to the obtaining
of what thou defireft, without the dangers that thou in this
wilt run thyfelf into. Yea, and the remedy is at hand.
Befides, I will add, that, inftead of thefe dangers, thou
fhalt meet with much fafety, friendfhip, and content, (p)
(p) There is great beauty in this dialogue, arifing from the exact re-
gard to character preferved throughout. Indeed this forms one of our
author's peculiar excellencies; as it is a very difficult attainment, and
always manifefts a fuperiority of genius. — The felf-fatisfaction of
Worldly-wiseman ; his contempt of Christian's fentiments and
purfuits ; his fneering compaflion, and cenfure of Evangelist's ad-
vice ; his representation of the dangers and hardfhips of the way, and
of ' the defperate ventures' of religious people ( to obtain they know
not what;' and his confident affumption, that Christian's concern
arofe from weaknefs of intellect, ' meddling with things too high for
him,' and hearkening to bad counfel, (that is, reading the word of God,
and attending to the preaching of the gofpel) and from diffraction as
the natural confequence, are mod admirably characteriftic. — His ar-
guments alfo are very fpecious. He does'not fay, that Evangelist
had not pointed out the way of falvation, or that wicked men are not
in danger of future mifery : but he urges, that fo much concern about
fin and the eternal world takes men off from a proper regard to their
fecular concerns, and injures their families; that it prevents their en-
joying comfort in domeftic life, or in other providential bleflings ;
that it leads them into perilous and diftrefling fituations, of which their
firft terrors and defpondings are only an earneft ; that a troubled con-
science may be quieted in a more expeditious and eafy manner ; and
that they may obtain credit, comfort, and manifold advantages, by fol-
lowing prudent counfel. — On the other hand, Christian fpeaks in the
character of a young convert. He makes no fecret of his diftrefs and
terrors, and declares without referve the method in which he fought
relief. He owns he has loft his relifh for every earthly comfort, and
defires to receive good counfel • but while he is prepared to withftand
all perfuafions to return home, he is not upon his guard againft the in-
fidious advice of Worldly-wise man. He fears the wrath to ccme
more than all the dreadful things which had been mentioned : but his
earneftnefs to get immediate relief expofes him to the danger of feeking
it in an unwarranted way. Searching the Scriptures has fhewn him his
guilt and danger ; but, not having learned likewife the inftruclions of
life, he decs not difcern the fatal tendency of the plaufible advice given
To go to Legality. 37
Chr. Pray, Sir, open this fecret to me.
World. Why in yonder village, (the village is named
Morality) there dwells a gentleman, whole name is Le-
gality, a very judicious man, and a man of a very good
name, that has fkill to help men off with fuch burdens as
thine are from their moulders ; yea, to my knowledge he
hath done a great deal of good this way : aye, and belides,
he hath fkill to cure thofe that are fomewhat crazed in their
wits with their burdens. To him, as I faid, thou maycll
go and be helped prefently. His houfe is not quite a
mile from this place ; and if he mould not be at home
himfelf, he hath a pretty young man to his fon, whole
name is Civility, that can do it, (to fpeak on) as well as
the old gentleman himfelf. There, I fay, thou mayeft be
eafed of thy burden : and if thou art not minded to go
back to thy former habitation, as indeed I would not wiih
thee, thou mayeft fend for thy wife and children to thee to
this village ; where there are houfes now ftand empty, one
of which thou mayeft have at reafonable rates. Provifidn
is there alfo cheap and good : and that which will make
thy life more happy, is to be fure there thou fhalt live by
honeft neighbours in credit and good famion. (</)
him, efpecially as his counfellor is a peribn of great reputation and fa-
gacity. Every one, who has been in the way of making obfervations on
thefe matters, mult perceive how exactly this fuits the cafe of numbers,
when firft brought to mind " the one thing needful."
(q) The village Morality reprefents that large company, who, In
rations favoured with revelation, abftain from fcandalous vices, and prac-
tife reputable duties, without any genuine fear or love of God, or regard
to his authority or glory. This decency of conduct, connected with <*.
fyftem of notions, and a flint of external worfhip, is fubftituted in the
place of Chriftianity : but it is faulty in its principle, its meafure, ai
object. It refuits wholly from felf-love ; it is reftriclcd to the outward
obfervance of feme fcriptural precepts, while the reft are disregarded ;
and it aims principally at the acquilition of reputation, or temporal ad-
vantages, with only a iubordinate relpect even to the interefls of eternity.
It is entirely different from humble, cheerful, unreferved obedience ; 'it
leaves the heart in the pofleflion of fome worldly idol ; and never coir*
ftatutes a fpiritual v/orfhippcr, or renders a man meet for the plcafures
of heaven. Yet this mutilated religion draws multitudes off. from ax-
iig cither to the holy requirements of the law, or the humbling
rines of thegofpeL The moll noted inhabitant of this village dc-
his name, Legality, not "from making the law of Con his ruh
tfd| (for - '•
JJ
3 8 Chnftlan fets out for Morality,
Now was Christian fomewhat at a ftand ; but prefently
he concluded, If this be true which this gentleman has faid,
my wife it courfe is to take his advice • and with that he-
thus farther fpoke.
Chr. Sir, which is my way to this honeft man's houfe ?
World. Do you fee yonder high hill ?
Chr. Yes, very well.
World. By that hill you mud go, and the firft you
come at is his.
So Christian turned out of his way to go to Mr. Le-
gality's hcufe for help. But behold when he was got
now hard by the hill, it feemed fo high, and abb that fide
of it that was next the way iide did hang fo much over,
that Christian was afraid to venture further, leit the hill
mould fall on his head : wherefore there he Hood itiil and
he wot not what to do. Alfo his burden w iv ieemed
heavier to him than while he was in his way. There came
alfo flames of fire out of the hill, that made Christian
afraid that he mould be burned ;* here therefore he did
fweat and quake for fear. And now he began to be forry
that he had taken Mr. Worldly-wiseman's counfel. And
with that hefaw Evangelist coming to meet him ; at the
fight alfo of whom he began to blufh for fhame. So
Evangelist drew nearer and nearer ; and coming up to
him he looked upon him with a fevere and dreadful coua-
tenance, and thus began to reafon with Christian.
* Exod. xix. 16— 18. Heb. xii. 21.
to increafe the convinced finner's diftrefs ;) but from his teaching men
to depend on a defective obrdience to a frr.all part of the Imv, falfely ex-
plained, according to the method of the fcribes and pharifees. Thefis
teachers, however, are admired by the wife men of this world, and are
deemed very fkilfiil in relieving troubled confeiences, and recovering men
from religious diilracHons ! — Civiljtt reprefents thofe who petfuade
themfelves and others, that a decent, benevolent, and obliging behaviour,
•will fecure men from all future punifhment, and infure an inheritance in
heaven, if indeed there be any fuch place * Couniellors of this description
can eafe the confeiences of ignorant perfons, when fuperficially alarmed,
almoil as well as thofe who fuperadd a form of godlinefs, a few doc-
trinal opinions, and a regard to fome precepts of Chriftianity. Both are
at hand in every place : and the wife men of this world are zealous in
recommending them : obferving, that no doubt the immoral and profli-
gate mould reform their lives; as this will pleafe their relatives, and
conduce to their advantage ; but the ftrait Gate and the narrow Way
would prove their ruin ! Mrft Pilgrims :^re affailed by fuch counfellors ;
and few are able to detect the fallacy of their reafonings till theif own
felly corrects them.
Chriftian met by Evcngelifl. 39
1 What doeft thou here V faid he. At which word
Christian knew not what to aniwer ; wherefore at pre-
fent he itood fpeechlefs before him. Then faid Evange-
list further, ' Art not thou the man that I found crying
without the walls of the City of Destruction ?'(/-)
Chr. Yes, dear Sir, I am die man.
Evan. Did not I direct thee the way to the little Wick-
et-gate ?
Yes, dear Sir, faid Christian.
Evan. How is it then that thou art jfo quickly turned
afide ? for thou art now out of the way.
Ckr. I met with a gentleman, fo icon as I had got
over the {lough of Despond, who perfuaded me that 1
might, in the village before me, nnd a man that could
take off my burden.
Evan. What -was he ?
Chr. He looked like a gentleman, and talked much, to
me, and got me at laft to yield ; fo I came hither : but
when I beheld this hill, and how it hangs over the way, I
fuddenly made a ftand left it mould fall on my head.
Evan. What faid that gentleman to you ?
Chr. Why he aiked me whither I was going : and I
told him.
Evan. And what faid he then ?
Chr. He aiked me if I had a family, and I told him :
but, faid I, I am fo ioaden with the burden that is on my
back, that I cannot take pleafure in them as formerly.
Evan*. And what faid he then ?
(r) Chr^ian muft go paft mount Sinai to the village Morali-
ty : not that fuch men, as depend on their own reformation and gocd
works, pay a due regard to the holy law of Goo, for " they are alive
without the law ;" but they fubftitute their own icanty obedience in
the place of the rightcoufnels and atonement of Christ. They who are
not humbled in true repentance, perceiving little danger, pafs on fecure-
ly; but the true penitent finds every attempt "to eftablmVfeis own
rightcoufnels" entirely abortive : the more he compares his conduct and
character with the divine law, the greater is his alarm ; and he fume-
times trembles left its curfes fhould immediately fall upon bins, with
vengeance more tremendous than the mod awful thunder. Then the
counlels of wordly wifdem appear in their true light, and the finner is
prepared to welcome free laivation : and fhould the minifter, whofe in-
ftruifbons he had for taken, meet him, confeious fhame would be added
to his terror-; and lie would even be tempted to fnun his faithful friend,
through fear of merited reproof.
4° Evangelifl JJjarpfy rebukes Chrijllan^
Chr. He bid me with fpeed get rid of my burden, and
T told him 'twas eafe that I fought : and, faid I, 1 am
therefore going to yonder Gate to receive further direc-
tion how I may get to the place of deliverance. So he
laid that he would fhew me a better way, and fhort, not io
attended with difficulties, as the way, Sir, that you let me ;
which way faid he, will direct you to a gentleman's houfe,
that hath fkill to take off thefe burdens. So I believed
him, and turned out of that way into this, if haply I might
be foon eafed of my burden : but when I came to this
place, and beheld things as they are, I flopped for fear, as
I laid, of danger : but I now know not what to do.
Then, laid Evangelist, fland flill a little, that I may
flbew thee the words of God So he Rood trembling.
Then, faid Evangelist, " See that ye refufe not him that
ipeaketh, for if they efcaped not, who refufed him that fpake
on earth, much more fhall not we efcape, if we turn away
from him that fpeaketh from heaven/'* He faid moreover,
" Now the juft fhall live by faith ; but if any man draws
back, my foul fhall have no pleafure in him.,;f He alfo
♦ iid thus apply them. Thou art the man, that art running
into this mifery. Thou haft begun to reject the counfel of
the Moil High, and to draw back thy foot from the way of
peace, even almofl to the hazarding of thy perdition.
Then Christian fell down at his foot as dead, crying,
Wo is me, for I am undone. At the fight of which
Evangelist caught him by the right hand, faying, " All
manner qf fin and blafphemies fhall be forgiven unto
- men :"t " Be not faithlefs, but believing." Then did
Christian again a little revive, and flood uj^rembling,
as atfirft, before Evangelist, (j)
* Heb. xii. %S. f Heb. x. 38.
+ Matt. xii. 31. — Mark iii. 28, 29.
(s) It appears from this paffage, that the Author judged it right, in
l ling with psrfons under great terror of confeience, to aim at preparing
. for folid peace, rather than haftily giving them comfort. — Men may
eatly difmayed, and in fome degree humbled, and yet not be duly
t>le of the heinoufnefs and aggravations of their guilt. In this cafe,
er inftruclions are needful to excite them to proper diligence and
fell-denial, and to make way for abiding peace and confolation. Whereas,
a companionate, but injudicious method, of propofing confolatcry top-
ldil'criminately to all under trouble of confeience, lulls many into a
leep, and gives others a tranfient peace which foon terminates in
: defpondency : as a wound, haflily fkinned over by an ignorant
And refutes WorldlyWifemari *s Counfel. 4 1
Then Evangelist proceeded, faying-, " Give more
earned heed to the things" that I jfhali tell thee of. I will
now ihew thee who it was that deluded thee, and who
'twas alfo to whom he fent thee. The man that met thee
is one Worldly-wiseman, and. rightly is he fo called;
partly becaufe he favoureth only the doctrine of this
world,* (therefore he always goes to the town of Morality
to church ;) (/) and partly, becaufe he loveth that doc-
trine belt, for it faveth him from the cr<5fs ;f and becaufe
he is of this carnal temper, therefore he feeketh to pervert
my ways, though right. Now there are three things in
this man's counfel that thou mint utterly abhor : — His
turning thee out of the way ; — His labouring to render the?
crofs odious to thee ; — And his felting thy feet in that way
that lcadeth unto the adminiftration of Death.
* 1 John, iv. 5. f Gal. vi. ij.
practitioner^ inftead of being effectually cured by the patient attention
of a fkilful furgeon, will foon become worfe than before. The com-
munication of more knowledge may indeed augment a man's terror and
diftrefs ; but if it produce a deeper humiliation, it will effccluaily warn
him againft carnal counfellors and falfe dependences. — ' Turnino- afi(ler
from the gofpel implies a direct refufal to hearken to Christ ; and all
who do thus, run intomifery and leave the way of peace, to the hazard
of their-fouls.j: Thefe denunciations are defpifed by the ltout-hearttd
"but the contrite in fpirit, when conlcioufly guilty, if thus addreffed
•would fall into defpair, did not the miniilerscf Christ encourage tkeai
by the grace of the gofpel.
The following lines are here inferted, as before, in the old editions ,— .
•■When Chriftians unto carnal men give ear,
Out of their way they go, and pay for't dear :
For Matter Worldly-wiseman can but fhow
A faint the way to bondage and to wo J
i Gal. v. 4.
(/) Worldly- wtseman goes to church at the town cf "Morality :
for the perfons here reprefented, in great meai'ure fupport their confi-
dence and reputation for religion by attending on thcie preacher?, who
fubilitute a proud fcanty morality in the place of the gofpel. J his both
flatters their felf-preference, and coincides with their carnal purfuks : ai.u
the y verily think they have found out the fecret of reconciling the friend-
fliip of the world with the favour of God j and fu up for ttrUffttH >.:'
the f.*nie fi»veniatt fyiU'ia.
D 1
4*2 Evangelijt refutes Worldly-Wifeman 'x Cotm/el.
Fh ft, Thou mud abhor his turning thee out of the way ;
yea, and thine own confenting thereto : becaufe this is to
reject the counfel of God, for the fake of the counfel of a
Worldly-wiseman. The Lord fays, M Strive to enter in
at the ftrait gate,'' (the Gate to which I fent thee ;)
" for ft rait is the gate that leadeth unto life, and few
there be that find it."* From this little wicket-gate, and
from the way thereto hath this wicked man turned thee, to
the bringing of thee almoft to deftruction : hate therefore
his turning thee out of the way, and abhor thyfeif for heark-
ening to him.
Secondly, Thou mud abhor his labouring to render the
crofs odious unto thee ; " for thou art to prefer it before
the treafures of Egypt :"f befides, the King of Glory
hath told thee, that, " he that will fave his life fhall lofe
it ;" and, " he that comes after him, and hates not his fa-
ther, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and
lifters, yea, and his own life alfo, he cannot be my difci-
ple."J I fay therefore, for a man to labour to perfuade
thee, that that fhall be thy death, without which the Truth
hath faid, thou canft not have eternal life ; — This doctrine
thou muft abhor.
Thirdly, Thou muft hate his fetting of thy feet in the-
way that leadeth to the miniilration of death. And for
this thou muft confider#to whom he fent thee, and alfo how
unable that peribn was to deliver thee from thy burden.
Fie to whom thou waft fent for eafe, being by name Le-
gality, is the fon of the bond-woman, which now is, and
is in bondage with, her children ;$ and is in a myftery this
Mount Sinai, which thou haft feared will fall on thy head.
Now if lhe with her children are in bondage, how canft thou
expect by them to be made free ? This Legality therefore
is not able to fet 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 juftihed by the works of the Law ;
for by the deeds of the Law no man living" can be rid
of his burden ; therefore Mr. Wordly-wiseman is an alien ;
and Mr. Lf.gality is a cheat ; and for his fon Civility,
notwithftanding his fimpering looks, he is but a hypocrite,
and cannot help thee. Believe me, there is nothing elfe in
* Matt. vii. 13, 14. — Luke xiii. 24. f Heb. xi. 25,26.
\ Matt.x. 39.— Mark viii. 34, 35. — Luke xiv. 36, 27.— John xii, %$-
$ Gal. iv. at— 27.
ChriftiaJi alarmed and ajhawed, hajlens hack. 43
all this noife that thou haft heard of this fottifh man, but a
defign to beguile thee of thy falvation, by turning thee from
the way which I had fet thee. — After this Evangelist
called aloud to the heavens for confirmation of what he
had laid ; and with that there came words and fire out of
the Mountain, under which poor Christian flood, that:
made the hair of his fiefh ftand. The words were thus
pronounced : "As many as are of the works of the law,
are under the curfe ; for it is written, Curfed is every one
that continueth not in all things which are written iu the
book of the law to do them."* (u)
Now Christian looked for nothing but death, and be-
gan to cry out lamentably, even curling the time in which
he met with Mr. Worldly-wise man ; ftill calling hirniclf
a thoufand fools for hearkening to his counfel : he alfo was
greatly afhamed to think that this gentleman's arguments,
following only from the flefh, mould have that prevalency
with him, to forfake the right way. This done, he applied
himfelf again to Evangelist in words and fenfe as fol-
lows :
Chr. Sir, what think you ? is there hopes ? may I now
go back and go up to the Wicket-gate ? mall I not be
abandoned for this, and fent back from thence afhamed ? I
am forry I have hearkened to this man's counfel ; but may
my fin be forgiven ?
Then faid Evangelist to him, Thy fin is very great,
for by it thou haft committed two evils ; thou haft forfaken
the way that is good, to tread in forbidden paths : yet will
the man of the Gate receive thee, for he has good will for
* Gal. iii. 10.
(u) When Christ had finifhed his work on earth, the covenant
made with Israel as a nation at Mount Sinai was abrogated : and the
Jew,, by cleaving to the Mofaic law, were left in bondage and under
condemnation. In like manner, all profeffed Chriftians, who dependSn
notions, facraments, religious duties, and morality, and neglect Christ
and the new covenant in his blood, are entangled in a fatal error. They
ftek the blefllng " not by faith, but as it were by. the works of the law;"
" for they (tumble at that (tumbling ftone." — The Scriptures adduced
by Evangelist are fo pertinent and conclufive agaiuft this fpecies of
religion, which has at prefent almoft fupsrfeded the gofpel, that they can
never be fairly anfwered : nay, the more any man confiders them, as
the teftimony of Gon himfelf, the greater muft be his alarm, (even as if
he heard the voice from Mount Sinai out of the midft of the fire;)
wAek he be confeious of having renounced every other confidence, to
" fiee for refuge to lay hold on the hope fet before us" in the gofpel.
44 Chrijllan arriving, biccks at the Gate,
men ; only, faid he, take heed that thou turn not afide
again, " left thou perifh from the way, when his wrath is
kindled but a little." — Then did Christian addrefs him-
felf to go back, and Evangelist, after he had kitted him,
gave hirn one fmile, and bid him God fpeed : fo he went
on with hafte, neither fpake he to any man by the way ;
nor if any man afked him, would he vouchfafe them an
anfwer. He went like one that was all the while treading
on forbidden ground, and could by no means think himfelf
iafe, till again he was got into the way which he left to
follow Mr. Worldly-wiseman's counfel : (<u/) fo in pro-
cefs of time Christian got up to the Gate. Now over the
Gate there was written, " Knock, and it fhall be opened
unto you."* (*) He knocked therefore more than once or
twice ; faying,
« May I now enter here ? will he within
Open to forry me, though I have been
An undeferving Rebel ? then fhall I
Not fail to ling his Jailing praife on high.*
* Matt. vii. 7, 8.
(w) In aiming to encourage thofe who are ready to defpond, we muft
by no means permade them that their fins are few or fmalI,or that they
judge themfclves too rigoroufly : on the contrary, we mould endeavour
to convince them that their guilt is far greater than they fuppofe ; yet
not too great to be pardoned by the infinite mercy of God in Christ
Jesus : for this tends to take them off more fpeedily from every vain
attempt to juftify themfelves, and renders them more unreferved and
earneft in applying to Christ for falvation. In the midft of the mo it
affectionate encouragements, the faithful minifler will alfo folemnly
warn young converts not to turn afide : nor can the humble when con-
fcioufly guilty ever find confidence or comfort, till they have regained
the way they had forfaken*
(x) This Gtoferepreients Christ himfelf, as received by ths penitent
fincer for all the purpofes of falvation, according to the meafure of his
acquaintance with the Scriptures ; by which he actually enters into a
ftate of acceptance with God. Yet to prevent miftakess the language
of our Lord on this fubjecl: fhould be carefully confidered. " Enter ye
in at the (trait gate ; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth
to deftruction ; and many there be who go in thcreat."f * We are all
born in fin, and the children of wrath;' we " turn every one to his own
wav" of fin and folly ; and alas, molt men perfiii in one evil courfe or
other, to the end of their days, being kept in countenance by the exam-
ple of a vail majority, in which the rich, the noble, and the wife of this
world are generally included. " Btcauic ltrait i$ the gate and narrow
| Matt. vii. 13, 14.
Good-Will fpeah to Chri/fian. 4£
At feft there came a grave perfon to the Gate, named
Good-will, who ailced, Who was there ? and whence he
came ? and what he would have ?
Chr. Here is a poor burdened finner ; 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, fmce 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, faid he •, — and with that
he opened the Gate, (y)
the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." But
by this ftrait Gate every true penitent enters into the narrow way to
life, though with difficulty and conflict This entrance on a life of
evangelical piety is in the language of the allegory called a wicket, or
a little gate: for the convert cannot carry along with him any of his
finful practices, ungodly companions, worldly idols, or falfe confidences,
when he enters in : nor can he effectually contend with thofe enemies
that obftruct his.paffage, unlefs he ivreftle continually with God in prayer
for his gracious affiftance. And therefore our Lord has alio faid
" Strive to enter in at the ftrait gate ; for many, I fay unto you, fhall
feek to enter in, and fhall not be able."* Yet we mull not forget
that the finner returns to God by faith in Chs.ist; that genuine re-
pentance comes from him and leads to him ; and that the true believer
not only trulls in the Lord for falvation, but alfo feeks his liberty and
happinefs in his fervice. Thefe things taken together are fo contrary to
the pride and hafts of the human heart, to the courfe of the world, and
to the temptations of the devil, that Jlriving is far more neceffary in this,
than it can be conceived to be in any other, kind of conversion. Vari-
ous exercifes of the mind commonly precede this unreferved acceptance
of Christ ; but they are not in general eafy to be known from thofe
temporary convictions, impreffions, and Harts of devotion, which vanifh
and come to nothing. Yet even this faving change is iudiciouily dif-
tinguifhed by our author from that view of the Crois, by which Chris-
tian was delivered from his burden, for reafons which will fpeediiy
be flated. —
The following lines are here inferted under an engraving :—
* He that would enter in, muft firft without
Stand knocking at the gate, nor need he doubt.
That is a knocker, but to enter in ;
For God can love him, and forgive his fin.'
* Luke xiii. 24.
(y) Good-will feems to be an allegorical perfon, the emblem of the
rompaflionate love of God to finners through Jeus Christ, f — He
" came from heaven to do the will of him that fent him," and "he will
in no wife caft out any that come to him," either on account of former
. r prefent miftakes, infirmities, evil habits, or peculiar ternpution-s.
f Luke ii 14.
46 Good-Will admits Chriftan at the Gatet
So when Christian was ftepping in, the other gave him
a pull. Then laid Christian*- 'What means that? The
other told him, * A little diltance from this Gate, there is
ereded a itrong Caille, of which Beelzebub is the Cap*
tain ; from thence both he and they that are with him, moot
arrows at them that come up to this Gate ; if haply they
may die before they enter in.'(fc) Then faid Christian, I
rejoice and tremble. So when he was got in, the man of
the Gate afked him, Who directed him thither ?
Chr. Evangelist bid me come hither and knock, as I
did ; and he faid, that you, Sir, would tell me what I mult
do.
Good. "An open door is fet before thee, and no man
can ihut it."
Chr. Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards.
Good. But how is it that you came alone ?
Chr. Becaufe none of my neighbours faw their danger
as I faw mine.
Good. Did any of them know of your coming ?
Chr. Yes, my wife and children faw me at the firfl,
and called after me to turn again. Alfo fome of my neigh-
bours flood crying, and calling after me to return ; but I
put my fingers in my ears, and fo came on my way.
Good. But did none of them follow you to perfuade
you to go back ?
w For he waits to be gracious," till finners feek him by earned perfever-
ing prayer. Numbers give themfelves no concern about their fouls ;
others, alter convictions, turn back with Pliable, or cleave to the coun-
fels of worldly wifdom : but all, who come to Christ with a real de-
fire of his faivation, are cordially welcomed ; and while angels rejoice
over them, the Redeemer " fees of the travail of his foul, and is
fatisfied."
(z) As finners become more decided in counting all but lofs for
Christ, and amduous in the means of grace, Satan, if permitted, will be
more vehement in his endeavours to difcourage them ; that, if poffrble,
he may induce them to defift, and fo come ftiort of the prize. It is proba-
ble that the powers of darknefs cannot exactly diftinguifh. between thole
impreflions which are the effect of regeneration, and fuch as rcfult
from natural paffions. It is, however, certain that they attempt to dif-
turb all thofe who carneftly cry fur mercy, by various fuggeftions to
which they were wholly ftrangers while fatisfied with a form of godli-
nefs : and that the Chriftian's grand conflict, to the end of his courfe, con-
fifts in furmouming the hindrances and oppofition he meets with, in
keeping near to the throne of grace, by fervent, importunate, and per-
severing prayer, *
And dijcourfes with him. 47
Chr. Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable : but when
they law that they could not prevail, Obstinate went rail-
ing 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, into the which we alfo fuddenly
fell. And then was my neighbour Pliable difcouraged,
and would not adventure further. Wherefore, getting out
again, on that fide next to his own houfe, he told me, I
fnould poffefs the brave country alone for him. So he
went bit way, and I came mine ; he after Obstinate, and
I to this Gate.
Then faid Good-will, Alas, poor man ! is the Celeftial
Glory of fo fmall efteem with him, that he counteth it not
worth running the hazards of a few difficulties to obtain it ?
Truly, faid Christian, I have faid the truth of Plia-
ble ; and if I mould alfo fay the truth of myfelf, it will
appear there is no betterment (a) 'twixt him and myfelf.
'Tis true he went back to his own houfe, but I alfo turned
afide to go in the way of death, being perfuaded thereto by
the carnal arguments of one Mr. Worldly-wiseman.
Good. Oh, did he light upon you ! what, he would
have had you a fought for eafe at the hands of Mr. Legal-
ity, they are both of them a very cheat : but did you take
his counfel ?
Chr. Yes, as far as I durft : I went to find out Le-
gality, until I thought that the Mountain that ftands by
his houfe would have fallen upon my head ; wherefore
there I was forced to ftop.
Good. That Mountain has been the death of many,
and will be the death of many more : 'tis well you efcaped
being by it dafht in pieces.
Chr. Why, truly I do not know what had become of
me there, had not Evangelist happily met me again as I
was mufmg in the midft of my dumps : but 'twas God's
mercy that he came to me again, for elfe I had never ccme
(a) Otir author here puts a very emphatical word into Christian's
mouth, (' there is no betterment 'twixt him and myfelf) which later edi-
tors have changed for difference This is by no means an improvement,
though the words may be more claflical : for grace had rrfade an im-,*
Bienie d'jftrcnce between Curjsti n and Pliable ; but the former
thought his conduct equally criminal, and therefore, in refpecfc of <k-
Ws, ;herc was no Vettirmcnt betwixt theub
48 Chriflian injlrutled in the Way.
hither. But now I am come, fuch a one as I am, more
fit indeed for Death by that Mountain, than thus to ftand
talking with my Lord. But O ! what a favour is this to
me, that yet I am admitted entrance here.
Good. We make no objections againft any, notwith-
standing; all that they have done before they come hither,
" they in no wife are caft out ;"* and therefore good
Christian, come a little way with me, and I will teach
thee about the way thou muft go. Look before thee ; doft
thou fee this narrow way ? That is the way thou mud
go. It was call up by the Patriarchs, Prophets, Chrift, and
his Apoftles, and it is as ftraight as a Rule can make it.
This is the way thou muft go.
But, faid Christian, Is there no turnings or windings,
by which a ftranger may lofe the way ?
Good. Yes, there are many ways butt down upon this ;
and they are crooked, and wide : but thus thou may'ft dif-
tinguifti the right from the wrong, that only being ftraight
and narrow, [b)
* John vi 2>1*
(b) Christian, when admitted at the Jl rait gate, is directed in the
narrow way. In the broad road every man may choofe a path fuited to
T>is inclinations, Ihift about to avoid difficulties, or accommodate himfelf
to circumftances ; and he may be fure of company agreeable to his tafte.
But Chriilians muft follow one another in the narrow way on the fame
track, facing enemies, and bearing hardfhips, Without attempting to evade
them ; nor is any indulgence given to different ftates, habits, or propenfi-
ties. It is, therefore, a. flraitentd, or, as fome render the word, an aJliSled
, -way ; being indeed an habitual courfe of repentance, felf-denial, patience,
and mortification to fin and the World, According to the rule of the
holy Scriptures Christ himfelf is the Way, by which we come to
the Father and walk with him ; but true faith works by love, and " fets
us in the wav of his fteps."f This path is alio Jlroigbt, as oppoled to the
cro led ways of wicked men ;i for it confifts in an uniform regard to
piety, integrity, fincerity, and kindnefs; at a diftance from all the hy-
pocrifies, frauds, and artifice?, by which ungodly men wind about, to
avoid detection, and keep up their credit, to deceive others or impofe on
themfelves. The queftion propofed by Christian implies, that be-
liever-; are more afraid of milling the way than of encountering hard-
fhips : and Goon will's anfwer, that many ways butted down on it, or
Opened into it in various directions, fhews, that the carelefs and felf-willed
■ xtremety liable to be deceived". But all thefe ways are crvoked and
they turn afide from the direct line of living faith and holy obedV
/and are more foothing, indulgent, and pleafing to corrupt nature,
the path of life; which ties fraigbt forward, and is Wi^'.L™
contrary to the bias of the carnal mind.
f P;. lxxxv. 13, i Pf. exxv. 5.
The Houfe of the Interpreter. 49
Then I few in my dream, that Christian afked him
farther, if he could not help him off with his 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 burdfen, be content to bear it, until
thou corned to the place of deliverance ; for there it will
fall from thy back itfelf.' (c)
Then Christian began to gird up his loins, and to ad-
drefs himfelf to his journey. So the other told him, that,
by that he was gone fome diftance from the Gate, he would
comelo the houfe of the Interpreter, at whofe door he
fhoulJ knock ; and he would fhew him excellent things.
Then Christian took his leave of his friend, and he agaiii
bid him God fpeed.
Then he went on, till he came to the houfe of the In-
terpreter, where he knocked over and over : at laft one
came to the door, and afked, Who was there ? (d)
(c) A general reliance on the mercy of God by faith in Christ, ac-
companied with a confcioufnefs of fincerity in feeking his falvation, give*
fome encouragement to the convinced finner's hope ; and tranfient lively
joys are often vouchfafed to uneftablifhed believers: but more diitinct
views of the glory of the gofpel are neceflary to abiding peace. — The
young convert's confolations refemble the breaking forth of the fun in a
cloudy and tempeftuous day ; thofe of the experienced Chriftian, his
more conftant light in fettled weather, which is not long together inter-
rupted, though it be fometimes dimmed by intervening clouds. Believ-
ers fhould not, therefore, reft in tranfient glimpfes, but prefs forward to
abiding pe;;ce and joy: and, as Christ does not in general beftow this
bleffing on the uneftablifhed, the endeavours of minifters to do fo muf$
prove vain.
(d) We continually meet with frefh proofs of our author's exact ac-
quaintance with the Scripture, his found judgment, deep experience, and
extenfive obfervation. With great propriety he places the houfe of the
Interpreter beyond the Strait Gate: for the knowledge of divine
things, which precedes converfion to God by faith in Christ, is very
fcanty, compared with the diligent Chrifthn's fubfequent attainments.
A few leading truths deeply impreffed on the heart, and producing effi-
cacious fears and hopes, with warm defires and affections, characterize
the (late of a new-born babe : but reliance on the mercy of God through
Jesus Christ prepares hi.n for further inftruetion ; and, "havin_
that the Lord is gracious, he defires the Cncere milk of the word, that
he may grow thereby." — The Interpreter emblematically reprefents
the teaching of the Hbly Spirit according to the Scripture, for whila
bcluvers read, hear, and meditate, and endeavour to protit by thdc
E
50 Chrifl'um is admitted. The Picture of the
Chr. Sir, here is a traveller; who was bid by an
acquaintance of the Good-man of this houfe, to call here
for my profit : I would therefore fpeak with the Mailer of
the houfe. So he called for the Mailer of the houfe ; who
after a little time came to Christian, and afked him what
he would have ?
Sir, faid 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 (lands at the Gate,
at the head of this way, that if I called here, you would
Iliew me excellent things, fuch as would be an help to me
in my journey.
Then faid the Interpreter, Come in; I will mew thee
that which will be profitable to thee. So he commanded
his man to light the candle, and bid Christian follow
him ; fo he had him into a private room, and bid his man
open a door, the which when he had done, Christian faw
the picture of a very grave perfon hang up againft the wall,
and this was the fafhion of it, * It had eyes lifted up to
heaven, the bed of Books in his hand, the Law of truth
was written upon its lips, the world was behind his back,
it flood as 'if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did
hang over its head.'
Then faid Christian, What means this ?
Inter. The man whofe picture this is, is one of a thou-
fand ; he can beget children,* travail in birth with chil-
dren^ and nurfe them himfelf when they are born. And
whereas thou feeilj him with his * eyes lift up to heaven,
the beft of Books in his hand, and the Law of truth writ
on his lips/ it is to fhew thee, that his work is to know,
and unfold dark things to fmners, even as alfo thou feeft
him * ftand as if he pleaded with men:' And whereas
thou feeft the world as caft behind him, and that a crown
hangs over his head ; that is, to fhew thee, that flighting
and defpifmg the things that are prefent, for the love that
he hath to his Mailer's fervice, he is fure in the world that
comes next, to have glory for his reward. Now faid the
• i Cor. iv. 15. f Gal. iv. 19. $ 1 Theft ii. 7.
daily experience and observation ; they alfo depend on this promifed
teaching, and by conftant prayer look to the Fountain of Wifdom, U
deliver them from prejudice, prefer ve them from error, a«d enable them
to profit'by the miniftry of the word.
Pilgrim's Guide. The dujry Parlour cleanfed. 51
Interpreted, I have fir wed thee this picture firft, bee
the man whole picture this is, is the only m.m whom the
Lord of die place whither thou art going, hath authorized
to be thy guide in all difficult places thou imyeit meet with
in the way : wherefore take good heed to what I h
(hewed thee, and bear well in thy mind what thou b
feen ; left, in thy journey, thou meet with fome that pre-
tend to lead thee right, but their way ^oes down to
death, (t)
Then he took him by the hand, and led him into a very
large Parlour that was full of dull, becaufe never iwept ;
the which after he had reviewed a little while, the Inthr-
preter called for a man to fweep. Now when he began
to fweep, the dud began fa abundantly to fly about, that
Christian had almoil therewith been choked. Then laid
the Interpreter to a Damiei that flood by, ' Bring
(e) The condescending love of the Holy .-pirit, in readily granting
the defires of thou;, who 'apply for his teaching, nptwithftanding their5
fins, prejudices, and flownefs of heart to underftand, can never fulficient-
ly be admired !* He employs rrren as his inftruments, who, by explain-
ing the Scriptures, may be faid to * light the candle :! while he tfhqa-
cioufly opens the mind to inftruction. ""The iecret of the Lord is with
them that fear him:"f the Interpreter leads them into retirement
that he may impart that heavenly wifdom, which is hidden from the
moft fagacious of worldly men. — The firil leffon here inculcated relates
to the character of the true minifler: for nothing can be more important
to every one who inquires the way to heaven, than the capacity of dif-
tinguifhing faithful paftors from hirelings and falfe teachers, who arc
Satan's principal agents in deceiving mankind, and in preventing the
ft ability, confiftency, and fruitfulnefs of believers. 7 his portrait and ita
key need no explanation ; but all who fuftain, or mean to affir.ne, ths
facred (office, fhould ferioufly examine it, claufe by claufc, with the tc'.p
tures from which it is deduced ; inquiring impartially how far they
refembie it, anJ praying earneftly for more exact conformity ; and every
one fhould be extremely careful not to entruft his. foul to the guidance of
fchofie who are wholly unlike this emblematic representation. For
furely a diffipated, ambitions, profane, or contentious man, in the g-.ib
of a minifter, cannot fafcly be trufted as a guide to heaven ! He v. ho
never itudics, or who ftudies any thing in preference to the E ! •'< . < 1 i.< I
he qualified to ' unfold dark tfeings to fir ners !' and he, who k abun-
dantly more careful about his income, eafe, or c< nfequence, than
the fouls of his flock, cannot be followed without the it \ dan-
ger and the mod ine- cufable folly ! for v Iio would employ ar ignorant,
indolent, or fraudulent lawyer or phyfician, merely becaufe L
to live in the fame parilh ?
* Pf. cxliii. ic, f If, xxv. i.\
52 (the Heart cleanfed by the Go/pet.
hither the water, and fprinkle the room ;' which when fhe
had done, it was fwept and cleanfed with pleafure.
Then faid Christian, What means this ?
The Interpreter anfwered ; This Parlour is the heart
jo.f a man, that was never fancrified by the fweet grace of
the gofpel : The diift is his original fin, and inward corrup-
tions that have defiled the whole man. He that began to
fweep at hrfl- is the law ; but fhe that brought water, and
did fprinkle it, is the gofpeL Now, whereas, thou faweft,
that fo foon as the firft began to fweep, the duft did fo fly
about, that the room by him could not be cleanfed, but that
thou waft almoft choked therewith : This is to fhew thee,
that the law inftead of cleanfmg the heart (by its working)
from fin,* doth revive, put ftrength into,f and increafe it
in the foul, as it doth difcover and forbid it, but doth not
give power to fubdue.J Again, as thou faweft the Damfel
jforinkle the room with water, upon which it was cleanfed
with pleafure ; this is to fhew thee, that when the gofpel
comes in the fweet and precious influences thereof to the
heart, then, I fay, even as thou faweft the Damfel lay the
duft, by fprinkling the floor with water, fo is fin vanquish-
ed and fubdued, and the foul made clean, through the faith
of it : and confequntly fit for the King of glory to inhab-
&* if)
* Rom. vii. 6. f l Cor. xv. 56. + Rom. v. 20. ^ John xv. %.
A£ts xv. 9. Rom. xvi. 25, 26. Eph. v. 26.
(/) Every attempt to produce conformity of heart and life to the di-
vine law, by regarding its fpiritual precepts, apart from the doctunes
and promifes of Scripture, difcovers the evils which before lay dormant ;
according to the ft gnificant emblem here adduced. Mere moral preach-
ing indeed has no luch effect. : beeaufe it fubftitutes another rule of obe-
dience, which is fo vague that felf-flattery will enable almoft any man, not
fcandaloufly vicious, to deem himfclf juftified according to it ; fo that
hi" is pleafed with the rule by which he is approved, and loves that idea
of God which accords with his own character. But when the law of
Go D is brought with energy to the confeience, its flriclnefs, fpiritual ity
and feverity awaken the latent enmity of the heart : the abfolute feli-
dmial it demands even in the moll plaufible claims of felf-love, and its
exprefs prohibition of the carling fin, with the experienced impracti-
cability of adequate obedience, ;>.nd the awful fentence it denounces
againft every tranfgreflbr, concur in exciting oppofition to it, and even
tc; Him who gave it and is determined to magnify and eftablifh it in
honour. The confeioufnefs alfo of coveting things prohibited, and the
conviction that this concupifence is finful, induce a man to conclude
that he is viler than ever; and indeed cLarei knowledge muft aggra-
vate the guilt of every fin. A little difcouragement of this kind mdu-
PaJJJcn and Patience, JJ\
1 faw moreover in my dream, that the Interpreter
took him by the hand and had him into a little room,
where fat two little children, each one in his chair. The
name of the eldeft was Passion, and of the other Pa-
tience : Passion feemed to he much diicontent, but Pa-
tience was very quiet. Then Christian afked, What is
the reafon of the diicontent of Passion ? The Interpre-
ter anfwered, The Governor of them would have him (lay
for his bed things till the beginning of the next year j but
he will have them all now : but Patience is willing to wait.
Then I law that one came to Passion and brought him
a bag of treafure ; and poured it down at his feet ; the
which he took up and rejoiced therein, and withal laughed
Patience to fcorn. But I beheld but a while, and he had
lavifhed all away, and had nothing left him but rags.
Then faid Christian to the Interpreter, Expound this
matter more fully to me.
So he laid, Theie two lads are figures : Passion of the
men of this world, and Patience of the men oi that which
is to come : for as here thou feeit, Passion will have all
now, this year, that is to fay in this world ; fo are the men
of this world, they muft have all their good things now,
they cannot (lay 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 bufV is of more authority with
them, than are all the divine teftimonies of the good or the
world to come. But as thou faweft that he had quickly
lavifhed all away, and had prefently left him nothing but
rags ; fo will it be with all fuch men at the end of this
world, (g)
ces numbers to ceafe from all endeavours, at lead for a feafon ; fuppo-
fmg that at prefent it is impoflible for them to ferve God : but others*
being more deeply humbled, and taken off from felf-confidep.ee , are
thus prepared to underftand and welcome the free falvation of the gofpel.
Then the law apoears to them di farmed of its curfe, as the rule and
ftandard of holinels ; encouraged by the truths and promifes of the goi-
pel; and animated to exertion by its motives, they delight in cleani-
ng themfelves from all filthinefs of flefh and fptnt, and perfecting
holmef. in the fear of God,*1 that they may be " an habitation or God
through the Spirit."
[r] In this inftrucYivc emblem, Pass \ on* reprefen's the prevalence
tf the carnal affeaions over reafon and religion. Whatever be the ob-
jea, this dominion of the paflior.s produces frettulneis and childiih per-
verfenefs. when the imagined temporal good is withheld. 1 his impa-
tience oi" delay or difappoiurroent is however fucceeued by pride, mlo-
E 2
54 jTh* Men of the next World the wifeft.
Then faid Christian, Now I fee that Patience has the
beft wifdom, and that upon many accounts ; becaufe he
ft ays for the beft things : — and alio becaufe he will have
the glory of his, when the other has nothing but rags.
Inter. Nay you may add another, to wit, the glory of
the next world will never wear out, but thefe are fuddenly
gone. Therefore Passion had not fo much reafon to laugh
at Patience, becaufe he had his good things firft, as Pa-
tience will have to laugh at Passion, becaufe he had his
beft things laji ; for jirjt muft give place to lajl, becaufe lojl
rnuft have his time to come ; but lajl gives place to nothing,
for there is not another to fucceed : he therefore that hath
his portion jfr/?, muft needs have a time to fpend it : but he
that hath a portion laji, muft have it laftingly. — Therefore:
it is faid of Dives, " In thy life-time thou receivedft thy
good things, and likewife Lazarus evil things; but now
lie is comforted, fj&d thou art tormented."*
Chr. Then I perceive 'tis not beft to covet things that
are now, but to wait for things to come.
Inter. You fay truth, " For the things that are feert
are temporal ; but the things that are not feen are eter-
nal :"f But though this be fo, yet fmce things prefent, and
our fleiMy appetite, are fuch near neighbours one to anoth-
er j and again becaufe things to come, and carnal fenfe,
are fuch ftrangers one to another : therefore it is that the
firft of thefe fo fuddenly fall into amity, and that diftance is
fo continued between the fecond*
* Luke xvi. ig — 31. f 2 Cor. iv. 18.
knee, and inordinate though traufient Toy, when the man is indulged
with the polfeffion of his idol ; yet he foon grows crrfiatisfied with luc-
re fs, and often fpeedily lavifhes away his coveted advantages. — On the-
othc hand, Pat i e n c e is the emblem of thofe who quietly and meek-
ly wait for future happmefs, renouncing prefent things for the fake of
it. True riches, honours and pLeafures are intended lor them, but not
here : and, as young children well governed, they fimply wait for them
till the appointed feafon, in the way of patient obedience. — Reafon de-
termines, that a greater and more permanent good hereafter is prefera-
ble to a lefs and fleeting etjoyment at prefent ; faith realizes, as attain*
, a felicity infinitely more valuable than all whiih this world can
poflibly propofe ; fo that in this refpefcl the life of faith is the reign of
reafon over paffion, while unbelief makes way for the triumph of paflipn
.>• : 1 reaforu Nor tin any thing be more ellential to practical religion
than an abiding conviction, that it is the only true wifdom, uniformly
and cheerfully to pan with every temporal good, whenever it inierfues-
the ..-rand concerns of eternity.
The Fire kept from being quenched. 5$
Then I faw in my dream, that the Interpreter took
Christian by the hand, and led him into a place where
was a fire burning again It a wall, and one (landing by it,
always carting much water upon it to quench it ; yet did
the fire burn higher and hotter.
Then faid Christian, What means this ?
The Interpreter anfwered, This fire is the work of
grace that is wrought in the heart ; he that carts water up-
on it, to extinguifh and put it out, is the Devil : but in that
thou feed the fire, notwithstanding, burn higher and hotter,
thou fhalt alfo fee the reafon of that. So he had him about
to the back fide of the wall, where he faw a man with a
▼effel of oil in his hand, of the which he did alfo continual-
ly cart, but fecretly, into the fire.
Then faid Christian, What means this :
The Interpreter anfwered, This is Christ, who con-
tinually with the oil of his grace maintains the work alrea-
dy begun in the heart ; by the means of which, notwith-
ftanding what the Devil can do, the fouls of his people
prove gracious ftill.* And in that thou faweft, that the
man ftood behind the wall to maintain the fire ; this is to
teach thee, that it is hard for the tempted to fee how this
work of grace is maintained in the fouL (-4) -
* 2 Cor. xii. 9. \
(hj The do&rine of thi: true believer's final per'everance is here
ftated, in fo guarded a manner as to preclude every abufe of it. — The
emblem implies, that the foul is indeed born of God and endued with
holy aff< cfions : but this heavenly flame is not reprefented, as almoft
exunguifhed or covered with afhes for many years, and then revived a
little at the clofing fcene : for ' it burns higher and hotter/ notwith-
standing the opposition of depraved nature, and the unremitted efforts
ol S.itan to quench it ; the Lord fecretly feeding it with his grace. —
Unbelievers can perfevere in nothing but impiety and hypocniy : and
when a profeffor remarkably lofes the vigour of his affections, the reali-
ty of his convtifjon becomes doubtful, and he can take no' warranted
encouragement from this doctrine. When, however, any one grows
more fpiritual, zealous, humble, and exemplary, in the micift of haraff-
ing temptations; while he gives the whole glory to the Lord, he may
take comfort from th alfurance, that " he fliall be kept by his power,
through faith, unto falvation." But the way, in which the tempted are
preferved, often fo far exceeds their expectations, that they are a won-
der to themf: -Ives; every thing feems to concur in giving Satan advan-
tage againft them, and his efforts appear very fuccefsful ; yet they con-
tinue from year to year, " cleaving with purpofe of heart unto the Lord,"
trailing iii his mercy, and defirous of living to his glory. — The inftruc-
ti.m efpecially inculcated by this emblem is, an entire reliance, in the
ufe of the appointed means, on the Ijecret, but powerful influence of.
divine grace, to maintain and carry on the falsifying work that has
keen begun in the foul.
$6 The Man who fights into the Palace.
I faw alfo that the Interpreter took him again by the
hand, and led him into a pleafant place, where was build-
ed a (lately palace, beautiful to behold ; at the light of
which Christian was greatly delighted : he faw alfo upon
the top thereof, certain perfons walking who were clothed
all in gold.
Then fiid Christian, May we go in thither?
Then the Interpreter took him, and led him up toward
the door of the palace ; and behold at the door flood a
great company of men, as delirous to go in, but durft not.
There alfo fat a man, at a little diftance from the door, at
a table-fide, with a book and his ink-horn before him, to
take the name of him that mould enter therein : He faw
alfo that in the door way, flood many men in armour to
keep it, being refolved to do to the man that would enter,
what hurt and mifchief they could. Now was Christian
fomewhat in amaze ; at laft, when every man ftarted back
for fear of the armed men, Christian faw a man of a
very flout countenance, come up to the man that fat there
to write, faying, Set down my name, Sir; the which when
he had done, he faw the man draw his fword, and put an
helmet upon his head, and rufh toward the door upon the
armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force ; but thje
man, not at all di^Duraged, fell to cutting and hacking
moll fiercely ; fo after he had received andf given many
wounds to thofe that attempted to keep him out, he cut his
way through them all, and prefTed forward into the palace ;
at which there was a pleafant voice heard from thofe that
were within, even of thofe that walked upon the top of the
palace, faying,
4 Come in, come in,
Eternal glory thou fhalt win.'
So he went in, and was clothed with fuch garments as
they. Then Christian fmiled, and faid, I think verily I
know the meaning of this. (/) i
T Atts xiv. 22.
(/) Many defire the joys and glories of heaven, according to their
carnal ideas of them ; but few are willing to " fight the good fight of
faith :" yet, without a fixed purpofe to do this, refulung from diving
grace, profeffion will at length end In apoOacy : " The man began to
build, but was not able to finifli." This is emphatically taught by the
emblem before us. We muft be made willing unrefervedly to venture
or " fuifer the lofs of all things that we may win Chr 1 st ;" or we
ihall never be able to break through the combined oppofition of U*e
The Man in the Iron Cage. 57
Now faid Christian, let me go hence : Nay, day, faid
the Interpreter, till I have fhewed thee a little more, and
after that thou fhalt go on thy way. (&) So he took him
by the hand again, and led him into a very dark room,
where there fat a man in an iron cage.
Now the man to look on feemed very fad : he fat with
fcis eyes looking down to the ground, his hands folded to-
gether, and he fighed as if he would break his heart.
Then faid Christian, What means this?
At which the Interpreter bid him talk with the man.
Then faid Christian to the man, What art thou ?
The man anfwered, I am what I was not once.
Chr. What wall thou once ?
The man faid, I was once a fair and flourifhtng profeflbr, ■
both in mine own eyes, and alio in the eyes ot others: I
was once, as I thought, fair for the Celeftial city, and had
then even joy at the thoughts that I mould get thither.J
Chr. Well, but what art thou now ?
Man. I am now a Man of defpair> and am fhut up in //
sis in this iron cage. I cannot get out. O now I cannot J
Chr. But how cameft thou in this condition ?
Man. I left off to watch and be fober : I laid the reins
upon the neck of my hafts ; I finned againft the light of the
word, and the goodnefs of God ; I hme grieved the Spir-
it, and he is gone, ; I tempted the D eril, and he is come to
me ; I have provoked God to anger, and he has left me ;
I have fo hardened my heart, that I cannot repent.
Then faid Christian to the Interpreter, But is there
no hopes for fuch a man as this ?
Afk him, faid the Interpreter.
Then faid Christian, Is there no hope, but you muft be
kept in the iron cage of defpair .?
£ Luke viii. 13.
world, the fleih, and the devil. If we habitually fear any mifchief that
our enemies can attempt againft us, more than coming iliort of falvation,
we fH ill certainlj perilh, notwifhftanding our notions and convictions.
v\ e lhould, therefore, count our coft, and pray for courage and con-
we may give in our names as in earneft to win the prize :
then, ,l puttit g on the whole armour of Go d," we muft fight our way
1 1 with patience and refolution; while many, " being harnefled
g bows," fhamefully "turn back in the day of battle."
I he tunc, (pent in acquiring knowledge and found judgment is
tar trorn !oft, though it may fcein to retard a man's progrefs, or inter-
tyu: with his more active Cervices : and the next emblem is admirably
luited to teach the convert watchfulnels and caution.
58 Chriftian is taught to watch and be fiber,
Man. No, none at all.
Chr. Why ? the Son of the BlefTed is very pitiful.
Man. I have " Crucified him to myfelf afreih,"* I have
defpiied his Perfon,f I have defpiied his righteoufnefs, I
have counted his blood an unholy thing, I have done def-
pite to the Spirit of grace ;J therefore I have ihut myfelf
out of all the promifes ; and there now remains to me noth-
ing but threaienings, dreadful threatenings, faithful threat-
ening?, of certain judgment which mall" devour me as an
adverfary.
Chr. For what did you bring yourfelf into this condition ?
Man. For the lufts, pleafures, and profits of this world ;
in the enjoyment of which I did then promife myfelf much
delight : but now every one of thoie things aifo bite me,
and gnaw me like a burning worm.
Chr. But canit thou not now repent and turn ?
Man. God hath denied me repentance ; his word gives
me no encouragement to believe ; yea, himfelf hath ihut
me up in this iron cage ; nor can all the men in the world
let me out. O Eternity ! Eternity ! how fhall I grap-
ple with the mifery that I mull meet with in Eternity !
Then laid the Interpreter to Christian, Let this
man's mifery be remembered by thee, and be an everlafting
caution to thee.
Well (faid Chr^R-ian) This is fearful ! God help me to
■watch and be fober, and to pray that I may ihun the caufes
of this man's mifery. Sir, is it not time for me to go on
my way now ? (/)
* Heb. vi. 4 — 6. T Luke xix. 14. % Heb. x. 28, 20.
(/) Christian's difcourfe with the man in the iron cage fufficieht-
ly explains'the author's meaning : but it has often been obferved, that
the man's opinion ot'his own cafe does not prove that it was indeed d«-
perate. Doubtlefs fuch fears prevail in forne cafes of deep defponden-
i:y, vhef! there is every neafon to conclude them groundlefs j and we
fhould always proook the free grace of the gofpei to thole that have
finned in the moft aggravated manner, especially when they become
jfenfible of their guilt and danger. Yet it is an awful fact, that feme ;.re
thus ' {hut up under defpair,' beyond relief: and " it is im^ojible to re-
new them to repentancr." So that no true penitent can be in this cafe :
and we arc commanded "in nieeknefs to inftruft thofe that oppofe
ihemfelves, if peradventure God will give them repentance." > But we
fhould leave the doom of apparent apoftates to Goo; and improve
their example, as a warning to oui • ves and others, not to venture one
ftep in fo dangerous a path. — This our author has judicioufly attempt-
ed in a moil ttriking manner, and Go u forbid that I fhould m the kaft
counteract his obvious intention.
The Man who dreamed of the Loft Day, 59
Inter. Tarry till I fhall (hew thee one thing more, and
then thou fhalt go on thy way.
So he took Christian by the hand again, and led him
into a chamber where there was one riling out of bed ; and
as he put on his raiment, he (hook and trembled.
Then faid Christian, Why doth this man thus tremble ?
The Interpreter then bid him tell to Christian the
reafon of his fo doing. So he began and faid, This night
as I was in my fieep, I dreamed, and behold the heavens
grew exceeding black ; alfo it thundered and lightened in
moft fearful wife, that it put me into an agony. So I look-
ed up in my dream, and faw the clouds rack at an unufual
rate ; upon which I heard a great found of a trumpet, and
faw alfo a man fit upon a cloud, attended with the thoufands
of heaven : they were all in flaming fire, alfo the heavens
were on a burning flame. I heard then a voice faying,
1 Arife ye dead and come to judgment ;' and with that the
rocks rent, the graves opened, and the dead that were there-
in came forth :* ibme of them were exceeding glad, and
looked upward ; and fome fought to hide themfelves un-
der the mountains :| then I faw the man that fat upon the
cloud open the book and bid the world draw near. Yet
there was, by reafon of a fierce flame that iifued out and
came from before him, a convenient diftance betwixt him
and them, as betwixt the judge and the prifoners at the
bar.}: I heard it ajfo proclaimed to them that attended on
the man that fat on the cloud, « Gather together the tares,
the chafF, and Hubble, and call them into the burning lake :'
and with that the bottomlefs pit opened, juft whereabout I
ftood ; out of the mouth of which there came, in an abun-
dant manner, fmoke, and coals of fire, with hideous noifes.
It was alio faid to the fame perfons, * Gather my wheal
into the garner.'^ And with that I faw many catched up
and carried away into the clouds, j| but I was left behind.
I alfo fought to hide myfelf, but I could not, for the man
that fat upon the cloud ftill kept his eye upon me ; my fins
alfo came into my mind, and my confcienccdid accufe me
on every fide}. ^ Upon this I awaked from my ileep.
Chr. But what was it that made you fo afraid of this
fight?
* John v. 28, 29. 1 Cor. xv. 51— .58. 2 Thcff i. 7—10. Judc
M., 15JBJpv- xx. 11 — 15. + Pfa.'l. 1 — 3, 22. lfa. xxvi, 20, 21. M|c.
vii. lJ^B t Dan. vii. 9, 10. Mai. iii. 2, 3. '} Mai. iv. 1, 2. Matt.
in. imP.30. Lukeiii. 17. || 1 Theff. iv. 13 — 1B. S Rom. ii. 14, 15.
Co Chrijhan taught to hope andfea*.
Man. Why, I thought that the day of judgment was
come, and that I was not ready for it : but this frighted me
moft, that the angels gathered up feveral and left me behind ;
alfo the pit of hell opened her mouth juft where I flood.
My confcience too afflicted me; and, as I thought, the Judge
had always • his eye upon me, fhewing indignation in his
countenance.
Then faid the Interpreter to Christian, Haft thou
confidered all thefe things?
Chr. Yes, and they put me in hope and fear, (m)
Inter. Well, keep all things fo in thy mind that they
may be as a goad in thy fides, to prick thee forward in the
way thou mud go. — Then Christian began to gird up his
loins, and to addrefs himfelf to his journey. Then faid 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, faying —
1 Here I have feen things rare and profitable ;
Things pleafant, dreadful, things to make me liable
In what I have begun to take in hand :
Then let me think on them, and underftand
Wherefore they fhew'd me were j and let me be
Thankful, O good Interpreter, t» thee.'
Now I faw in my dream, that the highway, up which
Christian was to go, was fenced on either fide with a wall,
and that wall was called Salvation.* Up this way there*
* Ifzt. xxvi. l.
(m) Our fafety confifts in a due proportion of hope and fear : when
devoid of hope, we refemble a (hip without an anchor ; when unreftrain*
ed by fear, we are like the lame veflel under full fail without ballaft.*
Indiscriminate cenfures of all /car as the refult of unbelief, and un-
guarded commendations of ftrong confidence, without re I pert to the fpirit
and conduct of profelfors, not only lead to mod fatal felt-deception, but
alfo tend to make believers unf!able, unwatchfui, and even uncomfort*
able; for the humble can never attain that prelum ptuous confidence
which is thus represented as effential to faith ; and true comfort is the
effect of watchfulnefs, diligence, andcircumfpe&ion. — Upon the whole,
what leffons could poffibly have been feiecled of greater importance, or
mote fuited to eftablifh the new convert, than thefe are which our author
has moft ingenioufly and agreeably inculcated, under the emblem of the
I y T E R p R E r E r's curiofities. They are indeed the principal iubjccls
which faithful minifters enforce, publickly and in ptivate, on all who
begin to profefs the gofpel ; and which every true difciple of Ch r is't
duly feeks to have more clearly difcovercd to his mind, and more deep*
ly impreired upon his heart.
* l Pet. i. 13—17.
id moic
-
//. ei.
. ///////////-ft//''.) ,/^/////Vv/ ////
His Burden falls off at the Crop, 6l
fore did burdened Christian run, but not without great
difficulty, becaufe of the load on his back.
He ran thus till he came at a place fomewhat afcending,
and upon that place flood a Crofs, and a little below in the
bottom a Sepulchre. So I faw in my dream, that juft as
Christian came up with the Crofs, his burden loofed from
off his moulders, and fell from off his back, arrd began to
tumble, and fo continued to do, till it came to the mouth of
the Sepulchre, where it fell in, and I faw it no more. («)
Then was Christian glad and lightfome, and faid with
a merry heart,- * He hath given me reft by his forrow, and
life by his death.' Then he flood flill awhile to look and
(n) Divine illumination in many refpefts tends to quicken the believ-
er's hopes and fears, and to increafe his earncftnefs and diligence : hut
nothing can finally relieve him from his burden, except the clear difcov-
ery of the nature and glory of redemption. With more general views
of the fubjecl, and an impliok reliance on the mercy of God through
J e s u s C krist, the humbled finner enters the way of life, which is
walled by falvation : yet.'ie is oppreiTed with an habitual fenfe of guilt,
and often bowed down with tears, till "the Comforter, who glorifies
Chirst, receives of his and fhews it to him-"* — When in this divine
light the foul contem plates the Redeemer's crofs, and difcerns more
clearly his love to loft finners in dying for them ; the motive and effi-
cacy of his intenfe fufferings ; the glory of the divine perfections har-
monioufly difplayed in this fupprifing expedient for faving the loft; the
honour of the divine law and government, and the evil and defert of fin
moft energetically proclaimed, even in pardoning tranfgreffjrs and rec-
onciling enemies ; and the perfect freenefs and fufficiency of this falva-
tion ; — then "his confeience is purged from dead works to ferve the
living God," bya fimple reliance on the a'oning blood of Emanu-
e l. This deliverance iiom the burden of guilt is in fome reipecls fiml9
as to the well kiftrucled and confiftent believer : his former fins are bu-
ried, no more to be his terror and diftrefs. He will indeed be deeply
humbled under a fenfc of his guiit, and fometimes may qutfticn his ac-
ceptance : but his diftreR before he underftood the way of deliverance,
was habitual, except in a few tranfient feafons of relief, and often great-
ly oppreffed him when moil diligent and watchful ; whereas now he is
only burdened when he has ben betrayed into fin, or when ft .
with peculiar temptations ; and be conUav.-tly finds relief by \oi lung 'o
the crofs. Many indeed never attain to habitual peace : bur this arifes
from remaining ignorance, error, or negligence, which fqpprura] imi ruc-
tion* are the proper means of obviating. — It was not hoyever proper,
that our author lhouU draw the character of '■>> hero from the loweft
order of Chriftians fm^f, it ratfaer calls for our admiratk-r., that, in an
allegory, (which is tftStecular effor': of a vigorous imagii.a, ion) he v/as
preserved, by imcomm^ftrength of mind and depth of judgment, from
ftati. :g Ch r i s -i^a n Vexpe-'^nce above the general attainments of con-
fiftent believers und»rfolidinftruc:ions.
* John xvi. 14.
F
62 Qhrijlidn is fainted by three Shining Ones.
wonder ; for it was very furprifing to him, that the fight
of the Crofs fhould thus eafe him of his burden. Ke
looked therefore, and looked again, even till the fprings
that were in his head fent the waters down his cheeks.*
New, as he flood looking and weeping, behold three fhining
ones came to him, and faluted him with " Peace be to
thee i" fo the firft faid to him, " Thy fins be forgiven ;"f
the fecond ftript him of his rags, and clothed him with
change of raiment 4 the third alfo fet a mark on his fore-
head, and gave him a Roll with a feal upon k,§ which he
bid him look on as he ran, and that he mould give it in at
the celeftial Gate; fo they went their way. (0) Then Chris-
tian gave three leaps for joy, and went on fmging —
■ Thus far did I come loaden with my fin,
Nor could aught eafe the grief that I was in,
Till 1 came hither : what a place is this !
Me ft here he the beginning of my blifs ?
Muft here the burden fall from off my back ?
Mu'fl here the firings that bound it to me crack ?
B'efi Crofs ! bleft Sepulchre ! bleil rather be
The Man that there was put to fhame for me !'
* Zech. xii. 10. + Mark ii. 5. £Zech iii. 4. ^Eph. i. 13.
(0) Christian's tears, amidft his gladnefs, intimate, that deliver-
ance from guilt, by faith in the atoning facrifice of Chr ist, tends to
incrcafe forrow for fin, and abhorrence of it ; though it mingles even
thole affections with a fweet and folid pleafure. — Ey the ' three fhining
ones,' the author alludes to the miniftration of angels, as in fome way
fubferving the comfort of the heirs of faivation : but he could not mean
to afcribe Cm r i stian's confidence to any imprefhons, or fuggefiion
of texts to him by a voice, or in a dream ; any more than he intended,
by his view of the crofs, to fan&ion the account that perfons of heated
imaginations have given, of their having feen one hang on a crofs, cov-
with blood, who told them fheir fins were pardoned ; while it has
been evident, that they never underilood the fpiritual glory, or the fanc-
lifyirg tendency, of the doctrine of a crucified Saviour. — Such things
arc the mere delufions of enthufiafm, from which our author was re-
markably free : but the nature of an allegory led him to this method of
defcribing the happy chang that takes place in the pilgrim's experience,
when he obtains "peace and joy in believing." The general tenor of
thr work fufficientiy fnews, that he cow^dered fpiritual apprehenfions
of the native of th( aton ment, as the only fource cf genuine, peace and
comfort. As the ' marl in the forehead' evidently fjgnifies the renewal
of the foul to holinefs, while the 'roll with a feal upon it' denotes fuch
an affurance of acceptance, as appears mod clear and fatisfa&ory, when
the believe trull attentively compares himfelrVith the holy Scriptures :
fo h' could ; ot poflibly intend to afcribe thefe effects to ary other agent
thati the Holy Spirit, for he alone as the Spit t of adoj lion enables a
man to exercile in a lively manner all filial afft elions towards God ; and
He finds Simple, Sloth, and Prefismption afleep* 63
I faw then in my dream, that he went on thus even un-
til he came at a bottom, where he faw, a little out of the
way, three men fail afleep, with fetters upon their heels.
The name of the one was Simple, another Sloth, and the
third Presumption.
Christian then, feeing them lie in this cafe, went to
them, if peradventure he might awake them ; and cried.
You are like them that ileep on the top of a malt,* for the
dead lea is under you, agulph that hath no bottom : awake,
therefore, and come away ; be willing aifo, and I will help
you off with your irons. He alfo told them, If he thai
goeth about like a roaring lion comes by, you will certain-
ly become a prey to his teeth.y With that they looked upon
him, and began to reply in this fort : Simple laid, ' i fee no
danger :' Sloth faid, ' Yet a little more fleep :' and Pre-
emption faid, ' Every vatt mud (land upon its own bot-
tom.' And lb they lay down to fleep again, and Chris-
tian went on his way. (/)
* Prov. xxiii. 34. .+ 1 Pet. v. 8.
thus bears witnefs with his confcience, that his fins are pardoned, that
he is justified by faith in the righteoufnefs of Emman u e l, a chi^d of
God, and an heir of heaven. They who have e>;peri need this happy
change, will readi.'y underftand the language in whicrfir. is described ;
and the abiding efiech of their joy in the Lord, upon /heir temper
conduft, (like the impreffion of the feal after the wax is cooled,) com-
pletely diftinguifli it from the confidence and comfort of hypocrites and
en thu hafts. It mull, however, continue to be " the fecret uf the Lor !,
With them that fear him, hidden manna," and "a white done, having in
it a new name written, which no man knowetb faving he that re.ee.
it."* For even the ideas excited in our minds by external objects
through our fenfes, and the pleafure of;en connected with them, cm
nade intelligible to thofe who never had thole fenfes.
man born blind cannot poffibly have any idea of colours, or any cou-
ception of the pleafure of beholding beautiful objects; nor one born
deaf, any idea of a trumpet's folernn found, or the pleafure arifng from
a concert of mufick.
Here again we meet with an engraving, and the following lines —
1 Who's this ? The Pilgrim. How! 'Tis very true :
Old things are part away ; all's become new.
Strange ! lie's another mar:, upon my word ;
They be fine feathers that make a fine bird.'
(p) We were before informed that other ways 'butted down upon*
•t way; and the -connexion of the allegory required the in-
of various characters, bcfidcs that of the true believer.
,' outwardly walk in the ways of religion and feem to be pilgrims,
* Pf. xxv. 14. Rev. ii. 17.
&4 Chriflian met by Formalijl and Hypocrify%
Yet was he troubled to think, that men in that danger
fhouid ib little efteem the kmdnefs of him that ib freely
ofFered to help them, both by awakening of them, counfelHng
of them, and proffering to help them off with their irons.
And as he was troubled thereabout, he efpied two men
come tumbling over the wall, en the left hand of the nar-
row way ; and they made up apace to him. The name of
the one was Formalist, and the name of the other Hy-
pocrisy. So, as I faid, they drew iip unto him, who thus
entered with them into difcourfe.
Chr. Gentlemen, Whence came you, and whither do
you go ?
Form. 6c Hyp. We were born in the land of Vain-
glory, and are going for praife to Mount Zion.
Chr. Why came you not in at the Gate, which ftand-
eth at the beginning of the way ? Know ycu not that it is
written, that " He that cometh not in by the door, but
climbeth up fome other way, the fame is a thief and a rob-
ber."* ,
They faid, that to go to the Gate for entrance, was by
all their countrymen counted too far about ; and that
therefore their ufual way was to make a fhort cut of it,
and to climb over the wall as they had done.
Chr. But will it not be counted a trefpafs againft the
Lord of the City whither we are bound, thus to violate
his revealed will ?
They told him, That as for that, he needed not to trou-
ble his head thereabout : for what they did they had cuf-
* John x. 1.
who are dellitute of thofe "things which accompany falvation." — The
three allegorical perfons next introduced are nearly related ; they ap-
pear to be pilgrims, but are a little out of the way, afleep, and fettered.
Mar y hear, and learn to talk about the peculiar do&rines of Chrifbanhy,
and have tranfient convi&ions, who yet cleave to the world, and reft
more fecurely in the bondage of iin and Satan, by means of their
profeifion of religion. They rejeft or pervert all inlhuction, hate all
trouble, yet are confident that every thing is and will be -well with
t tern ; while teach rs after their own hearts lull them with a fyren's
long, by confounding the form with the power of godlinefs : and if
any one attempt, in the mod affeclionate manner, to warn them of
their danger, they anfwer, (according to the tenor of the words here
u!ed,) ' Mind your own bufmefs ; we fee no danger ; yon fhall not
our compofure, or induce us to make fo much ado about
religion. See to yourlelves, and leave us to ourfelves.' Thus they
fleep on till death and juc?gment awake them !
And in vain reafons with them. 65
torn for ; and could produce, if need were, teftimony that
would witnefs it, for more than a thoufand years.
But, faid Christian, Will your practice (land a trial
at law ?
They told him, That cuftom, it being of fo long a land-
ing as above a thoufand years, would doubtlefs now be ad-
mitted as a thing legal, by an impartial judge : and befides,
faid they, if we get into the way, what's 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
alfo in the way, that came tumbling over the wall : Wherein
now is thy condition better than ours ?
Ckr. I walk by the rule of my Master, you walk by
the rude working of your fancies : you are counted thieves
already by the Lord of the way ; therefore I doubt you
will not be found true men at the end of the way. You
come in by yourfelves without his direction ; and mall go
out by yourfelves without his mercy.
To this they made him but little anfwer ; only they bid
him look to himfelf, Then I faw that they went on every
man in his way, without much conference one with another;
lave that thefe two men told Christian, That, as to la-vs
and ordinances, they doubted not but they fliould as con-
fcientioufly do them as he. Therefore, faid they, we fee
not wherein thou differed from us, but by the coat that is
on thy back, which was, as we tro', given thee by fome of
thy neighbours to hide the fhame of thy nakednefs.
Chr. By laws and ordinances you will not be laved,*
iince you came not in by the door. And as for this coat
that is on my back, it was given me by the Lord of the
place whither I go ; and that, as you fay, to cover my
uakedneis with. And I take it as a token of his kindnefs
10 me ; for I had nothing but rags before : and befides,
thus I comfort myfelf as I go ; Surely, think I, when I
come to the gate of the city, the Lord thereof will know
me for good, (ince I have his coat on my back ! a coat
that he gave me freely in the day that he fiript me of my
rags. I have moreover a mark in my forehead, of which •
perhaps you have taken no notice, which one of my Lord's
moil intimate aiTociates fixed there, in the day that my bur-
den fell off my fhoulders. I will tell you moreover, that
* Ga!. ii. 16.
F 2
66 The direB Way up the Hill Difficulty.
I had then given me a Roll fealed, to comfort me by redd-
ing as I go on the way ; I was alfo bid to give it in at the
celeftial Gate, in token of my certain going in after it : all
which things I doubt you want, and want them becaufe
you came not in at the Gate, (q)
To theie things they gave him no anfwer ; only they
looked upon each other and laughed. Then I faw that they
went on all, fave that Christian kept before, who had no
more talk but with himfelf, and that fometimes fighingly
and fometimes comfortably ; alfo he would be often read-
ing in the Roll that one of the mining ones gave him, by
which he was refrefhed. (r)
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 fpring. There were alfo in the fame place two other
ways, befides that which came ftraight 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, and the name of the going up the fide of the hill is
called Difficulty. Christian now went to the fpring,
(q) The true Chriftian will always be troubled at rhe vain-confidence
of many profeiibrs : but he is more furprifed by it At firft than after-
wards; for he fets out with the idea, that all apparently religious peo-
ple lincerely feek the falvation of their fouls. But at length experience
draws his attention to thole parts of fcripture which mention tares
among the wheat, and foolifh virgins among the wife. — Formalist
and H'v p o c r i s y foon come in his way. Thefe are near relations ;
the firft reprefents fuch as by notions and external obfervances deceive
themfelves ; the fecond thofe who more grofsly attempt to irnpofe upon
others. They are. both actuated by vain-glory, and feek the applaufe
of men by their mofi zealous profeffion and moft fpecious actions,
while the credit thus acquired fubferves alfo their temporal interefls ;
but repentance, converfion,. and the life of faith, would not only coit
them too much labour, but deftroy the very principle by which they
are actuated. By a much ' fhorter cut,' they become a part of the vih-
fele church, are Satisfied with a form of godlinefs, and kept in counte-
nance by the example of great numbers of profeffedChrifhans, in every
age and place. Their confidence, however, will not bear the light of
fcripture ; they, therefore, (brink from inveftigation, and treat with
derifion and reproaches all who would convince them of their fatal
miftake, or (hew them the real nature of evangelical religion.
(r) True Chrillians even when moft afllired of their acceptance, and
competent to perceive the awful delufions of falfe profelfors, find caufe
for fighs amidfl their comforts, while employed in fcrious retired felf-
/cfleclion. Nothing can exclude the uneafinefs which arifes from in-
dwelling fin, and from the crimes and miferies they witnefs aioun.l
them.
Roads called Danger and DeftrucJion. 6-j
and drank thereof to refreih himfelf,* and then began to
go up the hill, faying —
'The hill, though high, I covet to afcend,
The difficulty will not me offend ;
For I perceive the way to life lies here :
Come, pluck up, heart, let's neither faint nor fear :
Better, though difficult, th' right way to go,
Than wrong, though eafy> where the end is wo.'
The other two alfo came to the foot of the hill ; but
when they faw that the hill was fteep and high, and that
there were two other ways to go ; and fuppoiing alfo that
thefe two ways might meet again, with that up which
Christian went, on the other Tide of the hill ; therefore,
they were refolved to go in thofe ways. Now the name of
one of thofe ways was Danger, and the name of the other
Destruction. So the one took the way which is called
Danger, which led him into a great wood ; and the other
tools directly up the way to Destruction, which led him
into a wide field full of dark mountains, where he Humbled
and fell, and rofe no more. ( s )
* Ifa. xlix. 10.
(s ) The hill Difficulty reprefents thofe feafons and fituations
which require peculiar felf-denial and exertion ; and are fuited to prove
the believer's fincerity, after he has obtained "a good hope through
grace." — The frowns of the world, the facrifice of temporal interests?
outward circumftances of fharp affliction and diflrefs, together with the
painful tafk of overcoming inveterate evil habits or conttitutional pro-
penfuies, (which during his firft anxious earneftnefs feemed perhaps to
be deftroyed, though in f.»6l they were only fufpended ;) prove a fevere
ted of his integrity : but there can be no hope, except in preffing for-
ward ; and the encouragements of the gofpel prepare the foul for every
conflict and effort. — But there are alfo by-ways; and the difficulty may
often be avoided without a man's renouncing his profeffion : he may
decline the felf-denying duty, or refufe the demanded facrifice, and
find fome plaufible excufe to his own confeience, or among hs neigh-
bours.— the true believer however is fufpicious of thefe eafier ways,
on the right hand or on the left : his path lies ftraight forward, and can-
not be travelled without afcending the hill ; which he defires to do,
becaufe his grand concern is to be found right at laft. But they, who
chiefly defire at a cheap rate to keep up their credit and confidence,
venture into perilous or ruinous paths, till they either openly apoftatize,
or get entangled in fome fatal delufion, and are heard of no more among
the people of God. —
Thefe lines are here inferted —
' Shall they who wrong begin yet rightly end ?
Shall they at all have fafety for their friend ?
No, no; in headftrong manner they fet out,
And headlong they will fall at laft, no doubt.'
68 The Arbour on the Side of the Hill.
I looked then after Christian to fee him go up the hill,
where I perceived he fell from running to going, and from
going to clambering upon his hands and knees, becaufe of
the fteepnefs of the place. Now about the mid -way to the
top of the hill was a pleafant Arbour, made by the Lord
of the hill, for the refrefhing of weary travellers. Thither
therefore Christian got, where alfo he fat down to reft
him : then he pulled his Roll out of his bofora, and read
therein to his comfort ; he alfo now began afrelh to take a
review of the coat or garment that was given him as he
flood by the crofs. Thus pleafmg himfeif a while, he at
laft fell into a flumber, and thence into a fail fleep, which
detained him in that place until it was almoft night ; and
in his fleep his Roll fell out of his hand. Now, as he was
Heaping, there came one to him and awaked him, fayirig,
" Go to the ant, thou fluggard : coniider her ways and be
wife."* And with that Christian fuddenly darted up,
and fped him on his way, and went apace till he came to
the top of the hill. (/)
Now when he was got up to the top of the hill there came
two men running againft him amain ; the name of the one
was TtMOROus, and the other Mistrust : to whom
Christian faid, Sirs, what's the matter you run the wrong
way? Timorous anfwered, that they were going to the
city of Zion, and had got up that difficult place : but, faid
* Prov. vi. 6.
(t) The difficulties of believers often feem to increafe as they pro-
ceed : this damps their fpirits, and they find more painful exertion re-
quisite than they once expected, efpecially when rejoicing in the Lord :
yet he helps them, and provides for their refrefhinent that they m?y not
Faint. — But, whether their trials be moderated, or rcmarkabie divine
confolations be vouchfafed, it is, a'as, very common for them ro pre-
fume too much on their perfeverance hitherto, or on the privileges to
which they have been admitted; and thus their ardour abates, their
diligence and vigilance are relaxed, and they venture to allow- them-
felves fome refpite. Then drowfi iefs fteals upon them, darknefs en-
velopes their fouls, the evidences of their acceptance are obfeured or
loft, and the event would be fatal, did not the Lord excite fhem to
renewed earneftnefs by ftlutary warnings and alarms. Nor are they at
any time moreexpofed to this temptation, than when outward eafe hath
fucceeded to grea*; hardfh'ps, patiently and confeientioufly endured :
for at fuch a crifis they are leaf! difpofed to queftion their own fin -
cerity ; and Satan is lure to employ ail his fubtlety to lull them into
fecurity, and fo in fact tempt them to abufe the Lord's ipccial goodnefs.
vouchfafed to them.
Timorous and Miftruft run back. 69
he, the farther we go the more danger we meet with ;
wherefore we turned, and are going back again.
Yes, laid Mistrust, for ju a before us lie a couple of
lions in the way (whether fleeping or waking we know not ;)
and we could not think, if we came within reach, but they
would presently pull us in pieces.
Then faid Christian, you make me afraid : but whither
mall I flee to be fafe ? If I go back to mine own country,
that is prepared for fire and brimftone, and I fhall certainly
perifh there : if I can get to the celeftial City, I am fure to
be in fafety there. — I muft venture : to go back is nothing
but death ; to go forward is fear of death, and life ever-
lafting beyond it. I will yet go forward. — So Mistrust
and Timorous ran down the hill, and Christian went on
his way. But thinking again of what he heard from the
men, he felt in his bofom for his Roll, that he might read
therein and be comforted ; but he felt, and found it not.
Then was Christian in great diftrefs, and knew not what
to do ; for he wanted that which ufed -to relieve him, and
that which mould have been his pafs into the celeftial City.
Here therefore he began to be much perplexed, and knew
not what to do. At lad: he bethought himfelf that he had
flept in the Arbour that is on the fide of the hill ; and fall-
ing down upon his knees he afked God fofgivenefs for that
his foolifh fact, and then went back to look for his Roll.
But all the way he went back, who can fufliciently fet forth
the forrow of Christian's heart? Sometimes he fighed,
fometimes he wept, and oftentimes he chid himfelf for being
fo fooliih to fall afleep in that place, which was erected
only for a* little refreihment from his wearinefs. Thus
therefore he went back, carefully looking on this fide and
on that, all the way as he went, if happily he might find
his Roll that had been his comfort fo many times^ in his
journey. He went thus till he came again within fight of
the Arbour where he fat and flept ; but that fight renewed
his forrow the more, by bringing again, even afrefli, his
evil of fleeping unto his mind. Thus therefore he now
went on bewailing his linful fleep, faying, " O wretched
man that I am!" that I mould fleep in the day-time!*
that I fhould ileep in the midft of difficulty ! that I mould
fo indulge the fleih, as to uie that reft for eafe to my rleih,^
which the Lord of the hill hath erefted only for the relief
* 1 Their, v. 7, 8. Rev. ii. 4, 5.
7© Chriflian finds his Roll.
of the fpirits of Pilgrims ! How many (tops have I took in
vain ! Thus it happened to Israel for their fin, they were
fent back again by the vay of the Red fea : and I am
made to tread thoie Iteps with forrow, which I might have
trod with delight, had it not been for this finful fleep.
How far might I have been on my way by this time ! I
am m,)de to tread thofe fteps thrice over, which I needed
not to have trod but once : yea, now alfo I am like to be
benighted, for the day is almoffc fpent : — O that I had not
flept ! («)
Now by this time he was come to the Arbour again,
where for a while he fat down and wept ; but at lait, (as
Christian would have it,) looking forrowfully down un-
der the fettle, there he efpied his Roll ; the which he with
trembling and hafte catched up, and put it into his bofom.
But who can tell how joyful this man was when he had got-
ten his Roll again ? For this Roll was the aifurance of his
life, and acceptance at the defired haven. Therefore be
laid it up in his bofom, gave thanks to God for directing
his eye to the place where it lay, and with joy and tears
betook himfelf again to his journey. But O how nimbly
(u) Some perfons are better prepared to druggie through difficulties,
than to face dangers. Alarming convictions induce them to exercife a
temporary felf-denial, and to exert themfelves with diligence ; yet the
very appearance of perfecution drives them back to their forfaken
courfes and companions. Through unbelief, diftru/i and timidity, they
fear the rage of men more than the wrath of Gud; and never con-
fider how eafily the Lord can reftrain or difarm the fierceil perfecutors.
Even true Chriftians are often alarmed by the difcourfe of fuch perfons j
but, as they believe the word of God, they are "moved by fear" to
go forward at all hazards. Nay the very terrors, which induce mere
profefib-s to apoftafy, excite upright fouls to renewed fe!f-examination
by the Holy Scriptures, that they may " rejoice in hope" amidft their
perils and tribulations: and this difcovers to them thole decays in the
vigour of their affections, and confequently in the evidences of their
acceptance, which had before efcaped their notice. — Christian's
perplexity, remorfe, complaints, and felf-reproachings, when he miffed
his roll, and went back to feek it, exactly fuit the experience of humble
and confeientious believers, when unwatchfulnefs has brought their
ftate into uncertainty : but they do not at all accord to that of profeflors
who (hive againft all doubts indifcnmbialely, more than againft any fin
whatever, unleis connected with open fcandal ; who labour hard to
keep up their confidence againft evidence, amidft continued negligence
and allowed fins : and exclaim againft fighs, tears, and tendernefs of
confciencc, as legality and unbelief. — No doubt Bu N y an would have
excluded fuch characters from the company of his pilgrin:s 1
But is benighted. The Houfe Beautiful, 71
now did he go up the reft of the hill ! (<w) — Yet before he
got up, the fun went down upon Christian ; and this
made him again recall the vanity of his lleeping to his re-
membrance ; and thus he again began to condole himfelf :
« O thou finful flecp ! how for thy fake am I like to be
benighted in my journey ! I mud walk without the fun,
darknefs mull cover the path of my feet, and I muft hear
the noife of doleful creatures, becauie of my finful fleep !*
Now alio he remembered the ftory that Mistrust and
Timorous told him of, how they were frighted with the
fight of the lions. Then faid Christian to himfelf again,
thefe beafts range in the night for their prey ; and if they
ihould meet with me in the dark how fhould I fhift them ?
how ihould I efcape being by them torn in pieces ? (#)
Thus he went on his way. But, while he was thus bewail-
ing his unhappy mifcarriage, he lift up his eyes, and behold
there was a very ftately palace before him, the name of
which was Beautiful, and it flood juft by the highway
fide, (j)
{w) By means of extraordinary diligence, with renewed application
to the blood of Christ, the believer in time recovers his warranted
confidence, and God "reftores to him the joy of his falvation :" but
he mufi, as it were, pafs repeatedly over the fame ground with forrow,
which, had it not been for his n rgligence, he might have patted at once
with comfort.
(x) Believers may recover their evidences of acceptance, and vet
fuher many troubles as the effects of their paft unwatchfulnefs. The
Lord rebukes and chaftens thofe whom he loves: genuine comfort
fpnngs immediately from the vigorous ex.rcife of holy affeaions in
communion with Go n, which may be fufpended even when no doub;s
are entertained of final falvation : and the true penitent is leaft difpoft d
to forgive himfelf, when moft fatisned that the Lord hath forgiven him.
(v) Hitherto Ch r i s t 1 a n has been a folitary pilgrim : but we muft
next confider him as admitted to the communion of the faithful, and
joining with them in the moft folemn public ordinances. This is rep-
refented under the emblem of the houfe Beautiful, and the pil-
grims entertainment in it.— Mr. Bun van was a proteftant diflenter,
an Independent m refpeH of church government and difciplinej and an
Anti-pado-baptift, or o»e who deemed adult projrprs of repentance
and fauh the only proper fubjefts of baptifm, and immerfwn the only
proper mode or adminiftenng that ordinance. He muft, therefore, have
intended to defenbe efpecially the admiflion of the new convert as a
member of a dilknnng church, (which corfifts of the communicants
only,) upon a profeflion of faith, and with adult baptifm by immerfion :
but ash^ held open communion with P&do-baptijls, the laft circumftance
u not neccflaniy included. Indeed he has exprefled himfelf fo can-
72 The Lions. The Porter Watchful,
So I faw in my dream, that he made hafte and went
forward, that if poflible he might get lodging there. Now
before he had gone far he entered into a very narrow
paflage, which was about a furlong off of the Porter's
lodge ; and looking very narrowly before him as he went?
he efpied two lions in the way. Now, thought he, I fee
the danger that Mistrust and Timorous were driven
back by. (The lions were chained but he faw not the
chains. ) Then he wTas afraid, and thought alfo himfelf to
go back after them ; for he thought nothing but death was
before him. But the Porter at the lodge, whofe name is
Watchful, perceiving that Christian made a halt, as if
he would go back, cried unto him, faying, * Is thy ftrength
fo fmall ?* Fear not the lions, for they are chained, and
are placed there for trial of faith where it is, and for dif-
covery of thofe that have none : keep in the midft of the
path, and no hurt mall come unto thee.' (z)
* Mark iv. 40.
didly and cautioufly, that his rerirefentations may fuit the admiffion of
members into the fociety of profefled Chriftians, in any communion,
where a ferious regard to fpiritual religion is in this re f peel maintained,
— It may perhaps be queftioned, how Far, in the prefent ftate of things,
this is practicable : but we can icarcely deny it to be very definable, that
Chriftian focieties {hould be formed according to the principles here
exhibited : fuch would indeed be very beautiful, honourable to God,
conducive to mutual edification, and examples to the world around
them. Various expedients alfo may be adopted for thus promoting the
communion of the faints : and furely more might be done than is at
prefent, perhaps any where, were all concerned to attempt it boldly,
carneftly, and with united efforts.
(z) A public profeflion of faith expofes a man to more oppofition
from relatives and neighbours, than a private attention to religion; and
in our author's days it was commonly the fignal for perfection : for
which reafon he places the lions in the road to the houfe Beau r 1-
FU1. — Senfe perceives the dangers, and the imagination, through the
fuggeftions of Satan, exceedingly magnifies them : but faith alone
can difcern the fecret reftraints which the Lord lays on the minds of
oppofers ; and even believers are apt to be needlefsly fearful on luch
occafions. But the vigilant paftois of the flock obviate tlvir fears, and
by feafonable admonitions animate them to pafs forward, alfurcd that
nothing {hall do them any real harm, and thatTLlI fhall eventually prove
beneficial to them. . , .
We meet with the following lines in the old copies, which refer to
the pilgrim's prefent fituation :
* Difficulty is behind, fear is before,
Though he's got on the hill, the lions roar :
A Chriftian man is never long at eafe;
When one fright's gone, another doth him feize.'
Chrifiian ventures pnfi the Lions* 73
Then I faw 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 flood
before the gate where the Porter was. Then faid Chris-
tian to the Porter, Sir, What houfe is this ? And, May
I lodge here to-night ? The Porter anfwered, This houfe
was built by the Lord of the hill, and he built it for the
relief and fecurity of Pilgrims. The Porter alfo afk-
ed whence he was ? and whither he was going ?
Chr. I am come from the City of Destruction, and
am going to Mount Zion ; but, becaufe the fun is now fet,
I defire, if I may, to lodge here to-night.
For. What is your name ?
Chr. My name is now Christian, but my name at the
hrft was Graceless : I came of the race of Japheth,*
whom God will perfuade to dwell in the tents of Shem.
Por. But how dcth it happen that you come lb late >
The fun is fet.
Chr. I had been here fooner, but that, wretched man
that lam! I flept in the arbour that ftands on the hill-fide.
Nay, I had, notwithstanding that, been here much fooner,
but that in my fleep I loft my evidence, and came without
it to the brow of the hill; and then feeling for it and find-
mg it not, I was forced with forrow of heart to go back
to the place where I flept my fleep ; where I found it, and
now I am come, (a)
Por. Well, I will call out one of the virgins of th«
place, who will, if fhe likes your talk, bring you in to d
reft of the family, according to the rules of the houfe. So
Watchful the Porter rang a bell, at the found of which
came out at the door of the houfe a grave and beautiful
darmel, named Discretion, and afked why fhe was called ?
* Gen. ix. G.7.
1 he Pbrter*s inquiries and Christian's anfwers exhibit o-r
autho. s fen .ments, on the caution 1 members ihould be .d
uY d it very prepay fli^
rit and .he remit of experience, or
STiANa^nldhisCnfulfleJpmg^tKe
prefTedwith,
stance, they aA bac^vard ir! I joining tbemS
this often temputhem to finfol &W
eater diligence.
G
74 Difcretion, Piety, Prudence, and Charity
The Porter anfwered, This man is in a journey from
the City of Destruction to MountZiON : hut being wea-
ry and benighted, he afked me if he might lodge here to-
night : fo I told him I would call for thee, who, after dif-
courfe had with him, mayeft do as feemeth thee good, even
according to the law of the houfe.
Then fire afked him whence he was ? and whither he
was going ? and he told her. She afked him alfo how he
got into the way ? and he told her. Then fhe afked him
what he had feen and met with in the way ? and he told
her. And at laft fhe afked his name ? So he faid, It is
Christian ; and I have fo much the more a defire to
lodge here to-night, becaufe, by what I perceive, this place
was built by the Lord of the hill for the relief and fecurity
of Pilgrims. So fhe fmiled, but the water ftood in her
eyes ; and after a little paufe fhe faid, I will call forth two
or three more of the family. So fhe ran to the door and
called out Prudence, Piety, and Charity, who, after a
little more difcourfe with him, had him into the family ;
and many of them meeting him at the thiefhold of the
houfe, faid, "Come in, thou bleffed of the Lord;" this
houfe was ' built by the Lord of the hill, oripurpofe to en-
tertain inch Pilgrims in.? Then he bowed his head, and
followed them into the houfe. So when he was come in
and fet down, they gave him fomething to drink, and con-
fented together, that until flipper was ready, fome of them
ihould have fome particular difcourfe with Christian, for
the bed improvement of time ; and they appointed Piety,
and Prudence, and Charity, to difcourfe with him ; and
thus they began, (b)
{6) The difcourfe of Discjrs t i o n with the Pilgrim reprefents fuch
precautions and inquiries into the character and views of a profeflor, as
may he made ufe of by any body of Chriftians, in order to prevent the
intrufion of improper perfons. The anfwers, given to the feveral quef-
tions propofed, confiitute the proper external qualifications foi admiflion
to the Lord's table, when there is nothing in a man's principles and
conduct inconfiftent with them; for the Lord alone can judge how
far they accord to the inward difpofitions and affections of the heart.' —
By the difcourfe of others belonging to the family with Christian,
previoufly to his admiflion, the author probably meant, ihat members
ihould be admitted imo Chilian focieties with the approbation of th*
moll prudent, pious, and candid part of thofe that conftitute them ; and
recording to the difbtcs of thole graces or endowments heie p< ifoni-
ficd.— -Ey givii g him 'fomething to eat before fupper,5 he probably-
referred to thofe preparatory fermons and devotions, by which the ad-
mjniftratioii of the Lord's lupper was then frequently and with great
propriety introduced.
Piety eonverfes nvith ChrijVian. 75
Pi. Come, good Christian, ftnce we have been fo lov-
ing to you, to receive you into our houfe this night, let us,
if perhajJB we may better ourfelves thereby, talk with you
of all things that have happened to you in your pilgrim-
age. (:)
Chr. With a very good will ; and I am glad that you
are fo well difpofed.
Pi. What moved you at firft to betake yourfelf to a
Pilgrim's life ?
Chr. I was driven out of my native country by a
dreadful found that was in mine ears ; to wit, That una-
voidable deftruction 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 deftruction, I did not know whither to
go; but by chance there came a man even to me (as I
was trembling and weeping,) whofe name is Evangelist,
and he directed me to the Wicket-gate, which elfe I
fhould never have found, and fo fet me into the way that
hath led me directly to this houfe.
Pi. But did ycu not come by the houfe of the Inter-
preter ?
Chr. Yes, and did fee fuch things there, the remem-
brance of which will flick by me as long as I live ; efpe-
cially three things ; to wit, how Christ in defpite of Sa-
tan, maintains his work of grace in the heart; how the
man had finned himfelf quite out of hopes of God's mer-
cy ; and alio the dream of him that thought in his fleep
the day of judgment was come.
Pi. Why ? Did you hear him tell his dream ?
Chr. Yes, and a dreadful ore it was, I thought ; it
made my heart ache as he vqis U ..;.:g of it ; but yet I am
glad I heard it.
(c) The fur;. v fation of Piety and her comp .
•• & r ian was (uiffi ;.; . ti reprefeuu the advan-
>f the comrnunio . • us, and the bzk method of conducting
it. — To lead believers to a ferious review of the way in which they
been led hitherto, «.s every way pi to increase
liation, gratitude, faith, and hope; and mult, th prooor-
ticmabry conduce to the glory of^Goi>, md tl on of their
brethren.
*;6 Chrifljtafi relates ivbat he had met with*
Pi. Was this all you faw at the houfe of the Inter-
preter ?
Chr. No ; he took me and had me where he fhewed
me a ftately palace, and how the people were clad i* gold
that were in it ; and how there came a venturous man, and
cut his way through the armed men that Mood in the door
to keep him out ; and how he was bid to come in and win
eternal glory. Methought thofe things did ravifh my
heart"; I would have ftaid at that good man's houfe a
twelvemonth, but that I knew I had further to go.
Pi. And what faw you eife in the way ?
Chr. Saw ! Why, I went but a little further, and I
faw One, as I thought in my mind, hang bleeding upon a
tree : and the very fight of him made my burden fall off
my back ; for I groaned under a heavy burden, but then
it fell do w a from off me. 'Twas a Grange thing to me,
for I never faw fuch a thing before ; yea, and while I ftood
looking up, (for then I could not forbear looking,} three
Jhining ones came to me : one of them teiliried that my
fins were forgiven me ; another ilript me of my rags, and
gave me this broidered coat which you fee ; and the third
let the mark which you fee in my forehead, and gave me
this ealed roll ; (and with that he plucked it out of his
befom.)
Pi. But you faw more than this, did ycu not ?
Chr. The things that I have told you were the beft :
yet fome other matters I faw ; as namely, I»faw three
men, Simple, Sloth, and Presumption, lie aileep, a little
cut of the way as I came, with irons upon their heels ; but
do you think I could awake them! I alio faw Formalist
and Hypocrisy come tumbling over the wall, to go, as
they pretended, to Zion ; but they were quickly loll ; even
as I myielf did tell them, but they would not believe.
, above ail, I found it hard work to get up this hill,
and as hard to come by the lions' mourns : and truly, ir it
had not been for the good man, the Porter, that ftands at
the gate, I do not know but that, after all, I might have
gone back again ; but now, 1 thank God, I am here ; and
I thank you for receiving of me.
Then Prudence thought good to afk him a few quef-
tions, and deiired his anfwer to them.
Pr. Do you not think ibmetimes of the country from
whence ycu came ?
l-'iiiJence queftkns Chriftlan. 77
Cmr. Yes, but with much fhame and deteftation ; truly,
" If 1 had been mindful of that country from whence!
came out, I might have had opportunity to have returned,
but now I defire a better country, that is an heavenly."*
Pr. Do you not yet bear away with you fome of the
things that then you were converfant withal ?
Chr. Yes, but greatly againft my \vill ; efpccially my
inward and carnal cogitations, with which all my country-
men, as well as rayfelf, were delighted : but now ail thole
things are my grief; and might I but choofe mine own
things, I would choofe never to think of thofe things more ;
but when I would be doing of that which is belt, that
which is word is with me.
Pr. Do you not find fometimes as if thofe things were
vanquished, which at other times are your perplexity ?
Chr. Yes, but that is but feldom ; but they are to me
golden hours in which fuch things happen to me.
Pr. Can you remember by what means you find your
annoyances at times as if they were vanquished ?
Chr.^ Yes : when I think what I faw at the crofs, that
will do it ; and when I look upon my broidered coat, that
will do it : alio when I look into the roll that I carry in
my bofom, that will do it ; and when my thoughts wax
warm about whither I am going, that will do it.
Pr. And what is it that makes ycu lb dehrous to go
to Mount Zion ?
Ckr, Why. there I hope to fee him alive that did hang
dead on the crofs ; and there I hope to be rid of all thofe
things that to this day are in me an annoyance to me :
there they fay there is no death ;f and there I {hall dwell
With fuch company as I like bert. For, to tell ycu truth,
I love him becaufe I was by him eafed of my burden ; and
I ^ am weary of my inward ficknefs. I would fun be
e I (hall die no more, and with the company that fhall
continually cry, "Holy, holy, holy." (d)
* Hcb. >:i. 16. f lfa, vvV. gt R .
may 'C2rn a; . iman tC3ch;
general conviaions, tr; ,- ±
1 the man himfelf, and he m
ivei Son. The bzll method of avoiding this darcerc-'s
jock confiftsin daily lelf-examination, and collar.; prayer to b
n ;: : and, as far as we ar^ 1 onerncd-to fo-m a judgment of
to peiform our fevcral duties towards them, ftidenu is
G 2
•; 4 Charity ajks Chriflian of hh- Wife and Childretf.
Then faiJ Charity to Christian, Have you a family ?
are you a married man ?
Chr. I have a wife an J four frnall children.
Char. And why did you not bring them along with you ?
Then Christian wept, and laid, Oh i how willingly
would I have done it ! but they were all of them utterly
averie to my going on pilgrimage.
Char. But you mould have talked to them, and have
endeavoured to have ihewn them the danger of being left
behind.
Chr, So I did; and told them alfo what God had
fhewed to me of the deltruction of our City ; but 1 feemed
to them as one that mocked, and they believed me not.*
Char. And did you pray to God that he would blefs
your counfel to them ?
Chr. Yes, and that with much afFeclion ; for you mull
think that my wife and poor children were very dear unto
me.
Char. But did you tell them of your own forrow, and
fear of detraction ? for 1 fuppofe that deftruction was via-
ble enough to you.
Chr. Yes, over, and over, and over. They might alio
fee my fears in my countenance, in my tears, and alio in
my trembling under the apprehenfion of the judgments
that did hang over our heads ; but all was not iuffkient to
prevail with them to come with me.
Char. But what could they fay for themfelves why
they came not ?
Chr. Why, my wife was afraid of lofing this world ;
and my children were given to the fooliih delights oi youth:
fo, 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 ufed by way of perfuafion to bring them
away with you ?
Chr. Indeed I cannot commend my life, for I am con-
fcious to myfelf of many failings therein : I know alio, that
* Geo. xix. 14.
efpecially requited, and will fudged fuch queftions as are here propofed.
The true ChnOian's inmoft feelings will beft explain the anfwers, which
no cxpoiition can elucidate to thole who are unacquainted with the con-
flict to which they refer. — 1 he golden kaun, (fleeting and precious,) art
earodU of the evulafting holy felicity of heave*.
Their Difcourfi during Supper. 79
a man by his conversion miy foon overthrow, what by
argument or perfuafion he doth labour to fallen upon oth-
ers for their good. Yet this I can fay, I was very wary of
giving them occalion, by any unfeemly aftion, to make
them averfe to going on pilgrimage* Yea, for this very
thing they would tall me I was too preciie ; and that I de-
nied myfelf of things, (for their fakes,) in which they law
no evil. Nav, I think I may fay that if what they law in
me did hinder them, it was my great tendernefs in finning
againft God, or of doing any wrong to my neighbour.
Char. Indeed "Cain hated his brother, becaufe 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 ihew themfelves to be implacable to
good ; 'and thou haft delivered thy foul from their
blood.f (e)
Now 1 law in my dream, that thus they fat talking to-
gether until ihprer was ready. So when they had made
ready, they fat down to meat. Now the table was furnith-
ea with fat things, and with wine that was well refined ;
and all their talk at the table was about the Lord cf the
hill; as namely, about what He had done, and wherefore
He did what He did, and why He had builded that Houle;
and by what they faid, I perceived that He had been a
great warrior^ and had fought with and {lain him that had
the power of death ;% but not without great danger to him-
felf; which made me love him the more.
For, as they faid, and as I believe, faid Christian, he
did it with the lofs of much blood. But that which put
ry of grace into ail he did, was, that he did it of pure
love to his country. And bcfides, there were fome of them
of the houfehold that faid, they had feen and fpoke with
* 1 John iii. 12. T Ezek. iii. 19. + Heb. ii. 14, 1 j-
[c) When we know the value of our own fouls, wc fhall become
greatly foiicitous for the fouls of others. It is therefore a very fufpi-
ctous circumftance, when a man profeffing godlinefs (hews no carneUnefs
in perfuiding thofe he loves bed to feek lalvation : and it is ablurd in
the. • xcul'e this negligence by arguments taken from God's
iVcret purpoles, when thefe ha\e no influence on the conduct of the very
fame perions in their temporal concerns ! — Char ity's difcourlc with
Ch R ! st 1 a \ (hews the author's fentiments of the duties of believers
in this moll important concern; and of the real rcafum\s\\y carnal men
reject the gofpel.
8o The Chamber Peace,
him fince he did die on the crofs ; and they have attcfled,
that they had it from his own lips, that he is fuch a lover
of poor Pilgrims, that the like is not to be found from the
eaft to the weft.
They, moreover, gave an inftance of what they affirmed,
and that was, he had ftript himfelf of his glory that he
might do this for the poor ; and that they heard him fay
and affirm, * That he would not dwell in the mountain of
Zion alone.' They laid, moreover, that he had made ma-
ny Pilgrims Princes, though by nature they were beggars
born, and their original had been the dunghill.* (/)
Thus they difcourfed together till late at night ; and
after they had committed themfelves to their Lord for
protection, they betook themfelves to reft. The Pilgrim
they laid in a large upper chamber, whofe window opened
towards the iun-riimg : the name of the chamber was
Peace, where he flept till break of day, and then he awoke
and fang — -
' Where am I now ! Is this the love and care
Of" j e su s, for the men that Pilgrims are,
Thus to provide ! Thar I mould he forgiv'n,
And dwell already the next door to heav'n !' (g)
* 1 Sam. ii, 8, Pf. cxiii. 7.
de!<
f) The adminiftration of the Lord's (upper is here emblematically
"cribed. In it the Perfon, humiliation, fuiTerings, and death of
CKR'.sr, with the motive and event of them, are kept In perpetual
remembrance. By fenoufly contemplating on thefe interefting fub-
jects, with the emb ems of his body wounded and his blood iiicct before
our eyes ; and by profe fling our cordial acceptance 0! I , and
Jurrender of ourielve* to his fervice ; we find every ho n re-
vived and invigorated, and our fouls humbled and fattened in deep
Repentance, infpiren with calm confidence, animated to thankful, zeal-
pas, f-lf-dei ying obedience, and enlarged tender affection for our fellow
Chnflians, with companionate forgiving love of our mofl inveterate
enemies. — The believer will readily apply the allegorical representation
of 'the Lord of the hill/* to the love of Christ for loll tinners,
which no words can adequately defenbe, for " it pafleth knowledge ."
(g) Tint peace of confeience and ferenity of mind, which follow a
humble upright profeflion of faith in Ch r fsT, and communion with
him and his people, is not the effect of a mere outward obfervance ; but
of that inward difpofition of heart which is thus cultivated, ord ot the
Lord's blehT-.g on his own appointments. This is here reprefeflted
by the chamber PEACE : it raifea the foul above the care and bnlt!e
of this vain world, and fprings from the healing ber.ms of the Sun oi
* Ifa. xxv, 6, 7,
77. e Study and the Records. The Armoury. 8 1
So in the morning they all got up ; and, after fome more
difcourfe, they told him that he Ihould not depart till they had
mewed him the Rarities of that place. And ftrtl they had
him into the Study, where they ihewed him records of the
greateft antiquity ; in which, as I remember my dream,
they (hewed him, firit the pedigree of the Lord of the hill,
that he wis the Son of the Ancient of Days, and came by
an eternal generation. Kere alio was more fully recorded
the acts that he had done, and the names of many hun-
dreds that he had taken into his fervice ; and how he had
placed them in fuch habitations, that could neither by length
of days, nor decay* of nature be diuolved.
Then they read to him fome of the worthy acts that fome
of his fervants had done : as how they had " fubdued king-
doms, wrought righteouinefs, obtained promifes, (lopped
the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, efcaped
the edge of the fvvord, out of weaknefs were made itrong,
waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of
the aliens.''*
Then they read again in another part of the records of
the houfe, where it was mewed how willing their Lord was
to receive into his favour any, even any, though they in
time pail had offered great affronts to his perfon and pro-
ceedings. Here aifo were feveral other hiilories of many
Other famous things, of all which Christian had a view :
as of things both ancient and modern ; together with
prophecies and predictions of things that have their certain
accompliihment, both to the dread and amazement of en-
emies, and the comfort and folace of Pilgrims. ( .)
The next day they took him and had him into the Ar-
moury, where they ihewed him all manner of furniture
Lord had provided for Pilgrims, as fword,
!, helmet, brealt-piate, all-prayer, and ihees that would
out. And there was here enough of this to har-
out as many men, for the lervice of their Lord, as
be liars in the heaven toe multitude.
* '*'-' 34*
('ij Chriittan communion, properly conduced, tends to enlarge the
pwiataiice wi y Scriptures: and this conduces to
faith, hop-, love, pa ience, and fortitude; to animate th
iting the i luftrious examples there exhibited; and to amain
iniiruction ior every ^ood work.
82 A Vuw of the Delegable Mountain;.
They alio fhewed him fomc of the engines, with wliich
fome of his fervants had done wonderful things. They
ihewed him Moses's rod ; the hammer and nail with which
Jael flew Sis era ; the pitchers, trumpets, and lamps too,
with which Gideon put to flight the armies of Midian.
Then they fhewed him the ox's goad, wherewith Shamgar
flew fix hundred men. They fhewed him alio the jaw-bone
with which Samson did fuch mighty feats : they ihewed
him moreover the fling and itone with which David ilew
Goliah of Gath ; ^aud the fword alfo with which their
Lord will kill the Man of Sin, in the day that he (ball rife
up to the prey. They fhewed him befides many excellent
things with which Christian was much delighted. — This
done, they went to their reft again, (i)
Then I faw in my dream that on the morrow he got up
to go forwards, but they defired him to (lay till the next
day alfo ; and then, faid they, we will, if the day be clear,
fhew you the Delectable Mountains ; which, they faid,
would yet further add to his comfort, becaufe they were
nearer the defired haven than the place where at prefent
he was ; fo he confented and ftaid. When the morning
was up they had him to the top of the houie, and bid him
look fouth : fo he did ; and behold, at a great diftance,*
he law a moft pleafant mountainous country, beautified
with woods, vineyards, fruits of all forts, flowers alfo, with
fprings and fountains, very delectable to behold. Then he
alked the name of the country. 1 hey laid, It was Im Man-
uel's Land ; and it is as common, laid they, as this hill is,
to and for all the Pilgrims. And when thou comeft there,
from thence, faid they, thou mayeft fee to the gate of the
* Ifa. xxxiii. 16, 17.
(i) The provifion made in Ch rist and his fulnefs, for maintaining
and increafmg, in the hearts of his people, thole holy affections, by the
vigorous exeicil ■ of which viclory is obtained over all enemies, is h-vc
represented by the Armoury* This fuffices for all who feek to be
(applied from it, how many foever they be. We ought, therefore, " to
take to ourfelves the whole armour of Go d," and " put it on," by dili-
gently ufing all the means of grace ; and we may affift others, by our
exhortations, counfels, example, and prayers, to do the fame. — The fol-
lowing allufions to the fcriptural hifloiy, which have a peculiar propriety
in an allegory, intimate that the means of grace are made effectual by
the power of God, which we fhould depend on, in implicit obedience
to his appointments.
* Eph. vi. 10—18. 1 Theff. v. 6.
ChrtfHan armed goes on his Way. 83
celeftial City, as the fliepherds that live there will make
appear. (I)
Now he bethought himfelf of fetting forward, and they
were willing he mould. But firft, faid they, let us go again
into the Armoury. So they did; and when he came
there they harnetfed him from head to foot with what was
of proof, left perhaps he mould meet with a/faults in the
way. He being therefore thus accoutred walketh out with
his friends to the gate, and there he afked the Porter, if
he faw any Pilgrims pafs by ? Then the Porter anfwered,
Yes. (/)
Cur. Pray did you know him ?
Por. I afked his name, and he told it was Faithful.
O, faid Christian, I know him: he is my townfman,
my near neighbour, he comes from the place where I was
born : how far do you think he may be before ?
Por. He is got by this time below the hill.
Well, faid Christian, good Porter, the Lord be with
thee, and add to all thy blefllngs much increafe, for the
kindnefs that thou haft ihewed to me.
Then he begap to go forward ; but Discretion, Piety,
Charity, and Prudence would accompany him down to
the foot of the hill. So they went on together, reiterating
their former difcourfes, till they came to go down the hill.
Then faid Christian, as it was difficult coming up, fo, fo
far as I can fee, it is dangerous going down. Yes, faid
Prudence, fo 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 flip by the way ; therefore, faid they,
ih) The De i- E c TA ble Mo untaiks, as ken at a diltance, rep-
relent thole diftinfl views of ths privileges and confolations attainable
in this life, with which believers are fometimes favoured, when attending
on divine ordinances, or diligently making a fublequent improvement
of them. The hopes thus mfpircd prepare them for prefling forward
through dangers and hardfhips. This is the pre-eminent advantage of
Chrillian communion, and can only be enjoyed at fome fpecial fcfcfons,
when the Sun of Righteoufnefs (nines upon the foul.
(/) The ordinances of public or focial worfhip are only the means of
being religious, not the ellence of religion itfelf. Having renewed our
flrcngthby waiting on the Lord, we mnfl go forward, by attending with
greater diligence to the duties of our feveral ftations} preparing to refill;
temptations, which often afoul t us after fpecial feafons of divine coulb-
lation. Minifters therefore and experienced believers, fhould watt
converts to expeel trials and conflicts, and recommend to them fuch
companions as may be a comfort and help in their pilgrimage.
$4 The Valley of Humiliation.
are we come out to accompany thee down the hill. So he
began to go down, but very warily, yet he caught a flip
or two.
Then I faw in my dream, that thefe 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 clufter of
raifms ; and then he went on his way. (tn)
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 efpied a foul Fiend coming over the field to meet
him : his name is Apollyon. Then did Christian begin
to be afraid, and to caft in his mind whether to go back or
to ftand his ground. But he confidered 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
eafe to pierce him with his darts : therefore he refolved to
venture, and ftand his ground : for, thought he, had I no
more in mine eye than, the faving of my life, it would be
the bell way to ftand. («)
(m) The humiliation requifire for receiving Christ, obtaining
peace, and making a good confefnon of faith, is general and inchfiinft,
compared with that which may be acquit ed by fubfequent Rudy, obfer-
vation and experience, efpecially amidfl trials and conflicls : and the
Lord commonly difpenfes comfort and humiliating difpenfations alter-
nately, that the believer may neither be elated nor depreffed above
meafure.* — The valley of Humiliation, therefore, is judicu ufiy
placed beyond the hbufe Be AUTI FU L. Some explain it to fignily a
Chriftian's outward circumfrances, when reduced to poverty, or fubjeft-
ed to great, temporal loffes by profeffing the gofpel ; and perhaps the
au'hor had this idea in his mind : yet thefe could only be viewed as
means of producing inward humiliation. — In going down into the val-
ley, the believer will greatly need the affiflance of difcreticn, piety,
charity, and prudnce, and the recolleclion of the inftruftions and ccun-
(ejs of fuch Chriftians as are eminent for thefe endowments : for hu-
miliating 'lifpenfations and experiences excite the latent evils of the
heart, and often caufe men to (peak and aft unadvifedly; fo that, not-
withflandmg every precaution, the review will commonly difcover
many things which excite the remoi fc and forrow of deep repentance.
(/;) Under difcouraging circumflances the believer may be tempted
to murmur, defpond, or fcek relief from the world. Finding his too
fanguine expecfa'ions not anfwered ; that he grows worle lather than
better in his opinion of himfelf ; thai Ins comforts arc tranfitory ; and
that much reproach, contempt, aid lofs are incurred by his profeffion
of religion, difconrent will often rife up in his heart, and weaknefs of
faith will expofe him to fh arp conflicts. — Mr. Bu nyan, having expe-
rienced, in an uncommon degree, the mod dreadful temptations, was
* 2 Cor. xii. l — 5.
A Defcription of Apollyon, 85
So he went on, and Apollyon met him. Now the
monfter was hideous to behold : he was clothed with fcales
like a fifh, (and they are his pride ;) he had wings like a
dragon, feet like a bear, and out of his belly came fire and
fmoke, and his mouth was as the mouth of a lion. When
he was come up to Christian, he beheld him with a
difdainful countenance, and thus began to queftion with
him. (0)
Apol. Whence come 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 fubjecls ;
for all that country is mine, and I am the Prince and god
probably led by that circumflance to fpeak on this fubject, in language
not very intelligible to thole who have been exempted from fuch pain-
ful exercifes. The nature of his work required, that they fhould be
defcribed under outward emblems ; but the inward fuggeftions cf evil
fpirits are efpecially intended. Thefe'feem to have peculiar accefs to
the imagination, and are able to paint before that illufive faculty the
mod alluring or terrifying reprefentnions, as if they were realities. —
Apollyon fignifies the deflroyer:* and in carrying on the work of
deftru&ion, fallen angels endeavour, by various devices, to deter men
from prayer, and to render them afraid of thofe things without which
the life of faith cannot be maintained ; in order that, after convictions,
they may be led to give up religion, as the only method of recovering
their compofure. Many, " having no root in themfelves," thus gradu-
ally fall away ; and others are greatly retarded : but the well-inffru&ed
believer fees no fafety except in facing his enemy. If it appear dan-
gerous to perfevere, to defifl is inevitable ruin, (for Christian
' had no armour for his back.') So that fear itfclf will in that cafe in-
duce a man to (land bis ground; and the more refolutely he refills
temptation, the fooner will he regain his tranquillity; for, when the
fuggeftions of Satan excite us to pray more fervently, and to be more
di'Jgent in every duty, that enemy will loon "flee from us." Perhaps
fome may remember a time when they were harafed to that degree
as iilmoft to defpairof relief ; who have fince been fo entirely delivered,
that, were it not for the recollection of their own paft expert nee, they
would be ready to afcribe thefe diftreffes to^difeafe or enthufiafm, not-
withfhnding all that the fcripture contains on thefubjecl.
(0) The defcription of Apollyon implies, that the combat after-
wards recorded particularly reprefented the terrors, by which evil fpirits
attempt to drive profelfors out of their path. Other temptations, though
often more dangerous are not fo dinVflirig : " For Satan can trans-
form himfelf into an angel of light ," and indeed he is a very Pro-
teus, who can affume any form that bell fuits his purpofe.
* Rev. ix. 11.
H
86 He accofts and rcafons tvif/j Ch'iftlan.
of it. How is it then that thou haft run away from thy
king ? Were it not that I hope thou mayeft do me more
ferviee, I would ftrike thee now at one blow to the ground.
Chr. I was born indeed in your dominions, but your
ferviee was hard, and your wages fuch as a man could not
live on ; " for the wages of fin is death ;"* therefore when
I was come to years I did, as other confi derate perfons do,
look out if perhaps I might mend myfelf.
A pol. There is no prince that will thus lightly lofe his
fubjecls, neither will 1 as yet lofe thee ; but fince thou com-
plaineft of thy ferviee and wages, be content to go back ;
what our country will afford, I do here promife to give
thee.
Chr. But I have let myfelf to another, even to the
King of Princes ; and how can I with fairnefs go back
with thee ?
Apol. Thou haft done in this according to the prov-
erb, Changed a bad for a ivorfe : but it is ordinary for thofe
that have profeffed themfelves his fervants, after a while to
give him the flip, and return again to me. Bo thou fo too,
and all fhall be well.
Chr. I have given him my faith, and fworn my alle-
giance to him : how then can I go back from this and not
be hanged as a traitor ?
Apol. Thou didft the fame to me, and yet I am willing
to pais by all, if now thou wilt yet turn again and go back.
Chr. What I promifed thee was in my nonage ; and
befides, I count that the Prince under whofe banner now
I ftand, is able to abfolve me ; yea, and to pardon alfo what
I did as to my compliance with thee : and, befides, O thou
deftroying Apollyon, to fpeak truth, I like his ferviee, his
wages, his fervants, his government, his company, and
country, better than thine ; and therefore leave off to per-
fuade me further ; I am his fervant, and I will follow him.
Apol. Confider again, when thou art in cool blood,
what thou art like to meet with in the w7ay that thou goeft.
Thou knoweft that for the moft part his fervants come to
an ill end, becaufe they are tranfgreffors againft me and my
ways. How many or them have been put to fhameful
deaths ? — And befides, thou counted his ferviee better than
mine, whereas he never came yet from the place where he
is, to deliver any that ferved him out of my hands : bu£ as
*Rom. vi.23.
Apillpn reproaches ChriJUan, 8 7
for me, how many times, as all the world very well knows,
have I delivered, either by power or fraud, thole that have
fctithfully ferved me, from him and his, though taken by
them : and fo I will deliver thee.
Chr. His forbearing at prcfent to deliver them is on
purpofe to try their love, whether they will cleave to him
to the end : and, as for the ill end thou fay eft they come
to, that is mod glorious in their account : for, for preient
deliverance, they do not much expect it ; for they ftay for
their glory, and then they (hall have it, when their Prince
comes in his and the glory of the angels, (p)
Apol. Thou half already been unfaithful in thy fef-
vice to him : and how doft thou think to receive wages of
him ?
Chr. Wherein, O Apollyon, have I been unfaithful
to him ?
Apol. Thou didft faint at firft fetting out, when thou
waft almoft choked in the gulph of Despond ; thou didft
attempt wrong ways to be rid of thy burden, whereas thou
fhouldeft have ftayed till thy Prince had taken it off: thou
didft fmfally ileep, and lofe thy choice thing : thou waft
alfo almoft permaded to go back at the fight of the lions :
and when thou talkeft of thy journey, and of what thou
haft heard and feen, thou art inwardly deurous of vain-glo-
ry in all that thou fayeft or doeft.
(p) As all have been overcome by the temptations of the: d;vil ; and
14 of whom a man is overcome, of the fame is he brought into bondage ;"
fo, by ufurpation, he is become the god and prince of this world, and
we have all been his flaves. Bu; believers, having been redeemed by
the blood of Cm r i st, " are made free from fin and become the fer-
vj .as of God :" and the abiding convicfion, that all the (ubjects of fin
and Satan ma ft penfh, concurs with their experience that it is an
hard bondage, in fortifying them againft every temptation to return.
Se.iiible of their obligations to God as their Creator and Governor,
th y have deeply repented of paft rebellions; and, having obtained
mercy, feel theinlelves bound by gratitude and ;he raoft folemn engage-
ments to cleave to him and his fervice. Their difficulties and difcour-
agemems cannot induce them to believe that they 'have charged a bad
for a worfe ;' nor will they be influenced by the numbers who ap"Ua-
tize, from love to the world and dread of the crofs : for they are " root-
ed and grounded in Love," and not merely moved by fe?rs and hopes.
They are fure that the Lord is abie to deliver them From their enemies :
and, mould the wicked be permitted to profper in their malicious devi-
igainft them, they know enough of h s plan, to rely on his wifdom,
truth, and love, in the midft of fufferings. Thus they have anfwers
ready for every fuggeftion ; even fuch anfwers as Christian had
been furmihed with at the houfe of the In t e r p r e t e r .
88 Jpollyon violently ajfaults Chrlftian.
Chr. All this is true, and much more which thou haft
left out: but the Prince, whom I ferve and honour, i^
merciful and ready to forgive. But befides, thefe infirmi-
ties poiTefFed me in thy country : for there I fucked them in,
and I have groaned under them, being forry for them, and
have obtained pardon of my Prince, (q)
Then A poll yon broke out into a grievous rage, fay-
ing, I am an enemy to this Prince ; I hate his perfon,
his laws, and people. I am come out on purpofe to with-
stand thee.
Chr. Apollyon, beware what you do ; for I am in
the King's highway, the way of holinefsj therefore take
heed to yourfelf.
Then Apollyon ftraddled quite over the whole breadth
of the way, and faid, I am void of fear in this matter ; pre-
pare thyfelf to die ; for I fwear by my infernal den that
thou malt go no further : here will I fpill thy foul.
And with that he threw a flaming dart at his breaft ; but
Christian had a fhield in his hand, with which he caught
it, and fo prevented the danger of that.
Then did Christian draw ; for he faw 'twas time to
beftir him ; and Apollyon as faft made at him, throwing
darts as thick as hail ; by the which, notwithstanding all that
Christian could do to avoid it, Apollyon wounded him
in his head, his hand, and foot. This made Christian
give a little back : Apollyon, therefore, followed his
work amain, and Christian again took courage, and re-
fitted as manfully as he could. This fore combat lafted
for above half a day, even till Christian was almoft quite
fpent ; for you mutt know, that Christian, by reafon of
his wounds, muft needs grow weaker and weaker.
(7) If the fuggeftions before defcribed be reje&ed, Satan will per-
haps alfault the believer, by reprefenting to his mind, with every pofli-
ble aggravation, the feveral inftances of his mifcondutt fince he profef-
fed the gofpel ; in order to heighten his apprehenfions of being found
at laft a hypocrite : for when the foul is dil'couraged and gloomy, he
will be as afliduous in reprefenting every falfe Oep to be a horrid crime
inconfiftent with the hope of falvaiion, as he is at other times in per-
jfuading men, that the mod flagrant violations of the divine law arc mere
trifles. — In repelling fuch fuggeftions, the well-inllr'ucled believer will
neiiher deny the charge, nor extenuate his guilt; but he will flee for
refuge to the free grace of the gofpel, and take comfort from the c6h-
fcioufnefs that he now hates and groans under the remains of thofe evils,
which once he wholly lived in without remorfe ; thence inferring, that
"his fins, though many, are forgiven."
Chrijiian overcomes Apollyon. 89
Then Apollyon, efpying his opportunity, began to
I gather up clofe to Christian, and wreftling with him,
gave him a dreadful fall ; and with that Christian's
fword flew out of his hand. Then faid Apollyon, I am
fure of thee now : and with that he had almoft preft him to
death ; fo that Christian began to deipair of life. But,
as God would have it, while Apollyon was fetching of
his lad blow, thereby to make a full end of this good man,
Christian nimbly reached out his hand for his fword, and
caught it, faying, " Rejoice not againft me, O mine ene-
my ! when I fall, I lliall arife ;"* and with that gave him
a deadly thruft, which made him give back as one that had
received his mortal wound. Christian perceiving that,
made at him again, faying, * Nay, in all thefe things we
are more than conquerors through him that loved us ;"f
and with that Apollyon fpread forth his dragon's wings
and fped him away, that Christian faw him no more.
In this combat no man can imagine, unlefs he had feen
and heard, as I did, what yelling and hideous roaring
Apollyon made all the time of the fight ; he fpake like a
dragon : and on the other fide, what fighs and groans burll
from Christian's heart. I never faw him all the while
give fo much as one pleafant look, till he perceived he had
wounded Apollyon with his two-edged fword; then in-
deed he did fmile and look upward ! but 'twas the dread-
fulled fight that ever I faw. (r)
* Mic. vii. 8. + Rom. viii. 37 — 39. Jam. iv. 7.
(r) The preceding part ofCn R istian's conteft with Apollyon
is initrucYive to every experienced believer ; but this is far more diiTi-
cult : yet if we duly reflect, upon the Lo r d' permiflion to Sa PA \,
in refpeel of Job, with the efforts a; d effecls that followed, ami com-
pare it with the tempter's defire of lifting Peter and the po/t!es as
whe.it; we (hill not be greatly at a lofs about the author's meaning.
Th s enemy is fometimes gratified by an arrangement of outward dtf-
penfations exactly fuited to favour his ailaults : fo that th : believer's
path feems wholly obftructed. The Lord himfelf appears to have
foifiken him, or even to fight agairtfl him; and his appointments are
thought contrary to his promifes! 'I his gives Satan an opportunity
of fu^gefling hard thoughts of Go n and his ways; doubts abou
truth of he Scriptu-es, and defpondirg feats of a fatal event. Many
fu< h *' fiery dans" may be repelled or quenched by the fhield of
but there arc feafons (as fome of us well know,) when
in fo inceffantly, and receive fuch plaufibility from f.icis , and when
- they fo interrupt a man while praying, rcadirg,' or meditating, that he
H a
ijo Chrijllan returns Thanh
So when the battle was over, Christian faid, I will
here give thanks to him that hath delivered me out of the
is tempted to intermit religious duties, that he may avoid thefe raoft
diftrcmng attendants on them. The evils of the heart, which feemed
before Subdued, are fo excited by means of the imagination, that they
apparently prevail more than ever, rendering every fervice an abomina-
tion, as well as a burden; fo that the haraffed foul, alarmed, baffled,
defiled, felf-detefted, and thinking that God and his fervants unite in
abhorring him, is ready to give up all hope, to doubt all his former
principles, to feek refuge in fome heretical or antinomian fyftem, or to
attempt the diflipating of his melancholy gloom, by joining again in the
vanities of the world. Thus the enemy 'wounds him in his undemand-
ing, faith, and conversation,' (according to the author's marginal inter-
pretation of his meaning :) yet he cannot in this way find relief; but is
inwardly conftrained, with renewed efforts, to return to the conflict.
When Such temptations, however, are long continued, refinance will
gradually become more feeble; the diilrefTed believer will be ready to
give up every thing ; and, when the enemy plies him clofely with infidel
fuggeflions, to which his circumifances give a fpecious occafion, he may
be thrown down, and " his fword fly out of his hand :" fo that for a time
he may be unable to give any credit to the truth of the Scriptures, by
■which alone he was before enabled to repel the tempter. This is a
dreadful cafe : and could true faith thus finally fail, even real Chriflians
muft perifh : Satan hath fucceeded againft many profeffors, with half
thefe advantages ; and he may be fuppofed at leafl to boafr. that he is
fare of fucn as are thus cafl down. But the Advocate above " prays'*'
for his difciples, " that their faith mould not fail :"* fo that, though
Phtkr fell with Judas, he was not left to perifh with him. The
Chriftian,, therefore, though ' almoft prefled to death,' and ready * to
defpair of life,' will, by the fpeeial grace of God, be helped again to-
feize his fword, and to ufe it with more effeft than even The Holy
Spirit will bring to his mind, with the moil convincing energy, the
evidences of the divine infpiration of the Scripture, and enable him to
rely on the promifes : and thus at length the enemy will be put to flight,
by tcitimonies of holy writ pertinently adduced, and more clearly un-
d rlTiod than before. — Experience will teach fome readers to underftand
thefe things, and they will know how to companionate and make allow-
ances for the miflakes of the tempted : and others, who have been
giacioufly exempted from perhaps the deepen1 anguifh known on earth,
(though commonly not of long duration,) fhould learn from the tefli-
mony of their brethren, to allow the reality of thefe diftrefies, and
Sympathize with the fufferers ; and not (like J ob's friends) to join with
Satan in aggravating their forrows. — We may allow, that conftitu-
tion, partial difeafe, and errors in judgment, expofe fome men more
than others to fuch alfaults : yet thefe are only occafions, and evil Spirits
are affuredly the agents in thus haraffing fenous perfons. It is indeed
of th< greater! importance to be well cflablifhed in the faith : they, who
in ordinary cafes are fatisfied with general convictions and comfortable
fellings, without -being able to give a reafon for their hope, may be
driven, to the molt tremendous extremities, fhould God permit them
* Luk xxii, 31, 32,
To his gracious Deliverer. 91
mouth of the lion, to him that did help me againfl Apoll-
foN. And To he did ; faying,
1
1 Great Beelzebub, the captain of this fiend,
Defign'd my ruin ; therefore to this end
He lent him harnefs'd out ; and he with rage
That hellifh was did fiercely me engage.
But bleffed M 1 C ha e l helped me, and I
By dint of fword did quickly make him fly :
Tncrefore to him let me give tailing praife,
And thank and blefs his holy name always.'
Then there came to him an hand with fome of the leaves
of the Tree of life, the which Christian took, and applied
to the wounds that he had received in the battle, and was
healed immediately. He alfo fat down in that place to eat
bread, and to drink of that bottle that was given him a lit-
tle before : fo being refrefhed, he addreffed himfelf to his
journey with his fword drawn in his hand ; for he faid, I
know not but fome other enemy may be at hand. But he
met with no other affront from Apollyon quite through
this valley, (s)
to be thus afTaulted : for they have no fixed principles to which they
may refort in fuch an emergency ; and perhaps fome degree of mifiake
always gives Satan his principal advantage on thefe occafions. Yet
n-; n of the moll fober mind and found judgment, when in a better {fate
of bodily health than ufual, and in all o:her refpe&s moll rational, have
experienced fuch diftrefiing temptations of this kind, as they cou'd
fcarcely have believed on the report of others ; and, when delivered,
they cannot look back on the pad without the greateft confternation.
Befides the verfes, by which Christian gave thanks to his great
Deliverer, we meet in the old copies with thefe lines —
' A more unequal mvitch can hardly be,
C11 R 1 st 1 A N mud fight an angel ; but, you fee,
The valiant man, by handling fword and fhield,
Doth make him, though a dragon, quit the field.'
(s) When the believer has obtained the victory over temptation, the
Lord will gracioufly heal all his wounds; pardoning his fins, and
renewing his flrength and comfort; fo that the moft diftreffing experi-
ences are often fucacded by the fweeteft confidence and ferenity of
mind, and the greateft alacrity in the ways of God. — ' The leaves of
the Tree of life,'* reprefent the prefent benefits of the redemption of
Christ: ' the hand' may be the emblem of the inllruments he em-
ploys in reftoring to his difcouraged fervanrs " the joy of his falvation."
The believer thus healed, and refrefhed by meditation on the death of
Christ, and other religious -xercifes, refls not in one victory, but
* Rev. xxii. 2.
92 The Valley of the Shadow of Death,
Now at the end of this valley was another, called the
Valley of the Shadow of Death, and Christian mull
needs go through it, becaufe the way to the Celeftial City
lay through the midft of it. Now this Valley is a very
folitary place. The prophet Jeremiah thus defcribes it:
" A wildernefs, a land of deferts and of pits ; a land of
drought, and of the Jbadoiv of death ; a land that no man"
(but a Chriftian) " paifeth through, and where no man
dwelt."*
Now here Christian was worfe put to it than in his
fight with Apollyon j as by the fequel you fhall fee. (r)
* Jer. ii. 6.
prepares for new conflicts : yet the enemy, once decidedly put to
flight, feldom repeats the fame affaults, at leaft for fome time ; becaufe
he will generally find the victor upon his guard on that fide, though
liable to be furprized in fome other way.
(t) The Valley of the Shadow of Death feems intended to
reprefent a variation of inward difcouragement, diftrefs, conflict and
alarm, which arifesfrom prevailing darknefs of mind, and want of lively
fpiritual affections ; by which a man is rendered reluctant to religious
duties, and heartlefs in performing them ; and this makes way for man-
ifold fears, dangers and temptations. The words, quoted from Jere-
miah, defcribe the wafte howling wildernefs, through which Israel
journeyed to Canaan ; which typified the believer's pilgrimage
through this world to heaven. The author therefore meant in general,
that fuch dreary feafons may be expected; and that few believers
wholly efcape them : but not that all experience thefe various trials in
the fame order or degree as Christian did. — While men reft in
forms and notions, they think of little in religious ordinances but per-
forming a tafk, and the fat is faction of having done their fuppofedduty :
but the fpiritual worfhipper, at fome feafons, finds his foul filled with
clear light and holy affection ; "It is then good for him to diawnighto
Go d ;" and "his foul is fatisfied as with marrow and fatnefs, while he
praifes his Go d wkh joyful lips :" but at other times, dulnefs and heav-
iness opprefs him ; faith, hope, reverence and love, are at a low ebb ;
he fe ins to addrefs an unknown or abfent God, and rather to mock
than to worfhip him ; divine things appear obfeure and almofl unreal ;
and each returning feafon of devotion, or reiterated effort to lift up his
heart to Go o, ends in difappointment, fo that religion becomes his bur-
den inftead'of his delight. Self-knowledge is increafed, and he now
perceives evils before unnoticed corrupting his fei vices : his remedy
fe^ms to increafe hisdifeafe : he fufpects that his former joy was a delu-
fion, and is ready to conclude, that "God hath forgotten to be gracious,
and hath (hut up his loving kindnefs in difpleafure." Thefe experi-
enc -.s, fufficiently painful in themfelves, are often rendered more
diftrcfling, by miflaken expectations of uninterrupted comfort; or by
unferiptura' inftructions, which reprefent comfort as the evidence of ac-
ceptance, affurance as the effencc of faith, imprtffions or vifions as the
Very d'ljlrcjjing to Chriflian. 93
I faw then in my dream that when Christian was got
to the borders of the Shadow of Death, there met him
two men, children of them that brought up an evil report
of the good land,* making hafle to go back ; to whom
Christian fpake as follows :
Whither are you going ?
They faid, Back ! back ! and we would have you to do
fo too, if either life or peace is prized by you.
Why ? what's the matter ? faid Christian.
Matter ! faid they, We were going that way as you are
going, and went as far as we durft ; and indeed we were
almoil pail coming back : for had we gone a little further
we had not been here to bring the news to thee.
But what have you met with ? faid Christian.
Men. Why we were almoil in the Valley of the Shad-
ow of Death ;f but that by good hap we looked before
us and faw the danger before we came to it.
But what have you feen ? faid Christian.
Men- Seen ! why the Valley itfelf, which is as dark as
pitch : we alfo faw there the hobgoblins, fatyrs, and drag-
ons of the pit : we heard alfo in that Valley continual
howling and yelling, as of a people under unutterable mif-
ery, who there fat bound in affliction and irons ; and over
that Valley hang the difcouraging clouds of confufion :
* Numb. xiii. t Pfai. xiiv. 19.
witnefs of the Spirit, or perfection as attainable in this life, nay achia'Iy
attained by all the regenerate; — as if this were the church triumphant,
and not the church militant. — Ihe ftate of the body a;fo, as difordered
by nervous or hypochondriacal affections, gives energy to the diitreflmg
conclufions which men often draw from this dark ftate of mind : and
indeed diieafe may operate as a direct, caufe of it ; though the Holy Spir-
it will overcome this, and all other impediments to comfort, when " he
fheds abroad the love of God in the heart." — The Scriptures alfo evi-
dently teach us that fallen fpirits never fail, when permitted, to take ad-
vantage of a difordered ftate, whether of body or mind, to miflead,
perplex, or defile the foul. Perfons of a melancholic temperature,
when not aware of the particular caufes whence their gloom originates,
are apt toafcribe it wholly to the Lord's difpleafure, on account of
fomc peculiar fins they have committed ; and to look upon it as a direct
proof that they have been felf-deluded hypocrites ; which exceedingly
enhances their diftrefs. The author himfelf had been greatly harafled
in this way; and therefore he has given us a larger proportion of this
{hade than is generally met with by confiftent believers, or than t!;e
Scriuturea give us reafon to expecl. Indeed it is probable that he meant
to ftate the outlines of his own experience in the pilgrimage of
Christian.
94 The Q'tig and the Ditch.
death alfo doth always fpread his wings over it.* In a
word, it is every whit dreadful, being utterly without order.
Then faid Christian, I perceive not yet, by what you
have faid, but that this is my way to the defired haven.
Mem. Be it thy way ; we will not choole it for ours.
So they parted : and Christian went on his way, but
flill with his fvvord drawn in his hand, for fear left he ihould
be aflaulted. (u)
I faw then in my dream, fo far as this Valley reached
there was on the right hand a very deep Ditch ; that Ditch
is it into which the blind hath led the blind in all ages, and
have both there miferably perifhed. 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
(land on : into that Quag king David once did fall, and
had, no doubt, therein been fmothered, had not he that is
able plucked him out.f
The path-way was here alfo exceeding narrow, and
therefore good Christian was the more put to it ; for
when he fought in the dark to fhun the Ditch on the one
hand, he was ready to tip over into the mire on the other :
alfo when he fought to efcape the mire, without great care-
fulnefs he would be ready to fall into the Ditch. Thus he
went on, and I heard him here figh bitterly : for betides
the dangers mentioned above, the path-way was here fo
*Job iii. 5, x. 22. t PiaW IX1X..14.
(u) Thcfe men were //>/«, not Pilgrims .' and they related what they
had obfervcd at a diftance, but had never experienced. — They repref r:t
thole who have been conversant with godly people and ' bring an evil
report on trie good land,' to piejudice the minds of numbers againft the
right ways or the Lord. Such men pretend to have made trial of
religion, and found it to be comfortlefs and dreary : they give a cirica-
tuiecl defcription of the fighs, groans, terrors and ddlrelles of pirns
perfons, and of all the dreadful things to be feen and heard among
them : and they avail themfelves of every unguarded or hyperbolical
exprcflion, which efcapes a tempted believer, of the erithuliaftic ic-
counts which fome people give of their experience; and even of the
figurative language, which is often employed in fpeaking of inward
conrlitls under images taken fro.n external things. Thus they endeav-
our to excufe their own apoftafy, and to expole to contempt the caufe
which they have deferted. Nothing they can fay, however, concerning
the diforder or confufionto which religion may fometimes give occa-
fin, can induce the Chriftian to conclude that he has miftaken his way,
or that it would be advifable for him to turn back, or deviate into any
by-path : on the co arary their reprefentations are fuited to excite his
vigilance and circumfpeclion.
Chrijlian's Perplexity. 95
dark, that oft-times when he lift up his foot to fet forward,
he knew not v, here, nor upon what, he fhould fet it next.
About the midfl of the Valley, I perceived the mouth of
hell to be, and it flood alfo hard by the way-fide. Now,
thought Christian, what ihall I do? And ever and anon
the flame and fmoke would come out in fuch abundance,
with fparks and hideous noifes, (things that cared not for
Christian's fword, as did Apollyon before,) that he was
forced to put up his fword, and betake himfelf to another
weapon, called all-prayer : fo he cried, in my hearing, " O
Lord, I befeech thee deliver my foul."* Thus he went
on a great while, yet dill the flames would be reaching to-
wards him : alfo he heard doleful voices, and rufhings to
and fro, fo that fometimes he thought he fhould be torn in
pieces, or trodden down like mire in the ftreets. This
I frightful fight was feen, and thefe dreadful noifes were
peard, by him for feveral miles together : and coming to
a place where he thought he heard a company of fiends
coming forward to meet him, he ftopt, and began to mufe
what he had beft to do. Sometimes he had half a thought
to go back ; then again he thought he might be half way
through the Valley : he remembered alfo hew he had al-
ready vanquifhed many a danger ; and that the danger of
going back might be much more than for to go forward.
So he refolved to go o^,: yet the fiends feemed to come
nearer and nearer: but when they were come even almoft
at him, he cried out with a moft vehement voice, " I will
walk in the ftrength of the Lord God ;" fo they gave
back, and came no further. (<zt>)
*Pfal.cxvi. 4. Ephef. vi. 18.
(w) The fatal prefumption, into which men are feothed, ihrough ig-
norance and fal ft- doctrine of various kinds, is intended by the 'deep
Dit. h,' into which, " the blind lead the blind" andperifh with them. —
'The dangerous Qu?g,' on the other fide r f the narrow way, reprefents
the oppofite extreme, defpair of God's mercy : and the mire of it
agrees with that of the Slough of Despond. — In thefe oppofite ways
multitudes continually perifh ; fome concluding that there is no fear,
others that there is no hope. But the danger to which a real believer is
expofed, of verging towards one of thefe extremes in times of inward
darknefs and difcoi folation, is efpecially implied. They, who have
had much opportunity of converfing with perfons profefTing the peculiar
doctrines of the gofpel, have met with many who once were zealous and
joyful: but 'heir religious affections have declined ; their duties are
comparatively fcanty and formal ; their walk unfteady, and their hearts
g6 Chrijlian did not know his own Voice.
One thing I would not let flip : I took notice that now-
poor Christian was fo confounded that he did not know
his own voice ; and thus I perceived it : jufl when he was
come over againft the mouth of the burning pit, one of the
wicked ones got behind him, and ftept up foftly to him, and
whifperingly fuggefted many grievous blafphemies to him,
which he verily thought had proceeded from his own mind.
This put Christian more to it than any thing that he met
with before, even to think that he mould now blafpheme
him that he loved fo much before ; yet if he could have
cold and uncomfortable. They call themfelves backfliders, and com-
plain of defertion : yet they have no heart to ufe proper means of re-
covering their vigour and cheerfulnefs ; but love to be foothed in their
prefent condition ; and quiet tb mfelves by prefuming they are true' be-
lievers, and abufing the doftrine of final perfeverance. — Many of this
can are doubt iefs wholly deceived. But even the true Chriflian, whegjj
greatly difcouraged, may be powerfully tempted to ft-ek peace of min<Ld
by arguing wi'h himlelr on the fafety of his Hate, or trying to be fatijS
fied without his former zeal, a£tivi;y, and confolation : and Sata^
will find prompters to fuggeft to him, that this is the cafe of all eftabliflw
ed believers, and that fervent love belongs only to young converts, who
are (hangers to heir own hearts. This is the more plaufible, becaufe
the increafe of found judgment and abiding fpiritual affections, abates
that earneftnefs, (often indifcreet and difproportionedj which fprang
from mere felfifh principles : and, when religious proftffion is fo com-
mon as not to expofe a man to reproach or perfecution, m: ny retain it,
who have fcarcely any appearance of fpirj^ality, and who infect others
with their contagious converfe and example. But, while the well in-
ftrucled confiftent believer, under the deepen" dilcouragement, dreads
and fhuns this prefumption, he is liable to fink into defpondency ; and
may be led to condemn all his pad experience as delufion, to rank him-
felf among the ftorey-ground hearers, to conclude that it is ufelefs for
him to pray or feek any more, and to lie down in enfeebling deuclion.
And again, perceiving this danger, he finds it very difficult, in the pre-
fent dark fiVe of his foul, to avoid it, without fetming to abufe the free
grace of the gofpel. This date of mind is attended by much difirefs
and perplexity, and makes way for many terrors and temptations : fo
thai, though a man be not perplexed with doubts about the truth of the
Scriptures, he may be unable to make much ufe of them for his direc-
tion and comfort ; and earneft infiant prayer mull be his only resource.
— - Cafes fometimes occur, in which, through a concurrence of circum-
ftances, this trial continues and increafes for fome time : but the true
Chriftian is, as it were, conltrained to prefs forward, and by faith he
will at length put his enemies to flight. — Some have thought, that the
general notions of apparitions alfo was here ailude'd to, as giving the
tempter an occafion of inert afing the terror of luch perfons as are in that
refpeci credulous and timorous.
. ;,;,
Chrijnan is comforted by bearing One/peak* 97
helped it he would not have done it : but he had not the
diieretion either to ftop his ears, or to know from whence
thole blafphemies came, (x)
When Christian had travelled in this difconfolate con-
dition feme considerable time, he thought he heard the
voice of a man, as going before him, faying, "Though I
walk through the valley of the fhadow of death I will fear
none ill, for thou art with me."*
Then was he glad, and that for thefe reafons : — Firft,
becaufe he gathered from thence, that fome who feared
God were in this Valley as well as himfelf : — Secondly,
for tint he perceived God was with them, though in that
dark and diimal ftate : and why not, thought he, with me ;
though by reafon of the impediment that attends this place
I cannot perceive it ?f — Thirdly, for that he hoped (could
* Pfa. xxiii. iv. + Job ix. 11.
(v) The cafe here intended is not uncommon among confeientious
enons cf ftrong imaginations, in circumftances of diitreiling tempta-
ion. Thoughts are fuddmly excited in their minds, with which their
previous rdlcrtions had no connexion, even as if words- were fpoken to
them. T hefe fuggelhons are fuited to induce them to think hardly of
Go l>, or his fervice, or his decrees ; and this they abhor ?s direct blal-
pbecoy : or to harafs them with other hateful ideas; which they confid-
er is ujpirdonabiy criminal, in confident with a ftate of grace and a
.mark ofc. final reprobation. Yet did thefe fuggeftions accord to the
Hate of their hearts thejypould be defiling but not difirejing', and in-
ilead of rejecting them a^nce with decided abhorrence, they would
give them entertainment, and willingly employ their thoughts about
them, as far as they dared : "for the carnal mind is enmity again ft
Goi>,'' and can only be deterred from blafphemy, on many occalions,
by the dread of his vengeance : fo that the diflrefs they experience is
exa tly proportioned to the degree in which they have learned to love
God, and h^tc every thing dil'pleafing and difhonourable to him ; and
is ill", if an evidence of their converfion. — Our author had been i'omuch
baHled by this Uratagem of the tempter, that it would have been extraor-
dinary h id he omitted it : for the fubfequent difcovcry he made of his
miliar, and of the way of refilling the devil in this cafe, qualified him
t> give luitable cautions to others. — {'he intruiiou of evil thoughts
fhouid excite us to greater earnefy el? in prayer, pious meditations, or
ring praifes ; for this, above all things, will be found to clofe the
mmd moil effectually againii th^m.
1 be following lines come in here, as before —
1 Poor man ! where art thou now ? thy day is night ;
Good man, be not call down, thou yet an right.
The way to heav'n lies by the gates of hell :
Cheer up, hold out, with thee it ihall go well.'
I
98 The Day breaks^ and cheers Cbrifiian.
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 anfwer ; for that he alfo thought himfeif to be
alone. And by and by the day broke: then laid Chris-
tian, " He hath turned the fhadow of death into the
morning."* (y)
Now morning being come, he looked back, not of defire
to return, but to fee by the light of the day what hazards
he had gone through in the dark : fo he law more per-
fectly the Ditch that was on the one hand, and the Quag
that was on the other ; alfo how narrow the way was which
lay betwixt them both : alfo now he faw the hobgoblins,
and fetyrs, and dragons of the pit, but all afar off, for after
break of the day they came not nigh ; yet they were dis-
covered to him, according to that which is written, " He
difcoverelh deep things out of darknefs, and bringeth out
to light the fhadow of death. ';f
Now was Christian much affected with his deliverance
from all the dangers of his folitary way ; which dangers
though he feared them more before, yet he faw them more
clearly now, becauie the light of the day made them con- .
fpicuous to him. And about this time the fun was riling;
and this was another mercy to Christian ; for you mult
note, that though the firfl part of the Valley of the Shadow
of Death was dangerous ; yet this fecond part, which he
was yet to go, was, if pcfLble, far rrfbre dangerous : for,
frcm the place where he now flood even to the end of the
Valley, the way was all along fet fo full of fnares, traps,
gins and nets here ; and fo full of pits, pitfalls, deep holes,
nnd fhelvings down, there ; that had it now been dark, ay
it was when he came the firfl part of the way, had he had
a thoufaud fouls they had in reafon been call away : but,
* Amos v. 8. + Job xii. 22.
(y) Few things mCTe_effe£rualry fupport the tempted, than to learn
that others, whom '.Iky cciiider as klievers, have been or are inihnilar
circumiku.us : for the idea, that (uch a flatc of mir.d is ineonfiflent
with true foiih, gives the enemy his principal advantage. Indeed, this
often prcv; s the means of their deliverance : for in due £e«fon that
light, affeclion, and eonfolatioi', for which they have long mourned,
tinrlUd, ursyed, and waited, will be vouchfafed them; and the -review
of ihe darecrs they have efcaped, new mere clearly difcerned than
before, will enlarge their hcam with admiring gratitude to tbeir great
and gra. ious Deliverer! ,
s*
Two Giants , Pope and Pagan. 99
as I faid, juft now the fun was riling. Then faid he, " His
candle ftrineth on my head, and by his light 1 go through
darkuefs."* (z)
In this light therefore he came to the end of the Valley.
Now I law in my dream, that at the end of this Valley lay
blood, bones, afties and mingled bodies of men, even of
Pilgrims that had gone this way formerly ; and while I
was milling what lliould be the reafon, I efpied a little be-
fore me a cave, where two giants, Fop£ and Pagan, dwelt
in old time ; by whofe power and tyranny the men, whole
bones, blood, allies, &c. lay there, were cruelly put to death.
But by this place Christian went without much danger,
whereat I ibmewhat wondered : but I have learnt fince,
that Pagan has been dead many a day ; and, as for the
other, though lie be yet alive, he is, by reafon of age, and
alio of the many fhrewJ brufhes that he met with in his
younger days, grown fo crazy and ftiff in his joints, that
he can now do little more than fit in his cave's mouth,
grinning at Pilgrims as they go by, and biting his nails
becaufe he cannot come at them.
So I faw that Christian went on his way ; yet, at the
fight of the old man, that fat in the mouth in the cave, he
could not tell what to think ; fpecially becaufe he fpake to
him, though he could not go after him, faying, * You will
never mend till more of you be burned.' But he held his
peace, and fet a goo4 face on it, and fo went by and caught
no hurt. (#) Then fang Christian,
* Job xx-.x. 3.
(zj Various interpretations are given of this fecond part of the Valley,
which only mew, that the author's precife idea in it lies more remo'efrom
generak.pprchenfion, than in other paffages : for they ail coincide with
lome of the difficulties or dangers that are clearly deieiibed under other
ennlems. — In general we are taught by it, that believers are not moil
in danger when under the deepeft diftrefs ; that the (hares and devices
of the enemy are fo many and various, through the feverai fiages of
our pilgrimage, as to bams all description or enumeration ; and that
all the emblems of the Valley of HUMILIATION1, and of the
Shadow ok Death, could not fa! iy reprefent the thoufandth
put of them. Were it not, therefore, that the Lord undertakes to
guide his people, by the light of his word and Spirit, they never
coald pofhbiy elcape them all.
(a) The inhabitants of Ba ita r N are not thought to he in any imme-
langer, either from Pope or Pagan. Yet fomethmg very
like the phuofephicai- p,ut of pjga:;ihn fee ins to be riling from the
109 Chrifian overtakes Faithful.
1 O world of wonders ! (I can fay no lefs)
'J hat I fliould 1c ptefery'd in ihnt diftrek
That I have met with here ! O blefied f e
That hand tin; from i: ha h dciiver'd me !
Dangers in darkness, devils, he!', and fin,
Did com] a's me, while I this vale was in :
^ ca, fnares, and pits, and traps, arid nets, did lie
My path aboir, that worthless filly I
Might have b en calch'd, entangled, and call clown :
But fiixe I live let Jesus wear the crow-,.'
Now as Christian went on his way he came to a little
afcent, which was up caft on purpofe that Pilgrims might
fee before them. Up there, therefore, Christian went ;
and looking forward he faw Faithful before him up on his
journey. Then faid Christian aloud, ' Ho ho, fo ho ;
ftay, and I will be your companion. ' At that Faithful
looked behind him; to whom Christian cried again,
* Stay, ftay, till I come up to you/ but Faithful aniwer-
ed, * No, I am upon my life, and the avenger of blood is t
behind me.'
At this Christian was fomewhat moved, and putting
to all his ftrength he quickly got up with Faithful, and
did alfo overrun him ; fo the laft was firft. Then did
Christian vain-gloriouily fmile, becaufe he had gotten the
ftart of his brother : but not taking good heed to his feet,
he fuddenly ftumbled and fell, and could not rife again
until Faithful came up to help him. (£)
dead ; and as, even by the confeflion of the late king of Pruss i a, who
was a fteady friend to the philofophical infidels, tiny ' are by no means
favourable to general toleration,' it is not improbable but pagan perfe-
ction may alio in due time revive. Nay it may be queflioncd, wheth-
er popery may not yet fo far recover its vigour, as to make one more
alarming' druggie againft vital Chriflianity, before that Man of Sin
be finally dellroyed. — Our author, however, has defamed no other
peifecution than what proteftauts in his time carried on againft one
another with very great alacrity.
(/>) This afcent may denote thbfe moments of encouragement, in
which tempted believers rife fuperior to their difficul ies ; and are ani-
mated to d-firc the companjr of their breihren,. whom dejc6t;on undei
humiliating experiences dilppfes them to fhun. — The conduQ of
CHRISTIAN intimates, thdft believers are fometimes ready to hinder
one another, by making 'their ow.i attainments and progrels a ftandard
for their brethren ; but the lively rxcrcife of faith renders men intent
on prefiing forward, and more apt to fear the focicfy of fuch as would
influence them to loiter, than to ll up for them. This tends to excite
an ufeful emulatio.i : but, while it promotes diligence, it often gives
occafion to thofc rifings of vain-glory and felf-preference, which are the
I
Tbty t-mverfe about their City, 101
Then I faw in my dream, they went very lovingly on
together, and had fweet difcourfe of all things that had
happened to them in their pilgrimage: and thus Chris-
tian began.
My honoured and well-beloved brother Faithful, I am
glad that I have overtaken you ; and that God has fo tem-
pered our fpirit that we can walk as companions in this fo
pleafant a path.
Faith. I had thought, dear friend, to have had your
company quite from our town, but you did get the itart of
me : wherefore I was forced to come thus much of the'
way alone.
Chr. How long did you May in the City of Destruc-
tion, before you let out after me on your pilgrimage ?
Faith. Till I could ftay no longer; for there was
great talk prefently after you were gone out, that our city
would in a ihort time with fire from heaven be burned
down to the ground.
Chr. What ! did your neighbours talk fo ?
Faith. Yes, 'twas for a while in every body's mouth,
Chr. What! and did no more of them but you come
out to efcape the danger ?
Faith. Though there was, as I faid, a great talk there-
about, yet I do not think they did firmly believe it., For
in the heat of the difcourfe, I heard fome of them derid-
ingly fpeak of you, and of your de /prate journey, for fo they
called this your pilgrimage. But I did believe, and do
Hi 11, that the end of our city will be with tire and brimftone
from above ; and therefore I have made mine efcape. (*)
forerunners of fome humiliating fall : and thus believers often f*d
their need of heip from thofe very perfons whom they have fooh'ftJy
under-valued. Yet this gives occasion tc thole mutual good office?
which unite them more clofely in the neareu ties of tender attention. **
('<
airtfto. a uoppj auvuiua£t. uj x.iyn.'w I;ic cnaracicrs ana c.xper;
Chriftians, as found in real life; and cf thus avoiding the common
of roa ung one man a ftandard for others, in the circumftancea cf
\c) 1 his epifode, fo to fpea"k, and others of the fame kind, give our
ihor a happy advantage of varying the characters and experiences of
inftians, as found in real life ; and cf thus avoiding the common
^ ilt of making one man a ftandard for others, in the circumftances of
ins rrligiois progrefs.— It of:er: happens, that they who have :
|uainted before their converfion, and hear little or each other for fome
time after, find at length that they were led to attend to religion about
..• period, without having opportunity or course to co, rtr up
refpeaing it. The decided fepararion of a firmer from his old
companions and purfuus, to walk with Go d in all his ordinances and
sonVaiancmems, irom avowed dread cf u the wrath to come,'' as- well
J 2
102 Faithful pews Ckr'piati
Chr. Did you hear no talk of neighbour Pliaele :
Faith. Yes, Christian, I heard- that he followed you
till he came at the Slough of Despond; where, as lome
laid, he fell in ; but he would not be known to have fo
done ; but I am fare he was ibundly bedabbled with that
kind of dirt.
Chr. And what laid the neighbours to him ?
Faith. He hath fince his going back been had greatly
in derifion, and that among all forts of people ; fome do
mock and defpife him, and icarce will any let him on work.
He is now feven times worfe than if he had never gone out
of the city.
Chr. But why mould they be fo fet againft him, fince-
they alfo defpifed the way that he forfook ?
Faith. Oh, they fay, * Hang him; he is Turncoat !
he was not true to his prcfeffion.' I think God has ftirred
up even his enemies to hifs at him, and make him a proverb,
becaufe he hath forfaken the way.*'
Chr. Had you no talk with him before you came out l\
Faith. I met him once in the ftreets, but he leered
away on the other fide, as one afhamed of what he had
clone : fo I fpake not to him.
Chr. Well, at my firft letting out I had hopes of that
man ; but now I fear he will perifh 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 fow that was wafhed to her wallowing in her mire."f
Faith. They are my fears of him too : but who can
hinder that which will be ?
Well, neighbour Faithful, laid Christian, let us leave
him3 and talk of things that more immediately concern our-
felves. (d) Tell me now what you have met with in the
* Jer. xxix. 18, 19. + 2 Pet. ii. 22.
as the hope of eternal life, frequently excites ferious thoughts in the
minds of others, whi< h they are not able wholly to (hike off. In many
indeed this is a mere .transient alarm, infufEcient to overcome the pro-
penfities of the carnal mind : but when it arifes from a real beliet of
God's teftimony it will at length produce a happy change.
(d) Apoft ares arc often afhamed to own they have had conviftions.
Even their former companions afTiime a fuperiority over them, do not
think them hearty in the caufe of ungodlinefs, and defpife their cow-
ardice and inftability : while feeling tnat they want an apology, they
have recourfe to lies and flinders with abjeft fervility. On the other
hand they ftiun religious people, as afraid of encountering their argu-
ments, warnings, and expoftulattans ; and thus are in all iefpefts ex-
ceedingly contemptible and wretched,
s
:
Hoiu Pliable was defpifed at Home, i 03
way as you came : for I know you have met with fome
things, or elfe it may be writ for a wonder.
Faith. I efcaped the Slough that I perceive you fell
into, and got up to the Gate without that danger ; only I
met with one, whole name was Wanton, that had like to
have done me a mifchief. -
Chr. It was well you efcaped her net: Joseph was
hard put to it by her, and he efcaped her as you did ; but
it had like to have coft him his life.* But what did {he
do to you.
Faith. You cannot think, but that you know fome-
thing, what a flattering tongue fhe had ; fhe lay at me
hard to turn afide with her, promiiing me all manner of
content.
Chr. Nay, fhe did not promife you the content of a
good conscience.
Faith. You know what I mean ; all carnal and flefhly
ontent.
Chr. Thank God you have efcaped her : "the abhor-
red of the Lord fhall fall into her ditch."f
Faith. Nay, I know not whether I did wholly efcape
her or no.
Chr. Why, I trow you did not confent to her defires.
Faith. No, not to defile myfelf, for I remembered an
old writing that I had feen, which faith, " her fteps take
hold of hell. "J So I fhut mine eyes, becaufe I would
not be bewitched with her looks : — then fhe railed on me,
and I went my way. (e)
Chr. Did you meet with no other affault as you came ?
Faith. When I came to the foot of the hill called
Difficulty, I met with a very aged man, who afked me
what I was, and whither bound ? I told him that I was a
* Gen. xxxix. 11-^13. + Prov. xxii. 14. + Prov. v. 5. Job xxxi. 1.
(c) Some men ar" preferred from defponding fears, and the fuggef-
tions of worldly wifdom, by receiving more diftmft views of the truths
of the gofpel ; and thus they proceed with lefs hefitation and interrup-
tion, in feeking toCuRisr for falvation : yet, perhaps, theirtemperature,
turn of mind, habits of life, and peculiar foliation, render '.hem more
acceflible to temptations of another fort ; and they are more in danger
from the fafcinations of flefh'y lufts. Thus in different ways the Lord
makes his people fenfible of their depravity, weaknefs, and expofed fit-
uation ; while he fo moderates the rempiation, or interpofes for their
deliverance, that they are prcferved, and taught to afcribe all the glory
to his name.
104 Faithful war tempted by Adam the I:i'Jl*
Pilgrim going to the Celeftial City. Then ford the old man,
Thou lookell like an honeft fellow : wilt thou be content to
dwell with me, for the wages that I fhall give thee ? Then
I afked him his name, and where he dwelt ? He faid, His
name was Adam the first, and I dwell in the town of
Deceit.* I afked him then what was his work? and
what the wages that he would give ? He told me, that his
work was many delights ; and his wages, that I mould be
his heir at la ft. I further afked him, what houfe he kept*
and what other fervants he had ? So he told me, that his
houfe was maintained with all the dainties in the world t
and that his fervants were thole of his own begetting.
Then I afked how many children he had ? He faid that he
had but three daughters, u the Lujl of the jlejh> the Lujl of
the eyes, and the Pride of life ;"f and that I ihould marry
them if I would. Then I afked how long time he would
have me to live with him ? And he told me, as long as he
lived himfelf.
Chr. Well, and what conclufion came the Old man an
you to at kit ?
Faith. Why, at firft I found myfelf fomewhat inclina-
ble to go with the man, for I thought he fpa'ke very fair j
but looking in his forehead as I talked with him, I faW
there written, " Put off the old man with his deeds."
Chr. And how then ?
Faith. Then it came burning hot into my mind, what-
ever he faid, and however he flattered, when he got me
home to his houfe, he would fell me for a flave. So I bid
him forbear to talk, for I would not come near the door of
his houfe. Then he reviled me, and told me, that he would
fend Inch a one after me that Ihould make my way bitter'
to my foul. So I turned to go away from him ; but juft
as I turned myfelf to go thence, I felt him take hold of
my flelh-, and gave me fuch a deadly twitch back, that I
thought he had pulled part of me after himfelf: this made
me cry, "O wretched man !"J — So I went on my way up
the hill. (/)
* Ephcf. iv. 22. t J John ii. 16. £ Rom. vii. 24.
f/j Thofe Chriftians, who, by ftrong faith oj aflured hope, endure
hardfhips more cheerfully than their brethren, mcy fometimes be ex-
pofed to greater danger from the allurements of outward objecls. Deep
ftumiliatioa and greiu anxiety about the event, in many inftances, tend
:
Faithful ivas almojl Jla'in by MofeT. 105
Now, when. I had got about half way up, I looked be-
hind me, and faw one coming after me, fwift as the wind ;
fo he overlook me juft about the place where the fettle ftands.
Jult there, laid Christian, did I fit down to reft me ;
but being overcome with fleep, I there loft this Roll out
of my bofom.
Faith. But, good brother, hear me out : fo foon as
the man overtook me, he was but a word and a blow, for
down he knocked me, and laid me for dead. But when I
was a little come to myfelf again, I alked him wherefore
lie leived me fo ? He laid, becaufe of my fecret inclining
to Adam the first : and with that he ftruck me another
deadly blow on the brealt, and beat me down backward :
fo I lay at his foot as dead as before. So when I came to
myfelf again I cried him mercy : but he fiid, I know
not how to fhew mercy ; and with that knocked me down
again. He had doubtlefs made an end of me, but that
ne came by and bid him forbear.
Chr. Who was that that bid him forbear ?
Faith. I did not know him at fir ft, but as he went by
I perceived the holes in his hands and in his fide : then I
concluded that he was our Lord. So I went up the hill.
Chr. That man that overtook you was Moses. He
fpareth none, neither knoweth he how to fhew mercy to
thofe that tranfgrefs his law.
Faith. I know it very well ; it was not the firft time
that he has met with me. 'Twas he that came to me when
I dwelt fecurely at home, and that told me he would burn
my houfe over my head if I ilaid there, (g)
to ivprefs the lulls of the h:art by fupplying a continual fucceffion of
o;her thoughts and cares; while conttara encouragement, readily at-
tain-d, too often leaves a man to experience them more forcibly. Nay,
the fame perfoi s, who under prefling foticitude feem to be entirely de-
livered fro n fom* peculiar corruptions, find them revive and become
very importunate v/hen thxy have obtained more confidence about their
falvatiuo. The old Adam, the corrupt nature, proves a conftant
Chare to many believers, by its thirft'mg after the pleafures, riches, hon-
ours, and pride of the world ; nor can the viftory be fecured without
great difficulty and trouble, and ftrong faith and fervent prayer.
(g) The doctrine of Moses did not efTentially differ from that of
Ch hist : but the giving of the law, that miniflration of condemna-
tion to all finners, formed fo prominent a part of his difpenfation, in
which the gofpel was exhibited under types and fhadows, that " the
law" is faid to have been M given by Moses," while "grace and tm:h
camp by J.ssbs Cii R 1ST ;" especially, as the fkudows were of no fur-
106 Faithful refutes Dif content ;
Chr. But did you not fee the houfe that flood there on
the top of that hill on the fide of which Moses met you ?
Faith. Yes, and the lions too, before I came at it : —
but, for the lions, I think they were afleep ; for it was
about noon : — and, becaufe I had fo much of the day be-
fore me, I pafled by the Porter and came down the hill. (£)
Chr. He told me indeed, that he faw you go by ; but
I wiih you had called at the houfe, for they would have
fhewed you io many rarities, that you would fcarce have
forgot them to the day of your death. But pray tell me,
did you meet nobody in the Valley of Humility ?
Faith. Yes, I met with one Discontent, who would
willingly have perfuaded me to go back again *ith him :
his reafon was, for that the Valley was altogether without
honour. He told me moreover, that there to go was the
way to difoblige all my friends, as Pride, Arrogancy,
Self-conceit, Worldly-glory, with others, who, he
knew, as he faid, would be very much offended if I mac
fuch a fool of myfelf as to wade through this Valley.
Chr. Well, and how did you anfwer him ?
Faith. I told him that although all thefe that he named
might claim kindred of me, and that rightly, (for indeed
ther ufe when the Subflance was come. Even fuch defires of things
forbidden as are efFe&ually oppofed and reprefled, being contrary to the
fpirituality of the precept, " Thou (halt not cover," often greatly dif-
cour'ge the new convert, who does not duly recolieft, that the gofpel
is intended to relieve thofe who feel themielvesjuftly condemned by
the law. Yet thefe terrors prove the occafion of deeper humiliation,
and gr ater fimplicity of dependence on the mercy of Go n in Christ
J Esus, as " the end of the law for righteoufneis to every one that be-
lieveth." Many for a time efcape difcouiagement, becaufe they are
but fuperficially acquainted with their own heaits; yet it is proper they
fhould be further inihurted by fuch conflicts as are here defcribed, in
order to their greater liability, tendernefs of confidence, and compafuon
for (heir brethren, in the fubfequent part of their pilgrimage.
(k) This circumftance feems to imply, that, in our author's judg-
ment, even eminent befievers fometime.s decline entering into communion
with their brethren, according to his views of it; and that very lively
afl< clions and {Irong confoiations may render them lefs attentive to ex-
ternals. Indeed he deemed this a difadvatitagc and a mi/lake, (which
feems intimated by Faithful's not calling either at the Houf; of
the 1 N r k R i» p E T E R , or at the houfe V> k a u T.I t U 1 , ) yet that, is not
a fufficient reafon why other Chriftians fhould not cordially unite with
then..- This is a beautiful example of that candour, in refpefj of thole
things about which pious peifons differ, that ecu. fills with decided firm-
nets in the great eflcatials of faitS and holinefs.
And is ajfaulted by Shame. 107
they were my relations according to the item ;) yet fmce I
became a Pilgrim they have diibwned me, as I alfo have
rejected them, and therefore they are to me now no more
than if they had never been of my lineage. I told him,
moreover, that as to this Valley he had quite mifreprefented
the thing ; for " before honour is humility," " »6d a
haughty lpirit before a fall." Therefore, faid I, I had
rather go through this Valley to the honour that was fo
accounted by the wifeit, than choofe that which he efteemed
mod worth our affections, (i)
Chr. Met you with, nothing elfe in that Valley ?
Faith. Yes, I met with Shame ; but of all the men
that I met with in my pilgrimage, he, I think, bears the
wrong name. The other would be faid nay, after a little
argumentation and fomewhat elfe : but this bold-faced
Shame would never have done.
h Chr. Why, what did he fay to you ?
Faith. What ! why he objected againft religion itfelf.
He laid, It was a pitiful, low, fneaking bufinefs for a man
to mind religion ; he faid, that a tender conference was an
unmanly thing ; and that for a man to watch over his
words and ways, fo as to tie up himfelf from that hectoring
liberty that the brave fpirits of the times accuftom them-
felves unto, would make him the ridicule of the times.
He objected alfo, that but few of the mighty, rich, or wife,
were ever of my opinion ; nor any of them neither, before
they were perfuaded to be fools, and to be of a voluntary
fondnefs to venture the lofs of all for nobody elfe knows
(i) While lome believers arc mod tried with inward fears and con-
flitts, other! are more temped to repine at the outward degradation,
reproach or ridicule, to which religion exuofes them. A man perhaps,
2t iiiir, may flatter himfelf with the hope of avoiding the peculiarities
and extravagances, which have brought enmity or contempt on lome
p- >felibrs of thegolpel ; and of infuring refpeH and affection, by cau-
tion, uprighuicls, and benevolence ; but further exrerience and,
knowledge conflrain him to adopt and avow fentimerts, and aflbciatc
with pcrions, that the world defpifes. And, feeing himfelf invincibly
impelled by Ins conference, to a line of conducl which infures the re-
proach of enthui'iafm and folly, the lofs of friends, and manifold mor-
tihcauom, hie is powerfully aHaulted by difcontent; and tempted to
repine, that the way to heaven lies througn fuch humiliations and
worldly disappointments : till the confidenaions, adcuced in Faitm-
1 1; 1 's anfwer, enable him at length to overcome this afTailant, and t»
M feck the honour that comcth from God only."
108 Faithful with difficulty repels Shamr.
what.* He moreover objected the bafe and low eft ate and
condition of thoie that were chiefly the Pilgrims of the
times in which they lived ; alfo their ignorance, and want
of understanding in all natural fcience. Yea, he did hold
me to it at that rate alfo about a great many more things
than here I relate ; as, that it was a fhame to fit whining
and mourning under a fermon, and a fhame to come Sigh-
ing and groaning home ; that it was a fhame to afk my
neighbour forgivenefs for petty faults, or to make restitu-
tion where I had taken from any. Ke faid alfo, that
religion made a man grow {h-ange to the great, becaufe of
a few vices, (which he called by finer names ;) and made
him own and refpect the bafe, becaufe of the fame religious
fraternity : and is not this, faid he, a fhame ?
Chr. And what did you fay to him ?
Faith. Say ! I could not tell what to fay at firfr. Yea,
he put me fo to it that my blood came up in my face j
even this Shame fetched it up, and had almoft beat me
quite off. But at laft I began to confider that " that
which is highly efteemed among men is had in abomina-
tion with God."-]- And 1 thought again, this fhame tells
me what men are ; but it tells me nothing what God or
the word of God is. And I thought moreover, that at
the day of doom we mail not be doomed to death t,r life,
according to the Sectoring fpirits of the world, but accord-
ing to the wifdom and law of the Higheft. Therefore,
thought I, what God fays is heft, is belt, though all the
men in the world are againft it : feeing then that God
prefers his religion ; feeing God prefers a tender con-
icience ; feeing they that make themfelves fools for the
kingdom of heaven are wifeft ; and that the poor man that
loveth Christ is richer than the greateft man in the w,orld
that hates him ; Shame, depart, thou art an enemy to my
falvation ; (hall I entertain thee againft my fovereign
Lord ? how then ihall I look him in the face at his com-
ing ? Should I now be afhamed of his ways and fervants,
how can I expert the bleffing ? % But indeed this
Shame was a bold villain ; I could fcarcely fhake him out
of my company : ye^, he would be haunting of me, and
continually whifpering me in the ear, with fome one or
other of the infirmities that attend religion : but at laft I
told him, 'twas but in vain to attempt further in this bufi-
* John vii.^48. l Cor. i. 26. iii. 18. Phil. iii. 7 — 9.
+* Luke xvi. 15. % Mark viii. 38.
Pilgrims need Vigilance. 109
nefs ; for thofe things that he difdained, in thofe did I fee
mod glory: and fo at lalt I got paft this importunate one.(^)
And when I had ihaken him off then I began to fing :
1 The trials that thofe men do meet withal,
That are obedient to the heavenly call,
Are manifold and fuited to the flefh, "
And com e, ar,d come, and come again afrefh j
That now, or fometime eife, we by them may
Be taken, overcome, and caft away.
O let the Pilgrims, let the Pilgrims then
Be vigilant, and quit themfelves like men.'
Chr. I am glad, my brother, that thou didft: withftand
this villain fo bravely ; for of all, as thou fayeft, I think he
(k) Perfons of a peculiar turn of mind, when enabled to overcome
temptations to difcontent abo;it worldly degradation, are exceedingly
prone to be influenced by a falfe fhame, and to profefs religion with a
timid caution ; to be afraid of declaring their fentiments with freedom
in fome places arid companies, even when the moil favourable oppor-
tunity occurs ; to {htm in part the fociety of thofe whom they moll
love and eflecm, left they fliould be involved in the contempt caft on
them ; to be referved and inconflant in attending on the ordinances of
God, entering a proteft agai-Mt vice and irreligion, bearing teftimony
to the truth, and attempting to promote thegofpel : being apprehenfive
le'.i thefe things fliould deduct from their reputation for good fenfe,
prudence, learning, or liberality of mind. Men, who are lead expofed
to thofe conflii^s in which Cn R istian was engaged, are often mofh
baffled by this enemy : nor can others readily make proper allowances
for them in this cafe; any more than they can for fuch as experience
thofe dark temptations, of which they have no conception. Confiitu-
tmn, habits, connexions, extenfive acquaintance with mankind, and an
excefs of fenGbility, united to that pride which is common to man, con-
tinually fuggefl objections to every thing the world defpifes, which they
can hardly anfwer to themfelves, and excite fuch alarms as they cannot
farmount : while a delicate fenfe of propriety, and the fpecious name
of prudence, fupply them with a kind of half excufe for their timidity.
The conftant trouble which this criminal and unreasonable fhame oc-
cafions fome perfons. contrary to thcirjudgmer.t, endeavours and prayers,
>; ive our author the idea, that ' this enemy bea?s a wrong name.' Many
a fuggeftion made to the mind in this refpeS from time to time, is lo
natural, and hits fo ftrong a party within, (efpecially in thofe who are
more defirous of honour than of wealth or pleafure;) that men can
Icarcely help feeling for the moment as if tlicre were truth init, though
they know upon reflection that it is moff irrational. Nay, thefe feel-
infenfibly worp their condo£| } though they are continually felf-
conderaned on the retrofpett. There are fome who hardly ever get
the better of this falfe fbame; and it often brings their fincerity into
doubt, both with themfelves and others : but flourifhing Chriilians at
h in good meafure rife fupenor to it, by fuch conii derations as are
here adduced, and by earneft perfevering prayer.
K
Iio Shame muji be repelled by Prayer,
has the wrong name : for he is fo bold as to follow us in
the ftreetSj and to atterrfpt to put us to fliame before all
men ; that is, to make us afhamed of that which is good.
But if he was not himfelf audacious, he would never at-
tempt to do as he does : but let us ft ill refift him ; for,
notwithstanding all his bravadoes, he promcteth the fool,
and none elfe. "The wife fhall inherit glory," laid Sol-
omon ; "butfhame fhall be the promotion of fools. "*
Faith. I think we muft cry to him for help againft
Shame, that would have us be " valiant for truth upon the
earth."
Chr. You fay true : but did you meet nobody elfe in
that Valley ?
Faith. No, not I ; for I had fun-fhine all the reft of the
way through that, and alfo through the Valley of the
Shadow of Death. (/)
Chr.. 'Twas well for you ; I am &ire it fared far other*
wife with me : I had for a long feafon, as foon almoft as I
entered into that Valley, a dreadful combat with that foul
fend Apollyon ; yea, I thought verily he would have
killed me, efpecially when he got me down and crufhed me
under him as if he would have crufhedme to pieces ; for
as he threw me, my fword flew out of my hand ; nay, he
told me he was fure 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 almoft half the way through it. I thought
I ftiould have been killed there over and over : but at laft
day brake, and the fun rofe, and I went through that
which was behind with far more eafe and quiet.
Moreover, I faw in my dream, that as they went en,
Faithful, as he chanced to look en one fide, faw a man,
* Prov. iii. 35.
(/) Cli p. i st i an in great me a fure efcaped the peculiar temptations
that alfaulted Faithful; yet he fympatbized with him : nor did
the latter deem the gloomy experiences of his brother vifionary or im-
aginative, though he had been exempted from them. One man, from
a complication of caufes, is expofed to temptations of which another is
ignorant ; and in this cafe he needs much fympathy, which he feldom
meet:, with : while they, who are fevercon him, are liable to be baffled
in another way, which, for want of conr.der.ee in habit, temperature,
and fitnation, be is equally prone todifregard. Thus Chriftians are oft-
en led reciprocally to cenfurc, fufpeft, or diflikc ..each other, on thefe
.•cry grounds which fhould lender tbem ufeful and encouraging co,un>
fcllors and companions !
The Pilgrims over tale Talh.ulvc. 11*
whofe name is Talkative, walking at a diftancc befidc
them \ for in this place there was room enough for tin
all to walk. He was a tall man, and fomethmg more
comely at a dt fiance than at hand. To this man Faith-
ful addrelTed himielf in this manner : (w)
Friend, whither away I are you going Lo die hea
coantry ?
Talk. I am going to that lame place*
Fa itu. That is well ; then I hope we may have yOiU
good company ?
Talk. With a very good will, will I be your companion.
Faith. Come on then, and let us go together, and
let us fpend our time in difcourfing of things that are prof
itable.
Talk. To talk of things that are good to me is very
acceptable to me, with you or with any other j and I am
glad that I have met*vith thofe that incline to fo good a
work. For, to fpeak the truth, there are but few that care
thus to fpend their time as they are in their travels ; but
choofe much rather to be fpeaking of things to no profit :
and this hath been a trouble to me.
Faith. That is indeed a thing to be lamented : for
what thing fo worthy of the ufe 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 faying is
full of conviction : and, I will add, what thing is fo pleaf-
ant, and what fo profitable, as to talk of the things of God ?
(/?;)Thc character here introduced, under a moil exprefTive name, is
an admirable portrait, drawn by a roafteily hand from fome drifting
original, but exactly refemblmg numbers in every age and place,
■where the truths of the gofpel are generally known. — Talkative
is not To called merely from his loquacity ; but alfo from the pt cu'.iarity
of his religious profeflion, which gives j'cope to his natural propenfity,
by fumifhing him with a copious fubjecr, and enabling him to difpiay
his t dents, or feck credit among pious perfons, without the trouble ami
tx-pertfe of practical godlmefs-. Such vain talkers efpecially appear
when religious profefTion is fafe, and reputable, and even in many cafes
conducive to fecular advantage. They m:iy, therefore, be expected in
our age and nation, particularly in populous plaeeS, where the preach-
ing or profeflion of any do&rine excites little attention or furprile, but
enfures regard 3nd favour from a numerous b:>dy who hold the fame
opinions. Such men appear above others, pufhirg themfelves into no-
tice, aid becoming more confpicuous than humble believers : bur their
profeffiort, fpeciou-i at a difbnee, will not endure a near and flbicfc m-
veiti gation.
1 1 2 Talkative* s plaufible Dtjcourfe- with Faithful*
What things fo pleaihnt ? that is, if a man hath any tie-
light in things that are wonderful : for infiance, if a man
doth delight to talk of the hiiloiy or the myitery of things ;
or if a man doth love to talk of miracles, wonders or figns ;
where mall he find things recorded fo delightful, and io
fweetly penned, as in the Holy Scripture ?
Faith. That's true : but to be profited by fuch things
in our talk, mould be that which we deiign.
Talk. That is that I faid ; for to talk of fuch things
is mod profitable : for by fo doing a man may get knowl-
edge 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 necefTity
of the new birth ; the infufficiency of our works ; the need
of Christ's righteoufneis, &C, Betides, by this a man
man learn by talk what it is to repent, to believe, to pray,
to fuffer, or the like; by this alio apian may learn what
are the great promifes and confolations of the gofpel, to
h is own comfort. Further, by this a man may learn to
refute falfe opinions, to vindicate the truth, and alio to
inMruci the ignorant.
Faith. All this is true, and glad am I to hear thefe
things from you.
Talk. Alas ! the want of this is the caufe that fo few
underhand the need of faith, and the necefiity of a work of
grace in their foul, in order to eternal life ; but ignorantly
live in the works of the law, by which a man can by no
means obtain the kingdom of heaven.
Faith. But, by your leave, heavenly knowledge of thefe
is the gift of God ; no man attaineth to them by human
induftry, or only by the talk of them.
Talk. All this I know very well : 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 Scrip-
tures for the confirmation of this.
Well then, faid Faithful, what is that one thing that
we mail at this time found our diicourle upon ?
Talk. What you will ; I will talk of things heavenly
or things earthly ; things moral or things evangelical ;
things (acred or things profane; things pail or things to
come; tilings foreign or things at home : things more ef-
fential or things circumftantial ; provided that all be done
to our profit.
Faithful undeceived by Chriftiati. it 3
Now did Faithful begin to wonder ; and flopping to
Christian, (for lie walked all this while by himfelf ;) lie
faid to him, but foftly, What a brave companion have we
got ! Surely this man will make a very excellent Pilgrim. (;;)
At this Christian modeitly fmiled and faid, This man,
with whom you are fo taken, will beguile with this tongue
of his twenty of them that know him not,
Faith. Do you know him then ?
Chr. Know him ! yes, better than he knows himfelf.
Faith. Pray what is he ?
Chr. His name is Talkative ; he dwelleth in our
town. I wonder that you fhould be a ftranger to him 5
only I conlider that our town is large.
Faith. Whole fon is he ? and whereabout doth he
dwell ?
Chr. He is fon of one Say-well, he dwelt in Prating-
row ; and he is known of all that are acquainted with him,
by the name of Talkative in Prating-row ; and not-
withstanding his fine tongue, he is but -a forry fellow.
Faith. Well, he feems to be a very pretty man.
(n) Zealous Chriftians, who are not well eftablifhed in judgment and
experience, are often greatly taken with the difcourfe of perfons,
who fpeak fluently and pTaufibly on various fnbjefts, with a femblance
of truth and piety : and they fometimes/^/, as it were, a defeft in their
harangues, which makes them hefnate, though they are eafily fafisued
with fpecious explanations.— Talk at ive's difcourfe is copied, with
furprifing exaftnefs, from that of numbers who learn dcElrinullx to dif-
culs even exberinu nt&i fubjefts, of which they never felt Aw energy and
efficacy in their own fouls. Men of this {ramp can take up any point
in religion with great eafc, and fpeak on it in art oftentatious manner :
but the humble believer forgets hhnjdf, while from his heart he expa-
tiates on topics which he longs to recommend to thofe whom he ad-
dre.'les. Humility and charity, however, difpofe men to make the befi
of others, and to diftruft themfelves : (o that, uulrfs cenm-fted with
proportionable depth of judgment, and acutenefs of difcermnn.r, they
put tfcemoff their guard, in refpeft of vain-glorious talkers. Jf would
be conceited and uncandid, they think, to fufpect a man, who fay:, fo
many good things, with great confidence and zeal ; their diflatisfaaion
with the converfation they fuppofe was their own fault ; if they di'i -
greed with the fpcaker, probably they were in an error; if a do::bi
arofe ra their miiuji about his fpirit or motive, it might be imputed to
heir own pnde and envy.— Thus they are feduced to fan&ion what
114 Chrtjlian Jhsws Faithful
Chr. That is, to them that have not thorough acquaint-
ance with him ; for he is belt abroad, near home he is ugly
enough : your faying that he is a pretty man, brings to my
mind what I have obferved in the work of the painter, whole
pictures fhew bell at a difta'nce, but very near more implea-
ding.
Faith. But I am ready to think you do but jeft, be-
caufe you fmiled.
Chr. God forbid that I mould jeft (though I fmiled)
in this matter, or that I mould accufe any fallely. — I will
give you a further diicovery of him : this man is for any
company, and for any talk ; as he talketh now with you,
fo will he talk when he is on the ale-bench ; and the more
drink he hath in his crown, the more of thefs things he hath
in his mouth : religion hath no place in his heart, or houfey.
or converfation ; all he hath lieth in his tongue, and his
religion is to make a noife therewith.
Faith. Say you fo ! then am I in this man greatly
deceived.
Chr. Deceived i you may be fare of it : remember
the proverb, " They fay, and do not :" but " the kingdom
ofGoD is not in word, but in power."* He talketh of
prayer, of repentance, of faith, and of the new birth ; but
he knows but only to talk of them. I have been in his
family, and have obferved him both at home and abroad ;
and I know what I fay of him is the truth. His houfe is as
empty of religion as the white of an egg is of favour.
There is theie neicher prayer, nor fign of repentance for
fin ; yea, the brute, in his kind, ferves God far better than
he. He is the very (tain, reproach, and fhame of religion,
to all that know him ;f it can hardly have a good word
in all that end of the town where he dwells, through him.
Thus fay the common people that know him,—-* A faint
abroad, and a devil at home.' His poor family finds it fo :
he is fuch a churl, fuch a railer at, and fo unreafonable
with, his fervants, that they neither know how to do for,
or fpcak to him. Men that have any dealings with him
fay, it is better to deal with a Turk than with him, for
fairer dealing they mall have at his hands. This Talka-
tive, if it be pollible, will go beyond them, defraud, be-
guile, and over-reach them. Befides, he brings up his fons
to follow his fteps j and if he findeth in any of them a_/W-
* Matt, xxiii. 3. 1 Cor, vi, 20, + Rom. ii. 23, 24.
the real Char after of Talkative:. 1 1 5
'imoroufnefs, (for fo he calls the firft appearance of a
tender conscience,) he calls them fools and blockheads, and
by no means will employ them in mucfy or fpeak to their
commendation before others. For my part, I am of
opinion that he has by his wicked life caufed many to
ftumble and fall ; and will be, if God prevents not, the
ruin of many more. (0)
Faith. Well, my brother, I am bound to believe you r
not only becaufe you fay* you know him, but alfo becaufe
like a Chriftian you make your reports of men. For I
cannot think that you fpeak thefe things of ill-will, but be-
caufe it is even fo as you lay.
Chr. Had I known him no more than you, I might
perhaps have thought of him as at the firft- you did :. yea,
had I received this report at their hands only that are ene^
mies to religion, I mould have thought it had been a {lan-
der, (a lot that often falls from bad men's mouths upon
good men's names and profeffions :) but all thefe things,
yea, and a great many more as bad, of my own knowledge,
I can prove him guilty of. Befides, good men are afham-
ed of him ; they can neither call him brother nor friend j
the very naming of him among them makes them blufh. if
they know him.
Faith. Well, I fee that faying and doing are two things,
and hereafter I mall better obferve this diitinccion.
Chr. They are two'things indeed, and are as diverfe
as are the foul and the body ; for, as the body without the
foul is but a dead carcafs, fo faying, if it be alone, is but a
liofe believers who have made the mod extenfive and accurate
vat ion on the flate of religion in their own age and place, and are
1.1 .it acquainted with the internal hiflory of the church in other lands,
rmer periods, may he deemed interior in charity to their breihrrn ;
b caufs they furpifs them in penetration, and clearly perceive the mif-
chiefia which arife from countenancing fpecious hypocrites. They
wo ild ''do good to ail m n," " bear with the infirmities of the weak,"
" reflore in mceknef, fuch as are overtaken in a fault," and make al-
lowances for the tempted : but they dare not fmcticn fuch men as talk
about religion and difgracc it ; as miflead the fimpie, (tumble the hope-
ful, prejudice the obierving, and give enemies a plaufible objection to
the truth. Here charity conftrains us to run the rifk of being deemed
'uncharitable, by unmafking the hypocrite, and undeceiving the deluded.
We muft not indeed fpeak ntedlefsh againft any one, nor teftify more
than we know to be true even againft afulpe&ed perfon : but we inould
fhew, that vain talkers belong to the world, though numbers dais them-
auung religious people, to the great difcrcdit of the caule.
1 1 6 The Difference between Saying and Doing*
dead carcafs alfo. The foul of religion is the practic part i
" Pure religion and undefined before God and the Father,
is this : to vilit the fatherlefs and widows in their affliction,
and to keep himfelf unfpotted from the world.'** This
Talkative is not aware of; he thinks that hearing and
faying will make a good Chriilian ; and thus he deceiveth
his own foul. Hearing is but as the fowing of the feed ;
talking is not fuffictent to prove that fruit is indeed in the
heart and life : and let us affure ourfelves that at the day
of doom men fhall be judged according to their fruits ;f it
will not be faid then, ' Did you believe V but, « Were you
Doers, or Talkers only ?' and accordingly ihall they be
judged. The end of the world is compared to our harveft ;
and you know men at haiveft regard nothing but fruit.
Not that any thing can be accepted that is not of faith ;
but I fpeak this to ftiew you how infignificant the profeffion
of Talkative will be at that day.
Faith. This brings to my mind that of Moses, by
which he defcribeth the beau that is clean 4~^ne >s fuch
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 becaufe he
parteth not the hoof. An^J this truly refembleth Talka-
tive ; he cheweth the cud^ie feeketh knowledge ; he
cheweth upon the word ; but rn^Tivideth not the hoof, he
parteth not wTith the way of fmneV j but, as the hare, re-
taineth the foot of a dog or bear^and therefore he is
unclean.
Chr. You have fpoken, for aught I know, the true
gofpel fenfe of thofe texts. And I will add another thing :
Paul calleth fome men, yea, and thofe great talkers too,
"founding brafs and tinkling cymbals ;" that is, as he ex-
pounds them in another place, " things without life giving
ibund."$ " Things without life ;" that is, without the
true faith and grace of the gofpel ; and confequently things
that fhall never be placed in the kingdom of heaven among
thofe that are the children of life, though their found, by
their talk, be as if it were the tongue or voice of an angel, (p)
* James i. 2, 3, 22—27.' t Matt, xiiir fig. xxv. 31 — 46.
£ Levit. xi. Dcut. xiv. ^ 1 Cor. xiii. 1—3. xiv. 7.
(/>) Talkative feerns to hive been introduced on purjpofe, that,
thj author alight have a fair opportunity of {rating his fentiments con-
cerning the practical nature of evangelical religion, to which numbers in
Faithful lu.ints to bs rid of Talkative. 1 1 7
Faith. Well, I was not fo fond of his company at firft,
bat am as fick of it now. What Khali we Jo to be rid of
him ?
Curl. Take my advice and do as I bid you, and you
fli.ili find that he will foon be fick of your company too,
cept God ihall touch his heart and turn it.
Faith. What would you have me to do ? [q)
ex
his day were too inattentive ; fo that this admired allegory has fully
ellab'ilhed the important diftinclion, between a deadvaA a living iaithr
on wluck the whok con t rove rfx depends. Wo may boldly ftaie doc-
trines of the gofpel with all poflible energy and ciearnefs, and every
objection mall ultimately fall to the ground, and every abufe be ex-
cluded, provided this diftm&ion be fully and conftantly infilled on :
for they aril'e without exception, from fubftituting fome jalfe notion of
faith, in the'placfc of that living, active, and ellicacious principle,
which the Sdiptures fo conftantly reprefent as the grand peculiarity ot
vital godlinefs. The language ufed in this paffage is precifely the fame,
as is now branded with the opprobrious epithet of legal, by numbers
who would be thought to admire the Pilgrim; as any impartial
perfon muft perceive, upon an atcentive perufal of it : and indeed fome
expre (lions are ufed, which they, who are accuftomed to (land before
fuch as '* make a man an offender for a word," have learned to avoid.
4 The practic part' is accurately defined to be the unfailing efleft of
that inward life which is the foul of religion. True faith juftifies, as
it forms the finner's relation to Christ ; but it always " works by
love," and influences to obedience : hence the inquiry at the day of
judgment will be rather about the infeparable fruits of taidi, than about
us eiTentiaJ properties and nature.
{q) When we fpeak to loofe profeflbrs,. we mould always keep two
things in view ; either to get rid of fuch eninanng and dilhonourable
companions, or to ufe proper means to convince them of their fatal
mill ike. There is indeed more hope of the mod ignorant and carelefs
thru of them : yet " with God all things are pomnle," and we fhould
not djfpiir of any, efpecially as the very fame method is fuited to both
the ends propofed; which the fubfequent difcourfe moll clearly evinces.
Very plain and particular declarations of thofe things, by which true
beli vers are dillinguifhed from the jrioft fpecious hypocrites, (whether
in converfa.ion or preaching,) are belt, calculated to undeceive and
alarm faife profeliors ; and form the moll commodious fan, by which
the irreclaimable may be winnowed from thefociety of real Chriliians.
This is of great importance : for they are Ac HANS in the camp of
Israel, yea, Ipotsand blenidhes to every company that countenances
them. Do&rinal or even practical difcuflions, if confined to general
terms, do not ftartle them; they mimic the language of experience,
declaim againfl the wickednefs- ot the world, and the blindnels of phar-
ife- s and Itr nuoufly op, ofe the opinions held by fome rival feet or
party : they can endure the mod awful declarations of the wrath of
D againfl the wicked; fuppofing themfelves to be unconcerned :
nay, they will admit that they are backflidcrs, or inconfiftent believers.
But when the converfation or fermon compels them to complain, • in
1 1 8 Faithful ajks Talkative a Qjicjllcn.
Chr. Why, go to him, and enter into fome fcrious di£
courfe about the power of religion ; and afk him plainly,
(when he has approved of it, for that he will,) whether
this thing be fet up in his heart, houfe, or convcriation I
Then Faithful ftepped forward again, and faid to
Talkative, Come, what cheer ? hew is rt now ?
Talk. Thank you, well ; I thought we fhould have
had a great deal of talk by this time.
Faith. Well, if you will, we will fall to it now ; and
fince you left it with me to ftate the queftion, let it be this :
* How doth the faving grace of God discover itielf, when it
is in the heart of man ?'
Talk. I perceive, then, that our talk muft be about the
power of things ? well, 'tis a very good queftion, and 1 fhall
be willing to anfwer you : and take my aniwer in brief
thus. — Firft, where the grace of God is in the heart, it
caufeth there a great out-cry againft fin. — Secondly, —
Faith. Nay, hold, let us confider of one at once : I
think you mould rather fay, It mews itfelf by inclining the
foul to abhor its fin.
Talk. Why, what difference is there between crying
out againft, and abhorring of fin I
Faith. Oh! a great deal. A man may cry out againft
fin of policy, but he cannot abhor it but by virtue of a
godly antipathy againft it. I have heard many cry out
againft fin in the pulpit, who yet can abide it well enough
in the heart, houfe, and eonverfation. Joseph's miftrefs
cried out with a loud voice, as if fhe had been very holy j.
but fire would willingly notwithstanding that, have com-
mitted uncleannefs with him.* Some cry out againft fin,
even as the mother cries out againft her child in her lap,
when fhe calleth it flut and naughty girl, and then falls to
hugging and killing it.
Talk. You lie at the catch, I perceive.
Faith. No, not I, I am only for fetting things right.
But what is the fecond thing whereby you would prove a
difcovery of the work of grace in the heart I
* Gen. xxxix. 1 1 — 15.
» ~
fo faying thou condemned us alfo ;' they will hear no longer, but fecfc
refuge under more comfortable preachers, or in more candid com-
pany'; and reprefent their faithful monitors as cenforious, pee yi(h and
melancholy.
Knowing and Doing diftingtti/hed. 1 1 9
Talk. Great knowledge of gofpel myfteries.
Faith. This fign mould have been firft : but, firft or
laft, it is alfo f'alfe ; for knowledge, great knowledge, may
be obtained in the myfteries of the gofpel, and yet no work
of grace in the foul.* Yea, if a man have all knowledge
he may yet be nothing, and {0 confequently be no child of
God. When Christ laid, " Do you know all thefe things ? '
and the difciples had anfwered, Yes ; he added, " Bleifed
are ye if ye do them." He doth not lay the bleffing in
the knowing of them, but in the doing of them. For there
is a knowledge that is not attended with doing : " he that
knoweth his Master's will, and doeth it not." A man
may know like an angel, and yet be no Chriftian : therefore
your fign is not true. Indeed to know is a thing that
pleafeth talkers and boafters ; but to do is that which
pleafeth God. Not that the heart can be good without
knowledge ; for without that the heart is naught. There
is therefore knowledge and knowledge : knowledge that
refteth in the bare fpeculation 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 firft of thefe will ferve the talker ; but with-
out the other the true Chriftian is not content : " Give me
underftanding and I mail keep thy law ; yea, I {hall ob-
serve it with my whole heart."f (r)
Talk. You lie at the catch again ; this is not for edi-
fication.
Faith. Well, if you pleafe, propound another fign
how this work of grace difcovereth itfelf where it is.
Talk. Not I, for I fee we mail not agree.
Faith. Well, if you will not, will you give me leave
to do it ?
Talk. You may ufe your liberty.
Faith. A work of grace in the foul difcovereth itfelf,
.either to him that hath it, or to ftanders by.
* 1 Cor. xiii. + Pfal. cxix. 34.
(r) Spiritual knowledge, obtained by an implicit belief of God's
furc teftimony under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, producing a hearty
love of revealed truth, is always humbling, fanclifying ai:d transform-
ing : but f pcculative knowledge is a mere notion of divire things, as
diftant from a man's own concern in them, or a due apprehenfion of
their excellency and importance, which puffs up the heait with proud
frlf-preference, feeds carnal and malignant paflions, and kaves the
PofiefTor under the power of fin and Satan.
120 The Fruits of true Faith.
To him that hath it, thus : it gives him conviction of
fin, especially of the defilement of his nature, and the fin
of unbelief, for the fake of which he is fure to be damned,
if he findeth not mercy at God's hand by faith in Jesus
Christ.* This fight and fenfe of things worketh in him
ibrrow and fhame for fin ; he findeth, moreover, revealed
in him the Saviour of the world, and the abfolute neceflity
of clofing with him for life; at the which he findeth hun-
gerings and thirftings after him : to which hungerings, &c.
the promife is made.f (j) Now according to the ftrength
or weaknefs of his faith in his Saviour, fo is his joy and
peace, fo is his love to holinefs, fo are his defires to know
him more, and alio to ferve him in this world. But though,
I fay, it difcovereth itfelf thus unto him, yet it is but fel-
dom that he is able to conclude that this is a work of grace;
becaufe his corruptions now, and his abufed reafon, make
* Pf. xxxviii. 18. Mark xvi. 16. John xvi. 8, 9. Acls iv. 12.
Rom. vii. 24. t Jer. xxxi. 19. Matt. v. 6. Gal. i. 15, 16.
Rev? xxi. 6.
(i) Divine teaching convinces a man that he is juftly condemned for
franfgreflmg the law, and cannot he faved unlefs he obtain an intercft
in the merits of Ch r ist by faith ; and that unbelief, or r.egleft of
this great falvation, fprings from pride, averfion to the character, au-
thority, and law of God, and love to fin and the world ; that it. im-
plies the guilt of treating the truth of Go D as a lie, defpifir ghis wi'dom
and mercy, demanding bappinefs as a debt irom his juftice, and defying
his " wrath revealed from heaven againft all ungodlinefs and aBiight-
eoufnefs of men." This conviflion makes way for difcovering that a
free falvation by faith isexaclly fuirecrto his cafe : he perceives the glo-
ry of the divine perfections harmonioufly difplayed in the per fen and
redemption of Ch r ist ; and his hjart is inwardly drawn to dofewith
the invitations of the gofpel, and to- defire above all things the fulfil-
ment of its exceedingly great and precious promifes to his foul. — 1 he
expremon revealed in him is taken from St. Pa u L :* but as his crn-
verfion was extraordinary without the inurventim of means or ii fila-
ments, and as he fecros rather to have intended his appointment to the
miniflry, and that communication of the knowledge of Christ to
his foul,, by which he was qualified as an apoftle to reveal him to man-
kind, and not fimply that divine teaching by which he was led to be-
come a Chrifiian ; perhaps it is not accurately applied to the ordinary
experience of believers. Our author however, evidently meant no
more, than the illumination of the Holy Spirit enabling a man to un-
deriland, believe, admite, and love the truths of the Bible reflecting
Christ ;, and not any new revelation, declaring his intereft in the
Saviour, by a whifper, vificn or any fuch thirg. 1 hefe enthufiaflic
expectations and experiences have deceive, many and nun b'cd more ;
and have done greater harm to the caufe of evangelical religion, than
can be conceived orexprelfed. * GJ. i. 16.
How a Wor% of Grace isjlown. 1 2 1
his mmd to misjudge in this matter : therefore in him that
hath this work there is required a very found judgment
before he can with fteadinefs conclude that this is a work of
grace, (t)
To others it is thus difcovered : — Firft, By an experi-
mental confeflion of his faith in Chjust. — Secondly, By a
life aniwerable to that confeflion ; to wit, a life of holinefs ;
heart-holinefs, family-holinefs, (if he hath a family,) and
by converfation-holinefs in the world ; which in the general
teacheth him inwardly to abhor his fin, and himfelf for that,
in fecret ; to fupprefs it in his family, and to promote holi-
nefs in the world ; not by talk only, as an hypocrite or
talkative perfon may do, but by a pra&ical fubjeclion in
faith and love to the power of the word.* — And now, Sir,
as to this brief defcription of the work of grace, and alfo
the difcovery of it, if you have aught to objeft, objeel ; if
not, then give me leave to propound to you a fecond
queftion.
Talk. Nay, my part is not now to object but to hear :
let me therefore have your fecond queftion.
Faith. It is this ; Do you experience this firft part of
this defcription of it ? and doth your life and conversion
teftify the fame ? or ftandeth your religion in word or in
tongue, and not in deed and truth ? PrayV you incline to
anfwer me in this, fay no more than you know the God
above will fay Amen to ; and alfo nothing but what your
conference can juftify you in .- " For not he that commend-
eth himfelf is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."
Befides, to fay I am thus and thus, when my converfation
and all my neighbours tell me I lie, is great wickednefs.
^ Then Talkative at firft began to blufh : but, recovering
himfelf, thus he replied: You come now to experience, to
* Job x!ii. 5) 6, Pfid. 1. 23. Ezek. xx. 43. Matt. v. 8.
John xiv. 15. Rom. x. 9, 10. Phil. i. 27.
is mfcparable from frequent and eameft applications 10 the Saviour, put
vigour n,to all holy anions and exertions. But few, comparative y
havetuch ffrong faith, and diftirO. vievs, and found judgment, and
victory over corrupt puflions as Habitually to draw the proper conclu-
lion from their ov/n experience. This our Author hasfudicioufly no-
L
122 Faithful Jhews Talkative his Hypocrify,
conference- and God ; and to appeal to him for juftiheation
of what is fppken. This kind of difcourfe I did not expecl: ;
nor am I dtfpofed to give an aniwer to fuch queftions : be-
caufe 1 count not myfelf bound thereto, unlefs you take
upon you to be a catiehixer ; and though you fhould fo do,
yet I may refufe to make you my* judge. But I pray, will
you tell me why you afk me fuch queftions ?
Faith. Becaufe I faw you forward to talk, and becaufe
I knew not that you had aught elfe but notion. Beiides,
to tell you all the truth, I have heard of you, that you are
a man whofe religion lies in talk, and that your converfa*
tion gives this your mouth-profeiTion the lie. They fay
you are a fpot among Chriftians ; and that religion fareth
the worfe for your ungodly converfation ; that fome al-
ready have (tumbled at your wicked ways, and that more
are in danger of being deftroyed thereby : your religion
and an alehoufe, and covetoufnefs, and uncleannefs, and
fwearing, and lying, and vain company-keeping, &c. will
ftand together. The proverb is true of you which is faid
of a whore, to wit, that * me is a fhame to all women ;' fo
you are a ihame to all profc/Tors. (k)
Talk. Since you are ready to take up reports, and to
judge fo rafhly as you do, I cannot but conclude you are
fome peeviili or melancholy man, not fit to be difcourfed
with ; — and fo, adieu.
Then came up Christia: , and faid to his brother, I told
you how it would happen ; your words and his lufts could
not agree. He had rather leave your company than re*
form his life ; but he is gone, as I faid : let him go, the
(u) It is not enough to {late practical and experimental fubje£ts in
the plained and molt diflmguiihmg manner: ve ought alfo to apply
them to men's confeiences, by the moll folemn and particular interro-
gations. T-^-In public indeed, rare mull I e taken, not to turn the thoughts
of a congregation to an individual : yet we fhould aim to lead every one
to reiki! on his own cafe, and excite his conscience to perform the office
of a faithful monitor. But in private, when we have ground to fufpeft
that men deceive themfelves, fuch plain-dealing is the bell evidence of
difiritereftcd love. It is at prefent, alas ! much difufed, and deemed
inconfiftent with politenefs ; fo that, in many cafes, an attempt of this
kind would be conftdered as a direct outrage and infult : and perhaps,
in fome circles, the language of theft plain Pilgrims might be exchang-
ed for that which would be lefs offenfive, without deducing from its
energy ; yet zeal for the honour of the gofpel, and love to the fouls of
men, are, no doubt, giievoufly facrificed to urbanity in this age of
courteous infinccrity-.
The good Effecls of Fuitbfuinefs. 1 23
lofs is no man's but his own : he has faved us the trouble
of going from him ; for he continuing (as I fuppofe he will
do,) as he is, he would have been but a blot in our com-
pany : belides, the apoille •lays, " From inch withdraw
thylblf." (w) '
Faith. But I am glad we "had this little dffcourfe with
him ; it may happen that he will think of it again : how-
ever, I h;ive dealt plainly with him, and fo am* clear of h
blood if be periiheth.
Chr. You did well to talk fo plainly to him as you
did ; there is but bale of this faithful dealing with men
now-a-days, and that makes religion to ftink in the noftrils
of many as it doth : for they are thefe talkative foplsj
whole religion is only in words, and are debauched and
vain in their converfation, that, being fo much admit
into the feilowlhip of the godly, do puzzle the world, blem-
iih Chrhtianity, and grieve the fmcere. I wifh that all
men would deal with fuch as you have done ; then lrroald
they be either made more conformable to religion, or the
company of faints would be too hot for them.
''How Talkative at firft lifts up his plumes !
How bravely doth he fpeak ! How he prefumes
To drive down all before him! But fo foon
As Faithful talks of heart-work, like the moon
That's part the full, into the wane he goes;
And fo will all but he tha: heart-work knows/
Thus they went en talking of what they had feen by the
way, and fo made that way eafy which would other wife
(w) This apoilolical rule is of the greateft importance. While con-
fcientious Chriftians, from a miflaken candour, tolerate fcandalous pro-
feffors, and affociate with them, they feem to allow that they belong to
the lame family; and the world will cha^c their immoralities on the
doctrines of the gofpel, faying of thole who pro fefs thern, 'They are
all alike, if we could find them out.* But did all, who "adorn the
docVine of Go D our Saviour," Withdraw from fuch men ; their crimes
would reft with themfelves, and the world would be compelled to fee
the difference between hypocrites and real Chriftians. This is a!fo the
mod effectual method of exciting felf-decei\ersor inconfiflent profeffors
to felf-examination, and of thus bringing them to be ajhamtd and hum-
Hied in true repentance : and at the fame time, it tends to deprive fuch
men of that influence, which they often employ to roiflead and pervert
hopeful inquirers and uneftablifhed believers. Even the bed conducted-
dilciplinc would have but a partial effect in preventing thefe evils, if not
followed up by this conduct of individuals ; and, where the former crm-
not be obtained, the latter would produce happier conferences than be-
lievers in general caafu .
124 EvangeUJl overtakes the Pilgrims*
no doubt have been tedious to them : for now they wen:
through a Wildernefs.
Now when they were got almoft quite out of this Wil-
dernefs, Faithful chanced to call his eye back, and eipied
one coming after them, and he knew him. Oh ! laid
Faithful to his brother, Who comes yonder? Then
Christian looked, and laid, It is my good friend Evan-
gelist. Aye, and my good friend too, laid Faithful,
for it was he that let me the way to the Gate. Now was
Evangelist come up unto them, and thus ialuted them :
Peace be with you, dearly beloved ; and peace be to
your helpers.
Chr. Welcome, welcome, my good Evangelist; the
fight of thy countenance brings to my remembrance thy
ancient kindnefs and unwearied labouring for my eternal
good.
And a thoufand times welcome, faid good Faithful,
thy company, O fweet Evangelist, bow delirable is it to
us poor Pilgrims.
Then faid Evangelist, How hath it fared with you,
my friends, fmce the time of our lalt parting i wThat have
you met with, and how have you behaved yourfelves ?
Then Christian and Faithful told him of all things
that had happened to them in the way > and how, and
with what difficulty, they had aniyed to that piace.
Right glad am I, faid Evangelist, not that you met
with trials, but that you have been victors, and for that
you have, not with landing many weakneiies, continued in
the way to this very day. I lay, right giad am I of this
thing, and that for mine own lake and your's. I have
fowed and you have reaped ; and the day is coming, when
" both he that fowed and they that reaped ihall rejoice to-
gether ;" that is, it you hold out ; " for in due time ye ihall
reap, i* y^u faint not."* The crown is before you, and it
is an incorruptible one ; " fo run, that you may obtain" it.
Some there be that feu out for this crown, and after they have
gi ne far for it, another comes in and takes it from them ;
"hold fait thereloie that you have, let no man take your
crown :"f you are not yet out of the gunlhot of the devil i
•'you have not refilled unto blood, driving againlt iin :"
let the kingdom be always before you, and believe ited-
falUy concerning tilings that are invifible. Let nothing
• John iv. 36. Gal. vi. 9. i 1 Cor. ix, 24—27. Hew iii. lu
Evangelijiftretels P erf editions. : 2 j
that is on this fide of the other world get within you : and,
above all, look well to your own hearts and to the lulls
thereof, for they are " deceitful above all things, and des-
perately wicked :" fet your faces like a flint ; you have all
power in heaven and earth on your fide. (*)
Then Christian thanked him for his exhortation; but
told him withal, that they would have him fpeak farther j:o
them for their help the reft of the way ; and the rather for
that they well knew that he was a prophet, and could tell
them of things that might happen unto them, and alfo how
they might refift and overcome them. To which requeil
Faithful alio confented. So Evangelist began as fol-
loweth :
My fons, you have heard in the words of the truth of the
gofpel, that " you mud through many tribulations enter into
the kingdom of heaven. " And again, that " in every city
bonds and afflidions abide you ;" and therefore you can-
not expect that you mould go long on your pilgrimage
without them, in fome fort or other. You have found
fomething of the truth ofthefe teftimonies upon you al-
ready, and more will immediately follow : for now,
as you fee, you are almoft out of this Wildernefs, and
therefore you will foon come into a Town that you will by
and by fee before you ; and in that Town you will be hardly
befet with enemies, who will drain hard but they will kill
you ; and be you fare that one or both' of you mult feal
the teftimony, which you hold, with blood : but " be you
faithful unto death, and the King will give you a crown
of life." He that mall die there, although his death will
be unnatural, and his pain perhaps great, he will yet have
the better of his fellow ; not only becaufe he will be arrived
(.v) The author, intending in the next place toreprefent his Pilgrims
nofed to fevere pcrfecunon, and to exhibit in one vie w wlr.tt Chrif.
bans fhould expect, and may be expofed to, from the enmity of
world, very judiaoufly introduces that intereiting fcene by Evange-
list's meeting them, with fmrable cautions, exhortations, and encour-
agements. The miniftcr, by whofe faithful labours a man isfirfldire
into the way of falvatiorr, commonly retains peat influence and is
fidered with fpcci:il affection, even when various circumftances h
placed him at a diftar.ee under fome other pallor. The converfattdrij
therefore, of fuch a beloved fiiend tends to recal to the minds of believ-
ers their former fears, trials, and deliverances, which animates them to
encounter further difficulties, and opens the way for feafonablc COonfels
..liouitioui.
L 2
126 The Town of Vanity : And Vanity-fair.
at the Celeftial City fooneit, but becaufe be "will efcape
many miferies that the other will meet with in the reft of
his journey. But when ycu are come to the Town, and fha.ll
find fulfilled what I have here related, then remember your
friend, and quit yourfelves like men ; and " commit the
keeping of your fouls to your God, as unto a faithful Crea-
tor." (y)
Then I faw in my dream, that when they were got out
of the Wildernefs, they prefently faw a Town before them r
the name of that Town is Vanity ; and at the Town there is
a fair kept, called Vanity-fair, it is kept all the year long :
it beareth the name of Vanity-fair, becaufe the Towa
where it is kept is " lighter than vanity," and alfo becaufe
all that is there fold, or that cometh thither, is vanity. As
is the faying of the wife, " All that cometh is vanity." *
This Fair is no new-erected bufmefs, but a thing of an-
cient flanding : I will mew you the original of it.
Almoft five thoufand years agone there were Pilgrims
walking to the Celeftial City, as thefe two honeft perfons
are ; and Beelzebub, Apollyon, and Legion, with their
companions, perceiving, by the path that the Pilgrims
made, that their way to the city lay through this town of
Vanity, they contrived here to let up a Fair; a Fair,
wherein mould be fold all forts of vanity ; and that it fhculd
lad all the year long : therefore at tjb/s Fair are all fuch
merchandize fold, as houfes, lands, trades, places, honours,
preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms, lufts, pleafures ;.
and delights of all forts, as whores, bawds, wives, hufbands,
*Eccles. i. 2, 14. ii. 11, 17. xi. 8. Haiah xl. 17.
(y) The able and faithful minifter can foretel many things, from his
.knowledge of the Scriptures, and enlarged experience and ohfervation,
of which his people are not aware. He knows beforehand, that
"through much tribulation they mull enter into the kingdom of God;"
and the circumiianccs of the times aid him in difcerning what trials and
difficulties more efpecially await them. A retired life fheltcrsa believ-
er from the enmity of the world: and timid men are often tempted on
this account to abide in the wild' riufs ; to choofe obfeurity and folitwde
ior the fike of quiet and fafety, to the neglect of thofe aclive lerviccs
for which they are qualified. 13ut when Chriftians are called forth to
more public fituations, they need peculiar cautions and inftruftions :
for inexperience renders men inattentive to the words of Scripture; and
they often do not aj all expeel, or prepare for, the: trials which are in-
separable from iholc faeries, or which they arc perhaps even impatient
to enter,
Things feen and fold in Ta nity-fair. tl f
children, matters, fervants, lives, blood, bodies, fouls, filver,
gold, pearls, precious ftones, and what not !
And moreover, at this Fair there is at all times to bt
feen jugglmgs, cheats, games, plays, fools, apes, knaves,
and rogues, and that of every kind*
Here are to be ieen too, and that for nothing, thefts, mur-
ders, adulteries, falfe-fwearers, and that of a blood-red col-
our.
And as in other fairs of lefs moment there are feveral
rows and ilreets under their proper names, where fuch and
fuch wares are vended, fo here iikewife you have the prop-
er places, rows, ftreets, (viz. countries and kingdoms)
where the wares of this fair are fooneftto be found. Here
is the Britain Row, the French Row, the Italian Row,
the Spanish Row, idie German Row, where feveral forts
of vanities are to be fold. But as in other fairs fome one
commodity is as the chief of all the Fair, fo the ware of
Rome and her merchandize is greatly promoted in this
fair : only our English nation, with fome others, have
taken a diflike thereat, (z)
(z) Our author evidently deigned to exhibit in his allegory the grand
outlines of the difficulties, temptations, and furferings, to which believ-
trs are expofed td this evil world ; which, in a work of this nature,
muftbe related as if they came upon them one after another in regul?r
fucceflion ; though in aciual experience feveral may meet together-,*
many mays moled the fame perfon again and again, and fome harafs-
him in every ftitee of his journey. We fhculdr therefore, fingly col-
lider the inft suction conveyed by every allegorical incident, without
mealurmg our experience, or calculating our progrefs, by comparing
them who cini which nvght be reverfed or altered with al-
moil endiefs variety. — In general Va.n'ity-kair reprcfents the
hed ftate of things, in thofe populous places efpecially where true
religion is neglefted sA perfecuted ; and indeed of "the whole world
g ui wickednefs," ;,s diflinguifhed from the church of redeemed lin-
nets. This continues the fame (in refpeft of the general principles,
conduct, and purluits of mankind, J through all ages and nations : but
Chriuians are called to mix more with it, at fome times than at others ;
and Satan, the god ,».r.d prince of it, is permitted toexcite fierce perfec-
tion in fome places and on fomeoccafions, while at other t;mes he is reft rain-
ed. Many, therefore, fcem to fpend all their days in the midft of Va n-
ity-fair, and of continual infults or injuries ; while others are only
fometimes thus expofed and pofs moft of their lives unmolefted : and
a few ard favoured with fo obfeure a fituation, and fuch peaceable times,
that they are very little acquainted with thefe trials. — Mr. BuNVAK,
living in the country, hid frequent opportunities of witneffmg thofe
fairs, which arc held firft in one town and then in another ; and
of obfevvmg the pernicious effects produced on the principles, morals,
123 The Way to the City through the Fair.
Now, as I faid, the way to the Celeftlal City lies jut
through this Town where this lufty Fair is kept; and he
that will go to the City, and yet not go through this Town,
" mud needs go out of the world." The Prince of Princes
himlelf, when here, went through this Town, to his own
health, and circumftances of young perfons efpecially, by thus drawirg
together a multitude, from motives of interett, diflipation, and excefs.
He rnuft alio, doubtlefs, have found them to be a very dangerous (hare
to ferious or hopeful perfons : fo that his delineation of this cafe under
allufions taken from this fcene, will be more intei effing and affecting to
thofe who h^ve been fpe&ators of it, than to fuch as have moved in
higher circles, or dwelt chiefly in populous cities. — Worldly men cov-
et, purfue, grafp at and contend for, the things of time and fenfe, with
eagernefs and violence, fo that their conducl aptly refembles the buftle,
felfifhnefs, artifice, diflipation, riot, and tumult of a large crowded fair.
The profits, pleafures, honours, poffefiions, and difiinttions cf the world,
are as transient and frivolous as the events of the fair-day ; with which
the children are delighted, but which every man cf fenfe contemns,
Solomo;;, after a complete experiment, pronounced the whole to be
"vanity of vanities ;** the verier! vanity imaginable, a complex vanity,
an accumulation of cyphers, a lottery confiding entirely of blanks ; ev-
ery earthly objeft being unfuitable to the wants of the rational foul,
unfubffontial, unfati'jfa&ory , difappointing, and perifhing. — Yet this-
traffic of vanities is kept up ail the. year .* becaufe the carnal mind al-
ways hankers after one worldly trifle or other, and longs 'for change of
follies and relays of joy ;' while objefts fuited to its feverifh thirft are
always at hand to allure it, deriving their efficacy from continually
preffing, as it were,, on the fenfes. — When ofir firit parents were fatally
prevailed on to join Satan's apoftafy, they " forfook the fountain of
living waters, to hew out for themfelves broken cifterns;" and the idol-
atry, of Peeking bappinefs from the creature inftead of the Cr EATO R,
has been univerfal among all their potteri'y. Since the promife of a
Saviour opened to fallen men a door of hope, the tempter has con-
tinually tried to allure them by outward objects, or induce them by
the dread of pain and fuffering, to " negleft fo great f dvation." Thus
the prince of the devils fets up this/azV ; and by teaching men to abufe
the good creatures of God to vile purpofes, or to expeft frora them
fuch fatisfaclion as they were never meant to afford, he has ule<l them
as baits to the ambition, avarice, levity, and fenfuality of the carnal
mind. No crime has ever been committed on earth, or conceived in
the heart of man, which did not anfe from this univerfal apoftafy and
idolatry ; from the excefs, to which the infuffkiency of the objeel to
anfwer the propofed end, gives rife ; and from the vile paffions which
the jarring intereftsor inclinations of numberlefs competitors for honour,
power, wealth and pleafure cannot fail to excite. As the ft reams -of'
impiety and vice, which flow from this fource, are varied, according to
men's conftitutions, educations, habits and fituations ; fo different
worldly purfuits predominate in divers nations, or ftages of civilization.
Hence the manifold variations in the human character, which equal the
diverfity of their complexions, fhape or capacities, though they be all of
Chrijl himfelf pajfed through it. 1 20
country, and that upon a Fair-day too : yea, and as I
think, it wus Beelzebub the chief lord of this Fair that in-
vited him to bay of his vanities : yea, he would have made
him Lord of the Fatr, would he but have done him rever-
ence as he went through the Town : yea, becaufe ho was
fuch a Perfon of honour, Beelzebub had him from ilreet
to ftreetj and ihewed him all the kingdoms of the world in
a little time, that he might if polfiole allure that Blelfed
One to cheapen and buyfome of his vanities. But he ha4
no mind to the merchandize, and therefore left the Town
without laying out lb much as one farthing upon thefe van-
ities.* This Fair, therefore, is an ancient thing, of long
Standing, and a very great Fair [a)
Now thefe Pilgrims, as I laid, mull needs go through
this Fair Well, ib they did ; but behold, even as they en-
tered into the Fair, all the-people in the Fair were moved,
and the Town itfelf, as it were, in a hubbub about them ;
and that for feveral reafons : for,
Firlt, The Pilgrims were cloMed with fuch kind of rai-
ment as was diverfe from the raiment of any that traded in
* Matt. iv. 8. Q Luke i\ . ,5 — 7.
©n_- mture. to his an .uiulun is made by ' tne rows' in this fair —
The merchandize of R0..1 e, which luited a rude and gnorant age, has
no.v give.i p ace 10 th more plaufibk wares of fceptical philofophers,
which arc more agreeable to the pride of learning and human re ironing.
Even things lawful in themfelves, wbeo fought, or poflelled in a manner
which is not confident with " feeking jirfl the kingdom of God,
and his righteoufne's," become ailuitmems of Satan to*draw finners
into his fatal fnare.
(a) Chrifiianity does not allow men to "bury their talent in the earth,"
Or o put * k their light under a buibel :" they lhould not " go out of
the world," or retire into cloiflers and deferts : and, theietore, 'hey
mud all go through this F^ir. '1 hus our Lord and Saviour endured
all the temptations and fufferings or this evil world, without being at all
Jed or entangled by them, or flepping in the leaf! afidc to avoid
them. The age in which he lived pecul arly abounded in all poffible
allurements ; a;.d he was expoied to fuch enmity, contempt and fuffer-
ings, as cou d never be exceeded or equalled. But "he went about
doing good;" and his whole conduct, as well as his indignant repulfe
of the tempter's infolent offer, hath emphatically fhwn his judgment
of all earthly things, and exhibited to us " an example that we fhould
follow his (l. ps."
Here are inferred the following lines —
Behold Van 1 tv-fai r ! The Pilgrims there
Are chain d, and fioncd ^efide :
Even lb it was our Lo &D pafl here,
And on mount Calvary died,'
£30 A Hubbub in the Fair ,
that Fair. The people, therefore, of the Fair made a great
gazing upon them : fome laid they were fools ; * fome, they
were beiilams, and fome, they were outlandifh men.
Secondly, And as they wondered at their apparel, fo
they did likewife at their fpeech ; for few could undeiftand
what they laid ; they naturally fpoke the language of Ca-
naan ; but they that kept the Fair were the men of this
world : fo that from one end of the Fair to the other they
feemed barbarians each to the other.
Thirdly, But that which did not a little amufe the mer-
chandisers was, that thefe Pilgrims fet very light by all their
wares : they cared not fo much as to look upon them : and
if they called upon them co buy, they would put their fin-
gers in their ears, and cry, " Turn away mine eyes from
beholding vanity ;"f and look upwards, iignifying. that
their trade and traffic was in heaven.J (b)
* 1 Cor. iv 9, lo. T Pa. cxix. 37. i Phil. iii. 20, 21.
■ ' " — ■ — — ■
(b) The prcfence of real Chnftians in thofe places, where a large
concourfe of worldly men is colU 6ted for finful purpofes, mutt produce
a difturbarice and effervefcence ; and the fmaller the number is of ihofe,
Vmo by their actions, words or filence, proteft againft vice and impiety,
the fiercer the opposition that will be excited. A pious clergyman, on
board a veffel, where he was a fingle exception to the general ungodli-
nefs that prevailed, gave great offence by conftantly but filently with-
drawing, when oaths or unleemly difcourfe m.ide his firuation uneafy :
and he was called to account for fo afTuming a fingularity ! — Confident
believers, appearing in character among worldly people, and not difguif-
ing their fcnciments, always excite this oppofition ; but more accommo-
dating profeflbrs efcape it. An avowed dependence on the righteoufnefs
and atonement of Ch r ist for acceptance, gives vaft offence to thofe
who rely on their own good works for juftincation : and conformity to
the example, and obedience to the commandments, of the Redeemer,
are deemed precife and uncouth in the judgment of thefe who " walk
according to the courfe of this world;" and they deem the Chrifhan
infaneox outlandifh for his peculiarities. His difcourfe, feafoned with
piety, humility and fpirituality, fo differs from the " filthy convention
of the wicked," and the polite fimulation of the courtly, that they cam
have no intercoufe with him, or he with them : and when he (peaks of
the love of Ch r ist, and the fatisfaftion of communion with him,
while they " blafpheme the worthy name by which he is called j" they
mud feem barbarians each to the other. But above all, the believer's
contempt of worldly things, when they interfere with the will and glory
of Go d, forms fuch a tellimony againft all the purfuits and conduct of
carnal men, as mull excite their greateft aftoniftimeht and indignation ;
while he i'huns with dread and abhorrence, as incompatible With falva-
tion, thofe very things to which they yhollj&ddift themiclves without.
the leaft remorfev
At the Sight' of the Pi! grim f. 13 1
O] ' mockingly, beholding the carriages of the
l. them, ! What will ye buy ?' but they look-
pon him, laid, "We buy the truth."* At
i,. as an occafion takoL to defpife the men the
more : Tome mocking, fome taunting, fome fpeaking re-
proachfully, and fome calling upon others to fmite them.
At Lift things came to an hubbub and great flir in the Fair,
info much that all order was confounded. Now was word
prefently brought to the great One of the Fair, who quickly
came down, and deputed fome of his moll: trufty friends to
take thofe men into examination about whom the Fair was
almoft overturned. So the men were brought to examina-
tion ; and they that fat upon them, afked them whence they
came, whither they went, and what they did there in fuch
an unufual garb ? The men told them that they were Pil-
grims and (trangers in the world ; and that they were going
to their own Country, which was the heavenly Jerusalem ;f
.and that they had given no occafion to the men of the
Town, nor yet to the merchandizers, thus to abufe them,
and to let them in their journey ; except it was for that,
when one afked them what they would buy, they faid they
would " buy the truth." — But they that were appointed to
examine them, did not believe them to be any other than
bedlams and mad, or elfe fuch as came to put all things in-
to a confufion in the Fair. Therefore they took them
and beat them, and befmeared them with dirt, and then put
them into the cage, that they might be made a fpeclacle to
*all the men of the Fair.(^) There therefore they lay for fome
* Prov. xxiii. 23. i Heb. xi. 13—16.
1c) When the feoffs thofe, "who think it ftrange that ChrifHans
Wi*l not run with them to the fame excefs of riot," extort from them a
full and explicit declaration of their principles, it may be expected that
the reproaches and infults of their defpifers will be ircreafed ; and
then all the mifchief and confufion which follow will be laid to their
charge^ — 'There were no fuch difputes about religion before they came*;'
"Thefe men who turn the world upfide down are come hither
alfor*1 " they exceedingly trouble the ci:y," town or village by rheir
uncharitable difcouife and example ! — Thus Satan takes ocraiion to
excite perfecution, when he fears left the fervants of God fhould fuc-
cefsfully diffeminate their principles : and perfecuting princes and
magiftrates, his ' mod truOy friends,' are deputed by him to moleft and
punifh their peaceable fubjeOs, for confeientioufly refuting conformity
to the world, or for diluting from doclrines and modes of woifhip
which they deem unfcriptural. Thus the moil valuable members of
the community are banifhed, imprifoncd, or murdered ; multitudes are
132 The Confequences of their Behaviour.
time, and were made the objects of any maw's fport, or
malice, or revenge ; the great One of the Fair laughing ftill
at all that befel them. But the men being patient, and
"not rendering railing for railing, but contrariwife bleding,"
and giving good words for bad, and kindnefs for injuries
done ; fome men in the Fair, that were more obierving and
lefs prejudiced than the reft, began to check and blame the
bafer fort for their continual abules 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 feemed confederates, and fhould be made
partakers of their misfoitune The other replied that, for
aught they could fee, the men were quiet and fober, and in-
tended nobody any harm : and that there were many, that
traded in their Fair, that were more worthy to be put into
the cage, yea, and pillory too, than were the men that they
had abufed. Thus, after divers words had pafled on both
fides, ^the men behaving themfelves all the while very
wifely and foberly before them ;) they fell to fome blows
and did harm one to another. Then were thefe two poor
men brought before their examiners again, and there charg-
ed as being guilty of the late hubbub that had been in
the Fair. So they beat them pitifully, and hanged irons
upon them, and led them in chains up and down the Fair,
for an example and terror to others, left any mould fpeak
in their behalf, or join themfelves unto them. But Chris-
tian and Faithful behaved themfelves yet more wifely,
and received the ignominy and mame that was caft upon
them with fo much meeknefs and patience, that it won to
their fide (though but few in comparifon of the reft,) feve-
ral of the men in the Fair. This put the other party yet
into a greater rage, infomuch that they concluded the doth
of thefe two men. Wherefore they threatened that the cage
tempted to hypocrify ; encouragem nt is given to time-fe.vers to fee k
fecular advantages by acting contrary to their confidences ; the princi-
ples of fincerity and integrity are generally weakened or deftrovcd. by
multiplied prevaiio'ions and falfe prof. {lions; and numerous inftru-
rnents of cruelty and opprefTion are involved in this complication of
atrocious crimes — Our author doubtb (& drew many oi his portraits, in
the fubfequent hiftorical pifture, from originals then Sufficiently known ;
and if any think that he has heightened his colourings, it n.ay furniih
th^,m with a fubjeft for gratitude, and a reafon for content ai d peace-
able fubmiifion to our rulers. In F' x's Martyrs we meet with authen-
ticated fafts, 'hat ful'y equa'this allegorical reprefent uion : nay, * The
A6h of the Apoftles* give us the very fame view of the fubjeft.
Their Sufferings and Comforts* 133
nor irons mould ferve their turn, but that they fhoulJ die
for the abuie they had done, and for deluding the men of
the Fair, (d)
Then were they remanded to the cage again, until fur-
ther orders fhould be taken with them. So they put them
in, and made their feet fait, in the (locks.
Here, alio, they called again to mind what they had
heard from their faithful friend Evangelist, and were the
more confirmed in their way and fufferings by what he
told them would happen to them. They alio now com-
forted each other, that whofe lot it was to fufTer, that even
he mould have the bed on't ; therefore each man fecretly
wifhed that he might have that preferment : but commit-
ting themfelves to the all-wile difpofe of Him that ruleth
all things, with much content they abode in the condition
in which they were, until they fhould be otherwife difpof-
ed of.
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 en-
emies, and arraigned. The Judge's name was lord Hate-
(d}T\\z contempt; injuftice, and cme ty, with which tcrfecutors treat
the harraliTsdifcipksGi Ch p. ist, gives them an occaiionof dif cvenng
tint amiable conduct, and fpirit which accord to the precepts- of Scrip-
t u<\ and the exampie of perlecuted prophets and apofllcs ; and this
often produces the moft happy effects on tnofe who are lefs prejudiced,
which (till more exafperates determined oppofjbrs; yet it frequently
procures a (hort refptte for the peifecuted, while worldly people quar-
rel about them among themfelves. And even if greater ftvtiry be ;;t
length determined on, perfevering prnderce, meeknefs and patience,
0 all the rag'1 of their enemies, Will hear teftimony for them in the
coniciences of numbers; their religion will appear beautiful, in propor-
tion as th'.ir prfecutors expofe their own odious deformity. God
wiil be with them to comfort and deliver them; he will be honoured
by their profefTion and behaviour, and many will derive the moll in
tant advantage, from 'heir patient fufferings and cheerful fortitude in ad-
hering to the truths of the gofpel. But when believers are pur off their
guard by ill ul'.'ge ; when their zeal is rafh. contenti< us, boafting, pr
difproportionate ; when trn y are provoked to render "railing for rail-
ing," or to act contrary to the, plain precepts of Scripture : they bri: g
guilt on theii consciences, flumble their brethren, harden the hearts
and open the mouths of oppofers, dishonour God and the gofpel,
y the great rnemy of fouls; who malignantly rejoices in their
duct, but is tortured whtn they endure funerings in a proper
manner,
M
134 ft* Depofitim of Efivy,
G0012 : fheli thdiclment was on? arid the fame in ftrt>ftance,
though fomewhat varying in form ; the contents whereof
Ms :
That they were enemies to, and difturbers of their trade ;
that they had made commotions and divifions in the town,
and had \v< n a party to their own moft dangerous opinions,
in contempt of the law of their Prince.
Then Faithful began to anfwer, that lie had only fet
himfelf againft that which had let itfelf againft Him
tTiat is higher than the higheft. . And, laid he, as
for diftuibance, I make none, being myfelf a man of
peace ; the parties that were won to us were won by be-
holding our truth and innocence ; and they are only turn-
ed from the wbrfe to the better. And as to the king you
talk of, fince he is Beelzebub, the enemy of our Lord, I
defy him him and all his angels. (<?)
Then proclamation was made, that they that had aught
to fay for their lord the king againft the prifoner at the
bar, ihould forthwith appear and give in their evidence.
So there came in three witneiTes, to wit, Enwy, Supersti-
i ion, and Pickthan k. They were then afked if they knew
the prifcrf r at the bar ; and what they had to fay for their
lord the king againft him.
Then flood forth Envy, and faid to this effect : My lord,
{'>) The description of the procefs, inftituted aga'nft the Pilgrims, is
given in language taken from the legal forms ufed in our c iirts of
juftice, which in Mr. Bun van's days were fbamefully perverted to
fubferve the molt iniquitous oppreflions. — 1 he al egorical narrative is
framed in fuch a manner, as emphatically to expole the fecret reafons,
which influence men to petfecute their inoflenfive neighbours ; and the
very names employed detlatc the feveral corrupt principles of the heart,
from whence this atrocious conduct re fults. — Enmity againft God, and
hs holy character, law, worfbip, troth and fervants, is the principal
fource of perfecutionj [he judge in Fa i T mbu i's trial. The interhr-
ence pf fpiritual religion with men's covetons, ambitious and fenfual
purfuits ; and the interruption it gives to their falfe peace, and unanim-
ity in ungodlinefs or hypocrify, which it tends to expofe and under-
mine, form the grounds of the indiclment : that is, when theperfecuted
can truly anfwer, that they 'only let themfelvcs againft that which fets
itfelf againft Him, who is higher than the fcighefl ;' and when they dc
not fuller " as evil doers, bufy bodies in other men's matters," ambitious
competitors for fecular axhant. grs, or contentious difputants ;.bcut polifr*
I
OmoftbcWitrKjfcs* 135.
man a long time, and v/ilj attc I
; I10 is
Hold, gi his padi.
tey fware him. — T »jd, M> lord, this nj m,
v a ime, i
in our c
law it he can to po fcfs
nun with certain >fhi totions, (^ .
•S :\ JO* Pii< ;
) . tions difcrediied then 's, and .
he was more i<
I
regard
he power 1
■
■
••:'•, they will browrheat fuch of his
of their influence; efpecially it" they !... m by Forfa
their uninterefting inftruclions. If they cannot prevail u .
that be" to interfere ; they will employ reproaches, menaces, or t
'Hon, to obftruct th • progrefs of evangelical mhiifLns ; ih raid any
iw remain unrepealed, of -which they can take _ -hy/
will be the ih: fiiit to enforce it : and if the ml r 1 perfecu-
rioa, they w .. — As this was
/ the cafe in our authoH I as the hiftory of the old
:w Teftamenr, 2nd every... :cord of perfecutions, give
the fam • view of it ; we cannot be greatly ,ir a lofs to I
efpsc by this embl m. In oth r
.
. i as they di
government of their co
;n'" How grie who
gorpel, fhoriro ^ .
■ '
to bear te
exhibit th ir patient f :
. t of all not in n
to their moll b
1 in ry, and
r make re
.
136 Depofition of Envy and Superftiricn.
general calls 'principles of faith and holinefs.' And, in
particular I heard him once myfelf affirm, that Christianity
and the cuftoms of our Town of Vanity were diametrically
oppolite, and could not be reconciled. By which laying,
my lord, he doth at once, not only condemn all our lauda-
ble doings, hut us in the doing of them.
Then did the Judge fay unto him, Hafl thou any more
to {:\y ?
Envy. My lord, I could fay much more, only I would
not be tedious to the court. Yet if need be, when the oth-
er gentlemen have given in their evidence, rather than any
thing {hall be wanting that will difpatch him, I will enlarge
irry teftimony againft him. — So he was bid to (land by.
Then they called Superstition, and bid him look upon
the prifoner : they alfo afked what he could fay for their
lord the king againft him ? Then theyfware him ; iohe began:
My lord, I have no great acquaintance with this man,
nor do I defire to have further knowledge of him ; howev-
er, this I know, that he is a very peitilent fellow, from fome
drfcourfe that the other day I had with him in this Town ;
for then, talking with him, I heard him fay that our religion
was naught, and fuch by which a man could by no means
pleaie God. Which fayings of his, my lord, your lordihip
very well knows what neceifarily thence will follow, to wit,
that we it ill do woiihip in vain, are yet in our fins, and finally
Hiu.il be damned : and this is' that which I have to fay. (h)
peace of ihe community 5 rhey excedingiy ftrengtheri men's prejudices
1. iufi the dottrii cs qi the gofpel, and the whole body of thole who
1 rofc Is tlr rn ; and thus ^ive occajion, and furnifli an excufe, for that
wiy perfecution of which they complain, in inker refpefts with the
gteaieftjuilice.
[h) Si; p e r st ition repr. fents another < lafs of underling perfecu-
ters ; (for the principals are c hen mafked infidels.,) Traditions, human
ntions, forms and externals, appear to theVn decent, venerable and
(acred; aud are miflaken with pertinacious ignorarice, for the lubfiance
of religion. As m< ve circumjlances of worlVnp, fome of thefe may vciy
well anfwer the purpofe ; prdvided they be not vnpoftd, magnified above
th.ir value, or fubiluuted in ihe place of things eflentially &ood : others
are bid, in their origin, ufe and tendency ; yet the truths, ordinances
and comma: dments ol God ate made void, that men mej keep tjiera !
W hat ;s pompous or burdenfome appears to Inch men meritcuious ;
and the ex< itement ui mere natural j, .{lions, (as at a tragedy,) is deemed
a moll need mi lieip to true devotion. '1 hey are, therefore, eminently
qualified to be witneffes againft the faithful leivams ol God : lor thty
ink tliey are thus doing htm fowice," while they are oppofmg a
Pick thank rs Depofitfon,
Then was P:ckthank fworn, and bid fay what he knew
in the behalf of their lord the king againft the prifoner at
the bar.
My lord, and you gentlemen all, this fellow I have
known of a long time, and have heard him fpeak things
that ought not to be fpolce ; for he hath railed on our n<
prince Beelzebub, and hath fpoken contemptibly of his
honourable frfends, whofe names are the lord Old-man, the
lord Carnal-delight, the lord Luxurious, the lord De-
sire-of~vaint-glory, my old lord Lechery, Sir Having-
greedy, with all the reft of our nobility : and he hath laid,
moreover, that, if all men were of his mind, if poiTible there
is not one of theie noblemen mould have any longer a be-
ing in this town. Befides, he hath not been afraid to rail
en you, my lord, who are now appointed to be his Judge,
calling you an ungodly villain, with many other fuch-like
vilifying terms, with which lie hath beipattered moil of the
gentry of our town. (/')
company of profane dbfstfers of their idolized forms ; a fet of fanatics,
Heretics, and peftilent Ichifmatics! Their religious zeal contracts and
hardens their hearts ; arid th;: fuppofed goodnefs of the caufe fan*
their bitter rage, enmity nnd calumny.. The extreme odi-nifuefs
of thefe proceedings mould excite all who love the mrh, to
keep at the utmoitdiflance from fuch ebfiinate confidence and v.tf lei ce ;•
to difcountenance them to the utmoll, in the zealots n? their own fc
ments ; and to leave the enemies of the gofpel, if poffijble, to monopo-
lize this difgrace. For hitherto, almoft all parties have been betrayed
into it, when ridv.-mced to power; and this his given the enemies of
Chriulamty their mofl plaufible arguments againfl it.
Pi CKTH A x k re pre fen ts a fet of tools tint perft "urors continually
ufe ; namely, men ot no religious principle ; who a flu me he appear::
am e of z:-al for any party, as may beft promote theii interefls"; and who
rdlydefpife both the fuperfiit ions and the Spiritual well'.
1 hefe men difcern iittle in the conduct or eircum fiances of bene ••. :i
excite either the ir rage, or envy : but if their fjperiurs he difpofed to
perfecute, they will ailbrd their afli fiance ; for pre this
nel. So thai they bear their teftiniony from
and flatter the mofl execrable chara&ers, in order to get Forv
very
thing elfe. The nanus of thofe afcainfl
j^ew that his crime coiidfle fling, by word and di
think tfeemfi
The fornv
all nines ; and on form die teiiiMirny againfl liti cai i
i iences of the guilty, without refj
ions ; ba: the U'.tcr is always ur.juft and unfc
M 2
238 Faithful's Anfwer.
When this Pickthank had told his tale, the Judge di-
rected his fpeech to the prifoner at the bar, laying, Thou
runagate, heretic, and traitor, haft thou heard what thefe
honeft gentlemen have witnelfed againft thee ?
Faith. May I fpeak a few words in my own defence ?
Judge. Sirrah, iirrah, thou defervefl to live no longer,
but to be flain immediately upon the place ; yet, that all-
men may fee our gentlenefs towards tiiee, let us fee what
thou haft to fay.
Faith. I fay then, in anfwer to what Mr. Envy hath
fpoken, I never laid aught but this, that what rule, or laws,
or cuftom, or people, were flat againft the word of God,
are diametrically oppofite to Christianity. If I have faid
amifs in this, convince me of my error, and I am ready
here before you to make my recantation.
As to the fecond, to wit, Mr. Superstition, and his
charge againft me, 1 faid only this, that in the worlhip of
God there is required a divine faith ; but there can be no
divine faith without a divine revelation of the will of God.
Therefore, whatever is thruft into the worfhip of God, that
is not agreeable to divine revelation, cannot be done but
by an human faith, which faith will not be profit to eter-
nal life.
As to what Mr. Fickthank hath faid, I fay, (avoiding
terms, as that I am faid to rail, and the like,) that the
prince of this town, with all the rabblement, his attendants,
by this gentleman named, are more fit for a being in hell
than in this Town and Country ; and {o the Lord have
mercy upon me. (i)
(k) Faithful's defence is introduced by thefe lines, as in the
foregoing inflances—
4 Now, Faith ru j., play the man, fpeak for thy God ;
Fear not the v/icked's m dice, nor their rod : »
Speak boldly, man, 'he truth is on thy fide;
Die for it, and to life in triumph ride.'
Christians in fuch circumstances fhou'd be more concerned for the
honour of God than for their own credit or fafety ; and they fhould
take occafion to bear a decided teftimony to the truths, commandment*
and "inftitutinns of Scripture : leaving it to their accufcis, judges, or
heareis, to' determine what fentiments and practices are thus proved to
be anti'chriftian, or what numbers of 'teachers in Israel" are ex*
pofed <ss blind guides. Th*t faith, (by which alone we approach to
Goo, and acceptably woifhip him.) has no other object than divine
revelation i nothing done -without the exprejs warrant of Scripture can
The Judge's Charge to the Jury. 1 39
Then the Judge called to the jury, (who all this while
ftood by to hear and obferve ;) Gentlemen of the jury,
you fee this man about whom fo great an uproar hath been
made in this Town ; you have alfo heard what thefe wor-
thy gentlemen have witne/Ted againft him ; alfo you have
heard his reply and confeffion. It lieth now in your breads
to hang him or fave his life ; but yet I think meet to in-
ftruft you into our law.
There was an aft made in the days of Pharaoh the
great, fervant to our prince, that, left thofe of a contrary
religion fhould multiply and grow too ftrong for him, their
males fhould be thrown into the river.* — There was alfo
an aft made in the days of Nebuchadnezzar the great,
another of his fervants, that whoever would not fall down
and worfliip his golden image, fhould be thrown into a
fiery furnace.f — There was alfo an aft made in the days
of Darius, that whofo for fome time called upon any God
but him ihould be call into the lions' den.J Now the fub-
ftance of thefe laws this rebel has broken, not only in
thought, (which is not to be borne) but alfo in word and
deed ; which rauft therefore needs be intolerable.
For that of Pharaoh ; his law was made upon a fuppo-
fition to prevent mifchief, no crime yet being apparent.
But here is a crime apparent. For the fecond and third ;
you fee he difputeth againft our religion ; and for the trea-
fon he hath confeffed, he deferveth to die the death. (/)
* Exod. i. t Dan. iii. £ Dan. vi.
be profitable to eternal life, ■whatever maybe faid for its expediency ;
but every thing folded into religion contrary to that facred rule muft
be an abomination. Human faith may pleafd men; but without
a divine faith it is impofiible to pleafe Go d, either in general or in any
particular action. And, as we fcldom can fpeak againft (he vile lulls of
men, without behlg judged by implication to rail againft fuch as are no-
torioufly addi&ed to them, we cannot be the followers of Him, "whom
the world hated, becaufe he teftified of it that its works were evil," unlefs
we be willing to rifle all confequeuces in copying his example.
(!) A more juft and keen fatyrical defcription of fuch /^c/ iniquities,
can fcarcely be imagined, than that contained in this paflage. The
ftatutes and precedents adduced, (with an humorous and well imitated
reference to the ftyleand manner, in which charge s are commonly given
to juries;) (hew what patterns perfecuting legiftarors and magiftratcs
choofe to copy, and whofe kingdom they labour to uphold. Nor can
any impartial man deny, that the inference is fair which our author
the reader to deduce; namely, that nominal proteftants, enabl-
ing laws requiring conformity to their own creeds and forms, and inflift-
X40 FJthfulys Torments a fid Death,
Then went the jury out, whgfe names were Mr. Blind-
mas, 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 Mry Im-
placable \ who every one gave in his private verdict againft
him among themfelves, and afterwards unanimoufly conclu-
ded to bring him in guilty before the judge. And tirft Mr,
Blindman, the foreman, laid, ' I fee clearly that this man
is an heretic' Then faid Mr. No-good, * Away with
Rich a fellow from the earth.' * Ay,' faid Mr. Malice,
c for I hate the very looks of him.' Then faid Mr. Love*
lust, 'I could never endure him.* * Nor I,' faid Mr..
Live-loose, 'for he would always be condemning my
way.' 'Hang him, hang him/ faid Mr. Heady. 'A
forry fcrub/ laid Mr. High-mind. 'My heart rifeth againft
him,' faid Mr. Enmity. « He is a rogue,' faid Mr. Liar.
c Hanging is too good for him,' faid Mr. Cruelty. ''Let
us difpatch him out of the way,' faid Mr. Hate-light,
Then laid Mr. Implacable, ' Might I have all the world
given me, I could not be reconciled to him : therefore let
us forthwith bring him in guilty of death.' And fo they did ;
therefore he was prefently condemned to be had from the
place where he was, to the place from whence he came, and.
there to be put to the moil cruel death that could be in^
vented.
They therefore brought him out to do with him accord-
ing to their law i and fTrft they fcourged him, then they
buffeted him, then they lanced his fiefh with knives ; after
that they ironed him with ftones, then prick'd him with their,
fwords ; and lair of all they burned him to allies at the ftake^.
Thus came Faithful to his end. (m)
ing puntlhineius on Inch as peaceably diffent horn them, arc actually
involved in the guilt of tbefe heathen pcrfecutors, and or their ami-
ehriftian fucceffors ; even it' their doftrire and wo (hip be allowed to-
be frriptural and fpirituai. Kor thefe methods only feive to promote
hypocrify., and to expofe (he conl'cicntious to the malice, envy or ava-
rice of the unprincipled;
(m) The napnes of the jury-men, and their general and particular
verdicK the artlei execution ui Faith it" i , and the Kap] y event of
his fufrerincs, need no comment.- It was- not indeed the practice of the
tin-.'s i: which cur author lived, to infTift death on thole who were1
periecut ■ ■! for coi Icience lak - ! yet very great rigours were ulcd ; the
{yflcm thru adopted, if carried to its confequences, muft have ended in
the extermination of all non-con foirmlls horn the land; it was natural
Is taken to Glory. ChrljVuvi efeapes, 141
Now I law that there flood behind the multitude a char-
iot and a couple of hories waiting for Faithful: wjio, fo
foon as his adverfaries had difpatched him, was taken up
into it, and ftraightway was carried up through the clouds,
with found of trumpet, the neareit way to the Ceieltial
Gate. But, as for Christian, he had fome refpite, and
was remanded back to prifon ; fo he there rem lined for a
fpace : but he that over-rules all things, having the power
of their rage in his own hand, fo wrought it about that
Christian for that timeeicaped them and went his way.(«)
' Well, Fa 1 ra ;• u 1., thou hall faithfully profeft
Unto thy Lor n, with whom thou fh 1 be bleft,
WhenJauAlefs ones, with all their vai 1 delights,
Are crying out under the ir hellifh plights.
Sing, Fa it vui, fing, and let thy name furvive,
For though they kili'd thee, thou art yet alive.'
to expect ftill greater cruelty from perfons who were found capable of
the feveriries already experienced; and without all doubt many actually
foil their lives, in one way or other, by the p-rfecutions to which they
were expofed. — All thole, who feel a dilpohtion to employ the power
of the magiftrate again!! fuch as differ from them in religious matters,
fhouid a t utively coriSder the contemptible and odious picture here
delineated, with the mod entire juftice, of the whole race of perfecutors,
and of their characters, principles, motives, and conduct : that they
may learn to-hate and dread fuch an anti-chrifti .n pra6tice, and fhun
the mod remote approaches to it. On the other hand, they who are
expofed to perfecution, or in danger of it, iliould ftudy the character
and conduct of Fa ithf u l, that they may learn to lufFer in a Chriitian
fpirit, and to adorn the gofpel in the fiery trial.
The following lines are here introduced as before —
4 Brave Faithful! bravely done in word and deed!
Judge, witnefles, a;id jury have, inliead
Oi overcoming thee, but (hewn their Fag?,
When they are dead, ihou'lt live from age to age.'
(n) When the believer has done his work, the wrath of man may be
permitted to expedite his removal to his heavenly inheritance; but all
the malice and power of earth and hell are utterly unavailing to cut off
anyone till she purpofes.of Goo refpecting him are accompiifhed.
Thus the apofties were preferved during ^>au l's perfecution, and
Pe t £ k was refcued from the hands of Hi; r o d. The Lo r d has va^
rious methods of protecting and liberating his fervants : fometimes he
intimidates their perleeutors; the paroxyfm of their fury abates ; or
they are difceartened by ill fuccefs in their efforts to extirpate the hated
fe6l; the principals and instruments are left to quarrel among them-
; their cruelties difguft the people, fo that they dare not proceed ;
political interefts engage even ungodly princes to promote toleration,
hain up the demon peifecution ; or the Lo R D raifes up one of his
own fervants to authority, that he may be a protec~toi of his church, and
difappeiat the devices ot his enemies.
143 Hobcful attends Chrijhan.
Nov/ I law in in) dream that Christian' went not forth
alone ; for there was one whole name was Hop lful, (be-
ing fo made by the beholding of Christian and Fa i rHFUL,
in their words and behaviour in their futfiefring-s at the Fair)
who joined himielf unto him ; and entering into a broth-
erly covenant, told him that he would be his companion.
Thus one died to make testimony to the truth, ami another
riles out of his allies to be a companion with Christian.
This Hopeful alio told Christian, that there were man/
Tiiore of trie men in the Fair, that would take their time
and follow after, (o)
So I faw that quickly after they were- got out of the
Fair, they overtook one that was going before them, whofe
name was By-fnds : fo they laid 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 Celeftial City, but told them not his name. .
Frcrn Fair-speech ! laid Christian : is there any gopd
that lives there ?*
Yes, faid By-ends, I hope.
Chr. Pray, Sir, what may I call you ?
By. I am a ftranger to you and you to me : if you be
going this way, I {hall be glad of your company : if not,
I mult be content.
Chr. This town of Fair-speech I have heard of it,
and, as I remember, they fay it's a wealthy place.
By. Yes, I will alfure you that it is ; and I have very
many rich kindred there.
Chr. Pray who are your kindred there, if a man may
be fo bold .?
* Prow xxvi. 25.
(0) 4 The blood of the martyr's is the feed of th. church :' for fuffer-
ings properly endured, form the moll convincing and ufehil kind of
preaching. — 1 he name of Ch R Istian's new companion denotes the
opinion, which efl.ib.tfhed believers form at brft, of iuch as be^:n to
profefs ihe gofpel in an intelligent manner. The nature or an allegory
rendered it impracticable to introduce the new convert, as beginning
his pilgrimage from the fame place, or going through the fame Icenes,
as Christian had done: neither could Faithful, for the
fame readm, he reprefented as pa fling the. river afterwards mentioned.
But the brotherly covenant, in which Hope ftj l joined himfelf with his
companion, mull be fuppofed to imply the (ubllance of all that Uad*beea
fpokeu of, as neceflary to final acceptance.
By-ends' Kindred* 143
.By. Almofl. the whole town: ;md, in particular, my
Lord Turn-about, my Lord rver, my Lord
Fair-speech, from whole ancestors that town firft took its
name : alio Mr, Smooth-man, Mr. Facing-both-v/ays,
Mr. Any-thing ; and the parfon of our parifh, Mr. Two-
tongues, was my mother's own brother by father's fide ;
and, to tell you the truth, I am a gentleman of good qual-
ity, yet my great grandfather was but a waterman, looking
one way and rowing another, and I got moll of my eftate
by the fame occupation.
Chr. Are you a married man ?
By. Yes, and my wife is a very virtuous woman, the
daughter of a virtuous woman ; (he was my Lady Feign-
in g's daughter, therefore me came of a very honourable
family, and is arrived to fuch a pitch of breeding- that (he
knows how to carry it to all, even to prince and peafant.
It is true, we fomewhat differ in religion from thofe of the
ftricrer fort, but yet in two fmall points. Firft, ,ive never
ftrive againft wind and tide. Secondly, we arc always
molt zealous when religion goes in his fiiver flippers ; we
love much to walk with him in the ftreet, if the fun mines,
and the people applaud it. (p)
(p) The charter of By-ends, and the group that attended hun,
forms a clear detection and merited condemnation of a large company
of falle profefTors; and is not at nil inferior in importance to the
preceding fevere fatire on open perfecutors.— When reft n given
to the church, hypocrites often multiply more than real Chriflians.—
I he name of this man, and tbofe of his town and relations, do not
merely defcribe hi* original characVr and fituation, (as Christian!
wis at firft called Graceless of the Cky of Destruction ;j but
they denote the nature of his religious profeffion. Relievers look back
on then former principles and b. haviour with fhame and abhorrence ;
but hypocrites, when reproved for evident fins, excufe them, hecaufe'
Ch R ist came to fave the loft, and becaufe he is merciful ro *he chief
pfnnncre. Christian would readily have granted that ' no good
J.vea at his native city; and on that very account he had renounced it
vnth all his old connex ons : but Bv-f.nds hoped better of Fair-
speech, and gloried in his honourable relations there. Yet he was
uihamed 01 hx name : for men are unwilling to allow that they feek
nothing more than worldly advantages by religion. The names here
iehcted are moft emphatically defcriptive of that whole company of
ned Cnnftians, whq, under vanous pretences, fuppofc "rfcat gain is
godlmels. . 1 be polite finmlation and diflimulatien, wh'ch fr me mod
courtly writers have inculcated, as the fummit of good breeding ihe
perfection or a fintfhed education, and the grand requifitc for obtaining
iuence m focicty, if introduced into religion, and ade^ttd fy
144 Chrifllan detects By-ends.
Then Christian ftept a little afide to his fellow Hope-
ful, faying, 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 thefe parts. Then laid
Hopeful, Afk him ; methinks he fhould not be afhamed
of his name. So Christian came up with him again, and
faid, * Sir, you talk as if you knew fomething more than
all the world doth, (g) and, if I take not my mark amifs,
I deem I have half a guefs of you : is not your name Mr.
Bv-ends, of Fair-speech ?
By. This is not my name, but indeed it is a nick-name
that is given me by fome that cannot abide me, and I mini
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 occafion to men to
call you bT' this name ?
'**■
profeffors _or preachers of the gofpe1, in connexion with fafhionahle
accomplifhments and an agreeable addrefs, conftitute the mod verfati'e,
refined, and infinuating fpecies of kypocrijy that can be imagined : and
a man of talents, of any occupation or profeflion, may render it very
fiibfervient to his intereft ; by infuring the patronage or cuftom of
thofe to whom he attaches himfelf, without giving much umbrage to
the world, which may indeed defpife fuch a character, but will not
deem him worthy of hatred. He may aflumc any of the names here
provided for him, as may beft fuit his line in life ; and may fhape his
courfe, in fubferviency to his grand concern, with coniiderable latitude;
provided he has prudence enough to keep clear of fcanda'ous vices : he
will not be long in learning the beneficial art of ufrng two tongues with
one mourh, and of looking one way and rowing another : and perhaps
he may improve his fortune by an honourable alliance, with fome branch
of the ancient family of the Fk i on i nos. The grand difference be-
twixt this whole tribe, and the body of true Chrifiians, confifls in thefe
two things : Chriftians fee k the falvation of their fouls, and at the
feme time aim to glorify God, and be ufeful to their neighbours ; but
hypocrites profefs to be religious in order to obtain friends, patrons,
cuftomers, or applaufc : thofe follow the Lo r d habitually, whatever
tribulations arife becaufe of the word ; but thefe conceal or deny .their
profefiion, when, inftead of gaining by it, they are expofed to reproach
or perfecution.
{q) The people of the world, who avow their real character, know
how to ferve Mammo n by neglefting and defpifing God and religion ;
and the difciples of C'.! R ist can ferve God by renouncing the world
and its friendfhip : but time-fervers talk as if they had found out the
fecrct of uniting thefe two difcordant inteiefrs, and thus of 'knowing
fomething more than all the world.' — This is the moft prominent feature
in this group of portraits, which in other refpetts exhibits various dil-
fimilaiitics, and contains the faces of perfons belonging to every divifion
iimiiamics, ana cg
of proTeffed Chrillians on earth.
Ckrjftian arid Hopeful part from h;m. 145
I
By. Never, never ! the worft that ever I did, to give
them an occaiion to give me this name, was, that 1 had
always the luck to jump in my judgm^it with the prefent
way of the times, whatever it was ; and my chance was to
get thereby. But if things are thus call upon me, let me
count them a bleffing ; but let not the malicious load me
therefore with reproach.
Chr. I thought indeed that you were the man that I
heard of; and, to tell you what I think, I fear this name
belongs to you more properly than you are willing we
mould think it doth.
By. Well, if you will thus imagine, I cannot help it :
you fliall find me a fair company-keeper if you will itill
admit me your aflcciate.
Chr. If you will go with us, you mud go againd wTindi
2nd tide, the which, I perceive, is againd your op&Vto^ ; you
muft alio own religion in his rags as well as when in his
filver flippers : and ft and by him too when bound in irons,
?ls well as when he walketh the ftreets with applaufe.
By. You muft not impofe, nor lord it over my faith ;
leave me to ray liberty, and let me go with you.
Chr. Not a itep further, unleis you will do in what I
propound as we.
Then faid By-ends, I mall never deiert myr old princi-
ples, iince they are harmlefs and profitable. If I may not
go with you, I muft do as I did before you overtook me,
even go by myfelf, until ibme overtake me that will be glad
of my company, (r)
Now I faw in my dream that Christian and Hopeful
(r) When hypocrites arc charged with their double-dealing and ob-
\iojs crimes, they commonly fet it down to the account of perfecution,
and clafs fliemfelves with that bleff d company, of whom " aii manner of
evil is fpoken fnlf(h\ for the name of Ck R ist :" as if there weie no
difference between fuForirg as a Chrifnan, and being a fcandal to the
very name of Chriftiamty ! Tims they endeavour to quiet their minds,
ana keep up their credit ; deeming themfeives at the lame time very
prudent and fortunate, in fhifting about fo as to avoid the nofs, ard
fecure their temporal inten fts.' The apoftle fays concerning thefe men,
"from fuch turn away ;" and the decided manner in which Chr istian
wams By-E n os^and renounces his company, though perhaps too plain
to be either approved or imitated in this courtly candid age, is certs
warranted and required by the Holy Scriptures.
N
146 Holcl-the-world, Money-love* end Save-all.
forfook him, and kept their diftance before him ; (s) but
one of them looking back law three men following Mr.
By-ends, and behold as they came up with him he made
them aS-ery low congee ; and they alfo 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 fchool-fellows, and were taught by one
Mr. Gripeman, a ichool-mafter in Love-Gain, which is a
market-town in the county of Coveting, in the north.
This Ichoolmafter taught them the art of getting, either by
violence, cozenage, flattery, lying, or by putting on a guile
of religion; and thefe four gentlemen had attained much
of the ast of their matter, fo that they could each of them
have kept fuch a fchool themfelves.
Well, when they hagfc as I faid, thus faluted each other,
Mr. Money-love Vaid to Mr. By-e*jds, Who are they upon
the* road before us ? for Christian and Hopeful were
yet within their view.
By. They are a couple of far countrymen, that after
.their mode are going on pilgrimage.
Money. Alas 1 why did they net flay, that we might
have had their good company ? for they, and we, and you,
Sir, I hope, are all going on pilgrimage. (r)
(s) In the fecond Edition, printed 1678, all the fuofequent part of
lltfeWode is wanting; trU-Cn r . s r 1 A n and Hot EFU.I. enter the
plain Eafe: but there can be no doubt of its havuig been added by the
Author himfelf, for it is Ins manner entirely. '1 his induces a. doubt,
whether iome other alterations from that edition were not made by the
author; and on this ground, it has been necefiary to exei.ctie a uikie-
tionary power in admitting or rejecting them.
It) It might have been fur poled that the pufons, here introduce^
were fettled inhabitants of the Town of Vanity, or the Cry oi
Destruction : but indeed they profefied tbemlelves Pilgrims,
and defired during the iun-ffiine to allocate with Pilgrims; provided
they would allow tfeem, to hotel the world, Icvc money, and Jave ail
whtever became ol faith and holinefs, of honefly, piety, truth, aid
charity I— Covetoufnefs, whether it conufl in raj aci< ui > trying to get
money, to hoard, or to lavilh, in purchafine coi.tquSnce, pftwer, or
nl. dure, or in fupporting magnificence and the prid< < 1 life ; or in par-
iimdny as to the ordinary proportion oi expenditure; or in tenacity,
when du'y requires a man to part with it j is a vice r.otjocrhl) dehi.ed
a6 u,,ry others. At the fame time it cables a man, in wtotw jays,
to reward thofc who can be induced to connive at it, and to rendci it
dargcrous to oppole him : lo tl at it is rot wcrdernii H5at it ccner; uy
-.ore quarter, even air.ocg religious peifcr.s, than otbej vices,
By~e/ids and his Paiiy cenfure Chri/lian. 147
By. We are To indeed : but the men .before us are fo
rigid, and love fo much their own notions, and do all
lightly eiteem the opinions of others, that let a mar
(o godly, yet if he jumps not with them in all things-, the*-)
thrull him oolite out of their company.
Save. That's bad : but we read of feme that are right-
eous overmuch, (u) and fuch men's rigidnefs prevails with
them to judge and condemn all but themielves : but I pray
what and how many were the things wherein you diifcred ?
By. Why they, after their headifro.ig' planner, con-
clude, that it is their duty to rufh on their journey ail
weathers; and I am for waiting for wind and tide. They
are for hazarding all for God at a clap, and I am for tak-
ing all advantages to iecure my life and eitate. They are
which are not marked wi h fo b!ack a brand in th'? Holy. Scriptures.
Too many pi ofi IBng to be the difciples of Chritt, " blefs ihe covetous,
whom God abhorrcth," and (peak to thern as if they were doubtlels
true Chriftians; becaufe of their fteadinefs in the profeffion of a doctri-
nal fy(tem, and a mode of worfhip; attended by morality, where money
is not concerned and fcandal might be incurred ; and a narrow di pro-
portionate contribution from their abundance, to fupport the intereft of
a focieiy or a party. Thus the "vile perfon is called liberal; and the
churl is faid to be bountiful :" and the idolatry of worshipping money-
has feldom been execrated equally with that of them, v/hole god is
their beily ;" unlefs when fo enormous as to l>ecom - a kind or' in!
— f'he m oft frugal fupport of religious worihip, wiih the moil di(
elted pallors and managers, is attended with an expenfe that the poor
of the flock are utterly unable to defray : by this opening, Hold-
the-vvob i.d and Mow BY-.i OVE frequently obtain admiffior.
acquire undue influence among Pilgrims. And when the effect of
remaining felfilhnefs in the hearts or' true believers, infinuaring itfcl?
under the lpecious plea of prudence and neceflity, and the ill confe-
hypocntes aflbciating with them. ;\r - duly confid-
it fail upon a few oblcure individuals
who attempt to ftera the torrent; it will appear evident that the rich,
and they who at rich have more need of fclf-t xaminarion and
jealosy over their ov lan any other perfons; becaufe they
will be lefs plainly warned and reproved, in public and private, than
trj. ir infi riors.
(u) This expreffi'on of. So 1 o\m n was probably intended to cairron
lis agai >.il exceffivc zeal for forrie detached parts of religion to th
f others, oragainfl fuperftitious aufterities and enthufraftical delu-
. >r any extremes, which always lead men off from vital godlineis :
',, it is the objeftion of an 1 . which he after-
but it is >! conftant plea of thole, who neglect the
n:o(l of their plai ion, to avoid ihe rrofs, and
P'"'; ' . v.r ft the ^cirj 1
tw ;h(
148 They applaud their own Principles.
for holding their notions though all other men be againft
theni-.; 'but I am for religion in what, and fo far as, the
times and my fafety will bear it. They are for religion
when in rags and contempt ; but 1 am for him when he
walks in his golden flippers, in the fun-fhine, and with
applaufe.
Hold. Ay, and hold you there Mill, good Mr. By-
ends : for my part, I can count him but a fool, that hav-
ing the liberty to keep what he has (h ill be fo unwife as to
loie it. Let us be " wife as ferpents ;" it is beft ' to make
hay when the fun dunes ;' you fee how the bee lieth (till in
winter, and beftirs her only when fhe can have profit with
pleafure. God fends fometimes rain and fometimes fun-
ihine : if they be fuch fools as to go through the firft, yet
let us be content to take fair weather along with us. For
my part, I like that religion beft that will ftand with the.
fecurity of God's good bleflings unto us : for who can
imagine, that is ruled by his reafon, fince God has bellow-
ed upon us the good things of this life, but that he would
have us keep them for his fake ? Abraham and Solomoh
grew rich in religion. And Job fays that a good man
"mall lay up gold as dud." But he mutt not be fuch as
the men before us, if they be as you have defcribed 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 fcripture nor
reafon, (and you fee we have both on our fide,) neither
knowTs his own liberty, nor feeks his own fafety. (w)
(w) This dialogue is notin the leaft more abfurd and felfifh, than the
difcourfe 01 many who attend on the preaching of the gofpel, and ex-
pect to be thought believers. They counsel "the wii'dom of the fer-
pent" with his craft and malice, not with the harmlefsnefs of the dove :
if worldly lucre be ;he honey, they imitate the bee, and only attend to
ieligion when they can gain by it : they cut and ftiape their creed and
conduct to fuit the times, and to pleafe ihoi'e an ong whom they live :
they determine to keep what they have at any rate, and to get more, ;r
it can be done without open fcandal ; never ferioufly recollcfting that
they are mere Rewards of providential advantages, of which a drift
account muft at latt be given; and, inftead of willingly renouncing or
expending them, for the Lord's fake, when his providence or
Iment requires it, they determine to huard them up for themfi
and families, or to <\>cnd them in worldly indulgence j and then emote
and pervert fcripture to varnifn over this bale idolatry.
y-ends pvopofis a Queftion-* Money-loves A?
By. My brethren, we are, you fee, going all on pil-
grimage, and for our better diveriion from things that are
bad, give me leave to propound unto you this queftion :
Suppofe a man, a minifter or tradefman, &c, ihould have
an advantage lie before him to get the good blefilngs of this
life, yet fo as that he can by no means ccme by them ex-
cept, in appearance at leaft, he becomes extraordinary zeal-
ous in fome points of religion that he meddled not with
before, may he not ufe this means to attain his end, and
yet be a right honeft man ?
Money. I fee the bottom cf your queftion ; and, with
thefe gentlemen's good leave, I will endeavour to fhape
you an aniwer. And firft, to fpeak to your queftion, as it
concerns a minijler himfelf. Suppofe a minifter, a worthy
man, poifelfed but of a very fmall benefice, and has in his
eve a greater, more fat and plump by far : he has alfo now
an opportunity of getting of it ; yet fo as by being more ftu-
dious, by preaching more frequently and zealoufiy, and be-
eaufe the' temper of the people requires it, by altering of
feme of his principles : for my part, I fee no reaft n but a
man may do this, provided he has a call, ay, and more a
great deal befides, and yet be an honeft man- For why ?
i. Kis defire of a greater benefice is lawful ; this can-
not be contradicted, lince it is let before him by Provi-
dence ; fo then he may get it if he can, making no quef-
tion for confeience' fake.
2. Befides, his deiire after that benefice makes him
more ftudious, a mere zealous preacher, &c. ; and fo makes
him a better man, yea, makes him better improve his pans ;
which is according to the mind of God.
3. Now, as for the complying with the temper of his
people by deferring, to feive them, feme of his principle.*,
this argueth that he is of a felf-denying temper, of a fweet
and winning deportment; and fo more tit for the rniniii.
terial function.
4. I conclude, then, that a minifter that changes a
for a great, ihould not, for fo doing, be judged a.-, covet-
ous ; but rather, iince he is improved in his parts and in-
duftry thereby, be counted as one that purfues his call, and
the opportunity put into his hand t© do good. (.\)
here is a fund of fatirical humour in the fuppofrd caic h< r~
very gravely Mated; and if the author, in his accurate ( s on
kjjut, fele&ed his example from among the mercenaries that cue the
N 2
r$o Thy prdptfft the Queftion to Chnjl'wm.
And now to the fecond part of the queftion, which con-
cerns the trade/man you mentioned : fuppofe fuch an one to
have but a poor employ in the world ; but by becoming
religious he may mend his market, perhaps get a rich wife*
or more and far better cuftomers to his mop. For my
part, I fee no reafon but this may be lawfully done. For
why ?
i. To become religious is a virtue, by what means fo-
ever a man becomes fo.
2. Nor is it unlawful to get a rich wife, or more cuf-
torn to my (hop.
$. Be (ides, the man that gets thefe by becoming religi-
ous, gets that which is good, of them that are good, by
becoming good himfelf ; fo then here is a good wife, and
good cuftomers, and good gain, and all thefe by becoming
religious, which is good : therefore, to become religious to
get all thefe is a good and profitable defign.
This anfwer, thus made by this Mr. Money-love to
Mr. By-ends's queftion, was highly applauded by them
all ; wherefore they concluded upon the whole that it was-
mo ft wholefome and advantageous. And becaufe, as they
thought, no man was able to contradict it, and becaufe
Christian and Hopeful were yet within call, they jointly-
agreed to alFault them with this queftion as foon as they
overtook them ; and the rather becaufe they had oppofed
Mr. By-ends before. So they called after them, and they
flopped and ftood ftill till they came up to them : ^>ut they
concluded, as they went, that not Mr. By-ends, but old
Mr. Hold-the-world, fhould propound the queftion to
them ; becaufe, as they fuppofed, their anfwer to him
would be without the remainder of that heat, that was
kindled between Mr. By-ends and them at their parting .a.
little before.
fcandal of the eftablifhsd church her, mod faithful friends will not great-
ly refent this conduct of a dilfentcr. — "The worthy clergyman tev\s/irj,
fndt " the kingdom of Go d and his righteoufnefs," or the glory of Go d
in the falvation of fouls, but) a rich benefice : to attain this primary
obje£l means mull be ufed ; and hypocritical pretenfions to diligence,
zeal, piety, with fome change of doctrine, merely to pleafe men, feem
molt likely to fuccecd ; and fo this mo!l bafe, prevaricating, fclfifh and
ungodly plan is adopted! In hew many thoufands of infhnces has this
been an awful reality ? How often has it been pleaded for, as prudent
and laudable, by men, not only pretending to common honefty and fin-
rciiiy, bat calling themfclvcs the difciples of J E 5 u s Christ I
Chriftian's Jcrlptural Anfwer. 15 1
So they came up to each other, and, after a fhort falu-
tation, Mr. Hold-thk-world propounded the queftion to
Christian and his fellow, and bid them to anfwer it if
they could.
Then faid Christian, Even a babe in religion may an-
fwer ten thoufand fuch queftions. For if it be unlawful to
follow Christ for loaves, as it is;* how much more is it
abominable to make of him and religion a ftalking-horfe
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 faw that there
were no ways for them to come at them, but by becoming
circumcifed ; they fay to their companions, " If every male
of us be circumcifed, as they are circumcifed, fhali not their
•little, and their fubftance, and every beaft of their's be
ours ?" Their daughters and their cattle were that which
they fought to obtain, and their religion the ftaiking-horfe
they made life of to come at them. Read the whole ftory,
Genefis xxjdv. 20 — 24.
The hypocritical Pharifees were alio of this religion :
long prayers were the pretence : but to get widows' houfes
was their intent, and greater damnation was from God
their judgment, f
Judas the devil was alfo of this religion: he was religious
for the bag, that he might be poileifed of what was therein ;
but he was loft, a caftaway, and the very fon of perdition.
Simon the witch was of this religion too ; for he would
have had the Holy Ghost, that he might have got money
therewith ; and his fentence from Peter's mouth was ac-
cordingly.^
Neither will it out of my mind, but that that man, that
takes up religion for the world, will throw away religion
for the world ; for lb furely as Judas defigned the world
in becoming religious, fo furely did he alfo fell religion
and his Master for the fame. — To anfwer the queftion
therefore affirmatively, as I perceive you have done, and
to accept of, as authentic, fuch anfwer, is both heatheniih,
hypocritical, and devilifh ; and your reward will be accord-
ing to your works. — Then they flood (taring one upon
another, but had not wherewith to anfwer Christian.
* John vi. 26, 27. t Luke xx. 46, 47. + Afts viir. 18—23.
I $2 The Plain Ecfe, and the Hill Lucrt.
■ Hopeful alfo approved of the foundnefs of Christian':*
anfwer ; l\~> there was a great iilence among them. Mr..
By-ends and his company alfo daggered and kept behind,
that Christian and Hopeful might out-go them. Then
faid Christian to his fellow, If thele men cannot ftand he-
fore the fentence of men, what wili. they do with the fen-
tence of God ? And, if they are mute when dealt with by
veffels of clay, what will they do when they fhall be re-
buked by the flames of a devouring fire ? (j)
Then Christian and Hopeful outwent them again,
and went till they came at a delicate plain, called Ease ;
where they went with much content : but that plain was
but narrow, fo they were quickly got over it. Now at the
further fide of that Plain was a little Hill, called Lucre,
and in that Hill a filver mine, which fome of them that had
formerly gone that way, becaufe of the rarity of it, had
turned afide to fee ; but going too near the brink of the:
pit, the ground, being deceitful under them,, broke, and'
they were flain : fome alfo had been maimed there, and
could not to their dying day be their own men.
again. {%)
(v) Goj> permits Satan to bait his hook with.' fome worldly advan-
tage, in 01 ..jn to r-enou ice their profefhon, expofe their
hypocriiy, or difgracfe the gofpel : and tit y, (poor deluded mortals !]
call it ' ai ening of Providence.' ri he fifo v d indeed \ uts the o
in their way, if they will break his commandments in order to feize
upon.it : but he does thw in order to Drove them, arid to (hew whether-1
they tnofl I »ve him or their worldly interefts ; and it is the de\U liwt
tempts them to f ize the advantage by finful compliances or hypocrit-
ical pretences that he may "take them captive at his will." 1 he argu-
ments here adduced, by an admirable imitation of the pleas often ubd'
on fuch occasions, are only valid on the fuppofition that religion' is a-,
mere" external appearance, and has nothing to do with the (late of the
heart and affe6tions ; and in fhort, that kypocrify and pkt.y are w rrds pre--
cifely of the fame meaning. — Upon the whole, the anfwer of Chris-
tian', though fomewhat rough, is fo appofite andconclufive, that it is*
fuffiqientto fortify every honeftand attentive mind aeainfi alj the argu-
ments, which thj whole tribe of timeserving prpfefibrs of Chriftianuy
ever did, or ever can adduce, in fupport of their ingenious Fchemes and'
affiduous efforts to reconcile religion with covetoufnels and the love of-
the world, or to render it fubfervient to their fecular interefts.
(z) When the church enjoys outward peace and profperiiy, (which1
ha$ hitherto been generally but for atranfient (eafpnj they, who profefs
tlic gofpel, are peculiarly expofed to the temptation of feeking worldly
riches and diftinctions ; and many in fuch circumftances are more : dis-
concerted and difpofed to murmur, if excluded from fharing thefe idol-
ized prizes, than Chaftians in general appear to have been, unckr the
The Silver Mine, and Demas* 153
Then I faw in my dream, that a little off the road, over-
againft the filver mine, ftood Demas, gentleman-like, to
call to paffengers to come and fee ; who faid to Christian
an J his fellow, Ho ! turn afide hither, and I will ihow you
a thing. (^)
moil cruel perfections ; when thefe of -jefts were placed at fuch a
diftance as to lofe moil of their aftra&iye influence. -^-But the Hill
Lu c R e, with the filver mine, is a little out of the Pilgrim's path, even
in times of the greaieft outward reft and fecurify : and while thole,
" who will be rich, fall into temptation ano a fnare, and into many; fool-
ifh and hurtful lulls, which drown men in deftruttion and perdition ;"
others, forgetting that " the love of money is the root of all evil, having
coveted utter it, have erred from the faith, and pierced themfelves
through with many forrows."
(a) ^^re know not in what way the love of this prefenl world mfiu-
enced Demas to forl'akc St. Paul : and it is not agreed whether he
afterwards repented, or whether he was finally an apoftate : yet ou*
author is warranted by the general opinion in thus ufing his name, and
afterwards joining it with thofe of Ge h az i,. Ju das, and others, who
perilhed by that idolatry. The love of money does not always fpnng
from a defire of covetoufly hoarding it ; but often from a vain affectation
of gentility which is emphatically implied by the epithet gentkman-like,
bellowed on Demas. The connexions that profeffors form in a day
of cafe and profperity, and the example of the world around them, and
even that of numbers who would be thought to love the gofpel, leduce
them infenfibly into a ftyle of living that they cannot afford, in order
to avoid the imputation of being fordid and fingul;>. An increafing
family infures additional expenfe ; and children genteelly educated natur-
ally expect to be provided for accordingly. Thus debts are contracted
and gradually accumulate : it is neither fo eafy nor h reputable to re-
trench, as it was to launch out : and numerous tempters induce men
thus circumstanced to turn ande to the Hill Lucre ; that is, to leave
th> direct, path of probity and piety, that they may obtain fopplics to
their urgent and clamorous neceuities. — Young perfons, when they
firft fet out in life, often lay the foundation for innumerable evils, by
vainly emulating the expenlive ftyle of tho^e in the fame line of buh-
nefs, or .he fame rank in the community, who are enabled to fupport
. cither by extenfive dealings or unjuftifiable means. Ma-
ny are the bankruptcies, which ortginaie from this miftaken conduft;
and b fides this, it is often found, that fair profits are inadequate to
uphold the appearance which was at fiift needlefsly allumcd ;. fo that
nece/Jfty is pleaded for engaging in thofe branches cf trade, or fcizing on
thole emoluments, which ;he conduft of worldly people fcreen from to-
tal fcandal, but which are evidently contrary to the word of Gop, and
the plain rule of exaft truth and rectitude ; and which render their con-
fciencesvery uneafy. But who can hear the mortification of owning him-
felf poorer than he was thought to he ? Who dare r Ik the confluences
. fufpefted to be jpfolvent ? — In thefe enfr.ating circumlhmccs,
: i Cnriftians, if not powerfully influenced by religious princi-
. be almofl lure to embrace Di mas's invitation, along with
; M o NEY-i.uvt , and Savl-au ; and if ihey be "no*
154 C&rjfliarfs Inquiry x
Chr. What thing fo deferring as to turn us out of
the way.
drowned in deftru&ion and perdition," will "fa]] hvo temptation and a,
fnare, and pierce themfelves through with many forrows." It therefore
j- in umbent on every one, well to confidcr, that it is as imjitji to con-
tract debts for fuperfluous indulgences,, or to oh am credit hj faile
appearances of affluence, as it is*to defraud by a.y othei n
and that this kind of di/kone/ly makes way for innumerable temptations-
to tnore dilgraceful fuecies o^the fame crime : not to fpeak of its abio-
lute Lnconfiftency with piety and charily.
But none are in this refpect. Io much expofed as fninifters and their
famili s^ when,, having no private fortune, they are fituaiedamong the
affluent and genteel : and by yielding 10 the tcinp'ation, they are often
incapacitated from paying their debts with punctuality : they ;rre induced
to degrade their office by Hooping to anfintable methods of extricating
rhwnfelves out of difficulties, from which flyict frugality- would bave
prelerved them, and by laying themfelves under obligations to fucjl
men as are capable of abufing their purchafed fuperionty : and, above
all, they are generally led to place their children in fituations and con-
nexions, highly unfavourable to the intereils of their fouis, in order to
procure them a genteel provifion. If we form our judgment on this,
iubjeci from the Holy Scripture, we fhall not think of finding the true
minifters of Ch r ist among the higher ciailes in the community, in
natters of external appearance or indulgence. That information and
learning, which many of them have the opportunity of acquiring, may
render them acceptable company to the affluent, elpecially to luch as
love them for their work's fake ; and even the exercife, of Chriftian
tempers will improve the urbanity acquired by a liberal education, where
fakhfulnefs is not concerned. But if a mini tier thinks, that the atten-
tron~ofthe great or noble requires him to copy their exp nfive flyleof
living, he gnevoufly mifiakes the matter. For this will generally forfeit
the opinion before entertained of his good fenfe and regard fo pre priety :
and hi, official declarations, concerning the vanity of earthly things,
and the Chrilfian'o indifference to them, will be fufpecledof lhfincerity ;.
while it is obierved, that he conforms to the world, as far or even fur-
ther than his circumlhnces will admit : and thus refpeel will often be
changed intodifguft. Nay indeed the fupenor orders in fociety do not
choofe to be too clofely copied, in thofe things which they deem their
exclulive privileges ; especially, by one who, (they, muft think,; fecretly
depends on them to defray the expenfe of the intruiivc competitioiu
The confiftent mjwifler of C k r i s T will certainly defire to avoid
every thing mean and fordid, and to retrench in every othei way rather
than exhibit the appearance of penury : but, provided he and his family-
can maintain a d: :em. fi-rrtgilicity, and the credit of punctuality in his pay-
ments, he will not think of al pi ring any higher. If, in oider to do this,
he be compelled to exercife con (i .Ierahle felf-denial, he will think little
of it, while he looks more to j bsus and his apotlles, than to the lew
of a fuperior rank who profefs the gofpel : and could he afford fome-
thing genteel and faihionable, he would deem it more defira.fe
tkvote a larger portion to pious and charitable ules, than to fquajuier it
in vain affectation. — Perhaps Satan never carried a more important
point, within the vifibie church, than when the opinion was
Anfwered by Dcmas. 155
Demas. Here is a filver mine, and fome digging in it
for treaiure ; if you will come, with a little pains ycu may
richly, provide for yourfelves.
Then faid Hopeful, Let us go fee.
Not I, faid Christian, I have heard of this place before
now, and how many have there been flam ; and befides,
that treafure is a fnare to thole that feek it ; for it hindereth
them in their pilgrimage.
Then Christian called to Demas, faying, Is not the
way dangerous ? hath it not hindered many in their pil-
grimage ?
Demas. Not very dangerous, except to thofe that^are
carelefs. — But withal he bluihed as he fpake.
Then faid Christian to Hopeful, let us not ftir a ftep,
but ftill keep on our way. (I)
Hope. I will warrant you when By-ends comes up, if
he hath the fame invitation as we, he will turn in thither
to fee.
Chr. No doubt thereof, for his principles lead him that
way, and a hundred to one but he dies there.
Then Demas called again, faying, But will ycu not
come over and fee.
that the clergy were gentlemen by profcfion ; and when he led them to
infer from ir, that they and their families ought to live in a genteel and
Jajhionable flyle. As the body of ;he clergy have been moftly but
flenderly provided for : when they were thus taught to imitate the ap-
pearance of the affluent, the moll effectual ftep was taken to reduce them
10 abjeft dependence; to convert them into parafiies and flatterers;
to render them very indulgent to the vices of the rich and great ; or
to tempt them to become the infliuments of accomplifbing their
ambitious or licentious deftgns : and no fmall part of the nlbfhrefs and
artifices of the clergy, which are now made a pretext for abolifhing ihe
order., and even for renouncing Chriftianity, hove in fact, originated
from this fatal miftake. In proportion as the fame principle is adopted
by miniflers of any description, limilar eftcOs will follow ; and a degree
ot dependence, inconfiftent with unembarraffed faithfuineis, mull be tic
confequence : nor can we in all cafes, and without refpeft of pcrfons,
"declare the whole counfel of God," unlefs we be willing, if required,
to be, ai.d to appear as, the poor followers of Him " who had net
where to lay his head."
lexperienced believers are very liable to be feduced by the ex-
ample and perfuafions of hypocrites ; and to deviate fiom,the direft
pith, in order to obtain worldly advantages, by means that ir'any <dtem
fur arid honourable. In this cafe the cOunfel aed warnings oi an Bfcpe-
iience-i c^inpaniom are of the^reatefi mora
i$6 By-ends and his Party perifh at the Aline.
Then Christian roundly anfwered, faying, Demas,
thou art ap enemy to the right ways of the Lord of this
way, and had been already condemned, for thine own
turning afide, by one of his Majefty's Judges ;* and why
feekeft thou to bring us into the like condemnation ? Be-
fides, if we at all turn afide, our Lord the King will
certainly hear thereof, and %ill there put us to fhame, where
we would ftand with boldnefs before him.
Demas cried again that he alfo was one of their fraterni-
ty ; and that if they would tarry a little he alfo himfelf
would walk with them.
Then faid Christian, What is thy name? Is it not
the fame by the which I have called thee ?
Demas. Yes, my name is Demas ; I am the fon of
Abraham.
Chr. I know you : Gehazj was your great grand-
father, and Judas your father, and you have trod their
fteps ; it is but a devilifh prank that thou ufeft : thy father
was hanged for a traitor, and thou delerveft no better re-
ward, f Affure thyfelf that when we come to the King
we will do him word of this thy behaviour. — Thus they
went their way.
By this time By-ends and his companions were come
again within fight, and they at the firft beck went over to
Demas. Now, whether they fell into the pit by looking
over the brink thereof, or whether they went down to dig,
or whether they were fmothered in the bottom by the damps
that commonly arife, of thefe things I am not certain ; but
this I obferved, that they never were feen again in the war.
— Then fang Christian ;
'Bv-e n ds and HIver Demas both agree ;
One calls, the other runs, that he may be
A. fharer in his lucre ; fo th-fe two
Take up in this world, and no further go.'
Now I faw that, juft on the other fide of this plain, the
Pilgrims came to a place where flood an old Monument
hard by the highway fide, at the fight of which they were
both concerned, becauleof the ftrangenefs of the form thereof,
fbr it feemed to them as if it had been a ivoman transformed
into the fhape of a pillar. Here therefore they flood looking
and looking upon it ; but could not for a time tell what they
fhould make thereof: at lafl Hopeful efpied written above
* c Tim. iv. 10. i ?. Kings v. r.o — 27. Matt, xxvi, 14, t^.
xxvii. 3—5.
The Monument^ or Lot's Wife, 157
upon the head thereof a writing in an unufual hand ; but
he, being no fcholar, called to Christian (for he was
learned,) to fee if he could pick out the meaning : fo he
came, and after a little laying of letters together, he found
the fame to be this, " Remember Lot's wife." So he
read it to his fellow ; after which they both concluded that
that was the pillar of fait into which Lot's wife was turn-
ed, for her looking with a covetous heart when fhe was
going from Sodom.* Which fudden and amazing fight
gave them occafion of this difcourfe.
Chr. Ah, my brother ! this is a feafonable fight : 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 defired us, and as thou waft inclining
to do, my brother, we had, for aught I know, been made
ourfelves a fpectacle for tliofe that fhall come after to
behold.
Hope. I am forry that I was fo foolifh, and am made
to wonder that I am not now as Lot's wife ; for wherein
was the difference 'twixt her fin and mine ? fhe only looked
back, and I had a defire to go fee. Let grace be adored,
and let me be afhamed that ever fuch a tiling fhould be in
mine heart.
Chr. Let us take notice of what we fee here for our
help for time to come ; this woman efcaped one judgment,
for fhe fell not by the deftruction of Sodom ; yet fhe was
deftroyed by another, as we fee, fhe is turned into a pillar
of fait.
Hope. True, and fhe may be to us both caution and
example ; caution, that we fhould fhun her fin ; or a fign
of what judgment will overtake fuch as fhall not be pre-
vented by this caution : fo Korah, Dath an, and Abiram,
with the two hundred and fifty men that perifhed in their
fin, did alfo become a fign or example to others to beware, f
But above all, I mufe at one thing, to wit, how Demas
and his fellows can (land fo confidently yonder to look for
that treafure, which this woman but for looking behind
her after, (for we read not that fhe ftept one foot out of
the way.) was turned into a pillar of fait ; fpecially fince
the judgment which overtook her did make her an example
* Cen. xix. 26. t N«rmb. xxvi. 9, 10.
158 River of the Water of Life.
within fight of where they are : for they cannot choofe but
fee her, did they but lift up their eyes, (c)
Chr. It is a thing to be wondered at, and it argueth
that their heart is grown defperate in that cafe ; and I
cannot tell whom to compare them to fo fitly, as to them
that pick pockets in the preience of the judge, or that will
cut purfes under the gallows. It is laid of the men of
Sodom, that "they were finners exceedingly," becaufe
they were finners "before the Lord," that is, in his eye-
fight, and notwithftanding the kindneU'es that he had fhew-
ed them ; for the land of Sodom was now like the garden
of Eden heretofore.* This therefore provoked him the
more to jealoufy, and made their plague as hot as the fire
of the Lord out of heaven could make it. And it is moll
rationally to be concluded, that fuch, even fuch as thefe
are, that (hall fin in the fight, yea and that too in defpite,
of fuch examples that are fet continually before them to
caution them to the contrary, muil be partakers of fevereft
judgments.
Hope. Doubtlefs thou haft faid the truth ; but what 3
mercy is it, that neither thou, but efpecially I, am net
made myfelf this example ! This miniftereth occafion to us
to thank God, to fear before him, and always to " rememr
ber Lot's wife."
I faw then, that they went on their way to a pleafant
River, which David the king called " the River of God ;"
but John, " the River of the water of life."f Now their
way lay juft upon the bank of the River : here therefore
Christian and his companion walked with great delight;
* Gen. xiii. 10, 13. T Pfal, Ixv. 9. Ezek. xlvii. Rev. xxji. 1.
(c) It is indeed mod wonderful, that men, who profefs to believe the
Bible can fo confidently attempt to reconcile the love of the world with.
the fervice of Goo ; when the inftruilions, warnings and examples m
the facred volume, which {hew the fatal confequences of fuch endeav-
ours, arc fo numerous, exprefs, and affecting ! If Lot's wife, who
merely hankered after the poflei&ons ftie had left behind in So D OM, and
looked hack with a deiign of returning, was made a monument of the
Lo R d's vengeance, and a warning to all future ages ; what w ill be the;
doom of.thofeprofefJTed Chiiitians, who habitually prefer worldly gain,
or the vain pomp and indulgence tfiat may be purchafed with it, to the
honour of C:i R isr, and obedience to his moil reafonable command-
ments ? The true caufe of this infatuation is here afligned : they l do
not lift up their eyes ;' and it is to be feared moll of them never will,
before " they lift them up in hell, being in torments."
The Pilgrims being ref, efbed depart 159
they drank alfo of the water of the River, which was pleaf-
ant and enlivening to their weary fpirits. Bebdes, on the
banks of this River, on either tide, were green trees for all
manner of fruit ; and the leaves they ate to prevent forfeits,
and Other difeafes that are incident to thofe that heat
blood by travels. On either fide of the River was alio a
meadow, curioufly beautified with lillies j and it was green
all the year long. In this meadow they lay down and
ilept : for here they might lie down fafely.* When they
awoke, they gathered again of the fruit of the trees, and
drank again of the water of the River, and then lay down
a^ain to f!eep. Thus they did feveral days and nights.
Then they fang :
bold vc how thefe cryftal (beams doglide,
Toe rrims hy the high way-fide.
Tb: meadows green, befides me'.r fragrant frftell,
dainties for them : and he that ean tell
it pleafiint bub, yea leaves, thofe trees do yi<
Wti! foori leH all that h .- may buy this ri'hl ».
So when they were difpofed to go on (for they were not
as yet at their journey's end,) they ate, and drank, and
departed, (d)
* Pfah xxiii. Ifa. xiv. 30.
(d) When Abraham had given place to his nephew Lot, and
receded from his intereft for the credit of his religion, he was immedi-
ately favoured with a moft encouraging virion.* Thus the Pilgrims,
having been enabled to refift the temptation to turn afide for lucre,
were indulged with more abundant fpiritual confo!ations.t The Key
Spirit, the inexhauftible fource of life, light, holinefs and joy, is reprefern-
ed by the " River of Go d ;" even that " River of the water of lite,
clear as cryflal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the
Lamb/'i All believers partake of his facred influences which prepare
the foul for heavenly felicity, and are earnefts and pledges of it : but
there are feafons when he communicates his holy comforts in larger
meafure ; when the Chrillian fees fuch glory in the fa! vation of C : I
fo clearly afcertains his intereft in it ; and realizes his obligations and
privileges, with fuch lively exercifes of adoring love, gratitude and joy,
that he is raifed above his darknefs and difficulties ; enjoys fweet com-
munion with Goo ; forgers, for the moment, the pain of former con-
fiiTs and the profpeft of future trials; finds his in-bred cor;
reduced to a \hx; of fubjcflion, and his maladies healed by lively
exercifes of faith in the divine Saviour ; and anticipates with unfpeaka-
ble delight the glory that (ball be revealed. Then communion with
humble believers, (the lillies that adorn the hanks of the river,) is
very pleafant ; and the foul's refl and fatisfaftion in Go b and his fer-
vice are fafe, and his calm confidence is well grounded ; being widely
*Geu..xiii. 14— i3. t Mark x.*$— 3©. £ Rev. x.\ii. 1.
i6o Rough Roady and Bypath-mea&Qiv i
Now I 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 little forry, yet they durft not go
out of the way. Now the way from the River was rough,
and their feet tender by reafon of their travels : fo " the
fouls of the Pilgrims were much difcouraged becaufe of
the way."* Wherefore flill as they went on, they wifhed
for better way. Now a little before them, there was on the
left hand of the road a Meadow, and a ftile to go over
into it; and that Meadow is called By-path-meadow.
Then faid Christian to his fellow, If this Meadow lieth
along by our way- fide let's go. over into it. Then he went
lo the ftile to fee, and behold a path lay along by the way
on the other fide of the fence. 'Tis according to my wifh,
laid Christian, here is the eafieft going; come, good
IIopEFUk, and let us go over, (f)
Ni
xxi. 4.
different from every fpecies of carnal fecurity. Had this River been
intended as the emblem of pardon, juftification and adoption, as fome
imderftand the paifage, it would not have been thus occalionally intro-
duced ; for thefe belong to believers at all times, without any interrup-
tion or variation : but the more abundant confolations of the Spirit are
not vouchsafed in the fame manner, and on them the aftual enjoyment
of our privileges in a great meafure depends.
(?) Believe is, even when in the path of duty, walking by faith, and
fupported by the fan&ifying influences of the Spirit, may be abridged
of thofe holy confolations which they have experienced : and if this
trial be accompanied with temporal loffes, poverty, ficknefs, the un-
kindnefs of friends, or ill ufage from the world, they may be greatly
difcouraged ; and Satan may have a fpecial advantage in tempting
them to difcontent, diftruft, envy, or coveting. Thus, being more dif-
pofed to ' wifh for abetter way,' than to pray earneftly for an increafe
of faith and patience, they are tempted to look out for fome method of
declining the crofs, or fhifting the difficulty which wearies them : nor
will it be long before fome expedient for a temporary relief will be
fuggeOed. The path of duty being rough, a by-fatk^ is discovered
which feerns to lead the fame way : but, if they will thus turn afider
though they need not break through an hedge, they mud go over a
ftile. The commandments of God mark out the path of holinefs and
fafety : but a deviation from the exact ftriclnefs of them may fome-
t'.mcs be plaufible, and circumftances may feem to invite to it. Men
imagine fome providential interpofition, giving cafe to the weary ; and
they think that the precept may be interpreted with fome latitude, that
prudence mould be exercifed, and that fcrupuloufnefs about little
things is a mark of legality or fuperftition. Thus by " leaning to their
own underflandings" and " trulling in their own hearts," inflead of afk-
ing counfel of the Lo r d, they hearken to the tempter. Nor is it un-
Ttlgrims turn ajide into it, 161
Hope. But how if this path mould lead us out of the way ?
That's not like, faid the other. Look, doth it not go
along by the way-fide ? — 'So Hopeful being perfuaded by
his fellow went after him over the Mile. When they were
gone over, and were got into the path, they found it very
eafy for their feet ; and, withal, they looking before them
efpied a man walking as they did, and his name was Vain-
con fidexce : fo they called after him and afked him
whither that way led ? He faid, to the Celeftial Gate*
4 Look,' faid Christian, * did not I tell you fo ? by this
you may fee we are right.' So they followed, and he went
before them. But behold the night came on, and it grew
very dark ; fo that they that were behind loft the light of
him that went before. {/)
He therefore that went before, (Vain-coxfidence by
name,) not feeing the way before him, fell into a (.tevp
pit,* which was on purpofe there made by the prince of
thofe grounds to catch vain-glorious fools withal, and was
dallied in pieces with his fall, (g)
* Ma. ix. 16.
common for Chpftian* of deeper experience, and more eftabliflied
reputation, to niflead iheir juniors, by turning afide'from the direct lii.e
bedience. For the Lo r r> leaves them to rhemfc! ?e.s, to 1 epn fs their
felf-confidence, and keep them entirely dependent 0:1 him; and
:hes young converts to follow no man further than he follows
Christ.
(/) It would not he. politic in Satan to tempt bejicverj at firft to
flagrant crimes, at which their hearts revolt : and therefore he em
ours to draw them iifide, under various pretences, into fucrf plaui
deviations as feem to be 01 no bad repute or materia! confequence.
But every wrong flep makes way for further temptations, and leaves to
ler other fins apparently neceflary : and if it.be a deliberate vi
tion of rho leaft precept in the fmalleft inftance, from carnal motives, it
involves fuch lelfwill, unbelief, ingratitude, and worldly idolatry, as
will mod certainly expofe the believer to (harp rebukes and painfuJ cor-
rections. The example alfo of vain prerendeii, to religion* of whorrj
perhaps at the fir it interview, too favourable an opinion has been formed,
helps to increafc (he confidence of him who has departed
of obedience : for thefe men often exprefs the flrongeff afluranee, and
venture to violate the precepts of Ch r i st, under \ retence of honour-
bis free grace, ana knowing their liberty and piivilege ! I
muft foon envelop all who follow (uch guides, and the m
extreme diftrefs and danger are diceftly in the way they take.
(g) This circumfhnce may reprefent the falutary effects, w
foinetimes produced on offending believers, by the awfu'
-j.lorious, hypocrite, to whom they have given too moth atteatk
02
1 62 The Pilgrims in Danger, and alarmed.
Now Christian and his fellow heard him fall : fb they
called to know the matter ; but there was none to aniwer,.
only they heard a groaning. Then faid Hopeful,. Where
are we now ? Then was his fellow filent, as miftrufting
that he had led him out of the way ; and now it began to
rain, and thunder, and lighten, in a very dreadful manner ;
and the water rofe amain, (h)
Then Hopeful groaned in himfelf, faying, 'O that I had
kept on my way !'
Chr. Who could have thought that this path fhould
have led us out of the way ?
Hope. 1 was afraid on't at the very firft, and therefore
gave you that gentle caution. I would have fpoke plainer,
but that you are older than I.
Chr. Good brother, be not offended, I am forry I have
brought thee out of the way, and that I have put thee into
fuch imminent danger: pray, my brother, forgive me; I
did not do it of an evil intent.
Hope. Be comforted, my brother, for I forgive thee ;
and believe, too, that this mall be for our good.
Chi. I am glad I have with me a merciful brother t
but we mult not ftand thus ; let us try to go back again.
Hope. But, good brother, let me go before.
Chr. No,'if you pleafe, let me go firit, that if there be
any danger I may be firft therein ; becaufe by my means we
are both gone out of the way. (/')
No, faid Hopeful, you (hall not go firft ; for your mind
being troubled may lead you out of the v/ay again. — Then,
The Lo r d, however, will in one way or other deliver his fervents from
the temporary prevalence of vain-confidence ; while prefumptuous
tranfgreifors perifh in the pit of darknefs and defpair.
(//) The holy law condemns every tranfgreffion : when the Chriftian,
therefore, has fallen into wilful fin, he is often led to fear that his faith
is dead, that he is ftill under the law, and that his perfon as well as Jus
conducl is liable to its righteous condemnation. Thus he is brought
back again, as it were, to the tempefi, thunder and lightning of mount
S i N \ i .
(?) This dialogue is very natural and inflruclive, and exhibits that
fpirit of mutual tendernefs, forbearance and fympathy, which becomes
Chriftian* in fuch perplexing circumftances. They, who have milled
otheis into fin, flaould not only afk forgivenefs of God, but of them
alfo ; and they who have been drawn afide by the example and pcrfua-
<ion of their brethren, fhould be careful not to upbraid or difcourage
:hcm5 when they become fenfible of their fault,
Doubting- Cafthy and Giant Defpair. 163
for their encouragement, they heard the voice of one faying,
" Let thine heart be towards the highway ; even the way
that thou wenteft turn again.'7* But by this time the wa-
ters were greatly rifen, by reafon of which the way of going
back was very dangerous. (Then I thought that it is ea-
fier going out of the way when we are in, than going in
when we are out.) Yet they adventured to go back ; but
it was fo dark, and the flood was fo high, that in their go-
ing back they had like to have been drowned, nine or tea
times, (k)
Neither could they, with all the fkill they had, get again
to the ftile that night. Wherefore at laft, lighting under a
little fhelter, they fat down there till the day-break : but
being weary they fell afleep. Now there was, not far from
the place were they lay, a Caftle, called Doubting-Castle,
the owner whereof was Giant Despair : and it was in his
grounds they now were fleeping. Wherefore he getting
up in the morning early, and walking up and down in his
fields, caught Christian and Hopeful afleep in his
grounds. Then with a grim and furly voice he bid them
awake, and afked them whence they were, and what they
did in his grounds ? They told him they were Pilgrims,;
* Jer. xxxi. 21.
(k) When fuch as have turned afide are called upon in Scripture to
return to God and his ways, the exhortation implies a promife of ac-
ceptance to all who comp'y with it, and may be confidered as immedi-
ately addreffed to every one with whofe character and fituation it
c )irefponds> It might he thought indeed, that an experienced believer,
when convinced of any fin, would find little difficulty in returning to
his duty and recovering his peace. Bat a deliberate tranfgrefRon, how-
ever trivial it might feem at the moment, appears upon the retrofpect to
be an aft of moil ungrateful and aggravated rebellion ; fo that it brings
fuch darknefs upon the foul, and guilt on the confeience, as frequently
c.mfes a man to fufpeft that all his religion has been a delufion. And,
when he would attempt to fet out anew, it occurs to him, that if all his
pan1 endeavours and expectations, for many years, have been fruftrated,
he can entertain little hope of better fuccels hereafter ; as he knows not
how to ufe other means, or greater earneftnefs, than he has already
employed as he fears to no purpofe. Nor will Satan ever fail, in thefe
circumftanccs, to pour in fuch luggeflions as may overwhelm the foul
with an apprchenfion that the cafe is hopelefs, and God inexorable.
The believer will not, indeed, be prevailed upon by thefe difcourage-
rr.cnts wholly to negleft all attempts to recover his ground : but he
often rcfembles a man who is groping in the dark and cannot find Irs
way, or who is pa fling through a deep and rapid ftream, and flruggling
rivd to keep his head above water.
164 Giant Defpair finds the Pilgrims s
and that they had loft their way. Then faid the Giant*
You have this night trefpafTed on me by trampling in, and
lying on, my ground, and therefore you mud go along with
me. So they were forced to go, becaufe he was ftronger
than they. They alfo had but little to fay, for they knew
themfelves- in a fault. The Giant, therefore, drove them
.before him, and put them into his Caftle into a very dark
dungeon, nafty and (linking to the fpirits of thefe two men.(/)
(I) When Dav i d had fallen into the depths of fin and diftrefs, he
cried moil earneftly to the Lord ; and Joxah did the fame in the
rim's belly. Extraordinary cafes require fingular diligence; even as
greater exertion is ncceffary to get out of a pit than to walk upon level
ground. When believers, therefore, have brought themfelves, by
tranfgreiTton, into great terror and anguifh of confeience, it is foolifh to
expect that God will " reftore to them the joy of his falvadon,'? till
they have made the moft unrcferved confeffiohs of their guilt ; hamfily
deprecated his deferved wrath in per fevering prayer, and ufed peculiar
diiiger.ee in every thing that accompanies repentance and faith in
Christ; and tends to greater watchfulncfs, circumfptclion and felf-
denial. But they often. (eek relief \n a more compendious jvay : and,
as they do not wholly omit their cuftomary religious exeicifes, or vin-
dicate and repeat their tranfgreffiops ; they enaeavour to quiet them-
L-ives by general notions of the mercy of God through Jesus
Christ, and the fecurity of the new covenant; and the Dorm in
their conferences fubfiding, they 'find a little {hcjter,' and " wait for a
more convenient opportunity" of recovering their former life ar.d vigour
in religion. Indeed the very eircumftances which mould excite us to
peculiar earneftaefs, tend, through the depravity of our nature, to blind'
and ftuptfy the heart : Peter and the other difciples " flept for fcyi-
row," when they were more efpecially required "to watch and pray,
that they might not enter into temptation.'' Such repeated fins
miftakes bring believers into deep diurefies. Growing more and more
neartlefe in religion, and infenfible in a moil perilous lituanon, they are
led habitually to infer that they are hypocrites; that the ertcouragements
of Scripture belong not to them ; that prayer itfelf will be bf no ufe to
them: and, when they are at length brought to reflection, they are
taken pvifoners by Despair, and {hut up inDo u B 1 1 n c- L \ 1 1 \
This cafe mould be carefully diuinguimed from Ch r kst i,\ x's ter-
rors in the city of Destruction, which induced him to " flee from
the wrath to come;"' from the Slough of Despo n n, into which he
fell when diligently fceking ialvation ; from the burden he carried to
the oofs ; from his conflict with A? on, V o N, and his troubles in ihe
Valley of the Shadow of death ; and even from the tenors that
fcized him and Ho p e fui, in Bypath-meadow, which would have
fpeedily terminated if they had not (lent on foibidden ground, and flop-
ped mort of the refuge the Lord hat': ike a tre-
mendous giant, will at lall fei/.c on the fouls of all unbelievers : and-
when Chnftians conclude, from fome aggravated and pertinacious rmf-
tonduct, that they belong to that company, even their acquaintance with
the Scripture will expofe them to be taken captive by him. 'I hey do
And Jhuts them up in Doubtitig-Cajlle. l<5$
Here then they lay, from Wednefday morning till Saturday
night, without one bit of bread, or drop of drink, or light,
or any to alk how they did : they were, therefore, here in
evil cafe, and were far from friends and acquaintance.*-
Now in this place Christian had double forrow, becaufe
it was through his unadvifed hafte that they were brought
into this diitrcis. (m)
* Pfal. lxxxviii. 8.
not indeed fall and perifh withVAlK-CONFiDENCE : but for a feafon
they, find it impofiible to rife fuperior to prevailing gloomy doubts bor-
dering on defpair, or to obtain the lead comfortable hope of deliverance,
or encouragement to ufe the proper means of feeking it. Whenever
Vkp deliberately quit the plain path of duty, to avoid hardfhip and felf-
denial, we trcfpafs on Giant Despa; r's grounds ; and are never out
of his reach till renewed exercifes of deep repentance and faith ia
Ch r i st, producing unreferved obedience, efpecially in that indance
where before we refufed it, have fet our feet in the highway we had
forfaken. This we cannot attain to, without the fpecial grace of God,
which he may not fee good immediately to communicate ; in the mean
time every effort mud be accompanied with difcouragement and dif-
trefs : but if, inltead of perfevering, amidft our anxious fears to cry to
him for help, and wait his time of fhewing mercy ; we endeavour to
bolder up lome falfe confidence, and take (helter in a refuge of lies,
the event will be fuch as is here defcribed. It will be in vain, after
ftich perveifenefs, to pretend that we have inadvertently miflaken o»r
way: "our own hear;s will condemn us;'' how then can " we have
confidence toward God, who is greater than our hearts and knoweth
all things ?" the grim Giant will prove too ftrong for us, and (hut us.
up in his noifome dungeon, and the recollection of our former hopes
and comforts will only lerve to aggravate our wo.
Thefe lines are here inferted —
'The Pilgrims now, to gratify the flefh,
Will feek its eafe, bur, oh ! how they afrefh
Do thereby plunge themfelves new griefs into !
Who feek to pleafe the fiefli, themfelves undo.*
(m) Perhaps the exact time, from Wednefday morning till Saturday
»ight, \sas mentioned, under the idea that it was as long as Ufe can gen-
t-rally be fupported in fuch a fituation. The believer may be brought
by wilful fm to fuch a condition that, to his own apprehenfion, d^ftruc-
tion is inevitable. Even a tine Chridian may fink fo low as to have
no light or comfort from the Scriptures and the Holy Sp I R it ', nothing
to fuflain his almoft expiring faith and hope ; no help or pity from his
brethren, but fevcre cenfures or more painful fufpicions; the horrors of
an accufing conference, the dread of Go d as an enemy, connected with
(harp and multiplied corrections in his outward circumftanres ; and all
this as the price of the eafe or indulgence obtained by fome wilfultranf-
greffion ! Now v/ho t/tat really believes tkis, will take encouragement to
fin from the doctrine of final perfeverance ? Would a man, for a trivial
gain, leap down a precipice, even if he could be furc that he fhould.
1 56 Giant De/pair urges them to Suicide.
Now Giant Despair had a wife, and her name was
Diffidence: fo when he was gone to bed he told his wife
what he had done ; to wit, that he had taken a couple of
prifohers, and caff them into his dungeon for trefpaffing on
his grounds. Then he afked her alio what he had bell do
further to them ? So (he afked what they were, whence they
came, and whither they were bound ? and he told her.
Then ihe counfelled him that when he aroie in the morn-
ing he fhould beat them without any mercy. So when he
aroie he getteth a grievous crab-tree cudgel, and goes down
Into the dungeon to them, and there nrlt'falls to rating of
them as if they were dogs, although they gave him never a
word of diftafte : then he falls upon them, and beats them
fearfully, in fuch fort that they were not able to help them-
selves, or to turn them upon the floor. This done he with-
draws, and leaves them there to condole their miiery, and
to mourn under their diftrefs : fo all that day they fpent the
time in nothing but fighs and bitter lamentations. The
next night lhe talking with her hufband about them further*
and underftanding that they were yet alive, did advife him
to counfel them to make away themfelves : fo when morn-
ing was come he goes to them in a furly manner, and, per-
ceiving them to be very fore with the ftripes that he had
given them the day before, he told them that, fmce they
were never like to come out of that place, their only way
would be forthwith to make an end of themfelves, either
with knife, halter, or poilbn : for why, faid he, fhould you
choofe life, feeing it is attended with fo much bitternefs ?
But they defired him to let them go ; with that he looked
ugly upon them, and ruining to them, had doubtlefs made
an end of them himfelf, but that he fell into one of his
fits, (for he fometimes fell into fits,) and loft for a time the
ufe of his hand. Wherefore he withdrew, and left them as
before to confider what to do. («) i'hen did the prifoncrs
efcape wi h his life? No, the dread of the anguifh of hroken bones,
and of being made a cripple to the end of his days, would effe&ually It-
cure hi in from luch a madmTs.
(v) Defpnir feldom fully feizes any man in th's world ; and the
ftrongeft hold it can get of a true believer amounts only to a prevailing
diflruft of God's promifes, with rtfpeft to his ozvn. cafe : tor this is
accompanied wirh lome fmall degree of latent hope, difcoverable in it;
: hough unpercerved amid (I the dj&refling feelings of the heart.
. this was intended in the allegory by the circumftan.ee ot
HjpefuVs Arguments agcinjl it, 167
confult between themfelves whether it was bed to take his
counfel or no ; and thus they began to difcourfe :
Brother, laid Christian, what ihall we do ? The life
hat we now live is mifcrable ! for my part, I know not
whether is belt, to live thus, or die out of hand ; " my foul
chooieth ftrangling rather than life,"* and the grave is
more eafy for me than this dungeon ! Shall we be ruled by
the Giant ?
Hope. Indeed our prefent condition is dreadful, and
death would be far more welcome to me than thus forever
to abide : but yet let us confider, the Lord of the country
to which we are going hath faid, " Thou ihalt do no mur-
der ;" no, not to another man's perfon ; much more then
are we forbidden to take his counfel to kill ourfelves. Be-
fides, he that kills another can but commit murder upon
his body : but, for one to kill himfelf, is to kill body and
foul at once. And moreover, my brother, thou talked of
eafe in the grave, but haft thou forgotten the hell whither
for certain the murderers go ? for " no murderer hath eter-
nal life," &c. And let us confider again, that all the law
is not in the hand of Giant Despair : others, fo far as I
can underftand, have been taken by him as well as we, and
yet have efcaped out of his hands. Who knows, but that
God, that made the world, may caufe that Giant Despair
may die, or that, at fome time or other, he may forget to
lock us in ; or but he may in a fhort time have another of
his fits before us, and may lofe the ufe of his limbs ? and
if ever that fhould come to pafs again, for my part, I am
refolved to pluck up the heart of a man, and to try my ut-
moft to get from under his hand. I was a fool that I did
* Job vii. 15.
Despair's doing nothing to the Pilgrims, fave at the inflarce of his
wife Diffidence. Defponding fears, when they fo prevail as to
keep men from prayer, make way for temptations to filicide, as the
only relief from nailery : but when there is any true faith, however it
may feem wholly out of exercife, the temptation will be eventually
overcome, provided actual inlanity do not intervene ; and this is a very
uncommon cafe among religious pe^ole, whatever (landers their ene-
mies may circulate, in order to prejuwce men's minds againft the truth.
— Moft, if not all, modern editions read, 'for he fometimes in fur. -Jh in v
weather fell into fits :' but the words in fun:/Jiiny weather, are not in
the old edition before me. If the author afterwards added them ; he
probably intended to reprefent thofe tranfient glimpfes of hope, which
prcferve believers from dire extremities in theii moft difcouiagcd feafons.
1 68 The Giant fiercely threatens them*
not try to do it before : but however, my brother, let ns be
patient, and endure a while ; the time may come that may-
give us a happy releafe : but let us not be our own murder-
ers. With thefe words Hopeful at prefent did moderate
the mind of his brother ; fo they continued together, in the
dark, that day In their fad and doleful condition, (o)
Well, towards evening the Giant goes down into the
dungeon again, to fee if his prifoners had taken his coun-
fel : but when he came there he found them alive ; and,
truly, alive was all. For now, what for want of bread and
water, and by reafon of the wounds they received when
he beat them, they could do little but breathe. But, I fay,
he found them alive ; at which he fell into a grievous rage,
and told them that, feeing they had difobeyed his counfel,
it mould be worfe with them than if they had never been
born.
At this they trembled greatly, and I think that Chris-
tian fell into a fwoon ; but, coming a little to himfelf
again, they renewed their difcourfe about the Giant's coun-
fel, and whether yet they had belt take it or no. Now
Christian again feemed to be for doing it, but Hopeful
made his fecond reply as folio weth.
(o) They, who have long walked with flable peace in the ways of
God, are often known to be more dejeeled, when fin hath filled their
confciences with remorfe, than younger profelfors are ; efpecially if
they have caufcd others to offend, or brought reproach on the gofpel.
Their recent conduct, as inconfiftent with their former character and
profeflion, feems a decided proof of felf-deception ; they deem it hope-
lefs to begin all over again ; Satan endeavours to the utmoft to difheart-
en new converts by their example j and the Lord permits them to be
overwhelmed for a time with diicouragement, for a warning to others :
to vindicate the honour of his truth which they have difgraced ; to
counterpoise fuch attainments or fervices, as might otherwife "exalt
them above meafure;" and to fhew that none has any (Irength indepen-
dent of Him, and that he can make ufe of the feeble to aflift the ftrong,
when he fees good. — Hopeful's arguments agaiuft felf-murder are
conclufive : doubtlefs men in general venture on that awful crime, ei-
ther difbelieving or forgetting the doctrine of Scripture concerning a
future and eternal ftate of retribution. It is greatly to be wifhed, that
all ferious perfons would avoid fpcaking of lelf-murdcrers, as having
put an end to their exijlence-, which certainly tends to mijlead the mind
of the tempted, into very erroneous apprehenfions on this molt impor-
tant fubjecl. — This difcourfe aptly reprefents the fluctuation of men's
minds under great defpondency ; their Uruggles againfl dcfpair, with pur-
pofcs at fome future opportunity to feek deliverance ; their pre rent irrefo-
lution; and the way in which feeble hopes, and flrong fears of future
wrath, keep them from yielding to the fuggeltions of the encroj .
Tajl Deliverances recolkttcd* 169
My brother, faid he, remembered thou not how valiant
thou haft been heretofore ? Apollyox could not crufh
thee ; nor could all that thou did ft hear, or fee, or feel, in
the Valley of the Shadow of Death; what hardship,
terror and amazement haft thou already gone through,
and art thou now nothing but fear ? Thou feeft that I am
in the dungeon with thee, a far weaker man by nature
than thou art ; alfo this Giant has wounded me as well as
thee, and hath alfo cut off the bread and water from my
mouth, and with thee I mourn without the light. But let
us exercife a little more patience : remember how thou
playedft the man at Vanity Fair, and waft neither afraid of
the chain or cage, nor yet of bloody death : wherefore let
us, at leaft to avoid the ihame that becomes not a Chrif-
tian to be found in, bear up with patience as well as we
can. (p)
Now night being come again, and the Giant and his
wife being in bed, fhe afked him concerning the prifoners,
and if they had taken his counfel : — to which he replied,
* They are fturdy rogues, they choofe rather to bear all
hardfnips than to make away themfelves.' Then faid {he,
* Take them into the Caftle-yard to-morrow, and fhew them
the bones and fkulls of thofe that thou haft already difpatch-
ed, and make them believe, ere a week comes to an end,
thou alfo wilt tear them in pieces, as thou haft done their
fellows before them.' (^)
(p) Serious recollection of pail conflicts, dangers, and deliverances, is
peculiarly ufeful to encourage confidence in the power and mercy of
God, and patient waiting for him in the moll difficult and perilous
.fituations : and conference with our brethren, even if they too are un-
der fimilar trials, is a very important mean of refitting the devil, when
be would tempt us to renounce our hope, and have recourle to defpcrate
meafures.
(q) The Scripture exhibits fome examples of apoftates who have died in
<lelpair, (as king Sa U l and J t o A s 1 5 C A 'MOT ;) and feveral intima-
tions are given of thole, to whom nothing "remains hu-t a certain fearful
looking for of judgment and fiery indignation." A few inftances alfo
have, been recorded in different ages, of notorious apeflates, who have
died in blafphemous rage and delpair. Thefe accord to the man in the
iron cage at the houfe of the INTERPRETER, and are awful warnings
to all profelfors, "while they think they Hand, to take heed led they
fall." But the hypocrite generally overlooks the folemn caution : and
the humble Chriihan, having a tender conference, and on acquaintance
the deceitfulnefs of his own heart, is very apt to cor.fnlei his wilful
ttanfgreffion as the unpardonable fin, and to fear, left the doom Dl
P
1 70 The Pilgrims begin to pray.
So when the morning was come the Giant goes to them
again, and takes them into the Caftle-yard, and fhews them
as his wife had bidden him : thefe, laid he, were Pilgrims,
as you are, once, and they trefpafled in my grounds, as you
have done ; and when I thought fit I tore them in pieces,
and fo within ten days I will do you : go 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 cafe, as before. Now, when night was come,
and when Mrs. Diffidence and her hufband the Giant were
got to bed, they began to renew their difcourfe of their
prifoners \ and, withal, the old Giant wondered that he
could neither by his blows nor counfel bring them to an
end. / And with that his wife replied, I fear, faid me, that
they live in hopes that fome will come to relieve them, or
that they have picklocks about them, by the means of which
they hope to efcape. And fayed thou fo, my dear ? faid
the Giant ; I will therefore fearch them in the morning.
Well, on Saturday about midnight they began to pray,
and continued in prayer tillalmoft break of day. (r)
mer apoilates will at length be his own. This feems intended, by the
Giant {hewing the Pilgrims the bones of thoi'e he had <iain, in order to
induce them to felf-murder.
(r) Perhaps the author felecled ' Saturday at midnight' for the precife
time when the prifoners began to pray, in order to intimate, that the
return of the Lord's day, and t!,at preparation which ferious perfons
are reminded to make for its facred fervices, are otten the happy means
of recovering thofe that have fallen into fin and defpondency .- — Nothing
will be effectual for the recovering of the fallen, till they ' begin to
pray' with fervency, importunity, and perfeveranoe. Ordinary dili-
gence will in this cafe be unavailing: they have fought eafe to the
fkfh, when they ought to have "watched unto prayer ;** and they muft
nowpjatch and pray when others deep : and they muft flruggle againfl
reluc~bmcy, and perfift in repeated approaches to the mercy-fear, till
they pbtain a gracious anfwer. — But luch is our nature and fituation,
that in proportion as we have fpeciai need forearneftnefs in thefe devout
exercifes, our hearts are averle to them. The child while obedient,
anticipates the pleafure of meeting his affectionate parent ; but, when
confcious of having offended, he from {hame, fear and pride, hides
himfelfand keeps at a diftance. Thus unbelief, guilt, and a proud
averfion to unrelerved felf-abafement, wrought on by Satan's tempta-
tions, keep even the believer, when he has fallen into any aggravated
fin, from coming to his only Fiiend, and availing hinvfelt of his fole
remedy : " He keeps filencc, though his bones wax old with his roar-
ing all (he day long."* But when floutnefs of fpirit is broken down,
and a contrite believing frame of mind fucceeds; the oflcndcr begin;
* Pial, xxxii. 3—5.
The Key, Promifi, opens the Doors. 1 7 1
Now a little before it was day, good Christian', as one
halt* amazed, brake out in trfis paffionate fpeech : * What a
fool/ quoth he, « am I, thus to lie in a (linking dungeon
when 1 may as well walk at liberty ! I have a key in my
bofom called Promise, that will, I am perfuaded, open
any lock in Doubting-Castle." Then laid Hopeful,
* That's good news, good brother, pluck it out of thy boiom
and try/
Then Christian pulled it out of his bofom, and began
to try at the dungeon door ; whofe bolt as he turned
key gave back, and the door flew open with eaie, and
Christian and Hopeful both came out. Then he went
to the outer door that leads into the Castle- yard,- an£
with this key opened that door alio. ^ After he -
the iron-gate, for that muft be opened too, but that lock
went extremely hard ; yet the key did open it. Then they
thru ft open the gate to make their efcape with fpeed, bat
that gate as it opened made fuch a creaking that it waked
Giant Despair, who haitily riling to purfue his prifoners
felt his limbs to fail, fo that he could by no means go after
them. Then they went on, and came to the King's high-
way again, and fo were fafe becaufe they were out of his
jurifdiction.
Now, when they were gone over the Stile, they began to
contrive with themfeives what they fhould do at that Stile,
to prevent thofe that fhould come after from falling into
the hand of Giant Despair. So they contented to erect
there a pillar, and to engrave on the fide thereof, 'Over
this Stile is the way to Doubting-Castle, which is kept
by Giant Despair, who defpifeth the King of the Celeftial
Country, and feeks to deitroy his holy Pilgrims;' Many
therefore that followed after read what was written, and
efcaped the danger, (s)
to cry fervently ioGod for mercy, with humiliating confeffions, re-
newed application to the blood of CiiRisv, and perfeverance amwift
delays and difcoiiK'gements : and then it wiii not be very long ere he
obtain complete delive ranee.
(s) The promife of eternal life; to every one without exception who
be.ieveth in Cm RIST, is efpecially intended by the Key ; but without
ex .tiding any other of" ihe exceeding great and precious promifes" of
the gofpcl. The believer, being enabled to recollect fach as rr(.;i-
Harly nut his cafe, and, confeious of cordially defiling the promifed
hjefiings, has the 'Key in his b >fom, which will open any lock :r.
DoUbTi kh-Cas tl.e v and while he pleads the pron^iL^ i»i faith,
172 The D electable Mountains \
This done, they fang as follows t
' Out of the way we went, and then we found
What 'twas to tread upon forbidden ground ;
And let them that come after have a care
Left beedleflhefs make them, as we to fare.
Left they, for trefpaffing, his prifoners are
Whofe Caftle's Doubtino, arid whofe name's Despair/
They went then till they came to the Delectable
Mountains, which mountains belong to the Lord of that
Hill of which we have fpoken before : fo they went up to
the mountains, to behold the gardens and orchards, the
Vineyards and fountains of water; where alfo they drank
and vjHiihed themfelves, and did freely eat of the vineyards.
Now there was on the tops of thefe mountains Shepherds
feeding their flocks, and they flood by the highway fide.
The Pilgrims therefore went to them, and leaning upon
their ftaves (as is common with weary Pilgrims when they
ftand to talk with any by the way,) they afked, * Whofe
Delectable Mountains are thefe? and whofe be the
iheep that feed upon them ?'
Shep. Thefe mountains are Emmanuel's Land, and
they are within fight of his City ; and the fheep alfo are
his, and he laid down his life for them, (r)
depending on the merits and atonement of Emma n ue L, " as coming to
God through him ," lie gradually refumes his confidence, and begins
to wonder at his patf defpondency. Yet remains of unbelief, rtcollwc-
tion of his aggravated guilt, and fear left he Ihould prefume, often rrn-
d r it difficult for him entire'y 10 djLiVnifs difcouraging doubts. — Bur let
it efpecialiy be noted that the f.utn which delivered the Pilgrims from
Giant Despair's calllc, induced them without delay to return into
the high-way of o'edience, and to walk in it with more circumfpection
than before, no more complaining of its roughnefs; atid.to devife every
method of cautioning others again?) pa'fing over the S tile into By-pat l-
ME adow. Whereas a dead fait!: and a vain confidence keep out all
doubts and fears, even on forbidden ground, and under the walls of
Despair's caftle; till at length the poor deluded wretch is unex-
pectedly and irrefiftibly feized upon, and made his prey. And if
Chrijiiavs follow Va i n-c on F 1 D K N C E, and endeavour to keep up
their hopes when neglecting their known duty; let them remember,
that (whatever fome men may pretend,) they will finely be thus brought
acquainted with D 1 r 1 1 D E N c E, immured m Dot) b't 1 N g-Cast 1 ;• ,
and terribly bruifed and frighted by (riant Dkspair; nor wili they
be delivered till they have learned, by painful experience, that theaflur-
ance of hope is infeparab'.y connected with the felt-denying obedience
of faith and love.
(t) When Oacnding Chriftians are brought to deep repentance, re-
el exercifes oi lively faith, and willing obedience hi thol
The Pilgrims converfe with the Shepherds, 1*73
Chr. Is this the way to the Celeftial City ?
Shep. You are juft in your way.
Chr. How far is it thither ?
Shep. Too far for any but thofe that {hall get thither
indeed. («)
nying duties wh ch they had declined, the Lord "reltores to them
the joy of his falvation," and their former comforts Decome more abA:-
dant and permanent. — The Delect a b le Mo u ntai.ns ft en
intended to reprefent thofe calm feafons of peace and comfort, which
confident believers often experience in their old age. They have furviv-
ed, in a confiderable degree, the vehemence of their youthful paffions,
and have honourably performed their parts in the aclive fcene's of life :
they are eftabliihed, by long experience, in the fimplicity cf dependence
and obedience: the Lord graciouily exempts them from peculiar
trials and temptations : their acquaintance with the minifters and people
of God is enlarged, and they poflefs the refpect, confidence and affec-
tion of many e deemed friends : they have much leifure for communion
with God, and the immediate exercifes of religion : and they often
converfe with their brethren on the loving kindnefs and truth of the
Lord till "their hearts burn within them." Thus 'leaning on their
ftaves,' depending on the promifes and perfections of God in allured
faith and hope, they anticipate their future happinefs ''with joy un~
fpeakable and full of glory." — Thefe things are- represented under a
variety of external images, according to the n?.ture of an allegory. —
Khe Shepherds *r.d their flocks denote the more extenfive acquaintance
of many aged Chriftians with the Minifters and churches of C:k ist,
the Ch i e f Sh e p h E R d, "who laid down his life for the fheep." —
This is ' Emmaku e L'sland;' for, being detached from worldly engage-
ments and connexions, they now fpend their time almoit wholly among
the fubjecls of the Pk. incs of Pe ace, and as in hi^ more efpecial
pre fence.
The following lines are added here, as before — ■
'Mountains delegable they now afcend,
Where Shepherds be, which to them do commend
Ai hiring things, and things that cautions are :
Pi grims are (ready kept by faith and fear.'
(u) The certainly of the final perfeverance cf true believers '. con-
tinually exemplified in their actually perfevering, notwithflandu g all
imaginable inward an. d outward impediments. Many hold the d:.<.
who are not Latere (ted in the privilege; and whofe conduft eventually
proves, that they "bad no root ia themfelvcs ;"* bin ihe true believer
acquires new flrength by his very trials and miftakes, and po
increating evidence that the new covenant is made with him; for.
"having obtained help of God," he (till "continues in Christ';,
word," and 'abides in him :" and, while temptations, perfections,:
berefies, and afflictions, which (tumble tranfgreiTors and detect hypo-
crites, tend to quicken, humble, fanQify, and eftablilh him ; he mny
afliiredly conclude, that "he (hall be kept by the power of Go d, -through •
faith, unto falvation."
* 1 John ii. 19.
P 2
174- The Names of the Shepherd's.
Chr. Is the way fafe or dangerous ?
StfEp. Safe for thofe for whom it is to be fafe ; " but
tranfgreffors fhall fall therein."*
Chu. Is there in this place any relief for Pilgrims that
are weary and faint in the way ?
Shep. The Lord of thefe Mountains hath given us a
charge " not to be forgetful to entertain ftrangers ;"f there-
fore the good of4the place is before you.
I faw alfo in my dream, that, when the Shepherds per-
ceived that they were wayfaring men, they alfo put ques-
tions to them, (to which they made anfwer, as in other
places;) as, Whence came you ? and, how got you into
the way ? and by what means have you fo perfevered
therein ? for but few of them that begin to come hither do*
fliew their face on this Mountain. But when the Shepherds
heard their anfwers, being pleafed therewith, they looked;
very lovingly upon them and faid, 'Welcome to the De-
lectable Mountains/
The Shepherds, I fay, whofe names were Knowledge,
Experience, Watchful, and Sincere, (<w) took them
by the hand, and had them to their tents, and made them
partake of that which was ready at prefent. They faid:
moreover, We would that you fhould ftay here a while, to
be acquainted witr%us, and yet more to folace yourfelves
with the good of thefe Delectable Mountains. They
told them that they were content to ftay : and fo they went
to their reil that night, becaufe it was very late.
* Hof.xiv. 9. t Heb. xiii. 1, 2.
(w) Thefe names imply much ufeful inftru&ion, both to Minifters.
and Chriftians, by fhewmg them what endowments are moll eflential.
to the pafloral office. — The attention given to preachers mould rot be
propcrioned to the degree of their confidence, vehemence, accom-
phfhmetfts, graceful delivery, eloquence, or potitenefs ; but to that of
their knowledge of the Scriptures, and of every fubjeel that relates to
the glory of God and the falvation of fouls; their experience of the
power of divine truth in their own hearts, of the faithfulnefs of God
co his promifes, of the believer's conflicts, difficulties, and dangers, and'
of the manifold devices of Saran to miflead, deceive, pervert, defile, or
harafs the fouls of men ;. their zoatckj'ulnefs over the people, as their
confuuu bufinefs and unremitted care, to caution them againil every
fhare, and to recover them out of every error into which they may be
betrayed; and their Jincerity, as manifciled by a difinterefled, unambi-
tious, unalTuming, patient, and affeftionate conduct; by proving that
they deem themfelves bound to prafclife their own inftruftions, and by
an uniform attempt to convince the people, that they "feck not their* s
but them:*
Men fain by a Fall from Mount Etroi% 175
Then I faw in my dream, that in the morning the Shep-
herds called up Christian and Hopeful to walk with
them upon the Mountains : fo they went forth with them,
and walked a while, having a pleafant profpect on every
fide. Then faid the Shepherds one to another, Shall we
(hew thefe Pilgrims fome wonders ! So, when they ha-d
concluded to do it* they had them firil to the top of an Hill,
called Error, which was very iteep on the furtheft fide,
and bid them look down to the bottom. So Christian
and Hopeful looked down, and faw at the bottom feveral
men daihed all to pieces by a fall that they had from the
top. Then faid Christian* What meaneth this? The
Shepherds anfwered, Have you not heard of them that
were made to err, by hearkening to Hymkneus and Phi-
ietus,* as concerning the faith of the refurrecrion of the
body ? They anfwered, Yes. Then faid the Shepherds,
Thofe that you fee lie daihed in pieces at the bottom cf this
Mountain are they ; and they have continued to this day
unburied, as you fee, for an example to others to take heed
how they clamber too high, or how they come too naar the
brink of this Mountain, (x)
* 2 Tim. ii. 17, 184-
(x) Human nature always verges to extremes. In former times the
Ieaft deviation from an eiltblifhed lyflem of do&rine was reprobated as
a damnable herefy ; and fome perfons, even at this day, tacitly laying
claim to infallibility, deem ever)" variation from their ftandaid an error,
and every error inconfiftent with true piety. But the abfurdity and
bad effefcts of this bigotry having been discovered and expofed, it has
become far more common to conhder indifference about theological
truth, as efTentiafto enndour and liberality of fent'^ient ; and to vilify,
as narrow-minded bigots, all who "contend earneitly for the faith once
delivered to the faints, :' however averfe they may be to perfecution, or
difpofed to bencvolenc? towards fuch as differ from them. Thus the
creat end for which prophets and apoftles were infpired, martyrs fhed
their blood, and the Son of God himfeif came into the world and
died on the crofs, is pronounced a matter of no moment ! revelation is
virtually rejected! (for we may know, without the Bible, that men
ought to be fober, honeft, iincere, and benevolent ;) and thofe princi-
ples, from which all genuine holinefs mull arife, are contemned as
enthufiafm and foolifhnefs ! Some errors may indeed confift with true
faith : (for who will lay that he is in nothing mifcaken ?■) yet no error
is abfolutely harmlefs ; all mull, in one way or other, originate from a
wrong ftate of mind or a faulty conduct, and proportionably counteract
the defign of revelation : and forae are ablolutcly inconfiftent with
repentance, humility, faith, hope,, love, fpiritual worfhip, and holy
obedience, and conlequently incompatible with a ftate of acceptance
and falvation, Thefe are reprefentcd by * the hill Error,' and a
iy6 Men bPinded by Giant Defpair,
Then I few that they had them to the top of another
mountain, and the name of that is Caution, and bid them
look afar off: which when they did they perceived, as they
thought, feveral men walking up and down among the
tombs that were there : and they perceived that the men
were blind, becaufe they ftumbled fometimes upon the
tombs, and becaufe they could not get out from among
them. Then faid Christian, What^means this ?
The Shepherds then anfwered, Did you not fee a little
below thefe Mountains a Stile that leads into a Meadow on
the left hand of this way ? They anfwered, Yes. Then
faid the Shepherds, From that Stile there goes a path. that
leads directly to Doubting-Castle, which is. kept by
Giant Despair : and thefe men (pointing to them among
the tombs) came once on pilgrimage, as you do now, even
till they came to that fame Stile. And, becaufe the right
way was rough in that place, they chofe to go out of it
into that Meadow, and there were taken by Giant Des-
pair, and cafl into Doubting-Castle ; where, after they
had a while been kept in the dungeon, he at laft did put
out their eyes, and led them among thofe tombs, where he
has left them to wander to this very day, that the faying of.
the wife man might be fulfilled, " He that wandereth. out
of the way of understanding, mall remain in the congrega-
tion of the dead."* Then Christian and Hopeful look-
ed upon one another, with tears gufhing out, but yet faidi
nothing to the Shepherds, (y)
* Prov. xxi. 16.
. <m
fcriptural fpecimen is adduced. Profeffed Chriftians fall into delufions-
by indulging felf-conctit, vain-glory, and curiofity ; by 'Meaning to
their own underftandings," and " intruding into the things they have
not feen, vainly puffed up by their flefhly mind,'7 and by fpeculating.
on fubjecls which are too deep for them. For the fruit of "the tree
of knowledge," in refpeft of religious opinions not exprel'sly revealed,
is Hill forbidden; and men vainly thinking it "good for food, and a
tree to be defined to make one wife •" and defiriri^ " to be as gods,"
underftanding and accounting for every thing ; fall into deftruftive^
hercfies, do immenfe mifchief, and become awful camples for the
warning of their contemporaries and fuccellors.
(y) Many profelfors, turning afide from the line of confeientious
obedience to efeape difficulties, experience great diftrefs of mind ; which
not being able to endure, they defperateiy endeavour to difbelieye or
pervert all they have learned concerning religion : thus they are blinded
by Satan through their defpondings, and are given over to ilrong delu-
Byway to HelL 177
Then I faw in my dream, that the Shepherds had them
to another place in a bottom, where was a door, in the iide
of an hill, and they opened the door and bid them look in.
They looked in therefore, and faw that within it was very
dark and fmoky ; they alio thought that they heard a rum-
bling noife, as of fire, and a cry of fome tormented ; and
that they fmelt the fcent of brimftone. Then faid Chris-
tian, What means this ? The Shepherds told them, This is
a by-way to hell, a way that hypocrites go in at : namely,
fuch as fell their birth-right, with Esau ; fuch as fell their
MaRe?, with Judas ; fuch as blafpheme the gofpel, with
Alexander; and that lie and diilemble, with Ananias
Sapphira his wife.
Then faid Hopeful to the Shepherds, I perceive that
thefe had on them, even every one, a fhew of pilgrimage,
as we have now, had they not ?
Shep. Yes, and held it a long time too.
Hope. How far might they go on in pilgrimage in
their days, fmce they notwithstanding were thus miferably
caft away ?
Shep. Some further, and fome not fo far as thefe
Mountains.
Then faid the Pilgrims one to another, We had need cry
to the ftrong for ftrength.
Shep. Ah, and you will have need to ufe it when you
have it, too. {%)
fions, as the juft punifhment of their wickednefs.* Notwithftanding;
their profefhon, and the hopes long formed of them, they return to
the company of thofe who are dead in ftn, and. buried in worldly
purfuits ; differing from them merely in a few fpeculative notions, and
being far more hopelefs than they. This is not only the cafe with
many, at the fuft beginning of a religious profeffion, as of Pliable
at the Slough of Despond, but with fome at every ftage of the jour-
ney. Such examples m.iy very properly demand our tears of godly
forrow and fervent gratitude; when we reflect on our own mifconducl,
and the loving kindnefs of the Lord, who hath made us to differ, by
firft implanting, and then preferving, faith in our hearts.
(z) No man can fee the heart of another, or certainly know him to
be a true believe! : it is, therefore, proper to warn the moft approved
performs, "while they think they ftand, to take heed left they fall."
Such cautions, with the diligence, felf-examination, watchfulnefs, and
prayer which they excite, are. the means ol perleverance and cfrablifh-
ment to the upright. — An event may he certain in itlelf, and yet infep-
arable from the method in which it is to be accompiifhed;+ and it may
* 2Thcff. ii. 11— 13. t AtU xx\ii. 22—31..
173 The Hill Clear.
By this time the Pilgrims had a defire to go forwards,
and the Shepherds a defire they ihould ; fo they walked
together towards tiie end of the Mountains. Then laid the
Shepherds one to another, Let us here ihew to the Pilgrims
the gates of the CeleuMal City, if they have (kill to look
through our perfpeclive glafs. The Pilgrims then loving-
ly accepted the motion : fo they had thern to the top of an
high Hill, called Clear, and gave them their glafs to look.
Then they eiTayed to look, but the remembrance of that
laft thing that the Shepherds had fhewed them made their
hands make ; (a) by means of which impediment they could
not look fteadily through the glafs ; yet they thought they
faw ibmething like the Gate, and alfo fome of the glory of
the place.
' Thus by the Shepherds fccrets are revealM,
Which from all other men are kept ccnceai'u r
Come to the Shepherds then, if you would fee
Things deep, things hid, and that myfterious be/
When they were about to depart, one of the Shepherds
gave them A note of the <way. Another of them bid them,
Beware of the Flatterer. The third bid them, Take heed that
theyjleep not upon the enchanted Ground. And the fourth bid
them God fpeed. So I awoke from my dream.
And I flept and dreamed again, and faw the fame two
Pilgrims going down the Mountains along the highway to-
wards the CiH.y. Now a little below thefe Mountains on
the left hand lieth the Country of Conceit, from which
Country there comes into the way in which the Pilgrims-
walked a little crooked lane. Here therefore they met
with a very brilk lad that came out of that Country, and
appear very uncertain to the perfons concerned, efpecially if they yield'
to remiflfnefs :* fo that prayer to the Almighty God for ftrength, with
continual wa'chfulnefs and attention to every part of practical religion,
is abfolutely neceflary to " the full afTurance of hope unto the end.:'r
(a) Such is the infirmity of our nature, even when in a meafure ren-
ovated, thatit is alrrvoft impoffible for us vigoroufy to exereife ona hoiy
affettion, without failing in fome other. When we ccnridc :n Goi,3
with aflu-red faith and hope, we commonly are defective in reverence,
humility and caution : on the other hand, a jealoufy of ourfelves, and
a falutary fear of coming fhort or drawing back, generally weaken con-
fidence m God, and interfere with a joyful anticipation of our future
inheritance. But, notwithftanding this deduction, through our remain-
ing unSehcf, fuch experiences are very advantageous. — "Be net high-
minded, but fear :" for " bleffed is he that feareth always."
* l Pet. iv. i&. i Heb. vi. lc— 12.
A Touth named Ignorance. 179
his name was Ignorance. (b) So Christian afked him
from what parts he came, and whither he was going ?
Ignor. Sir, I was born in the Country that lieth off
there a little to the left hand, and I am going to the Ce-
leftial City.
Chr. But how do you think to get in at the Gate ? for
you may find fome difficulty there.
* As other good people do/ faid he.
Chr. But what have you to (hew at that Gate, that
may caufe that the Gate mould be opened to you ?
Ignor. I know my Lord's will, and have been a good
liver j I pay every man his own ; I pray, fait, pay tithes,
(b) Multitudes of ignorant peifons entirely difregard God and reli-
gion ; and others have afhew of piety, which is grave, referved, auftere,
diftant, and conne£ted with contemptuous enmity to evangelical truth.
But there are Tome perfons of a fprightly difpofition, who are more
conceited and vain-glorious than haughty and arrogant : who think well
of themfelves, and prefume on the good opinion of their acquaintance ;
who are open and communicative, though they expofe their ignorance
continually ; who fancy themfelves very religious, and expect to be
thought fo by others ; who are willing to aflociate with evangelical pro-
feffors, as if they all meant the fame thing; and who do not exprefs
contempt or enmity, unlefs urged to it in 'elf-defence. This deicnp-
tion of men feems to be reprefented by the character next introduced,
about which the author has repeatedly bcflowed much pains. — Chp, is-
t 1 a n had foon done with Obstinate and Wo ri.di y-w i S e-
MAN : for fuch men, being outrageous againft the gofpel, fhun all in-
tcrcourfe with eftablimed believers, and little can be done to warn cr
undeceive them : but brifk, conceited, fhallow perfons, who are ambi-
tious of being thought religious, are (haken off with great difficulty ;
and they are continually found among the hearers of the gofpel. They
often intrude themfelves at (he mod facred ordinances, when they have
it in their power ; and fometimes are favourably thought of, till
further acquaintance proves their entire ignorance. — Pride, in one
form or another, is the univerfai fault of human nature ; but the frivo-
lous vain-glory of empty talkers differs exceedingly from the arrogance
and formal felf-importance of Scribes and Phaiilles, and arifes from a
diff rent cGnflitution and education, and other habits and affociations.
This is the Town of Co N C E 1 r, where Ig NORA N C e refided. A
lively difpofition, a weak capacity, a confufed judgment, the want of
information about religion and almoft every o*her fubject, a proportion-
able blindnefs to all thefe def fts, and a pert forward felf-fufficiency, are
the prominent features in this portrait : and if a full purfe fecular
influence, the ability of conferring favours, and the power to excite
fears, be added, the whole receives its higheft finiihing. With thefe
obfervations on this peculiar char £ler, and a few hints as we proceed,
the plain language of the author on this fubject will be perfectly intelli-
gible to the attentive reader.
*
I So Chriftian difccurfes with Ignorance, ,
and give alms, and have left my Country for whither
I am going. I
Chr. But thou cameft not in at the Wicket-gate that
is at the head of this way ¥ thou cameft in hither through
that fame crooked lane ; and therefore I fear, however thou
ruftyeft think of thyfelf, when the reckoning-day fha.ll come,
thou wilt have laid to thy charge that thou art a thief and
a robber, inftead of getting admittance into the City.
Ignor. Gentlemen, ye be utter ftrangers to me, I know
you not ; be content to follow the religion of your Coun-
try, and I will follow the religion of mine. I hope all will
be well. And, as for the Gate that you talk off, all the
world knows that that is a great way off of our Country.
I cannot think that any man in all our parts doth fo much
as know the way to it, nor need they matter whether they do
or no ; fince we have, as you fee, a fine pleafant green lane
that comes down from our Country the next way into it.
When Christian faw that the man was wife in his own
conceit, he faid to Hopeful whifperingly, " There is more
hopes of a fool than of him ;"* and faid moreover, "When
he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wifdom faileth
him, and he faith to every one that he is a fool."f What,
fhall we talk further with him, or outgo him at prefent,
and fo leave him to think of what he hath heard already,
and then ftop again for him afterwards, and fee if by de-
grees we can do any good of him ? Then faid Hopeful,
' Let Ignorance a little while now mufe
On^vhatis faid, and let him not refufe
Good counfel to embrace, left he remain
Still ignorant of what's the chiefeft gain.
God faith, thofe that nouiiderflanding have,
Although he made them, them he will not fave.'
He further added, It is not good, I think, to fay all to
him at once ; let us pafs him by, if you will, and talk to
him anon, even as he is " able to bear it." (r)
So they both went on, and Ignorance he came after.
Now when they l*ad paffed him a little way, they entered
*Prov. xxvi. 12. + Eccles. x. 3.
(c) It is bell not to converfe much at once with perfons of this char-
after : but after a few warnings to leave them to their reflexions : for
their fe!f-conceit is often cherifhed by altercations, in which they deem
themfelves very expert, however dilgufling their difcourfe may prove
to dJhers.
Turn-away carried off by Devils, l8l
into a very dark lane, where they met a man whom feven
devils had bound with feven ftrong cords, and were carry-
ing of him back to the door that they faw on the fide of
the hill.* Now good Christian began to tremble, and fo
did Hopeful his companion ; yet as the devils led away
the man, Christian looked to fee if he knew him ; and he
thought it might be one Turn-away that dwelt in the
Town of Apostasy. But he did not perfectly fee his face,
for he did hang his head like a thief that is found. But
being gone paft, Hopeful looked after him, and fpied ort
his back a paper with this infeription, * Wanton profeffor
and damnable apellate.' (d)
Then faid Christian to his fellow, Now I call to re-
membrance that which was told me, of a thing that hap-
pened to a good man hereabout. The name of the man
was Little-faith ; but a good man, and he dwelt in the
Town of Sincere. The thing was this : — at the entering
in at this paflage, there comes down from Broad-way
gate a lane called Dead Man's-lane ; fo called, becaufe
of the murders that are commonly done there ; and this
Little-faith going on pilgrimage, as we do now, chanc-
ed to fit down there and flept ; now there happened at that
time to come down the lane from Broad-way gate three
fturdy rogues, and their names were Faint-heart, Mis-
* Matt, xii, 45. Prov. v- 22.
(d) The dark lane feeras to mean a feafon of prevalent impiety, and
of great affliction to the people of God. — Here the impartial author
takes occafion to contrail the 'character of IGNORANCE with that of
Ti:r,n'-away. Loofe evangelical prcfeffors look down with fuper-
cilious difdain on thole who do not und-rftand the do&rines of grace ;
and think thcmfelves more enlightened, and better acquainted with the
liberty of th than more practical Chriftians : but in dark time?
7oanton projdjers often turn out d^mwide a*c/l<ztcs , and the detection
of their hypocrifv makes them amarr^wriflsew their faces among thofe
believers, over whom the}- before affe&ed a kind of fuperioi ity. When
corividtom fubfide, and Christ has not fet up his kingdom in the
heart, the unclean ipirit renames his former habitation, and "takes to
himfelf feven other fpirits more wicked than himfelf," who bind the
poor wretch fader than ever in the cords of fin and delufion ; fo that
his I ail Rate is more hopelefs than the firth Such apoftafies make th -
hearts of the upright to tremble ;. but a recollection of the nature of
TuRN-A way's profeflion and confidence gradually removes their
ulties, and they recover their hope, and lean) to take heed to
themfelve ..
1 82 Chriflian relates how Little-faitb was robbed,
trust, and Guilt, three brothers; and they, efpying
Little-faith where he was, came galloping up with
fpeed. Now the good man was juft awaked from his
fleep, and was getting up to go on his journey. So they
came up all to him, and with threatening language bid him
ftand. At this Little-faith looked as white as a clout,
and had neither power to fight nor flee. Then faid Faint*
heart, ' Deliver thy purfe ;* but he making no hafte to
dc it, (for he was loth to lofe his money,) Mistrust ran
up to him, and thrufting his hand into his pocket pulled
out thence a bag of filver. Then he cried out * Thieves 3
thieves !' With that Guilt, with a great club that was in
his hand, ftruck Little-faith on the head, and with that
blow felled him flat to the ground, where he lay bleeding
as one that would bleed to death, (e) All this while the
thieves flood by. But at la ft, they hearing that fome w^ere
upon the road, and fearing left it fhould be one Great-
grace, that dwells in the city of Good-confidence, they
betook themfelves to their heels, and left this good man to
fhift for himfelf. (/) Now after a while Little-faith
(t) The enfuing epifocle concerning Little-faith was evidently
intended, to prevent weak Chriftians being difmayed by the awful things
fpoken of hypocrites and apoftates. In times of perfecution, many who
feemed to be religious openly return into the broad way to deftruction ;
and thus Satan murders the fouls of men, by threatening to kill their
bodies. This is Dead-man's-lank, leading back to Broad-
WAY-GATE. AH true believers are indeed preferved from drawing
back to perdition : but the weak in faith, being faint- hear led, and mif->
trailing the prom ifes and faithfulnefs of God, are betrayed into finfui
compliances or negligences; they lie down to fleep when they have
fpecial need to watch and be fober; they conceal or perhaps deny their
profeffion, are timid and negligent in duty ; or in other refpects aft
^contrary to their confeiences, and thus contract guilt. So that Fa i N t-
heart threatens and aifauits, them ; Mistrust plunders them;
and Gu 1 1 t beats them down, and makes them almoft defpair of life.
As thcTobbery was committed in the dark lane before mentioned, this
feems to have been the author's prccife meaning : but any unbelieving
fears, that induce men to neglect the means of grace, or to adopt finfui
expedients of fecuring themfelves, which on the review bring guilt and
tenor their confeiences, may alfo be intended.
( f) As thefe robbeis feprefent the inward effects of unbelief and
difobedirnc.e, and not any outward enemies, Great-grace may be
the emblem of thofe believers or minifkrs, who having honourably
flood their ground, endeavour to rcflore the fallen in the ipirit of meek-
neik. by fuiiable encouragjcmenLs. The companionate exhortations or
hdHeui able examples of fuch eminent Chriftians keep the fallen from
entire defpondency, and both tend to bring them to repentance, and to
He prcferves his Jewels and Certificate. 183
came to himfelf, and getting up, made fliift to fcrabble on
his way. This was the ftory.
Hope. But did they take from him all that ever he
had.
Cur. No : the place where his Jewels were, they never
ranfacked : fo thofe he kept Mill. But, as I was told, the
good man was much afflicted for his lois ; for the thieves
got mod of his fpending money. That which they got
not, as I faid, were Jewels ; alfo he had a little odd money
left, but fcarce enough to bring him to his journey's end ;*
nay, if I was not misinformed, he was forced to beg as he
went, to keep himfelf alive (for his Jewels he might not fell.)
But beg and do what he could, 'he went away,' as we
fay, 'with many a hungry belly,' the moll part of the reft
of the way.
Hope. But is it not a wonder they got nt»t from him
his certificate, by which he was to receive his admittance at
the celeftial Gate ?
Chr. It is a wonder: but they got not that; though
they miffed it not through any good cunning of his ; for he,
being difmayed with their coming upon him, had neither
power nor {kill to hide any thing, fo it was more by good
Providence than by his endeavour that they miffed of that
good thing. f
Hope. But it mud needs be a comfort to him that they
got not his Jewels from him.
Chr. It might have been great comfort to him, had he
ufed it as he mould : but they that told me the ftory faid
that he made but little ufe of it all the reft of the way ; and
that, becaufe of the difmay that he had in taking away his
money. Indeed he forgot it a great part of the reft of his
journey ; and befides, when at any time it came into his
mind, and he began to be comforted therewith, then would
frefh thoughts of his lofs come a^ain uocn him, and thofe
thoughts would Avallow up all.
Hope, Alas, poor man ! this could not but be a great
grief unto him !
* Pet. iv. i&\ U Tim. u 14. c Pet. ii. c.
infpire them when penitent, and trembling at the word of .God, with
forpe hope of finding mercy and grace in this time of urgent need ;
which feems to be allegorical I y reprefented hy the High' of the robbers,
\i\ic\\ they heard that Great-GRAC* v/oo on tjic
r&j The Nature of Little-faith' ys Jewels.
Chr. Grief! ay, a grief indeed. Would it not have
been fo to any of us, had we been ufed as he, to be robbed
and wounded too, and that in a ft range place, as he was ?
'Tis a wonder he did not die with grief, poor heart ! I was
told that he fcattered almoft all the reft of the way with
nothing but doleful and bitter complaints : telling alfo to
all that overtook him, or that he overtook, in the way as he
•went, where he was robbed, and how ; and who they were
that did it, and what he loft ; how he was wounded, and
that he hardly ef taped with life, (g)
Hope. But it is a wonder that his neceffity did not put
him upon felling or pawning fome of his Jewels, that he
might have wherewith to relieve himfelf in his journey.
Chr. Thou talked like one upon whofe head is the fhell
to this very day ; for what fhould he pawn them ? or to
whom ihould he fell them ? In all that country where he
was robbed his Jewels were not accounted of; nor did he
want that relief which could from thence be adminiftere J
to him. Befides, had his Jewels been miffing at the Gate
of the celeftial City, he had (and that he knew well enough, )
been excluded from an inheritance there, and that would
have been worfe to him than the appearance and villany of
ten thoufand thieves.
Hope. Why art thou fo tart, my brother? Esau fold
his birthright, and that for a mefs of pottage ;* and that
birthright was his greateft Jewel : and, if he, why might
not Little-faith do fo too ?
Chr. Esau did fell his birthright indeed, and fo do
many befides, and by fo doing exclude themfelves from the
*■ Heb. xii. i6.
(g) The believer's union withCu R ist, and the fancYiftcuion of the
Sp I :< 1 ; , fealing his acceptance and rendering him meet for heaven,
an- his invaluable and unalienable jewels. But he may by iin lofe his
comforts, and not be able to perceive the evidences ofliis own fafety :
and even when again enabled to hope that it will be well with him in the
event; lie may be foharaiTed by the recollection of the iofs he hos fuf-
tained, the efiefts of his mid onduct on others, and the obflruchons he
hath thrown in the way of his own comfort and ulefulnels, that his fu-
ture life may be rendered a con ft ant fcene of difquietude and painful
reflections. i has the doctrine of the believer's final perfeverance U
both maintained aild guarded from abufe : and it is not owing to a
man's own care, but to the Lord's free mercy, powerful interpoiition,.
and the engagement of the new covenant, that unbelief and guilt do not
roL» him of his title to heaven^ as v. ell as of his. cowfori and confidence/.
Difference between him and Efau. 185
chief bleffing ; as alfo that caitiff did : but you mud put a
difference betwixt Esau and Little-faith, and alfo be-
twixt their eftates. Esau's birthright was typical, but
Little-faith's Jewels were not fo. Esau's belly was
his god, but Little-faith's belly was not fo. Esau's
want lay in his flefhly appetite, Little-faith's did not fo.
Befides, Esau could fee no further than to the fulfilling of
his lufts : " For I am at the point to die" (faid he) "and
whatgood will this birthright dome?"* But Little-faith,
though it was his lot to have but a Utile faith, was by his
little faith kept from fuch extravagances, and made to fee
and prize his Jewels more than to fell them as Esau did
his birthright. You read not any where that Esau had
faith, no not fo much as a little ; therefore no marvel, if
where the flefh only bears fway, (as it will in that man
where no faith is, to refift,) if he fells his birthright, and hi*
foul and all, and that to the devil of hell : for it is with fuch
as it is with the afs, " who in her occafions cannot be turn-
ed away :"f when their minds are fet upon their lulls, they,
will have them whatever they colt. But Little-faith
was of another temper, his mind was on things divine :
his livelihood was upon things that were fpiritual and from
above ; therefore, to what end fhould he that is of fuch a
temper fell his Jewels, (had there been any that would have
bought them,) to fill his mind with empty things ? Will a
man give a penny to fill his belly with hay ? or can you
perfuade the turtle-dove to live upon carrion like the crow ?
Though faithlefs ones can, for carnal lufts, pawn, or mort-
gage, or fell what they have and themfelves outright to
boot ; yet they that have faith, faving faith, though but little
of it, cannot dofo. Here, therefore, my brother is thy mis-
take. (/>)
Hope. I acknowledge it ; but yet your fevere reflection
had almoft made me angry.
^ Chr. Why ? I did but compare thee to fome of the
birds that are of the briiker fort, who will run to and fro
* Gen. xxv. 29— 3 }. t Jcr. ii. 24.
(h) Many irofr/Jors^ meeting with difcourngemenrs, give up theif
■n for the fake of this prefeut world : bur, jf any'ihcnce arguo
that true believers will copy their example, they (hew that they are
neither well eflablifhod in judgment, nor deeply acquainted \\-.;h the
nature of the divine life, or the objecls of its lupreine de&rti and pe-
culiar iCdTi.
1 86 The Robbers not eaftly rejiftcd.
in trodden paths with the fliell upon their heads : — bcrt
toafs by that, and confider the matter under debate, and
all fKall be well betwixt thee and me.
Hope. But, Christian, thefe three fellows, I am per-
fuaded in my heart, are but a company of cowards : would
they have run elfe, think you, as they did, at the noife of
one that was coming on the road I Why did not Little-
faith pluck up a greater heart ? he might, methinks, have
flood one bruih with them, and have yielded when there
had been no remedy.
Crr. That they are cowards, many have faid, but few-
have found it fo in the time of trial. As for a great
heart, Little-faith had none ; and I perceive by thee,
my brother, hadft thou been the man concerned1, thou art
but for a bruin, and then to yield. And verily, fince this
h the height of thy flomach now they are at a diftance
from us ; ihould they appear to thee, as they did to him,
they might put thee to fecond thoughts.
But confider again, they are but journeymen thieves,
they ferve under the king of the bottomlefs pit ; who, if
need be, will come in to their aid himfelf, and his voice is
as the roaring of a lion.* I myfelf have been engaged as
this Little-faith was ; and I found it a terrible thing.
Thefe three villains fet upon me, and I beginning like a
Chriftian to refill, they gave but a call, and in tame their
mailer : I would, as the faying is, have given my life for
a penny ; but that, as God would have it, I was clothed
with armour of proof. Ay, and yet, though I was fo har-
neifed, I found it hard work to quit myfelf like a man ::
no man can tell what m that combat attends us, but he
that hath been in the battle himfelf.
Hope. Well but they ran, you fee, when they did but
iuppofe that one Great-grace was in the way.
Chr. True, they have often fled, both they and their
matter, when Great-grace hath appeared ; and no mar-
vel, for he is the King's Champion: but, I trow, you
will put fome difference between Little-faith and the
King's Champion. All the King's fubjects are not his-
Champions ; nor can they, when tried, do fuch feats of
war as he. Is it meet to think that a little child mould
handle Goliath as David did ? or that there ihould be
the ilrength of an ox in a wren ? Some are ftrong? fome
* l Pet. v, 8.
Great-grace for efy prejfed by the Robbers, 1 87
are weak ; fome have great faith, fome have little ; this
man was one of the wealf, and therefore he went to the
wall.
Hope. I would it had been Great-grace for their
fakes.
Chr. If it had been he, he might have had his hands
full : for I mud tell you that, though Great-grace is
excellent good at his weapons, and has, and can, fo long
as he keeps them at fword's point, do well enough with
them ; yet if they get within him, even Faint-heart,
Mistrust, or the other, it Ilia 11 go hard but they will
throw up his heels :• and when a man is down, you know,,
what can he do ?
Whofo lookst well upon Great-grace's face, (hall fee
thofe fears and cuts there that mail ealily give demonitra-
tion of what I fay. Yea, once I heard he mould fay, (^and
that when he was in the combat,) " We defpaired even of
life." How did thele fturdy rogues and their feilov/s
make David groan, mourn, and roar ? Yea, Heman and;
Hezekiah too, though Champions in their day, were
forced to beltir them when by thefe ailaulted ; and yet,
notwithftanding, they had their coats foundly brufhed by
them. Peter, upon a time, would go try what he could
do ; but though fome do fay of him that he is the Prince
of the apoftles, they handled him fo that they made him
at lalt afraid of a ferry girl.
Beiides, their king is at their whittle ; he is never out of
hearing \ and if at any time they be put to the worft, he,
if poiiible, comes m to help them : and of him it is faid,
" The fword of him. that layeth at him cannot hold ; the
fpear, the dart, nor the habergeon ; he efteemeth iron as
ftraw, and brafs as rotten wood : the arrow cannot make
him flee, fling-itones are turned with him into ftubble ;
darts are counted as ftubble ; he laugheth at the ihaking
of a fpear."* What can a man do in this cafe ? 'Tis true,
if a man could at every turn have Job's horfe, and had
(kill and courage to ride him, he might do notable things ;
for " His neck is clothed with thunder ; he will not be
afraid as the grafhopper ; the glory of his noftrils is terri-
ble ; he paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his ftrength ;
he goeth on to meet the armed men : he mocketh at fear,
and is not affrighted, neither turneth he back from the
* Job xli. 26 — 29.
•I 88 Humility very needful y and the Shield of Faith.
fword : the quiver rattleth againft him, the glittering fpear
and the fhield : he fwallowetff the ground with fiercenefs
and rage, neither believeth he that it is the found of the
trumpet. He faith among the trumpets, Ha, ha ; and he
fmelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains,
and the fhouting."*
But for fuch footmen as thee and I are, let us never
defire to meet with an enemy ; nor vaunt as if we could
do better, when we hear of others that they have been foil-
ed ; nor be tickled at the thoughts of our own manhood,
for fuch commonly come by the worft when tried. Witnefs
Peter, of whom I made mention before, he would fwag-
ger, ay, he would ; he would, as his vain mind prompted
him to fay, do better, and (land more for his Matter than
all men ; but who fo foiled and run down by thofe villains
as he ?
When therefore we hear that fuch robberies are done on
the King's highway, two things become us to do : firll to
go out harneifed, and to be fure to take a fhield with us j
for it was for want of that, that he that laid fo luftily at
Leviathan could not make him yield ; for, indeed, if that
be wanted, he fears us not at all. Therefore he that had
{kill hath faid, " Above all, take the fhield of faith, where-
with ye fhall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked."f (/)
* Job xxxix. 19 — 25. t Eph. vi. 16.
(i) Young converts often view temptations, conflicts and perfecutibns,
in a very different light than experienced believers do. Warm with zeal,
and full of confidence, which they imagine to be wholly genuine, and
knowing comparatively little of their own hearts, or the nature of the
Chriflian conflict, they rcfemble new recruits, who are np; to boaft what
great things they will do : but the old difciple though much Hronger
in faith, and pofkfling habitually more vigour of holy affeclion, knows
himfelf too well ;o boaft, and fpeaks with modefty or the pad, and diffi-
dence of the future; like the veteran foldier, of approved valour, who
has often been in aftual fervice. — They, who havWboafl.cl beforehand
what they would do and fuffer, rather than deny the faith, have gene-
rally cither proved apoftates, or been taught their weaknefs by painful
experience. And when a real believer has thus fallen, the recollection
of pad boafli-igs adds to his remorfe and terror ; and Satan will attempt
to drive him to Hefpair : fp that, indeed, ' no man can tell what in Juch
a combat arends us, but he that has been in the battle himfelf — Even
they, who were moil remarkable for flrength of faith, have often been
overcome in the hour of temptation ; and, when guilt got within them,
they faund it no eafy matter to recover their hope and comfort /. hovr
The only Security againji Robbers, 189
'Tis good alfo that we defire of the King a convoy, yea,
that he will go with us himfelf. This made David rejoice
when in the Valley of the Shadow of death ; and Moses
was rather for dying where he flood than to go one ftep
without his God.* O my brother, if he will but go along
with us, what need we be afraid of ten thoufand that lhall
fet themielves againft us ? but without him the proud help-
ers fall under the flain.f (Jc)
I, for my part, have been in the fray before now ; and
though, through the goodnefs of Him that is beft, I am, as
you fee, alive, yet I cannot boat); of rny manhood. Glad
mall I be if I meet with no more fuch brunts ; though I
fear we are not got beyond all danger. However, fince the
lion and the bear have not as yet devoured me, I hope God
will alfo deliver us from the next uncircumcifed Philis-
tine.
' Poor Little-faith ! haft been among the thieves ?
Waft robb'd ? remember this, whofo believes,
And get more faith ; then fhall you victors be
Over ten thoufand, elfe fcarce over three.'
So they went on, and Ignorance follovrech They went
then till they c me at a place where they law a Way put itfelf
into their Way, and feemed withal to lie as ftraight as the
Way which they fhould go ; and here they knew not which
of the two to take, for both feemed ftraight before them :
therefore here they flood ftill to confider. And as they
were thinking about the way, behold a man of black flefli,
but covered with a very light robe, came to them, and afked
them why they flood there ? They anfwered they were a go-
ing to the Celeftial City, but knew not which of thefe ways
to take. < Follow me,' faid the man, ' it is thither that I am
going.' So they followed him in the Way that but now
* Exod. xxxiii. 15. + Pfal. iii. 5 — 8. xxvii. 1 — 3. Ifa. x. 4.
then can the wcafli fail h be expected to overcome in fuch circum-
ftances ? rl he accommodacion of the paflages from Job to this conflict,
fceras merely intended to imply, that ;he aflaults of Satan on thefe oc-
cafions, aie more terrible than any thing in the vifible creation can be t
and that every poflible advantage will be needful in order to withftand
in he evil day.
(A) Inftead of faying, " though all men deny thee, yet will not I?'*
to ufe all means of grace diligently ; and to be inftant in
hat the L »rd himfelf may protect us by his power, and ani-
by his prefence : and then only fii d! we be enabled to overcome
both the feai or man, and :hc temptations of the devil.
190 The Pilgrims taken in Flatterer's Net.
came into the road, which by degrees turned, and turned
them To from the City that they delired to go to, that in
little time their faces were turned away from it : — yet they
followed him. But by and by, before they were aware, he
led them both within the compafs of a net, in which they
were both fo entangled, that they knew not what to do ;
and with that the white robe fell off the black rutin's back :
— then they faw where they were. Wherefore there they
lay crying fome time, for they could not get themfelves out.
Then faid Christian to his fellow, Now do I fee myfelf
in an error. Did not the Shepherds bid us beware of the
Flatterers ? As is the faying of the wife man, fo we have
found it this day, " A man that fkttereth his neighbour
fpreadeth a net for his feet."*
Hope. They alfo gave us a note of directions about the
way, for our more fure rinding thereof ; but therein we have
alfo forgotten to read, and have not kept ourfelves from
" the paths of the deftroyer." Here David was wifer than
we ; for faith he, " concerning the works of men, by the
word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the de-
itroyer."f Thus they lay bewailing themfelves in the net.
At lafl they efpied a Shining One coming towards them
with a whip of fmall cord in his hand. When he was come
to the place where they were, he afked them whence they
came, and what they did there ? They told him that they
were poor Pilgrims going to Zion, but were led ont of their
way by a black man clothed in white, who bid us,'faid they,
follow him, for he was going thither too. Then faid he
with a whip, It is Flatterer, " a falfe apoftle, that hath tranf-
formed himfelf into an angel of light."| So he rent the
net, and let the men out. Then faid he to them, Follow
me, that I may fet you in your way again : — fo he led them
back to the way which they had left to follow the Flatterer.
Then he afked them, laying, Where didyou lie thelaft night?
They faid, with the Shepherds upon the Delectable
Mountains. He afked them then if they had not of them
Shepherds a note of direction for the way ? They anfwered,
Yes. But did you, faid he, when you were at a ftand,
pluck out and read your note ? They anfwered, No. He
afked them, Why ?• They faid, They forgot. He afked
moreover, If the Shepherds did not bid them beware of the
7-
* Prov. xxix. 5. + Pfal. xvii. 4. % Cor. xi. 13. 14. Dan. xi. 32.
Shining One rebukes and chajfens them, 191
Flatterer ? They anfwered, Yes ; but we did not imagine,
faid they, that this fine-fpoken man had been he.*
Then I faw in my dream that he commanded them to lie
down ;f which when they did, he chaftifed them fore, to
teach them the good way, wherein they mould walk :J
and as he chaftifed them, he faid, " As many as I love I
rebuke and chaften ; be zealous, therefore, and repent."^
This done he bids them go on their way, and take good
heed to the other directions of the Shepherds. So they
thanked him for all his kindnefs, and went foftly along the
right way.
'Come hither, you that walk along the way,
See how the Pilgrims fare that go aftr^y :
They catched are in an entangling net,
'Caufe they good counfel lightly did forget :
'Tistrue, they refcu'd were, but yet, you fee,
They're fcourg'd to boot : let this your caution be.' (/) -
* Rom. xvi. 17, 18. + Deut. xxix. 2. +2 Chron. vi. 26, 27.
^ Rev. iii. 19.
(/) This Way, which feemed as Jiraight as the right Way, and in
entering on'which there was no Stile to climb over, mult denote fome
very plaufible and gradual deviation from the fimplicity of the gofpel,
in doctrine or practice. Peculiar circum fiances may require the be-
liever to act ; while fo much can be faid in fupport of different meas-
ures, "as to make him hefitate : and if he merely confider the fubject in
his own mind, or confult with his friends, without carefully examining
the Scripture, and praying for divine direction ; he will very probably
be feduced into the wrong path : and, if he liften to the Flatte reb,
he will certainly be milled. But what is meant by the Flatte r e r ?
— It cannot reasonably be fuppofed, that the author meant to (late that
the Pilgrims hearkened to fuch as preach juflification by .he works of
the law ; or flatter men's felf-complacency by harangues on the dignity
of human nature, and the unbiased freedom of the will, the fufficiency
of reafon in matters of religion, or the goodnefs of the heart : for ex-
perienced Chriilians cannot be thus impofed on. And grofs antino-
mianifm can never greatly attract the attention of thofe, who have been
in Doubt 1 no-Cast le for turning afide into By-path-meadow.
— But the human mind is always accefTible to flattery, in one form or
other; and there have in every age been teachers and profeffed Chrif-
tjans, who have foothed men into a good opinion of their ftate on in-
fufficient grounds ; or fed their fpiritual pride by exprefling too favour-
able thoughts of their attainments, which is often miftaken for a very
loving fpirit. This directly tends to induce unwatchfulnefs, and an
unadvifed way of deciding in difficult cafes : and thus men are imper-
ceptibly led to confult their own inclination, eafe, or interett, inftead
of the will and glory of God. In the mean time, fuch flatterers
commend their prudence, in allowing themfelves a little reft ; perfuade
theia that they are entitled to difunciion, and exempted from general
192 One coming to meet the Pilgrims.
Now after a while they perceived, afar off, one coming
foftly and alone all along the highway to meet them. Then
faid Christian to his fellow, Yonder is a man with his
back towards Zion, and he is coming to meet us.
rales ; infinuate, that they are too well acquainted with Sat A n's devices
to be deceived ; and in fhort feem to make their opinion the flandard
or right and wrong. Some excellent men, from a natural eaiinefe of
temper, united with fpiritual love and genuine candour, thus undcfign-
edty too much foothe their brethren: but the Flatterer is
*a black man in a white robe;'' a defigning hypocrite, who with
plaufibility, fluency of fpeech, talents, eloquence, or polite accom-
plifhments, and very evangelical views of religion, " ferves not
our Lord Jesus Christ, but his own belly; and by good
words and fair fpeeches deceives the hearts of the fimple." Such a
man will not fhock ferious minds by grofs antinomianifm : but he will
infill difproportionately and indifcriminately on privileges, promifes,
and confolatory topics.; and thus put his auditors into good humour
with themfelves, and confequently with him, in order to obtain advan-
tages, not lb eafily acquired by other means. — There are many other
flatterers: but this delcription, coming far more in the way of evan-
gelical profeffors than any other, feems emphatically to be intended.
Satan aims to lull men into a fatal fecurity, wholly orin part ; flatter-
ers of every kind are his principal agents ; and a fmooth undiflinguifli-
ing golpel, and want of plain-dealing in private, has immenfe influence
in this refpeft. Too often, it is to be feared, the preacher ufes flattery
in the pulpit and the parlour, and is reciprocally flattered or rewarded :
and what wonder is it, if ungodly men take up the bufinels as a lucra-
tive trade, and ferve their own felfifh purpofes, by quieting uneafy
confeiences into a falfe peace, mifleading unwary fouls, entangling
incautious believers in a net, and thus bringing a fcandal on the gofpel r
" Satan is transformed into an angel of light, and his minirters into
miniilers of righteoufnefs ;" and if this were the cafe in the apoflles'
days, in the midfl. of terrible perfecutions ; it may well be expected,
that the fame attempts will be made at other times. — Among perfons
not much acquainted with the gofpel, a different method of jeduftion
will be employed ; in fome places by vain philofophy or pharifaical
felf-righteoufne.fs, in others by enthufiaftic imaginations or dreams of
finlefs perfection ; hut among eftablifhed Chrifiians, fome plaufible
fcheme, flattering men as wife and ilrong in Ci4 r 1ST, and as knowing
their liberty and privileges, mull be adopted; fuch as were propagated
among the Corinthians, or thole profefled Chriflians whom
J a m E s , P e T E R, and J u d e fucceflively addrefled. In the piefent
ftate of religious profeffion, a more important caution, I apprehend,
cannot fee given by the united voice of all thofe miniflers, vhom the
Shepherds reprefent, than this, 'Beware of the Fiatti R ER ;' of all
teachers who'addrefs the fclf-prcferencc of the Iwunnn heart, and thus
render men foigctful of ' taking heed to their way according to the
word of God.' For if men overlook the precepts of Sciipture and
forfakc practical diflinguiflii: g preachers; to follow fuch as bolfler up
their hopes in an unlcriptural manner ; they will either be fatally
deceived, or drawn out of- the path of truth and duty, taken in the net
J he vain Reafonings of Atheijl. 193
Hope. I fee him ; let us take heed to ourfelvcs now,
left he ihould prove a Flatterer alio.
So he drew nearer and nearer, and at lad came up to
them. His name was Atheist; and he afked them
* Whither they were going V
Chr. We are going to the Mount Zion.
Then Atheist fell into a very great laughter.
Chr. What is the meaning of your laughter I
Ath. I laugh to fee what ignorant perlons you arc, to
take upon you fo tedious a journey ; and yet are like to
Rave nothing but your travel for your pains.
Chr. Why, man \ do you think we iliall not be re-
ceived ?
Ath. Received ! there is no fuch place as you dream
of in all this world.
Chr. But there is in the world to come.
Ath. When I was at home, in mine own country, I
heard as you now affirm, and from that hearing went cut
to fee, and have been feeking this city this twenty years,
but find no more of it than I did the firft day I fet out.* _
Chr. We have both heard and believe that there is
fuch a place to be found.
Ath. Had not I when at home believed, I had not-
come thus far to feek ; but finding none, (and yet I fhould
had there been fuch a place to be found, for I have gone
to feck it further than you ;) I am going back again, and
will feek to refrefh myielf, with the things that I then call
away for hopes of that which I now fee is not.
Then faid Christian to Hopeful his fellow, Is it true
which this man hath faid ?
Hope. Take heed, he is one of the Flatterers : remem-
ber what it hath coft us once already for our hearkening to
fuch kind of fellows. What ! no Mount Zion ? Did we not
fee from the Delectable Mountains the Gate of the
City ? Alfo, are we not now to walk by faith \f Let us go
* Eccl. x. 15. Jer. x\ii. 15. + a Cor. v. 7.
_ ______ _
or error, and entangled among injurious connexions and with perplexing
difficulties. They will indeed at length be undeceived as 10 thcie
fmc-fpoken mcv, but not till they fcareely know what to do or what will
"become of them. F01 when the Lord plucks their feet out of the net,
he will humble them in the dull for their Ga and foliy ; and make them
thankful to be delivered, though with fevers rebukes and coikcuou-.
R _..
1 94 Tb* Pilgrims turn away from Atheijl.
on, faid Hopeful, left the man with the whip overtake us
again. You fliould have taught me that leifon which I
will round you in the ears withal : " Ceafe, my fon, to hear
the inftruclion, that caufeth to err from the words of
knowledge ;"* I fay, my brother, ceafe to hear him, and
let us believe to the faving of the foul.
Chr. My brother, I did not put the queftion to thee
for that I doubted of the truth of your belief myfelf, but
to prove thee, and to fetch from thee a fruit of the honefty
of thy heart. As for this man, I know that he is blinded
by the god of this world. Let thee and I go on, knowing
that we have belief of the truth, and " no lie is of the
truth."!
Hope. Now I do rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
• — So they turned away from the man, and he, laughing at
them, went his way. (m)
I faw then in my dream, that they went till they came
into a certain country whofe air naturally tended to make
* Frov. xix. 27. Hebi x. 39. t l John ii. 21,
(m) Some falfe profefTors gradually renounce " the truth as it is in
Jesus :" but others openly ret themfelves againft. all kinds- of religion,
and turn (coffers and infidels. Indeed none are more likely to become
avowed atheifts, than fuch as have for many years hypocritically pro-
feffed the gofpel : for they often acquire an acquaintance with the
Several parts of religion, their connexion with each other, and the argu-
ments with which they are fupported ; fo that they know not where to
begin, if they would oppole any particular dcciiine or precept of
revelation. Yet they hate the whole fyftem; and, having never expe-
rienced thofe effects from the truth, which the Scripture afcribes to it,
they feel, that if there be any reality in religion, their own cafe is very
dreadful, and wifn to make off this mortifying and alarming conviction.
.And, as they have principally alfociated with loofe profefforS, and wit-
tteflcd much folly and wickednefs among them ; they willingly take up
a bad opinion of all who pretend topiety, (as rakes commonly revile all
women,) and fo they m^ke a defperate plunge, and treat the whole of
religion as impofture and delufion ; pretending, that upon a thorough
tnveftigation, they find it to be a compound of km very, folly and fanat-
icifm. Thus Cod in awful judgment permits Satan to blind their
eyes, becaufe they "obeyed not the truth, but had pleafure in unright-
eoufnefs." Men fet out with a dead faith and a worldly heart, and St
length occupy the feat of the fcorner !— The vain reafonings and con-
temptuous ineers of fuch apoftates, may turn afide other unfound
characters, and perplex new converts : but the experience of eftablifhed
believers will fortify them againft thele manifefl delufions ; and cor-
rections for previous miftakes will render them jealous of themfelves and
one another; fo that they will go ontheirway with greater cii cum fp't^
tion, and pity the fcorner who ridicules them.
Enchanted Ground: Hopeful drowfy. 195
one drowfy, if he came a Granger into it. And here
Hopeful began to be very dull and heavy of fleep : where-
fore he faid unto Christian, ldo now begin K> grow fo
drcwfy that I can fcarcely hold up mine eyes ; let us lie
down here, and take one nap.
By no means, faid the other, left fleeping we never
awake more.
Hope. Why, my brother? fleep is fweet to the labour-
ing man ; we may be refreihed if we take a nap.
Chr. Do you not remember that one of the Shepherds
bid us beware of the Enchanted Ground ? He meant by
that, that we mould beware of fleeping ; " Wherefore let
us not fleep, as do others, but let us watch and be fober."*
Hope. I acknowledge myfelf in a fault; and, had I
been here alone, I had by fleeping run the danger of death.
I fee it is true that the wife man faith, " Two are better
than one."f Hitherto hath thy company been my mercy ;
and thou ihalt " have a good reward for thy labour." (n)
Now then, faid Christian, to prevent drowfmefs in this
place, let us fall into good difcourfe.
« With all my heart,' faid the other.
Chr. Where lhall we begin ?
* 1 Theflf. v. 6. TEccl. iv. 9.
(n) The En'CKAN'tedGrounb may reprefent a ftate of exemption
from peculiar trials, a~d ofworldiy profperity ; elp-cially when Chris-
tians are unexpectedly advanced in their outward ctrcumfiances, or
engaged in extenfive flouriftiing bufinefe. A concurrence of agreeable
difpenfatio.is fometimes fucceeds to long continued difficulties ; the be-
litvei's peace is little interrupted, but he has not very high affi&ions or
confclations ; he meets with refpeft and attention from his friends and
acquaintance ; and is drawn on by fuccefs in his fecular undertakings.
'{his powerfully tends, through remaining depravity, to produce a
kihnrgic and indolent frame of mind : the man attends en religious
ordinances, and the conflant fucceiTion of dut'ec, more from habit and
confeience, than from delight in the fervice or God : and even
who have acquitted themfelves creditably in a varied cor.rie of tiials and
conilicK often lofe much of their vigour, activity r»nd vigilance, in
thefe faf( mating circumftances. No fituaticn, in which a believer can
be placed, requires fo much watchfulnefs : other experiences refemble
florms which keep a man awake alrrofl againfl his will ; this is a
treacherous calm, which invites and lulls him to fleep. But pious dif-
courfe, the jealous cautions of faithful friends, and recollections oi the
Lord's deaungs with us in times pall,? re adrnifob'y fuited to counter; -ct
this tendency. — The fubfequent dialogue contains the author's own ex-
pofkion of feveral particulars in the preceding allegory.
196 Hopeful's firft ConviElions.
Hope. Where God began with us : — but do you beg4n,
if you pleafe.
' When faints do fleepy grow, let them come hither,
And hear how thefe two Pilgrims tatk together :
Yea, let them 'earn of them in any wile,
Thus to keep ope their drowfy fiumbVing eyes.
« Saints' fellowfhip, if it be mana^'d well,
Keeps them awake, and that, in fpite of hell.5
Then Christian began, and faid, I will afk you a ques-
tion : hov/ came you to think at firft of doing as you do
now ?
Hope. Do you mean, how came I at firft to look after
the good of rny foul ?
Chr. Yes, that is my meaning.
Hope. I continued a great while in the delight of thofe
things which were feen and fold at our Fair ; things which
I believe now would have, had I continued in them flail,
drowned me in perdition and deftruclion.
Chr. What things were they ?
Hopf. All the treafures and riches of the world. Alfo
I delighted much in rioting, revelling, drinking, fwearing,
lying, uncleannefs, fabbath-breaking, and what not, that
tended to deftroy the foul. But I found, at laft, by hear-
ing and confidering of things that are divine, which indeed
I heard of you, as alfo of the beloved Faithful, that was
put to death for his faith and good living in Vanity-fair,
" that the end of thefe things is death ;" and that " for
thefe things* fake, the wrath of God cometh upon the
children of difobedience."*
Chr. And did you prefently fall under the power of
this conviction ?
Hope. No, I was not willing prefently to know the
evil of fm, nor the damnation that follows upon the com-
miflion of it ; but endeavoured, when my mind at firft be-
gan to be fhafoen with the word, to fhut mine eyes againft
the light thereof.
Chr. But what w^as the caufe of your carrying of it
thus to the firft workings of Gon's blefTed Spirit upon you ?
Hope. The caufes Were — 1. I was ignorant that this
was the work of God upon me. I never thought that by
awakenings for fin God at firft begins the converfion of a
finner. 2. Sin was yet very fweet to my flefh, and I was
* Rom. vi. 21— 23. Eph. v. 6.
His Strivings mgainji than* jny
loth to leave it. 3. I could not tell how to part with mine
old companions, their prefence and actions were ib deiirable
unto me. 4. The hours in which convitfions were upon
me were fuch troublefome and fuch heart-affrighting
hours,' that I could not bear, no not ib much as, the re-
membrance of them upon my heart.
Chr. Then it feems, fome times you got relief of your
trouble.
Hope. Yes, verily, but it would come into my mind
again ; and then I mould be as bad, nay worfe than I was
before.
Chr. Why, what was it that brought your fins to mind
again.
Hope. Many thing's : as, if I did but meet a good man
in the ftreet ; or if I have- heard any read in the Bible ; or
if mine head did begin to ache ;. or if I were told that fome
of my neighbours were fick ; or if I heard the bell toll for
fome that were dead ; or if I thought of dying myfelf ; or
if I heard that fudden death happened to others : bui ef-
pecially when I thought of myfelf, that I mull: quickly
come to judgment.
Chr. And could you at any time, with eafe, get off the
guilt of fin, when by any of thefe ways it came upon
you ? (0)
Hope. No, not heartily ; for then they got fatter hold
of my confcience : and then, if I did but think of going
back to fin, (though my mind was turned againli it,) it
would be double torment to me.
Chr. And how did you do then ?
Hope. I thought I muft endeavour to mend my life ;
for elfc, thought I, I am fure to be damned.
Ckr. And did you endeavour to mend ?
Hope. Yes ; and fled from not only my fins, but fmful
company too, and betook me to religious duties, as praying,
Jc) This word is ufed, Here and in other places, not to fignifV thu evil
offnin the fight (J God, and die trmfgreffbr*s deferred liableneta ro
ithmtnt : but the remorfe smd fitar of wrath, with which the com '
(inner is oppreffedi and horn which he often Peeks relief by means which
exceed-tngry mcreafe his aftiial guiit. Nothing except a free par
by iditn in the atcmng facnfke of Ch rt ist, can take away guilt : but
the uneafi^efs of a man's confcience may he for a lime Ft-moved by
various ejrf>edicnls. The words guilt or guilty, are often ufed in this
latter ienie, by modern divines ; bin ir does not fecrr. to be ichpiurcllv
accurate, and may produce mifappn*he luons-
8. Z
198 External Amendment infifficienf*
reading, weeping for fin, fpeaking truth to my neighbours,
&c. Thefe things I did, with many other, too much here
to relate.
Chr. And did you think yourfelf well then?
Hope. Yes, for awhile; but at the laft my trouble
came tumbling upon me again, and that over the neck of
all my reformations.
Chr. How came that about, fmce you were now re-
formed I
Hope. There were feveral things brought it upon me ;
efpecially fuch layings as thefe — "All our righteoulheffes are
as filthy rags :" — " By the works of the law no man (hall be
justified :'" — " When ye have done all thefe things, fay, We
are unprofitable :"* with many more fuch like. From
whence I began to reafon with myfelfthus: — If all my
righteoufnefles are filthy rags ; if by the deeds of the law no
man can be justified ; and if, when we have done all, we
are yet unprofitable — then 'tis but a folly to think of hea-
ven by the law. I further thought thus : If a man runs a.
hundred pounds into the ihopkeeper's debt, and after that
ihall pay for all that he ihall fetch : yet, his old debt (lands-
ftill in the book uncroifed, for the which the thopkeeper
may fue him, and caft him into prifon till he Ihall pay the
debt.
Chr. Well, and how did you apply this to yourfelf?
Hope. Why, I thought thus with myfelf, I have by my
fins run a great way into God's book, and that my now
reforming will not pay off that fcore ; therefore I mould
think (till, under all my prefent amendments, « But how
ihall I be freed from that damnation, that I brought myfelf
in danger of by my former tranfgreffions V
Chr. A very good application : — but pray go on.
Hope. Another thing that hath troubled me, even
fmce my late amendments, is, that, if I look narrowly into-
the belt of what I do now, I ftill fee fin, new fin, mixing
itfelf With the bed of that I do : fo that now I am forced
to conclude that, notwithstanding my former fond conceits
of myfelf and duties, I have committed fin enough in one
duty to fend me to hell, though my former life had been
fa ultlefs.
Chr. And what did you do then ?
*lfa, Ixiv. 6. Luke xvii. 10. Gal. ii. *6.
sr-f*
A perfeft Righteoufnefs needful, 199
Hope. Do ! I could not tell what to do, till I brake
my mind to Faithful ; for he and I were well acquaint-
ed. And he told me that unlefs I could obtain the right-
eoufnefs of a man that never had finned, neither mine own,
nor all the righteoufnefs of the world, could fave me.
Chr. And did you think he fpake true ?
Hope. Had he told me fo, when I was pleafed and
fatisiied with mine own amendments, I had called him
fool for his pains ; but now, mice I fee mine own infirmity,
and the fin that cleaves to my beft performance, I have
been forced to be of his opinion.
Chr. But did you think, when at fir ft he fuggefted it
to you, that there was fuch a man to' be found, of whom it
might juftly be laid that he never committed fin ?
Hope. 1 mull confefs the words at firft founded ftrange-
}y, but, after a little more talk and company with him, I
had full conviction about it.
Chr. And did you aik him what man this was, and
how you muft be juftified by him }*
Hope. Yes, and he told me it was the Lord Jesus,
that dwelleth on the right hand of the Moft High : And
thus, faid he, you muft be juftified by him — even by trust-
ing to what he hath done by himfelf, in the days of his flefn,
arid fullered when he did hang on the tree. I afked him
further how that man's righteoufnefs could be of that effi-
cacy to juftify another before God .? And he told me he-
was the mighty God, and did what he did, and died the
death alio, not for himfelf, but for me, to whom his doings
and the worthinefs of them mould be imputed, if I believ-
ed on him.
Chr. And what did you do then r
Hope. I made my objections againft my believing, for
that I thought he was not willing to fave me.
Chr. And what faid Faithful to you then ?
Hope. He bid me go to him and fee. Then I faid it
was prefumption. He faid, * No, for I was invited to
come.'f — Then he gave me a book of Jesus's inditing, to
encourage me the more freely to come ;v and he faid, con-
cerning that book, that every jot and tittle thereof flood
firmer than heaven and earth.;}; Then I afked him what I
muft do when- 1. came ? And he- told me I muft entreat ..
* Rom. iv, Col. i. Heb. x. 2 Pet. i. + Matt. xi. n8=
J Matt. xxiv. 35.
203 How Hopeful learned the Way of J unification*
upon my knees,* with all my heart and foul, the Father
to reveal him to me. Then I afked him further, how I
muft make my fupplication to him ? And he laid, Go, and
thou fhalt find him upon a mercy-feat ;f where he fits, all
the year long, to give pardon and forgivenefs to them that
come. I told him that I knew not what to fay when I
came. And he bid me fay to this effect — M God be merci-
ful to me a fmner," ' and make me to know and believe in
Jesus Christ : for I fee, that if his righteoufnefs had not
been, or I have not faith in that righteoufnefs, I am utter-
ly caft away. Lord, I have heard that thou art a merciful
God, and had ordained that thy Son Jesus Christ mould
be the Saviour of the world : and, moreover, that thou art
willing to bellow him upon fuch a poor fmner as I am,
(and I am a fmner indeed :) Lord, take therefore this op-
portunity, and magnify thy grace in the falvation of my
foul, through thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen/
Chr. And did you do as you were bidden ?
Hop-e. Yes, over, and over, and over.
Chr. And did the Father reveal the Son to you ?
Hope. Not at the" firft, jtbr fecond, nor third, nor
fourth, nor fifth, no,, nor at the fixth time neither.
Chr. What did you. do then ?
Hope.. What ! why I coo*! not tell what to do.
Chr. Had you not thoughts of leaving off praying 2?
Hope, Yes, and a hundred times twice told.
Chr. And what was the reafon you did not ?
Hope. I believed that that was true which had beeiv
told me, to wit, that without the righteoufnefs of this
Christ, all the world could not fave me : and therefore,
thought I with myfelf, if I leave off I die, and I can but
die at. the throne of grace. And withal this came into my
mind, " If it tarry, wait for it, becaufe it will furely come,,
and will not tarry. "J So I continued praying, until the
Father fhewed me his Son.
Chr. And how was he revealed unto you ?
Hope. I did not fee him with my bodily eyes, but with
the eyes of mine understanding^ and thus it was : One
day I was very fad, I think ladder than at any one time in
jny life ; and this fadnefs- was through a frefli. fight of the
greatnefs and v-ilenefs of my fms. And as I was then
*Pf. xcv. 6. Ter. xxix. 12, 13. Din. vi. 10. + Ex. xxv..22. Lev.
»vi. 2. Heb. iv. 16. £ Hab. ii. 3. ^ £ph. 1, 18, 19.
Hopeful continued to pray. 20X
•
looking for nothing but hell, and the everlafting damnation
of my foul, fuddenly, as I thought, I law the Lord Jesus
look down from heaven upon me, and faying, " Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou (bait' be laved."*
But I replied, * Lord, I am a great, a very great finner :'
and he anfwered, " My grace is fufficient for thee." Then
I faid, * But, Lord, what is believing V And then I faw
from that faying, " He that cometh to me mall never hun-
ger, and he that believeth on me mail never thiruY'f that
believing and coming was all one ; and that he that came,
that is, run out in his heart and affections after faivation by
Christ, he indeed believed in Christ. Then the water
flood in mine eyes, and I afked further, * But, Lord, may
iuch a great fmner as I am, be indeed accepted of thee,
and be faved by thee V And I heard him fay, " And him
that cometh to me, I will in no wife carl out."J Then I
faid, But how, Lord, muft I confider of thee in my com-
ing to thee, that my faith may be placed aright upon thee I*
Then he faid, "Christ Jesus came into the world to fave
fmners i" " He is the end of the law for righteoufnefs to
every one that believes :" " He died for our fins, and rofe
again for cur juftification :" " He loved us, and wafhed us
from our fins in his own blood :" " He is mediator be-
tween God and us :" " He ever liveth to make interceffion
for us." § ' From all which I gathered that I muft look for
righteoufnefs in his perfon, and for fatisfaction for my fins
by his blood ; that what he did in obedience to his Fath-
er's law, and in fubmitting to the penalty thereof, was not
for himfelf, but for him that will accept it for his faivation,
and be thankful. And now was my heart full of joy, mine
eyes full of tears, and mine affections running over with
love to the name, people, and ways of Jesus Christ. Q>)
* AQs xvi. 30, 31. + John vi. 35. \ John vi. 37. ^ 1 Tim.
i. 15. Rom. x. 4. Hcb. vii. 24, 25.
(p) Coming tc Christ is properly the eff/B of faith .' yet the lan-
guage here ufed is warrant ■ d by Scripture. — 1 he word reveat, and the
vilion of Christ converting \\i:h Ho p e y 0 l, feem to fan&ion fuch
things as have been greatly nuflaken and abufed, and have occafioned
many fcandals and objections : yet it is evident, that the author meant
nothing eont/ary to ihe moil lober ftatement of fcriptural truth. —
Chr ist did not appear to Hop 1 f t1 l' s fenfes, but to his underffand-
in j : and thfi words Ipoken are no other than texts of Scripture taken in
the r genuine meaning ; not informing him, as by a new reveiaiion,
that his fins were pardoned, but encouraging him to apply for this
202 Ghrljl revealed to Hopeful,
Chr. This was a revelation of Christ to your foul in-
deed : but tell me particularly, what effect this had upon
your fpirit.
Hope. It made me fee that all the world, notwithstand-
ing all the righteoufnefs thereof, is in a ftate of condemna-
tion : it made me fee that God the Father, though he be
juft, can juftly juftify the coming fmner : it made me great-
ly aihamed of the vilenefs of my former life, and confound-
ed me with the fenfe of mine own ignorance : for there
never came thought into mine heart, before now, that
mewed me fo the beauty of Jesus Christ: it made me
love a holy life, and long to do fomething for the honour
and glory of the name of the Lord Jesus ; yea, I thought
that, had I now a thoufand gallons of blood in my body,
I could fpill it all for the fake of the Lord Jesus.
I faw then in my dream, that Hopeful looked back and
faw Ignorance, whom they had left behind, coming after ;
' Look, ' faid he to Christian, * how far yonder youngfter
loitereth behind. ■
Chr. Ay, ay, I fee him : he careth not for our com-
pany.
Hope. But I trow it would not have hurt him, had he
kept pace with us hitherto.
Chr. That is true; but P'll warrant you he thinketh
otherwife.
Hope. That I think he doth : but however, let us tarry
for him. So they did.
Then Christian faid to him, Come away, man, why do
you ft ay fo behind ?
Ignor. I take my pleafure in walking alone : even more
a great deal than in company ; unlefs I like it the better.
mercy and all other bleffings of faivation. So that, (allowing for the
nature of an allegory,) the whole account for fubftance exactly coincides
with the experience of the mod fober ChrHtians ; who, having been
deeply humbled, and ready to fink under discouragement, have had
fuch views of the love of Ch r ist, of his glorious faivation, the free-
nefs of the invitations, the largenefs of the promifes, and the nature of
juftifying faith, as have "filled them with peace and joy in believing :"
and thefe have been followed by fuch abiding effefts as are here defcrib--
cd, which completely diftinguifh them from all the falfe joys of hypo-
crites andenthufiaits. Others indeed cannot relate fo orderly an account
of the;r conviclions and comforts; yet they are brought, (though by
Varied methods,) to the fame reliance on Christ, and the fame de-
voted obedience.
They difcourfe with Ignorance. 203
Then faid Christian to Hopeful, (but foftly,) Did I
not tell you he cared not for our company ? But, however,
come up, and let us talk away the time in this folitary place.
Then, directing his fpeech to Ignorance, he faid, Come,
how do you ? how fiands it between God and your foul
now ? (q)
Ionor. I hope well, for I am always full of good mo-
tions, that come into my mind to comfort me as I walk.
Chr. What good motions ? pray tell us.
Ignor. Why, I think of God and heaven.
Chr. So do the devils and damned fouls.
Ignor. But I think of them and defire them, {r)
Chr. So do many that are never like to come there.
•' The foul of the fluggard defires, ana hath nothing."*
Ignor. But 1 think of them, and leave all for them.
Chr. That I doubt : for leaving of all is an hard mat-
ter ; yea, a harder matter than many are aware of. But
why, or by what, art thou perfuaded that thou bait left all
for God and heaven ?
Ignor. My heart tells me fo.
Chr. The wife man fays, " He that trufte his cwn heart
is a fool."t
Ignor. That is fpoken of an evil heart, but mine is a
good one.
Chr. But how doft thou prove that ?
Ignor. It comforts me in hopes cf heaven.
* Prov. xiii. 4. I Prov. xxviii. 26.
(q) In this dialogue Ignor anc e fpeaks exaftiy in character ; and
the anfwers of the Pilgrims are cone !u five sgainft fuch abfurd and un-
fcriptura! grounds of confidence, as are continually maintained by many
vho would be thought pious Chriftians.
(r)The defire of heavenly felicity, when the real nature of it is not
under ftoocl, the proper means of obtaining it are neglecled, other objects
are preferred to it, or (loth and procraftination intervene, is no proof that
a man will be faved.-—In like manner this expreflion, the defire of grace
is grace, mud be owned 10 be very fallacious and ambiguous. Men
may be notionally convinced, that without grace they mufl perifh, 2nd
mere felfiihnefs may excite fome feeble defires after it ; though worldly
affections predominate, and the real value of the fpiritual good is not
perceived. But to hunger and tbiifr. for God and his righteoufnefs,
his favour, image and fervicc. as the fupreme good ; fo that no other
object can fatisfy the earned defire of ihe heart, and every thing is re-
nounced that interferes with the purfuit of it, is grace indeed, and {hall
be completed in glory.
204 Good Thoughts of ourfelves
Chr. That may be through its deceitfulnefs ; for a man's
heart may minitter comfort to him in the hopes of that thing
for which he yet has no ground to hope, (j-)
Ignor. But my heart and life agree together ; and
therefore my hope is well grounded.
Chr. Who told thee that thy heart and life agree to-
gether ?
Ignor. My heart tells me fo.
Chr. * Afk my fellow if I be a thief!' Thy heart tells
thee fo ! except the word of God beareth witnefs in this
matter, other teftimony is of no value.
Ignor. But is it not a good heart thathas good thoughts ?
and is not that a good life that is according to God's com-
mandments ?
Chr. Yes, that is a good heart that hath good thoughts,
and that is a good life that is according to God's com-
mandments ; but it is one thing indeed to have thefe, and
another thing only to think fo.
Ignor. Pray, what count you good thoughts, and a
life according; to God's commandments ?
Chr. There are good thoughts of divers kinds ; — fome
refpecYing ourfelves, fome — God, fome-S-CHRisT, and fome
—other things.
Ignor. What be good thoughts refpe<51ing ourfelves ?
Chr. Su/h as agree with the word of God.
Ignor. When do our thoughts of ourfelves agree with
the word of? God ?
Chr. When we pafs the fame judgment upon ourfelves
which the word pailes.. — To explain myielf ; the word of
God faith of perfons in a natural condition, (/) " There is
none righteous, there is none that doeth good." It faith
alfo, that "Every imagination of the heart of man is only
( i ; ) It is exceedingly dangerous to make comfort a ground of confi-
dence ; unlefs the nature, fource, and effects of that comfort be confid-
ered : for it may relult entirely from ignorance and fe If -flattery, in a
variety of ways.
* (c) "That which is born of the fiefh, is flefh ;" "The carnal mind
is enmity againftGoD ; foi it is not fubje&tothe law of God, neither
indeed can be. So^hen they that are in the flefh cannot pleafe Go D ;"
for "They are b\ nature the children of wrath." 1 his is man's natural
conditio^ : but of the regenerate it is {aid, "Ye are not in the fit fh, but
in the Spirit ;" " for that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit ;" and to
fuch perfons die texts adduced do not apply.
Agree ivith the Word of God, 205
evil, and that continually."* And again, " The imagina-
tion of man's heart is evil from his youth." Now then,
when we think thus of ourfelves, having fenfe thereof, then
are our thoughts good ones, becaufe according to the word
of God.
Ignor. I will never believe that my heart is thus bad.
Chr. Therefore thou never hadft one good thought
concerning thyfelf in thy life. — But let me go on. As the
word pafleth a judgment upon our heart, fo it paiTeth a
judgment upon our ways ; and when our thoughts of our
hearts and ways agree with the judgment which the word
giveth of both, then are both good, becaufe agreeing there-
to.
Ignor. Make out your meaning.
Chr. Why, the word of God faith that man's ways are
crooked ways, not good but perverfe : it faith they are nat-
urally out of the good way, that they have not known it.f
Now when a man thus thinketh of his ways, I fay, when he
doth, fenfibly and with heart-humiliation, thus think, then
hath he good thoughts of his own ways, becaufe his thoughts
now agree with the judgment of the word of God.
I&nor. What are good thoughts concerning God?
Chr. Even, as I have faid concerning ourfelves, when
our thoughts of God do agree with what the word faith of
him ; and that is, when we think of his being and attributes
as the word hath taught ; of which I cannot now difcourfe
at large. But to fpeak of him with reference to us ; then
we have right thoughts of God when we think that he knows
us better than we know ourfelves, and can fee fin in us when
and where we can fee none in ourielves : when we think he
knows our inmoft thoughts, and that our heart, with all its
depths, is always open unto his eyes ; alio when we think
that all our righteoufnefs (links in his noflrils, and that there-
fore he cannot abide to fee us (land before him in any con-
fidence even of all our beft performances- («)
* Gen. vi. 5. Rom.iii. + Pfal. cxxv. 5. Prov. ii. 15.
(u) The external fervices, performed by unregenerate perfons from
felfifn motives, being foamy and partial, and m ide the ground of felf
complacency,, and felf-righteous pride, "are abomination in the fight
of G 0 >," however "highly efteemed among men :" " For men k ok
at the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh at the ^ieart."
Even the obedience of a true believer, though it fpiings fiom right
S
206 Ignorance declares his Faith.
Ignor. Do you think that I am fuch a fool as to think
God can fee no further than I ? or that I would come to
God in the bed of my performances.
Chr. Why, how dod thou think in this matter ?
Ignor. Why, to be fhort, I think I muft believe in
Christ for judication.
Chr. How? think thou mufl believe in Christ when
thou feed not thy need of him ! Thou neither feefl thy orig-
inal nor actual Inrirmrties ; but haft fuch an opinion of thy-
felf, and of what thou doeft, as plainly renders thee to be one.
that did never fee a neceffity of Christ's perfonal righte-
oufnefs to juftify thee before God. How then doft thou
fay, I believe in Christ ?
Ignor. I believe well enough for all that*
Chr. How doft thou believe ?
Ignor. I believe that Christ died for finners ; and that
I lhall be juftified before God from the curfe, through his
gracious acceptance of my obedience to his lav/. Or thus,
Christ makes my duties, that are religious, acceptable to
his Father by virtue of his merits, and fo (h?U I be juftified.
Chr. Let me give an aniwer to this confeflion of thy
faith.
i. Thou believed with a fantaftical faith ; for this faith
is no where defcribed in the word.
2. Thou believed: with a falfe faith : becaufe it taketh
juftification/row the perfonal righteoufnefs of Christ, and
applies it to thy oivn.
3. This faith maketh not Christ a juftifier of thy per-
fon, but of thy actions : and of thy perfon for the actions'
fake, which is falfe. [<w)
4. Therefore this faith is deceitful, even fuch as will
leave thee under wrath in the day of God Almighty : fot
true juftifying faith puts the foul, as fenlible of its loft con-
principles, and has fome fpiritual excellency in it, is yet fo defective"
and defiled by fin; that if it were not accepted as the fruit of the Spirit
through the mediation oi'Christ, it mail be condemned by the holy
law, and rejected with abhorrence by a God of infinite purity. Men
may allow this in words, and yet not know what It is to come as con-
demned tinners, for a free judication and falvation, by faith in Chr ist.
(zujThe way of being juftified by faith, for which Ignorancf
pleadi, may well be called '■Jantafikal; as well as xJaijt ;' for it is
no where laid down in Scripture : and it not only changes the way of
acceptance, but it takes away the rule and ftandardof righteoufnefs. and
fubftitutes a vague notion, cz\ed ftnecrit), in its place, which never was
or can be, defined with prccitbn.
Ignorance's Objeclions anfwered. 207
dition by the law, upon fleeing for refuge unto Christ's
righteoufnefs ; (which righteoufnefs of his is not an a£t of
grace, by which he maketh, for justification, thy obedience
accepted with God, but his perfonal obedience to the law,
in doing and fuffering for us what that required at our
hands :) this righteoufnefs, I fay, true faith accepteth ;
under the fkirt of which the foul being fhrouded, and by it
piefented as fpotlefs before God, it is accepted, and acquit
from condemnation.
Ignor. What, would you have us truft to what Christ
in his own perfon hath done without us ? this conceit will
loofen the reins of our luft, and tolerate us to live as we lift :
for what matter how we live, if we may be jullified by
Christ's perfonal righteoufnefs from all, when we believe
it.
Chr. Ignorance is thy name, and as thy name i? fo
art thou ; even this thy anfwer demon ihateth what I fay.
Ignorant thou art of what justifying righteoufnefs is, and as
ignorant how to fecure thy foul, through the faith of it, from
the heavy wrath of God. Yea, thou alfo art ignorant of
the true effects of faving faith in this righteoufnefsofCHRisT,
which is to bow and win over the heart to God in Christ,
to love his name, his word, ways and people, and not as
thou ignorantly imagined.
Hope. Ai'k him if ever he had Christ revealed to him
from heaven ?
Ignor. What ! you are a man for revelations ? I be-
lieve that what both you, and all the reft of you, fay about
that matter is but the fruit of diitracted brains.
Hope. Why man ! Christ is fo hid in God from the
natural apprehenfions of all flefa, that he cannot by any
man be favingly known, unlefs God the Father reveals him
to them, (x)
Ignor. That is your faith, but not mine : yet mine, I
doubt net, is as good as yours, though I have not in my
head fo many whimfies as you.
Chr. Givj me leave to put in a word : — you ought
not fo flightly to fpeak of this matter : for this I will bold-
(■■■) Pride, unbelief, and carnal prejudices- or afFeclions, fo ciofe tlie
mind of a Turner againft the fpi ritual glory or the Po ton a, id mederaj liop
ol Cn ;< is i , thai noihing bur th ■ illumination of the Spirit rernovii g
this veil on en'tbTe him to underttarH and receive the revelation of the
fecxed Cracks cn thele important fubjecls. t
20 8 Ignorance Jl ays behind.
ly affirm, (even as my good Companion hath done) that
no man can know Jesus Christ but by the revelation of
the Father ; yea, and faith too, by which the foul layeth
hold upon Christ, (if it be right) muft be wrought by the
exceeding greatnefs of his mighty power ;* the working of
which faith, I perceive, poor Ignorance, thou art ignorant
cf. Be awakened then, fee thine own wretchednefs, and
flee to the Lord Jesus ; and by his righteoufnefs, which
is the righteoufnefs of God, (for he himfelf is God,) thou
fhalt be delivered from condemnation.
Ignor. You go fo faft I cannot keep pace with you :
do you go on before ; I mull ftay a while behind.
Then they faid —
'Well, Ignorance, wilt thou yet foolifh be
To flight good counfel, ten times given thee ?
And if thou yet refufe it, thou fhalt know,
Ere long, the evil of thy doing fo.
Remember, man, in time ; flop, do not fear :
Good counfel taken well faves; therefore hear.
But if thou yet mail flight it, thou wilt be
The lofer, Ignorance, I'll warrant thee.'
Then Christian addrefTed thus himfelf to his fellow :
Well, come, my good Hopeful, I perceive that thou
and I muli walk by ourfelves again.
So I faw in my dream, that they went on apace before,
and Ignorance, he came hobbling after. Then faid
Christian to his Companion, it pities me much for this
poor man ; it will certainly go ill with him at laft.
Hope. Alas ! there are abundance in our Town in his
condition, whole families, yea, whole ftreets, and that of
Pilgrims too ; and if there be fo many in our parts, how
many, think you, muft there be in the place where he was
born ? (y)
Chr. Indeed the word faith, " He hath blinded their
eyes, left they mould fee," &c.
But, now we are by ourfelves, what do you think of fuch
men ? have they at no time, think you, convictions of fin,
and fo confequently, fears that their Mate is dangerous ?
Hope. Nay, do you anivver that queftion yourfelf, for
you are the elder man.
* Iviatt. xi. 27. 1 Cor. xii.3. Eph. i. 18, 19.
(_>•) If numbers of ignorant pcrfons may be found among the appai-
e ntly religious, what mull be the ca^e of thofe, who are left without
inftruftion to their native pride and felf-COnceit ?
The Advantage of holy Fear, let)
Chr. Then I fay, fometimes (as I think) they may ;
but they, being naturally ignorant, understand not that fuch
convictions tend to their good ; and therefore they do d^i-
perately feek to flirle them, and prefumptuoufly continue to
flatter themfelves in the way of their own hearts.
Hope. I do believe, as you fay, that fear tends much
to men's good, and to make them right at their beginning
xo go on pilgrimage.
, Chr. Without all doubt it doth, if it be right: for Co
fays the word, " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
tvifdom."*
Hope* How will you defcribe right fear ?
Chr. True or right fear is difcovered by three things :
I. By its rife : it is caufed by faving convictions for fin.
— 2. It driveth the foul to lay fad hold cf Christ for fal-
vation.— 3. It begetteth and continueth in the foul a great
reverence of Gor>, his word, and ways, keeping it tender,
and making it afraid to turn from them, to the right hand
or to the left, to any thing that may dilhonour God, break
its peace, grieve the Spirit, or caufe the enemy to fpeak re-
proachfully. (*j
Hope. Well faid ; I believe you have laid the truth.
—Are we now almoft got paft the Enchanted Ground ?
Chr. Why ? are you weary of this difcourfe ?
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 fuch convictions* that tend to put them-
*Jobxxviii. 28. Pfalm. cxi. 10. Piov. i. 7. ix. 10.
(z) Fears of wrath are too generally afcrrbed to unbelief, and d
prejudicial ; but th's arifes from ignorance and miirake : for belief of
Go;,'.s teftiraony mult excite fears in every h art, till it Is clearly per-
ceived how that wrath may I e ifcaped ; and doubts mulled with hop-'?
muft arife from Faith, ti La man is conftioiis of having experienced a
fiving ch mse. Thcfe fears and doubts- excite men to lelf-cxamination.
watchful nets, and diligence; and thus tend to the beYievei's eflaWifti-
ment and " d;e foil Mturance of hope unto the end :" white the want
of them often refults from unbelief and fhipidity of confcicnce, and
linages m carnal fecurity and abufe of the golpel. Fears may in-
cle-d be exceffive and unrealonaWe, and the etLet of unbelief: but it
is better to mark the extreme, and caution men againfl it, than by de-
cerning indifcrrminately againft all doubts and fears, to help Enners n
deceive themfelves, and difcouragc weak believers From earneft'y ufipg
the feriptural means of " making their calling and election furc."
S 2
210 Temporary, Turnback, and Saveftlf;
in fear, are for their good, and therefore they feek to flifle
them.
Hope. How do they feek to ftifle them.
Chr. i. They think that thofe fears are wrought by
the devil, (though indeed they are wrought of God ;) and,
thinking fo, they refiil them, as things that directly tend to
their overthrow. 2. They alfo think that thefe fears tend
to the fpoiling of their faith ; when, alas for them, poor
men that they are, they have none at all \ — and therefore
they harden their hearts againft them. 3. They prefume
they ought not to fear, and therefore in defpite of them wax
prefumptuoufly confident. 4. They fee that thofe fears tend
to take away from them their pitiful old felf-holinefs, and
therefore they refill them with all their might, (a)
Hope. I know fomething of this myfelf : for before I
knew myfelf it was fo with me.
Chr. Well, we will leave, at this time, our neighbour
Ignorance by himfelf, and fall upon another profitable
queftion.
Hope. With all my heart : but you fhall ftill begin.
Chr. Well then, did you not know, about ten years ago,
cne Temporary in your parts, who was a foiward 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 fame roof with him.
Well, that man was much awakened once : I believe that
then he had fome fight of his fins, and of the wages that
•yas due thereto.
Hope. I am of your mind, for, (my houfe not being
above three miles from him,) he would ofuhnes come to
me, and that with many tears. Truly I pitied the man,
and was not altogether without hope of him : but, one may
fee, it is not every one that cries, Lord, Lord.
Chr. He told me once that he was refolved to go or*
pilgrimage, as we go now j but all of a fuddeu he grew
(a) The expreflion pitiful old felf-koliwfs, denotes the opinion that
ignorant perfons eniertain of their hearts as good and holy ; while the
term, fclf-righteoufnefs, relates to their fuppo fed good lives: but no-
thing can be further from our author's meaning, than to {peak againft
" fan&ification by the Spirit unto obedience," as evidential of our union*
*ith Ch r 1 st, and acceptance in his righteoufnefs.
Reafons of their turning Back. 211
acquainted with one Saveself, and then he became a ftran-
gcr to me. (£)
Hope. Now fmce we are talking about him, let us a lit-
tle inquire into the reafon of the fudden backiliding of him
and fuch others.
Chr. It may be very profitable ; but do you begin.
Hope. Well then, there are in my judgment four rea-
fons for it.
i. Though the confciences of fuch men are awakened,
yet their minds are not changed : therefore, when the power
of guilt weareth away, that which provoked them to be re-
ligious ceaieth : wherefore they naturally turn to their own
courfe again ; even as we fee the dog that is lick of what
he hath eaten, fo lcng as his iicknefs prevails he vomits and
carts up all : not that he doth this of free mind, (if we may
fay a dog has a mind,) but becaufe it troubleth his ltomach :
but now, when his Iicknefs is over, and fo his ltomach eafed,
his deiires being not at all alienate from his vomit, he
turns him about, and licks up all ; and fo it is true which
is written, " The dog is turned to his own vomit again."*
Thus, I fay, being hot for heaven, by virtue only of the
fenfe and fear of the torments of hell, as their fenie of hell,
and the fears of damnation, chills and cools, fo their defires
for heaven and falvation cool alio. So then it comes to*
pafs that, when their guilt and fear is gone, their defires for
heaven and h ippinefs die, and they return to their courfe
again.
* 2 Pet. ii. 22.
(£)Te m i'Orary was doftrinally acquainted with the gofpel, but a
ft ranger to iVs fan&ifyipg "power. Such men few been forward in reli-
gion, hu that is now paft ; for they were always gracdefs, and cam';
Ihort o\ honefly, in their profeffion, if not in their moral condu6t, and
were ever ready to turn Sack into the world at a convenient feafoni
They have indeed tu*en alarmed ; hut terror without humiliation will
never fubvert fell -confidence : and of the numbers with whom tome
niimflersconverfe under trouble of confeience, and of whom they hope
well, how many di (appoint their expectations, and after a time plunge
deeper into fin than ever ! Such convictions refemble the blolioms of
the fruit tn;e, which mad precede the ripe fruit, but do not always pro-
duce it : fo that wc cannot fay, 'The more bloffoms there are, the
greater abundance will there be of fruit ;' though we maybe a (lured
that there ean be no fiuit if there be no blolfoms. The reafons and the
manner of fuch men's declerrfions and apoftafy are very juftly and
emphatically dated ; though perhaps not with fufficient delicacy to fuit
the tafu of thii fauidiousa^e.
21 2 . The Steps to Apcftafy.-
2. Another reafon is, they have flavim fears, that do
over-matter them : — I fpeak now of the fears that they have
of men : " for the fear of men bringeth a fnare."* So then,
though they feem to be hot for heaven fo long as the flames
of hell are about their ears* yet, when that terror is a little
over, they betake themfelves to fecond thoughts* namely,
that it is good to be wife, and not to run (for they know
not what) the hazard of lofing all, or at leaft of bringing
themfelves into unavoidable and unneceifary troubles ; and
fo they fall in with the world again.
3. The fhame that attends religion lies alfo as a block
in their way : they are proud and haughty, and religion in
their eye is low and contemptible : therefore, when they
have loft their fenfe of hell and wrath to come, they return
again to their former courfe.
4. Guilt, and to meditate terror, are grievous to them ;;
they like not to fee their mifery before they come into it ;
though perhaps the fight of it firft, if they loved that light,:
might make them flee whither the righteous flee and are
fafe : but becaufe they do, as I hinted before, even (bun the
thoughts of guilt and terror ; therefore, when once they
are rid of their awakenings about the terrors and wrath of
God, they harden their hearts gladly, and choofe fuch ways
as will harden them more and more.
Chr. You are pretty near the bufinefs, for the bottom-
of all is, for want of a change in their mind and will. And
therefore they are but like the felon that ftandeth before the
judge : he quakes and trembles* and feems to repent moil
heartily ; but the bottom of all is, the fear of the halter,,
not of any deteftation of the offences ; as is evident, be-
caufe, let but this man have his liberty, and he will be a;
thief, and fo a rogue ftill ; whereas, if his mind was chang-
ed, he v/ould be otherwife.
Hope. Now I have fhewed you the reafons of their go--
ing back, do you fhew me the manner thereof.
Chr. So I will willingly. — They draw off their
thoughts, all that they may, from the remembrance of God,
death, and judgment to come : — then they caft off by de-
grees private duties, as clofet-prayer, curbing their lufts,
watching, forrow for fin, and the like: — then they ihun the
company of lively and warm Clinicians : — after that they
grow cold to public duty ; as hearing, reading, godly, con-
ference, and the like : — then they begin to pick holes, as we-
* Frov. xxix. 25,,
The Country of Beulak. 213
fay, in the coats of fome of the godly, and that devilifhly ;
that they may have a feeming colour to throw religion (for
the fake of fome infirmity they have fpied in them,) bo-
hind their backs : — then they begin to adhere to, and affo-
ciate themfelves with, carnal, loofe, and wanton men :—
then they give way to carnal and wanton difcourfes in fe-
cret ; and glad are they if they can fee fuch things in any
that are counted honeft, that they may the more boldly do
it through their example. — After this, they begin to play
with little fins openly : — -and then, being hardened, they
mow themfelves as they are. Thus, being launched again
into the gulf of mifery, unlefs a miracle of grace prevent
it, they everlaftingly perifh in their own deceivings. (c )
Now I faw in my dream that by this time the Pilgrims
were got over the Enchanted Ground, and entering into
the Country of Beulah,* whofe air was very fweet and
pleafant, the way lying directly through it, they folaced
themfelves there for a feafon. Yea, here they heard con-
tinually the finging of birds, and faw every day the flow-
ers appear in the earth, and heard the voice of the tartle
in the land. — In this Country the fun fhineth night and
day : wherefore this was beyond the Valley of the Shadow
of Death, and alfo out of the reach of Giant Despair,
neither could they fiom this place fo much as fee Doubt-
ing Castle. Here they were within fight of the City
they were going to : alfo here met them fome of the inhab-
itants thereof: for in this land the mining ones commonly
*Sol. Song ii. 10 — 12. Ifa. lxii. 4 — 12.
(c) "The rrfpocrire will not pray always;" nor can he ever pray,
with faith or finceriry, for fpiritual bleflings : but he may deprecate
mifery, and beg to be made »tppy, and continue to obferve a form of
private religion. But when fuch men begin to fhun the company of
lively Chriihans, to ne^lefl public ordinances, and to excufe iheir own
conduct, by imitating the devil, the accufer of the brethren, in calum-
niating pious perfons, magnifying their imperfections, infinuating fuf-
picions of them, and aiming to confound all diftinthon of character
among men ; we may lately conclude their flate to be perilous in the
ex reme. While profefled Chriftians fhould be exhorted carefully to
look to themfelves, and to watch againft the firfi incurfions of this
fpiritual declenfion ; it fhould alfo be obferved, that the lamented in-
firmities and dulnefs of thofe who perfift in ufing the means of gr?ce,
an"! 'hiving againft fin ; who decidedly prefer the company of believers,
and deem them the excellent of the earth ; and who are fevere in judg-
ing themfelves, but candid to others, are of a contrary nature and t,eu-
iluuy to the fteps of Temporary's apoftafy.
214 The Pilgrims overcome with Delight.
walked, becaufe it was upon the borders of heaven. In
this land alfo the contract between the Bride and the Bride-
groom was renewed : yea, here, " as the Bridegroom re-
joiceth over the Bride, fo did their God rejoice over them."
Here they had no want of corn and wine ; for in this place
they met abundance of what they had fought for in all
their pilgrimages. Here they heard voices from out of the
City, loud voices, faying, " Say ye to the daughter of Zi-
on, Behold, thy falvation cometh ! Behold his reward is
with him !" Here all the inhabitants of the country called
them "the holy people, the redeemed of the .Lord, fought
out—" &c. (d)
Now, as they walked in this land, they had more rejoic-
ing 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 builded of pearls
and precious ft ones, alfo the ftreet thereof was paved with
gold ; fo that, by reafon of the natural glory of the City,
and the reflection of the fun-beams upon it, Christian
id) The word Bkulah fignifies married; and the prophet, in the
paflTage whence it is quoted, predicted a very flourifhing ftate of religion,
which is yet in futurity : but the author accommodates it to the fweet
peace and confidence which tried believers commonly experience
towards the clofe of their lives. — This general rule admits indeed of
exceptions : but the author, hiving witneifed many of fhefe encourag-
ing fcenes, was willing to animate himfelf and his aiS tied brethren
with the hope of (imilar triumphant joys. The communion of faints
in prayer, praifes, and thankfgivings, with liberty and ardour, and hearts
united in cordial love ; the beauties of holine.fs, and the confolat'tons of
the Holy Spirit; the healing beams of the Sun ofRighteoufnefs, mining
by the fweet light of divine truth upon the fou! ; exemption from darken-
ing temptations an 1 haraffing doubts ; lively eameffsand near profpe&sof
heavenly felicity ; a cheering fenfe of communion with the heavenly holt,
in their fervent adorations, and a realizing apprehenfion' of their minii-
tering ore Over the heirs of falvat on ; a comfortable renewal of the
acceptance of Ch r 1ST, lealed with the tokens, pledges, and affuranr- ■$
of his love; gratitude, fubmifTton, confidence in God, hope r and the
fweet exercife of tendernefs, fympathy, meeknefs, and humility, but
little interrupted by the working of the contrary evils : — thefe. things
feem to cenftitute die happy (late here reprefenred. — It is remarkable
that the Pfalms (which were intended, among other ufes, to regulate
the devotions and experiences of believers,) abound at firft with con-
£ fTions, complaints, fears, and earned cries of dflrefs or danger; but
towards the clofe become more and more the language of confide-* e,
gr.eitude and joy, and conclude with unmingkd praifes aad thankf-
givings,
They enter the Kings Gardens. 215
with defire fell fick, Hopeful alfo had a fit or two of the
fame difeafe 5 wherefore here they lay by it a while, crying
out becaufe of their pangs, " If you fee my Beloved, tell
him that I am fick of love." (e)
But, being a little ftrengthened, and better able to bear
their ficknefs, they walked on their way, and came yet near-
er and nearer, where were orchards, vineyards, and gar-
dens, and their gates opened into the highway. Now, as
they came up to thefe places, behold the Gardener ftood in
the way j to whom the Pilgrims faid, * Whofe goodly
vineyards and gardens are thefe V He anfwered, i'hey are
the King's, and are planted here for his own delights, and
alfo for the folace of Pilgrims.' — So the Gardener had them
into the vineyards, and bid them refrefh themfelves with
the dainties j* he alfo fhewed them there the King's walks
and the arbours, where he delighted to be : and here they
tarried and flept.
Now I beheld in my drearrr, that they talked more in
their fleep at this time than ever they did in all their jour-
ney ; and, being in a mufe thereabout, the Gardener faid
even to me, Wherefore mufeft thou at the matter ? it is the
nature of the fruit of the grapes of thefe vineyards " to go
down fo fweetly as to caufe the lips of them that are afleep
to fpeak." (/)
So I faw that when they awoke they addrefTed them-
felves to go up to the City. But, as I faid, the reflection
of the fun upon the City, (for the City was pure gold,f)
was fo extremely glorious that they could not as yet with
*Dcut. xxiii. 24. T Rev. xxi. 18. 2 Cor. iii. 18.
(e)ln the immediate view of heavenly felicity, Paul "dcfired to
depart hence and he with Ch r 1 ST, as tar better" than life ; and Da-
vid "fainted for God's falvation." In the lively exercife of holy
affections, the believer grows weary of this finlul world ; and longs to
hive his faith changed for fight, his hope fwal lowed up in enjoyment,
and his love perfected, and fecuredfrom all interruption .md abatement.
Were this frame of mind habitual, it might unfit men for the common
concerns of life, which appear very trifling to the foul when employed
in delightful admiring contemplation of heavenly glory.
(/) Attendance on the public ordinances is always the believer's duty
and privilege; yet he cannot at all times delight in them : but, when
holy affections are in lively exercife, he fweetly reds in thefe earnefts of
heavenly joy ; and fpeaks freely and fervently of th love of Ch R 1 ST
and the blcllings of falvation, to the edification of 4hofe around him ;
who often wondef at witneffi g fuch a change, from refcive and a ffi*
dence to boldnefs and earneftnefc, in urging other* to mind the one
thing needful,
2l6 The River without a Bridge*
open face behold it, but through an inftrument made for
that purpofe. So I faw, that as they went on, there met
them two men in raiment that fhone like gold, alfo their
faces Ihone as the light.
Thefe Men afked the Pilgrims whence they came ? and
they told them. They alfo afked them where they had
lodged, what difficulties and dangers, what comforts and
pleafures, they had met in the way ? and they told them.
Then faid the Men that met them, « You have but two
difficulties more to meet with, and then you are in the
City.' {g)
Christian then and his Companion afked the Men to go
along with them : fo they told them they would : but, faid
they, ■ You muft obtain it by your own faith/ — So I faw
in my dream, that they went on together till they came in
fight of the Gate.
Now I further faw that betwixt them and the Gate was
a River ; but there was no Bridge to go over : the River
was very deep. At the fight therefore of this River, the
Pilgrims were much dunned ; but the Men that went with
them, faid, * You muft go through, or you cannot come at
the Gate.'
The Pilgrims then began to inquire if there was no oth-
er way to the Gate ? to which they anfwered, « Yes ; but
there hath not any, fave two, to wit, Enoch and Elijah,
been permitted to tread that path fmce the foundation of
the world, nor fhall until the laft trumpet (hall found.'
The Pilgrims then, (efpecially Christian) began to def-
pond in their minds, and looked this way and that, but no
way could be found by them, by which they might efcape
the River. Then they afked the men * If the waters were
all of a depth ?* They faid no ; yet they could not help them
in that cafe : « For,' faid they, 'you fhall find it deeper or
fhallower, as you believe in the King of the place.'
They then addreffed themfelves to the water, and enter*
ing, Christian began to fink, and crying out to his good
friend Hopeful, he faid, " 1 fink in deep waters ; the bil-
lows go over my head, all his waves go over me. Selah."
(g) Perhaps th; author here alluded to thofc pre-inrimations of death,
that fome perfons fee m to receive: and he appears to have a cubed
them to guardian ange.s, wa'ching over every believer. — D'-aih, and
admijion into the City, were the only difficulties that awaited the
Pilgrims.
i art's Terrors in the Rivet* 217
Chrtfll
Then laid the other, * Be of good cheer, my brother; I
feel the bottom and it is good.' Then laid Christian,
* Ah ! my friend, the forrows of death have compared me
about, 1 (hall not fee the land that flows with milk and
honey.* And with that a great darknefs and horror fell upon
Christian, fo that he could not fee before him. Alio
here he in great meafure loft his fenfes, fo that he could
neither remember nor orderly talk of any of thofe fweet re-
frefhments, that he had met with in the way of his pilgrim-
age. But all the words that he fpake (till tended to dif-
cover that he had horror of mind, and hearty fears that he
fhould die in that R.ver, and never obtain entrance in at
the Gate. Here alfo, as they that ftood by perceived, he
was much in the troublefome thoughts of the fins that he
had committed, both fince and before he began to be a
Pilgrim, [b) 'Twas alfo obferved, that he was troubled
(A) Death is aptly reprefemed by a deep River without a Eridge, fep*
aiaiing the believer from his heavenly inheritance; as Jordan flowed
between Israel and the prom i fed land. From this River, nature
flirinks back, even when faith, hope and love are in lively exercife ; but
when theie decline, alarm and con lie mat ion may unite with relufclance
at the thoughts of eroding it. 1 he dreaded pangs that precede the aw-
ful fcparation of thofe intimate allociates, the foul and body ; the painful
part. tig with dear friends and every earthly objt ct ; the gloomy iderts of
the daik, cold, and noifoine grave; and the foiemn though' cf launching
into an unfeen eternity, render Death the king of terrors. ^-But faith m
a crucified, buried, ri fen and afcended Saviour j experience of his faith-
ful nefs and love in times pnfl ; hope of an immediate entrance into his
prcfence, where temptation, conflict, fin and fufferirg will find no ad-
miffion ; and the dclirc of perfect knowledge, holinefs and felicity
will reconcile the mind to the inevitable fliokc, and fometimes ^ive a
complete viftory over eveiy fear. Yet if faith and hope be weakened,
through the recollection of any peculiar mifconduc"t, the withholding
of divine light and confolation, or fome Violent afTault of the tempter,
even the bclitvtt will be peculiarly liable to alarm and diffrels. His
reTl cling mind, having lo^g been accuftomed to confider the fibjeft
in its important natiue and conftquenccs, has very different app then-
Gons of God, of eternity, of judgment, of fir, and of himfelf, than
oth r men hue. Sometimes experienced faints are more defpondmg
in thefe circumflances ,h<H! th ■ ir junior brethren : confli union has
confiderable elkci upon the mind ; and fome men (like Christian)
are in every Rage ol their prokfiion, mors expofed to temptations of a
difcourging nature, than to ambition, avance or flefbly lufts. — 1( has
before been fuggehVd, tfu: the author probably mernt to defciibe the
peculiar-it its of his own experience, in the character of Ch r i st i ax ;
and he may perhaps h<;e have intimated h;s apprehenfirn, left he
fliould not meet death with becomirg fortitude.— A confcicnticus life
T
2 1 8 Chrjlian is troubled by evil Spirits.
v/irh apparitions of hobgoblins and evil fpirits : for ever and
anon he would intimate fo much by words. Hopeful
therefore here had much ado to keep his brother's head
above water ; yea, fometimes he would be quite gone
down, and then, ere a while, would rife up again half dead.
Hopeful alfo would endeavour to comfort iiim, faying,
4 Brother, I fee the Gate, and men ftanding by to receive
us ;' but Christian would anfwer, * ,rfis you, 'tis you they
wait for j you have been Hopeful ever fmce I knewyou.'
* And i'o have you,' faid he to Christian. * Ah, brother,'
,faid he, ' furely if I was right, he would now rife to help
me ; but for my fins he hath brought me into the fnare,
and hath left me.' Then faid Hopeful, * My brother,
you have quite forgot the text, where it is faid of the wick-
ed, " There is no band in their death, but their ftrength is
Mrm ; they are not troubled as other men, neither are they
plagued like other men." Thefe troubles and diftreifes that
you go through in thefe waters, are no iign that God hath
forfaken you ; but are fent to try you, whether you will call
to mind that which heretofore you have received of his
gooduefs, and live upon him in your diftreifes. '
Then I faw in my dream, that Christian was in a mufe
a while. To whom alfo Hopeful added this word,
" Be of good cheer, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole."
And with that Christian brake out with a loud voice,
* Oh, I fee him again ! and he tells me, " When thou pafl-
eft through the waters, I will be with thee ; and through
rivers, they (hall not overflow thee."* — Then they both
took courage, and the enemy was after that as ftill as a
ftone, until they were gone over. Christian therefore
*Tfa. xliii. 2.
indeed is commonly favoured with a peaceful clofe, even when fore-
bodings to the conuary have troubled men during their whole lives:
und this is fo far gcrirral, that they beff provide for a comfortable death,
who mod diligently attend to the duties of their Nation, and the im-
provements oi their talents, from evangelical principles ; whereas they
who live negligently, and yield to temptation, make, as it were, an
aflignation with terror to meet them on their death-bed, a feafon when
comfort is more delirable than at any other. The Lord, however,
is no man's debtor : none can claim confolation as their due : and,
though a believer's experience and the teftimony of his confeience may
evidence the finceriiy of his faith and love : yet he mult difclaim to the
laft every other dependence than the righteoufnefs and blood of
Christ, aid the fjee m rcy ci God in him.
The Pi'grims mount with Eafe to the City. 219
prefently found ground to ftand upon, and fo it followed
that the reft of the River, was but lb allow : thus they
got over. (/*)
Now upon the bank of the River, on the other fide, they
faw the two (hilling Men again, who there waited for them.
Wherefore being come out of the River, they faluted them,
faying, "We are miniftermg fpirits, tent forth to mini. ur
for thofe that (hall be heirs of ialvation." Thus they went
along towards the Gate. — Now yon mud note that the
City ftood upon a mighty hill : but the Pilgrims went \v?
that hill with eafe, becaufe they had thele two Men to lead
them up by the aims : alio they had left their mortal gar-
ments behind them in the River ; for though they went in
with them, they came out without them. They therefore
went up here with much agility and fpeed, though the foun-
dation upon which the City was framed was higher than the
clouds : they therefore went up through the regions of the
air, fweetly talking as they went, being comforted, becaufe
they fafely got over the River, and had fuch glorious
Companions to attend them. (Z>)
The talk that they had with the finning Ones was about
the glory of the place ; who told them, that the beauty and
glory of it was inexpreffible. There, laid they, is " The
Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, the innumerable
company of-angels, and the fpirits of juft men made per-
fect."* You axe going now, laid they, to the Paradiie of
*iicb. xii. 22 — 24.
(;j The temporary dirrreffes of dying believers often arife from bodily
difeafe, which interrupt the free exereife of their intellectual pow-
ers. Of this Satan will be fure to take advantage, adl far as he is
permitted ; and will fugg: (1 gloomy imaginations, not 1 nly to diftrefs ■
them, but to diihcarten others by their example. — What may in this
(late be painted before the fai ey we cannot tell : but it is generally ob-
ferved, that fuch painful conflicts terminate in renewed hope arc com-
fort, frequently by means of the eonverfanon and prayers of Cbrtf-
tiana and milliners ; fo that they, who for a time have been mo ft diilrell-
ed, have at length died moll triumphant y.
(k) When " La Z a p. r S died, he was carried by angels into Abr a-
Iiam's bolom ;" and we have every rcafon to believe, that the iervices
©f rhe'e friendly fpirits to the fouls of departed feints are immediate
and fenfible ; and that their joy is fuch as is here defcribtd. The
beautiful delcripticn that follows admits nf no elucidation : fomc of the
images indeed are taken from modern rultoms ; but in all other re\] •. els
it is entirely fcriptura'', and very intelligible and animating 10 the fyu*
ixuai m
s220 They are sond titled and welcomed by Angels*
God, wherein you fhall fee the Tree of Life, and eat of
the never-fading fruits thereof: and when you come there
you fhall have white robes given you, and your walk and
talk fhall be every day with the King, even all the days of
eternity.* There you fhall not fee again fuch things as you
faw when you were in the lower region upon the earth, to
wit, forrow, ficknefs, affliction, and death, "for the former
things are pa/fed away."f You are going now to Abra-
ham, to Isaac, and Jacob, and to the prophets, men that
God hath taken away from the evil to come, and that are
bow " reding upon their beds, each one walking in his righ-
teoufnefs.,, The men then afked, * What muft we do in
the holy place V To whom it was anfwered, 'You mult
there receive the comfort of all your toil, and have joy for
all your forrow ; you muft reap what you have fown, even
the fruit of all your prayers, and tears, and fufferings, for the
King, by the way/f In that place you muft wear crowns
of gold, and enjoy the perpetual fight and vifion of the
Holy One, for there " you fhall fee Him as he is." J There
alfo you fhall ferve Him continually with praife, with fhout-
fag, and thankfgiving, whom you defired to ferve in the
world, though with much difficulty, becaufe of the infirmi-
ty of your flefh. There your eyes fhall be delighted with
feeing, and your ears with hearing, the pleafant voice of the
Mighty One. There you ijiull enjoy your friends again,
that are gone thither before you ; and there you ihall with
joy recehe even every one that follows into the holy place
after you. There alio you fhall be clothed with glory and
majefty, and put into an equipage fit to ride out with the
King of. Glory. When he ihall come with found of
trumpet in the clouds, as upon the wings of the wind, you
ihall come with him ; and, when he fhall fit upon the
throne of judgment, you fhall fit by him : yea, and when
he ihall pafs fentence upon all the workers of iniquity, let
them be angels or men, you alfo fhall have a voice in that
judgment, hecaufe they were his and your enemies. Alfo
when he fhall again return to the City, you ihall go too
with found of trumpet, and be ever with him.'j|
* Rev. ii. 7. iii. 4.. xxii. 5. T Ifa. lxv. 16. + Gal. vi. 7, P»
1 John iii. 2. || t Th^fT. iv. 1 3 — 17. Jidc t \, 1,5. Ddu- vu.
9, 10. 1 Cor. vi. 2, 3.
Tney are fffet by the Heavenly Hofl. 221
Now, while they were thus drawing towards the Gate',,
behold a company cf the heavenly holt came out to meet
them ; to whom it was faid by the other two Ihining Ones,
* Thefe 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 lent us to fetch them, and we have brought them
thus far on their defired journey, that they may go in and
look their Redeemer, in the face with joy.' Then the
heavenly ho ft gave a great (bout, faying, " Bleffed are they
that are called to the marriage-fupper of the Lamb."*
There came out alfo at this time to meet them feveralof the
King's trumpeters, clothed in white and ihining raiment,
who with melodious noifes and loud made even the heavens
to echo with their found. Thefe trumpeters faluted Chris-
tian and his fellow with ten thoufand welcomes from the
world ; and this they did with fhouting and found of
trumpet.
This done, they compafTed them round on every fide ;
fome went before, fome behind, and fome on the right hand,
fome on the left, (as 'twere to guard them through the
upper regions,) continually founding as they went, with
melodious noile, in notes on high ; fo that the very fight
was to them that could behold it, as if heaven itfelf was
come down to meet them. Thus therefore they walked on
together ; and, as they walked, ever and anon thefe trum-
peters, even with joyful found, would, by mixing their mu-
fic with looks and geftures, Mill fignify to Christian and
his brother how welcome they were into their comp: ny,
and with what glad nefs they came to meet them. A n i
now were thefe two men, as 'twere in heaven, before they
came at it,- being fwallowed up with the fight of an^cl-',
and with hearing of their melodious notes. Here alfo they
had the City itfelf in view: -and they thought they he?rd
all the bells therein to ring, to welcome them thereto. But
above all, the. warm and joyful thoughts that thej had
about their own dwelling there with fuch company, ar;ct
that forever and ever, Oh ! by what tongue or pe.i can
their glorious joy be exprefled \ — Thus they came up to the
Gate.
* Rev. xix. Cf.
T 2
222 They enter the City in Triumph.
Now, when they were come up to the Gate, there was
written over it, in letters of gold, " Bleifed are they that
do his commandments, that they may have right to the
tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the
city."* (/)
Then I faw in my dream that the Aiming Men bid them
call at the Gate ; the which when they did, fome from
above looked over the Gate, to wit, Enoch, Moses, and
Elijah, &c. to whom it was faid, 'Thefe Pilgrims are
come from the City of Destruction, for the love that
they bear to" the King of this place ;* and then the Pil-
grims gave in unto them each man his certificate, which
they had received in the beginning ; thofe therefore were
carried in to the King, who, when he had read them, faid,
r Where are the men ?' to whom it was anfwered, * They
are ftandtng without the Gate.' The King then com-
manded to " open the Gate, that the righteous nation,*"
faid he, " that keepeth truth may enter in."f
Now I faw in my dream, that thefe two men went in at
the Gate ; and, lo> as they entered, they were transfigured j
and they had raiment put on that fhone like gold. There
was alfo that met them with harps and crowns, and gave
them to them ; the harps to praife 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
faid unto them, " Enter ye into the joy of your Lord."
I alfo heard the men themfelves, that they fang with a loud
voice, faying, " Bleffing, and honour, and glory, and power,
be to Him that fitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb
for ever and ever."| —
* Rev. xxii. 14. t Ifa. xxvi. 2. + Rev. v» 13, 14.
(/) The commandments of God, as given to finners under a dif-
penfauon of mercy, call them to repentance, faith in Christ, and
the obedience of faith and love ; the heliever habitually pra&ifes ac-
ceding to thefe commandments, from the time of his receiving
Ch r 1 st for falvation ; and this evidences his intereft in all the blefl-
ings of the new covenant, and proves that he has a right through grace
10 the h avenly inheritance. — May the writer of thefe remarks, and
every reader, have fuch "an abundant entrance," as is here defaibed,
"into the evcrlafting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ ln
Ignorance ferried over by Vain-Hope. 223
Now, juft as the Gates were opened to let in the men, I
looked in after them, and behold the City {hone like the fan j
the ftreets alfo were paved with gold ; and in them walked
many men with crowns on their heads, palms in their hands,
and golden harps, to ling praiies withal.
There were alio of them that had wings, and they an-
fwered one another without intermifllon, faying, "Holy,
holy, holy is the Lord." And after that they Ihut up the
Gates : which when I had feen, I wifhed myfelf among
them.
Now, while I was gazing upon all thefe things, I turned
my head to look back, and law Ignorance come up to the
RivER-lide : but he foon 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 ; fo he, as
the other 1 faw, did afcend the hill, to come up to the Gate ;
only he came alone ; neither did any man meet him with
the lead encouragement. When he was come up to the
Gate, he looked up to the writing that was above, and then
began to knock, fuppofing that entrance mould have been
quickly admimltered to him : but he was afked by the men
that lqnked over the top of the Gate, ■ Whence come you ?
And what would you have V He anlwered, * I have ate and
drunk in the prefence of the King, and he has taught in
our ftreets.' Then they afked him for his Certificate, that
they might go in and mew it to the King : — fo he fumbled
in his bofom for one and found none. Then, faid they,
Have you none ? But the man anfwered never a word.
So they told the King, but he would not come down to fee
him ; but commanded the two fhining Ones, that conducted
Christian and Hopeful to the City, 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 faw in the fide of the hill, and
put him in there. Then I faw that there was a way to hell,
even from the Gates of heaven, as well as from the City of
224 By-Way to Hell.
Destruction, (m) — So I awoke, and beheld it was a
dream.
(w) We frequently hear of perfons that have lived Grangers to evan-
gelical religion, and the power of godlinefs, dying with great compofurc
and refignation : and fuch iuftances are brought forward as an objec-
tion to the neceflity of faith, or of a devoted life. But what do they
prove ? What evidence is there, that fuch men are faved ? Is it not
far more likely that they continued to the end under the power of igno-
rance and fe!f-conceit ; th-at Satan took care not to difturb them ; and
that God gave them over to a (Irong delufion, and left them to perifh
with a lie in their righ hand? Men, who have neglected religion all
their lives, or have habitually for a length of years difgraced an evan-
gelical profeflion, being when near dearh vifited by pious perfons, fome-
times obtain a fudden and extraordinary meafure or peace and joy, and
die in this frame. This Chould in general be confidered as a bad lign :
for deep humiliation, yea diftrefs, united with fome trembling hope in
Go u's mercy through the gofpel, is far more fuited to their cafe, and
more likely to be the flfeefc of Spiritual illumination. But when a for-
mal vitit from a minifler of any feci, a few general qucfiions, and a
pnyer, (with or without the facrament,) calm the mind of a dying
perlon, whofe life has been unfuitable to the Chriftian profcmon ; no
aoabt, could we penetrate the veil, we (hould fee him wafted aero IV the
River in the boat of V'ai n-h ope, and meeting with the awful
doom that is here defcribed. From fuch delufions, good Lord,.
deliver u». Amen.
END OF PART
THE
PILGRIM'S PROGRESS,
PART IL
COURTEOUS COMPANIONS,
DOME time fince, to tell you a dream that I had of
Christian the Pilgrim, and of his dangerous journey to-
wards the Celeftial Country, was pleafant to me and profit-
able to you. I told you then alfo what I faw concerning
his wife and children, and how unwilling they were to go
with him on pilgrimage : infomuch that he was forced to
go on his progreis without them ; for he durft not run the
danger of that deftruction, which he feared would come by
flaying with them in the City of Destruction. Where-
fore, as I then fhewed you, he left them and departed, (a)
Now it hath fo happened, through the multiplicity of
bufinefs, that I have been much hindered and kept back
from my wonted travels into thofe parts where he went ;
(a) It has been before oblrrved, 1 hat ihe firfl part of The Pilgrim's
Piogrefs' i- in all refpe&s the moft co;; ptete : Yet there are many
things in the fecond well worthy of the pious re.ider's attention ; nor
can there be any doubt, but it \vjs pen; < d by the (aire author. It is
not, however, neceflary, :h u the annotator fh u'd be fo copious upon
it, as upon the more inteTcftii g ii ftru&ions or the preceding pirt. In
general, the leading incidents may be confidered as the authoi's own
expofition of his meaning in the former pai t ; or as his delineation of
Come varieties, th.it uccui in events of a Hmilar nature: yet fome partic-
ulars will demand, and richly deferve, a more full and exact elucidation.
226 _ Sagacity gives an Account
and fo could not, till now, obtain an opportunity to make
further inquiry alter whom he left behind, that I might
give you an account of them. But, having had fome con-
cerns that way of late, I went down again thitherward.
Now having taken up my lodging in a wood, about a mile
off the place, as I flept I dreamed again.
And, as I was in my dream, behold, an aged gentleman
came by where I lay ; and becauie he was to go fome part
of the way that I was travelling, methought I got up and
went with him. So, as we walked, and as travellers ufually
do, I was as if we fell into a difcourfe, and our talk happen-
ed to be about Christian and his travels : for thus I began
with the old man :
4 Sir/ faid I, < what Town is that there below, that lieth
on the left-hand of our way ?'
Then faid Mr. Sagacity, (for that was his name,) * It
is the City of Destruction, a populous place, but poflerTed
with a very ill-conditioned and idle fort of people.'
4 I thought that was that City,' quoth I, * I went once
myfelf through that Town ; and therefore I know that this
report you give of it is true/
Sag. Too true ! I wilh I could fpeak truth in fpeaking
better of them that dwell therein.
4 Well, Sir,' quoth I, 'then I perceive you to be a well-
meaning man, and fo one that takes pleafure to hear and
tell of that which is good : pray did you never hear what
happened to a man fome time ago in this town, (whofe
name was Christian,) that went on a pilgrimage up to-
wards the higher regions V
Sag. Hear of him ! Ay, and I alfo heard of the mo-
leftations, troubles, wars, captivities, cries, groans, frights,,
and fears that he met with and had on his journey. Befides^
I muft tell you, all our country rings of him ; there are
but few houfes, that have heard of him and his doings, but
have fought after and got the records of his pilgrimage t
yea, I think I may fay, that this hazardous journey has got
many well-wifhers to his ways ; for, though when he was
here, he was/W in every man's mouth, yet now he is gone
he is highly commended of all. For it is faid he lives brave-
ly where he is : yea, many of them that are refolved never
to run his hazards* yet have their mouths water at his
gains*
Of Chnpan's Adventures. 227
« 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 Fountain of life, and has what he has
without labour and forrow, for there is no grief mixed there-
with. But pray, what talk have the people about him V
Sag. Talk ! the people talk ftrangely about him :
fome fay, that he now walks in white ;* that he has a chain
of gold about his neck ; that he has a crown of gold, befet
with pearls, upon his head : others fay, that the fhiningOnes,
that fometimes fhewed themfelves 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 with
another.f Befides, it is confidently affirmed concerning
him, that the King of the place where he is has beftowed
upon him already a very rich andpieafant dwelling at court,
and that he every day eateth, and drinketh, and walketh,
and talketh, with him, and receiveth the fmiles and favours
of him that is Judge of all there. Moreover, it is expected
of fome, that his Prince, the Lord of that Country, will
fhortly come into thefe parts, and will know the reafon, if
they can give any, why his neighbours fet fo little by him,
and had him fo much in derifion, when they perceived that
he would be a Pilgrim.}:
For they fay, that now he is fo in the affections of his
Prince, and that his Sovereign is fo much concerned with
the indignities that were cafl upon Christian, when he be*
came a Pilgrim, that he will look upon all as if done to
himfelf : and no marvel, for it was for the love that he had
to his Prince, that he ventured as he did.|[ (£)
* Rev. iii. 4. vi. 11. + Zech. iii. 7. * Jude 14, 15.
J Luke x. 16.
{/>) Chriftians are the reprcfentatives on earth of the Saviour and
Ju^gc of the world ; and the ufage they meet with, whether good or
bdcl, commonly originates in men's love to him, or Contemptuous en-
mity againfi him. The decifions of the great day therefore will be
made, with an efpecial reference to this evidence of men's faith or un-
belief. Faith works by love of Ch r isr, and of his people for his
fake, which influences men to felf-den>ing kindnefs towards the needy
and difirefred of the flock. Where thefc fruits are totally wanting, it is
evident there is no love of Ch r ist, and confequently no faith in him,
or falvation by him. And as true believers are the excellent of the
earth, no man can have any good reafon for defpifmg, hating, and in-
juring them ; fo that this ufage will he adduced as a proof of pofitivc
enmity to Ch r ist, and cxpofe the condemned fiiiner to more aggra-
228 How Chrijliatts WSfe and Children
* I dare fay,' quoth I, * I am glad of it ; I am glad for
the poor man's fake, for that now he has reft from his la-
bour,* and for that he now reaps the benefits of his tears
with joy ;f and for that he has got beyond the gun-fhot of
his enemies, and is out of the reach of them that hate him.
I alfo am glad, for that a rumour of thefe things is noifed
abroad in this country ; who can tell but that it may work
fome good effect on fome that are left behind ? — But pray,
Sir, while it is frefh in my mind, do you hear any thing of
his wife and children ? Poor hearts, I wonder in my mind
what they do.
Sag. Who ? Christiana and her fons ? They are like
to do as well as did Christian himfelf ; for, though they
all played the fool at firft, and would by no means be per-
fuaded by either the tears or entreaties of Christian, yet
fecond thoughts have wrought wonderfully with them : fo
they have packed up, and are alfo gone after him.
« Better and better,' quoth I ! « But, what J wife and
children and all ?'
Sag. It is true : I can give you an account of the mat-
ter : for I was upon the fpot at the inftant, and was thor-
oughly acquainted with the whole affair.
« Then/ faid I, * may a man report it for a truth ?'
Sag. You need not fear to affirm it : I mean, that they
are all gone on pilgrimage, both the good woman and her
four boys. And being we are, as I perceive, going fome
conliderable way together, I will give you an account of
the whole matter.
This Christiana, (for that was her name from the day
that (he with her children betook themfelves to a Pilgrim's
life,) after her hufband was gone over the River -^ and (he
could hear of him no more, her thoughts began to work in
her mind.
Firft, for that fhe had loft her hufband, and for that the
loving bond of that relation was utterly broken betwixt
them. For you know, faid he to me, nature can do no lefs
♦Rev. xiv. 13. + Pi'al. cxxvi. 5, 6. X Fan _i. p. 216—219.
vated mifery. Indeed, it often appears after the death of confident
Chriftians, that the confeimces of their molt fcornfu' oppofers fecretly
favoured them : it muff then furely be d :emcd the wifeft conduct by
every reflecting pcrfon, to '* let thele men alone,— led haply he fhould
be found to fiyln againft God."
Were led to become Pilgrims, 229
but entertain the living with many a heavy cogitation, in
the remembrance of the lofs of loving relations. This,
therefore, of her hufband did coft her many a tear. But
this was not all, for Christiana did alfo begin to confider
with herielf, whether her unbecoming behaviour towards
her hufband was not one caufe that fhe faw him no more ;
and that in fuch fort he was taken away from her. And
upon this came into her mind, by fwarms, all her unkind,
unnatural, and ungodly carriage to her dear friend ; which
alfo clogged her confcience, and did load her with guilt.
She was moreover much broken with calling to remem-
brance the reftlefs groans, the brinifh tears, and felf-be-
moaning of her hufband, and how fhe did harden her heart
againfl: all his entreaties, and loving perfuafions, of her and
her fons, to go with him : yea there was not any thing that
Christian either faid to her, or did before her, all the while;
that his burden did hang on his ^ack, but it returned upon
her like a flafh of lightning, and rent the caul of her heart
in funder ; efpecially that bitter outcry of his, " What fhall
I do to be faved ?" did ring in her ears moft dolefully.*
Then faid fhe to her children, 'Sons, we are all undone.
I have finned away your father, and he is gone : he would
have had us with him, but I would not go myielf : I alfo
have hindered you of life.* With that the boys fell into
tears, and cried to go after their father. « Oh ! faid
Christiana, that it had been but our lots to go with him ;
then it had fared well with us, beyond what it is like to do
now. For, though I formerly foolifhly imagined concern-
ing the troubles of your father, that they proceeded of a
fooliih fancy that he had, or for that he was over-run with
melancholy humours : yet now it will not out of my mind,
but that they fprang from another caufe ; to wit, for that
the light of life was given him ;f by the help of which, as
I perceive, he has efcaped the mares of death.' Then they
wept all again, and cried out, * Oh, wo worth the day !' (<r)
* Part i. p. 21 — 24. T John viii. 12.
(c) It is here evident, that the author was intent on encouraging picu>
pcrlons to perfevere in ufing all moans tor the fpiriunl good of their
children, even when they fee no effects produced by them. The Scrip-
ture teaches us to expect a blefling on fuch endeavours : the dying
telbmonyand counfels of exemplary believers frequently make a deeper
inripreflion than all their previous inftru&ions : the death of near rela-
U
230 ChrijTiana is admomjhed by Dreams*
The next night Christiana had a dream ; and behold,
fhe faw as if a broad parchment was opened before her, in
which were recorded the fum of her ways, and the crimes,
as fhe thought, looked very black upon her. Then fhe cri-
ed out aloud in her fleep, " Lord, have mercy upon me a
finner :"* — and the little children heard her.
After this, fhe thought fhe faw two very ill-favoured ones
ftanding by her bed-fide, and faying, « What fhall we do
with this woman ? for fhe cries out for mercy waking and
fleeping : if (he be fuffered to go on as fhe begins, we fhall
lofe her as we have loft her hufband. Wherefore we muft,
by fome way, feek to take her off from the thoughts of what
fhall be hereafter, elfe all the world cannot help but fhe will
become a Pilgrim.' (d)
Now fhe awoke in a great fweat ; alfo a trembling was
upon her ; but after a while fhe fell to fleeping again.
And then fhe thought fhe faw Christian her hufband in a
place of bias among many immortals, with a harp in his
hand, ftanding and pliaying upon it before One that fat on
a throne, with a rainbow about his head. She faw alfo, as
if he bowed his head with his face towards the paved work
that was under his Prince's feet, faying, * I heartily thank
* Luke xviii. 13.
tions, who have behaved well to fuch as defpifed them, proves a heavier
iofs than was expe&ed : the recollection of unkind behaviour to fuch
valuable friends, and of the pains taken to harden the heart agaihn their
affeBionate admonitions, fornetisies lies heavy on the confcience; and
thus the prayers of the believer fin his children or other relatives, are
frequently anfwered after his death. And when fome of them begin to
inquire, ''What mutt we do to be Paved ?:' thefe will become zealous
inllruments in Peeking the conveffion of thole, whom before they en-
deavoured to prejudice againft thi ways of Go d.
(^)The mind, during llcep, is often occupied about thofe fubjecls
that have mod deeply engaged the waking thoughts :_ and it fometimes
pleafesGon to make ufe of ideas thus fnggefted, to influence the con-
duct by exciting fears or hopes. Provided an intimation he fcriptural,
and the effeft falutary, we need not helttate to confider it as a divine
monition, however it was brought to the mind : bur, if men attempt to
draw concluftons in refpett. of their acceptance or duty ; t<. determine the
truth of certain doclrincs ; to prophefy, or to difcover hidden things,-**
by dreams or vifions of any kind ; they then become a very dangerous
and difgraceful fpecies of enthufiafm. Whatever means are employed,
conviction of fin, and a difpofition earneffiy to ay for mercy, are the
work of the Holy Sp t r it in the heart ; and on the other hand, the
powers of darknefs will finely ufe every effort and flratagern to take off
inquirers, from thus earncfily feeking the falvation of Go d.
Secret viftts Chnjllana. 231
my Lord and King for bringing me into this place.'
Then fhouted a company of them that flocid round about
and harped with their harps : but no man living could tell
what they faid, but Christian and his companions.
Next morning, when ihe was up, had prayed to God,
and talked with her children a while, one knocked hard at
the door ; to whom me fpake out, faying, * If thou cotrie.ft
in God's name, come in.* So he faid, * Amsh ;' and open-
ed the door, and faluted her with, " Peace on this houfe."
The which when he had done, he faid, 'Christiana, know-
eft thou wherefore I am come ?' Then Hie blufhed and
trembled, alfo her heart began to wax warm with defifes to
know from whence he came, and what his * rand was to
her. So he faid unto her, ■ My name is Secret ; I dwell
with thofe that are high. It is talked of, where I dwell,
as if thou hadft a defire to go thither : alfo there is a report,
that thou art aware of the evil thou haft formerly done to
thy hufband, in hardening of thy heart againft his way, and
in keeping of thefe babes in their ignorance. Christiana,
the Merciful One has fent me to tell thee, that he is a Go*
ready to forgive, and that he taketh delight to multiply the
pardon of orfences. He alfo would have thee to know, that
be inviteth thee to come into his prefence, to his table ; and
that he will feed thee with the fat of his houfe, and wich the
heritage of Jacob thy father.'
' There is Christian, thy hufband that was, with legions
more, his companions, ever beholding that Face that doth
minifter life to the beholders : and they will all be glad,
when they fhall hear the found of thy feet ftep over thy
Father's threlhold.'
Christiana at this was greatly abafhed in herfelf, and
bowed her head to the ground. This Vifion proceeded,
and faid, * Christiana, here is alfo a letter for thee, which
I have brought from thy hu/band's King ;' fo fhe took it
and opened it, but it fmelt after the manner of the beft per-
fume.* Aifo it was written in letters of gold. The con-
tents of the letter were thefe : « that the King would have
her do as did Christian her hufband ; for that was the
only way to come to his City, and to dwell in his prefence
with joy forever.' At this the good woman was quite
overcome; io ine cried out to her vifitor, « Sir, will you
* Sol, Song, i. 3.
23c He encourages and advifes Her,
carry me and my children with you, that we may alio go
and worinip the King V (e)
Then faid the Vifitor, * Christiana, the litter is before the
fweet.3 Thou mull through troubles, as he did that went
before thee, enter this Celeftial City. (/) Wherefore I advife
thee to do as did Christian thy hufband : go to the
Wicket-gate yonder over the plain ; for that ftands in the
head of the way up which thou mult go, and I wiih thee
(<?) " The fecret of the Lord is with them that fear him." The in-
timations given by Secret feem to reprefent the fileat teaching of the
Holy Sp ir it, by which the true meaning of the Scriptures is discov-
ered, and the real grounds of encouragement brought to the penitent's
notice or reco *> clion. Thus he learns that the way of falvation is yet
open tohim : and the invitations of the gofpel prove more fragrant and
refrefhing than the moft coflly ointment, and more precious than the
gold of Ophir. — It is obfervable that Secret did not inform
Christiana that her fins were forgiven, or that Christ and the
promifes belonged to her ; but merely that fhe was invited to come, and
that coming in the appointed way (he would be accepted, notwithstand-
ing Jier pertinacious unbelief in the preceding part of her life. Thus,
without feeming to have intended it, the author hath ftitedthe fcriptural
medium between the extremes which have been contended for, with
great eagernefs and immenfe mifchief in modem days ; while fome
maintain, that finners mould not be invited to come to Christ, or
commanded to repent and believe the gofpel ; and others that they
Qiould be urged to believe at once, with full affurance, that all the
bleffings of falvation belong to them, even previouily to repentance, or
works meet for repentance !
(f) " Through much tribulation we mull enter into the kingdom of
Go i> !" Habitual felf-denial, even in things lawful in themfelves, yet
in many cafes inexpedient, mortification of our finful inclinations, in-
ward conflicts, the renunciation of worldly interefts and connexions, the
fcorn and hatred of the world, fore temptations, and falutary chaftife-
ments, are very bitter to our natural feelings. Habits likewife, and
titration often render fome of them extremely painful, like " cutting
off a right hand, or plucking out a right eye :" and deep poverty, per-
fecution, or feafons of public calamity, may enhance thcfe tribulations.
If a man, therefore, meet with nothing bitter, in confequence of his re-
ligious profeflion, he has great reafon to fufpeft, that he is not in the
narrow way ; yet many argue agair.il themfelves, on account of thofe
very trials, which are a favourable token in their behalf. But, on the
other hand, the believer has " a joy that a ftranger intermeddleth
" not with," which counterbalanced! all his forrows, fo that even in
this life he poffclTes more folid Satisfaction, than they do, who choole
the road to deflruction from fear of the difficulties attending the way of
life. Satan is, however, peculiarly fuccefsful in perfuading men,
that religion, the very elTencc of heavenly happin<fffs, will make trujm
miferable on earth ; aid that {in, the fdurce of all the mifery in the
univerfe, will make them happy ! By fuch manifett lies, does this old
murderer iupport his caufe !
Chrifiiana /peaks to her Sons, 233
all good fpeed. Alfo I advife thee, that thou put this let-
ter in thy bofom : that thou read therein to thyielf, and to
thy children, until they have got it by heart j for it is one
or tiie fongs that thou mud fing while 'thou art in this houfe
of thy pilgrimage ;* alio this thou mull deliver in at the far
Gate.
Now I faw in my dream, that th'rs old Gentleman, as he
told me this ilory, did himlelf feem to be greatly affected
therewith. He moreover proceeded and faid : bo Chris-
tiana called her ions together, and began thus to addrefs
herfelf unto them : ' My fons, I have, as you may perceive,
been of late under much exercife in my foul about the death
of your father: not for that I doubt at all of his happi-
neis ; for I am fatisfied now that he is well. I have been
alio much affected with the thoughts of mine own eftate and
your's, which I verily believe is by nature miferable. My
carriage alfo to your father in his diftrefs is a great load to
my confcience : for I hardened both my heart and your's
againfl him, and refufed to go with him on pilgrimage. '
' The thoughts of thefe tilings would now till me out-
right, but for that a dream which I had laft night, and but
that for the encouragement this ftranger has given me this"
morning. Come, my children, let us pack up, and be gone
to the Gate that leads us to that celeitial Country, that we
may fee your father and be with him and his companions
in peace, according to the laws of that land.'
Tflen did her cniidren buril out into tears, for joy that
the heart of their mother was ib inclined. So the Viator
bid them farewell : and they began to prepare to fet out
for their journey.
But, while they were thus about to be gone, two of the
women that were Christiana's neighbours came .up to
her houfe, and knocked at her door. To whom fhe faid
as before. At this the women were dunned ; for this
kind of. language they ufed not to hear, or to perceive to
drop from the lips of Christiana. Yet they came in :
but behold, they found the good woman a preparing to be
gone from her houfe.
So they began and faid, * Neighbour, pray what is your
meaning by this V
Christiana anfwered and faid to the eldeft of them,
whoie name was Mrs. Timorous, « I am preparing for a
* Pi. cxix. 54.
U z
234 Chriftiana is f only ajflifted.
journey.* (This Timorous was daughter to him that
met Christian upon the hill of Difficulty, and would
have had him gone back for fear of the lions.)*
Tim. For what journey, I pray you ?
Chr. Even to go after my old hufband And with
that lhe fell a weeping.
Tim. I hope not fo, good neighbour; pray, for your
poor children's fake, do not fo unwomanly caft away
yourfelf.
Chr. Nay, my children fh all go with me, not one of
them is willing to ftay behind.
Tim. I wonder in my heart, what or who has brought
you into this mind !
Chr. Oh neighbour, knew you but as much as I do, I
doubt not but that you would go along with me.
Tim. Pr'ythee, what new knowledge haft thou got,
that fo worketh ofF thy mind from thy friends, and that
tempteth thee to go nobody knows where ?
Then Christiana replied, I have been forely afflicted
fmce my hufband's departure from me ; but efpecially
fince he went over the River. But that which troubleth
me mod, is my churliih carriage to him, when he was
under his diftrefs. Befides, I am now as he was then y
nothing will ferve me, but going on pilgrimage. I was a
dreaming laft night, that I faw him. O that my foul was
with him ! He dwelleth in the prefence of the King of the
Country ; he fits and eats with him at his table ; he is
become a companion of immortals, and has a houfe now
given him to dwell in, to which the beft palaces on earth,,
if compared, feem to me but as a dunghill, f The Prince
of the Palace has alio fent for me, with promiles of enter-
tainment, if I fhall come to him ; his Meffenger was here
even now, and brought me a letter, which invites me to
come. — And with that (he plucked out her letter, and read,
it, and laid to them, What now will you fay to this ?
Tim. Oh, the madnefs that has poifeifed thee and thy
hufband ! to run yourfelves upon fuch difficulties ! You
have heard, I am fure, what your hufband did meet with,
even in a manner, at the firft ftep that he took on his
way, as our neighbour Obstinate can yet teftify, for he
went along with him j yea, and Pliable too, until they,
like wife men,, were afraid to go any further. J. We
* Part i. p. 69. + 2 Cor. v. 1—4. % Part i. p. 25—30.
Mercy inclines to accompany Chrijllana, 23.5
alio heard, over and above, how he met with the lions,
Apollyon, the Shadow of Death, and many other things*
Nor is the danger that he met with at Vanity-Fair to be
forgotten by thee. For if he, though a man, was lb hard
put to it, what canft thou, being but a poor woman, do ?
Confider alfo, that thefe four fweet babes are thy children,
thy flelh and thy bones. Therefore, though thou fhouldll
be fo rafh as to caft away thyfelf ; yet for the fake of the
fruit of thy body, keep them at home.
But Christiana laid unto her, Tempt me not, my
neighbour : I have now a price put into my hand to get a
gain, and I ihould be a fool of the greatelt fort, if I mould
have no heart to ttrike in with the opportunity. And for
that you tell me of all thefe troubles that I am like to meet
with in the way ; they are fo far from being to me a dis-
couragement, that they lhew I am in the right. The bitter
mujl come before the jiueet, and that alfo will make the fweet
the fweeter. Wherefore lince you came not to my houfe
in God's name, as I faid, I pray you be gone, and do not
difquiet me further.
Then Timorous alfo reviled her, and faid to her fellow,.
« Come, neighbour Mercy, let us leave her in her own
hands, fince lhe fcorns our counfel and company.' But
Mercy was at a (land, and could not fo readily comply
with her neighbour -r and that for a two-fold reafon, — ift.
Her bowels yearned over Christiana^ So lhe faid within
herfelf, ' If my neighbour will needs be gone, I will go a
little way with her, and help her.' — idly. Her bowels
yearned over her own foul ;. for what Christiana had
laid, had taken fome hold upon her mind. Wherefore fhe
faid within herfelf again, «I will yet have more talk with
this Christiana ; and, if I find truth and life in what lhe
(hall fay, myfelf with my heart mall alfo go with her.'(^)
(g) Tfoz very things, which excite the rage and fcorn of fome rerfons,
penetrate the hearts and confciences of others. Thus the Lo R d makes
one to differ from another, by preparing the heart to receive the good
feed of divine truth, which is fown in it ; yet every one willingly choofts
the way he takes, without any conftraint or hindrance, except his own
prevailing difpofitions. This confideration gives the greatelt encour-
agemem to the ufe of all proper means, in order to influence Tinners to
choofe the good part : for who knows, but the moft obvious truth,
warning, or exhortation, given in the feebleft manner, may reach the
eonfcieiite of a child, relative, neighbour, enemy, or even periecutor;
when thL- moft convincing and perfuafive difcourfes of eloquent and
learned teachers have failed to produce any effect.
236 Timorous tells her Neighbours about Chrifiiana*
Wherefore Mercy began thus to reply to her neighbour
Timorous.
Mer. Neighbour, I did indeed come with you to fee
Christiana this morning ; and, fince (lie is, as you fee, a
taking her laft farewell of the country, I think to walk this
fun lniny morning a little with her, to help her on her way.
— Bac me told her not of her fecond reafon, but kept it to
herfelf.
Tim. Well, I fee you have a mind to go a fooling too \
but take heed in time, and be wife \ while we are out of
danger, we are out ; but, when we are in, we are in. So
Mrs. Timorous returned to her houfe, and Christiana
betook herfelf to her journey. But, when Timorous was
got home to her houfe, ihe fends for ibme 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 houfe, ihe falls to telling of the ftory of Chris-
tiana, and of her , intended journey. And thus Ihe began
her tale — ,
Neighbours, having but little to do this morning, I went
to give Christiana a vilit ; and, when I came at the door,
I knocked, as you know it is our ciiftom : and (he anfwer-
ed, * 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 herfelf to depart the town ; Ihe, and aifo her chil-
dren. So I aflced her, what was her meaning by that ? .And
ihe told me in ihort, that Ihe was now of a mind to gc on
pilgrimage, as did her hufband. She told nie alfo a dream
that ihe had, and how the King of the Country where her
hufband was had fent htr an inviting letter to ccme thither.
Then faid Mrs. Know-nothing, And what, do you
think ihe will go ?
Tim. Ay, go (lie will, whatever come cn't ; and me-
thinks I know it by this ; for that which was my great
argument to perfuade her to (lay at home (to wit, the trou-
bles (he was tike t» meet with in the way,) is one great
argument with her, to put her forward on her journey.
For ihe told me in fo many words, * The bitter go*s before
ihe fiveet : yea, and foraimueh as it doth, it makes the
fweet the fweeter.'
Mr* Bat's-eyes. Oh this blind and foolifh woman;
and will ihe not take warning by her hufband 's afflictions ?
For my part, I fee, if he were here again, he would reft
The Difcourfe of the Party. 237
him content in a whole fkin, and never run fo many haz-
ards for nothing. .
Mrs. Inconsiderate alfo replied, faying, ■ Away with
fuch fantaftical fools from the Town : a good riddance, for
my part, I fay of her ; fhould fhe (lay where (he dwells, and
retain this mind, who could live quietly by her ? for fhe
will either be dumpifh or unneighbourly, to talk ot luch
matters as no wife body can abide. Wherefore for my
part, I fhall never be forry for her departure ; let her go,
and let better come in her room : it was never a good
world fmce thefe whimfical fools dwelt in it.'
Then Mrs. Light-mind added as followeth ; 'Come,
put this kind of talk away. I was yefterday at Madam
Wanton's,* where we were as merry as the maids. For
who do you think mould be there, but I and Mrs. Love-
t he-flesh, and three or four more, with Mr. Lechery,
Mrs. Filth, and fome others : fo there we had mufic and
dancing, and what elfe was meet to fill up the pleafure.
And, I dare fay my lady herfelf is an admirable well-bred
gentlewoman, and Mr. Lechery is as pretty a fellow.' {h)
By this time Christiana was got on her way, and
Mercy went along with her : fo as they went, her children
being there alfo, Christiana began to difcourfe. « And,
Mercy,' laid Christiana, 'I take this as an unexpected
favour, that thou fhouldft fet foot out of doors with me to
accompany me a little in my way.'
* Parti, p. 103.
(k) This dialogue, by the names, arguments, and difcourfe introduced
into it, (hews what kind of perfons they in general are, who defpife and
revile all thofe that fear God and leek the falvation of their fouls ;
from what prinr * vies, affections, and conduct fuch oppofition fpnngs ;
and on what grounds it is maintained. Men of the moll profligate
1 Iiarafters, who never ftudied or praCtifed religion in their lives, often
uafc fentence on the fentiments and actions of pious perfons, and decide
in the molt difficult contioverfies, without the lead hefitation ; as if they
knew the moll abftrufe fubje&S by inllina or intuition, and were ac-
quainted with the fecrets of men's hearts! Thefe prefumers .ihould
coniider, that they muft be wrong, let who will be right ; that any
religion is as g ?c J as open impiety and profliga-y ; and that tt behoves
'them to " call out the beam out of their own eye," before they attempt
" to pull out the mote from their brother's eye."— Believers alio, recol-
leaii.g the vain convention from which they have been redeemed, and
the obligations that have been conferred upon them, ihould not difqmet
thcmfelves about the fcorn and cenfuie of fuch perfons, but leain to
pray for them, as entitled to their compafiion, even more than the**
deteilatiaa.
233 Mercy goes with Chriftiana.
Then faid young Mercy, (for fhe was but young,) ' If
I thought it would be to purpofe to go with you, I would
never go near the Town.'
* Well, Mercy,' faid Christiana, ' caft in thy lot with
me, I well know what will be the end of our pilgrimage ;
my hufband is where he would not but be for all the gold
in the Spanifh mines. Nor malt thou be rejected, though
thou goeft but upon my invitation. The King, who hath
fent for me and my children, is one that delighteth in mer-
cy. Befides, if thou wilt, I will hire thee, and thou malt
go along with me as my fervant. Yet we will have all
things in common betwixt thee and me : only go along with
me.' (*)
Mer. But how mall I be afcertained, that I alfo fhall be
entertained ? Had I this hope from one that can tell, I
would make no ftick at all, but would go, being helped
by Him that can help, though the way was never fo te-
dious.
Chr. Well, loving Mercy, I will tell thee what thou
(halt do ; go with me to the Wicket-gate, and there I
will further inquire for thee ; and, if there thou (halt not
meet with encouragement, I will be content that thou fhalt
return to thy place ; I alfo will pay thee for thy kindnefs
which thou fhe we ft to me and my children, in the accom-
panying of us in our way as thou doft.
Mer. Then will I go thither, and will take what mall
follow ; and the Lord grant that my lot may there fall,
even as the King of heaven fhall have his heart upon me,
(i) There are remarkable circumftances attending the converfion of
fome perfons, with which others are wholly unacquainted. The lingu-
lar ditpenfations of Providence, and the ftrong rmpreflions made by the
word of Go n upon their minds, feem in their own apprehenfion almoft
to amount to ^fpccial invitation : whereas others are gradually and gent-
ly brought to think on religious fubje&s, and to embrace the propofals
of the gofpel ; who are therefore fo me times apt to conclude, that they
have never been truly awakened ro a concern about their fouls: and
this difcouragement is often increafed by the difcourfe of fuch religious,
characters, as lay great ttrefs on the circumftances attending converfion.
Thefe mifapprehcnhans, however, are heft obviated, by lhewirfg that
"the Lord delighteth in mercy;" that Christ "will in no wife
call Oiit any that conie to him ;" and that they who leave all earthly
pur fq its to feek falvation, and renounce all other confidence to rruft in
the merry of Goo through the redemption of his Son, {hall aifuiedlf
be faved.
She weeps over her carelefs Relations. 239
Christiana was then glad at heart ; not only that fhe
had a companion, but alio for that fhe had prevailed with
this poof maid to fall in love with her own falvation. So
they went on together, and Mercy began to weep. Then
laid Christiana, 'Wherefore weepeth my lifter fo >'
rJr,^ rf5ldlh^'wh? Can but kment, that fhall but
rightly confider what a ftate and condition my poor rela-
tions are in, that yet remain in our finful Town : and that
which makes my grief the more, is, becaufe they have no
mftruction, nor any to tell them what is to come.'
th,fR' a 1S beC°me P%rims-- and thou doeft for
eftm, h,aSrnyg(?0,d SHRISTIAN did forme when he
hin \ ? \w mTUrned f<? that l WOuld notheed ™ ^gard
d uTthPm 1 w*l "^ °Ur,S dId gather "P his tears'and
Zf ™ f uSu°tt]e ; and n0W both J *nd «W and
m Vr bMeS' ar\reaPJ^ the ftiA and benefit of
ZT'a I T' ^ERCY' that thefe tea™ of ^ine will not
tea rf^t *"• ^ hath ** ^ " The^ ** '°w in
forth ? i ^^ muJOf and fin«in«" And " He that goeth
forth and weepeth, bearing precious feed, Ihall doubtlefs
come^agam with rejoicing, bringing his (heaves with
Then faid Mircv,
' Let the molt BlefTed be my Guide,
If't b.- his blefled will,
Unto his Ga'e, into his Fold,
Up to bis holy Hill :
And let him never fuffer me
To fwerve or turn afide
From his free grace and holy ways,
Whate'er fljall me betide.
And let him gather them of mine,
That I have left behind;
w- u ^f t1h'jm P™y ^ey may be thine,
Wuh all their bean and mind.'
Now my old friend proceeded, and faid,-But, when
CHRis-rrANA came to the Slough of Despond,! fhe began
mv 1 \ ^ ; .YS'V^ **' ' this is the Pla<* in wh^ch
my dear hufband had like to have been fmothered with
T»t Ai? P£rceived alfo> that> notwithftanding the com-
mand of the King to make this place for Pilgrims good,
was true ? Yes, faid the old gentleman, too true ; for many
*Pf. CXXvi. 5,6. tpart l p< 29_32.
240 Slough of Defpond ivorfe than before.
there be, that pretend to be the King's labourers, and fay
they are for mending the King's highways, that bring dirt
and dung inftead of ftones, and fo mar inftead of mend-
ing, (k) Here Christiana therefore, and her boys, did
make a ftand : but, faid Mercy, 'Come, let us venture ;
only let us be wary.' Then they looked well to their fteps,
and made a fhift to get ftaggering over.
Yet Christiana had like to have been in, and that not
once or twice. — Now they had no fooner got over, but they
thought they heard words that faid unto them, " BlefTed is
fhe that believed, for there fhall be a performance of what
has been told her from the Lord."*
Then they went on again ; and faid Mercy to Chris-
tiana, * Had I as good ground to hope for a loving recep-
tion at the Wicket-gate, as you, I think no Slough of
Despond could difcourage me.'
' Well,' faid the other, ' you know your fore, and I know
mine ; and, good friend, we mail all have enough evil be-
fore we come to our journey's end. For it cannot be
imagined, that the people that deiign to attain fuch excel-
* Luke i. 45.
(k) The author feems to have obferved a declenfion of evangelical
religion, fubfequent to the publication of his original Pilgrim. Proba-
bly he was grieved to find many renounce or adulterate the gpfpel, by
fubftituting plaufible fpeculations, or moral lectures in its (lead ; by
narrowing and confining it within the limits of a nice fyflem, which
prevents the preacher from freely inviting finners to come unto
Christ; by reprefenting the preparation of heart requifite to a fin-
cere acceptance of free {alvation, as a legal condition of being received
by him; or by condemning all diligence, repentance, and tendernefs
of confcience, as interfering with an evangelical frame of fpirit. By
thefe, and various other mifapprehenfions, the paffage over the Slough
is made worfe ; and they occaiion manifold difcouragements to awaken-
ed finners, even to this day. For, as the promifa, nri6tly {'peaking,
belong only to believers ; if invitations and exhortations be not freely
given to fixiners in general, a kind of gulf will be formed, over which no
way can be Teen : except as men take it for granted, without any kind
of evidence, that they are true believers, which opens the door to mani-
fold delufions and enthufiaftic pretenfions. But if all be invited, and
encouraged to afk that they may receive ; the awakened finner will be
animated to hope in God's mercy and ufe the means of grace, and
thus giving diligence to make his calling and eleftion fure, he will be
enabled to rife fuperior to the difcouragements, by which others are re-
tarded.— Labourers enough indeed are ready to lend their afhftance, in
mending the road acrofs this Slough; but let them take care that they"
ufc none but fcriptural materials, or they will make bad worfe.
They arrive at ihe Gate. 24 1
lent glories as we do, and that are fo envied that happinefs
as we are ; but that we fhall meet with what fears and
(hares, w^ith what troubles and afflictions, they can pofH-
bly aiiault us with that hate us.' (/)
And now Mr. Sagacity left me to dream out my dream
by myfelf. Wherefore, methought I raw Christiana, and
Mercy, and the boys, go all of them up to the Gate: to
which when they came, they betook themielves to a fhort
debate, about how they muft manage their calling at the
Gate ; and what fhould be laid unto him that did open un-
to them ; fo it was concluded, fmce Christiana was the
elded, that me mould knock for entrance, and that fhe
mould fpeak to him that did open for the reft. So Chris-
tiana began to knock, and, as her poor hufband did, fhe
knocked and knocked again.* But inftead of any that an-
fwered, 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 durft they for a
while to knock any more, for fear the maftiff fhould fly upon
them. Now therefore they were greatly tumbled up and
down in their minds, and knew not what to do : knock they
durft not for fear of the dog ; go back they durft net, for fear
the Keeper of that Gate fhould efpy them as they fo went,
and be offended with them ; at laft they thought of knock-
ing again, and knocking more vehemently than they did at
firft. Then faid the Keeper of the Gate, * Who is there ?*
So the dog left off to bark, and he opened upon them. (/«)
Then Christiana made low obeifance, and faid, * Let
not our Lord be offended, with his handmaidens, for that
* Part i. page 44 — 46.
(/) Some perforis arc discouraged by recollecting paft fins, and iftag*
ining them too heinous fo be forgiven; while others di (quiet themfcives
by the apprehenfion, that they have never been truly humbled and con-
verted. Indeed all the varieties in the experience of thofe, who upon
the whole are walking in the fame path, can never be enumerated ; and
fome of them are not only unreasonable, but unaccountable, through
ihe weaknefs of the human mind, the abiding effects of peculiaj inipivi-
fions, the remains of unbelief, and the artifices of Sat a n.
(m) The greater fervency new converts manifdt in prayer for them-
felves and each other, the more violent oppofition will they experience
from the powers ofdarknels. Many have felt fuch terrors Whenever
th y attempted to pray, that they have for a tii^e been induced wholly
toddift: and doubclefs numbers, whofe convictions were fuvxificial,
w
242 Chriftiana and her Sons enter the Gate.
we have knocked at his princely Gate.' Then faid the
Keeper, * Whence come ye ? And what is it that you would
have V
Christiana anfwered, We are come from whence
Christian did come, and upon the fame errand as he ; to
wit, to be, if it (hall pleafe you, gracioufly admitted, by
this Gate, into the way that leads unto the celeftial City.
And I anfwer, my Lord, in the next place, that I am
Christiana, once the wife of Christian, that now is got-
ten above.
With that the Keeper of the Gate did marvel, faying,
* What, is fhe now become a Pilgrim, that but awhile ago
abhorred that life V Then (he bowed her head, and faid,
' Yea ; and fo are thefe my fweet babes alfo.'
Then he tool: her by the hand, arid let her in, and faid
alfo, " Suffer the little children to come unto me ;" and
with that he {hut up the Gate. This done, he called to a
trumpeter that was above, over the Gate, to, entertain
Christiana with fhouting and found of trumpet;, for joy.
So he obeyed, and founded, and filled the air with his me-
lodious notes.
Now all this while poor Mercy did ftand without,
trembling and crying fo:- fear that fhe was rejected. But
when Christiana had gotten admittance for herfelf and
her boys, then fhe began to make interceflion for Mercy.
And fhe faid, My Lord, I have a companion of mine
that ftands yet without, that is come hither upon the fame
account as myfeif : one that is much dejected in her mind,
for that fhe comes, as fhe thinks, without fending for ;
whereas I was lent to by my hufband's King to come.
Now Mercy began to be very impatient, and eacl>
minute was as long to her as an hour ; wherefore fhe pre-
vented Christiana from a fuller interceding for her, by
knocking at the Gate herfelf. And fhe knocked then fo
loud, that fhe made Christiana to Mart. Then faid the
"Keeper of the Gate, « Who is there?' And Christiana
faid, « It is my friend/
h.;vc thus be< n finally driven back to their former courfe of ungodlinefe.
But when the fear or" God, and a real belief ot his word pottefs the
heart, ruch dtfturbances earinot long prevent earned cries ;
nay, they will eventually render them more fervent and i
than ever,
Mercy is admitted and comforted. 243
So he opened the Gate and looked out, but Mercy was
fallen down without in a ftvoon, for (he fainted, and was
afraid that no Gate would be opened to her.
Then he took her by the hand, and laid, " Damfel, I
bid thee arife."
« O Sir,' faid (he, * I am faint ; there is fcarce life left hi
me.' But he anfwered, that one fajd, " When my foul
fainted within me, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer
came unto thee, into thy holy temple."* * Fear not, but
ltand upon thy feet, and tell me wherefore thou art come.'
Mer. I am come for that unto which I was never in-
vited, as my friend Christiana was. Her's was from the
King, and mine was but from her. Wherefore I prefume.
Good. Did me defire thee to come with her to this place ?
Mer. Yes ; and, as my Lord fees, I am come ; and,
if there is any grace and forgivenefs of fins to fpare, I be-
feech that thy poor handmaid may be partaker thereof.
Then he took her again by the hand, and led her gently
in, and faid, « I pray for all them that believe on me, by
what means foever they come unto me.' Then faid he
to thofe that flood by, * Fetch fomething, and give it
Mercy to fmell on, thereby to (lay her faintmgs.' So they
fetched her a bundle of myrrh. A while after (he was re*-
vived.
And now was Christiana, and her boys, and Mfrcv?
received of the Lord at the head of the way, and fpoke
kindly unto by him. Then faid they yet further unto him,
* We are forry for our fins, and beg of our Lord his par-
don, and further information what we mud do.'
* I grant pardon,' faid he, ' by word and deed ; by word
in the promife of forgivenefs ; by deed in the way I obtain-
ed it. Take the flrft from my lips with a kifs, and the
other as it mail be revealed. 'f
Nuvr I l'sw in my dream, that he fpake many good
words unto them, whereby they were greatly gladded.
He alio had them up to the top of the Gate, and fhewed
them by what deed they were faved ; and told them w-ith-
al, that that fight they would have again as they went
along in the way, to their comfort, (n)
* Jonah ii. 7. + Sol. Song i. 2. John xx. 19.
Pardon by word feeras to denote the general d fcovc-y of free
ion by Jesus Christ to all that believe; which, being de-
pended un by die humble iiiiner, is fealed by traufient comforts and
244 The Pilgrims converfe together.
So he left them awhile in a fummer-parlour below, where.
they entered into talk by themfelves : and thus Christiana
began : ' O Lord, how glad am I that we are got in hith-
er !'
Mer. So you well may : but I of all have caufe to leap
for joy.
Chr. I thought one time as I ftood at the Gate, (be-
caufe I had knocked and none did anfwer,) that all our
labour had been loft, efpecially when that ugly cur made
ill eh a heavy barking at us,
Mer. But my worft fear was, after I faw that you was
taken into his favour, and that I was left behind* Now,
thought I, it is fulfilled which is written, "Two women
ihall be grinding together, the one mall be taken and the
other left."* I had much ado to forbear crying out, Un-
done ! And afraid I was to knock any more : but, when I
looked up to what was written over the Gate,f I took
courage. I alfo thought, that I mud either knock again
or die ; fo I knocked, but I cannot tell how ; for my fpirit
aow uruggled between life and death, (o)
* Matt. xxiv. 41. t Parr. i. p. 44.
m -■ ,i.i 1 ... 1 ■
lively affe&ions. Pardon by deed ma y rela'e to the manner, in which
the bleffing was purchafed by the Saviour ; and when this is clearly
wnderftood, the believer attains to ftable peace and hope. This coin-
cides with the explanation already given of th; Gate, the Crefs, and the
Ichre; and it will bo further confirmed in the fequel The ' pardon
by deed' miift be waited for; yet the Pilgrims obtained a diftaotglirapfe
oi the deeti by which they were Gwe&j Forfnme general apprehenfions
of redemption by the erofs of Christ are commonly connc&ed with
the believer's fir il comforts, though the nature and giory of it be move
fully perceived as he proceeds.
(.' ) The exprefs words offcriptur.il imitations, exhortations and prom-
ifes prove more effectual to encourage ihofe. who are ready to give up
their hopes, than aii the confolatory topics that cau poffibly be fubtti-
tuted in their place. It is, therefore, much to be lamented, that piotta
inio. Ky •••'>:; ,;g to a fyfteraatical exafctnefs of expreffion, fhould clog
their addreffes to finners with exceptions and limitations, which the
Spirit of Cud did not fee good to infert. They will not fay that the
omiifion was an oversight in the infpired writers ; or admit the thought
foi a moment, tiiat they can improve on their plan; why then cannot
they be iktisfied to " fpeak according to the oracles of God," without
affecting a move entire confiuericy ? Great miffhief hal tiiu. been done
by very different defcripiions of men, who undefjgnedly concur in
giving Satan an occalion of fuggefting to the trembling inquirer,
that perhaps he may peffeverc in afking, feeking anclknocxing, withr
thr gTeateuea»ne(ln«ls and iaiportunity, and yet finally be acaft-away ¥■
Mtrcfs Reafons fir knocking loudly. '245
Chr. Can you not tell how you knocked ? I am fare
your knocks were fo earneft, that the very found made me
(tart : I thought I never heard fuch knocking in all my
life : I thought you would come in by a violent hand, or
take the kingdom by ftorm.*
Mer. Alas, to be in my cafe ! who that fo was could
but a done fo ? You faw that the door was fhut upon me,
and that there was a mo ft cruel dog thereabout. Who, I
fay, that was {o faint-hearted as I, would not have knock-
ed with all their might ? — 'But pray, What faid my Lord-
unto my rudenefs? pVas he not angry with me ?
Chr. When he heard your lumbering noife, he gave a
wonderful innocent finite : I believe what you did pleafed
him well, for he ihcwed no fign to the contrary. (_/>) But
I marvel in my heart why he keeps fuch a dog : had I
known that before, I mould not have had heart enough to
have ventured myfelf in this manner, (q) Eut now we are
in, we are in, and I am glad with all my heart.
Mer. I will afk, if yon pleafe, next time he comes
down, why he keeps fuch a filthy cur in his yard ; I hope
he will not take it amifs.
Do fo, faid the children, and perfuade him to hang him,-
for we are afraid he will bite us when we go hence.
So at laft he came down to them again, and Mercy fell-
to the ground on her face, before hirn, and worfhipped, and
faid, 'Let my Lori> accept the facrifice of praile which t
now offer unto him, with the calves of my lips/
* Matt, xi. 12.
(p) When the firmer prays under the urgent (car of pevifhing, he is
txcited to peculiar fervei^y of fpirir : and the more fervent our prayers
are, the better are they approver; by the Lo r d, how much foever men
may objeflt to the maun.r--or expreflion* of them.
Could foldiers, when they enfifl, forefee all the dangers and
lips to be encountered; or could matin rs, when about to fet fail',
be ful'y aware of all the difficulties of (he voyage ; their rduchmcy or
difcouragement would be increafed by the proipeft. Eut, when they
have engaged, they find it impoflible to recede ; and thus they prels
forward through one labour and peril after another, rill the campaign or
ige be secomplifeed. Thus it is with the Chriftian : but thry ftrive
for corruptible things, which they may never live to obtain; while he.
fei ks for an ;ncorrup»ib!e crown of glory, of which no event can deprive
hi tn. If Ae knew all from the firft, it would be his only wifdom to ven--
Hi K > whereas the cafe with them is often widely different. 1
w %
2 Art Converfatlcrt re/pelting the Dog,
So he faid unto her, « Peace be to thee ; (land up,' But
flie continued upon her face, and faid, " Righteous art thcu^
0 Lord, when I plead with thee, yet let me talk with thee,
of thy judgments i"* wherefore dofl thou keep fo eruer a
dog in thy yard, at the fight of which fuch women and
children as we are ready to flee from the Gate for fear ?
He anfwered and faid, That dog has another owner *r
he alfo is kept clofe in another man's ground, only my Pil-
grims hear his barking : he belongs to the Cattle which
you fee there at a diftance,f but can come up to the walls
of this place. He has frighted many an honeft Pilgrim
from ivorfe to better t by the great voice of his roaring. In-
deed he that owneth him doth not keep him out of any
good-will to me or mine, but with intent to keep the Pil-
grims from coming to me, and that they may be afraid to.
come and knock at this Gate for entrance. Sometimes alfo
he has broken out, and has worried fome that I loved ; but
1 take all at prefent patiently. I alfo give my Pilgrims
timely help, fo that they are not delivered up to his power*
to do them what his doggilh nature would prompt him to.
But what ! my purchafed one, I trow, hadlr. thou known
never fo much beforehand, thou woulded not have been
afraid of a dog. The beggars that go from door to door,
will, rather than they will lofe a fuppofed alms, run the
hazard of the bawling, barking, and biting too, of a dog i
and mail a dog in another man's yam, a dog whofe bark-
ing I turn to the profit of Pilgrims, keep any from coming
to me r* "I deliver them from the lions, and my darling
from the power of the dog."
Then faid Mercy, I confefs my ignorance : I fpeak what
I undcrftand not : I acknowledge that thou doeft all things
well.
Then Christiana began. to talk of their journey, and to*
Inquire after the way.| So he fed them and wafhed their
feet, and fet them in the way of his fteps, according as he
had dealt with her hufband before.
So I faw in my dream, that they went on their way j
and the weather was comfortable to them.
Then Christiana began to fing, faying,
•BlcTs'd he the day that I began
A Piigiim far to be ;
• Jet. jii. J, t, t fart i. p. 4.6. % Part, '{. p. £&
The Bop. ent the Enemy's Fruit, 2 $7
And blefTed alfo be that man
Th.it thereunto movM me.
'Tis true, 'twas long ere I begas
To leek to live forever ;*
Bat now I ran faff as I can,
' ris better late than never.
Our tears tQ joy, out fears to faith,
Are turned, as we fee ;
That our beginning fas one faith,)
Shews whatourend will be.'
Now there was on the other fide of the wall, that fenced
in the way, up which Christiana and her companions
were to go, a garden, and that belonged to him, whofe was
that barking dog of whom mention was made before. And
fome of the fruit-trees, that grew in the garden, ihot their
branches over the wall ; and being mellow, they that found
them did gather them up and eat of them to their hurt.
So Christiana's boys, (as boys are apt to do,) being
pleafed with the trees, and with the fruit that did hang
thereon, did pluck them, and began to eat. Their mother
did alfo chide them for fo doing, but Hill the boys went
on. (r)
* Well/ faid fhe, * my ions, you tranfgrefs, for that fruit
is none of ours :' but fhe did not know that they did be-
long to the enemy : I'll warrant you, if fee had, lhe would
have been ready to die for fear. But that paifed, and they
went on their way — Now, by that they were gone about
two bow's-fhot from the place that led them into the way>
they efpied two very ill-favoured ones coming down apace
to meet them. With that Christiana and Mercy her
*Matt. xx. 16.
(r) The terrifying fuggeftions of Satan give belu vers much pref-
cnt uneafinefs; yet thy often do then* great good, and feldom eventu-
ally hurt th'.'m : but the allurement* of 'iofe worldly obje&s which he
throws in their way, ar* far more dangerous and pernicious. Many of
thefe, for which the aged have no longer any relifn, are very attractive
to young perfons J but, ab thole parenis or aged per ions, who love the
fouls of their children and young friends, inflead of conniving at th^m
in their felf-indulg nee, from a notion, that allowance mud be made for
youth, mould employ all their influence and authority to reftrainthem
from thofc vain pleasures which "war agiinn the foul," and are moft
dangerous when ledl fulpeftcd. — This fruit may be found in the Pil-
grim's path; but it grows in Beelz E3U b's garden, and mould be
Jhunnvd as poifon. Many diverfions and purfuits, both in high and low
life, are of this nature, though often pleaded for as iwuxcret, by fome
ferfons who ought to know belies*
248 The Women are ajfaulted hy two Merr,
friend covered themfelves with their veils, and kept alio orr
their journey : the children alfo went on before : fo that at
lad they met together. Then they that came down to1
meet them, came juft up to the women, as if they would
embrace them : but Christiana faid, ' Stand back, or go
peaceably as you mould.' Yet thefe two, as men that are
deaf, regarded not Christiana's words, but began to lay
hands upon them : at that Christiana waxed very wroth",
and fpurned at them with her feet. Mercy alfo, as well
a"s fhe could, did what fhe could to ftri& them : Christiana
again faid to them, ' Stand back, and be gone, for we have
no money to lofe, being Pilgrims as you fee, and fuch too
as live upon the charity of our friends.'
Then faid one of the two men, We make no a/fault upon
your money, but are come out to re that if you will
but grant one fmall requeft which wc mail afk, we will
make women of you forever.
Now Christiana, imagining what they mould mean,
made anfwer again, ' We will neither hear nor regard, nor
yield to what you ihall aflc. We are in hafte, and cannot
(lay: our bufmefs is of life and death.' So again fhe and
her companions made a frem elfay to go pare them : but
they letted them in their way.
And they faid, We intend no hurt to your lives ; 'tis-
another thing we would have.
* Ay,' quoth Christiana, * you would have us body and"
foul, for 1 know 'tis for that you are come ; but we will
die rather upon the fpot, than to miter ourfelves to be
brought into fuch fnares as (ball hazard our well-being
hereafter.' And with that they both fhrieked out, and
cried, Murder! Murder! and fo put themfelves under
thofe laws that are provided for the protection of women.*
But the men ft ill made their approach upon them, with
defi^n to prevail againft them. They therefore cried out
again.
Now they being, as I faid, not far from the Gate, in at
which they came, their voice was heard from where they
were thither : wherefore fome of the houfe came out, and
knowing that it was Christiana's tongue, they made halte
to her relief. But by that they were got within fight of
them, the women were in a very great fcuirle ; the children
alfo flood crying by. Then did he that came in for thair-
* Deut. xxii. 23 — 27.
And refcucd <>y One fent by Goodwill. 24 j
felief call out to the ruffians, laying, ■ What is that thing
you do? Would you make my Lord's people to tranf-
grefs ?' He alfo attempted to take them ; but they did
make their efcape over the wall into the garden of the man
to whom the great dog belonged : fo the dog became their
protector. This Reliever then came up to the women, and
afked them how they did. So they anfwered, * We thank
thy Prince, pretty well; only we have been fomewhat af-
frighted : we thank thee alfo, that thou earned in to our
help, for otherwife we had been overcome/
So after a few more words, this Reliever- faid as follow-
eth : I marvelled much, when you were entertained at the
Gate above, being ye know that ye were but weak women,
that you petitioned not the Lord for a Conductor : then
might you have avoided thefe troubles and dangers : ht
would have granted you one.
Alas ! faid Christiana, we were fo taken with our pre-
fent bleffing, that dangers to come were forgotten by us :
befide, who could have thought, that fo near the King's
palace there ihould have lurked fuch naughty ones ! In-
deed it had been well for us, had we afked our Lord for
one ; but, fmce our Lord knew it would be for our profit,
I wonder he fent not one along with us.
Rel. It is not always nece/Tary to grant things not
afked for, left by fo doing they become of little c-itcem :
but, when the want of a thing is felt, it then comes under,
in the eyes ot him that feels it, that eflimate that properly
is its due; and fo confequently will be hereafter ufed. Had
my Lord granted you a Conductor, you would not, neith-
er, fo have bewailed that oversight of your's in not afking
for one, as now you have occafion to do. So all things
work for good, and tend to make you more wary.(.r)
(s) Satan defigns, by every means, to take, off awakened finnersf-om
great concern of eternal falvation ; and he makes ufe of ungodly
for that purpofe, among his manifold devices agairft the female
fex. Thefe arc very iU-Javauftd to the gracious mind ; howeverallur-
ing th< ir perfons, circumftanees, or propofals may be to the carnal eye.
A . fuch vile feducera are too often Luccefsful, they are emboldened to
ten ihofe who profe's to be religious : nor are they always..
died by them ; for many, of whom favourable hopes were once en-
hus awfully k*been again entangled and overcome, fo that
as been worfi: than the hrfl."' But when fuch propofals
r p bj ere, 'be Lord
inilgi ciatice aud vi&oj hful admonitions and/waNt
1$p Chi'ifllana relates to Mercy her Dream.
Chr. Shall we go back again to my Lord, and confefs
our folly, and afk one ?
Rel. Your con fefiion of your folly will I prefent him
with : to go back again, you need not ; for in all places
where you mail come you will find no want at all ; for at
every of my Lord's lodgings, which he has prepared for
the reception of his Pilgrims, there is fufficient to furniih
them againft all attempts whatfoever. But as I faid, " He
will be inquired of by them, to do it for them."* And it
is a poor thing that is not worth afking for. — When he had
thus faid, he went back to his place, and the Pilgrims went
on their way.
Then faid Mercy, 'Whatafudden blank is here! I
made account we ha J been pad all danger, and that we
fhould never forrow more.'
' Thy innocency, my filler,' faid Christiana to Mercy,
'mayexcufe thee much ; but, as for me, my fault is fo
much the greater, for that I faw this danger before I came
out of the doors, and yet did not provide for it where pro-
viiion might have been had. I am much to be blamed.'
Then faid Mercy, ' How knew you this before you
came from home ? Pray open to me this riddle.'
Chr. Why, I will tell you. — Before I fet foot out of
doors, one night, as I lay in my bed, I had a dream about
this : for methou^ht I faw two men, as like thefe as ever
the world they could look, ftand at my bed's feet, plotting
how they might prevent my falvation. I will tell you
their very words : they faid, (it was when I was in my
troubles,) 'What (hall we do with this woman ? for flie
cries out waking and fleeping for forgivenefs : if me be fuf-
fered to go on as fhe begins, we mall lofe her as we have
loft her huiband.' This you know might have made me
take heed, and have provided when provifion might have
been had.
' Well,' faid Mercy, ' as by this neglect we have an oo
cafion miniilered unto us to behold our imperfections, fo
our LoRD'has taken occafiqn thereby to make manifell the
* Ezek. xxxvi. 37.
ings of a dated paftor are efpecially intended by the ConduBor. The
Reliever teems to reprelent the occafional direction andcounfel of fame
able minifter ; for he fpeaks of C i' r I ST, as his Lo rd, and muft there-
fore be confidered as one of the fen ants by whom help is feat to the
diUrefled.
The Ho ufe of the Interpreter, 251
riches of his grace ; for he, as we fee, has followed us with
unaiked kindnefs, and has delivered us from their hands
that were Wronger than we, of his mere good pleafure.'
Thus now, when they had talked away a little more
time, they drew near to an houfe that ftood in the way ;
which houfe was built for the relief of Pilgrims ; as you
v/ill find more fully related in the iirft part of the records
of the Pilgrim's Progress.* So they drew on towards
the houfe ; (the houfe of the Interpreter ;) and, when
they came to the door; they heard a great talk in the houfe ;
then they gave ear, and heard, as they thought, Christ-
iana mentioned by name. For you muft know, that there
went along, even before her, a talk of her and her children
going on pilgrimage. And this was the more pleafmg to
them, becaufe they had heard that me was Christian's
wife, that woman who was fome time ago fo unwilling to
hear of going on pilgrimage. Tfcus, therefore, they ftood
itill, and heard the good people within commending her,
who they little thought ftood at the door.— At laft Chris-
tiana knocked, as ihe had done at the Gate before. Now,
when Hie had knocked, there came to the door a young
damfel, named Innocent, and opened the door, and look-
ed, and, behold, two women were there.
Then faid the damfel to them, * With whom would you
fpeak in this place ?'
Christiana anfwered, We underftand that this is a
privileged place for thofe that are become Pilgrims, and we
now at this door are fuch : wherefore we pray that Ave mar
be partakers of that for which we at this time are come •
for the day, as thou feed, is very far /pent, and we are
loth to-night to go any further.
Dam. Pray what may I call your name, that I may
Jell it to my Lord within >
Chr. My name is Christiana; I was the wife of that
J ngfim that fome years ago did travel this way ; and thefc
be his four children. This maiden is alfo my companion,
and is going on pilgrimage too.
Then ran Innocent ia, (for that was her name,) and
i.rd to thofe within, * Can you thin? who is at the door'
1. '-re is Christiana and her children, and her compan-
ion, all waiting for entertainment here !' Then they leaped
F«r joy, and went and told their Matter. So he came tp
* Part i. p 49—60.
2C2 They are welcomed by Interpreter.
the door, and, looking upon her, he fa id, " Art thou that
Christiana whom Christian the good man left behind
him, when he betook himfelf to a Pilgrim's life V
Chr. I am that woman that was fo hard-hearted as to
flight my hufband's troubles, and that left him to go on his
journey alone ; and thefe are his four children : but now I
alfo am come, for I am convinced that no way is right but
this.
Inter. Then is fulfilled that which is written of the
man that faid to his fon, " Go work to-day in my vine-
yard ; and he faid to his father, I will not ; but afterwards
repented and went."*
Then laid Christiana, * So be it ; Amen. God make
it a true faying upon me, and grant that I may be found
at the laft ".of him in peace, without fpot, and blamelefs !"
Inter. But why ftandeft thou at the door ? Come in,
thou daughter of Abraham : we were talking of thee but
now, for tidings have come to us before, how thou art be-
come a Pilgrim. Come, children, come in : come, maiden,
come. — So he had them all into the houfe.
So, when they were within, they were bidden to fit down
and reft them ; the which when they had done, thofe that
attended upon the Pilgrims in the houfe came into the
room to fee them. And one fmiled, and another fmiled,
and another fmiled, and they all fmiled, for joy that
Christiana was become a Pilgrim ;. they alfo looked upon
the boys : they ftroked them over their faces with their
hands, in token of their kind reception of them : they alfo
carried it lovingly to Mercy, and bid them all welcome
into their Matter's houfe.
After a while, becaufe fupper was not ready, the Inter-
preter took them into his Jig nificant -rooms, and Ihewed them
what Christian, Christiana's hufband, had feen fome
time before. Here therefore they faw the Man in the Cage,
the Man and his Dream, the Man that cut his way through
his enemies, and the Picture of the biggeft of all ; together
with the reft; of thofe things that were then fo profitable to
Christian.
This done, and, after thofe things had been fomewhat
digefted by Christiana and her company, the Interpre-
ter takes them apart again, and has Jem firft into a room
where was a Man diat cb ild look no v^y but downwards,
*Ma *xi.28, 25,
t>.253.
J///,' . ///<><■/> M/v/fr.
The Man with the Muck- Rah. 253
with a muck-rake 5n bis hand : there flood alfo one over
his iiead Willi a celeitial Crown in his hand, and proffered
hirn that Crown for his muck-rake ; but the man did nei-
ther iook up nor regard, but rake to himfelf the draws, the
fal til uicks, and duft of the floor.
Then faid Christiana, I perfuade myfclf that I know
fomewhat the meaning of this; fortius is the figure of a
man in this world : is it not, gcod Sir .?
Tnou haft faid right, faid he, and his muck-rake doth
ihew his carnal mind. And, whereas thou feeft him rather
give heed to rake up draws and flicks, and the dull
of the floor, than do what he fays that calls to him from
above, with the- celeftial Crown in his hand ; it is to
fhew, that heaven is but as a fable to fome, and that things
here are counted the only things fubllantial. Now, v. here.
as it was ailo {hewed thee, that the man could look 119 way
but downwards, it is to let thee know, that earthly things,
when they are with power upon men's minds, quite carry
their hearts away from God.
Then faid Christiana, Oh ! deliver me from this muck-
rake.
That prayer, faid the Interpreter, has lain by till it is
almofl ruity : " Give me not riches,"* is fcarce the prayer
of one of ten thoufand. Straws, and f ticks, and duft, with
mod are the great things now looked after. (/)
With that Mercy and Christiana wept, and faid, * It
is, alas ! too true.'
When the Interpreter had (hewed them this, he had
them into the ver\ beft room in the houfe : (a very brave
room it was :) fo he bid them look round about, and fee
if they could rind any thing profitable there. Then they
looked round and round ; for there was nothing to be ; . en
but a very great Spider on the wall ; and that they over-
looked.
* Prow xxx. 8.
(0 The emblematical infbu^ion at the IkTERPRETE&'s houfe,
in the former parr, was fo important and compiehei.fjve, ih it no other
irhclion equally interefting could he expected: fome valuable hints,
however, are he c adduced. The firll emblem is very pi in ; and fo
appofitc, that it is wonderful any nerfon fhould read it without lifting
up a pnver to ;he L»:« i>, and faying, 'Oh! deliver me from thti
muck-rafte.4 Yet, alas, it is to be feared, fuch prayers are ftii! little ufed
y profeiTon of the ^ofp.l ; at leaft they arc cocnadifted by the
iuSilUiil conduct of numbers among them.
X
254 The Emblem of the Spider unfolded.
Then faid Mercy, ' Sir, I fee nothing :' but Christiana
held her peace.
But, faid the Interpreter, ' Look again:1 She there-
fore looked again, and faid, * Here is not any thing but an
ugly Spider, who hangs by her hands upon the wall.'
* Then,' faid he, ■ is there but one Spider in all this fpacious
room V Then the water flood in Christiana's eyes, for
{he was a woman quick of apprehenfion : and fhe faid,
* Yes, Lord, there is more here than one. Yea, and fpi-
ders whofe venom is far more deftruclive than that which
Is in her.' The Interpreter then looked pleafantly on
her, and faid, 'Thou haft faid the truth.' This made Mer-
cy blufh, and the Boys to cover their faces, for they all be-
gan now to underftand the riddle.
Then faid the Interpreter again, "The fpider taketh
hold with her hands, (as you fee,) and is in kings' palaces."
And wherefore is this recorded, but to (hew you, that how
full of the venom of fin foever you be, yet you may, by the
hand o( faith, lay hold of, and dwell in, the b'eft room that
belongs to the King's houfe above !
I thought, faid Christiana, of fomething of this : but
I could not imagine it all. I thought, that we were like
Spiders, and that we locked like ugly creatures, in what
fine rooms foever we were ; but that by this Spider, thi$
venomous and ill-favoured creature, we were to learn how
to act faith, that came not into my thoughts ; that fhe
worketh with hands ; and, as I fee, dwells in the beft
room in the houfe. — God has made nothing in vain. («)
_ , , ■ , n
(a) The inftru&ion grounded on accommodation of Scripture, though
folid and important, is not {o convincing to the undei Handing, as that
which refults from the obvious neaping of the words ; though many
pcrfons are for the tinv more excited to attention,, by a lively exercile
of the imagination, and the furprife of unexpected inferences. This
method, however, fhould be ufed wiih great caution by the friends of
truth; for it is a molt formidable engine in the hands of thofe, who
endeavour to pervert or oppofe it. — The author did not, however, mean
by, the emblem of the Spider, that the Cnner might confidently allure
himfelf of falvation, by the blood of Ch r ist, while he continued full
of the poifon of fin, without experiencing or evidencing any change ;
but only, that no confeioufnefs of inward pollution, or actual guilt,
fhould difcourage any one from applying to Christ, and "fleeing
for refuge to lay hold on the hope let before him," that thus he may
tje delivered from condemnation, and cleanfed from pollution, and Jo
made meet for thofc blcfled manfions, into which no unclean thing can
find admiflio::.
The Hen and her Chickens. 255
Then they Teemed all to be glad ; but the water flood
in their eyes : yet they looked one upon another, and alfo
bowed before the Interpreter.
He had them then into another room, where was a Hen
and chickens, and bid them obferve a while. So one of the
chickens went to the trough to drink, and every time me
drank ihe lifted up her head and her eyes towards heaven.
•See,' faidhe, ■ what this little chick doeth, and learn of
her to acknowledge whence your mercies come, by receiv-
ing them with looking up. — Yet again,' fa.id he, « obferve
and look ;' fo they gave heed, and perceived that the Hen
did walk in a fourfold method towards her chickens. 1.
She had a common call, and that fhe had all the day long,
2. She had a /pedal call, and that lhe had but fometimes.
3. She had a brooding note. And, 4. She had an outcry.*
* Now,' faid he, ' compare this Hen to your King, and
thefe chickens to his obedient ones. For, anfwerable to
her, himfelf has his methods, which he walketh in towards
his people : by his common call he gives nothing ; by his
/pedal call he always has fomething to give ; he has alfo a
brooding voice for them that are under his wing ; and he
has an outcry, to give the alarm when he feeth the enemy
come. I choofe, my darlings, to lead you into the room
where fuch things are, becaufe you are women, and they
are eafy for you.' (x)
* Matt, xxiii. 37.
(x, Our Lo rd hath, in immenfe condcfcenfion, employed this ena-
ble.n, to repirefent his tender love to his peoplr, for whom he bare the!
ftorm of wra h nimfelf, that they might be fate and happy under "the
I s wings. "+ The common rfl#fignifies the general invita-
tions of the gofpel, which (hnuld be addreffed without reftrieYion, to. 11
der the found of it; "as many as ye find, bid to the
marriagi /' Yhe/pectal call denotes thofe influences of the Sp i r 1 1 ,
by which the heart is fweetly made willing to embrace the invitation,
and app'\ for the bleffing, in the ufe of the appointed means, by which
li 1:1 ts atljally experience the accompl fhment of the promifes, as
their Circumftances require. — 1 he Irooding note was intended to repre-
febt that communion with God, and ihole coofolation.i of the Hoi. v
,Si»i kit, which the Scripture* encourage us to expect, and by which
1 v( 1 is trained up for eternal felicity : winlil the out-cry refers
1 inland cautions, by which hciic\ rrs are excited to vig.-
lance, circumtpe&ion, and (clf-examinattou, 1 id to beware of ail de-
ceivers and dclutioro.
Matt, xxiii. T".
2 $6 The Patience of the Sheep. FLivers : C2JV.
'And, Sir,' faid Christiana, 'pray let us fee fome
more.' So he had them into the Slaughter-houfe, where
was a butcher killing of fheep : and behold the fheep was
quiet, and took her death patiently. * Then,' faid the In-
terfretlr, i yon mail leara of this fheep to fufFer, and to
put up wrongs without murmurings and complaints. Be-
hold how quietly fhe takes her death, and, without object-
ing, (he fyffereth her (kin to be pulled over her ears. — Your
Kjng doth call you his fheep.'
After this he led them into his Garden, where was great
variety of flowers: and he faid, 'Do you fee all thefe \*
So Christiana faid, 'Yes.' Then laid he again, \ Behold
the flowers are divers in ftature, in quality, and colour, and
fmeli, and virtue ; and fome are better than fome ; alfo
where the gardener hath let them, there they (land, and
quarrel not one with another.' (y)
Again he had them into his field, which he had fown
with wheat and corn ; but, when they beheld, the tops of
all were cut off, only the ftraw remained. He faid again,
' This ground was dunged, and fowed ; but what (hall we
do with the crop ?' Then faid Christiana, 'Burn fome,
and make muck of the reft.' Then faid the Interpreter
again, • Fruit, you fee, is that thing you look for, and for
want of that you condemn it to the tire, and to be trodden
under foot of men : beware that in this you condemn not
yourielves.' (a)
(y) We ought not to be contented, (To to fpeak.) with a fituation
amoeg the ufelefs and noxious weeds of the defart : bat if we be plant-
ed among the ornamejital and fragrani {lowers of ;he Lo k s*s garden,,
we may deem ourfelves fufficiently diftinguifhed and honoured. We
fhoald, therefore, watch againfl envy and ambition, contempt of out
brethren, and contenrion. We ought to be fatisfied in our place, doing
"nothing through ftrife or vaiti-gioiy," or "with murmurings and dil-
putings :" bat endeavouring, in the meeknels of wifdorn, to ddiufe a
heavenly fragrance around us, and "to adorn the doctrine of. God our
Saviour in ail things." ,
(z) The labour and expenfe of the humandmon are not repayed by
the flraw or the chaff, but by the corn. The humiliation and fufferings
of Cur ;st, the publication of the gofpel, the promifes and inflnuteH
ordinances, and the labour of miniuers, were not intended merely to
bring men to profefs certain do&rines, and obferve certain forms ; or
even to produce convictions, affections, 01 comforts, in any order or
degree what foevei ; but to render men fruitful in good works, by the
rnfWnces of the Spirit of Cur ■ st, and through his falsifying
truth: and all profeflion will terminate in everiafiing contemj . nd
mifery, which is not productive of this good fruit, whatever men may>
pretend, or however they may deceive themfelvcs and one another.
The Robin-Rid- Brcaji and Spider. 257
Then, as they wore coming In from abroad, they efpied
a Robin with a great ipider in his mouth : fo the Inter-
preter laid, * Look here.' So they looked, and Mercy
wondered, but Christiana faid, « What a difparagement
is it to iuch a little pretty bird as the rob in-red- bread is ; he
being alfo a bird above many, that loveth to maintain a kind
of ibciablenefs with men. I had thought they had lived
upon crumbs of bread, or upon other iuch harmlefs matter :
I like him worie than I did.'
The Interpreter then replied, 'This Robin is an em-
blem, very apt to fet forth ibme profeifors by ; for to fight
they are, as this Robin, pretty of note, colour, and carriage;
they feem alio to have a very great love for profeifors that
are fmcere ; and above all other to defire to affociate with
them, and to be in their company, as if they could live upon
the good man's crumbs. They pretend alfo, that therefore
it is that they frequent the houfe of the godly, and the ap-
pointments of the Lord ; but when they are by themfelves,
as the Robin, they catch and gobble up tpiders\ they can
change their diet, drink and fwallow down fin like water.'
So when they were come again into the houfe, becaufe
fupper as yet was not ready, Christiana again defired
that the Interpreter would either ihew or tell fome other
things that are profitable.
Then the Interpreter began, and faid : • The fatter
the fow is, the more ihe defires the mire ; the fatter the ox
is, the more gamefomely he goes to the ilaughter ; and the
more healthy the lutly man is, the more prone is he unto evil.'
« There is a defire in women to go neat and tine, and it
is a comely thing to be adorned with that, which in God's
fight is of great price.'
' 'Tis eafier watching a night or two, than to fit up a whole
fear together : fo 'tis eafier for one to begin to profeis
well, than to hold out as he (hould to the end.'
' Every ihip-mafter, when in a ftorm, will willingly caft
that overboard that is of the fmalleit value in the ve/Tel :
but who will throw the belt out firft ? None but he that
feareth not God.'
1 One leak will fink a fhip ; and one fin will defiroy a
finner.' (a)
[a) By repentnncc and faith in Christ, the leaks that fin hath
■ude arc, as it were, Hopped; but one fin, habitually committed with
X 2
258 The Interpreters Injlvuftions*
* He that forgets his friend, is ungrateful unto him r.
but he that forgets his Saviour* is unmerciful to himfelf.'
* He that lives in fin, and looks for happinefs hereafter,,
is like him that foweth cockle, and thinks to fill his barn
with wheat or barley.'
* If a man would live well, let him fetch his laft day to
him, and make it always his company-keeper.'
* Whifpering and change of thoughts prove that fin is iiv.
the world.'
« If the world, which Goe> fets light by, is counted a thing
of that worth with men ; what is heaven, that God corn-
men deth ?'
* If the life that is attended with fo many troubles, is {o~
loth to be let go by us, what is the life above ?'
6 Every body will cry up the goodnefs of men ; but who
k there, that is, as he mould be, affected with the goodnefs
of God?'
* We feldom fit down to meat, but we eat and leave s-
fo there is in Jesus Christ more merit and righteoufneis,
than the whole world has need of.' {.b)
When the Interpreter had done, betakes them out
into his garden again, and had them to a Tree, whofe in~
fide was all rotten and gone, and yet it grew and had leaves.
Then faid Mercy, * What means this ?'- — * This tree,' laid
he, 'whole outfide is fair, and wThofe infi.de is rotten, is it,
to which many may be compared that are in the Garden of
God; who with their mouths ipeak high in behalf of God,
but indeed will do nothing for him ; whofe leaves are fairfc
but their heart good for nothing but to be tinder for the
devil's tinder-box,'
allowance, proves a man's profeffibn hypociiiical, However plaufiblr it
maybe in all other rcfpe6ts; as one leak unftppped will affuredly at
length fink the {hip.
(/>) This obiWvanon is grounded on the good old diftinftion, that
the merit of Ch it 1 st's obvdience unto death \sfvjji cunt for all, though
only efetlual to firm ; name1/, in one view of the fubjeci, to the elect i.
in another, to all. who By faith \ a p pis for an inter/} in it. This makes
way for general invitations, and fhews it to be every one's duty to repent
ar, j beheve the gofpel ; as nothing but pride, the carnal mind, and en-
mity to Go n and rc!ig:on, influence men to neglect fo great falvation:
and, when the regenerating power of the Ho ' v Spirit accompanies
the word, Tinners are made willing to accept the proffered merry, and
enco'ira^'.-d by the general invitations, which before they iinfully
'tinted.
The Supper with Muftc and Singing. 259-
How fupper was ready, the- table fpre*Jr and all things
let on board ; fo they fat down and did eat, when one had
given thanks. And the lNXER.pRETER.did ufually entertain
tiio.e that lodged with him, with mafic at m^als ; fo the
minftrels played. There was alfo one that did fmg, and x
very fine voice he had. His fong was this —
'The Lord is only my fupport^
And he that doth me feed ;
How can I then want any thing,
Whereof I ftand in need ?'
When the fong and mufic were ended, the Inxerpre-
ter aiked Chrisxiana, what it was that at fir ft did move
her thus to betake herfelf to a Pilgrim's life ? Chrisxiana
anfwered : Firft, the lofs of my hufband came into my mind,
at which I was heartily grieved : but all that was but nat-
ural arfection. Then, after that, came the troubles and
pilgrimage of my hufband into my mind, and alfo how like
a churl I had carried it to him as to that- So guilt took
hold of my mind, and would have drawn me into the pond ;
but that -opportunely I had a dream of the well-being of
my hufband, and a letter lent me by the King of that coun-
try where my hufband dwells, to come to him. The dream
and the letter together fo wrought upon my mind, that they
forced me to this way.
Inxer.. But met you with no oppofition before you fet
out of doors I
Chr. Yes, a neighbour of mine^ one Mrs* Timorous,
(ihe was kin to him that would have perfuaded my hufband
to go back, for fear of the lions,) ihe alio fo befooled me,
for, as (he called it, my intended defperate adventure :. 'he
alio urged what (he could to difhearten me from it \ the
hardihip and troubles that my hufband met with in the way :
but ail this 1 got over pretty well. But a dream that I hid
of two ill-looked one-, that I thought did plot how to ma!;e
me mifcarry in my journey, that hath troubled me ; yea, it
Mill runs in. my mind, and makes me afraid of every one
that I meet, left they mould meet me to do me a mifchief,
and to turn me out of my way. Yea, I may tell my Lord,
though I would not every body knew it, that between this
and the Gate by which we got into the way, we weie both
fo lorely aifaulted, that we were made to cry out murder 5
and the two, that made this alfault upon us, were like the
two, that I faw in my dream.
l6o How Mercy became a Pilgrim.
Then faid the Interpreter, * Thy beginning is good,
thy latter end ihall greatly increafe.' So he addrelfed him
to Mercy, and faid unto her, 'And what moved thee to
come hither, fweet heart ?'
Then Mercy bluftied and trembled, and for a while con-
tinued filent.
Then laid he, ' Be not afraid, only believe, and fpeak thy
mind.'
Then me began, and faid, * Truly, Sir, my want of ex-
perience is that which makes me covet to be in filence, and
that alfo that filleth me with fears of coming fhort at laft.
1 cannot tell of virions and dreams, as my friend Chris-
tiana can : nor know I what it is to mourn for my refufmg
of the couniel of thofethat were good relations.'
Inter. What was it then, dear heart, that hath pre-
vailed with thee to do as thou haft done ?
Mercy. Why, when our friend here was packing up to
be gone from our Town, I and another went accidently to
fee her. So we knocked at the door, and went in. When
we were within, and feeing what (he was doing, we aiked
her what (he meant ? She faid, lhe was fent for to go to her
hufband ; and then lhe up and told us how lhe had feen
him in a dream, dwelling in a curious place, among im-
mortals, wearing a crown, playing upon a harp, eating and
drinking at his Prince's table, and Pinging praifes to him
for the bringing him thither, &c. Now methottght while
fhe was telling thefe things unto us, my heart burned with-
in me. And I laid 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 afked her further of the truth of thefe things, and
if lhe would let me go with her ; for I favvnow, 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 io
many of my relations were left behind. And I am come
with all my heart, and will, if I may, go with Christiana,
to her hufband, and his King.
Inter. Thy fetting out is good, for thou haft given
credit to the truth ; (c) thou art a Ruth, who did, for the
(c) This is a mofl fimple definition of faith : it is " the belief of the
truth," as the lure teftimony of God, relative to our mcil important
Mercy is commended. 261
love fhe bare to Naomi, and to the L^rd her God, " leave
father and mother, and the land of her nativity, to come
out and go with a people that ihe knew not before. The
Lord recompenfe thy work, and a fail reward be given thee
of the Lord God of Israel, under whole wings thou art
come to trull."*
Now fupper was ended, and preparation was made for
bed : the women were laid fingly alone, and the boys by
themlelves. Now when Mercy was in bed, fhe could not
* Ruih ii. 11, 1*2.
concerns. When we thus credit thole truths that teach us the peril of
our fifuation as juftfy condemned fbners, we are moved with fear, and
humbled in repentance > and when we thus believe the report of a refuge
provided ioi us, our hopes are excited. Thofe truths that relate to in-
eflimab:e bieflmgs att-u able by us, when reaiy credit, d, ki.'dle our
fervent dehres; whi.'e fuch is Qaew us the glory, exceile. cy and mercy
of Go j our Saviour, and ouj obligations to >^s redeeming grace, .work
by love, gratitude, and ev^ry fervent affection. 1 his living faith in-
fluences a man's judgment, choice, and conduct ; and efpecia, y induces
him to receit e J .-: > ._ s Ca r i s 1 for all the purpofes of falvation, and
to yield himfeli to his (ervice, as constrained by love of him and zeal
for his glory. — vVe need no o:h r ground for this faith, tha 1 the au-
thenticated word of God. i his may be b ought to our recollection
by means of dillrels or danger, or even in a dream, or with fome very
ftrong impreffion on the mmd : yet true faith, relts. only on the word of
God, according to its meaning as itfa>ds in the Bib-le ; and not on the
manner in which it occurs to the thrushes, or according to any new
fen fe put upon it in a dream, or by an imp >e/fion ; as this would be a
neat revelation. For if the words, " Thy tins are forgiven thee," mould
be impreiied on my mind, they would contain a declaration no where
made in Scripture concerning me > confequently the belief of them on this
ground would be a faith not warranted by the word of God. Now
as we have.no reafon to expect fuch new revelations, and as Satan
can counterfeit any of thefe impreffions, we mult coufider every thing
of this kmd as opening a door to enthufiafm, and the moft dangerous
delufions; though many, who refi their confidence on them,, have alfe
fcriptural evidence of their acceptance, which they overlook. On the
other hand, mould, the. following words be powerfully imprefTed on my
mind, '"Him thu cometh to me I will in no wife caft out," or, " He
that confefleth and forfaketh his fin fha',1 find mercy ;" I may deduce
encouragement fr-tmi the uords, according to the genuine meaning of
them as ^hey (land in Scripture, without any dread of delufion, or any
pretence to new revelations; provided I be confeious, that I do come to
Cuki.t, and confels my fins with the ii:Ccre purpole of foifaking
them. But there are fo many dangers in this matter, that the more ev-
idently our faith and hope are grounded wholly on the plain teftimony
of G > i), and confirmed by oui fubtequent experience and conduct; the
kafer will our couife be, and the lefs occafion will be given to the ob-
j,t.-ei.oii4 of )j. defpifers*
262 The Bath and the Seal
fleep for joy, for that now her doubts of miffing at laft were
removed further from her than ever they were before. So
fhe lay bleffing and praifing God, who had fuch favour for
her.
In the morning they arofe with the fun, and prepared
themfelves for their departure ; but the Interpreter
would have them tarry a while ; « for,' faid he, • You muft
orderly go from hence.' Then faid he to the damfel that
fir ft opened unto them, ' Take them and have them into the
garden to the Bath, and there warn them and make them
clean from the foil which they have gathered by travelling.'
Then Innocent the damfel took them, and led them into
the garden, and brought them to the Bath ; fo (he told
them, that there they muft waih and be clean, for fo her
Master would have the women to do, that called at his
houfe as they were going on pilgrimage. Then they went
in and waihed, yea, they and the boys and all ; and they
came out of that Bath not only fweet and clean, but alio
much enlivened and ftrengthened in their joints. So when
they came in, they looked fairer a deal than when they
went out to the wafhing.
When they were returned out of the garden from tlie
Bath, the Interpreter took them, and looked upon them,
and faid unto them, " Fair as the moon." Then he call-
ed for the Seal, wherewith they ufed to be fealed that
were warned in his Bath. So the Seal was brought, and
he fet 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 fum of the paffover, which the children of
Israel did eat when they came out of the land of Egypt ;*
and the mark was fet between their eyes. This Seal great-
ly added to their beauty, for it was an ornament to their
faces. It alfo added to their gravity, and made their coun-
tenances more like them of angels, (d)
* Exod. xii. 8 — 10.
(d) The author calls this 'The Bath of fan&ific ation,' in a marginal
note : whence we may infer, that he efpecially meant to intimate, that
believers fhould conftantly feek frefh (Implies of grace from the Hoi y
Spirit, to purify their hearts from the renewed defilement of fin,
which their intercourfe with the woild will continually occafion ; and
to revive and invigorate thofe holy affections, which in the lame man-
ner are apt to grow languid. Yet he did not intend to exclude their
habitual reliance ou the blood of CuiUST for pardon and acceptance.;
The Pilgrims fet out, conduced by Great-heart* 163
Then faid the Interpreter again to the damfel that
waited upon the women, * Go into the Veftry, and fetch
out garments for thefe people;' So fhe went and fetched
out white raiment, and laid it down before him : fo he
commanded them to put it on : it was " fine linen, white
and clean." When the women were thus adorned, they
feemed to be a terror one to the other ; for that they could
not fee that glory each one in herfelf, which they could fee
in each other. Nov/ therefore they began to efteem each
other better than themfelves. * For you are fairer than I
am,' faid one ; and, * You are more comely than I am,'
faid another. The children alfo ftood amazed, to fee into
what fafhion they were brought, (e)
The Interpreter then called for a man-fervant of his,
one Great-heart, and bid him take a fword, and helmet,
and fhield ; ' and take thefe my daughters,' faid he, « con*
duel them to the houfe called Beautiful, at which place
they will reft next.' (/) So he took his weapons, and went
for in both refpefts we need daily waffling. The falsification of the
Spirit unto obedience warrants the trueChriftian's "peace and joy in
believing ;" it gives him beauty in the fight of his brethren; it ftrength-
ens him for every conflict and fervice ; and the image of Ch r ist, dif-
c-niible in his fpirit and conduct, feals him as a child of God and an
heir of glory : while the inward confeioufnefs of living by faith in the
Son of God for all the bleflings of falvation, and of experiencing all
filial affe.clions towards God as his reconciled Father, infpires him with
humble joy and confidence.
(e) The Pilgrims are fuppofed to have been juflified on their admif-
fion at the Gate ; the In te r pr K te r is the emblem of the Holy
Spirit; and the raiment here mentioned rendered thofe who were
adorned with it comely in the eyes of their companions. We cannot,
therefore, with propriety explain it to fignify the righteoufnefs of
Ch r ist imputed to the belitver, but the renewal of the foul to holi-
nefs; for this alone in its efftfts is vifible to the eyes of men. They,
who have put on this raiment, are alfo " clothed with humility :" fo
that they readily perceive the excellencies of other believers, but can-
not difcern their ov/n, except when they look in the glafs of God's
word. At the fame time they become very obfervant of their own de-
fects, and fevere in animadverting on them, but proportionably candid
to their brethren : and thus they learn the hard leflon of "elieeming
others better than themfelves."
( f ) The dated paftoral care of a vigilant minifter, who is Prong in
faith, and courageous in the caufe of Gon, is reprcfen ted by the con-
ductor of the Pilgrims. We (hall have repeated opportunities of mow-
ing, how defirous the author was to recommend this advantage to hi«
readers, to excite them to be thankful for it, and to ivail them fdve* of
it when gracioufly afforded them.
2^4 They come to the Crofs and the Sepulchre.
before them ; and the Interpreter faid, 'God fpeed.'
Thofe alfo that belonged to the family fent them away with
many a good wifh. So they went on their way, and fang — .
* 1 his place has been our fecond ftage,
Here we have heard and feen
Thofc good things, that from age to age
To others hid have been.
The dunghill-raker, fpider, hen,
The chicken too, to me
Have taught a kflonj let me then
Conformed to it be.
The butcher, garden, and the field,
The robin and his bait,
A Kb the rotten tree doth yield
Me argument of weight ;
To move me for to watch and pray,
To drive to be ft nee re ;
To take my crofs up d:>y by day,
And ferve the Lord with fear,?
Now I faw in my dream, that thofe went on, and Great-
heart before them ; io 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 paufe ; here
alfo they bleffed God. Now, faid Christiana, it comes
to my mind what was faid to us at the Gate, to wit, that
we fhould have pardon by iva d and deal; by nv&rd, that
is, by the promife ; by deed, to wit, in the way it was ob-
tained. What the promife is, of that I know fomething :
but what it is to have pardon by deed, or in the way that it
was obtained, Mr. Great-hfart, I fuppofe you know;
■which, if you pleafe, let us hear your difcourfe thereof.
Gr.-h. Pardon by the deed done, is pardon obtained
by fome one for another that hath need thereof: not by
the perfon pardoned, but in ' the way,' faith another, ■ in
which I have obtained it.'— So then, (to fpeak to the quef-
tion more at large,) the pardon that you and Mercy, and
thefe 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 righteoufnefs to cover
you, and fpilt blood to wafh you in.
Chr. But if he parts with his righteoufnefs to us, what
will he have for himfelf ? ,
Gr.-h. He has more righteoufnefs than you have need
©f, or than he needeth himfelf.
* Past i. p. 61,
The Righteoufnefs of Ghriji. 265
€hr. Pray make that appear.
Gr.-h< With all my heart: but firfl: I rrmfi: premife,
that he, of whom we are now about to fpeak, is one that
has not his fellow. He has two natures in one Perfon,
plain to be diitinguifhed, impoflible to be divided. Unto
each of thefe natures a righteoufnefs belongeth, and eacxi
righteoufnefs is ettential to that nature. So that one may
as eafiiy caufe the natures to be extinct, as to feparate its
juftice or righteoufnefs from it. Of thffe righteoufneffes,
therefore, we are not made partakers, fo that they, or any
of them, fhould be put upon us, that we might be made
juft, and live thereby. Befides thefe, there is a righteouf-
nefs which this Perfon has, as thefe two natures are joined
in one. And this is not the righteoufnefs of the Godhead,
as diftinguifhed from the manhood ; nor the righteoufnefs
of the manhood, as diiHnguiihed from the Godhead j but
a righteoufnefs which liande'ch in the union of both natures,
and may properly be called the righteoufnefs that is eiTen-
tial to his being prepared of God to the capacity of the
mediatory office, which he was entruited with. If he parti
with his firft righteoufnefs, he parts with his Godhead : if
he parts with his feeond righteoufnefs, he parts with the pu*
rity 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 righteoufnefs, which
ftandeth in performance, or obedience to a revealed will ;
and that is what he puts upon fmners, and that by which
their fins arc covered. Wherefore he faith, "As by one
man's difobedience, many were made fmners ; fo by the
obedience of one, lhali many be made righteous."*
Chr. But are the other righteoufnefTes of no ufe to us >
Gr.-h. Yes ; for though they are eifential to his na-
tures and office, and cannot be communicated unto anoth-
er, yet it is by virtue of them that the righteou'nefs that
ju ft; ties is for that purpofe efficacious. The righteoufnefs
of his Godhead gives virtue to his obedience ; the righteoufl
Tiers of his manhood giveth capability to his obedience to
juttify ; and the righteoufnefs that ftandeth in the union of
thefe two natures to his office, giveth authority to that
righteoufnefs to do the work for which it was ordained.
So then here is a righteoufnefs that Christ, as God, has
*io need of j for he is God without it j here is a righteouf-
* Rom. v. 19,
Y
266 Redemption by the Blood of Chrjji.
nefs that Christ, as man, has no need of to make him fo,
for he is perfect man without it : again, here is a righteouf-
nefs that Christ, as God-man, has no need of, for he is
perfectly fo without it. Here then is a righteoufnefs that
Christ, as God, and as God-man,, has no need of, with
reference to himfelf, and therefore he can fpare it ; a justi-
fying righteoufnefs, that he for himfelf wanteth not, and
therefore giveth it away. Hence it is called " the gift of
righteoufnefs."* — This righteoufnefs, fmce Christ Jesus
the Lord has made himfelf under the law, muft be given
away ; for the law doth not only bind him that is under it,
to do jnftly, but to ufe chanty. Wherefore he muft, or
ought by the law, if he hath two coats, to give one to him
that has none. Now our Lord indeed hath two coats, one
for himfelf, and one to fpare : wherefore he freely beftows
one upon thofe that have none. And thus, Christiana
and Mercy, and the reft of you that are here, doth your
pardon come by deed, or by the work of another man.
Your Lord Christ is he that worked, and hath given
away what be wrought for, to the next poor beggar h«
meets.
But again, in order to pardon by deed, there muft fome-
thing be paid-to God as a price, as well as fomething pre-
pared to cover us withal. Sin has delivered us up to $he
juft courfe of a righteous law : now from this courfe we
muft be juftined 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 flood in your place and ftead,
and died your death for your tranfgreflions. Thus has h«
ranfomed you from your tranfgreifions, by blood, and cov-
ered your polluted and deformed fouls with righteoufnefs ;f
for the fake of which? God pafieth by you, and will not
hurt you, when he comes to judge the world. (^)
* Rom. v. 17. + Rorn.viii, 34. Gal. iii. 13.
[g) This difcomfl-., en ' Pardon by the deed dor.e,' ccrfiims the in-
terpretation that brh been gjven of the Crofs, knd of ClJR 1 steak's
deliverance fern his burden. — The dtctrine is, however, lure ftaffd in
a manner to which f< me may obje£l, and indeed it is needlefs'y lyilcm-
atical and rather bblcure. By 'the righteodfnefs of Christ, us
ne attributes of juflice and bolinefs muft be
intended. -His Pjtfet'e oufnefs, as Man,* denotes his human nature as
free from all the defilement of fin. 'The righteoufnefs of his tx rfori,
as he hath the two natures joined in one,' can only mean the perfeftiofli
Happy Effects of looking to the Crofs. 26 f .
Chr. This is brave: now I fee that there was fome-
thing to be learned by our being pardoned by word and
deed. Good Mercy, let us labour to keep this in mind;
and my children, do you remember it alfo. — But, Sir, was
not this it that made my good Christian's burden fall
from off his lhoulder, and that made him give three leaps
for joy ?
Gr.-h. Yes, it was the belief of this that cut off thoft
firings, that could not be cut by other means ; and it was
to give him a proof of the virtue of this, that he was fuf-
fered to carry his burden to the Crofs.
Chr. I thought fo ; for though my heart was ltghtful
and joyous before, yet it is ten times more lightfome and
joyous now. And I am periuaded by what I have felt,
(though I have felt but little as yet,) that if the moft bur-
dened man in the world was here, and did fee and believe
as I now do, it would make his heart the more merry and
blithe.
Gr.-h. There is not only comfort, and the eafe of a
cf his niyfterious perfon in ail refpecls; and his capacity of acling^ a*
our Surety, by doing and fulfering in our nature ail that was requeue,
vhiic his divine narare flamped an infinite value on his obedience unto
death. — The eternal Word, the only begotten Son of Gud was
under no obligation to affume our nature ; and when he had leen gc~d
to adume it, he was not bound to live a narnber of years here on earth,
obedient to the law, both in its ceremonial and moral requirem
auridft hardfhips, funeriags, and temptations of every kind; except, a?
he had undertaken to be our Surety. In this fenie he hhnfelf had r:0
need of tint righteoufhefs which he finifhed ior our jufilfication. And
allured iy he was under no obligation, as a perfectly holy man, to fuffef-
Iny thing, much lels to fubmit \o the violent, torturing, and ignomini-
ous death upon the crofs. That part of his obedience, which confide^
: luring i^-»n/, and pain in body and foul, was only needful, as h«
bare our fins, and gave himfelf <l facrifice to God foi us. Indeed, hif
righteoufnefs is nor. the lei's his own, by being imputed to us : for ba»-
lievers are confidered as one with him, and thus ''made the righteoufc-
nefs of God in him,*' ar.d we are juftified in virtue of this union. He
was able by his temporal fuffdrings and death to pay our debt, and raiv
lom our inheritance j thus delivering us from eternal mifery which elle
had been inevitable, and bringing us to eternal life which had otherwiff
been unattainable ; and the law of love, to which as a man he became
fubjett, required him to do this; for if we "loved our neighbour as
lives,*' we (hould be witling to fubmit to any inferior lofs, hardfhip,
or fullering, to refcue an enemy or {banger from a greater and more
ile iniiery, winch he has no other way of efcaping ; or to fecure to
him a more valuable and permanent advantage, which can no otherwif*
i)c obtaiued.
26t Love to Chrift) hoiv excited ; and its Ejfefts*
burden brought to us, by the fight and confideration of*
thefe ; but an endeared affection begot in us by it : for who
can (if he does but once think that pardon comes not only
by promife, but thus,) but be affected with the way and
means of redemption, and ib with the man that hath
■wrought it for him !
Chr. True: methinks it makes my heart bleed to
think, that he fhould bleed for me. Oh ! thou loving'
One ! Oh 1 thou blefTed One 1 Thou deferveft to have me ;
thou haft bought me ; tboa deferveft to have me all ; thou
haft paid for me ten thoufand times more than I am
•worth ! — No marvel that this made the water ftand in my
huiband's eyes, and that it made him trudge fo nimbly on :
1 am perfuaded he wifhed me with him : but, vile wretch
that I was ! I let him come all alone. O Mercy, that
thy father and mother were here ; yea, and Mrs. Timo-
sous alio : n^y, I wifn now with all my heart, that here
"was Madam Wanton too. Surely, furely, their hearts
would be affected ; nor could the fear of the one, nor the
powerful lufts of the other, prevail with them to go home
again, and refufe to become good Pilgrims. (^)
■%■ ■ ■ ■■ ■»
(h) When believers, 'in the warmth of their affections,' feel th«
bumbling, melting, endearing, and ianftifying effects of contemplating
the glory of the Crofs, and the love of Ch r i st in dying for fmners ;
and coiiiider themfelves as the fpecial objefts of that inexprefiible com-
panion and kindneis : they are apt to conclude that the belief of th«
proportions, that Ch r i st loves them and died for them, and that God
is reconciled to them, produces the change by its own influence ; and
■■would affect the moll carnal hearts in the fame manner, could men be
;• rfuaded to believe it. For they vainly imagine that apprehenfions
of the feverity of divine juftice, "and the dread of vengeance, are. the
fourccs of the enmity which finncrs mamfeft againftGoD. Hence
very lively and affe&ionate Chriftians have frequently been prone to
fanction the unfcriptural tenet, that the jufiifying aft of faith confrfts
in ajjuredly believing that Christ died jar vie in f articular, and that
God loves me; and tocorifider this appropriation, as preceding repent-
ance, and every other gracious difprifjfion ; and as in fome fenfe the
caufe of regeneration, winning the heart to love Goo, and to rejoice
in him, and in obeying his commandments. From this doctrine others
liave interred, that if all men, and even devils too, believed the love of
God to them, and his purpofe at length to make them happy, they
would be won over irom rebellion againft him, which they perfift ua
from a miftaken idea that he is their implacable enemy : and they
make this one main argument, in fupport of the f alula ry tendency of
the final rettitution fcheme. But all theft; opinions arife from a falle
and thttering eftimate of human nature; for the carnal mind hates the
fer'ptural cUraclei of God and the glory difplayed in the Crofs, eve*
Warm AJfeSilons by fpecial Grace* 269
Gr.-h. You fpeak now in the warmth of your affec-
tions : will it, think you, be always thus with you ? i^fl
fides, that is not communicated to every one, nor to everj^j
one that did fee your Jesus bleed. There were that flood
by, and that law the blood run from the heart to the
ground, and yet were fo far off this, that, inftead of lament-
ing, they laughed at him ; and inltead of becoming his
diiciples, did harden their hearts againft: him. So that all
that you have, my daughters, you have by peculiar impref-
more than that which fliines forth in the fiery law. — IrmVed i£v* tatoe
away the offenfive part of the gofpel, the honour it puts upon the law
and its awful fanftions, and the exhibition it makes of the divine juftice
and holinefs, it will give the proud carnal heart but titt'.e umbrage : if
we admit that men's averfion to Gon and religion nrife from mifap-
preheniion, and not from delperate wickednefs, many will endure the
doctrine. A reconciliation, in which God aflures the firmer rh^t he
has forgiven him, even before he has repented of his fins, v. ill fuit
man's pride; and if he has been- previoully frighted, a great flow of
affections may follow : but the event will prove, that they differ eifen-
tially from fpiritual love of Goo, gratitude, holy joy, and genuine
humiliation, which arife from a true perception of the ^.oiious perfec-
tions of God, the righteoufnefs of his law and government, the real
nature of redemption, and the odioufnefs and deiert of tin. In -hort,
all fuch fchemes rend>r regeneration need! fs; or fubftitute fomething
die in its Mead, which is eifetied by a natural proc.efs, and not by the
new-creating power of the Holy Spirit.— Bir, when this divine
agent has communicated life to the foul, and a capacity is produced of
perceiving and reliming fpiritual excellency, the enmujttfgainft G
receives a mortal wound : from that feafen. the more Irs real character
and glory are known, the greater fpiritual affection wijl be excised, and
a proportionable transformation into the fame holy ima>;c effected.
Then the view of the Crofs, as the grand difplay of rill the harmonious
perfections of the Godhead, foftens, humbles, and raelioiates the heart :
while the perfuafion of an intereft in thefc blefiings, arid an adniir
fenfe of having received fuch inconceivable favours from this jjorioils
and holy Lo RD God, will dill further e'ewve the foul above all low
pu/fuits, and cemftrain it to the mod unrefened and felf-denying obe-
dience.— But, while the heart rem .ins unregeier.ate, the glory of G:>d
and the gofpel Will either be mifunderilood, or hated in proportion as
it is difcovered. Such views and affections therefore as have b
defcribed, fpring from fpecial grace ; and are not produced by ihe
urai tlfiracy of any fentimcnts, but by the immediate influences of the
Holy Spirit; fo thai even true believers, thoegh they habitually are
perfuaded of their intereft in Christ, and the love of God to til
aie only a: times thus filled with holy affections : nor will the fame
contempl mons conftantly excite fimilar exercifes ; but they often be-
ftow much pains to get their minds affected by them in vain ; while at
other times a hngle glance of thought fills them with the melt fervent
emotions of holy love and joy.
Y 2
*
Qjo Three Men hung hi Chains*
fion made by a divine contemplating upon what I have
Spoken to you. Remember, that it was told you, that the
hen by her common call, gives no meat to her chickens.
This you have therefore by a fpecial grace.
Now I law ftill iii my dream, that they went on until
they were come to the place that Simple, and Sloth, and
Presumption, lay and ilept in, when Christian went by
en pilgrimage : and behold they were hanged Op in irons
a little way off on the other fide.
Then faid Mercy to him that was their Guide and Con-
ductor, * What are thefe three men ? and for what are they
hanged there V
Gr.-h. Thefe three men were men of bad qualities ;
they had no mind to be Pilgrims themfelves, and whomfo-
ever they could they hindered : they were for floth and
jolly themfclves, and whomfoever they could perfuade,
they made To too ; and withal taught them to preiume that
they mould do well at laft. They were aileep when
Christian went by ; and now you go by, they are hanged.
Mer. But could they perfuade any one to be of their
opinion ?
Gr.-h. Yes, they turned feveral out of the way. There
was Slow-pace, they perfuaded to do as they. They alfo
prevailed with one Short-wind, with one No-heart, with
one Linger- after-lust, and with one Sleepy-head, and
with a young woman, her name was Dull, to turn out of
the way and become as they. Befides, they brought up
an ill report of your Lord, perfuading others that he was
a hard talk-m after. They alio brought up an evil report
of the good land, faying it was not half ib good a« fome
pretended it was. They alio began to vilify his fervants,
and to count the belt of them meddlefome, troublefome,
bufy -bodies : further, they would call the bread of God
hulks ; the comforts of his children, fancies ; the travail
and labour of Pilgrims, things to no purpofe. (/)
(?) The dreadful falls ar d awful deaths of fome profeffors are often
made notorious, far a warning to others; and to put them upon their
guard agair.ft fuperficial, floth ful, and prelumptuous men, who draw
afide many from the holy ways of God. The names of the peifons
thus deluded (how the reafons why men liften to deceivers ; for thefe
are only the cccajions of their turning afide, the caitfe lies in the con-
cealed lulls oi their own hearts. The tranfition is very eafy froaa &h
Anu weak grow* ftrong, v/iW- Great-heart ieaas mc
'•
Spring at the Hill Difficulty dirty. 27 1
Nay, faid Christiana, if they were fuch, they mould
never be bewailed by me : they have but what they de-
ferve ; and I think it well that they ftand fo near the high-
way, that others may fee and take warning. But had it
not been well if their crimes had been engraven on fome
pillar of iron or brafs, and left here where they did their
iniichiefs, for a caution to other bad men ?
Gr.-h. iSo 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 forever againft them : I think it is a high
favour that they are hanged before we came hither ; who
knows elfe what they might a done to fuch poor women as
we are ?
Then (he turned it into a fong, faying —
' Now then you- three hang there, and be a fign
To all that (hall againft the truth combiije.
And Set him that conv;s alter tear this end,
If unto Pilgrims he is not a friend.
And thou, my foul, of all fuch men beware,
That unto hplinefs oppofcrs are.'
Thus they went on, till they came at the foot of the hill
Difficulty, where again their good friend Mr. Great-
heart took an occaiion to tell them what happened there
when Christian him felf went by.* So he had them firft
to the Spring : Lo, faith 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 fome,
that are not delirous that Pilgrims here ihould quench their
third. f Thereat Mercy faid, 'And why fo envious,
trow ?' But faid the Guide, it will do, if taken up and put
into a veifel that is fweet and good ; for then the dirt will
fink to the bottom, and the water come out by itfelf more
clear. Thus therefore Christiana and her companions
were compelled to do. They took it up, and put it into an
* Part i. p. 66 — 70. + Ezek. xxxiv. 18.
thodox notions and profeffion without experience, to falfe and loofii
fentiments, and then to open UDgodlinefs.
Thefe lines are here inferted under a plate —
Behold here how the flothful are a fign
Hung up 'caufe holy ways they did decline :
See here too, how the child doth play the man,
And weak grow* ftrong, when Great-he Art leads the Y&k,
272 Men nv ill notjie kepi from By-ways*
earthen pot, and fo let it (land till the dirt was gone to the?
bottom, and then they drank thereof. (/')
Next he fhewed them the two by-ways that were at the
foot of the hill, where Formality and Hypocrisy loft
themfelves. * And,' faid he, « thefe are dangerous paths ;
two were here caft away when Christian came by. And.
although you fee thefe ways are fmce flopped up with
chains, pods, and a ditch, yet there are they that will
choofe to adventure here, rather than take the pains to go
up this hill*
Chr. "The way of tranfgreflbrs is hard :"* it is a
wonder that they can get into thofe ways without danger
of breaking their necks.
Gr.-h. They will venture ; yea, if at any time any of
the King's fervants do happen to fee 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 railingly
return them anfwer, and fay, «' As for the word that thou
halt fpcken unto us in the name of the King, we will not
hearken unto thee ; but we Will certainly do whatfoever
thing goeth out of our mouth, "f Nay, if you look a little
further, you fhall fee that thefe ways are made cautionary
enough, not only by thefe pods, and ditch, and chain, but
alfo by being hedged up ; yet they will choofe to go there. (/)
* Prov. xiii. 15. + Jer. xliv. 16, 17.
(i) This pafiTage fliows, that thz preaching of the gofpel was efpecially
intended by the Spring, in the former part of the work. Since that
had been publifhed, the author had witneffed a departure from the
fimplicity of the gofpel, as it has been before obferved.j: Tins xnigbt
be done unadvifedly in thofe immediately concerned ; but it originated
fro n the devices of evil men, and the fubtlety of Satan. They,
however, who honeflly and carefully aimed to diilinguiih between the
precious and the vile, might feparate the corrupt part from the truths
of God, and from the latter derive comfort and eftablifhment.
(/) The exprefs declarations, commandments, and warnings of Scrip-
ture *, and the heart-fearching doctrine and diiHnguiihing application of
faithful minifters, fufficiently hedge up all thofe by-ways, into which
profeffors are tempted to turn afide : but carnal felf-love, and defire of
cafe to the fleft), (which always dppofes its own crucifixion,) induce
numbers to break through all obftacles, and to rifk their eternal mterefts,
rather than deny themfelves, and endure hardflilp in the way to heaven.
Nor will teachers be wanting to flatter them with the hope of being
faved by notionally believing certain doctrines, while they praelically
treat the whole word of Go d as a lie !
£ Note (k,) page 240.
The Pilgrims climb the Hill, and rej} in the Arbour. 2J%
Chr. They are idle ; they love not to take pains ; up-
hill way is unpieafant to them. So it is fulfilled unto
them as it is written, — " The way of the flothful man is
as an hedge of thorns."* Yea, they will rather chooie to
walk upon a inare, than to go up this hill, and the red of
this way to the City.
Then they fet forward, and began to go up the Hill,
and up the iiill they went; but before they got up to the
top, Christiana began to pant, and faid, 1 dare lay this
is a breathing Hill ; no marvel if they that love their eafe
more than their iouls, choofe to themlelves a i'moother way.
Then faid Mercy, i mult, fit down ; .alio the lead of the
children began to cry: Come, come, faid Great-heart,
fit not down here, for a little above is the Prince's Arbour.
Then he took the little boy by the hand, and led him
thereto.
When they were come to the Arbour, they were very
"willing to lit down, for they were ali in a pelting heat.
Then faid Mercy, how fweet is reft to them that labour if
And how good is the Prince of Pilgrims, to provide fuch
refting-places for them ! Of this Arbour I have heard
much ; but 1 never faw it before. But here let us beware
of ileeping : for, as 1 have heard, for that it cod poor
Christian dear.
Then faid Mr. Great-heart to the little ones, Come,
my pretty boys, how do you do ? What think you now of
going on pilgrimage ? * Sir,' faid the lead, * I was almoft
beat out of heart ; but I thank you for lending me a hand
at my need. And I remember now what my mother hath
told me, namely, That the way to heaven is as a ladder,
and the way to hell is as down a hill. But I had rather
go up the ladder to life, than down the hill to death.'
Then faid Mercy, * But the proverb is, Togo down the
hill is eajy :' but James faid, (for that was his name,)
* The day is coming when, in my opinion, going down the
hill will be the hardeft of all.' « 'Tis a good boy,' faid his
mafter, 'thou haft given her a right aniwer.' Then Mercy
fmiled, but the little boy did bluih.
'Come,' faid Christiana, ' will you eat a bit to fweeten
your mouths, while you fit here to reft your legs ? For I
have here a piece of pomegranate^ which Mr. Interpreter
put into my hand juifc when I came out of his doors ; he
* Prow xv. jo. t Matt. xi. 28.
274 Being refre/bcd, they go forward,
gave me alfo a piece of an honey-comb, and a little bottle
of fpirits.' « I thought he gave you fomething/ laid
Mercy, < becaiife he called you afide.' < Yes, fo ha did,'
laid the other. « But/ laid Christiana, 'it lhall be it ill
as I laid it mould, when at firft we came from home ;
thou {halt be a fharer in all the good that I have, becaufe
thou lo willingly diuit become my companion.'- Then me
gave to them, and they did eat, both Mercy and the boys.
And laid Christiana to Mr. Great-he art* * Sir, will
you do as we ?' But he anfwered, « You are going on
pilgrimage, and prefently I lhall return : much good may
what you have do to you. At home I eat the fame every
day.'
Now when they had eaten and drunk, and had chatted
a little longer, their Guide faid 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 to take her bottle of fpirits with her ;
fo ihe lent her little boy back to fetch it. Then laid Mercy,
« I think this is a loling place. Here Christian loft his
roll j and here Christiana left her bottle beiiind her:
Sir, what is the caufe of this r' So their Guide made anf\verr
and faid, « The caufe is fleep or forgetfulnefs ; fome fleep
when they Ihould keep awake, and fome forget when they
fhould remember ; and this is the very caufe, why often
at the refting-places fome Pilgrims in fome things come oiF
lofers. Pilgrims fhould watch and remember what they
have already received under their greateit enjoyments ; bufr
for want of doing fo, oftentimes their rejoicing ends in tears,
and their fun-fhine in a cloud : — witnefs the itory of Chris-
tian at this place.'
When they were come to the place where Mistrust
and Timorous met Christian, to perfuade 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 verfes written thereon, and underneath, the reafon of
raifmg up of that Stage in that place rendered. Tht
rerfes were —
' Let him ihat fees that Stnge, take heed
Upon his heart and tongue :
Left if he do not, here he (peed
As fome have long ^cne.'
The words underneath the verfes were, * This Stage was
built to punilh fuch upon, who, through thnorcx.Jnefs or
The Lions backed by Giant Grim. 27$
vtiflrufly (hall be afraid to go further on pilgrimage : alfo
on this Stage both Mistrust and Timorous were burnt
through the tongue with a hot iron, for endeavouring to
hinder Christian on his journey.'
Then faid Mercy, This is much like to the faying of
the Beloved, " What (hall be given unto thee ; or what
fhall be done unto thee, thou falfe tongue ? fharp arrows
of the mighty, with coals of juniper."* (m)
So they went on, till they came within fight of the lions.f
Now Mr. Great-heart was a ftrong man, fo he was not
afraid of a lion : but yet when they were come up to the
place where the lions were, the boys that went before were
glad to cringe behind, for they were afraid of the lions :
fo they ftept back and went behind. At this, their Guide
fmiled, and faid, * How now, my boys, do you love to go
before when no danger doth approach, and love to come
behind fo foon as the lions appear !'
Now as they went on, Mr. Great-heart drew his
fword, with intent to make a way for the Pilgrims in fpite
of die lions. Then there appeared one, that it feems had
taken upon him to back the lions : and he faid to the Pil-
grim's Guide, 'What is the caufe of your coming hither?1
Now the name of that man was Grim, or Bloody-man,
becaufe of his flaying of pilgrims ; and he was of the race
of the giants.
Then faid the Pilgrim's Guide, ' Thefe women and chil-
dren are going on pilgrimage ; and this is the way they
muft go, and go it they fhall, in fpite of thee and the lions.'
Grim. This is not their way, neither fhall they go
therein. 1 am come forth to withftand them, and to that
end will back the lions.
Now, to fay the truth, by reafon of the fiercenefs of the
lions, and of the grim carriage of him that did back them,
* Pfal. cxx. 3, 4. T Part i. p. 72.
(m) The word Dav i D fignifies B tovtd. We fhould he very cau-
tious not to Ijpeak vbicfi may di'fcouiage fuch as feem dif-
pofed to a religious life ; left we (hpald he found to have abetted that
enemy, who fpares no pains to fed ce h :rn ba< k igain into the world.
Even the unbeli vii % fears and compl lir I I Chrijf-
tians fhould he reprefTed befon perf ;i fcriptiofi : how great
tl ! he the guilt ol own convi&ions, and act
. to (Jieix confcience, from fear oi reproach or perfecutibn, and
ckac cmpioy themfeivr-s in rjiffuading other* from fcrving God !
276 Giant Grim is Jiain by Great-heart.
this way had of late lain much unoccupied, and was almofl
all grown over with grafs.
Then faid Christiana, * Though the highways have
been unoccupied heretofore, and though the travellers have
been made in times paft to walk through by-paths, it mud
not be fo now I am riien, " Now 1 am rifen a mother in
Ifrael."*
Then he fwore by the lions, but it fhould : and therefore
bid them turn afide, for they mould not have paffkge there.
But their Guide made firft his approach unto Grim, and
laid fo heavily on him with his fword, that he forced him
to retreat.
Then faid he that attempted to back the lions, * Will
you flay me upon mine own ground ?*
Gr.-h. It is the King's highway that we are in, and
in this way it is that thou haft placed the lions ; but thefe
women and thefe children, though weak, fhall hold on
, their way in fpite of the lions. — And with that he gave
him again a downright blow, and brought him upon his
knees. With this blow he alfo broke his helmet, and with
the next cut off an arm. Then did the Giant roar fo hide-
oufly, that his voice frighted the women ; and yet they
were glad to fee him lie fprawling upon the ground. Now
the lions were chained, and fo of themfelves could do
nothing. Wherefore, when old Grim, that intended to
back them, was dead, Great-heart faid to the Pilgrims,
' Come now, and follow me, and no hurt mail happen to
you from the lions.' They therefore went on, but the
women trembled as they paffed by them ; the boys alfo
looked as if they would die, but they all got by without
further hurt. (»)
"* Judges v. 6, 7.
(n) It is not very eafy to determine the precile idea of the author, in
«ach of the Giants, who aflault the Pilgrims, and are flain by the Con-
ductor and his afiirtar.ts. Some have fuppofed that UnbtlitJ is here
meant : but Gr im, or Bloody-man, feem not tobe appofite names
for this inward foe; nor can it be conceived that Unbelief fhould more
violently afTault thofe, who are under the care of a valiant Conductor,
than it had done the foluary Pilgrims. I apprehend, therefore, that
this Giant was intended for the emblem of certain active men, who
hufied themfelves in framing and executing perfecuting flatutes ; which
was done at the time when this was written, more violently than it had
been before. Thus the temptation to fear man, which at all, times
-jjfll'aulis the believer, \thea required to make an open profeflien oi his
They mrrive at the Porter's Lodge, '47^
Now, when they were within fight of the Porter's lodge,
they foon came up unto it ; but they made the more haite
after this to go thither, becaufe 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 ?'
But as foon as the Guide had laid, « It is I,' he knew his
voice, and came down ; for the Guide had oft before that
come thither as a Conductor of Pilgrims. When he was
come down, he opened the Gate, and, feeing the Guide Hand-
ing juft before it, (for he law not the women, for they were
behind him,) he faid unto him, * How now, Mr. Great-
heart, what is your buhnefs here folate at night V *I
have brought,' faid he, ' fome Pilgrims hither, where, by
my Lord's commandment, they mult lodge. I had been
here fome time ago, had I not been oppofed by the Giant
that ufed to back the lions. But I, after a long and tedi-
ous combat with him, have cut him off, and have brought
the Pilgrims hither in fafety.'
Por. "Will not you go in, and ftay till morning ?
Gr.-h. No. I will return to my Lord to-night.
Chr. Oh, Sir, I know not how to be willing you mould
leave us in our pilgrimage, you have been fo faithful and
fo loving to us, you have fought fo dourly for us, you have
been fo hearty in counfelling of us, that I lhall never forget
your favour towards us.
Then faid Mercy, ■ O, that we might have thy company
to our journey's end ! How can fuch poor women as we
hold out in a way fo full of troubles as this way is, without
a friend or defender V
faith, was exceedingly increafed : and, as heavy fines and fevere penal-
ties, in acceffkm to reproach and contempt deterred men from joining
themfelves in communion with difl'enting churches, that way was almoft
unoccupied, and the traveller.'; went through by-paths, according £0 ihn
authors fentiments on the fubject. — But the preaching of the go-'peJ,
by which the nainrfters of Ch r i s t wielded the fword of the Spirit,
overcame this enemy : for the example and exhortations of fuch coura-
geous combatants animated even weak believers to overcome their fears,
an 1 to aft according to their confcicnces, leaving the event to God.— -
This feems to hove been the author** meaning; and perhaps he alfo
intended !*• encourage his brethren bold!}' to perfevere in refilling fach
jp?rfecuting (Ututes, confidently expe&ing that they fhould prevail for
the repeal of them ; by which, as by the dea.h of the Giant, the Pil«
giim> might be freed from additional terror, in acling confidently wjli
t4ctr avowed principles.
Z
278 Great-heart returns.
Then faid James, the youngeft of the boys, *Pray, Sir,
be perfuaded to go with us and help us, becaufe we are fo
weak, and the way fo dangerous as it is.1
Gr.-h. I am at my Lord's commandment: if he fhall
allot me to be your Guide quite through, I will willingly
wait upon you. But here you failed at firft ; for when he
bid me come thus far with you, then you fhould have beg-
ged me of him to have gone quite through with you, and
he would have granted your requeft. (<?) However, at pre-
sent I mud withdraw ; and fo, good Christiana, Mercy,
and my brave children, Adieu.
Then the Porter, Mr. Watchful, afked Christiana of
her country, and of her kindred : and fhe faid, * I came
from the city of Destruction ; lam a widow-woman,
and my hufoand is dead, his name was Christian, the
Pilgrim.' « How !' faid the Porter, l was he your huf-
band V * Yes,' faid fhe, 'and thefe his children ; and this,
(pointing to Mercy) is one of my town's-woraen.' Then
the Porter rang his bell, as at fuch time he is wont, and
there came to the door one of the Damfels, whofe name was
Humble-mind. And to her the Porter faid, ' Go tell it
within, that Christiana, the wife of Christian, and her
children, are come hither on pilgrimage.' She went in,
therefore, and told it. But, oh, what noife for gladnefs
was therein, when the damfel did but drop that out of
her mouth !
So they came with hade to the Porter, for Christiana
flood ftill at the door. Then fome of the moft grave faid
unto her, * Come in Christiana, come in, thou wife of
that good man, come in, thou bleffed woman, come in, with
all that are with thee.' So fhe went in, and they followed
her that were her children and her companions. Now when
they were gone in, they were had into a large room, and
bid to fit down : fo they fat down, and the chief of the
houfe were called to fee and welcome the ^uefts. Then
(0) We arc repeatedly reminded, with great propriety, that we ought
to be very particular and pxp'iicir in all our prayers, efpecially in every
thing pertaining to our fpi ritual advantage. The removal of faithful
immflers, or the fear of lofing them, may o^ten remind Cliriilians that
' Jjc re they bave failed :' they have not iafficiently valued and prayed
for them ; or, making fure of their continuance, from apparent proba-
bilities, they have not made that the fubjeer of their peculiar rcqudls,
and therefore are rebuked by the lofs of them =
Tlieyfeaft on- the Pafchal Lamb, and retire to reft* 279
they came in, and, understanding who they were, did falute
each other with a kifs, and faid, * Welcome, ye veii'els of
the grace of God, welcome unto us who are your faithful
friends, (p)
Now, becaufe it was fomewhat late, and becaufe the Pil-
grims were weary with their journey, and alio made faint
with the fight of the fight, and the terrible lions, they defir-
cd as foon as might be, to prepare to go to reft. * Nay,'
faid thole of the family, * refreih yourfelves with a model
of meat :' for they had prepared for them a lamb, with the
accuftomed lauce thereto.* (q) For the Porter had heard
before of their coming, and had told it to them within. So
when they had flipped, and ended their prayer with a pfilm,
they delired they might go to reft. * But let us/ faid
Christiana, * if we may be fo bold <is to chooie, be in that
chamber that was my hufband's, when he was here.' . So
they had them up thither, and they all lay in a room.
When they were at reft, Christiana and Mercy entered
into difcourfe about things that were convenient.
Chr. • Little did I think once, when my hufband went
on pilgrimage, that I mould ever have followed him.
* Exod. xii. 3. John i. 29.
(p) " Ange's rejoice over one (inner that repenteth;" and all, who
truly love the Lord, will gladly welcome fuch, as appear to be true
behevers, into their moil endeared fellowship : yet there are certain
individuals, who, being related ro thofe that have greatly interelled
their hearts, or having long been remembered in their prayers, arc
Welcomed with lingular joy and fatisfacLon, and whofe proielied fait a
animates them in a peculiar manner.
(•/) The pafl'over was a prefiguration of the fufFerings of Christ,
and the behevei's acceptance of him; of his profeued reliance on the
atoning faenhee, prefervation f;om wrath, and the delivciancc fron
bondage ot Sa 1 an, to let out on his heavenly pilgrimage. And the
Lord's (upper i* a commemorative ordinance ot a limilar import;
representing the body of Chr ist broken fc-r cur fins, and his blood
filed for us ; the application of thefe bie flings to our fouls by faith, the
profeiBon of this iahh, and of love to him and his people, influencing
us to devoted felf-denying obedience : and the effects which follow
from thus * feeding on Christ in our hearts by faith with thank j
ing,' in ftrengthenwg us for every conflict and fervice to which we are
called. — w 1 he unleavened bread of fincerity and truth," and "the
bitter herbs" of godly forrow, deep repentar.ee, mortification of fin, and
bearing the Cro's, accompany the fpiritual feaft; and even render it
more relilhing to the true believer, at eodca ii g to bun C;; r is r and
kis- QUvatioiu
■2$* Mercy relates her Dream t\
Mer. And you as little thought of lying in his bed, and'
in his chamber to reft, as you do now. (r)
Chr. And much lefs did I ever think of feeing his face
with comfort, and of" worfhipping the Lord the King witK
kirn ; and yet now I believe I fhall !
Mer. Hark, don't you hear a noife ?
Ckr. Yes, 'tis, as I believe, a noife of mufic for joy
that we are here.
Mer. Wonderful ! Mufic in the houfe, mufic in the
heart, and mufic alfb in heaven, for joy that we are here 1
Thus they talked awhile, and then betook themfelves to
ieep. So in the morning when they were awaked, Chris-
tiana faid .to Mercy, * What was the matter that you
did laugh in your fieep to-night ? I fuppofe you was in a
dream.'
Mer. So I was, and a fweet dream it was ; but are
you fure I laughed ?
Chr. Yes } you laughed heartily ; but pr'ythee, Mer-
€y, tell me thy dream.
Mer. I was a dreaming that I fat all alone in a folita*
yy place, and was bemoaning of the hardnefs of my heart.
Now I had not fat there long, but methought many were
gathered about me to fee me, and to hear what it was that
I faid. So they hearkened, and I went on bemoaning the
hardnefs of my heart. At this, fome of them laughed at
me, fome called me fool, and fome began to thruft me
gbout. With that, methought 1 looked up, and faw one
coming with wings towards me. So he came directly to
me, and faid, ' Mercy, what aileth thee V Now when he
had heard me make my complaint, he faid, ' Peace be to
thee :' He alfo wiped mine eyes with his handkerchief, and
clad me in filver and gold. He put a chain upon my neck,
and ear-rings in mine ears, and a beautiful crown upon my
head.* Then he took me by the hand, and faid, * Mercy,
come after me.' So he went up, and I followed, till we
came at a golden Gate. Then he knocked : and, when
* Ezek. xvi. 8 — 13.
, , , . h
(r) A marginal note here fays, ' Ch R 1 8T*S bcfom is for ail Pilgrims.'
The fweet peace arifing from calm confidence in the Saviou r, the
fonfolations of his Spirit, fubmiflion to his will, and the cheerful
obedience of fervent love, gives reft to the foul, as if we were reciuun^
•a Lis bofom wuh the beloved difciple.t
t Pan i, o. 8».
Chrifhanars Remark on it, 281
they within had opened, the man went in, and I followed
him up to a throne, upon which one fat, and he laid to me,
* Welcome, daughter.' The place looked bright and twink-
ling, like the ftars, or rather like the fun, and I thought
that I law your hufband there. So I awoke from my
dream. But did I laugh ?
Chr. Laugh ! ay, and well you might, to fee yourfelf
fo well. For you muft give me leave to tell you, that it
was a good dream ; and that as you have begun to find
the firft part true, fo you fhall find the fecond at laft. (j)
" God fpeaks once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not ;
in a dream, in a vifion of the night, when deep fleep falleth
upon men, in {lumbering upon the bed."* We need not*
\»hen a-bed, to lie awake to talk with God ; he can vifit
us while we fleep, and caufe us then to hear his voice.
Our heart oft-times wakes when we fleep ; and God can
fpeak to that, either by words, by proverbs, by figns and
fimilitudes, as well as if one was awake.
Mer. Well, I am glad of my dream, for I hope ere
long to fee it fulfilled, to the making me laugh again.
Chr. I think it is now high time to rife, and to know
what we muft do,
Mer. Pray, if they advife us to (lay a while, let us wil-
lingly accept of the proffer. I am the willinger to itay
a while here, to grow better acquainted with thefe maids ;
methinks Prudence, Piety, and Charity have very
comely and fober countenances.
Chr. We fhall fee what they will Jo — So when they
were up and ready, they came down, and they aiked one
another of their reft, and- if it was comfortable, or not.
* Very good,' faid Mercy, « it was one of the beft night's
lodgings that ever I had in my life.'
Then faid Prudence and Piety, if you will be perfuaded
to ftay here a while, you lhall have what the hcufe will
afford.
* Job xxxiii. 14 — 16.
{s) They who feel and lament the hordnefs of their heart;;, and
earneuMy pray that they may be humbled, fofccr.cd, aiwJ filled with fhs
love oi'Ci: R is r, may be aifured that -their forrow fhall be turned into
joy: though tluy mull expect to be ridieuicd by fuch as knov>- not
own hems. — The aflurance,. that the (beam fhould be accom-
plished, is grounded en the elfecls produced upon Me r c v's heart;
and there is no danger of dclufron, when lb fcripturul an encouragemtiK
is inferre d even from a dream.
Z 2
2$Z Prudence catechlfes James,
« Ay, and that with a very good will,' faid Charity.— *•
So they confented, and ftaid there about a month or above,
and became very profitable one to another. And, becaufe
Prudence would fee how Christiana had brought up
her children, (he afked leave of her to catechife them : fo
fhe gave her free confent. Then fhe began with the young-
eft, whofe name was James. And fhe faid, '•Come, James,
canft thou tell me who made thee ?'
Jam. God the Father, God the Son, and God the
Holy Ghost.
Prud. Good boy. And canft thou tell who faved thee I
Jam. God the Father, God the Son, and God the*
Holy Ghost.
Prud. Good boy ftilL But how doth God tire Father
fave thee ?
J^m. By his grace. (/)
Prud. How doth God the Son fave thee ?
Jam. By his righteoufnefs, and blood, and death, and life.
Prud. And how doth. God the Holy Ghost fave thee £
Jam. By his illumination, by his renovation, and by his
prefervation.
Then faid Prudence to Christiana, * You are to be*
commended for thus bringing up your children. I fuppofe
I need not afk the reft thefe queftions, fmce the youngeft
of them can anfwer them fo well. I will therefore now
apply myfelf to the next youngeft.'
Then fhe faid, * Come, Joseph, (for his name was Jo-
seph,) will you let me catechife you ?'
Jos. With all my heart.
Prud. What is man ?
Jos. A reafonable creature^ made fo by God, as my
brother faid.
Prud. What is fuppofed by this word, faved ?
it) Grace, in this connexion, fgnifies unmerited mercy or favour,
i'rom which roll the bleffings of falvation flow. The Father freely
gave his Son to be our Redeemer, and now freely communicates his
Spirit, through the merits and mediation of the Son, to be',our
Sanftifier; and thus, with C:' rist, he freely gives all things to thofe,
who are enabled truly to believe in him- — The important, but muclv
negle&ed, duty of catcchifing children is here very properly inculcated j
without attention to which, the miniftei's labours, both in public preach-
ing .and private inftruftion, will be underftood in a very imperfcft
degree ; and any revival of religion that takes place, will probably dit
witLt&e generation t« whidi it is YQiCufofiaU
jgffr
Jofephy and Samuel, 283
Jos. That man by fin has brought himfelf into a ftate
©f captivity and mifery.
Prud. What is fuppofed by his being faved by the
Trinity ?
Jos. That fin is fo great and mighty a tyrant, that
none can pull us out of its clutches, but God ; and that
God is fo good and loving to man, as to pull him indeed
©ut of this miferable ftate.
Prud. What is God's defign in faving poor man ?
Jos. The glorifying of his name, of his grace, and juf-
lice, &c. and the everlafting happinefs of his creature,
Prudv Who are they that mult be faved ?
Jos. Thole that accept of his falvation. (u)
Prud. Good boy, Joseph ; thy mother hath taught
thee well, and thou haft hearkened to what fhe has faid
unto thee.
Then faid Prudence to Samuel, (who was the eldeft
fon but one,) * Come, Samuel* are you willing that I
ihould catechife you alfo V
Sam. Yes, forfooth, if you pleafe.
Prud. What is heaven ?
Sam. A place and ftate moft blefted, becaufe Go»
dwelleth there.
Prud. What is hell I
Sam. A place and ftate moft woful, becaufe it is the
dwelling-place of iin, the devil, and death.
Prud. Why wouldeft thou go to heaven ?
Sam. That I may fee God, and ferve him without wea-
rinefs ; that I may fee Christ, and love him everlaftingly y
that I may have that fulnefs 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 fhe addreffed herfelf to the eldeft, whole name was
(u) The young pupil is not here taught to zi\[\ntt fyjiematically, 'All
the elect;' but pra&kally, * Thofe that accept of his falvation.' This
is perfectly confident with the other; but it is fuited to inftruct and
encourage the learner, who would he perplexed, Humbled, or milled by
the other view of the f;.«me truih. — Thus our Lor d obferved to his
difciples, " I have many things to lay unto you, but ye cannot bear
them now :" and Paul fed the Corinthians "with milk, and not with
meat; for they were not able to bear it." — How beneficial would a
portion of the fame heavenly wifdom prove to the modern friends of
evangelical truth ! And how abfurd is it to teach the hardcfl lcifoiis t*
♦be youngcft fcholars in the fchool of Ch r i &? 1
2S'4 Prudence catechifes Matthew.
Matthew : and fhe faid to him, * Come, Matthew, mall
I alio catechife you r*
Mat. With a very good will.
Prud. I afk, then, if there was ever any thing that had
a being antecedent to, or before God ?
Mat. No ; for God is eternal ; nor is there any thing,
excepting himfelf, that had a being until the beginning of
the firft day : " For in fix days the Lord made heaven and
earth, the fea, 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 therein but what you
underftand ?
Mat. Yes, a great deal.
Prud. What do you do when you meet with places
therein that you do not underftand ?
Mat. I think God is wifer than I. (?u) I pray alfo
that he will pleafe to let me know all therein, that he knows
will be for my good.
Prud. How believe you as touching the refurrection of
the dead ?
Mat. I believe they mail rife, the fame that was buried ;;
the fame in nature, though not in corruption. And I be-
lieve this upon a double account : — Firft, becaufe God has
promifed it : — Secondly, becaufe he is able to perform it,
Then faid Prudence to the boys, * You mud dill hear-
ken to your mother, for fhe can learn you more. You
mud alfo diligently give ear to what good talk you mail
hear from others : for your fakes do they fpeak good things.
Obferve alfo, and that with carefulnefs, what the heavens
and the earth do teach you ; but efpecially be much in the
meditation of that Book, that was the caufe of your father's
becoming a Pilgrim. I, for my part, my children, will
(to) We ought not to think ourfelves capable of comprehending all
the myiteries of revelation, or informed of all that can be known con-
cerning them : yet we fnould not make our incapacity a reafon for
neglecting thofe parts of Scripture, which we do not at prefent under-
ftand ; but, uniting humble diligence wirh fervent prayer, we fhould
wait for further light and knowledge, in all things conducive to our
good. There may be many parts of Scripture, which would not be
ufeful to us, if we could underftand them; though they have been, are,
or will be ufeful to others; and our inability to oifcover the meaniog
of thefe paffages may teach us humility, and lubmifiion to the dec.iG^ns
of our infallible hrilru&or.
Mercy has a Suitor* 285
•each you what I can while you are here, and fhall be glad
if you will alk me queftions that tend to godly edifying.
Now by that theie Pilgrims had been at this place a
week, Mercy had a vifitor that pretended lbme good-will
Unto her, and his name was Mr. Brisk, a man of fome
breeding, and that pretended to religion ; but a man that
ituck very clofe to the world. So he came once or twice,
©r more, to Mercy, and offered love unto her — Now Mer-
cy was of a fair countenance, and therefore the more al-
luring. Her mind alio was, to be always bufying of her-
felf in doing ; for when ihe had nothing to do for herfelf,
ilie would be making of hole and garments for others, and
would beftow them upon them that had need. And Mr.
Brisk, not knowing where or how ihe difpofed of what ihe
made, feemed to be greatly taken, for that he found her
never idle. * I will warrant her a good houiewife,* quoth
he to himfelf. (x)
Mercy then revealed the bufmefs to the Maidens that
were of the houfe, and inquired of them concerning him,
for they did know him better than me. So they told her,
that he was a very bufy young man, and one that pretend-
ed to religion ; but was, as they feared, a flranger to the
power of that which is good.
• Nay then,' faid Mercy, * I will look no more on him 5
for 1 purpofe never to have a clog to my foul.'
Prudence then replied, that there needed no great mat-
ter of difcouragement to be given to him ; for continuing
fo, as me had begun, to do for the poor, would quickly
«6ol his courage.
So the next time he comes he finds her at her old work,
a making of things for the poor. Then faid he, * What
always at it ? * Yes,' faid ihe, • either for myfelf or for oth*
(*} DeGgning men will often afTume an appearance of religion, in
•rati to inunuate themselves into the affections of fuch pious young
women, as are on fo:ne accounts agreeable to ti.em ; and thus many arc
drawn into a mod dangerous fnare. This incident therefore is very
properly introduced, and is replete with inftruction. At the fame time
an important mumation is given, concerning the manner, in which
thole, who are not taken up with the care of a family, may profitably
•mploy then time, adorn the gofpel, and be ufeful in the church and
the community. Ii i* much belter to imitate Dor CAS, who " througk
faith obtained a good report** in making garments for the poor] than
to wafle time and money in frivolous amulements, or needlefs decora.
ftoni ', or even in tiie more elegant and falhionable accompliIkm«nK.
286 Mercys Suitor forfakes hsr.
ers.' ■ And what canft thou earn a day ?' quoth he. * I
do thefe things,' {aid (he, " tliat I may be lich in good
works, laying a good foundation againft the time to come,
that I may lay hold of eternal life."* * Way pr'ythee,
what doit thou do with them ?' faid he. * Clothe the na-
ked/ faid lhe. With that his countenance fell. So he
forebore to come at her again. And when he was afked
the reaibn why, he faid, that ' MiRCY was a pretty lafs,
but troubled with ill conditions.'
When he had left her, Prudence faid, < Did I not tell
thee, that Mr. Brisk would foon forfake thee ? yea, he will
raife up an ill report of thee : for, notwithstanding his pre-
tence to religion, and his feeming love to Mercy, yet mercy
and he are of tempers fo different, that 1 believe they will
never come together, (y)
Mer. I might have had hufbands before now, though
I fpoke not of it to any ; but they were fuch as did not like
my conditions, though never did any of them find fault
with my perfon. So they and I could not agree.
Prud. Mercy in our days is little fet by, any further
than as to its name : the practice, which is fet forth by the
conditions, there are but few that can abide,
* 1 Tim. vi. \j — 19.
(y) Young people ought not wholly to follow their own judgments
in this moll important concern, on w ich the comfort and uiefulne_fs of
their whole future lives iu a gieat raeafure clepci^l : and yet it is equally
dangerous to advife with improper couuieli ors.-*-'! he names of the
maidens of the houfe, (hew what kind of perfons mould be confulted :
and, when fuch friends are of opinion thva there is danger of a dog,
infteadof a hdber, in the way to heaven, all who love their own fouls,
will fpeedily determine to rejeel the propofal, however agreeable in all
other refpe&s. The apoftolical rule, 4> Only in the Lord," is abfo-
lute : the moil upright and cautious may indeed be deceived ; but-
they, who negltft to aik, or refufe to take, counfel, will be fure to
fmart for their folly, if they be indeed the children of God. An
unbelieving partner mud be a continual fource of anxiety and uneafi-
nefs; a thorn in the fide; and an hindrance to all family religion, and
the pious education of children, who generally adhere to the maxims
and practices of the ungodly party. Nothing tends more, than fuch
marriages, to induce a declining Hate of religion ; or indeed more plainly
fhews that it is already in a very unprofperous Hate. Pmt, when Chni-
tians plainly avow their principles, purpofes, and rules of conduct, they
may commonly detect and fhake off fuch felfifh pretenders : vvhiie the
attempts made to injure their characters, will do them no material detri-
ment, and will render them the more thankful fox having efc-jped the
friare.
Matthew is fick. 287
Well, faid Mercy, if nobody will have me, I will die a
maid, or my conditions fhall be to me as a hufband ; for I
cannot change my nature : and to have one that lies crofs to
me in this, that I purpofe never to admit of as long as I live.
I had a fitter, named Bountiful, married to one of thefe
churls : but he and fhe could never agree ; but, becaufe
my lilter was refolved to do as fhe had begun, that is, to
Jhew kindnefs to the poor, therefore her hufband firft cried
her down at the crofs, and then turned her out of his doors.
Prud. And yet he was a profeflbr, I warrant you.
Mer. Yes, fucft a one as he was, and of fuch as the
world is now full : but I am for none of them all.
Now Matthew, the eldell fon of Christiana, fell fick,
and his ficknefs was fore upon him, for he was much pain-
ed in his bowels, fo that he was with it, at times, pulled, as
it were, both ends together. There dwelt alfo not far from
thence, one Mr. Skill, an ancient and well-approved phy-
fician. So Christiana deiired it, and they fent for him,
and he came ; when he was entered the room, and had a
little obferved the boy, he concluded that he was fick of the
gripes. Then he faid to his mother, * What diet hath Mat-
thew of late fed upon V ' Diet/ faid Christiana, * Noth-
ing but what is wholefome.' The phyfician anfwered,
* This boy has been tampering with fomething that lies in
his maw undigefted, and that will not away without means.
And I tell you he muit be purged, or elfe he will die/
Then faid Samuel, * Mother, what was tlvU which my
brother did gather and eat, ib foon as we were come from
the Gate that is at the head of this way ? You know that
there was an Orchard on the left hand, on the other fide of
the wall, and fome of the trees hung over the wall, and
my brother did pluck and did eat.'
< Tiue, my child,' faid Christiana, * he did take there-
of, and did eat ; naughty boy as he was ; I chid him, and
yet he would eat thereof.
Skill. I knew he had eaten fomething that was not
wholefome food ; and that food, to wit, that fruit, is even
the mod hurtful of all. It is the fruit of Beelzebub's
Orchard. I do marvel that none did warn you of it j many
have died thereof.
288 The Phyftciatis Prefcription,
Then Christiana began to cry; and fhe faid, c9
naughty boy 1 and O carelefs mother J what lhall I do for
my ion?' (z)
Skill. Come, do not be too dejected ; the boy may d«
"Well again, but he muft purge and vomit.
Chr. Pray, Sir, try the utmoft of your fkill with him,
whatever it coils.
Skill. Nay, I hope I fhall be reafonable. — So he made
feim a purge but it was too weak ; it was faid, it was made
©f the blood of a goat, the afhes of a heifer, and with fome
of the juice of hyftop, &c* When Mr. Skill had feen that
that purge was too weak, he made him one to the purpofe ;
it was made Ex Carrie et Sanguine Chrijii :f (you know phy-
ficians give ftrange medicines to their patients :) and it was
made up into pills, with a promife or two, and a propor-
tionable quantity of fait. % New he was to take them three
at a time, fading, in half a quarter of a pint of the tears of
repentance. § When this portion was prepared, and brought
to the boy, he was loth to take it, though tern with the
gripes, as if he fhould be pulled in pieces. * Come, come,'
faid the phyfician, * you mult take it.' * It goes againft my
ftomach/ faid the boy. * I muft have you take it,' iaid
his mother. 4 1 lhall vomit it up again/ faid the boy.
* Pray, Sir,' faid Christiana to Mr Skill, 'how does it
tafle ?' « It has no ill tafte,' faid the Doctor ; and with that
ilie touched one of the pills with the tip of her tongue. ■ Oh,
Matthew,' faid (he, 'this portion is fweeter than honey.
* Heb. ix. 13, 19. x. 1 — 4. I John vi 54— 57. Heb. ix. 14.
+ Mark. ix. 49. ^ Zcch. xii. 10.
(z) Sin, heedlefsly or wilfully committed, after the Lo r d has fpoken
peace to our fouls, often produces great diftrefs long afterwards ; and
Sometimes darknefs and difcouragement opprefs the mind, when tl*e
fpecial eaufe of them is not immediately recollected : for we have
grieved the Holy Sp 1 ft it and he withholds his confolations. In this
cafe we fhould adopt the prayer of Job, " Do not condemn me ; (hew
me wherefore thou contended with me :" and this inquiry will < ften
be anfwered by the difcourfe of fkilful minifhrs. and the faithful admo-
nitions of our fellow Chriftians. — When hopeful profefTors are greatly
call down, it is not wife to adminifler cordials to them immediately :
but to propofe fuch queftions, as may lead to a difcovery oi the con-
cealed caule of their diftrefs. Thus it will often be found, that they
have been tampering with forbidden fruit ; which difcovery may tend
to their humiliation, and produce a fimilar effect on thofe who have
neglefted their duty, bjf Offering other* to fia without warning or
reproof.
He reluct ant ly take! the Medicine, 1%\
If thou loveft thy mother, if thou loveft: thy brothers, if the- i
loveit Mercy, if thou loved thy life, take it.' So with
much ado, after a fhort prayer for the bleiTmg of God upon
it, he took it, and it wrought kindly with him. It caufe I
him to purge, to fleep, and to reft quietly ; it put him into
a fine heat and breathing fweat, and rid him of his gripes. (a)
So in a little time he got up, and walked about with a
itaff, and would go* from room to room, and talk with Pru-
dence, Piety, and Charity, of his diftemper, and how he
was healed.
So when the boy was healed, Christiana afked Mr.
Skill, faying, * Sir, what will content you for your pains
and care to me, and of my child ?' And he faid, ■ You mud
pay the Matter of the College of phyficians, according to
rules made in that cafe and provided.'*
But, Sir, faid (lie, what is this pill good for elfe ?
Skill. It is an univerfal pill ; it is good againft all dif-
«afes 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 thefe, I will never take other phyfic.
Skill. Thefe pills are good to prevent diieaies, as well
as to cure when one is fick. Yea, I dare fay it, and ftand
to it, that if a man will but ufe this phyfic as he mould,
it will make him live forever, f But, good Christiana,
thou mult give thefe pills no other way, but as I have pre-
ach, xiii. 11 — 15. t John vi. 58.
(a) To ruppovt the allegory, the author gives the Phyrkian's pre-
fcriprion in Latin . but h;j adrl.s in the margin, with admirable modefty,
Latin I borrow. — "With >ut the {bedding of blood, there is no
lemiflion of fins," or true peace of confeience; "the blood of bulls
and * take away fin :" nothing therefore, can bring health
and cure, m rbis cafe, but .he 'body and blood of Ch r : sr,' m> broken
and ilii'd For fins. Theie hiefnags are made ours by fa:ih exercifed
0 1 • he promiu s of Goo ; the ftmcti lying grace of the Ho LY Sp i r i t,
which leafons cur words ind actions is with fait, always connects with
Kving faith ; and god y fortow, working genuine repentance, is n ow-
ed every tunc we look, to the Saviour, whom we nave pierced by our
r.cent offences, and of whom we ;*gain feek forgivenels. 1 he natural
ftoutnefs, and unbelief of our hearts, render us very reiuclanc v>
th . humili iting method of recovering peace and fpiritual (Ircrgth ;
ongs our dillre'.s : yet nothing yields more unalloyed
>rt, than thus abaiing ourfelves before Goo, and rely ing on. oil
tucrcjf duougli the atonement and mediation of his beloved 00a.
A A
2^0 Matthew's Queftions to Prudence,
fcribed : for if you do, they will do no good.(£) — So he
gave unto Christiana phyfic for herfelf, and her boys,
and for Mercy ; and bid Matthew take heed how he ate
any more green plums ; and kiifed him, and went his way.
It was told you before, that Prudence bid the boys,
that if at any time they would, they mould afk her fome
questions that might be profitable, and fhe would fay fome-
thing to therm
Then Matthew, who had been fick, afced her, Why,
for the moft part, phyfic mould be bitter to our palates.
Prud. To. (hew how unwelcome the word of Goo, and
the effects thereof, are to a carnal heart.
Mat. Why does phyfic, if it does good, purge, and
caufe to vomit ?
Prud. To fhew, that the wrord, when it works effect-
ually, cleanfeth the heart and mind. For, look, what the
cne doeth to the body, the other doeth to the' foul.
Mat. What mould we learn by feeing the flame of our
fire go upwards ? and by feeing the beams and fweet influ-
ences of the fun ftrike downwards ?
Prud. By the going up of the fire we are taught to af-
cend to heaven, by fervent and hot defires. And by the
fan his fending his heat, beams, and fweet influences down-
wards, 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 fea.
Mat. What may we learn from that ?
Prud. That minifiers mould fetch their doctrine from God.
Mat. Why do they empty themfelves upon the earth ?
Prud. To fhew that minifters mould give out what
they know of God to the world.
Mat. Why is the rainbow caufed by the fun ?
Prud. To fhew, that the covenant of God's grace is
confirmed to us in Christ.
Mat. Why do the fprings ccme from the fea to us
through the earth X
(b) This hint fhould be carefully noted. Numbers abufe the doc-
trine of free falvation, by the merit and redemption of C\ rist, and
pre fume on forgivenefs, when they are deftitate of genuine repentance^
and give no evidence of falsification. But this mofl efficacious medi-
cine in that cafe v.i'l 'do no good;' or rather the pervcrfe abufe of it
will incrcafe their guik, and lend to harden their hearts in fin.
And her Anfivers. 29 L
Prud. To mew, that the grace of* God comes to us
through the body of Christ.
Mat. Why do fome of the fprings rife out of the top of
high hills ?
Prud. To fhew, that the Spirit of grace (hall fpring
up in fome that are great and mighty, as well as in many
th.it are poor and low.
Mat. Why doth the fire fatten upon the^ candle-wick ?
Prud. To mew, that, ifnlefs 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, fpent, to
maintain the light of the candle ?
Prud. To mew, that body and foul, and all, mould be
at the fervice of, and ipend themielvcs to maintain in geed
condition, that grace of God that is in us.
Mat. Why doth the pelican pierce her own breafl with
her bill I
Prud. To nourifh her young ones with her blood, and
thereby to fhew that Christ the"blefied fo loveth his young,
his people, as to fave them from death by his blood.
Mat. What may one learn by hearing of the cock crow ?
Prud. Learn to remember Peter's fin and Peter's
repentance. The cock's crowing mews alio, that day is
coming on ; let then the crowing of the cock put thee in
mind of that laft and terrible day of judgment.
Now about this time their month was out ; wherefore
they fignified to thole of the houfe, that it was convenient
for them to up and be going. Then faid Joseph to his
mother, « It is convenient that you forget not to fend to the
houfe of Mr. Interpreter, to pray him to grant that Mr.
Great-heart mould be lent unto us, that he may be our
Conductor, the reft of our way.' * Good boy,' faid me, ■ I
had almoft forgot.' So (lie drew up a petition, and prayed
Mr. Watchful the Porter, to fend it by fome fit man, to
her good friend Mr. Interpreter ; who, when it was come,
and he had leen the contents of the petition, faid to the
mellcnqer, < Go tell them that I will fend him.* U)
(c) This may he applied to the of of perfons who are una\
I from rh )fe places, where they frrfi made an op<
of he faith. The vigilant paftor, who cm no longer \c. h for their
;i! earheftly recommend th< m to the c ire of fome oth< r n
a, id join with them in prayer, rflai the farha faithful
may be rendered them by other fervanta of their common Lord.
292 Eve's Apple. Jacob's Ladder.
When the family, where Christiana was, law that they
had a purpofe to go forward, they called the whole houfe
together, to give thanks to their King, for fending of them
fuch profitable guefts as thefe. Which done, they faid unto
Christiana, •' And (hall we not (hew thee fomething, ac-
cording as our cuflerm is to do to Pilgrims, on which thou
mayeft meditate when thou art on the way V So they took
Christiana, her children, and Mfrcy into the clofet, and
shewed them one of the apples that Eve ate of, and that
:he alfo did give to her hufband, and that for the eating of
which they were both turned out of Paradife ; and aiked
her, « What Ihe thought that was ?' Then Christiana
i"t:id, ' It is food or poifon, I know not which/ So they
opened die matter to her, and Ihe held up her hands and
wondered.* (V)
Then they had her to a place, and mewed her Jacob's
ladder. Now at that time there were fome Angels afcend-
ing upon it. So Christiana looked and looked to fee the
Angels go up ; fo did the red of the company, f Then
they were going into another place, to fhew them fome-
thing elfe : but James faid to his mother, * Pray bid them
(lay a little longer, for this is a curious fight.' So they
turned again, and flood feeding their eyes on this fo pleaf-
ant a profpect. (e) — After this, they had them into a place,
* Gen. lii. 1 — 6. Rom. vii. 24. t Gen. xxviii. 12.
(d) The nature of the firft tra^'greRion ; the ambiguous ir.finuations
by which the tempter fedu-ed Eve, and by her, Adam ; the motives
from which they ate the forbidden fruit ; and the dreadful difappoint-
ment that followed; with all the aggravations and confequences of that
moll prolific offence, which contained in it, as in miniature and em-
bryo, all future fins, <;re very inftru&ive and affecting to the pious
mind. For the enemy (till proceeds againft us, according to the fame
genera] plan; fuggelling hard thoughts of Gob, doubts abou % the
reftriftions and threatcnings of his word, proud defires of independence.
or iifelefi knowledge, hankerings after forbidden indulgence, and hopes
of enjoying the pleafures of fin, without feeling the punifhment de-
nounced againft tranfgreffors.
(e) Christ, in his perfon and offices, is the medium of communi-
cation between heaven and earth, between God and man: by him
finners come to God with acceptance, and God dwells with them
and is glorified; through him they pre Cent their worlhip and fervices,
and receive fupplies of all heavenly bleffiogsj and for his fake angels
delight in " miniftering to the heirs of falvaiion," as inftruments oi h;s
providential care over them and all thcii c mcerns.— This was repre';.
lented or typified by Jacob's ladder.
Abraham offering Up Ifaac* 2 pi,
where there did hanj up a golden Anchor, to they bid Chris-
tiana take it down ; for, faid they, you fhall have it witlj
you, for it is of abfolute necedity that you fhould, that you
m^y lay hold of that within the veil, and ifand ft e draft in
cafe you fhould meet with turbulent weather : {q they were
glad thereof.* (/) Then they took them, and had them
to the mount upon which Aeraham our father had offered
up Isaac his fon, and fhewed them the altar, the wood, the
fire, and the knife ; for they remain to be feen to this very
day. When they had feen it, they held up their hands, and
bleifed themfelves, and faid, 'Oh what a man for love to
his Matter, and for denial to himfelf, was Abraham !'
After they had fhewed them all thefe things, Prudence
took them into a dining-room, where Hood a pair of excel-
lent virginals ; fo ihe played upon them, and turned what
ihe had fhewed them into this excellent fbng, faj iag,
' Evf.Vi apple we have Hi; wed you ;
Of rhat be you aware ;
You have feen Jacob's ladder too,
Upon which Angels arc ;
An Anchor you received have ;
But let not this fuffiee
Until with Abraham you have gave
Your bell of facrifice.'
Now about this time one knocked at the door : fo.the
Porter opened, and, behold, Mr. Great-heart v.- as there !
But when he was come in, what joy was there ! for it came
now frefh again into their minds, how but a while ago he
had flain old Grim Bloody-man the Giant, and had deliv-
ered them from the Lions.
Then faid Mr. Great-heart to Christiana, and to
Mercy, ■ My Loud hath fent each of you a bottle of wine,
and alfo fome parched corn, together with a couple of
pomegranates ; lie alfo fent the boys fome figs and raiiins j
to refreih you in your way.'
* Joel in. lo". Heh vi. 19.
{/) The hope of glory, or of the fulfilment of all God's pfomlfef,
to our fouls, is the golden Anchor, by which we mud be kept ftedfait
in the faith, and encouraged to abide in our prop-r ftattpn, amidft the
ftorms of temptation, affliction, and perfecution. This it. will. certainly
effect ; provided it be genuine and living, grounded on the word of
Gop, Ipimging from faith in his Sox, warranted by the experience
of his grace, and accompanied by prevailing defiies of a ho y '-• dicky,
in the pre fence, favour, and femce of the Lord.
A
294 T&e Pilgrim; depart.
Then they addrefTed themfelves to their journey ; and
Prudence and Piety went along with them. When they
came at the Gate, Christiana aiked the Porter, if any of
late went by. He laid, ■ No, only one, fome time fince,
who alfo told me, that of late* there had been a great rob-
bery committed on the King's highway, as you go : but,
faid he, the thieves are taken, and will ihortly be tried for
their lives.' Then Christiana and Mercy were afraid ;.
but Matthew faid, Mother, fear nothing, as long as Mr.
Great-heart is to go with us, and to be our Conductor,
Then faid Christiana to the Porter, « Sir, I am much
obliged to you for all the kindnefies that you have {hewed
to me fince I came hither ; and alfo that you have been fa
loving and kind to my children ; I know not how to grat-
ify your kindnefs : wherefore, pray, as a token of my re-
fpects to you, accept of this fmall mite/ So {he put a gold
angel in his hand ; and he made her a low obeiiance, and
faid, " Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head
want no ointment." * Let Mercy live and not die, and let
not her works be few.' And to the boys he faid, ' Do you
flee youthful lufts, and follow after godlinefs with them
that are grave and wife ; fo (hall you put gladnefs into
your mother's heart, and obtain praife of all that are fober-
minded.' — So they thanked the Porter, and departed.
Now I faw in my dream, that they went foiward. until
they were come to the brow of the hill, where Piety, be-
thinking herfelf, cried out, « Alas ! I have forgot what I
intended to beftow upon Christiana and her companions y
I will go back and fetch it.' So fne ran and fetched it.
When lhe was gone, Christiana thought the heard in a
grove, a little way off on the right hand, a mod curious
melodious note, with words much like thefe i
'Through all my life thy favour is
So frankly fhew'd to me,
That in thy houfe forevermore
My dwelling place {hall be.'
And liflening ftill lhe thought lhe heard another anfwe^
it, faying,
'For wl,y ? The Lord our God is good,
His mercy is forever fure :
His truth at all times firmly flood,
And fhall from age to age endure.'
So Christiana afked Prudence what it was that made*
thofe curious notes. They are., faid lhe, our country-birds :
The Valley of Humiliation, 295
they fing thefe notes but feldom, except it be at the fpring
when the flowers appear, and the fun mines warm, and
then you may hear them all the day long. I often, faid
ihe, go \\t hear them ; we alio oft-times keep them tame in
our houfc. They are very fine company for us when we
are melancholy \ alfo they make the woods and groves,
and folitary places, places delirous to be in.*
By this time Piety was come again ; fo me faid to
Christiana, Look here, I have brought thee a fcheme of
ail thole things that thou haft feen at our houfe, upon which
thou mayeft look when thou fmdeft thyfelf forgetful, and
call thofe 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 fteep hill, and the way was flip-
per y ; but they were very careful ; fo they got down pretty
well. When they were down in the Valley, Piety faid to
Christiana, this is the place where your hufband met with
the foul fiend A^ollyon, 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
here Mr. Great-heart to be your Guide and Conductor,
we hope you will fare the better. — So when thefe too had
committed the Pilgrims unto the conduct of their Guide,
he went forward, and they went after.
Then faid Mr. Great-heart, We need not be fo afraid
of this Valley, for here is nothingto hurt us, unlefs we pro-
cure it ourfelves. it is true, Christian did here meet with
Apollyon, with whom he had alfo a fore combat ; but
that fray was the fruit of thofe flips that he got in his go-
ing down the hill : for they that get flips there, muft look
for combats here.f ' And hence it is that this Valley has
got fo hard a name. For the common people, when they
hear that fome frightful thing has befallen fuch an one, in
fuch a place, are of opinion that that place is haunted with
fome foul fiend, or evil fpirit ; when, alas ! it is for the
fruit of their doing, that fuch things do befal them, there.
This Valley of Humiliation is of itfelf as fruitful a
place as any the crow flies over ; and I am perfuaded, if
we could hit upon it, we might find fomewhere hereabout
fomething that might give us an account, why Christian
"was fo hardly befet in this place.
* Sol. Song ii, 11, 12. t Parti, p. 8,3—89*
2o5 Slips the Occafion of Conflifls*
Then James f;iid to his mother, * Lo, yonder (lands a
pillar, and it looks as if fomething was written thereon j
let us go and fee what it is.' So they went, and found there
written, * Let Christian's flips, before he came hither,
and the burden that he met with in this place, be a warn-
ing to thole that come after.' * Lo,' faid their Guide, * did
I not tell you that there was fomething hereabouts that
would give intimation of the reafon why Christian was fo
hard befet in this place V Then, turning to Christiana,
he faid, ' No difparagement to Christian, more than to
many others whole hap and lot it was. For it is eafief
going up than down this Hill, and that can be faid but of
few hills in all thefe parts of the world. But we will leave
the good man, he is at reft, he alfo had a brave victory
over his enemy : let Him grant that dwelleth above, that
we fare no worfe, when we come to be tried, than he V (g)
But we will come again to this Valley of Humiliation.
It is the belt and moft fruitful piece of ground in all thefe
parts. It is a fit ground ; and, as you fee, confifteth much
in meadows ; and if a man was to come here in the fum-
jner-time, as we do now, if he knew not any thing before
(g) As the author here evidently alluded to fome particulars in hi?
own experience, a more explicit account of thefe flips would have been
very intereihng and mftructive ; but as it is, we can only conjecture
his meaning. — He probably referred to fame erroneous conciufions
which he had formed, concerning the meaiure of the Lo r o's dealings- '
with his people, and the nature of their lituation b this world. -^Having
obtained peace and comfort, and enjoyed fwect fatisfaftion in com-
munion with his- brethren, be expected the continuance of this happy
frame, and confidered it as the evidence of his acceptance : fo that
afflictions and humiliating difecveries of the evils of his heart, by inter--
rupting his comforts, induced him to conclude that his pafi experience
was a delufion, and that God was become his enemy ; and this un-
fcriptural way of judging concerning his flue feems to have made way
for the dark temptations that followed.— -Were it not for'fueh mi flakes,
humiliating difpenfatioas and experiences would not have any neceffary
connexion with terror ; and they would give lefs occafion to tempta-
tions, than profperity and comfort do : while a lowly condition is
exempted from the numberlefs fnares, incumbrances, and anxieties of
a more exalted nation ; and humility is the parent of patient.*, meek-
nefs, contentment, thankfulnefs, and every holy difpofftion that can-
enrich and adorn the foul. A far greater proportion of believerr are
found in inferior circumftances, than among the wealthy ; and they
who are kept low commonly thrive the belt, and are m;,fl fimple and'
diligent. Without poverty of fpirit, we cannot pofTefs "the unfearch-
able riches of Cn r i st :" and more promifes are made to the humble,-
than to any other character whatfocver.
The Shepherd's Boy> mean but cheerful, 297
thereof, and if be alfo delighted himfelf in the light of his
eyes, he might lee that which would be delightful to him.
Behold, how green this Valley is ; alio how beautiful with
lilies.* I have alfo known many labouring men that have
got good eftaces in this Valley of Humiliation ; (for
44 God reiiileLh the proud,but giveth more grace to the hum-
ble ;") for indeed it is a ve^y fruitful foil, and doth bring
forth by handfuls. Some alfo have wilhed, that the next
Way to their Father's houfe 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 they were going along, and talking, they eipied
a boy feeding his father's fheep. The boy was in very
mean clothes, but of a frefh and well-favoured counte-
nance ; and as he fat by himfelf he fung. « Hark,' faid Mr.
Great-heart, * to what the fhepheid's boy faith :' fo they
hearkened, and he faid —
4 He that is down, needs fear no fall ;
He that is low, no pride :
He that is humble ever (hall
Have God to be his Guide.
I am content with what I have,
Little be it or much :
And, Lo r d, contentment uill I crave,
Becaufe thou faveft fuch.
Fulnefs to fuch a burden is
That go on pilgrimage :
Here little, and hereafter blifs,
Is belt from age to age.'t
Then faid the Guide, 4Do you hear him ? I will dare
to fay, this"ooy lives a merrier life, and wears more of the
herb called hearfs-eafe in his bofom, than he that is clad in
{ilk and velvet. But we will proceed in our diicourfe. (i)
* Sol. Song ii. 1. James iv. 6. 1 Pet. v. 5. T Heb. xiii. 5.
(h) The confolations of humble believers, even in their loweit abafe-
mciit, when favoured by the exhilarating and fertilizing beams of the
Stj v of Righteoufnefs, are reprefented under this emblem. The lilies
are the harmlefs and holy diloples of Chri st, who adorn a poor and
obfeute cond;tion of life ; and who are an ornament to religion, being
'• clothed with humility.'' Many grow rich in faith and good works
in re (ire litem and obfeuriry ; an.l become averfe, even at the call of
duty, to emerge \10\w it, led any advancement lhould lead them into
temptation, fhr up their pride, or evpofe them, to envy and contention.
(.') Perhips the Shepherds boy may.refer to the obfeure but quiet
1 > of fom'e vr fmall congregations, who live almol! un-
1 to then bicthren, but i»re in a incifure ufefui, and very com*
for table.
298 Advantages of a lowly Condition,
In this Valley our Loud formerly had his country-houfe,
he loved much to be here : he loved alfo to walk in thefe
meadows, and he found the air was pleafant. Befides, here
a man fhajtl be free from the noife, and from the hurryings
of this life : all ftates are full of noife and confufion, only
the Valley of Humiliation is that empty and folitary place.
Here a man (hall not be let and hindered in his contempla-
tion, as in other places he is apt to be. This is a Valley
that nobody walks in, but thofe that love a Pilgrim's life.
And though Christian had the hard hap to meet with
Apollyon, and to enter with him in a brifk encounter :
yet I mud 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.*
Did I fay our Lord had" here in former days his coun-
try-houfe, and that he loved here to walk ? I will add, in
this place, and to the people that live and trace thefe
grounds, he has left a yearly revenue, to be faithfully paid
them at certain feafons for their maintenance by the way,
and for their further encouragement to go on their pilgrim-
age, (k)
Now, as they went on, Samuel faid to Mr. Great-
heart, « Sir, I perceive that in this Valley my father and
A pol lyon had their battle ; but whereabout was the fight ?
for I perceive this Valley is large.'
Gr.-h. Your father had the battle with Apollyon, at
a place yonder before us, in a narrow paffige, juft beyond
Forgetful Green. And indeed that place is the mod
dangerous place in all thefe parts : for if at any time Pil-
* Ilof. xii. 4, 5.
____
(k) Our Lord chofe retirement, poverty, and an obfcure fta:on,
as the red and delight of his cwn mind; as remote r:om buttle and
contention, and favourable to contemplation and devotion : fo that his
appearance in a public character, and in crowded fcenes, for the good
of mankind and the glory of the Father, was a part of his fcli-
denial, in which "he pleated not himfelf."— Indeed there is a peculiar
congeniality between a lowly mind, and a lowly condition : and as
much violence! ; done to the inclinations of the humble, when they
are rendered conlpicuous and advanced to high Rations, as to thofe ol
the haughty, when they are thruft down into obfeurity ancl negleft.
Other men feem to b* banijked into this Wiley ; but the poor in fpnit
love to walk in it: and, though fomo believers here ftrugglc with
diftreffing temptations, others in pading through it enjoy much com-
munion with Go 9.
Mercy is well in the Vail y. 299
grims meet with any brunt, it is when they forget what fa-
vours they have received, and how unworthy they are of
them. (/) This is the place alfo, where others have been
hard put to it. — But more of the place when we are come
to it ; for I perfuade myfelf, that to this day there remains
either fome lign of the battle, or fome monument to teftify
that fuch a b ittle there was fought.
Then faid Mercy, I think I am as well in this Valley as
I have been any where elfe in all our journey : the place,
methinks, fuits with my fpirit. I love to be in fuch places
where there is no rattling with coaches, nor rumbling with
wheels: methinks, here one may, without much moleita-
tion, be thinking what he is, whence he came, what he has
done, and to what the King has called him : here one may-
think, and break at heart, and melt in one's fpirit, until
©ne's eyes become "as the fifhpools of Heshbon." They
that go rightly through this "Valley of Baca, make it a
well ; the rain," that God fends down from heaven upon
them that are here, " alfo filleth the pools." This Valley is
that from whence alfo the King will give to them their
vineyards j* and they that go through it lliall fmg as
Christian did, for all he met with Apollyon.
* It is true,' faid their Guide, « I have gone through tin's
Valley many a time, and never was better than when here,
I have alfo been a Conductor to feveral Pilgrims, and they
have confeffed the fame. " To this man will I look,"
(faith the King,) "even to him that is poor, and of a con-
trite fpirit, and that trembleth at my word,"
Now they were come to the place where the aforemen-
tioned battle was fought. Then faid the Guide to Chris-
tiana, her childien, and Mfrcy, ' This is the place : on
this ground Christian Mood, and up there came Apoll-
yon againft him : and, look, did not I tell you, here is fome
flf your hufband's blood upon thefe (tones to this day. Be-
* Sol. Song. vii. 4. Pfa. lxxxiv. 5—7. Hof. ii. 15.
(/) When conro'arions and privileges betray us into forg ctfulvefs of
our entire urwotthinefs of fuch fpecial favours, humiliating dilper.fa-
tions commonly enfue ; and thefe fometimes reciprocally excite mur-
murs and forgetfubrfs of part mercies. Thus Satan gains an oppor-
tunity of affauliin^i the ("oul with dreadful temptations : and, while at
One moment hard thoughts of Goo, cr doubts cone* n ing the truth of
his word, ate fuggefted to our minds ; at the next we may be affrighted
by our own dreadful rebellion and ingratitude, prompt*^ to condemn
Ivei as hypocrites, and almoil driven to defpair.
300 Memorials of Chritliarts ConfilEi.
hold, alfo, how here and there are yet to be feen upon the
place ibme of the ihivers of Apollyon's broken darts.
See alfo, how they did beat the ground with their feet as
they fought, to make good their places againft each other ;
how alio, with their by-blows, they did fplit the very (tones
in pieces : verily Christian did here play the man, and
fhewed himfelf, as flout as Hercules could, had he been
there, even he himfelf. When Apollyon was beat, he made
his retreat to the next Valley, that is called the Valley of
the Shadow of Death, unto which we mall come anon.
Lo, yonder alfo ftands a monument, on which is engraven
this battle, and Christian's victory, to his fame through-
out all ages.' (m)
So becaufe it flood jnft on the way-fide before them, they
ftepped to it, and read the writing, which word for word
was this —
'Hard by here was a battle fought,
Mod itrange, and yet mod true :
Ch r i s t i a n and Apollyon fought
Each other to fu';due.
The man lb bravely play'd the man,
• He made the fiend to fly :
Or whsci a m nmen't 1 iiand,
The fame to tedify-''
When they had pafled by this place, they came upon the
borders of the Shadow of Death, and this Valley was
longer than the other ; a place alfo moll ttrangely haunted
with evil things, as many are able to teflify : but theie
women and children went the better through it, becaufe
they had day-light, and becaufe Mr. Great-heart was
their Conductor.
When they were entored upon this Valley, they thought
that they heard a groaning, as of dead men ; a very great
{vij We ought carefully to ftudy the records left us of the tempta-
tions, confliGs, faith, patience, and viclorics of former believers: we
fhouid maik well, what wounds they received, and by what milcondnft
they were occaftoned, tint we may w.atch and pray left we fall in like
manner. We ought carefully to obferve, h< \\ they iucceTsfully re-
pelled the various aflauJts of the tempt r, thai we may learn to refill
him, ftedfad in the faith : and in general, their triumphs fhouid ani-
mate u.s, to " put on," and keep on, "the whole armour of Go p, that
we may be enabled to withftand in the evil day." — On the other hand,
fuch as have bee... rendered v'iBorjous mould readily fpeak of their ex-
periences among tliofe that fear Goo, that they may be cautioned,
inilruclcd, and encouraged by their example.
The Pilgrims alarmed ky a Fiend* 301
groaning. They thought alio that they did hear words of
lamentation, fpoken as of fome in extreme torment. Thefe
things made the boys to quake, the women alio looked pale
and wan ; but their Guide bid them be of good comfcit.
So they went on ajittle further, and they thought that
they felt the ground begin to make under them, as if fome
hollow place was there ; they heard alfo a kind of hiflfrig,
as of ferpents, but nothing as yet appeared. Then faid the
boys, ' Are we not yet at the end of this doleful place ?'
But the Guide alfo bid them be of good courage, and look
well to their feet, left haply, faid he, you be taken in fome
in are. («)
Now James began to be fick, but I think the caufe there-
of was fear ; fo his mother gave him fome of that glafs of
fpirits that me had given her at the Interpreter's houfe,
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 Chris-
tiana faid, ' Methinks I fee fomething yonder upon the
road before us ; a thing, of a fhape fuch as I have not feen.'
Then faid Joseph, * Mother, what is if?' * An ugly thing,
child ; an ugly thing,' faid fhe. ' But mother, what is it
like ?' faid he. * 'Tis like, I cannot tell what,' faid Hie.
* And now it is but a little way off.' Then faid fhe, ' It
is nigh.'
4 Well,' faid Mr. Great-heart, 'Let them that are
rno (I, afraid, keep cloie tome.' So the Fiend came on,
(n) The meaning of this Valley has been flated in the notes on the
firit part of the work ; and the interpretation there given is here con-
firmed. As it relates chiefly to the influence, which "the Prir.ce of
t-'ie power of the air*' poflefles over the imagination ; it nmi; van
ceeaingly, according to the conftitution, animal fpirits, health, ei
lion, and ftrengthoF mind or judgment, of different Iperfons. — They,
who are happily incapable of underfl inding either the allegory or the
ex, ouldoeware of defpifing or condemning fuch as. have
been thus handled. And, on the other hand, thefe thould take care
r.ot toconfider fuch temptations as proofs of fpirituai advancement ; or
to yield to them, as if they were client; il to maturity of grace and ex-
perience ; by which means Sat AN often attains dreadful advantages.
— It is moft advifable for tempted perfons to confult feme able, judi-
cious minifler, or cornpaffionate and eftabliQjed ChriOian, whofe coun-
fel and prayers may be Angularly ufeiul in this cafe; oaferving the
affiftance which Great-heart gave to the Pilgrims, in puffing
.^h the Valley.
B a
3 02 A Lion affrights them,
and the Conductor met it ; but when it was jufl come to
him, it vaniihed to all their fights : then remembered they
what had been faid fome time ago ; " Refill the devil, and
he will flee from you."
They went therefore on, as being a little refreflied ; but
they had not gone far, before Mercy, looking behind her,
faw, as fhe thought, fomething almoft 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, fave 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 alfo came on apace, and Mr. Great-
heart addrefied himfelf to give him battle. But when he
faw, that it was determined that refinance mould be made,
he alfo drew back, and came no further.*
Then they went on again, and their Conductor did go
before them, till they came at a place where was caft up a
Pit the whole breadth of the way ; and, before they could
be prepared to go over that, a great mid and a darknefs
fell upon them, fo that they could not fee. Then faid the
Pilgrims, * Alas ! now what (hall we do V But their Guide
made amwer, * Fear not, i ftand ftill, and fee what an end
will be put to this alfo.' So they ftaid there, becaufe their
path was marred. They then alfo thought they did hear
more apparently the noife and ruining of the enemies ; the
fire alio, and fmoke of the pit was much eafier to be dif-
cerned. Then faid Christiana to Mercy, * Now I fee
what my poor hufband went through ; I have heard much
of this place, but 1 never was here before now. Poor man !
he went here all alone, in the night ; he had night almoft
quite through the way : alio thefe fiends were bufy about
him, as if they would have torn him in pieces. Many have
fpoke of it, but none tell what the Valley of the Shadow
of Death fliould mean until they come in themfelves.
"The heart knows its own bitternefs ; a ftranger inter*
meddleth not with its joy." To be here is a fearful thing.'
Gr.-h. This is like doing bufmefs in great waters, or
like going down into the deep ; this is like being in the
heart of the feu, and like going down to the bottom of the
mountains ; now it fecms as if " the earth with its bars,
Were about us for ever." " But let them that walk in
* i Pet. v. 8.
They pray and are delivered, 303
darknefs, and have no light, truft in the name of the Lord,
and ftay upon their God." 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 I now am ; and yet
you fee I am alive. 1 would not boaft, for that I am not
mine own Saviour. But I truft we fhall have a good de-
liverance. Come, pray for light to him that can lighten
our darknefs, and that can rebuke, not only thefe, but all
the Satans in hell.
So they cried and prayed, and God fent light and deliv-
erance ; for there was now no let in their way, no not there,
where but now they were ftopt with a pit. Yet they were
not got through the Valley ; fo they went on (till, and be-
heli great (links and loathfome fmells to the great annoy-
ance of them. Then laid Mercy to Christiana, 'There
is not fuch pleafant being here as at the Gate, or at the
Interpreter's, or at the houfe where we lay lait.' (0)
* O but,' faid one of the boys, « it is not fo bad to go
through here, as it is to abide here always ; and, for aught
I know, one reafon why we mud go this way to the houfe
prepared for us is, that our home might be made the fweeter
to us.*
■ AVell faid, Samuel,' quoth the Guide, « thou haft novr
fpoke like a man.' « Why, if ever I get out here again,'
faid the boy, ■ I think I mall prize light and good way,
better than ever I did in all my life.' (p) Then faid the
Guide, « We fhall be out by and by.'
(c) Wja a -ver attempts Satan may make so terrify the believer,
refomte refinance by faith in Christ will drive him away: but if
f .<r induces men to negleft the means of grnce, he will renew Ins
aifaults on the imagination, whenever they attempt to pmy, read the
fcripture, or attend on any duty ; till for a time, or finally, th y give
up tneir religion. In this cafe therefore, determined perievelrance in
oppohtion to every terrifying fuggeft ion is our only fafety. Yet fome-
times tern] \ be la iltiphed and varied, that it may feem
[Dble to proceed any further j ^nd the mi id of the ha raffed be-
liever i-> enveloped in confufion and difmay, ?s ii an horrible pit wete
about to fwallow him up, or the Prince of darknefs to feize upon him.
B .'. ihi counfel oi lome experienced friend or mit.iuer, exciting confi-
dence in the power, mercy, and faitbfulBefs of G-or>, and encouraging
him to "pray without ceafing," will at length make way for h» de-
liverance.
(/>) Should any one. by hearing the believer fay, "The farrows of
death compafied me, and the pains oi bell gat hold upon me," be
tempted to avoid all religious duties, company, zvA raflechens, left Iw:
-304 Heedlefs Jla'in and cajl into a Ditch.
So on they went, and Joseph faid, < Cannot we fee to the
end of this Valley as yet V Then faid the Guide, * Look to
your feet ; for we fhall prefently be among mares.' So
they looked to their feet, and went on ; but were troubled-
much with the inares. — Now when they were come among
the fnares, they efpied a man caft into the Ditch on the left
hand, with his rlefh all rent and torn. Then faid the
Guide, * That is one Heedless, that was going this way ;
he has lain there a great while. There was one Take-
heed with him when he was taken and flain, but he efcap-
ed their hands. You cannot imagine how many are killed
hereabouts, and yet men are fo fooliihly venturous, as to fet
out lightly on pilgrimage, and to come without a Guide.
Poor Christian, it was a wonder that he here efcaped !
but he was beloved of his God j alfo he had a good heart
cf his own, or elfe he could never have done it.* (q)
Now they drew towards the end of the way ; and jud
there where Christian had feen the Cave when he went
by, out thence came forth Maul, a Giant. This Maul did
pie to fpoil young Pilgrims with fophiitry ; and he called
Great-heart by his name, and faid unto him, * How
.\j times have you been forbidden to do thefe things I*
* Part i. p. 08.
fhould experience fimilar terrors, let him well weigh this obfervation ;
4 It is not fo bad to go through here, as to abide here always.' —
Nothing can be more abfurd, than to neglect religion, left the fear
of hell mould difcompofe a man's mind, when fuch negleft expofes
him to the eternal endurance of it : whereas the fhort tafte of diftrefs,.
which may be experienced by the tempted believer, will make redemp-
tion more precious, and render peace, comfort, and heaven at laft,
doubly de;ightful i
{<]) The difccoiragement cf dark temptations is- not To formidable, in
the judgment of experienced Chriftians, as the inares connected with
. : for, while numbers renounce their profefHon, to gel nd of their
riifquietude ; many are feduced into fome falle doctrine that m iy I mo
lion negligence, ai d qu : their conferences by affenting tocertamno-
tio », without regarding the ib:e of their hearts, or what paifes hi their
expend re ; and other, are led to fp'end all their time in company, or
even to diffipate the gloom l7 engag-ng in worldly amufemerfts, be
caufe retirement • them 10 thefe fuggevhons. In fho.t, the
enemy endeavours to terrify the prpfbfTorj that he may dnve mm away
from Goo, entangle him in hcre'.y, or draw him into fin ; insider to
tis foul, or at teafl rum his credit and prevent his •uletnlnefs.
But < ircumfpe6lionand prayer con liitute our heft prefervative ; through
which, they who take heed to their Heps efcape, while the kctdltfi aiB
taken apd acflrc ycd, tor a warning to thofc tha ... ifterj
Great-Heart hlth Maul3 the Giant. 305'
Then faid Mr. Great-heart, » What things V « What
things V quoth the Giant ; * you know ..hat things : but
I will put an end to your trade.' ■ But pray,' faid Mr.
Great-heart, 'before we fall to it, let us underftand
wherefore we muft light.' (Now the women and children
ftood trembling, and knew not what tc do.) Quoth the
Giant, ' You rob the country, and rob it with, the word of
thieves.* « Thefe are but generals,' faid Mr. £reat-heart,
* come to particulars, man.'
Then faid the Giant, 'Thou pfactifefl the craft of a lid*
napper ; thou gathered up women and childien, and carrieft
them into a ftrange country, to the weakening of my Maf-
ter's kingdom.' — But now Great-hfart replied, ' I am a
fervant of the God of heaven 5 my bufmefs is to perfuade
finners to repentance j I am commanded to do my endeav-
our to turn men, women and children " from darknefs to
light, and from the power of Satan to Gon ;" and if this
be indeed the ground of thy quarrel, let us fall to it as foon
as thou wilt.'
Then the Giant came up, and Mr, Great-hfart went
to meet him : and as he went he drew his fword ; but the
Giant had a club. — So without more ado, they fell t« it,
Uld at the iirft blow the Giant ftruck Mr. Great-heart
down upon one of his knees ; with that the women and the
children cried : fo Mr. Great-heart, recovering himfelf,
laid about him in a full lofty manner, and gave the Giant
a wound in his arm ; that he fought for the fpace of an
hour, to that height of heat, that the breath came out of the
Giant's noltrils, as the heat doth out of a boiling caldron.;
Then they fat down to reft them, but Mr. Great-heart
betook himfelf to prayer ; alfo the women and children did
;>thing but figh and cry all the time that the battle did lad.
When they had refced them, and taken breath, they both
''oil to it again ; and Mr. Great-heart with a full blow
fetched the Giant down to the ground. ■ Nay, hold, let
me recover,' quoth he ; fo Mr. Great-heart let him fair-
ly get up. So to it they wen; again, and the Giant miffed
but littleof breaking Me.Great-heart's fkull with h;s club-
Mr. Great-heart feeing that, runs to him in the full
heat of his fpirit, and pierced him under the fifth rib ; with
that the Giant began to faint," and could hold up his club
no longer. Then Mr. Great-heart feconded his blow,
and foote the head cf the Giant from his ihoulders. — Then
B B 9,
30.5 Tliey erect a Pillar*
the women and children rejoiced, and Mr. C-.ieat-h.eart
alio praiied God for the deliverance he had wrought.
Wheii this was done, they among them erecled a pillar,
and fastened the Giant's head thereon, and wrote under k
in letters that paMengers might read :
' He that did wear this head, was-one
That Pilgrims did mifufe;
He ftopp'd their way., he {pared none,
But did them all abufe :
Until that I Great-heart arofe.
The Pilgrim's Guide to be :
Until that I did him oppofe,
That was their enemy.' (r)
Now I faw that they went to the afcent, that was a littfe
way off caft up to be a profpect for Pilgrims, (that was the-
place from whence Christian had the firft fight of Faith-
ful, his brother. )* Wherefore here they fat down and
relied ; they alio here did. eat and drink, and make merry,
for that they had gotten deliverance from this fo dangerous
an enemy. As they fat thus and did eat, Christiana
afked the Guide if he had got no hurt in the battle ? Then
iaid. Mr. Great-heart, 'No, fave a little on my fieih ~
* Part i. p. too,
(r) This giant came out of the cave, where Po P R and Pag a x had"
refided. He is therefore the emblem of thofe Formal Guperftkious.
teachers, and thofe fpeculating raoralifts, who in protellant countries-.
have too generally fucceeded the Romifti prieth and the heathen phi-
lofophers, in keeping men ignorailt of the way of falvation, and in
fpoilkig by their [ophiftry fnch as feem to be ferioufly difpofed. Thefe
perfons often reprefent faithful miniders, who draw off their auditors*.
ty preaching " repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lo r d
Iks us CHRIST*" as robbers and kidnappers: they terrify many,.
(efpeciall.y when they have the power of enforcing penal ttatutes,) horn
profefiing or hearing the go!"pe!, and afting according to their con-
fciences; and they put the faith of God'.! fervants to a fevere trial.
S*et perfeverance, patience, and prayer will obtain the victory ; and;
they that are ftrorg will be inflrumental in animating the feeble to go
on "their way rejoicmg and pn.ifing God. But though thefe enemies
may be baffled, difabied, or apparently flam, it will appear that they
have left a pofterity on earth to revile, injure, and oppofe the fpi ritual
worfhippers of God in every generation. The Club with which the
>',t mt was armed, m.y mean the fecular arm or power, by which op-
pofers of the gofpel aie generally defirous of enforcing their arguments
-,.nd nerl'na lions. " We have a law, and by our law he ought to die :'"
this tkcifion, like a heavy club, feems capable of bearing all down be-
fore it; nor can ai,y withftaad its force, but thofe who rely on Him
ttu»t is Wronger than all,
They difcourfe about the Battle. yvp '
yet that alfo fhall be fo far from being to my detriment,
that it is at prefent a proof of my love to my Master and
you, and ihail oc a means, by grace, to increafe my reward
at Lift.'
Chr. But was you not afraid, good Sir, when you faw
him come with his club ?
* It is my duty,' laid he, * to dtftruft my own ability, that
I may have reliance on Kim that is llronger than ail.'*
Chr. But what did you think, when he fetched you
down to the ground at the firft blow I
« Why, I thought,' quoth he, 'that fo my Master him-
felf was ierved, and yet he it was that conquered at laft.'
Mat. When ycu all have thought what you pleafe, I
think Go^ has been wonderful good unto us. both in bring;
ing us out of this Valley, and in delivering us out of the
hand of this enemy ; for my part, I fee no reaibn why we.
ihould diftruft our God any more, iince he has now, and in.
fuch a place as this, given us fuch teftimony of his love
as this.
Then they got up and went forward, — Now a little
before them ilood an oak : and under it, when they came
to it, they found an eld Pilgrim fail, afleep : they knew that
he was a Pilgrim by his clothes, and his ftaff, and his
girdle.
So the Guide, Mr. Great-heart, awaked him : and the
old gentleman, as he lifted up his eyes, cried out, 'What's
the matter ? Who are you? and what is your bufineis.
here •!
Gr.-h. Come, man, be not {o hot, here is none but
friends. — Yet the old man gets up, and (lands upon his
L, and will know of them what they were. Then faid
the Guide, ' My name is Great-heart ; I am the Guide
of thefe Pilgrims, which are going to the celeilial Country.'
Then faid Mr. Honest, 'I cry your mercy; I feared
that you had been of the company of thofe that femetime
ago did rob Little-faith of his money ; but now I look
better about me, 1 perceive you are honefter people.' (x)
* 2 Cor, iv.
(5) The allegory requires ns to fuppofe, that there were feme places
in which the Pilgrims mi^ht fafely flecp; fo that nothing difadvantage-
ous to the character of this old difciple feems to have hecn intended. —
An avowed dependence on Ch r ist for righteoufnefs, a regard to the
word of God, and an appeaent iincerity in word and deed, mark a
3o3 HoneJl,from the Town of Stupidity,
Gr.-h. Why, what would or could you have done, or
helped yourfelf, it we indeed had been of that company ?
Hon. Done ! why 1 would have fought as long as
breath had been in me ; and had I fo done, I am fure you
could never have given me the word on't ; for a Chriftian
can never be overcome, unlefs he fhould yield himfelf.
* Well faid, father Honest,' quoth the Guide : * for by
this I know thou art a cock of the right kind, for thou haft
faid the truth.'
Hon. And by this alfo I know that thou knoweft what
true pilgrimage is : for all others do think, that we are the
fooneft overcome of any.
Gr.-h. Well, now we are happily met, let me crave your
name, and the name of the place where you came from ?
Hon. My name I cannot : but I came from the Town
of Stupidity ; it lieth about four degrees beyond the City
of Destruction.
Gr.-h. Oh : are you that countryman then ? I deem I
have half a guefs of you ; your name is old Honesty, i&
it not ? — So the old gentleman bluih'd, and laid, « Not
Honesty in the abftract : but Honest is my name, and I
wifh that my nature may agree to what I am called.'
* Cut, Sir,' faid the old gentleman, * how could you gueft
that I am fuch a man, fmce I came from fuch a place ?' (t)
Gr.-h. I have heard of you before, by my Master ;
for he knows all things that are done on the earth : but X
have often wondered that any mould come from your place,
for your Town is worie than is the City of Destruction
itfelf.
man to be a Pilgrim, or conftitute a profeilbr of the gofpel : but wo
fhould not too readily conclude every pro ft (Tor to be a true believe) —
The experienced Chriftian will be alraid of new acquaintance; in hir
mod unwatchful feafons he will be readily excited to look about him ;
and will be fully convinced that no enemy caa hurt him, .unlefs he is
induced to yield to temptation and commit fin.
(/) Honefiy in the abJlraEl fecms to mean finlefs pf.rfettion. — The
Pilgrim was a found character, but confeious of many imperfections, of
which he was afhamed, and from which he fought deliverance. The
nature of faith, hope, love, patience, and other holy difpofitions is de~
fcribed in fcripture, as a man would define gold, by its ellential proper-
ties. This fhews what they are in the abjlrati: but as exen ifed by us,
they are always mixed with confiderable alloy ; and we are richer or
poorer in this refpeft, in proportion to the degree of the gold or of tfoe
alloy which is found in our characters.
His Behaviour to the Pilgrims, 30^
Hon. Yes, we lie more off from the fun, and fo are
more cold and fenfelefs ; but was a man in a mountain of
ice, yet if the Sun of Righteoufnefs will arife upon him,
his frozen heart (hall feel a thaw. And thus it has been
with me. («)
Gr.-h. 1 believe it, father Honest, I believe it ; for I
know the thing is true.
Then the old gentleman faluted all the Pilgrims with a
holy kifs of charity ; and aiked them of their names, and
how they had fared iince they had let out on their pilgrim-
age.
Then faid Christiana, * My name I fuppofe, you have
heard of; good Christian was my hufband, and thefe
four were his children.' — But can you think how the old
gentleman was taken, when me told him who fhe was ! He
ikipped, he mailed, and bleifed them with a thoufand good
wiihes ; faying, ' I have heard much of your hufband, and
of his travels and wars, which he underwent in his days.
Be it fpoken to your comfort, the name of your hufband
rings all over thefe parts o£ the world ; his faith, his cour-
age, his enduring, and his fmcerity under all, has made his
name famous.' — Then he turned him to the boys, and
afkecfr of them their names, which they told him. And
then faid he unto them, * Matthew, be thou like Mat-
thew the publican, not in vice but in virtue. Samuel,'
faith he, 'be thou like Samuel the prophet, a man of faith,
and prayer. Joseph,' faith he, ' be thou like Joseph in
Potiphar's houfe, chafte, and one that flees from tempta-
tion. And James, be thou like James the Just, and like
James the brother of our Lord.'* Then they told him of
Mercy, and how fhe had left her Town and her kindred
to come along with Christiana and with her fons. At
that the old honeft man faid, 'Mercy is thy name : by
mercy ihalt then be fuflained, and carried through all thofe
difficulties that fhall affault thee in thy way, till thou malt
come thither, where thou (halt look the Fountain of mercy.
in the face with comfort.'
* M; tr. >. ;\ Pi", xcix. f. Gen. xxxix, Afts i. 13, 14.
: h< Lord fometimed calls thofe finners, whoie chir.i&er, con-
i (ituation, feem to place them at the greaieft diftance from
that the riv h.-s of his mercy and. the power of his grace may ba
ihus rendered he ni^rc tou'i icuoiui and Uluiluous.
310 Fearing, a troublefome Pilgrim*
All this while the Guide, Mr. Great-heart, was very
well pleafed, and fmiled upon his companions.
Now, as they walked together, the Guide aflced the old
gentleman, * If he did not know one Mr. Fearing, that
came on pilgrimage out of his parts ?'
* Yes, very well/ faid he. ' He was a man that had the
root of the matter in him ; but he was one of the mod
troublefcme Pilgrims that I ever met with in all my days.'
Gr.-h. I perceive you knew him ; for you have given
a very right character of him.
Hon. Knew him ! I was a great companion, of his : I
was with him rnoft an end ; when lie firft began to think
of what would come upon us hereafter, I was with him.
Gr-h. I was his Guide from my Master's houfe ta
the Gate of the celeftial City.
Hon. Then you knew him to be a troublefome one.
Gr.-h. I did fo ; but I could very well bear it ; for
men of my calling are oftentimes entrufted with the con-
duct of fuch as he was. (<w)
Hon. Well then, pray let us hear a little of him, and
how he managed himfelf under your conduct.
Gr.-h. Why, he was always afraid that he fhould come
fhort whither he had a defire to go. Every thing frighted
him that he heard any body fpeak of, that had but the leaft
appearance of oppofition in it. I hear that he lay roaring
at the Slough of Despond, for above a month together;
nor durft he, for all he faw feveral go over before him, ven-
(w) The chara&er and narrative of Fearing has been generally
admired by experienced readers, as drawn and arranged with great
judgment, and in a very affecting manner. Little-faith, men-
tioned in the Firft Part, was faint-hearted, and diftruflful ; and thus he
cpntrafted guilt, and loft his comfort : but Fearing dreaded fin,
and coming fhort of heaven, more than all that flefh could do unto him.
He war. alarmed at the leaft appearance or report of oppofition; but
this arofe more from con'aous weakuefs, and the fear of being over-
come by temptation, than from a rehiclince to undergo denfion or
perfecntion. The peculiarity of this (Li'cription of Chnftians muff be
traced back to conftitution, habit, hrft imprefhons, difproporrionatc and
partial views of truth, and improper inductions : thefe, concurring
with weaknefs of faith, and the common infirmities of human nature,
give a call to their experience and character, which renders them un-
comfortable to themfeivts, an 1 troublefome to others. Yet no com-
petent judges doubt but they have the root of the matter in them ; and
«one are more entitled to the patient, fyrnpathisyng, and tender attea-
lion of win liters and Chnlluas.
His ConduEl at firjl jetting out. 3 1 1
ture, though they many of them offered to lend him their
hand ! He would not go back again neither ! The celeftial
City ! he laid, he mould die if he came not to it; and yet w; s
dejected at every difficulty, and ftumbled at every draw
that any body caft in his way.- — Well, alter lie had Iain at
the Slough of Despond a great while, as I have told you,
one fun-mine morning, I don't know how, he ventured, and
fo got over : but when he was over he would fcarce believe
it. He had, I think, a Slough of Defpond in his mind, a
flough that he carried every where with him, or elfe he
could never have been as he was. So he came up to the
Gate (you know what I mean,) that ftands at the head of
this way ; and there alio he Rood a good while, before he
would venture to knock. When the Gate was opened, he
would give back, and give place to others, and fay, that he
was not worthy : for all he got before fome to the Gate,
yet many of them went in before him. There the poor
man would (land making and fhrinking ; I dare fay it
would have pitied one's heart to have feen him : — nor
would he go back again. At laft he took the hammer that
hanged at the Gate in his hand, and gave a fmall rap or
two ; then one opened to him, but he fhrunk back as before.
He that opened, Hepped out after him, and laid, 'Thou
trembling one, what wanted thou V With that he fell down
to the ground. He that ipake to him, wondered to fee him
fo faint. He faid to him, ■ Peace to thee ; up, for I have
fet open the door to thee ; come in, for thou art blefled/
With that he got up, and went in trembling ; and when
that he was in, he was alhamed to fhew his face. Well,
after he had been entertained there a while, (as you know
how the manner is) he was bid go on his way, and alfo
told the way he mould take. So he went till he came to
our houfe : but as he behaved himfelf at the Gate, fo he
did at my Master the Interpreter's door. He lay
thereabout in the cold a good while, before he would ad-
veuture to call ; yet he would not go back : and the nights
were long and cold then. Nay he had a note of neceflity
in his boibm to my Master, to receive him, and grant him
the comfort of his houfe, and alfo to allow him a ilout and
valiant Condufinr, becauie he was himfelf ib chicken heart-
ed a man ; and yet for all that, he was afraid to call at the
door. So lie lay up and down thereabouts, till, poor man !
he was almoft ftarved : yea, fo great was his dejcclioawhat*
312 The ConduB of Fearing at the Crofs,
though he faw feveral others for knocking got in, yet he
was afraid to venture. At laft, I think, I looked out of
the window, and, perceiving a man to be up and down
about the door, I went out to him, and afked what he was ;
but, poor man ! the water flood in his eyes : fo I perceived
what he wanted. I went therefore in, and told it in the
houfe, and we mewed the things to cur Lord : fo he fent
me out again to entreat him to come in ; but, I dare fay, I
had hard work to do it. At laft he came in ; % and, I. will
fay that for my Lord, he carried it wonderfully loving to
him. There were but a few good bits at the table, but
ibme of it was laid upon his trencher. Then he prefented
the note ; and my Lord looked thereon, and faid his de-
fire fhould be granted. So when he had been there a good
while, he feemed to get fome heart, and to be a little more
comforted. For my Master, you muft know, is one of very
tender bowels, efpecially to them that are afraid : where-
fore he carried it fo towards him, as might tend mod to his
encouragement. Well, when he had a fight of the things
of the place, and was ready to take his journey to go to
the City, my Lord, as he did to Christian before, gave
him a bottle of fpirits, and fome comfortable things to eat.
Thus we fet forward, and I went before him ; but the man
was but of few words, only he would figh aloud.
When we were come to where the three fellows were
hanged, he faid, that he doubted that that would be his
end alfo. Only he feemed glad when he faw the Crofs and
the Sepulchre. There I confefs he defired to ftay a little to
look, and he feemed for a while after to be a little com-
forted.
When we came at the Hill Difficulty, he made no
(lick at that, nor did he much fear the Lions : for you
mud know, that his trouble was not about fuch things as
thefe ; his fear was about his acceptance at laft.
I got him in at the Houfe Beautiful, I think, before
lie was willing ; alfo when he was in, I brought him ac-
quainted with the Damfels that were of the place, but he
was afhamed to make himfelf much for company : he
defiied much to be alone, yet he always loved good talk,
and often would get behind the fcrecn to hear it : he alfo
loved much to fee ancient things, and to be pondering
them in his mind. He told me afterward, that he loved
to be in thofe two houfes from which he came laft, to witt
In the Valley of Humiliation. 313
at the Gate, and that of the Interpreter, but that he durft
not be ib bold as to afk. (x)
When we went alio from the Houfe Beautiful, down
the hill, into the Valley of Humiliation, he went down as
well as ever I faw a man in my life ; for he cared not how
ix) Chriftians, who referable Fearing, are greatly retarded in
their prqgrefs by difcouraging apprehenfions ; they are. apt to fpend
too much time in unavailing complaints; they do not duly profit by
the counfel and afliftance of their brethren ; and they often neglect the
proper means of getting relief from their terrors : yet they cannot
think of giving up their feeble hopes, or of returning to their forfaken
worldly purfuirs and pleaiures. They are, indeed, helped forward,
through the mercy of Go d, in a very extraordinary manner : yet they
(till remain expoied to alarms and difcouragements, in every ftage of
their pilgrimage : nor can they ever habitually rife, fuperior to them.
They are afraid even of relying on Christ for falvaton ; becaufe
they have not diftincl views of his love, and the methods of his grace ;
and imagine fome other qualification to be neceffary, befides the wil-
lingnefs to feek, knock, and afk for the promifed bleflings, with a real
defire of obtaining them. They imagine, that there has been fome-
thing in their pad life, or that there is fome peculiarity in their prefent
habits and propenfities, and way of applying to Ch r ist, which may
exclude fihern from the general benefit : fo that they pray with diffi-
dence ; and being confcioufly unworthy, can hardly believe that the
Lo R d regards them, or will grant their requefls. They are alfo prone
to overlook the moft decifive evidences of their reconciliation to God ;
and to pcrfevere in arguing with pervcrfe ingenuity againft. their own
manifeA happinefs. — The fame mixture of humi ity and unbelief ren-
ders perfpns of this defcription backward in allocating wi'h their breth-
ren, and in frequenting thofe companies in which they might obtain
farther inftruftion : for they are afraid of being confidered as believers,
or even ferious inquirers ; 10 that affectionate and earneft perfuafi'on is
rcquifite to prevail with them to join in thofe religious exercifes, by
which Chriftians efpccially receive the teaching of the Ho 1. y Spirit.
Yet this arifes not from difinclination, but diffidence ; and though they
are often peculiarly favoured with feafons of great comfort, to coun-
terbalance their dejections ; yet they never hear or read of thofe who
" have drawn back to perdition," but they are terrified with the idea,
that they fhall' fhortly refemble them : fo that every warning given
againft. hypocrify and felf-deception feems to point them out by name,
and every new difcovery of any fault or miflake in their views, r< mper,
or conduct, fcems to decide their doom. At the fame time, they are
often remarkably malted into humble admiring gratitude, by contem-
plating the love and fufferings of Christ, and feern to delight in
hearing of that fubjeft above all others. They do not peculiarly fear
difficulties, fclf-denial, reproaches, or perfecution, which deter numbers
from making an open profeffion of religion : and yet they are more
backward in this refpect than others; becaufe they deem themfelves
unworthy to be admitted to fuch privileges, and into fuch fociety ; or
elfe are apprehenfive of being finally feparated from them, or becom-
ing a difgrace to religion.
Cc
gl4 In the Valley of the Shadow of Death*
mean he was, fo he might be happy at laft. Yea, I think
there was a kind of fympathy betwixt that Valley and him :
fcr I never faw him better in all his pilgrimage, than he
was in that Valley.
Here he would lie down, embrace the ground, and kifs
the very flowers that grew in this Valley.* He would
now be up every morning by bieak of day, tracing and
walking to and fro in the Valley.
But when he was come to the entrance of the Valley of
the Shadow of Death, I thought I mould have loft my
man ; not for that he had inclination to go back, (that he
always abhorred,) but he was ready to die for fear. * Oh
the hobgoblins will have me, the hobgoblins will have me !'
cried he ; and I could not beat him out on't. He made
fuch a noife, and fuch an outcry here, that had they but
heard him, it was enough to encourage them to come and
fall upon us. But this I took very great notice of, that this
Valley was as quiet when he went through it, as ever I
knew it before or fmce. I fuppofe thofe enemies here had
now a fpecial check from our Lord, and a command not
to meddle until Mr. Fearing was paifed over it. (y)
It would be too tedious to tell you of all-; we will there-
fore only mention a paffage or two more. When he was
come to Vanity-Fair, I thought he would have fought
with all the men in the fair ; I feared there we fhould both
have been knocked on the head, fo hot was he againft their
fooleries. Upon the Enchanted Ground, he alfo was very
wakeful. But, when he was come at the River where was
no bridge, there again he was in a heavy cafe : ' Now, now,'
*Lam. iii. 27 — 29.
()') A low and obfcurc Gtu.ation fuits the difpofition of the perfons
here„defcribed : they do not object to the moil humiliating views of
their own hearts, of human nature, or of the way of falvation ; they
are little tempted to covet eminence among their brethren, and find it
eaiier " to efteem others better than themfelves," than perfons of a dif-
ferent frame of mind can well conceive. — On the other hand, their
imaginations are peculiarly fufceptiblc of impreffions, rind of the temp-
tations reprefented by the Valley of the Shadow of Death : fo
rhat. in this refpeft they need more than others the tender and patient
irlli actions of faithful miniilers : while they repeat the fame complaints,
and uige the fame objections againft themfelves, that have already
been obviated again and again. But tbe tender companion of the
Lor q to them fhould fugged an ufeful inflruction to his fervants, on
th;s part of their work.
Retnarhs on Fairings Character. 315
he faid, ' he mould be drowned for ever, and fo never fee
that face with comfort, that he had come fo many miles to
behold.' And here alio I took notice of what was very
remarkable ; the water of that River was lower at this
time, than ever I law it in all my life : fo he went over at
laft, not much above wet-mod. When he was going up to
the Gate, I began to take my leave of him, and to wifh
him a good reception above ; fo he faid, * I mall, I mail ;*
then parted we afunder, and I faw him no more.
Hon. Then, it feems, he was well at laft ?
Gr.-h. Yes, yes, I never had doubt about him ; he was
a man of a choice fpirit : only he w^as always kept very low,
and that made his life fo burdenfome to himfelf, and fo
very troublefome to others.* He was, above many, tender
of fin ; he was fo afraid of doing injuries to others, that he
would often deny himfelf of that which is lawful, becaufe he
would not offend, f
Hon. But what mould be the reafon that fuch a good
man mould be all his days fo much in the dark ?
Gr.-h. There are two forts of reafons for it ; one is,
The wife God will have it fo ; fome muft pipe, and fome
mtift weep :j now Mr. Fearing was one that played upon
the bafs. He and his fellows found the fackbut, whofe notes
are more doleful than notes of other mufic are : though
indeed, fome fay, the bafs is the ground of mufic. And,
for my part, I care not at all for that profeffion, that begins
not in heavinefs of mind. The firft firing that the mufician
ufually touches, is the bafs, when he intends to put all in
tune : God alfo plays upon this ftring fir ft, when he fets
the foul in tune for himfelf. Only there was the imperfec-
tion of Mr. Fearing, he could play upon no other mufic
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 becaufe, in the books
of Revelation, the faved are compared to a company of
muficians, that play upon their trumpets and harps, and
fmg their fongs before the throne. $]
Hon. He was a very zealous man, as one may fee by
what relation you have given of him. Difficulties, lions, or
Vanity-Fair, he feared not at all: it was only iin, death
and hell, that wTere to him a terror ; becaufe he had fome
doubts about his intereft in that celeftial Country.
* Pfal. lxxxviii. + Rom. xiv. 21. 1 Cor. viii. 13.
X Mat. xL 16 — 18^ *j Rev. vii. xiv. 2, 3.
£6 A Commendation of godly Fear,
Gr.-h. You fay right ; thofe were the things that were
his troubles : and they, as you have well obferved, arofe
from the weaknefs of his mind thereabout, not from weak-
ness of fpirit, 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 flood in his way :' but thofe things, with
which he was oppreifed, no man ever yet could {hake off
with eafe.
Then faid Christiana, « This relation of Mr. Fearing
has done me good : I thought nobody had been like me ;
but I fee there was fome femblance betwixt this good man
and I. Only we differ in two things : his troubles were fo
great, that they brake out ; but mine I kept within. His
alfo lay fo hard upon him, they made him that he could
not knock at the houfes provided for entertainment ; but
my troubles were always fuch as made me knock the louder.*
Mer. If I might alfo fpeak my mind, I mud fay, that
fomething of him has alfo dwelt in me ; for I have ever
been more afraid of the Lake, and the lofs of a place in
Paradife, than I have been at the lofs of other things. O !
thought I, may I have the happinefs to have a habitation
there, it is enough, though I part with all the world to win it.
Then faid Matthew, * Fear was one thing that made me
think that I was far from having that within me that ac-
companies falvation ; but if it was fo with fuch a good man
as he, why may it not alfo go well with me V
1 No fears, no grace,' faid Jam es. * Though there is not
always grace where there is the fear of hell ; yet to be fure
there is no grace where there is no fear of God.'
Gr.-h. Well faid, James ; thou haft hit the mark ; for
" the fear of God is the beginning of wifdom ;" and, to be
fure, they that want the beginning have neither middle nor
end. But we will here conclude our difcourfe of Mr. Fear-
ing, after we have fent after him his farewel.
* Whilft Matter Fearing, thou diclft Tear
Thy God, and wad afraid
Of doing a:y thing, while here,
That would have thee bttras 'd :
And didft thou fear the lake and pit ?
Would others did fotoo!
For as for them, that want thy wit,
They do themfe.ves undo.' (z)
(z) No Chrifiians are more carelefs about the opinion of the world,
ov more zealous againft its vanities, than perfons of this defcription ; or
Char after of Self-<wW. 3 1 7
Now I faw 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 himfelf to be a Pil-
grim,' faid Mr. Honest ; * but, I perfuade myfelf, he nev-
er came in at the Gate that (lands 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 himfelf, Jelf -willed. He neither cared for man,
nor argument, nor example : what his mind prompted him
to, that would he do ; and nothing elfe could he be got to.
Gr.-h. Pray what principles did he hold ? for I fuppofe
you can tell.
Hon. He held, that a man might follow the vices afc
well as the virtues of the Pilgrims j and that if he did both
he mould be certainly faved.
Gr.-h. How ! if he had faid, it is poffible for the belt
to be guilty of the vices, as well as partake of the virtues,
of the Pilgrims, he could not much have been blamed. For
indeed we are exempted from no vice absolutely, but on
condition that we watch and drive. But tins, I perceive,
is not the thing : but, if I underftand you right, your mean-
ing is, that he was of that opinion, that it was allowable lb
to be.
Hon. Ay, ay, fo I mean ; and fo he believed and prac-
tifed.
Gr.-h. But what grounds had he for fo faying I
more watchful in times of cafe and profperity ; but the profpe£i of
death is often a terror to than ; efpecially when they fuppofe ii to be
at hand; yet they often d;e with remarkable coinpofure and comfort.
Few mhnfters, who have bad An opportunity of carefully pbferving the
people enrrufled to their pa floral care, can help thinking of fome
ridual, who might feera to have been the original of' this admirable
portrait; which is full of infraction both to t/inv, and the timid, but
conscientious, part of their congregations. Indeed numbers, who are
not characleriilually FearFULS, have fome'lrngof the lame difpo-
frtion in many particulars. But fuch as fear leproach and Pelf-denial
more than thofe things which this good man dreaded, bear a contrary
ch.iracier, and are travelling the road to an oppofite place : and even
they whofe confidence of an intereft in Ch r ist far exceeds the de-
gree of their humiliation, confeicntioufnefs, abhorrence of fin, and vic-
tory over the world, may juflly be fu fpefted of having begun their
religion in a wrong manner; as they more refemble the ftony-ground
hearers, who " receive the word with joy, but had no root in them(clvc,,:r
— than thofe who u low in tears, to reap in joy." For "godly icrro'w
worketh repenunce unto falvauon, not to be repented. of ."'
C C 2
3 1 8 His Principles confuted by Great-heart.
Hon. Why, he faid he had the Scriptures for his war-
rant.
Gr.-h. Pr'ythee, Mr. Honest, prefent us with a few
particulars.
Hon. So I will. He faid, to have to do with other
men's wives, had been pra&ifed by David, God's beloved \
and therefore he could do it. He faid, to have more wo-
men than one, was a thing that Solomon pracnfed ; and
therefore he could do it. He faid, that Sarah and the
godly midwives of Egypt lied, and fo did Rahab ; and
therefore he could do it. He faid, that the difciples went,
at the bidding of their Master, and took away the owner's
afs ; and therefore he could do fo too. He laid, that Ja-
cob got the inheritance of his father in a way of guile and
diffimulation ; and therefore he could do fo too.
Gr.-h. High bafe, indeed ! and are you fure he was of
this opinion ?
Hon. I 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 al-
lowance in the world !
Hon. You mud underftand me rightly : he did not fay-
that any man might do this ; but that thofe, that had the
virtues of thofe that did fuch things, might alfo do the
fame.
Gr.-h. But what more falfe than fuch a conclufion ?
for this is as much as to fay, that, becaufe good men here-
tofore have finned of infirmity, therefore he had allowance
to do it of a prefumptuous mind : or if, becaufe a child, by
the blaft of wind, or for that it {tumbled at a ftone, fell
down, and defiled itfelf in mire, therefore he might wil-
fully lie down and wallow like a boar therein ! Who could
have thought that any one could fo far have been blinded
"by the power of luft ? But what is written muft be true :
** They ftumbled at the word, being difobedient ; where-
unto alfo they were appointed."* His fuppoiing that fuch
may have the godly man's virtues, who addict themfelves
to his vices, is alfo a delufion as ftrong as the other. It is
juft as if the dog fhould fay, « I have or may have the qual-
ities of a child, becaufe I lick up its (linking excrements.'
"To eat up the fin of God's people,"f is no fign of one
that is polTeffed with their virtues. Nor can I believe, that
* 1 Per. ii. 8. t Hof, iv. 8.
Self -will's Plea for his Principle. 319
one that is of this opinion, can at prefent have faith or love
in him. — But I know you have made ftrong objections
again ft him ; pr'ythee what can he fay for himfelf ?
Hon. Why, he fays, to do this by way of opinion, feems
abundantly more honeit than to .do it and yet hold contrary
to it in opinion.
Gr.-h. A very wicked anfwer ; for, though to let loofe
the bridle to lufts, while our opinions are againft fuch things,
is bad ; yet to fin, and plead a toleration fo to do, is worie :
the one Humbles beholders accidently, the other leads them
into the fnare.
Hon. There are many of this man's mind, that have
not this man's mouth ; and that makes going on pilgrim-
age of fo little efteem as it is. (a)
Gr.-h. You have faid the truth, and it is to be lament-
ed ; but he that feareth the King of Paradise ihall come
out of them all.
Chr. There are ftrange opinions in the world ; I know
one that faid it was time enough to repent when he came
to die.
(a) The author peculiarly excels in c ntraRing his characters, of
which a (hiking inftance here occurs. The preceding epifode relates
to a very conlcientious Christian, who through weak faith and mifap-
preheuhon carried his felf-fulpicion to a troublefome and injurious
extreme : and we have next introduced a falfe profelfor, who, pretend-
ing to ftrong faith, made his own obftinate feif-v. fil the only iule of his
conduct. Yet in reality this arifes from total unbelief: for the word
of God declares luch perfons to be unregenerate, under the wrath of
God, "in the gall of bitrernefs and the bond of iniquity." — It would
hardly be imagined, that men could be found maintaining luch deteft-
ahle lentiments as are here ftated, did not facts mod awfully prove it !
We need no:, however, fpend time in expoiii g fuch a character: a
general cxpreflion of the deepeft defoliation may fnffice ; for none who
have been given up to fuch ftrorg deluficn, can reaibnably be fuppofcd
accellibie to the words of truth and foberneis. Nor can they iucceed
in perverting others to fuch palpable and giofs abfurdities and abomina-
ble tenets; except they meet wi'h thofe, that have long provoked
God, by endeavouring to reconcile a wicked life with the hope of
falvation. But it may properly be obferved, that feveral exprefhons,
which feem to reprelent faith as an a\lurancz of a perfcnal intere/i in
Christ; or to intimate, that believers have nothing to do with the
law, even as the rule of their con dutl ; with many unguarded affertions
concerning the liberty of the gofpel, and indiscriminate declamations
againft doubts, fears, and a legal fpiiit, have a direct tendency to pre-
pare the mind of impenitent tinners, to receive the poiionous principles
of avowed Antinomians. — Much harm has bien done in this way, and
great difgrace brought upon the gofpel : for 'there are many of this
man's mind, who have not this man's mouth.'
320 A falje Alarm,
Gr.-h. Such are not over- wife ; that man would have
been loath, might he have had a week to run twenty miles
for his life, to have deferred that journey to thelaft hour of
that week.
Hon. You fay right ;. and yet the generality of them
that count themfelves Pilgrims do indeed do thus. I am, as
you fee, an old man, and have been a traveller in this road
many a day ; and I have taken notice of many things.
I have feen fome, that fet out as if they would drive all
the world afore them, who yet have, in few days, died as
they in the wildernefs, and fo never got fight of the prom-
ifed land. — I have feen fome, that have promifed nothing,,
at firfl fetting 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 feen fome who have run haft-
ily forward, that again have, after a little time, run as faft
juft back again. — I have feen fome who have fpoken very
well of a Pilgrim's life at firit, that after a while, have fpo-
ken as much againlt it. — I have heard fome, when they rlrft
fet out for Paradise, fay pofitively, * There is fuch a place;'
who, when they have been almoft there, have come back
again, and faid, * There is none.' — I have heard fome vaunt
what they would do, in cafe they mould be oppofed, that
have, even at a falfe alarm, fled faith, the Pilgrim's way,
and all.
Now as they were thus in their way, there came one run-
ning to meet them, and faid, * Gentlemen, and you of the
weaker fort, if you love life, fhift for yourfelves, for the rob-
bers are before you.'
Then faid Mr. Great-heart, 'They be the three that
fet upon Little-faith heretofore. ' Well,' faid he, « we
are ready for them.' So they went on their way. Now
they looked at every turning, when they mould have met
with the villains ; but, whether they heard of Mr. Great-
heart, or whether they had fome other game, they came
not up to the Pilgrims.
Christiana then wifhed for an Inn for herfelf and her
children, becafe they were weary. Then faid Mr. Hon-
est, ' There is one a little before us, where a very honour-
able difciple, one Gaius, dwells.'* So they all concluded
to turn in thither ; and the rather, becaufe the old gentle-
man gave him fo good a report. — So when they came to
*Rom. xvj. 23.
They enter an Inn kept by Gains. 321
the door, they went in not knocking ; for folks ufe not to
knock at the door of an Inn. Then they called for the
Matter of the houfe, and he came to them. So they alked
if they might lie there that night ?
Gai. Yes, Gentlemen, if you be true men; for my houfe
is for none but Pilgrims. (/*) Then was Christiana,
Mercy, and the boys, more glad, for that the Inn-keeper
was a lover of Pilgrims. 80 they called for rooms, and he
{hewed them one for Christiana and her children, and
Mercy, and another for Mr. Great-heart and the old
gentleman.
Then faid Mr. Great- he art, * Good Gai us, what haft
thou for fupper ? for thefe Pilgrims have come far to-day,
and are weary.'
* It is late,' faid Gai us, ' fo we cannot conveniently go
out to feek food, but fuch as I have you mall be welcome to,
if that will content you.'
Gr.-h. We will be content with what thou haft in the
houfe ; forafmuch as I have proved thee, thou art never
deftitute of that which is convenient.
Then he went down and fpake to the cook, whofe name
was Taste-that-which-is-good, to get ready fupper for
fo many Pilgrims. — This done, he comes up again, faying,
'Come, my good friends, you are welcome to me, and I
am glad that 1 have a houfe to entertain you ; and while
fupper is making ready, if you pleafe, let us entertain one
another with fome good difcourfe.' So they all laid, Con-
tent.
Then faid Gai us, « Whofe wife is this aged matron ? and
whofe daughter is this young damfel ?'
Gr.-h. The woman is the wife of one Christian, a
Pilgrim in former times ; and thefe are his four children.
The maid is one of her acquaintance ; one that fhe hath
periuaded to come with heron pilgrimage. The boys take
all after their father, and covet to tread in his fteps : yea,
if they do but fee any place where the old Pilgrim hath
(/') The fpiritual rcfrefliment arifing from experimental and affec-
tionate eonverfation with Cbriflian friends, feems to be here more
efpeciaUy intended : yet the name of Ga i us fuggefts alfo the impor-
tance of (be apoftle's exhortation, " Ufe hofpitality without grudging."
This ought to be attended to, even in refpeft of thofe wiih whom we
nerto had no-acquaint ince, provided their characters are properly
ceitified to Ua : for we ate all brethren in C; R i^t.
3*22 Great-heart celebrates Christian's Ancejlors.
lain, or any print of his foot, it miniftereth joy to their
hearts, and they covet to lie or tread in the fame.
Thenfaid Gaius, * Is this Christian's wife, and arethefe
Christian's children ? I knew your hufband's father, yea,
alfo his father's father. Many have been good of this ftock ;
their anceltors firft dwelt at Antioch.* Christian's pro-
genitors (I fuppofe you have heard your hufband talk of
them,) were very worthy men. They have, above any that
I know, (hewed themfelves 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 hufband's relations,
that have flood all trials for the fake of the truth. Stephen,
that was one of the firft of the family from whence your huf-
band fprang, was knocked on the head with ftones.f James,
another of this generation, was flain with the edge of the
fword.J To fay nothing of Paul and Peter, men an-
ciently of the family from whence your hufband came, there
was Ignatius, who was caft to the lions ; Romanus, whofe
flefh was cut by pieces from his bones ; and Polycarp,
that played the man in the fire. There was he that was
hanged up in a bafket in the fun, for the wafps to eat ; and
he whom they put into a fack, and caft him into the fea to
be drowned. It would be impoffible utterly to count up all
that family, that have fuftered injuries and death for the
love of a Pilgrim's life. Nor can I but be glad, to fee
that thy hufband has left behind him four fuch boys as thefe.
I hope they will bear up their father's name, and tread in
their father's fteps, and come to their father's end.'
Gr,-h. Indeed, Sir, they are likely lads : they feem to
choofe heartily their father's ways.
Gai. That is what I faid ; wherefore Christian's
family is like ftill to fpread abroad upon the face of the
ground, and yet to be numerous upon the face of the earth :
wherefore let Christiana look out fome damfels for her
fons, to whom they may be betrothed, that the name of
their father and the houfe of his progenitors may never be
forgotten in the world.
Hon. It is pity his family mould fall and be extinct.
Gai. Fall it cannot, but be diminifhed it may : but let
Christiana take my advice, and that's the way to uphold it.
* And Christiana,' laid this Innkeeper, 'I am glad to
fee thee and thy friend Mercy together here, a lovely cb\>.
* Afts xi, 26. t Afts vii. 59, 60. % A6U xii. 2.
A Commendation of Women, 323
pie. And may I advife, Take Mercy into a nearer rela-
tion to thee : it ihe will, let her be given to Matthew, thy
eldelt lbn ; it is the way to preferve a pofterity in the earth.'
— So this match was concluded, and in procefs of time they
were married : but more of that hereafter, (c )
Gaius alio proceeded, and faid, *I will now fpeak on
the behalf of women, to take away their reproach. For as
death and the curfe came into the world by a woman, fo
alfo did life and health : " God feiit forth his Son made of
a woman."* Yea, to (hew how much thofe that came af-
ter did abhor the act of the mother, this fex in the Old Tef-
tament coveted children, if happily this or that woman
might be the mother of the Saviour of the world. I will
fay again, that when the Saviour was come, women re-
joiced in him, before either man or Angel.f I read not,
ever man did give unto Christ fo much as one groat ; but
the women " followed him, and miniftered to him of their
fubftance." It was a woman that waihed his feet with
tears, and a woman that anointed his body to the burial.
They were women that wept, when he was going to the
Crofs ; and women that followed him from the Crofs, and
that fat by his Sepulchre when he was buried. They were
* Gen. iii. Gal. iv. 4. t Luke ii.
(c) The author availed himfelf of the opportunity, here prefented
him, of giving his opinion on a very important fuhjeft, about which
religious perfons often hold different fentiments. He evidently intend-
ed to lay, that he deemed it generally molt fafe and advantageous to
the parties themfelves, and moil conducive to the fpread and permanency
of true religion, for young Chriftians to marry ; provided it be done
in the* iear of Go D, and according to the rules of his word. Yet we
cannot fuppofe but he would readily have allowed of exceptions to this
rule : foi there are individuals, who, continuing fingle, employ that
time and thofe talents in affiduouily doing good, which in the married
Rate mud have been greatly abridged or pre-occupied ; and thus they
are more extenfively ufefui than their brethren. Yet, in common
cales, the training up of a family, by the combined efforts of pious
parents, in honefly, fobriety, ir.duftry, and the principles of true re-
ligion, when united with fervent prayer, and the perfuafive eloquence
of a good example, is fo important a fen ice to the church and to the
community, that few perfons are capable of doing greater or more per-
manent good in any other way. But this requires ft rift attention to
the rules of fcripture, in every ftep of thefe grand concerns : for chil-
dren, brought up in ungodlinefs and ignorance, among thofe who are
fti-angers to the gofpel, are far more hopeful, than fuch as have received
a bad education, wuneffed bad examples, and imbibed worldly princi-
ples, in the iaruilies of evangelical profeflors.
324 What the Supper conjijjed of.
women that were firft with him at his refurrection morn j
and women that brought tidings firft to his difciples, that
he was rifen from the dead.* Women therefore are highly
favoured, and mew by thefe things, that they are marers
with us in the grace of life.'
Now the Cook fent up to fignify that fupper was almoft
ready : and fent one to lay the cloth, and the trenchers,
and to fet the fait and bread in order.
Then faid Matthew, 'The fight of this cloth, and of
this fore-runner of the fupper, begetteth in me a greater
appetite to my food than I had before.'
Gai. So let all miniftering doctrines to thee, in this life,
beget in thee a greater deiire to fit at the fupper 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
fetting of fait upon the board, when compared with the feaft
that our Lord will make us when we come to his houfe.
So fupper came up ; and firft a heave-fioulder and a ivavc-
breqft were fet on the table before them ; to fhew that they
mull begin the meal with prayer and praife to GoD.f The
heave-fhoulder, David lifted his heart up to God with ; and
with the wave-breaft, where his hrart lay, with that he ufed
to lean upon his harp when he played. — Thefe two diilies
were very frefh and good, and they all ate heartily thereof.
The next they brought up was a bottle of wine, as red
as blood. So Gaius faid to them, * Drink freely, this is
the true juice of the vine that makes glad the heart of God
and man.' So they drank and were merry.} — The next
was a dim of milk well crumbled : but Gaius faid, * Let
the boys have that, that they may "grow thereby." $
— Then they brought, up in courfe a dim of butter and hon-
ey. Then faid Gaius, « Eat freely of this, for this is good
to cheer up and ftrengthen your judgments and underftand-
ir-gs.' This was our Lord's dim when he was a child :
" Butter and honey mail he eat, that he may know to refufe
the evil, and choofe the good."|| — Then they brought him
up a diih of apples, and they were very good tailed fruit.
Then faid Matthew, < May we eat apples, fmce they were
fuch, by and with which the ferpent beguiled our firft
mother V
* Lukcvii. 37—50. viii. 2, 3. xxiii. 27. xxiv. 22, 23. John ii. 3.
xi. 2. Matt, xxvii. 55, 56—61. t Lev. vii. 22—34- x- ».4> *5*
Pfal. xxv. 1. Heb. xiii. 15. £ Deut. xxxii. 14. Judg. ix. 13.
John xv. 5. ^ 1 Fet. ii. I, 2. \ Iiaiah vii. 15.
The Apples and the Nuts, 325.
Then faid Gaius,
1 Apples were they with which we were taguil'd,
Yet fin, not apples, hath our fouls defii'd :
Apples forbid, if ate, corrupt the blood ;
To eat fuch when commanded, does us good :
Drink of his flaggons, then, thou Church his Dove,
And eat his apples, who are fick of love.'
Then faid Matthew, *I made the fcruple, becaufe a
while iince, I was fick with eating of fruit.'
Gai. Forbidden fruit will make you lick, but not what
our Lord has tolerated.
While they were thus talking, they were prefented with
another dim, and it was a dim of nuts.* Then faid fome
at the table, ' Nuts fpoil tender teeth, efpecially the teeth of
the children.' Which when Gaius heard, he faid :
1 Ilnrd texts are nut; (I will not call them cheaters,)
Whole fhells do keep their kernels from the eaters ;
Ope then the (hells, and you ftnll have the meat ;
They here are brought for you to crack and eat.' (d)
Then they were very merry, and fat at the table a long
*Sol. Song vi. 11.
(d) The different parts of focial worfhip and Chriflian fellowship are
here allegorically defcribed. The heave-Jhoulder and wave-brcafi pre-
scribed in the ceremonial law, feem to have typified the power ana love
of our great H 1 g pi Priest; and to have conveyed an inftruction to
the prieits to do their work with all their might, and with their whole
heart : but they are here fuppofed to be alfo emblems of fervent prayer
and grateful praife. — The wine reprefents the exhilarating remembrance
of the love of Christ in fhedding his blood for us, and the applica-
tion of the blefling to ourfelves by living faith. The milk is the env
blem of the plain, fimple, and important inftructions of fcripture, as
brought forward by believers, when they meet together, for their edi-
fication.— The butter and honey may denote thofe animating views of
God, and realizing anticipations of heavenly joy, which tend greatly
to eftablifh the judgment,- inftruft the underftanding, and determine the
affections in cleaving to the good part that the believer hath ch&fen. —
The apples reprefent the promifes and privileges, which believers pof-
fefs by communion with Ch r ist, in his ordinances ;* and the ?iuts
figni-fy fuch difficult fubjefts as experience and obfervation enable ma-
ture Chriftians to underftand ; and which amply repay the pains of
endeavouring to penetrate their meaning, though they are not proper
for the difcuffion of young converts. — Whatever unbelievers may-
think, a company of Chiiliians, employing themfelves in the manner
here defcribed, have far fweetcr enjoyments, than they ever experienced
when engaged in the mirth, diverhons, and pleafuxes of the world : for
thofe are merely the fhadow of joy, but religion puts us in poifelfio*
of the fubftance.
* Sol. Song ii. 3.
Dd
326 A Riddle anfwered by Gaius.
time, talking of many things. Then faid the old gentleman,
* My* good landlord, while ye are cracking your nuts, if you
pleaie, do you open this riddle :
A man there was, (though fome did count him mad,)
The more be cMl away the more he had.'
Then they all gave good heed, wondering what good
Gaius would fay ; fo he fat ft ill a while, and then thus re-
plied :
' He who thus bellows his goods upon the poor,
Shall have as much again, and ten times more.'
Then laid Joseph, <I dare fay, Sir, I did not think you
could have found it out.' , .
< Oh,' faid Gaius, * I ljave heen trained up m this way a
great while : nothing teadfcs like experience : I have learn-
ed of rnv Lord to be kind ; and have found by experience,
that I have gained thereby. " There is that fcattereth,
and yet increafeth ; and there is that withholdeth more
than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty :" " There is that
jriaketh himfelf rich, yet hath nothing : there is that maketh
himfelf poor, yet hath great riches."*
Then Samuel whirred to Christiana, his mother,
and faid, < Mother trips a very good man's houfe ; let us
itay here a good while, and let my brother Matthew be
marred here to Mercy before we go any further." _
The which Gaius the hoft overhearing, faid, < With a
very good will, my child.'
So they (laid here more than a month, and Mercy was
given to Matthew to wife.
While they ftaid here, Mercy, as her cuftom was, would
be making coats and garments to give to the poor, by which
ftie brought up a very good report upon Pilgrims, (e)
But to return again to our ftory. After iupper the lads
denied a bed, for they were weary with travelling: then
Gaius called, to fliew them their chamber ; but, faid Mer-
cy, * I will have them to bed.' So ihe had them to bed,
and they flept well : but the reft fet up all night ; for Gaius
* Prov. xi. 24. xiii. 7.
M It our love to finners be only fhewn by fecking their friritual
good it will be confidered as a mere bigottcd deftre to profclyte he m
fo our lect or party : but uniform, .diligent and expenhve endeavour*
to relieve their temporal wants arc intelligible to every man, and Dnng
a good report on the profetfion of the golpel.t
t Matt. v. 16,
A Riddle anfwered by Hrneji. 327
and they were fuch fui table company, that they could not
tell how to part. Then after much talk or* their Lord,
themieives, and their journey, old Mr. Honest, (he that
put forth the riddle to Gaius,) began to nod. Then faki
G:<t at- he art, « What, Sir, you begin to be drowfy! come,
rub up, now here is a riddle for you.' Then laid Mr. Hon-
est, * Let us hear it."
Then faid Mr. Giie at-heart,
1 He tnat will kill, mufl hrft be overcome :
Who live abroad would, firtl mufl die at home.'
« Ha !' faid Mr. Honest, ' it is a hard one, hard to ex-
pound, and harder to praclife. But come, landlord,' faid
he, « I will if you pleafe, leave my part to you ; do you ex-
pound it, and I will hear what you fay.'
1 No,' faid Gaius, * it was put to you, and it is expected
you fhould anfwer it.'
Then faid the old gentleman,
' He firft by grace rcufi conquer'd be,
That fii j would mortify : -
Who, that he lives, would convince me,
Unto hirofelf mufl die.'
' It is right,' faid Gaius ; 'good doctrine and experience
teaches this. For, until grace difplays itfelf, and overcomes
the foul with its glory, it is altogether without heart to op-*
pofe fin : befides, if iin is Satan's cords, by which the foul
lies bound, how fhould it make refiftance, before it is loofed
from that infirmity ? (/) Nor will any, that knows either
reafon or grace, believe that fuch a man can be a living
monument of grace, that is a ilave to his own corruption.
— And now it comes in my mind I will tell you a Itory
worth the hearing. — There were two men that went on
pilgrimage, the one began when he was young, the other
when he was old ; the young man had ftrong corruptions
to grapple with, the eld man's were weak with the decays
of nature : the young man trode his fterjs as even as did the
old one, and was every way as light as he : who now, or
which of them, had their graces ihining cleareft, fmee both
feemed to be alike V
[f\ The graciou 3 of the H>
Thete overcome our nami il |
gion ; and then we repent, b
faith, mortify (in, die to . ive to &<
*nti umc h AiatisL
328 Queftion propofed by Honep anfnvered.
Hon. The young man's, doubtlefs. For that which
heads it againft the greateft oppofition gives bed demon-
fixation that it is ftrongeft ; efpecially when it alfo holdeth
pace with that that meets not with half fo much ; as to be
Jure old age does not. — Befides, I have obferved, that old
men have bleiTed themfelves with this miftake ; namely, tak-
ing the decays of nature for a gracious conqueft over corrup-
tions, and fo have been apt to beguile themfelves. Indeed,
old men, that are gracious, are beft able to give advice to
them that are young, becaufe they have feen molt, of the emp-
tinefscf things ; but yet, for an old and a young man tofet out
both together, the young one has the advantage of the fair-
ed difcovery of a work of grace within him, though the old
man's corruptions are naturally the' weaked. (g)
Thus they fat talking till break of day. Now when the
family was up, Christiana bid her ion James that he
fhould read a chapter ; fo he read the fifty-third of Isaiah.
When he had done, Mr. Honest afked, Why it was faid
that the Saviour is faid to come " out of a dry ground j" and
alfo that he had " no form or comelinefs in him ?"
Then faid Mr. Great-heart, — To the firlt, I anfwer,
becaufe the church of the Jews, of which Christ came,
{g) Old age affords great advantages in overcoming Tome corrupt
propensities : yet habits of indulgence often more than counterbalance
the decays of nature ; and avarice, fufpicion and peeyifhnefs, with other
evils, gather ftrength as men advance in years. It is therefore in fome
particulars only, that age has the advantage over youth : and as fome
old men imagine that they have renounced fin, becaufe they are no
longer capable of committing the crimes in which they once lived;
fo there are young men, whoprefume that they (hall live to be old, and
imagine that repentance will then he comparatively eafy to them :
whereas fin, in one form or other, gathers ftrength and eftablifhcs its
dominion, as long as it is permitted to reign in the foul. The induc-
tion, however, that is here conveyed, is very important, provided it be
properly underflood ; for if we do not eltimate the advantages of otir
ii'uation, we cannot determine how far external amendment refults
from internal renov tion. During tedious difcafe.s, or in the imme-
diate profpect of death, men often feel very indifferent to the world, let
againft fin', difinclined to former indigencies, and earneit about falva*
tion : yet returning health, bufmefs, company, and temptation termi-
nate fuch promifing appearances. Many fuppofe themfelves to be very
good tempered, while every one {Indies to oblige them ; yet provoca-
tion excites vehement anger and refentment in their breaft : nay, riches
and honour while at a great diftance feem to have no charms for thofe,
who are powvrrully atrackdby their magn&ical influence, wbeivpiaied
■Within their rea;h !
Crca:-h;\i:-i kills Giant Slay-good. 329
hid then loft almoft all the Tap and fpirit of religion. To
the fecond, I fay, the words are fpoken in the perfon of the
unbeliever, who, became they want the eye that can fee into
our Prince's heart, therefore they judge of him by the
meannefs of his outfide. Juft like thofe that know not that
precious (tones are covered over with a homely craft ; .who
when they have found one, became they know not what
they have found, caft it again away, as men do a comn
ft one.
* Well/ faid Gaius, * now you are here, and fmce, as I
know, Mr. Grkat-hsart is good at his weapons, if you
pleafe, after we have refreihed ourfelves, we will walk into
the fields, to fee 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 thefe parts; and I know
whereabout his haunt is : he is matter of a number of
thieves : it would be well if we could clear thefe parts of
him.'
So they confented, and went, Mr. Great-heart with1,
his fword, helmet, and fhieid, and the reft with fpears and
ftaves.
When they came to .the place where he was, they found
him with one Feebt.e-mind in his hand, whom his fervants
had brought unto him, having taken him in the way. Now
the Giant was rifling him, with a purpofe, after that, to pick
his bones ; for he was of the nature of fkfh-eaters.
Well, fo icon as he faw Mr. Great-heart and his
friends at the mouth of his cave, with their weapons, lie de-
manded what they wanted.
Gr.-h. We want thee, for we are come to revenge the
quarrels of the many that thou haft fiain of the Pilgrims,
when thou haft dragged them out of the King's highway ;
wherefore come out of thy cave. — So he armed himieli,
and came out ; and to the battle they went, and fought .
above an hour, and then ftood dill to take wind.
Then faid the Giant, ' Why are you here on my ground V
Gr.-h. To revenge the blood of Pilgrims, as I alio 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 the greatnefs of his mind he let fly with fuch ftoulneis at
the Giant's head and fides, that he made him let his weapon
fall out of his hand j fo he fmote and flew him, and cut o£
D d 2
330 Feeble-mind's Account of himfelf
his head, and brought It away to the Inn. He alfo took
Feeble-mind the Pilgrim, and brought him with him to
his lodgings. When they were come home, they fhewed his
head to the family, and fet it up, as they had done others
before, for a terror to thoie that fhall attempt to do as he,
hereafter, (b)
Then they afked Mr. Feeble-mind, how he fell into his
hands ?
Then faid the poor man, ' I am a fickly man, as you fee,
and becaufe death did ufually once a day knock at my
door, I thought I mould never be well at home : fo I be-
took myfelf 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 ftrength at all of body, nor
yet of mind ; but would, if I could, though I can but
crawl, fpend my life in the Pilgrim's way. — When I came
at the Gate that is at the head of the way, the Lord of
that place did entertain me freely ; neither objected he
againft my weakly looks, nor againft my feeble mind ; but
gave me fuch things as were neceilary for my journey, and
(h) The refreshment of divine confolations, and Chriilian fellowship,
is intended to prepare us for vigoroufly maintaining the good fight of
faith ; not only againft the enemies of our own fouls, but alfo againft
the oppofers of our holy religion, according to the talents entrufted to
us, and the duties of our feveral {rations. We are foldiers belonging
to one great army under ihe command of the Captain of our falva-
tion ; and we ought to drive againft fin, and "contend for the faith
once delivered to the faints," by our profeffion, example, prayers, con-
■verfe, and every other method authorized by the word oi God. All
that love the Lord are our brethren ; and every thing that can mif-
lead, difmay, or hinder any of them, mould be coimdered as an adver-
sary to the common caufe ; and we mould counteract with meeknefs,
but with firmnefs and decifion, all the endeavours oF thofe, who obflruct
men in the ways of the Lord, or turn them afide into by-paths. — It
does not however clearly appear what particular defcription of oppofers
were leprefented by Slay-good : whether the author had in view
certain felfim and malignant perfecutors, who intimidated profeflbrs by
fines and imprifonment, to the hazard of their lives, or of their fouls j
or fome plaufible heretics, who " taught things which they ought not,
for filthy lucre's fake," to the total ruin of many that fcemed hopeful,
and the great detriment of others who were weak*in faith and uneftab-
lifhed in judgment. The Conflict feems merely to denote the efforts,
which Chr.iftians fhould make, to prevent the effeft of fuch oppofition
and delufion, and to remove fuch occafions of mifchief out of the way ;
as alfo to (hew, that the ftrong in faith are peculiarly called to tlaefe
fervio-s, and ought not to {brink from hardflnp, danger, and fuffering
in fo good a caufe.
And of his Pilgrimage. 331
bid me hope to the end. — When I came to the houfe of the
Interpreter, I received much kindnefs there ; and be-
caufe the Hill of Difficulty was judged too hard for me,
i was carried up that by one of his fervants. — Indeed I
have found much relief from Pilgrims, though none was
willingly to go foftly as I am forced to do : yet dill as they
came on, they bid me be of good cheer, and faid, that it
was the will of their Lord, that " comfort" fhould be given
" to the feeble-minded ;"* and fo went on their own pace.
— When I was come to Assault-lane, then this Giant
met with me, and bid me prepare for an encounter ; but
alas ! feeble one that I was ! I had more need of a cor-
dial : fo he came up and took me. I conceived he mould
not kill me : alfo when he had gotten me into his den,
fince I went not with him willingly, I believed I mould
come out alive again ; for I have heard, that not any Pil-
grim, that is taken captive by violent hands, if he keeps
heart-whole towards his Master, is, by the laws of Provi-
dence, to die by the hand of the enemy. Robbed I look-
ed to be, and robbed to be fare I am ; but I am, as you
fee, efcaped with life, for the which I thank my King as
author, and you as the means. Other brunts I alfo lock
for ; but this I have refolved on, to wit, to run when I can,
to go when I cannot run, and to creep when I cannot go.
As to the main, I thank him that loved me, I am fixed :
my way is before me, my mind is beyond the River that
has no bridge ; though I am, as you fee, but of a feeble
mind.' (i)
* 1 ThefT. v. 14.
(;') The chara&er of Feeble-mind feems to coincide in Come
things with that of Fearing ; and in others wi h the defcription of
Little-faith, Conftitutional timidity and lownefs of fpirits,
arifing from a feeble frame and frequent ficknefs, while they are fre-
quently the means of exciting men to religion, give alfo a peculiar cart
to their views and the nature of their profeflion ; tend to hold them
under perpetual difcouragcments, and unfit them for hard and perilous
fervices. This leems implied in the name given to the native place of
Feeble-mi xi) : his uncertainty or hesitation in his religious pro-
feflion was the effeft of his natural turn of mind, which was oppofite to
the fanguine and confident. Yet this timid and difcouraged irrt folutic n
is often connected with evident fmcerity and remarkable perfeverance in
the ways of Go n . The principal difference between Fe eb le-m I \ d
and Feak 1 n g feems to be this ; that the former was more afraid of
oppofr.ion, and the latter more doubtful about the event ; which per-
haps may intimate, that Slay-good rather reprefents perlecutors
than deceivers.
332 Not-right jl ruck dead by Lightning.
Then faid old Mr. Honest, * Have not you Tome time
ago been acquainted with one Mr. Fearing, a Pilgrim V
Feebl. 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 fhorter than I, but yet we were
much of a complexion.
Hon. I perceive you know him ; and I am apt to be-
lieve alfo, that you were related one to another, for you
have his whitely look, a caft like his with your eye, and
your fpeech is much alike.
Feebl. Mod have laid fo, that have known us both ;,
and, befides, what I have read in him, I have for the mod
part found in myfelf.
'Come Sir,' faid good Gaius, « be of good cheer ; you-
are welcome to me, and to my houfe, and what thou haft
a mind to, call for freely ; and what thou wouldeft have
my lervants do for thee, they will do it with a ready mind.
Then faid Mr. Feeble-mind, ' This is an unexpected fa-
vour, and as the fun filming out of a very dark cloud.
Did Giant Slay-good intend me this favour when he ftopt
me, and refolved to let me go no further ? Did he intend,
that after he had rifled my pocket, I mould go to " Gaius
mine hoft .?" Yet fo it is.'
Now juft as Mr. Feeble-mind and Gaius 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, ftruck dead upon the place where
he was, with a thunderbolt.
'Alas!' faid Mr. Feeble-mind, * is he flam ? He over-
took me fome days before I came fo far as hither, and
would be my company-keeper : he alfo was with me when
Slay-good the Giant took me, but he was nimble of his
heels, and efcaped : but, it feems, he efcaped to die, and I
was took to live.' (1-)
(k) Here again we meet with a contrail between a feeble believer
and a fpecious hypocrite. The latter eludes perfecution by timeserv-
ing, yet perifhes in his fins : the former fullers and trembles, yet
hopes ; is delivered and comforted, and finds his trials terminate in his
greater advantage. The frequency with which this difference is intro-
duced, and the variety of character by which it is illuflrated, (hews .us,
Matthew and Mercy are married. 333
1 What, one would think, doth feek to flay outright,
Ofttimes delivers from the faddcO plight.
That very Providence, whofe face is death,
Doth ofttimes, 0 the lowly, life bequeath.
I taken was, he did efcape and flee :
Hands crolVd give death to him, and life to me.'
Now about this time Matthew and Mercy were mar-
ried : alio Gaius gave his daughter Phebe to James,
Matthew's brother, to wife. After which time they ftaid
about ten days at Gaius's houfe.; fpending their time, and
the feafons, like as Pilgrims ufed to do.
When they were to depart, Gaius made them a feaft,
and they did eat and drink, and were merry. Now the
hour was come that they mutt, be gone ; wherefore Mr.
Great-heart called for a reckoning. But Gaius told
him, that at his houfe it was not the cuftom of Pilgrims to
pay for their entertainment. He boarded them by the
year, but looked for his pay from the Good Samaritan,
who had promifed him, at his return, whatfoever charge
he was at with them, faithfully to repay him.* Then faid
Mr. Great-heart to him, — "Beloved, thou doeft faith-
fully, whatfoever thou doeft to the brethren and to {gran-
gers, which have borne witnefs of thy charity before the
church ; whom if thou yet bring forward on their journey,
after a godly fort, thou (halt do well."f
Then Gaius took his leave of them all, and his children,
and particularly of Mr. Feeble-mind : he alfo gave him
fomething to drink by the way.
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 efpied, he faid, * Come, Mr.
Feeble-mind, pray do you go along with us, I will be
your Conductor, and you (hall fare as the reft.'
Feebl. Alas ! I want a fuitable companion ; you are
all lufty and ftrong : but I, as you fee, am weak ; 1 choofe
therefore rather to come behind, left by reafon of my
many infirmities, I fliould be both a burden to myfelf and
to you. I am, as I faid, a man of a weak and a feeble
mind, and (hall be offended and made weak at that which
* Luke x. 34, 35. +3 John 5, 6.
how important ihe author deemed it, to warn falfe profefTors at the fame
time, th.\t we co ofon the feeble minded, and to mark as exactly as we
the discriminating peculiarities of their aim and experience.
334 Great-heart encourages Feeble-mind.
others can bear. I fhall like no laughing : I (hall like no
gay attire : I (hall like no unprofitable queftions. Nay, I
am fo weak a man, as to be offended with that which others
have a liberty to do. I do not know all the truth : I am
a very ignorant Chriftian man : fbmetimes, if I hear fome
rejoice in the Lord, it troubles me, becaufe I cannot do fo
too. It is with me, as it is with a weak man among the
ftrong, or as a lamp defpifed. " Ke that is ready to flip
with his feet, is as a lamp defpifed in the thought of him
that is at eafe ;"* fo that I know not what to do.
* Bat, brother/ faid Mr. Great-heart, * I have it in
commiffion to " comfort the feeble-minded," and to fupport
the weak. You mull needs go along with us : we will
wait for you, we will lend you our help ; we will deny our-.
felves of fome things, both opinionative and practical, for
your fake ; we will not enter into " doubtful difputations"
before you ; we will be<made all things to you, rather than
you fhall be left behind.'f (/)
Now all this while they were at Gaius's door ; and be-
hold, as they were thus in the heat of their difcourfe, Mr.
Ready-to^halt came by, with his crutches in his hand,
and he alfo was going on pilgrimage. ;£
* Job xii. 5. t Rom. xiv. 1 Cor. viii. ix. 22. i Pf. xxxviii. 17,
(/)Weak believers are confeientious even to fcrupulofity : fo far
from allowing themfelves in the practice of known fin, or the omifTion
of evident duty, they are prone to abridge themfelves in things which
are indifferent; they often impofe rules on themfelves which they do
not expetl others to obferve ; and fometiif.es are fenfible that their un-
eafinefs, at ihe liberty ufed by their brethren, arifes from ignorance and
low attainments : and therefore they deem it better to live retired, than
to burden Others with their peculiarities, or be grieved with things
which every where meet their obfervation. — But there are perfons, that
expect, to be encouraged as weak believers, who are far removed from
iuch fcrupuloufnefs ; and whofe weaknefs confifts merely in an inability
to maintain an unwavering confidence, while they live in a loole ana
negligent manner. Thefe feem more to refemble Not-r IG T than
Feeble-mind — They that are indeed weak believers fhould learn
from this paffage, to beware of cenforioufnefs, and ot making them-
felves a ftandard for ot ers : and their flronger brethren (bouid be
reminded not to defoife or grieve them, by an inexpedient ule ot their
liberty. — (The author, in a marginal note, has marked Great-
heart's anfwer as a Chrifiian fpirit.) They will, however, com-
monly find aflbciates, in fome meafure of their own turn, who are often
more ufeful to them, than fuch as cannot entirely fympathbse wtth then
feelings.
Ready-to-halt joins them, 335
Then faid Mr. Feeble-mind to him, « How earned thou
hither ? I was but now complaining that I had not a fuita-
ble companion ; but thou art according to my willi. Wel-
come, welcome, good Mr. Ready-to-halt, I hope thou
and I may be fome help/
1 1 inall be glad of thy company,' faid the other ; ' and
good Mr. Feeble-mind, rather than we will part, fmce we
are thus happily met, I will lend thee one of my crutches.'
f Nay,' faid he, « though I thank thee for thy good-will,
I am not inclined to halt before I am lame. Howbeit, I
think, when occafion is, it may help me againft a dog.'
Ready-to-halt. If either myfelf or my crutches can
do thee a pleafure, we are both at thy command, good Mr.
Feeble-mind.
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 faid" Mr. Honest,
* Pray, Sir, now we are upon the road, tell us fome profit-
able things of fome that have gone on pilgrimage before us.'
Gr.-h. With a good will. I fuppofe you have heard
how Christian of old did meet with Apollyon in the
Valley of Humiliation, and alfo what hard work he had
to go through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Alfo
I think you cannot but have heard how Faithful was put
to it by Madam Wanton, with Adam the Firft, 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 harden- put to it with Shame : he was
an unwearied one.
Gr.-h. Ay : for, as the Pilgrim well faid, < He of all
men had the wrong name.'
Hon. But pray, Sir, where was it that Christian and
Faithful met Talkative ? that fame 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
prophefied to them what they fhould meet with at Van-
ity-fair.
33 6 Faithful's Sufferings. — By-ends' Inji ability.
Then faid their Guide, * Hereabouts did Christian and
Faithful meet with Evangelist, who prophefied to them
of what troubles they fhould meet with at Vanity-fair.'
Hon. Say you fo ? I dare fay it was a hard chapter
that then he did read unto them, (m)
Gr.-h. It was fo, but then he gave them encour age-
men withal. But what do we talk of them I they were a
couple of lion-like men ; they had fet their faces like flints.
Do not you remember how undaunted they were, when they
ftood before the judge ?
Hon. Well> Faithful bravely fuffered.
Gr.-h. So he did, and as brave things came on't : for
Hopvful and fome others, as the flory relates, were con-
verted by his death.*
Ho«. Well, pray go on ; for you are well acquainted
with things.
Gr.-h. Above all that Christian met with after he
had paffed 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 fo cunning, that he would be fure never to lofe
or to fuffer for it. He had his mode of religion for every
frefh occafion, and his wife was as good at it as he. He
would turn and change from opinion to opinion ; yea, and
plead for fo 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 efteem with any
that truly fear GoD.f
Now by this time they were come within fight of the
Town of Vanity, where Vanity-fair is kept. So when
they faw that they were fo near the Town, they confulted
* Parti, p. 107—141. t Part. i. p. 142—156.
The near profpett of pcrfecution is formidable even to true
'ers, notwithftanding all the encouragements of God's word.—
(m)
believers, ..
It is therefore very ufeful to realize fuch icenes to our minds, and to
confider how we fhould feel were they aaually prefent ; that we may
be preferved from feif-cor.fider.ee; excited to diligence in every thing
connected with the afl'urance of hope ; put on our guard agatnft every
action or engagement which might weaken our confidence in God ;
and pray without ceafing, for that mcafure of wifdom, fortitude, pa-
tience, meeknefs, faith and love, which might be fufficient for us,
Ihould matters come to the word.
The Pilgrims are entertained by Mnafon. 337
with one another how they mould pafs through the Town :
and fome faid one thing, and ibme another. At laft Mr."
Great-heart faid, « I have, as you may underftand, often
been a Conductor of Pilgrims through this town : now I
am acquainted with one Mr. Mnason, a Cyprusian by
nation, and an old difciple, at whole houfe we may lodge.
If you think good/ faid he, * we will turn in there.'
'Content,' faid old Honest; 'Content/ faid Chris-
tiana ; 'Content/ faid Mr. Feeble-mind; and fo they
faid all. Now you muft think it was even-tide by that
they got to the out-fide of the Town ; but Mr. Great-
heart knew the way to the old man's houfe. So thither
they came; and he called at the door, and the old man
within knew his tongue fo foon as ever he heard it ; fo he
opened, and they all came in. Then faid Mnason, their
hoft, « How far have ye come to-day ?' So they faid
« From the houfe of Gaius our friend., * I promife you/
faid he, ■ you have gone a good flitch ; you may well be
weary ; fit down.' So they fat down.
Then fuid their Guide, * Come, what cheer, good Sirs ? I
dare fay you are welcome to my friend.'
■ I alio/ faid Mr. Mnason, « do bid you welcome ; and
whatever you want, do but fay, and we will do what we
can to get it for you.'
Hon. Our great want, a while fince, was harbour and
good company, and now I hope we have both.
Mnas. For harbour, you fee what it is ; but for good
company, that will appear in the trial.
'Well/ faid Mr. Great-heart, 'will you have the Pil-
grims into their lodging ?'
1 1 will/ faid Mr. Mnason. So he had them to their re-
fpe&ive places ; and alfo fhewed them a very fair dining
room, where they might be, and fup together, until time
was come to go to reft.
Now when they were fet in their places, and were a lit-
tle cheery after their journey, Mr. Honest afked his
landlord, if there were any ftore 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 fide.
HoN. But how ftall we do to fee fome of them ? for
the %ht of good men, to them that are going on pilgrim-
E E
'lift They are vlfited by Mnajarfs Friends.
ap-e, is like to the appearing of the moon and ftars to them
that are going a journey. («)
Then Mr. Mnason ftamped with his foot, and his daugh-
ter Grace came up ; fo he faid 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 houfe, that have a mind this
evening to fee them.'
So Grace went to call them, and they came ; and, after
Salutation made, they fat down together at the table.
Then faid Mr. Mnason, their landlord, 'My neigh-
bours, I have, as you fee, a company of ftrangers come to
my houfe : they are Pilgrims : they 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 Christiana, the wife of Christian, that famous Pil-
grim, who with Faithful his brother, were fo fhamefully
handled in our Town.'— At that they flood amazed, faying,
•We little thought to fee Christiana, when Grace came
to call us : wherefore this is a very comfortable furprife.'
Then they afked her about her welfare, and if thefe young
men were her hufband's fons. And when fhe had told
them they were, they faid, 'The King, whom you love
and ferve, make you as your father, and bring you where
he is in peace.' f
Then Mr. Honest, when they were all fat down, afked
Mr. Contrite, and the reft, in what pofture their Town
was at prefent. ■ ■ .' '• .
Contr. You may be fure we are full of hurry in fair-
time. It is hard keeping our hearts and fpirits in good or-
der, when we are in a cumbered condition. He that lives
m fuch a place as this, and that has to do with fuch as we
have, has need of an item, to caution him to take heed every
moment of the day.
Hon. But how are your neighbours now for quietneis ?
Contr. They are much more moderate now than
formerly. You know how Christian and Faithful were
ufed at our town : but of late, I fay, they have been far
(n) Even in thofe populous cities, where vanity moll prevails, and
where perfection at fome feafons jwTmoft raged, a remnant or real
Chriftians generally refide : and Relievers will in every place inquire
after fuch peifons and aflbciate with them.*
* Ps. cxix. 63. 1 John iii. 14.
What the Pilgrims had met with. 339
more moderate. I think the blood of Fatthfxtl lieth with
load upon them till now ; for fince they burned him, they
have been alhamed to burn any more : in thofe days we
were afraid to walk the ftreets, but now we can fhew our
heads. Then the name of a profeifor was odious ; now,
efpecially, in ibme parts of our Town, (for you know our
Town is large,) religion is counted honourable.
Then faid Mr. Contrite to them, * Pray how fareth
it with you in your pilgrimage ? How Hands the country
affected towards you ?'
Hon. It happens to us, as it happeneth to way-faring
men : fometimes our way is clean, fometimes foul, fome-
times uphill, fometimes downhill ; we are feldom at a cer-
tainty : 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 fome notable rubs already : and what are yet behind
we know not ; but, for the moft part, we find it true that
has been talked of old, — c A good man muft fuffer trouble.*
Contr. You talk of rubs : what rubs have you met
withal ?
Hon. Nay, afk Mr. Great-heart, our Guide, for he
can give the befl account of that.
Gr.-h. We have been befet three or four times already.
Firft, Christiana and her children were befet with two
ruffians, that they feared would take away their lives. We
were befet with Giant Bloody-man, Giant Maul, and
Giant Slay-good. Indeed we did rather befet the lafr,
than were befet of him. And thus it was : after we had
been fome time at the houfe of " Gaius mine hoft, and of
the whole church," we were minded upon a time to take
our weapons with us, and lb go fee if we could light upon
any of thofe that were enemies to Pilgrims ; for we heard
that there was a notable one thereabouts. Now Gaius
knew his haunt better than I, becauie he dwelt therea-
bouts ; fo we looked and looked, till at laft we difcerned
the mouth of his cave ; then were we glad, and plucked up
our fpirits. 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 him to his end. But when he faw us, fuppofmgj
as we thought, he had another prey, he left the poor man
in his houfe, and came out. So we fell to it full fore, and
he lullily laid about him ; but in conclufion, 1>£ was
340 Occurrences in the Town of Vanity,
brought down to the ground, and his head cut off, and fet
up by the way-fide, for a terror to fuch as fhould after prac-
tife /uch ungodlinefs. That I tell you the truth, here is
the man himfelf to affirm it, who was as a lamb taken out
of the mouth of the lion.
Then faid Mr. Feeble-mind, *I found this true, to my
coft and comfort : to my coft, when he threatened to pick
my bones every moment ; and to my comfort, when I faw
Mr. Great-heart and his friends, with their weapons, ap-
proach fo near for my deliverance/
Then faid Mr. Holy-man, « There are two things that
they have need to be poffeffed of, that go on pilgrimage ;
courage, and an unfpotied life. If they have not courage,
they can never hold on their way ; and if their lives be
loofe, they will make the very name of a Pilgrim {link/
Then faid Mr. Love-saint, «I hope this caution is not
needful among you : but truly there are many that go upon
the road, that rather declare themfelves ftrangers to pil-
grimage, than ftrangers and Pilgrims in the earth.'
Then faid 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 fhoe
goeth inward, another outward, and their hofen out be-
hind ; here a rag, and there a rent, to the difparagement
of their Lord.'
' Thefe things,' faid Mr. Penitent, 'they ought to be
troubled for; nor are the Pilgrims like to have that grace
upon them and their Pilgrim's progrefs as they defire, until
the way is cleared of fuch fpots and blemifhes.'
Thus they fat talking and fpending the time until fupper
was fee upon the table. Unto which they went, and re-
frefhed their weary bodies ; fo they went to reft. Now
they ftaid in the Fair a great while, at the houfe of Mr.
Mnason, who, in procefs of time, gave his daughter
Grace unto Samuel, Christiana's fon, and his daughter
Martha to Joseph.
The time, as I laid, that they lay here was long : for it
was not now as in former times. Wherefore the Pilgrims
grew acquainted with many of the good people of the
Town, and did them what fervice they could. Mkrcy, as
fne was wont, laboured much for the poor ; wherefore their
bellies and backs blefted her, and ihe was there an orna-
ment to her profeifion. And, to fay the truth for Grace,
A Moftflef does great M if chief. 341
PhBBE, and Martha, they were all of a very good nature,
and did much good in their places. They were alfo all of
them very fruitful; fo that Christian's name, as was faid.
before, was like to live in the world.
While they lay here, there came a Monfter out of the
woods, and Hew many of the people of the town. It would
alfo carry away their children, and teach them to fuck its
whelps. Now no man in the town durft fo much as face
this Monfter ; but all men fled when they heard of the noife
of his coming. The Monfter was like unto no one bead
upon the earth ; its body was " like a dragon, and it had
feven heads and ten horns."* It made great havoc of
children, and yet it was governed by a woman. This
Monfter propounded conditions to men ; and fuch men as
loved their lives more than their fouls accepted oi thofe
conditions.
Now Mr. Great-heart, together with thefe who came
to vifit the Pilgrims at Mr. Mnason's houfe, entered into a
covenant to go and engage this beaft, if perhaps they might
deliver the people of this town from the paws and mouth
of this fo devouring a ferpent.
Then did Mr. Great-heart, Mr. Contrite, Mr. Holy-
man, Mr. Dare-not-lie, and Mr. Penitent, with their
weapons go forth to meet him. Now the Monfter, at fir ft.
was very rampant, and looked upon thefe enemies with'
great difdain ; but they fo belaboured him, being fturdv
men at arms, that they made him make a retreat : fo* chey
came home to Mr. Mnason's houfe again.
The Monfter, you muft know, had his certain feafons to!
come out in, and to make his attempts upon the children of
the people of the town ; alfo thefe feafons did thefe valiant
worthies watch him in, and did continually afiault him ;
inlbmuch that in procefs of time he became not only wound-
ed, but lame ; alfo he had not made the havoc of the towns-
men's children a3 formerly he has done. And it is verily
believed by fome, that this beaft will certainly die of his
wounds. This therefore made Mr. Great-heart and his
fellows of great fame in this Town ; fo that many of the
people, that wanted their tafte of things yet had a reverend
efteem and refpecr. for them. Upon this account therefore
it was, that thefe pilgrims got not much hurt here. True,
*Rev. xii. 3.
Ell
342 The Pilgrims have the Totun of Vanity.
there were fome of the bafer fort, that could fee no more
than a mole, nor underiland more than a Dealt ; thefe had
no reverence for thefe men, nor took they notice of their
valour and adventures, (o)
Well, the time drew on that the Pilgrims rauft go on
their way ; therefore they prepared for their journey.
They fent for their friends ; they conferred with them ;
they had fome time fet apart therein, to commit each other
to the protection of their Prince. There were again that
brought them of fuch things as they had, that were fit for
the weak and the ftrong, for the women and the men, and
ib laded them with fuch things as were neceffary.* Then
they fet forward on their way ; and their friends accom-
panying them fo far as was convenient, they again com-
mitted 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-
halt and Mr. Feeble-mind had more to fympathize with
their condition.
When they were gone from the townfmen, and when
their friends had bid them farewell, they quickly came to
the place where Faithful was put to death: therefore
they made a itand, and thanked Him that had enabled him
to bear his crofs fo well ; and the raiher, becaufe they now
found that they had a benefit by fuch a man's fufferings as
he was. They went on, therefore, after this a good way
further, talking of Christian and Faithful ; and how
* Acts xxviii. Jo.
(o)This feems to refer to the prevalence of popery for fome time
^efbre the revolution in 1688; by which many nominal protellants
•^ere drawn afide, and nuinbejs of children educated in the principles
0fthat dark fuperftition. The favour or frown of the Prince and his
party operated fo powerfully, that worldly men in general yielded to
the impofition : but feveral pr.rfons among the non-conformiils, a^f
yrell as in the eftablifhed church, did eminent fervice at that crifis by
their preaching and writings, in expofing the deluhons and abomina-
tions of that monftrous religion ; and th fe endeavours were eventually
the means of overturning the plan formed for the re-eftablifhment of
popery in Britain. The difinter.fted and bold decided conduct of
Many diifenters, on this occafion, procured confiderable favour both to
them and their brethren, with the beft friends of the nation : but the
prejudices of others prevented them from reaping all the advantage
tora it, that they ought to have done.
The Hill Lucre, and Pillar of Salt. 343
Hopeful joined himfelf to Christian, after that Faith-
ful was dead.*
Now they were come up with the hill Lucre, where the
filver mine was, which took Demas off from his pilgrim-
age, and into which, as fome think, By-ends fell and per-
ifhed : wherefore they confidered that. But when they
were come to the old monument that flood over againil
the Hill Lucre, to wit, to the pillar of fait, that, flood alio
within view of Sodom, and its (linking lake,f they marvel-
led, as did Christian before, that men of that knowledge
and ripenefs of wit, as they were, fhould be fo blind as to
turn afide here. Only they confidered again, that nature
is not affected with the harms that others have met with,
efpecially if that thing, upon which they look, has an at-
tracting virtue upon the foolifh eye.
I faw now that they* went on till they came to the River
that was on this fide of the Delectable Mountains. \ —
To the River where the fine trees grow on both fides ; and
whofe leaves, if taken inwardly, are good againil furfeits,$
where the meadows are green all the year long, and where
they might lie down fafely.
By this river-fide, in the meadows, there were cotes and
folds for fheep, a houfe built for the nourifhmg and bring-
ing up of thofe lambs, the babes of thofe women that go
on pilgrimage. Alfo there was here One that was entrusted
with them, who could have compafTion, and that could
gather thefe lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bof-
fom, and that could gently lead thofe that were with
young.[] Now to the care of this Man Christiana ad-
monilhed her four daughters to commit their little ones,
that by thefe waters they might be houfed, harboured, fuc-
coured, ,and nourifhed, and that none of them might be
lacking in time to come. This Man, if any of them go
aftray, or be loft, he will bring them again ; he will alfo bind
up that which was broken, and will flrengthen them that
are fick.^J 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 thofe committed to his
truft fhall be loft. Befides, here they (hall be fure to have
good nurture and admonition ; and fhall be taught to walk
* Part i. p. 142. + Parti, p. 156.
X Parti, p. 1,58. J Pf. xxiii. || Heb. v. 2. Ifa. Ixiii.
I Jier. xxiii. 4. Ezek. xxxiv. 11 — 16.
344 -^ ^ilfffimt g° i0 Do"bting-eaftle,
in right paths, and that you know is a favour of no fmali
account. (/>) Alio here, as you fee, are delicate waters,
pleafant meadows, dainty flowers, variety of trees, and fuch
as bear wholefome fruit : fruit not like that which Mat-
thew ate of, that fell over the wall out of Beelzebub's
garden ; but fruit that procureth health where there is
none, and that continueth and increafeth where it is.
So they were content to commit their little ones to him ;
and that which was alio an encouragement to them fo to do
was, for that all this was to be at the charge of the King ;
and fo was an hofpital to young children and orphans.
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
Despair, and put into Doubting-castle ; they fat down,
and confulted what was heft to be done ; to wit, now they
were fo ftrong, and had got fuch a man as Mr. Great-
heart for their Conductor, whether they had not beft to
make an attempt upon the Giant, demolifh his caftle, and
if there were any Pilgrims in it, to fet them at liberty, be-
fore they went any further.* — So one faid one thing, and
another faid to the contrary. — One queftioned if it was
lawful to go upon unconfecrated ground ; another faid they
might, provided their end was good. But Mr. Great-
heart faid, * Though that affertion offered laft cannot be
univerfally true, yet I have a commandment to refift fin,
to overcome evil, to fight the good fight of faith ; and, I
pray, with whom fhould I fight this good fight, if not with
* Part i. p. 163—172.
(p) Under this emblem we are taught the importance of early recom-
mending our children to the faithful care of the Lord Jesus, by
fervent prayer, with earneft dc fires of their eternal good, above all
fecular advantages whatfoever : confequently we ought to keep them
at a diftance from fuch places, connexions, books and companies, as
may corrupt their principles and morals ; to infill fuch pious inftruc-
tions as they are capable of receiving ; to bring them early under the
preaching of thegolpel and to the ordinances of Gop ; and to avail our-
felves of every help, in thus " training them up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord." For depraved, natural propcnfities, the
courfe of the world, the artifices of Satan, the inexperience, credu-
lity, and fanguine expectations of youth, the importance of the cafe,
and the precepts of Scripture, concur in requiring this conduct of us,
Yer, after all, our minds mull be anxious about the event, in propor-
tion as we value their fouls, except as we find relief, by commending
them to the faithful care of that tender Shephkr o, who "gathers
the lambs with his arm, and carries them in his bofom."
To affault Giant Defpair. 345.
Giant Despair ? I will therefore attempt the talcing away
of his life, and the demolifhing of Doubting-castle.'
Then faid he, « Who will go with me V Then faid old
Honest, * I will.' 'And fo ive will too,' faid Chris-
tiana's four fons, Matthew, Samuel, James, and Jo-
seph : for they were young men and ftrong.*
So they left the women on the road, and with them 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 dwells fo near, they keeping in the
road, " a little child might lead them."f
So Mr, Great-heart, old Honest, and the four young
men went to go up to Doubting-castle, to look for Gi-
ant Despair. When they came at the Caftle-gate, they
knocked for entrance with an unufual noife. With that
the Old Giant comes to the gate, and Diffidence his wife
follows. Then faid he, * Who and what is he that is fo
hardy, as after this manner to moleft the Giant Despair ?'
Mr. Great-heart replied, * It is I, Great-heart, one of
the King of the celeftial Country's Conductors of Pilgrims
to their place : and I demand of thee, that thou open thy
gates for my entrance ; prepare thyfelf alfo to fight, for I am
come to take away thy head, and to demolifh Doubting-
castle.'
Now Giant Despair, becaufe he was a Giant, thought
no man could overcome him ; and again, thought he,
4 Since heretofore I have made a conqueil of Angels, fhall
Great-heart make me afraid V So he harnefTed himfelf,
and went cut : he had a cap of fteel upon his head, a
breaft-plate of fire girded to him, and he came out in iron
fhoes with a great club in his hand. Then thefe fix men
made up to him, and befet him behind and before : alfo
when Diffidence, the Giantefs, came up to help him, old
Mi. 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 ftruggled hard,
and had, as they fay, as many lives as a cat ; but Great-
heart was his death ; for he left him not till he had fever-
ed his head from his moulder-.
Then they fell to demolishing Doubting-castle, and
that you know might with eafe be done, fince Giant Des-
pair was dead. They were feven days in deftroying of
* 1 John ii. 13, 14. t lfaiuh xi. 6.
346 After defiropng the Cafle,
that: and in it, of Pilgrims, they found one Mr. Despon-
dency, almoft: ftarved to death, and one Much-afraid his
daughter ; thefe two they faved alive. But it would have
made you have wondered to have feen the dead bodies
that lay here and there in the Caftle-yard, and how full of
dead men's bones the dungeon was.
When Mr. Great-heart and his companions had per-
formed this exploit, they took Mr. Despondency, and his
daughter Much-afraid, into their protection; for they
were honeft people, though they were prifoners in Doubt-
ing-castle, to that Giant Despair. They therefore, I
fay, took with them the head of the Giant, (for his body
they had buried under a heap of ftones ;) and down to the
road and to their companions they came, and mewed them
what they had done. Now when Feeble-mind and Rea-
dy-to-halt law 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 viol, and her
daughter Mercy upon the lute : fo fince they were fo
merrily difpofed, fhe played them a leflbn, and Ready-to-
halt woiiild 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 without
one crutch in his hand ; but I promife you, he footed it
well : alfo the girl was to be commended, for (he anfwered
the mufic handfomely.
As for Mr. Despondency, the muftc was not much to
him : he was for feeding rather than dancing ; for that he
was almoft ftarved. So Christiana gave him fome of her
bottle of fpirits, for prefent relief, and then prepared him
fomething to eat ; and in a little time the old gentleman
came to himfelf, and began to be finely revived.
Now I faw in my dream, when all thefe things were fin-
ifhed, Mr. Great- heart took the head of Giant Des-
pair, and fet it upon a pole by the highway-fide, right
over againft the pillar that Christian erecled for a caution
to Pilgrims that came after, to take heed of entering into
his grounds, (q)
(?) The following lines are here added, as in other places. —
' Though Doubtin c;-c A s T l e be demolifhed,
And Giant Dt-'.s pair too has loft his head ;
Fin can rebuild the Caftle, make't remain,
And make Das p a i r the Giant live again.' —
Tbcy releafe two Pilgrims, and raife a Monument. 347
Then he writ under it, upon a marble ftone, thefe verfes
following :
1 This is the head of him, whofe name only,
In former time, did Pilgrims terrify.
His Caftle's down, and Diffidence, his wife,
Brave matter Great-heart has bereft of life.
Desfokbkmc y, his daughter Mu c h-af r a t d,
Gr e at-h fart for them alfo the man has play'd.
Who hereof doubts, if he'll but caft his eye
Up hither, may his fcruples fatisfy.
This Hfcd alfo, when doubting cripples dance,
Doth mew from fears they have deliverance.'
When thofe men had thus bravely fhewed themfelves
aga'nft Doubting-cagtle, and had (lain Giant Despair,
Indeed they feem to be much wanted ; For the exploit of destroying
Dot: bting-castle, and killing Giant Despair, is more liable to
exception than any incident in the whole work. To relieve the minds
of fuch as are difcouraged in the path of duty, or when inquiring the
way of falvation, is doubtlefs a moft important fervice in the caufe of
Christ. This is reprefented by the attempts made to mend the road
over the Slough of Despond : but By-path-meadow ought to
lead ioDoubtin g-c AST LE j fuch inward diftrefles are as ulcful to
Cbriilians as any other rebukes and corrections, by which their loving
Fr i E N D renders them watchful and circumfpeft. Could this order be
reverfed, it would^give ftrength to temptation, and tend to embolden
men to feek relief from difficulties by tranfgreflion ; for the apprehen-
fion of fubfequent diftrefs is one grand preventative, even to the believer,
when fuch meafures are fuggefted to his mind. Indeed, this is the
Lord's method of performing his covenant to his people ; " I will,"
fays he, "put my fear in their hearts, that they (hall not depart from
me.,:* If therefore love be not in lively exercife, he has fo ordered it,
that fear fliould intervene, to prevent worfe confequences. So that,
when believes have not only departed from the way, but have alfo
fallen afleep on forbidden ground, their alarms and doubts are falutary,
though often groundlefs and extreme ; and fliould any man, by preach-
ing or writing, be able to prevent all the defpondings of fuch peifons,
previous to their repentance and its happy effects, he would fubferve the
defign of the tempter, and counteract the Lo r d's plan. We can, with
propriety, do no more in this cafe, than encourage the fallen to repent
and feek forgivenefs, by the general truths, invitations, and promifes of
Scripture ; and comfort them when penitent, by fuitable topics, " that
they may not be fwal lowed up of over-much forrow." — But though
this part of the allegory is liable to fome objection, or capable of being
abulcd : yet it is probable, that the author only intended to (hew, that
the labours of faithful minifters, with the converfe and prayers of fuch
believers as arc flrong in faith, may be very ufeful in recovering the
fallen, and relieving them that are ready to defpond ; and of thus
preventing the more durable and dreadful effects of the weak believe! 's
tranlgreflions.
* Jer. xxxii. 40.
048 The Delegable Mountains.
they went forward, and went on till they came to the De-
lectable Mountains, where Christian and Hopeful
refreshed themfelves with the varieties of the place. They
alfo acquainted themfelves with the Shepherds there, who
welcomed them, as they had done Christian before, unto
the Delectable Mountains.
Now the Shepherds feeing fo great a train follow Mr.
Great-heart, (for with him they were well acquainted,)
they faid unto him, ' Good Sir, you have apt a goodly
company here ; pray where did you find all tnefe V
Gr.-h. ' Firft, here is Christiana and her train,
Ker fons, and her fon's wives, who, like the wain,
Keep by the pole, and do by compafs fteer
From ha to grace, elfe they had not been here.
Next, here's old Honest come on pilgrimage;
Ready-to-halt too, who, I dare engage,
True-hearted is, and fo is Fe e b l e-m 1 n d ,
Who willing was not to be left behind.
Despondency, good man, is coming after,
And fo alfo is M.u c h-afraid, his daughter.
May we have entertainment here, or muft
We further go ? Let's know whereon to truft.'
Then faid the Shepherds, * This is a comfortable com-
pany ; you are welcome to us, for we have for the feeble,
as for the ftrong : our Prince has an eye to what is done
to the leaft of thefe :* therefore infirmity muft not be a
block to our entertainment.' So they had them to the Pal-
ace-doors, and then faid unto them, * Come in, Mr. Feeble-
mind : come in, Mr. Ready-to»halt ; come in, Mr. Des-
pondency, and Mrs. Muck-afraid his daughter/ * Thefe,
Mr. Great-heart,' faid the Shepherds to the Guide, 'we
call in by name, for that they are moft fubject. to draw
back ; but as for you, and the reft that are ftrong, we leave
you to your wonted liberty.' Then faid Mr. Great-heart,
« This day I fee that grace doth fhine in your faces, and
that you are my Lord's Shepherds indeed ; for that you
have not pufhed thefe difeafed neither with fide nor fhoul-
der, but have rather ftrewed their way into the palace with
flowers as you fhould.'f
So the feeble and weak went in, and Mr. Great-heart
and the reft did follow. When they weiv alfo fat down,
the Shepherds faid to thofe of the weakeft fort, < What is
■that you would have r For,' faid they, 'all things muft be
* Matt. XXV. 40. t Ezek. xxxiv. 21.
Mount Marvel, and Mount Innocence, 349
managed here to the fupporting of the weak, as well as the
warning of the unruly.'
So they made them a feaft of things eafy of digeftion,
and that were pleafant to the palate and nourifliing : the
which when they had received, they went to their reft,
each one reflectively unto his proper place. When morn-
ing was come, becaufe the mountains were high, and the
day clear ; and becaufe it was the cuflom of the Shepherds
to mew the Pilgrims, before their departure, fome rarities ;
therefore, after they were ready, and had refrefhed them-
felves, the Shepherds took them out into the fields, and
fhewed them firft what they had mewed to Christian
before.*
Then they had them to fome new places. The fir/l was
Mount Marvel, where they looked, and behold a man at
a diftance, that tumbled the hills about with words. Then
they afked the Shepherds what that mould mean ? So thej
told them, that that man was the fon of one Mr. Great-
grace, [of whom you read in the firft part of the records
of the Pilgrim* s Progrefs .•] and he is fet there to teach Pil-
grims how to believe down, or to tumble out of their ways,
what difficulties they mould meet with, by faith.f « Then/
faid Mr. Great-heart, « I know him ; he is a man above
many.' (r)
Then they had them to another place, called Mount
Innocence : and there they faw a man clothed all in
white ; and two men, Prejudice and Ill-will, continual-
* Part i. p. 172 — 178. + Mark xi. 23, 24.
(r) Faith exercifed on the promifes, and according to the warrant of
Scripture, engages the arm of omnipotence on our fide, as far as our
duty or advantage, and the glory of God are concerned : fo that
firong faith will remove out of our way, every obftacle which presents
our progrefs. But many things ft., m to us to be infurmountable obfta-
cles which are merely trials of our patience, or " thorns in the fl fh" to
keep us humble ; no degree of faith therefore will remove them ; bat
believing prayer will be anfwered by inward flrength commu'-> cated 'o
our fouls. "The grace of the Lord Jesus will be fufficicnt f^r
us :" "his ftrength will be perfected in our weaknefs :" the burning
bufh fhall not be confumed : and we fhill be enabled to proceed j
though in great weakneis and with many trembling apprtlv >fio;:s.
On he oth'-r hand, real hindrances frequently obflrucr. our path, ' I1 -
caufe of our unbelief," and becaufe we neglect the proper m.ans of
increafing our faith. +
X Matt. xvii. 19 — 21.
F F
350 Mount Charity. Fool and Want-ivit.
ly cafting dirt upon him. Now behold, the dirt, whatfo-
ever they cait at him, would in a little time fall off again,
and his garment would look as clear as if no dirt had been
cait thereat. — Then faid the Pilgrims, 4 What means this ?'
The Shepherds anfwered, * This man is named Godly-
man, and the garment is to mew the innocency of his life.
Now thole that throw dirt at him, are fuch as hate his well-
doing ; but as you fee the dirt will not ftick upon his
clothes, fo it (hall be with him that lives truly innocently in
the world. Whoever they be that would make fuch men
dirty, they labour all in vain ; for God, by that a little
time is fpent, will caufe that their innocence (hall break
forth as the light, and their righteoufnefs as the noon-
day.' (s)
Then they took them, and had them to Mount Charity,
where they mewed them a man that had a bundle of cloth
lying before him, out of which he cut coats and garments
for the poor that flood about him ; yet his bundle or roll of
cloth was never the lefs. Then faid they, * What ihould
this be V i This is,' faid the Shepherds, « to fhew you, that
he that has a heart to give of his labour to the poor, fhall
never want wherewithal. " He that watereth, fhall be wa-
tered himfelf." And the cake, that the widow gave to the
prophet, did not caufe that fhe had ever the lefs in her
barrel. '
They had them alfo to the place, where they faw one
Fool, and one Want-wit, warning of an Ethiopian, with
an intention to make him white ; but the more they warned
him, the blacker he was. Then they afked the Shepherds,
what that (hould mean ? So they told them, faying, * Thus
ihall it be with the vile perfon ; all means ufed to get fuch
a one a good name, lhall in conclufion tend but to make
(s) This and the fubfequent emblems are fufficiently explained, and
only require to be duly confidered, with reference to their practical im-
port. It may however be obferved, that fome godly men have been
durably fufpccled of crimes charged upon them by prejudiced perfons,
of which they are entirely innocent : yet, perhaps, this will be found
to have originated from ibrne mifconduct in other refpe&s, or from
want of circumfpection in "avoiding the appearance of evil :" fo that
the general ru1 e may be allowed to be valid ; and they who feel them-
felvcs to be exceptions to it will do well to examine whether they have
not, by indifcretions, at leaf}, expofed themfelves to this painful trial.
I apprehend moll of us have caute enough in dns refpett for humilia-
tion and patknee.
The wonderful Looking-glafs. 35 J
him more abominable. Thus it was with the Pharifees,
and fo it lhall be with all hypocrites.'
Thenfaid Mercy, the wife of Matt hew, to Christiana
her mother, « I would, if it might be, fee the Hole in the
hill, or that commonly called the By-way to hell.' So her
mother brake her mind to the Shepherds.* Then they
went to the door ; (it was on the fide of an hill ;) and they
opened it, and bid Mercy hearken a while. So (lie heark-
ened, and heard one laying, « Curfed be my father, for hold-
ing of my feet back from the way of peace and life :' And
another faid, ■ O that I had been torn in pieces, before I
had, to fave my life, loft my foul !' And another faid, ' if
I were to live again, how would I deny myfelf, rather than
come to this place !' Then there was as if the very earth
groaned and quaked under the feet of this young woman
for fear ; fo fhe looked white, and came trembling away,
faying, « BlefTed be he and fhe that is delivered from this
place.'
Now when the Shepherds had fhewn them all thefe things
then they had them back to the Palace, and entertained
them with what the houfe would afford : but Mercy being
a young and breeding woman, longed for fomethmg that fhe
faw there, but was afhamed to afk. Her mother-in-law
then afked her what fhe ailed ? for fhe looked as one not well.
Then faid Mercy, « There is a looking-glafs hangs up in
the dining-room, off which I cannot take my mind ; if
therefore I have it not, I think I lhall mifcarry.' Then
faid her mother, ' I will mention thy wants to the Shep-
herds, and they will not deny it thee.' But Ihe faid, * I am
afhamed that thefe men Ihould know that I longed.' * Nay,
my daughter,' faid fhe, « it is no fhame, but a virtue, to long
for fuchua thing as that.' So Mercy faid, « Then, mother,
if you pleafe, afk the Shepherds if they are willing to fell it.'
Now the glafs was one of a thoufand. It would preient
a man, one way, with his own features exactly ; and turn
it but another way, and it would fhew one the very face
and limilitude of the Prince of the Pilgrims himfelf. Yes,
I have talked with them that can tell, and they have faid,
that they have feen the very crown of thorns upon his head,
by looking in that glafs ; they have therein alfo feen the
holes in his hands, in his feet, and his fide. Yea, fiich
au excellency is there in that glafs, that it will lhew him Co
* Part i. p. 177.
352 Prefents made to the Pilgrims,
one where they have a mind to fee him ; whether living or
dead, whether in earth or in heaven ; whether in a (late of
humiliation, or in his exaltation ; whether coming to fuffer,
or coming to reign.*
Christiana therefore we"nt to the Shepherds apart, (now
the names of the Shepherds were Knowledge, Expe-
rience, Watchful, and Sincere,-}-) and laid unto them,
« There is one of my daughters, a breeding woman, that, I
think, doth long for fomething that fhe hath feen in this
houfe, and lhe thinks fhe (hall mifcarry, if me fhould by you
be denied.'
Exper. Call her, call her ; fhe (hall afluredly have what
we can help her to. So they called her, and faid to her,
* Mercy, what is that thing thou woulde ft have V Then
fhe blufhed, and faid, * The great glafs that hangs up in the
dining-room. ' So Sincere ran and fetched it, and with a
joyful confent it was given her. Then fhe bowed her head,
and gave thanks, and faid, * By this I know that I have
obtained favour in your eyes/ (/)
They alfo gave to the other young women fuch things
as they defired, and to their hufbands great commenda-
tions, for that they had joined with Mr. Great-heart,
to the flaying of Giant Despair, and the demolifhing of
Doubting-Castle. — About Christiana's neck the Shep-
herds put a bracelet, and fo they did about the necks of her
four daughters ; alfo they put ear-rings in their ears, and
jewels on their foreheads.
When they were minded to go hence, they let them go
in peace, but gave not to them thofe certain cautions which
before were given to Christian, and his companion. The
reafon was, for that thefe had Great-heart to be their
Guide, who was one that was well acquainted with things,
and fo could give them their cautions more feafonable ; to
wit, even then when the danger was nigh the approaching.
What cautions Christian and his companion had received
of the Shepherds, \ they had alfo loft by that the time was
* James i. 23 — 25. 1 Cor. xiii. 12. 2 Cor. iii. 18.
t Part i. p. 174. + Part i. p. 178.
(t) The Holy Scriptures, revealing to us the myfterics and perfections
of God, {hewing us our own real character and condition, and discover-
ing Christ and his falvation to our fouls, are represented under this
emblem. Every true believer longs to be more completely acquainted
with them from day to day, and to look into them continually.
Turn-away y of Apojlafj. 353
come that they had need to put them in practice. Where-
fore, here was the advantage that this company had over
the other, (u)
From hence they went on ringing, and they faid, —
.' Behold, how fitly are the Tables fet
For their relief that Pilgrims are become,
And how they us receive without One let,
That make the other life the mark and home.
What novelties they have, to us they give,
That we, though Pilgrims, joyful lives may live.
They do upon us, too, fuch things- bt (tow,
That fhew we Pilgrims are, where'er we go.'
When they were gone from the Shepherds, they quickly
came to the place where Christian met with one Turn-
away, that dwelt in the Town of Apostasy.* Where-
fore of him Mr. Great-heart, their Guide, did now put
them in mind, faying, * This is the place where Christian
met with one Turn-away, who carried with him the char-
acter of his rebellion at his back. And this I have to fay
* Parti, p. 181.
(u) The author embraces every opportunity of pointing out the im-
portant advantages of the paftoral office, when faithfully executed ; by
which he meant the regular care of a dated minifter over a company of
profelfed Chriflians who are his peculiar charge, have vol an tan ly p'aced
themfdves under his iuftructions, feek counfel from hinj in all their
difficulties, and pay regard to his private admonitions ; being convinced
that he uprightly leeks their fpiritual welfare, and is capable of promot-
ing it. Nothing fo much tends to the eftablifhment and confident con-
duel of believers, or the permanent fuccefs of the go'pel, as a proper
reciprocal attention of pallors and their flocks to each other. A genet al'
way of preaching and hearing, with little or no connexion, cordial un-
relerved intercourle, or even acquaintance, between miniders and their
congregations; with continual changes from one place to another, may
tend to fpread a fupcrhcial knowledge of evangelical truth more- widely :
but, through the want of feafonable reproof, counfel, encouragement,
or admonition, the general directions delivered from the pulpit Mill
feldom be lecolUct d when they are mod wanted. Hence it is, that
profeflors fo often mils their way, are taken in the Flatterer's
net, and fall afleep on the E N C H A x T ED G r o U N D : and a faithful
Guide, ever at hand, to give the caution or direction at the time, is the
proper remedy, for which no adequate fubftitute can be found. But,
as- it is much eafier to preach at large on general topics, and, after a
few iermons delivered in one congregation, to go over the fume ground.
againin another place ; than to perform duly the fevcral pans of the
arduous office, which is fullained by the fhred pallor of a regular con-
gregation : and as it is far more agreeable to nature, to be exempted
From private admonitions, than to be troubled with them, it may be
feared, that this important fubjecl will not at prcfeni bz duly attended to,
F F 2
354 Faliant-for-truth's Battle,
concerning this man ; — he would hearken to no counfel, but,
once a falling, perfuafi on could notftop him. When he came
to the place where the Crofs and the Sepulchre was, he did
meet with one that bid him look there, but he gnafhed with
his teeth, and ftamped, and faid, he was refolved to go back
to his own Town. Before he came to the Gate, he met
with Evangelist, who offered to lay hands on him to
turn him into the way again. But this Turn-away re-
fitted him, and having done much defpite unto him, he got
away over the wall, and fo efcaped his hand.'
Then they went on: and, juft at the place where Lit-
tle-faith formerly was robbed, there flood a man with
his fword drawn, and his face all bloody. Then faid Mr.
Great-heart, « What art thou V The man made anfwer,
faying, « I am ope whofename is Valiant-for-truth ; I
am a Pilgrim, and am going to the celeftial City. Now,
as I was in my way, there were three men that did befet
me, and propounded unto me thefe three things ; — Wheth-
er I would become one of them b— Or go back from
whence I came ? — Or die upon the place ? To the firft I an-
fwered, I had been a true man a long feafon, and there-
fore it could not be expected that I now fhould call in my
lot with thieves.* Then they demanded what I would fay
to the fecond. So I told them the place from whence I
came, had I not found incommodity there, I had not for-
faken it at all ; but finding it altogether unfuitable to me,
and very unprofitable for me, I forfook it for this way.
Then they afked me what I faid to the third ? And I told
them, My life coft more dear far, than that I fhould lightly
give it away : Befides, you have nothing to do to put
things to my choice ; wherefore at your peril be it if you
meddle. Then thefe three, to wit, Wild-head, Inconsid-
erate, and Pragmatick, drew upon me, and I alfo drew
upon them. So we fell to it, one againft three, for the
fpace of three hours. They have left upon me, as you fee,
fome of the marks of their valour, and have alfo carried
away with them fome of mine. They are but juft now
gone : I fuppofe they might, as the faying is, hear your
horfe dafh, and fo they betook themfelves to flight, (w)
* Prov. i. 10 — 19.
(w) From the names given to the opponents, with whom this Pilgrim
fought, we may infer, that the author meant to reprefent by them certain
wiid enthufiafts, who, not having ever duly confidend any religious fab-
And ViRory over three AJailants. 355
Gr.-h. But here was great odds, three againft one.
Val. 'Tis true ; but little or more are nothing to him
that has the truth on his fide. " Though an hoft (hould en-
camp againft me," faid one, " my heart fhall not fear :
though war fhall rife againft me, in this will I be confident."
« Befides/ faid he, « I have read in fome records, that one
man has fought an army : and how many did Samson
flay with the jaw-bone of an afs V
Then faid the Guide, « Why did not you cry out, that
fome might have come in for your fuccour ?'
Val. Sol did to my King, who I knew could hear
me, and afford invisible help, and that was enough for me.
Then faid Great-heart to Mr. Valiant-for-truth,
« Thou haft worthily behaved thyfelf ; let me fee thy
fword.' So he fhewed it him. . When he had taken it into
his hand, and looked thereon a while, he faid, « Ha ! it is a
right Jerusalem blade.'
Val. It is {o. Let a man have one of thefe blades,
with a hand to wield it, and (kill to life it, and he may ven-
ture upon an angel with it. He need not fear its holding,
if he can but tell how to lay on. Its edge will never blunt.
It will cut flefh and bones, and foul and fpirit and all.
Gr.-h. But you fought a great while ; I wonder you
was not weary.
Val. I fought till my fword did cleave to my hand,
and then they were joined together, as if a fword grew out
of my arm ; and when the blood run through my fingers,
then I fought with moft courage.
jc6t, officioujly intrude themfelves in the way of profeffors ; to perplex
their minds, and peifuade them, that unlefs they adopt their reveries or
fuperftitions, they cannot be faved. An ungovernable imagination, a
mind incapable offober reflection, and a dogmatizing fpirit, characterize
thefe enemies of the truth : they aflault religious perfons with fpecious
reafonings, cavilling objections, confident affertions, bitter reproaches,
proud boaftings, farcafiical cenfures, and rafh judgments : they endeav-
our to draw them over to their party, or to drive them from attending to
religion at all ; or to terrify them with the tears of damnation, in their
prefent endeavours to ferve Goorand find his faivation. Whatever
company of perfons we fuppofe that the author had in view, we may
learn from the palfage what our itrength, hope, and conduct ought to be,
when we are thus allaulted. The word of God, ufed in faith, and
with fervent and perfevering prayer, will at length enable us to filence
fuch dangerous aflailants : and if we be valiant for the truth, and
meekly contend for it, amidft revilings, menaces, and contempt, we
may hope to confirm others alfo, and to promote the common caufe.
356 He Jheivs how he left Dark-land.
Gr.-h. Thou haft done well ; thou haft " refilled unto
blood, ftriving againft fin ;'" thou fhalt abide by us, come in.
and go out with us, for we are thy companions.
Then they took him, and wafhed his wounds, and gave
him of what they had 10 refrefh him ; and fo they went to-
gether. Now as they went on, becaufe Mr. Great- heart
was delighted in him, (for he loved one greatly that he found
to be a man of his hands ;) and becaufe there were in com-
pany them that were feeble and weak, therefore he queftion-
ed with hiri| about many things ; as firft, what countryman
he was ?
Val. I am of Dark-land, for there I was born, and
there my father and mother are ft ill.
' Dark-land !' faid the Guide : « doth not that lie on the
fame coaft with the City of Destruction ?'
Val. Yes, it doth. Jtfow that which caufed me to come
on pilgrimage, was this : We had Mr. Tell-true came in-
to our parts, and he told it about what Christian had
done, that went from the City of Destruction ; namely,
how he had forfaken his wife and children, and had beta-
ken himfelf to a Pilgrim's life. It was alfo confidently re-
ported, how he had killed a ferpent, that did come out to
refift him in his journey j and how he got through to whith-
er he intended. It was alfo told, what welcome he had to
all his Lord's lodgings, efpecially when he came to the
Gates of the celeftial City ; for there, faid the man, he was-
received with found of trumpet, by a company of mining
ones. He told it alfo, how all the bells in the City did ring
for joy at his reception, and what golden garments he was
clothed with ; with many other things that now I mall for-
bear to relate. In a word, that man fo told the ftory of
Christian and his travels, that my heart fell into a burn-
ing heat to be gone after him : nor could father or mother
flay me. So I got from them, and am come thus far oa
my way.
Gr.-h. You came in at the Gate, did you not ?
Val. Yes, yes ; for the fame man alfo told us, that all
would be nothing, if we did not begin to enter this way at
the Gate.
< Look you/ faid the Guide to Christiana, 'the pilgrim-
age of your hufband, and what he has gotten thereby, is
fpread abroad far and near.'
Val. Why, is this Christian's wife?
Gr.-h. Yes, that it is ; and thefe are alfo her four fons.
Knowledge of each other in Glory. 357
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 mail fee them, that would not go with him,
to enter before him in at the Gates into the celeftial City !
Gr.-h. Without doubt it will be a comfort to him ;
for, next to the joy of feeing himfelf 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 queftion, whether we
mall k:.ow one another when we are there.
Gr.-h. Do they think they fhall know themfelves then,
or that they mall rejoice to fee themfelves in that blifs ? And
if they think they fhall know and do thefe, why not know
others, and rejoice in their welfare alfo ? Again, fmce rela-
tions are our fecond felf, though that flate will be diffolved,
yet why may it not be rationally concluded that we fhall be
more glad to fee them there, than to fee they are wanting ?
Val. Well, 1 perceive whereabouts you are as to this.
Have you any more things to afk me about my beginning
to come on pilgrimage ?
Gr.-h. Yes ; was your father and mother willing that
you fhould become a Pilgrim ?
Val. Oh no ! they ufed all means imaginable to per-
iuade me to ftay at home.
Gr.-h. What could they fay againft it?
Val. They faid, it was an idle life; and, if I myfelf
were not inclined to floth and lazinefs, I would never coun-
tenance a Pilgrim's condition, (x)
(x) This haih been the reproach caft on religion in every age.
Pharaoh f.iid to Monks and the Israki.it>;;,, "Ye are idle, ye
are idle ; therefore ye fay, let us go and do facrifice to the Lo R d."
Men naturally imagine,* that time (pent in the immediate fervice of
God is wafted : mould a Chiiftian therefore employ as many hours
every week, in reading the fcriptures, in fecret and focial prayer, in
pious difcourle, and in attending on public ordinances, as his neighbour
devotes to amufement and fenfual indulgence ; an outcry would
fpcedily be m.uie, about his idling away his time, and being in the way
to beggar his family ! As this mutt be expected, it behoves all believers
to avuid every appearance of evil, and by ex mplary diligence in their
proper employments, a careful redemption of tune, a prudent frugality
i!) their expenfes, and a good management of all their affairs, to "put
to fiience the ignorance of foolifh men." For there are too many
favourers of the gofpel, who givcplaufibility to thefe flanders, by run-
ning from place to place, that thjy may hear every new preacher. J
35 8 Objections againjl a Pilgrim* s Life.
Gr.-h. And what did they fay elfe ?
Val. Why, they told me that it was a dangerous war ;
yea, the molt dangerous way in the world, fay they, is that
which the Pilgrim's go.
Gr.-h. Did they fhew you wherein this way is danger-
ous ?
Val. Yes ; and that in many particulars.
Gr.-h. Name fome of them.
Val. They told me of the Slough of Despond, where
Christian was well nigh fmothered. They told me, that
there were archers landing ready in Beelzebub-castle,
to fhoot them who fhould knock at the Wicket-gate for
entrance. They told me alfo of the Wood and dark Moun-
tains, of the hill Difficulty, of the Lions ; and alfo of the
three Giants, Bloody-man, Maul, and Slay-good : they
faid, moreover, that there was a foul Fiend haunted the Val-
ley of Humiliation ; and that Christian was by him al-
moft bereft of life. Befides, faid they, you muft go over
the Valley of the Shadow of Death, where the hobgoblins
are, where the light is darknefs, where the way is full of
fnares, pits, traps, and gins. — They told me alfo of Giant
Despair, of Doubting-castle, and of the ruin that the
Pilgrims met with there. Further, they faid I muft go
over the Enchanted Ground, which was dangerous. And
that after all this, I fhould find a River over which I fhould
find no bridge ; and that that River did lie betwixt me and
the celeftial Country.
Gr.-h. And was this all ?
Val. No ; they alfo told me, that this way was full of
deceivers ; and of perfons 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-wiseman did
lie there in wait to deceive. They alio faid, that there
was Formality and Hypocrisy continually on the road.
They faid alio, that By-ends, Talk ATivE,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
whik the duty of the family, and of their ftation in the community is
miferably rjegle&ed. — Tbey "walk diforderly, working not at all, but
are bufy-bodi s :" from thefe we ought to withdraw, and agatnfi fiich
profeflors we fhould pro-eft ; for they are "ever learning, but never
able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Fearing, Defpondency, and Chriftian. 359
would prefume to go on to the Gate, from whence he was
lent back to the Hole, that was in the fide of the hill, and
made to go the By-way to hell.
Gr.-h. I promife you, this was enough to difcourage
thee. But did they make an end there ?
Val. No, ftay. They told me alfo of many that tried
that way of old, and that had gone a great way therein, to
fee if they could find fomething of the glory then, that fo
many had lb much talked of from time to time : and how
they came back again, and befooled themfelves for fetting
a foot out of doors in that path ; to the fatisfadion of the
country. And they named feveral that did fo, as Obsti-
nate and Pliable, Mistrust and Timorous, Turn-
away and old Atheist, with feveral more; who, they
faid, had fome of them gone far to fee what they could find ;
but not one of them found fo much advantage by going, as
amounted to the weight of a feather.' (y)
Gr.-h. Said they any thing more to difcourage you ?
Val. Yes ; they told me of one Mr. Fearing, who was
a Pilgrim ; and how he found his way fo folitary, that he
never had a comfortable hour therein : alfo that Mr. Des-
pondency had like to have been ftarved therein : yea, and
alfo (which Ihadalmoft forgot,) Christian himfelf, about
whom there has been fuch a noife, after all his ventures for
a celeftial Crown, was certainly drowned in the black River,
and never went a foot further, however it was fmothered
up.
(vj Worldly people, in oppofing the gofpel, defcant abundantly on
the folly and hypocrify of religious perfons ; they pick up every vague
report that they hear to their difad vantage, and narrowly watch for the
halting of fuch as they are acquainted with ; and then they form gen-
eral concluiions, from a few particular, diftorted, and uncertain flories !
Thus they endeavour to prove, that there is no reality in religion, that
it is impoffible to find the way to heaven, and that it is better to be
quiet than to beftow pains to no purpofe. This frivolous fophiilry is
frequently employed, after all other arguments have been filenced. —
But it is vain to deny the exiftencc of hypocrites and deceivers ; or to
excufe the evils to which they objeft : on the contrary, we fhould
allow thefe reprefentations, as far as'there is ary appearance of truth in
them ; and then fliew that this- teaches us to beware left we be deceived,
and to try every do&rinc by the tcuchflone of God's word; that
counterfeits prove the value of the thing counterfeited; that we fhould
learn to diitmguiih between the precious ard the vile ; and, finally,
that while darger may attend a rciigious profelTion, ineligion enfures
dcuruaion.
360 Carnal Reafonings cppofed by Faith,
Gr.-h. And did none of thefe things difcourage you ?
Val. No ; they feemed as fo many nothings to me.
Gr.-h. How came that about ?
Val. Why, I ftill believed what Mr. Tell-true had
faid, and that carried me beyond them all.
Gr.-h. Then this was your victory, even your faith ?
Val. It was fo : I believed, and therefore came out*
got into the way, fought all that fet themfelves againft me,
and, by believing, am come to this place.
* Who would true valour fee
Let him come hither;
One here will conllant be,
Come wind, come weather ;
There's no difcouragement
Shall make him once relent
His firft avow'd intent
To be a Pilgrim.
Who fo befet him round
With difmal {lories,
Do but themfelves confound,
His ftrength the more is.
No lion can him fright ;
He'll with a giant fight
But he will have a right
To be a Pilgrim.
Hobgoblin nor foul fiend
Can daunt his fpirit ;
He knows, he at the end
Shall life inherit.
Then, fancies, fly away,
He'll not fear what men fay,
He'll labour night and day
To be a Pilgrim X
By this time, they were got to the Enchanted Ground,
where the air naturally tended to make one drowfy :* and
that place was all grown over with briers and thorns, ex-
cepting here and there, where was an enchanted Arbour,
upon which if a man fits, or in which if a man fleeps, 'tis a
queftion, fay fome, whether ever he fhall rife or wake again
in this world. Over this forefl therefore they went, both
one and another ; and Mr. Gi^at-heart went before, for
that he was the Guide, and Mr. Valiant-for-truth came
behind, being Rear-guard ; for fear left peradventure fome
Fiend, or Dragon, or Giant, or Thief, ihould fall upon
their rear, and fo do mifchief. They went on here, each
man with his fword drawn in his hand, for they knew it
* Part i. p. j 94— 213.
Danger! of the Enchanted Ground. ^6 1
was a dangerous place. Alfo they cheered up one another,
as well as they could ; Feeble-mind, Mr. Great-heart
commanded, ihould come up after him, and Mr. Despon-
dency was under the eye of Mr. Valiant.
Now they had not gone far, but a great mid and dark-
nefs fell upon them all ; fo that they could fcarce, for a
great while, one fee the other : wherefore they were for-
ced, for fome time, to feel for one another by words, for
they walked not by fight. But any one mud think, that
here was but forry going for the be ft of them all ; but how
much the worfe was it for the women and children, who
both of feet and heart alfo were but tender ! Yet neverthe-
lefs fo it was, that through the encouraging words of him
that led in the front, and of him that brought them up
behind, they made a pretty good (hift to wag along.
The way was alfo here very wearifome, through dirt and
flabbinefs. Nor was there, on all this ground, fo much as
one inn or victualling-houfe, therein to refrefh the feebler
fort. Here therefore was grunting, and puffing, and figh-
ing ; while one tumbled over a bufh, another fticks fad in the
dirt ; and the children, fome of them loft their (hoes in the
mire : while one cries out, ' I am down ;' and another, ' Ho,
where are you ?' And a third, « The bullies have got fuch
faft hold on me, I think I cannot get away from them/
Then they came to an Arbour, warm, and promifmg
much refrefhing to the Pilgrims : for it was finely wrought
above-head, beautified with greens, furnifhed with benches
and fettles. It had in it a foft couch, where the weary
might lean. This, you muft think, all things conudered,
was tempting ; for the Pilgrims already began to be foiled
with the badnefs of the way ; but there was not one of
them that made fo much as a motion to ftop there. Yea,
for aught I could perceive, they continually gave fo gGou
heed to the advice of their Guide ; and he did fo faithfully
tell them of dangers, and of the nature of dangers, when
they were at them, that uiually.. when they were neareft to
them, they did moil pluck up their fpirits, and hearten one
another to deny the flefti. — The Arbour was called the
Slothfuls Friend, on purpofe to allure, if it might be,
fome of the Filgrims there to take up their reft when
weary. (*)
{z) ThU view of the Enchanted G r o u n d feems to vary from
that which has been coofidered in the Firit Part. — The circjmftana.s of
G G
362 Great-heart confults his Map,
1 faw then in my dream, that they went on in this their
folitary ground, till they came to a place at which a man is
apt to loie his way. Now, though when it was light,
their Guide could well enough tell how to mils thofe ways
that led wrong, yet in the dark he was put to a ftand : but
he had in his pocket a map of all ways leading to or from
the celeftial City ; wherefore he ftruck a light (for he never
goes alfo without his tinder-box,) and takes a view of his
book or map, which bids him be careful, in that place to
turn to the right-hand. And had he not here been care-
ful to look in his map, they had in all probability been
imothered in the mud ; for juft a little before them, and
that at the end of the cleaned way too, was a pit, none
knows how deep, full of nothing but mud, there made on
purpofe to deftroy the Pilgrims in.
Then thought I with myfelf, who, that goeth on pil-
grimage, but would have one of thefe maps about him, that
he may look when he is at a Hand, which is the way he
muft take, [a)
believers who are deeply engaged in bufmefs, and conftrained to fpend
much time among worldly people, may here be particularly intended.
This may fometimes be unavoidable ; but it is enchanted ground : many
profefTors, fafcinated by the advantages and connexions thus prefented
to them, fall afleep, and wake no more : and others are entangled by
thofe thorns and briers, which "choke the word, and render it unfruit-
ful." The more foothing the fcene the greater the danger, and the
more urgent need is there for watchfulnefs and circumfpeftion : the
more vigilant believers are, the greater uneafmefs will fuch fcenes occa-
(ion them ; as«they will be fo long out of their proper element r and
the weaker and more uneftablifheM men are, the more apt will they
be, in fuch circumftances, to yield to difcouragement.' The fociety
and counfel ofirfaithful minif'ers and Chriftian friends may help them
to get on : but they will often feel that their path is miry and flippery,
entangling and perplexing, dark and wearifome to their fouls. Yet if
this be the cafe, their lighs, complaints, and prayers, are hopeful fymp-
toms : but when worldly employments and connexions, which perhaps
at firft Wt-'re in a fenfe unavoidable, induce prcfp;*rity; and men feck
comfort from this profperity, inftcad of confide) ing it as a frare or bur-
den, or improving it as a talent; then the profeflor falls afleep in the
enchanted arbour. It behoves, however, all who love their fouls, to
ihun that hurry of bufintfs, and multiplicity of affairs a; d projefts,
into which many are betrayed by degrees, in order to fupply increasing
expenfes, that might be avoided by ftrifl frugality and more moderate
defircs : for thefe things lade the foul with thick clay ; arc a heavy
weight to the moft upright ; render a man's way doubtful and J03 lefs ;
and " drown many in deftruftion and perdition.''
(a) This emblem inculcates the duty of conflant attention to the
precepts and counfels of Scripture, as well as reliance qa its promises'.
Two Men ajleep in an Arbour. 363
They went on, then, in this Enchanted Ground, till
they came to where there was another Arbour, and it was
built by the highway-fide. And in that Arbour there lay-
two men, whole names were Heedless and Too-bold.
Thefe two went thus far on pilgrimage ; but here, being
wearied with their journey, fat down to reft thenifelves,
and fo fell faft afleep. When the Pilgrims law them, they
ftood ft ill, and lhcok their heads ; for they knew that the
fleepers were in a pitiful cafe. Then they confulted what
to do, whether to go on, and leave them in their ileep, or
ftep to them and try to awake them. So they concluded
to go to them and awake them ; that is, if they could ; but
with this caution, namely, to take heed that themfelves did
not fit down, npr embrace the offered benefit of that
Arbour.
So they went in, and fpake to the men, and called each
by his name, (for the Guide, it feems, did know them,)
but there was no voice, nor anfwer. Then the Guide did
fhake them, and do what he could to d'uturb them. Then
faid one of them, ' I will pay you when I take my money.'
At which the Guide fhook his head. « I will fight fo long
as I can hold my fword in my hand,' faid the other. — At
that one of the children laughed.
Then faid Christiana, 4 What is the meaning of this ?J
Then the Guide faid, * They talk in their ileep ; if you do
ftrike them, or beat them, or whatever ehe you do unto
them, they will anfwer you after this faihion ; or, as one of
them faid in old time, when the waves of the fea did beat
upon him, and he llept as one upon the rnaft of a (hip,
* When I do awake, I will feek it yet again."* You
know, when men talk in their deep, they fay any thing, but
their words are not governed either by faith or reafon.
There is an incoherency in their words now ; even as there
was before, betwixt their going on pilgrimage and their
fitting down here. This then is the mil chief on;t, when
heedlefs ones go on pilgrimage; twenty to one but .they,
.are ferved thus. For this Enchanted Ground is one of
* Pro v. Kxiii. 34, 3.5.
* rid of an h abitual application to th.' Lop d by prayer, to 'each us the
true meaning of his word, that we m;:y 'ear., the way or peace aid
I jr, in the mod difficult and .-doubtful cafes; a,;d the adva tage of
con Cutting fuch minifters, ;»s an: mod experienced in the ways of
Go ut and mod converUut with his Ucrci oracles.
364 The Pilgrims prefs forward,
the laft refuges that the enemy to Pilgrims has ; wherefore
it is, as you fee, placed almoft at the end of the way, and
fo it ftandeth againft us with the more advantage. * For
when/ thinks the enemy, * will thefe fools be fo defirous to
fit down, as when they are weary ? And at what time fo
likely for to be weary, as when they are almoft at their jour-
ney's end ?' Therefore it is, I fay, that the Enchanted
Ground is placed fo nigh to the Land Beulah, and fo near
the end of their race. Wherefore let Pilgrims look to them-
{elves, left it happens to them as it has done to thefe, that as
you fee, are fallen aileep, and none can awake them.' (3 j
Then the Pilgrims defired, with trembling, to go for-
ward ; only they prayed their Guide to ftrike a light, that
they might go the reft of their way by the help of the light
of a lantern. So he ftruck a light, and they went by the
help of that through the reft of this way, though the dark-
nefs was very great.*
T3ut the children began to be forely weary ; and they
cried out unto him that loveth Pilgrims, to make their way
more comfortable. So by that they had gone a little fur-
ther, a wind arofe, that drove away the fog ; fo the air
became more clear. Yet they were not off, by much of
the Enchanted Groukd, but only now they could fee one
another better, and alio the way wherein they fhould walk.
Now when they were aimoft at the end of this Ground,
they perceived, that a little before them was a folemn noife
of one that was much concerned. So they went on, and
looked before them : and behold they faw, as they thought,
* 2 Pet. i. 39.
(/>) Such men as take up a pr.d&ffion of the gofpel, in a heedlefs
manner, and proceed with an overbearing confidence, the rclult of
pride and ignorance, may long maintain a rooh of godlinefs, though it
be a wearineCs to them : but after a time, they will gradually be drawn
hick into the world, retaining nothing of their religion, except certain
diflorted -doctrinal notions. They find excufes for 'their conduct, from
folic maxims, and bad examples : they fall aileep in the arms of
worldly profpetity ; nothing can awaken them to fear, 01 felf-fulj icion;
but they will, as it were, talk in their deep about religion, in !o inco-
herent a manner, as to excite the laughter of children; while the*
who underftand the cafe will bewail their deplorable delufion, Such
awful examples flbbuld excite us to redoubled diligence, in fearch.ng
the fcriptures, and m prayer; left we too {hould he overcome with a
deftruclive deep, and peri lb. in ibis fluctuating way. tor Tents of
worldly profperity h ive detected the hypocrify of many, vvho hive, long
perfevered in an unfufpcHed piofcilion, nniuil difficulties and '.rials.
they find Stan Jf aft on bis Knees. 365
a man" upon his knees, with hands and eyes lifted up, and
fpeaking, a they thought, earnestly to one that was above.
They drew nigh, but could not tell what he laid ; fo they
went foftly till he had done. When he had done, he got
up, and began to run towards the celeftial City. Then.
Mr. Great-heart called after him, faying, 4 Soho, friend,
let us have your company, if you go, as I fuppofe you do,
to the celeftial City.' So the man {topped, and they came
up to him : but fo foon as Mr. Son est faw him, he faid,
' I know this ram' Then faid Mr. Valiaxt-for-truth,
4 Pr'ythee, who is it T ' 'Tis one,' faid he, ' that comes from
whereabouts I dwelt : his name is Standfast ; he is cer-
tainly a right good Pilgrim.'
So they came up to one another ; and prefently Stand-
fast faid to old Honest, < Ho ! father Honest, are you
there ?' ■ Ay,' faid he, * that I am, as fure as you are there.'
* Right glad am I,' laid Mr. Standfast, * that I have
found you on this road.' * And as glad am I,' faid the
other, *that I efpied you on your knees.' Then Mr.
Standfast blufhed, and faid, * But why, did you tee me V
•Yes, that I did,' quoth the otlier, * and with my heart was
glad at the fight.' * Why, what did you think?' faid
Standfast. * Think !' faid old Honest, 'what ihould I
think ? I thought we had an honed man upon the road,
therefore mould have his company by-and-by.' ' If you
thought not amifs, how happy am I ; but, if I be not as 1
ihould, 'tis I alone mud bear it.' * That is true,' faid the
other; * but your fear doth further confirm me, that things
are right betwixt the Prince of Pilgrims and your foul :
for he faith. " Bleffed is the man that feareth always."
Val. Well, but brother, 1 pray thee tell us, what was
it that was the caufe of thy being upon thy knees even now r
Was it for fome obligations laid by fpecial mercies upon
thee, or how ?
St. Why, we are, as you fee, upon the Enchanted
Ground ; and, as I was coming along, I was muling with
myielf of what a dangerous nature the road in this place was ;
and how many, that had come thus far on pilgrimage, had
here been llopt and been dedroyed. I thought alfo of the
m inner of death, wiih which this place dellroyeth men.
Thole that die here, die of no violent diftemper : the death
Which fuch do die, is not grievous to them ; for he that goetlx.
G o a
366 StaiidfnJPs Temptations from Madam Bubble.
away in a fleep, begins that journey with defire and pkaf-
ure : yea, fuch acquiefce in the will of that difeafe.
Then Mr. Honest interrupting of him, faid, 'Did you
fee the two men afleep in the Arbour V
St. Ay, ay, I law Heedless and alfo Too-bold there ;
and, for aught I know, there they will lie until they rot :*
but let me go on with my tale. — As I was thus muling, as
I faid, there was one in pleafant attire, but old, who prefent-
ed herfeif unto me, and otfered me three things; to wit,
her body, her purfe, and her bed. Now the truth is, I was
both weary and fleepy : I am alfo as poor as an owlet, and
that perhaps the witch knew. Well, I repulfed her once
and twice ; but (he put by my repulfes and fmiled. Then
I began to be angry ; but fhe mattered that nothing at all.
Then (he made offers again, and faid, ' If I would be ruled
by her, fhe would make me great and happy ; for/ faid
lhe, ' I am the miftrefs of the world, and men are made
happy by me.' Then I afked her name, and lhe told me it
was Madam Bubble. This let me further from her ; but
fhe ftiil followed me with enticements. Then I betook me,
as you iee, to my knees, and with hands lifted up, and
cries, I prayed to him that had faid he would help. So
juit as you came up, the gentlewoman went her way. Then
I continued to give thanks for this great deliverance ; for I
Verily believe ihe intended no good, but rather fought to
make a ft op of me in my journey, (c)
Hon. Without doubt her defigns were bad. But itay,
now you talk of her, methinks I either have feen her, or
have read fome ftory of her.
St. Perhaps you have done both.
Hon. Madam Bubble! Is ihe not a tall, comely dame,
fomething of a lwarthy complexion ?
St. Right, you hit it, lhe is juit fuch an one.
Hon. Doth lhe not fpeak very fmoothly, and give you
a fmile at the end of every fentence ?
St. You fall right upon it again, for thefe are her very
actions.
* Prov. x. 7.
(c) The cafe of Standfast fhews us, that when believers feel the
prupenfity of (heir hearts to yield to worldly propofals, it renders them
jealous of themfclves, excites them to earneft prayer, and thus eventu-
ally tends to prefeive them from the fatal delations.
Great-heart's Account of her. 367
Hon. Doth flie not wear a great purfe by her fide ?
and is not her hand often in it fingering her money, as if
that was her heart's delight ?
St. 'Tis juil 10 : had ihe flood by all this while, you
could not more amply have fet her forth before me, and
have better defcribed her features.
Hos. Then he that drew her picture was a good lim-
ner, and he that wrote of her laid true.
Gr.-h. This woman is a witch ; and it is by virtue of
her forceries, that this ground is enchanted : whoever doth
lay their head down in her lap, had as good lay it down
upon that block over which the axe doth hang ; and who-
ever lays their eyes upon her beauty, are counted the ene-
mies of God * This is ihe that maintaineth in their fplen-
dour all thole that are the enemies of Pilgrims. Yea, this
is (he that hath brought off many a man from a Pilgrim's
life. Sue is a great goffipper ; ihe is always, both fhe and
her daughters, at one Pilgrim's heels or another, now com-
mending, and then preferring, the excellencies of this life.
She is a bold and impudent flut ; ihe will talk with any
man. She always laugheth poor Pilgrims to fcorn j but
highly commends the rich. If there be one canning to get
money in a place, ihe will fpeak well of him from houfe to
houfe ; ihe loveth banqueting and feading mainly well ;
ihe is always at one full table or another. She has given it
out in fome places that fhe is a goddefs, and therefore fome
do worihip her. She has her time and open places of
cheating ; and lhe will fay, and avow it, that none can (hew
a good comparable to her's. She prornifeth to dwell with
children's children, if they would but love and make much
of her. She will call out of her purfe gold like duft, in
fome places, and to fome peribns. She loves to be fought
after, fpoken well of, and to lie in the bofoms of men. She
is never weary of commending her commodities, and ihe
loves them mod that think belt of her. She will promife
crowns and kingdoms, if -hey will but take her advice : yet
many h.ith fhe brought to the halter, and ten thoufand
times more to hell.
* Oh V faid Standfast, 'what a mercy it is that I did
refill her ! for whither might ihe have drawn me ?'
Gr.-h. Whither ! nay, none but God knows. But, in
general, to be fure ihe would have drawn thee into " many
* James iv. 4. 1 John 11. 14, 15..
3&S They come to the La?id of Beulah*
foolifh and hurtful lulls, which drown men in destruction
and perdition."* It was (lie th.it fet Absalom againft his
father, and Jeroboam againit his ma!ter. It was (lie that
perfuaded Judas to fell his Lord, and that prevailed with
DtMAS to foriake the godly Pilgrim's life: none can tell
of the mifchief that (he doth. She makes variance betwixt
rulers and fubjects, betwixt parents and children, betwixt
neighbour and neighbour, betwixt a man and his wife, be-
tween a man and himfelf, betwixt the flefh and the fpirit. —
Wherefore, good mailer Standfast, be as your name is ;
and " when you have done all, ftand."
At this diicourfe there was, among the Pilgrims, a mix-
ture of joy and trembling, but at length they brake out,
and iang —
' What danger is th: Pilgrim in !
How many are his foes !
How many ways there are to fin
No living mortal knows.
Some in the ditch fpoi I'd are, yea can
Lie tumbling m the mire :
Some, though they fhun the frying-pan,
Do leap into the fire.'
After this, I beheld, until they were come unto the- land
of Beulah, where the Sun (hineth night and day f Here,
becaufe they were weary, they betook themfelves a while to
reft ; and becaufe this country was common for Pilgrims,
and becaufe thefe orchards and vineyards that were here
belonged to the King of the celeftial Country, therefore
they were licenied to make bold with any of his things.
But a little while foon refremed them here ; for the bells did
fo ring, and the trumpets continually founding fo melodi-
oufly, that they could not fleep ; and yet they received as
much refrefhing, as if they llept their fleep never fo found-
ly. Here alfo all the noife of them that walked in the
ftreets was, 'More Pilgrims are come to town.' And
another would anfwer, faying, * And fo many went over
the water and were let in at the golden gates to- day.'
They would cry again, ' There is now a legion of mining
ones juft come to town : by which we know that there are
more Pilgrims upon the road ; for here they come to wait
for them, and comfort them after their forrow., Then the
Pilgrims got up, and walked to and fro : but how were
their eyes now filled with celeilial vilions ! In this land,
* i Tim. vi. 9. + Part t. p. 213.
Chrijliana called to pafs the River, 369
they heard nothing, few nothing, felt nothing, fmek noth-
ing, tafted nothing, that was offenfive to their ftomach or
mind; only, when they tafted of the water of the River,
over which they were to go, they thought that tailed a lit-
tle bitteriih to the palate, but it proved fweet when it was
down, (d)
In this place there was a record kept of the names of
them that had been Pilgrims of old, and a hiilory of all
the famous acts that they had done. It was here alio much
difcourfed, how the River to ibme has its flowings, and
what ebbings it has had while others have gone over. It
has been in a manner dry for ibme, while it has overflowed
its banks for others.
In this place, the children of the Town would go into the
King's gardens and gather nofegays for the Pilgrims, and
bring them to them with affection. Here alfo grew cam-
phire, and fpikenard, faffron, calamus, and cinnamon, with
all the trees of frankincenfe, myrrh, and aloes, with all
chief fpices. With thefe the Pilgrims' chambers were per-
fumed while they flaid here ; and with thefe were their
bodies anointed to prepare them to go over the River, when
the time appointed was come.
Now while they lay here, and waited for the good hour,
there was a noiie in the Town, that there was a poft come
from the celeitial City, with matters cf great importance to
one Christiana, the wife of Christian, the Filgrim. So
inquiry was made for her, and the houfe was found out
where lhe was ; fo the pofc prefented her with a letter : the
contents were, ' Hail, good woman ! I bring thee tidings,
that the Master calleth for thee, and expecteth that thou
moulded Hand in his prefence, in clothes of immortality,
within thefe ten days.'
(d) The lively exercife of faith and hope, the anticipation of heavenly
:ioi.Y Spirj r, Toon, make the
' fu rows, or only remember them to
1 y — 1 his defcriptiou represents the happy ftate
. I Ihriftians, united
ju< . ! where i iftances or perfons dying triumph-
4 frequently been obferVed,
elievers, in en remaikably deliv-
d by the hopes and earnefts
of he.-t r; fo that ■:»r to nature, it became
u id glory that would hume-
3/0 Chrijliana exhorts her Children and Companions,
When he had read this letter to her, he gave her there-
with a fure token that he was a true meilenger, and was
come to bid her make halte to be gone. The token was,
— An arrow fharpened with love, let eafily into her heart,
which, by degrees, wrought fo effectually with her, that at
the time appointed ihe muff be gone, (e)
When Christiana faw that her time was come, and
that fhe was the firft of this company that was to go over,
fhe called for Mr. Great-heart, her Guide, and told him
how matters were. So he told her, « He was heartily glad
of the news, and could have been glad had the poll come
for him.' Then fhe bid that he mould give advice how all
things mould be prepared for her journey. So he told her,
faying, f Thus and thus it muft be ; and we that furvive,
will accompany you to the River-fide.'
Then me called for her children, and gave them her
bleffing ; and told them that fhe had read with comfort the
mark that was fet in their foreheads, and was glad to fee
them with her there, and that they had kept their garments
fo white. Laftly, flie bequeathed to the poor that little fhe
had, and commanded her foris and daughters to be ready
againft the mefTenger mould come for them.
When fhe had fpoken thefe words to her Guide and to
her children, fhe called for Mr. Valiant-for-truth, and
faid unto him, * Sir, you have in all places mowed yourfelf
true-hearted ; be faithful unto death, and my King will
give you a crown of life. I would alfo entreat you to have
an eye to my children : and if at an/ time you fee them
faint, fpeak comfortably to them. For my daughters, my
fons' wives, they have been faithful, and a fulfilling of the
promife upon them will be their end.'-^— But fhe gave Mr.
Standfast a ring.
Then fhe called for old Mr. Honest, and faid of him,
" Behold an liraclice indeed, in whom is no guile." Then
faid he, ' I wiih you a fair day, when you let out for Mount
fe) Theft- meiTengers fec:n to be merely emblems of the different
dif ales or decays, by which the Lord takes down the earthly t.-ber-
nacle, when he fees good to reci-ive the foais of his people ir.to his
immediate prefence. In plain language, it was repented that Ci: R i s-
IiANA was fick a. id near d arh, and fhe herfeli became lenfible of
her fituarion. 'The arrow lharpentd. by love' implies, thiit the time,
manner, and circumftances, of (he believer's <\<rn\i are appointed by
Him "who loved us, and gave himfeif for us.;'1 He, as it were, ia> -s ;<?
the dying faint, " It is I, be not afraid.**
And pajfcs the River triumphantly, 071
Zion, and fhall be glad to fee that you go over the River
dry-ihod.' But fhe anfwered, « Come wet, come dry, I
long to be gone j for, however the weather is in my journey,
I fhall have time enough, when I come there, to lit down
and reft me, and dry me.'
Then came in that good man, Mr. Ready-to-halt, to
fee her. So fhe faid to him, ■ Thy travel hitherto has
been with difficulty ; but that will make thy reft the fweet-
er. But watch and be ready ; for at an hour when you
think not, the merlenger may come/
After him came in Mr. Despondency, and his daughter
Much-afraid ; to whom fhe faid, * You ought with thank-
fulness, forever to remember your deliverence from the
hand of Giant Despair, and out of Doubting-castle.
The effecl of that mercy is, that you are brought with fafe-
ty hither. Be yet watchful, and caft away fear 5 be fober,
and hope to the end.'
Then ihe faid to Mr. Feeble-mind, « Thou waft deliver-
ed from the mouth of Giant Slay-good, that thou might-
eft live in the light of the living forever, and fee the King
with comfort : only I advife thee to repent thee of thy aptnefs
to fear, and doubt of his goodnefs, before he fends for thee ;
left thou fhouldft, when he comes, be forced to ftand be-
fore him, for that fault, with bluming.' (/)
Now the day drew on, that Christiana muft be gone.
So the road was full of people, to fee her take her journey.
But behold, all the banks beyond the River were full of
horfes and chariots, which were come down from above to
accompany her to the City-gate. So fhe came forth, and
entered the River, with a beckon or farewell to thofe that
(/) 1 be addrefs made by Ch r ist iana to each of the company,
and the circumftances of her pairing the River, are well defervnig of
attention ; but require no comment. When fuch believers as have
long walked honourably, are enabled to bear a dying teitimony to the
truth, and to recommend the ways of the Lord with the laft 'remains
or their breath, a great effea will often be produced : but the confi-
dence of icme profcffois, in thefe circumftances, has a very different
tend ncy. Many excellent perfons, however, are incapacitated fiom
ipeakmg much in their lad hours; and we ought by no means to judge
of men's characters on thefe grounds : for it is remarkable, that the
Scripture is generally filent about the mawc- in which its worthies ter-
minated their lives; and a very few exceptions arc found to this rule.
We arc particularly mitmaed in the nature of their faith and its enVa*
upon their conduct during life; and thence we may aiTurcdly infer,
that they d:ed in the Lor o, and entered into reft.
372 Ready-to-halt is Jummcned.
followed her to the River-fide. The Lift words that fhe was
heard to fay, were, * I come, Lord, to be with thee, and
blefs thee.'
So her children and friends returned to their place, for
thatthofe that waited for Christiana had carried her out
of their fight. So fhe went and called, and entered in at
the Gate, with all the ceremonies of joy that her hufband
Christian had entered with before her.
At her departure the children wept. But Mr. Great-
heart and Mr. Valiant played upon the well-tuned cym-
bal and harp for joy. So all departed to their refpedive
places.— (g)
In procefs of time, there came a poft to the Town again,
and his bufmefs was with Mr. Ready-to-halt. So he in-
quired him out, and faid, * I am come to thee in the name
of Him whom thou haft loved and followed, though upon
crutches : and my meffage is, to tell thee, that he expe&s
thee at his table, to fup with him in his kingdom, the next
day after Eafter : wherefore prepare thyfelf for thy jour-
ney.' (/.>) — Then he alfo gave him a token that he was a
true meftenger, faying, " I have broken the golden bowl,
and loofed the filver cord."* (/)
* Ecclef. xii. l — 7.
(g) The happy death of an eminent Chriftian is a lcfs to relatives
and connexions, to the church and the community ; and in this view
may be lamented : but it often yields great encouragement to minHlers
and other fpeflators of the interefting fcene, and excites their adonrg
praifes and thankfgivings.
(h) Evident decays of natural powers as effeftually convince* the
obferving perfon that death approaches, as if a meflcnger had been lent
to inform him. But men in general cling to life, wilfully overlook
fuch tokens, and try to keep up to the laft the vain hope of recovering;
and others, by a kind of cruel compaifron, foothe them in the delufion :
fo that numbers die fuddcnly of chronical diforders, even as if they had
been (hot through the heart. Perhaps, however, the author had fome
reference to thofe inexplicable prefages of death, which fome peribns
evidently experience.
(i) Thefe tokens are taken from a well known portion of fcripture ;+
but it would be inconfillent with the plan of this work, to enter on a
particular explanation of them. The dealings of the Lord are here
re ;efented, as uniformly gentle to the feeble, trembling, humble be-
1 is ; arid the circumilanccs of their deaths comparatively encourag-
ing and cafy.
t Ecclef. xii. i—y,
Ready-to-balt and Feeble-mind pnfs the River, 373
After this, Mr. Ready-tc-halt called for his fellow Pil-
grims, and told them, faying, * I am fent for, and God
ihall finely vifityou alio.' So he defired Mr. Valiant to
make his will ; and becaufe he had nothing to bequeath to
them that fhould furvive him, but his crutches and his good
wifhes, therefore thus he raid, * Thefe crutches I bequeath
to my fon that ihall tread in my fteps, with an hundred
warm wifhes that he may prove better than I have been.'
Then he thanked Mr. Great- heart for his conduct and
kindnefs, and fo addreiled himfelf to his journey. — When
he came to the brink of the River, he faid, * Now I mail
have no more need of thefe crutches, fince yonder are char-
iots and horfes for me to ride on.' The laft words' he was
heard to fay were, ' Welcome, life !' So he went his way.
After this, Mr. Feeble-mind had tidings brought him,
that the poft founded his horn at his chamber-door. Then
he came in, and told him, faying, * I am come to tell thee,
that thy Master hath need of thee j and that in a very lit-
tle time thou muft behoid his face in brightnefs. And take
this as a token of the truth of my meifage : " Thofe that
look out at the windows ihall be darkened."
Then Mr. Feeble-mind called for his friends, and told
them what errand had been brought unto him, and what
token he had received of the truth of the mefTage. Then
he faid, ' Since I have nothing to bequeath to any, to what
purpoie mould I make a will ? As for my feeble mind, that
I will leave behind, for that I have no need of it in the
place whither I go ; nor is it worch beftowing upon the
pooreft Pilgrims : wherefore, when I am gone, I deiire that
ycu. Mr. Valiant, would bury it in a dunghill., This
done, and the day being come in which he was to depart,
he entered the River as the reft : his laft words were, * Hold
out, faith and patience.' So he went over to the other fide.
When days had many of them paffed away, Mr. De-
spondency was fent for ; for a poft was come, and brought
this meifage to him : * Trembling man, thefe are to fummon
thee to be ready with the King by the next Lord's day, to
fhout for joy, for thy deliveiance from all thy doubtings.
— And,' faid the meifenger, * that my meifage is true, take
this for a proof:' fo he gave " a grafs-hopper to be a bur-
den unto him." — Now Mr. Despondency's daughter,
II u
374 Defpondency, Much-afraid, Honejf,
whofe name was Much-afraid, faid, when fhe had heard
what was done, < that fhe fhould go with her father.* Then
Mr. Despondency faid, to his friends, « Myfelf and my
daughter, you know what we have been, and how trouble-
fomely we have behaved ourfelves in every company ; — my
will, and my daughter's is that our defponds and flavifli
fears be by no man ever received, from the day of our de-
parture, forever : for I know that after my death, they
will offer themfelves to others. For, to be plain with you,
they are guefts which we entertained when we fir ft began
to be Pilgrims, and could never make them off after : and
they will walk about and feek entertainment of the Pilgrims;
but, for our fakes, fhut the doors upon them.'
When the time was come for them to depart, they went
up to the brink of the River. The laft words of Mr. De-
spondency were, * Farewell, night ! Welcome day !' — His
daughter went through the River finging, but none could
underftand what fne faid.
Then it came to pafs a while after, that there was a port
in the Town, that inquired for Mr. Honest. So he came
to his houfe, where he was, and delivered to his hands thefe
lines : < Thou art commanded to be ready againft this day
fe'nnight, to prefent thyfelf before thy LoRD,athis Father's
houfe. And, for a token that my meffage is true, " All
the daughters of mufic (hall be brought low." — Then Mr.
Honest called for his friends, and faid unto them, « I die,
but mall make no will. As for my honefty, it friall go with
me ; let him that comes after be told of this.'
When the day that he was to be gone was come, he ad-
dreffed himfelf to go over the River. Now the River, at
that time overflowed the banks in fome places ; but Mr.
Honest, in his life-time, had fpcken to one Good-con-
science to meet him there ; the which he alfo did, and lent
him his hand and fo helped him over. The laft words of
Mr. Honest were, " Grace reigns I" So he left the world.
After this it was noifed about that Mr. Valiant-for-
truth was taken with a fun mens by the fame poft as the
other ; and had this for a token that the fummons was true,
that " his pitcher was broken at the fountain." When he
underftood it, he called for his friends, and told them of it.
Then faid he, « I am going to my Father's ; and though
with great difficulty 1 got hither, yet now I do not repent
and Valiant -for-t ruth pafs next, ^15
me of all the trouble I have been at to arrive where I am.
My fword I give to him that fliall fucceed me in my pil-
grimage, and my courage and ikill to him that can get it.
My marks and fears 1 carry with me, to be a witnefs for
me, that I have fought his battle, who now will be my Re-
warder.'
When the day that he mull go hence was come, many
accompanied him to the River-fide, into which as he went
he faid, " Death, where is thy fting ?" and as he went down-
deeper, he faid, " Grave, where is thy victory ?" So he pair-
ed over, and all the trumpets founded for him on the other
fide.
Then there came forth a fummons for Mr. Standfast.
This Mr. Standfast was he that the Pilgrims found upon
his knees in the Enchanted Ground, and the pod brought
it him open in his hands. The contents whereof were,
that he mud prepare for a change of life, for his Master
was not willing that he mould be fo far from him any
longer. At this Mr. Standfast was put into a mufe.
' Nay,' faid the meifenger, * you need not doubt of the truth
ofmymeifage; for here is a token of the truth thereof,'
— " Thy wheel is broken at the ciftern." Then he called
to him Mr. Great-heart, who was their Guide, and faid
unto him, * Sir, although it was not my hap to be much in
your good company in the days of my pilgrimage, yet,
fmce the time I knew you, you have been profitable to me.
When I came from home, I left behind me a wife and live
fmall children ; let me entreat you, at your return, (for I
know that you go and return to your Master's houfe, in
hopes that you may be a Conductor to more of the holy Pil-
grims ;) that you fend to my family, and let them be ac-
quainted with all that hath and mall happen unto me.
Tell them, moreover, of my happy arrival at this place,
and of the prefent and late blefled condition that I am in.
Tell them alio of Christ i an and Christiana his wife,
and how fhe and her children came after her hufband.
Tell them alfo of what a happy end fhe made, and whither
fue is gone. — I have little or nothing to fend to my family,
except it be my prayers and tears for them ; of which it
will fuffice if you acquaint them, if peradventure they may
prevail.'
376 StandfafPs Pojpige. He /peaks in the River,
When Mr. Standfast had thus fet things in order, and
the time being come for him to hafte him away, he alio
■went down to the River. Now there was a great calm at
that time in the River ; wherefore Mr. Standfast when
he was about half way in, {food a while and talked to his
companions that had waited upon him thither : and hefaid,
* This River has been a terror to many : yea, the thoughts
of it alfo have often frightened me : now, methinks, I (land
eafy ; my foot is fixed upon that on which the feet of the
priefts that bare the ark of the covenant ftood, while Is-
rael went over this Jordan.* The waters, indeed, are to
the palate bitter, and to the (lomach cold ; yet the thoughts
of what I am going to, and of the conduct, that waits for
me on the other fide, doth lie as a glowing coal at my heart.
I fee myfelf now at the end of my journey ; my toilfome
days are ended. I am going to fee that head that was
crowned with thorns, and that face that was fpit upon for
me. I have formerly lived by hear-fay and faith ; but now
I go where I (hall live by fight, and fhall be with him in
whofe company I delight myfelf. I have loved to hear my
I^ord fpoken of; and wherever I have feen the print of
his fhoe in the earth, there I have coveted to fet my foot
too. His name has been to me as a civet-box ; yea, fweet-
er than all perfumes. His voice to me has been mod
fweet ; and his countenance I have more defired than they
that have moll defired the light of the fun. His words I
did ufe to gather for my food, and for antidotes againft my
faintings. He has held me, and has kept me from mine
iniquities ; yea, my fteps have been ftrengthened in his
way.' (*)
*Jofh. Hi. 17.
(A) This fpeech has been juftly admired, as one of she moft finking
paffages in the whole work : but it is fo plain, that it only requires an
attentive reader. It may, however, he worthy of our obfervarion, that
in all the iniiancrs before us the Pilgrims are reprcfented as retting
their only dependence, at the doling icene, on the mercy of Go r>,
through the rjghteoufnefl and atonement of his Son : and yet recol-
lecting their confeious integrity, boldnefs in profefline and emending
for the truth, love to the caule, example, and words of Ch r 1 ST, obe-
dience to his precepts, de'ight in his ways, preiei vation from their own
iniquities, and continent behaviour, as evidences that their faith was
Jiving, and their hope warranted ; and in this way the retrofpect con-
duced to their encouragement. Moreover, they all concur in declaring,
And enters the City in Triumph, 377
Now, while he was thus in difcourfe, his countenance
changed ; his " ftrong man bowed under him :" and, after
he had laid, • Take me, for I come unto thee,' he ceafed
to be feen of them.
But glorious it was to fee, how the open region was
filled with horfes and chariots, with trumpeters and pipers,
with fingers and players on ftringed inftruments, to welcome
the Pilgrims as they went up, and followed one another in
at the beautiful Gate of the City. (/)
that while they left their infirmities behind them, they fhould take their
graces along with them, and that " their works would follow them." —
Thus the fcriptural mivi is exactly maintained. Between thole av!io
place their fuppofed good works as the foundation of their hope; arid
thofe, who would exclude even real good works fronxbejng fo much as
looked upon, as evidential of faving faith, or as in any way giving .
encouragement to the believer in his dying hour.*
(/) The view given in this place, of the peaceful and joyful death of
the Pilgrims, cannot but affect every reader in fome degree ; and many
perhaps may be ready to fay, " Let me die the death of righteous, and
let my laft end be like his :" but, except they make it their principal
concern to live the life of the righteous, Inch a with will moll probably
be fruftrated; and every hope grounded on it is evidently prefiimptuous,
as the example of B\t a am (ufficiently proves. — If any mm, therefore,
doubt whether this allegory do indeed delcribe the Rife and Progrefs
of religion in the foul ; the beginning, continuance, and termination of
the godly man's courfe to heaven ; let him diligently fearch tire Scrip-
tures, and fervently pray to God, from whom alone " corneth every
good and perfect gift," to enable him to determine this queftion. But
let Inch as own i to be fatisfied that it does. I they
reft on this aflent and (lotion, in the pieafure of reading an isgei
work on the fuhject, or in the ability of developing many of the a i.thox*s
emblems. Let them beware, left they be ral - it were, into a
perfuafion, that they actually accompany the Pilgrims in the life of
faith, and walking with God, in the fame meafure, as they keep pace
with the author, in discovering and approving the grand outlines or bis
plan. And let every one carefully examine his i nents, ex-
perience, motives, tempers, .id conduct, by the various char-
acters, incidents and obfcrvaiions, that pais under ins review; affured
that this is a matter of the greateft confequence. We ought not ii
to call any man mafter, or fubferibe abfolutely to all his fentimentrj
yet the diligent practical ftudent of Scripture can fcarcely doubt, but
that the warnings, counfels, and infractions of this Gngular work, agree
in general with that facred touchftone ; or that characters and actions
•will at laft be approved or condemned by the J U i.GT': of the woild,
in a great degree according to the fentence puffed on them in this wife
* 2 Tim. iv. 6—8.
II H 2
378 ' Conclufion,
As for Christiana's children, the four boys that
Christiana brought, with their wives and children, I did
not ftay where I was till they were gone over. Alfo fince
I came away, I heard one fay, they were yet alive, and ib
would be for the increafe of the church in that place where
they were, for a time.
Shall it be my lot to go that way again, I may give
thofe that defire it, an account of what I here am filent
about ; mean time, I bid my reader
Farewell.
and faithful book. The Lord grant that both the writer and readers
of thefe obfervations "may find mercy in that day," and be addreffed
in thefe gracious words, " Come, ye bieffed of my Fat he r, inherit
the kingdom prepared for you, from the foundation of the world."
THE END,
INDEX.
The Italic numerals denote the Preface and Life, and the figures refer U
the Page.
Beelzebub, his caftle
and
Accommodation, of
Scripture, dangerous, 254.
Adam the firft, 104, 105. _
Atfeaions, falfe, 28, 29, 269,' car-
nal, their prevalence over? rea-
son, 53, 54. , . ,._ ,
Age and youth, their ditterent ad-
vantages, 327, 328.
Aged Chriftians, often experience
much peace and comfort, 172,
173-
Anchor, golden, 293.
Angels, guardian, 216, 219.
Anunomianifm, 317 — 319.
Apollyon, meets Chnftian,
295. tempts, reproaches,
threatens him, 85—87. afTaults
him, 88. is pur to flight, 89, 90.
Apoftates, 57, 58, 102, 176, 177,
224. dying in defpair, 169, 170.
Apples, Eve's, 292.
Appropriation, erroneous notion
refpefting, 268, 269.
Arbour, on the hill Difficulty, 74,
273. on the Enchanted-Ground,
360,361,363.
Armoury, at the houfe BeautituJ,
81,82.
AHurance, not the e Hence of faith,
92, 93, 319. genuine, always
accompanied by holy obedience,
>7*i 172. ..
Atheifm, long hypocritical prorel-
fion of the golpel not unlikely
to ifTue in, 194.
Atheift, derides Chriftian and
Hopeful, 193. character of,
probably taken from a particu-
lar perfon, xiii.
B
BackfWers, 95, 96.
Bath, the Interpreter's, 262, 263.
Beautiful, palace, 71, 72. Chrif-
tian entertained there, 74 — 83.
Chriftiana, Sec, entertained there,
£77—291,
46. his dog,
241, 245, 246.
Believers, weak, 333, 334.
Beulah, country ot, 213—215,
36B, &9-
Bigotry', 175, 76.
Bloody-man, (lee Grim. J
Brifk, Mr. vifus Mercy, 285, 286,
Bubble, Madam, aflails Standfaft,
366. defcription and character
of, 366, 367.
Bunyan, Mr. his parents and occu-
pation, xi. his early profligacy,
xi, xii. his life remarkably pre-
ferved, xi. his deep convictions
and impreflions, xi — xiii. refor-
mations, xiii, and conversion,
xiii. alfailed by the Ranters,
xiii, xw. his perplexities and
temptations, xiv. 93. joins a
Baptift church, xiv. let apart o
the m;niftry, xv. apprehended
and tried for preaching, contra-
ry to law, xv. confined in Bed-
ford jail twelve years, xv. 2t.
choren paftor of the Baptift
church at Bedford, xvi. libera-
ted, xvii. fettles at Bedford, ib.
his death, xviii. his family, ib.
and character, xviii, xix.
Burden, Chriftian's, 21, 30, 31.
not taken off at the Wicket-
gate, 49. falls off at the crofs,
Bufinefs, danger of too much, 368.
By-ends, Mr. overtaken by Chrif-
tian and Hopeful, 142. his kin-
dred, 143. his religious princi-
ples, 143, 144, 147— loo. 336.
left by Chnftian and Hopeful,
145, 146. overtaken by Hold-
the-world, Money-love,, and
Save-all, 146. gives them an ac-
count of Chriftian and Hopeful,
146, 147. propounds a queftion
to them, which is anfwered by
Money-love, 149, l^o. they
INDEX.
propofe it to Chriftian and Hope-
ful, 151. are iilenced and put to
dame by Chriftian, 151, 152.
are fatally feduced, 156.
By-path-ineadow, 160, 161, 344.
By-way to Hell, 177, 223, 35 u
\->
Candour, falfe, 175, 176.
Caution, Mount, 176.
Certificate, 62. given in by Chrif-
tian and Hopeful at the ccleftial
Gate, 222. Chriftiana receives
one from Secret, 231, 232. (fee
Roil.]
Charity, her converfation with
Chriftian, 78, 79. without judg-
ment leads into errors, 113.
Mount, 350.
Chrift, how revealed to the foul,
120, 121, 200 — 202. what meant
by the expreffion, 207. effects
of fuch a revelation, 2o2. pair-
ed through Vanity-fair, 128.
his merits fuflicicnt for all,
though effeclual only for fome,
258. his four kinds of righteouf-
nefs, 264 — 266.
Children are to be early commend-
ed to the Lord by prayer, 343,
344. duty of inftrucling them in
religion, 264 — 266.
Chriftian, his diftrefs on account
of his burden, 21 — 23. directed
by Evangeiift to the Wicket-
gate, 24, 25. falls into the
Slough of Defpond, 29, 30.
meets Worldly-wifeman, 33,
$4.'. turns afide to go to Legal-
ity, 38. met by Evangeiift, 38 —
44. admitted at the Wicket -gate,
45, 46. entertained by the In-
terpreter, 50 — 60. lofes his bur-
den at the crofs, 61. goes up the
hill Difficulty, 67. fleeps in the
Arbour, and lofes his roll, 68.
returns and finds his roll, 69, 70.
entertained at the houfeBeautiful,
71 — 82. isarmed, 83. goes down
into the Valley of Humiliation,
83. meets Apollyon, 84. his '
combat with him, 85 — 89, 295,
296. his viftory, 89. pafies
through the Valley of the Shad-
ow of Death, 92, 98. overtakes
Faithful, lot. expofes Talka-
tive, 113 — 116. he and Faithful
overtaken by Evangeiift, 124.
arrive at Vanity, 129. perfecuted
there, 129 — 141. is joined by
Hopeful, 142. invited by Demas
to a filver mine, 153 — 155. He
and Hopeful turn afide into By-
path-meadow, 160. are taken by
giant Del pair, and confined in
Doubting-caftle, 163-170. They
efcape, 171. are entertained at
the Dele£f.able Mountains, 172 —
178. drawn into a net bjT "(he
Flatterer, 190. are liberated and
chaftized by a fhining one, 190,
191. pal's over the Enchanted.
Ground, 194 — 213. arrive in the
country of Beulah, 213. come
to the black River, 216. crofs
it, and enter the celeftiai City
triumphantly, 217 — 222. re-
ports of, after his death, 227,
359. his anceftors, 322. (fee
Faithful and Hopeful.)
Chriftiana, Sagacity's account of
her and her tons, 228 — 241. her
diftrefs, 229. her dream, 230.
vifited by Secret, 231. by Tim-
orous and Mercy, 233 — 236.
fets out on pilgrimage with her
four fons and Mercy, 237. pafT-
es the Slough of Defpond, 239,
240. admitted at the Wicket-
gate, 242. affaulted by two men,
247, 248. entertained by the In-
terpreter, 252 — 263. attended
on her journey by Great-heart,
263. arrives at the crofs, 264.
goes up the hill Difficulty, 273.
entertained at the houfe Beauti-
ful, 277 — 294. paffes through
the Valley of Humiliation, 296
— 300. and the Valley of the
Shadow of Death, 300 — 306.
entertained by Gaius, 321 — 333.
arrives at Vanity, 336. entertain-
ed there by Mnafon, 337—342.
comes to the River of the Wa-
ter of Life, 343. entertained at
the Delegable Mountains, 348
— 352. croftes the Enchanted
Ground, 360 — 365. arrives in
the countiy of Beulah, 368. re-
3$t
tetves a fummons to go to the
ccieflial City, 369. prepares to
obey it, 370. her addrcls to her
children a id companions, 370,
371. paffes 'he black River, and
is received at the celcltial City,
37i. 372.
Civility, ion of Legality, 37 — 43.
Clergy, that they are gaitkmenly
pro/' '//ion, a dangerous idea, 153
Clear, mount, 178.
Comfort, not to be too haflily ad-
miniftered, 40,41, 288. in what
manner, 36, 37, 243. difference
between a young convert's, and
an ettablilhed Chriftian's, -49.
fource of genuine, 44, 62, 63,
87. genuine, diftinguilhed from
falfe, 62, 63. not, in itfelf, a
ground of confidence, 204.
Communion of faints, 71, 74. ad-
miflion to, 72, 73.
Conflict, the Chriftian's inward,
55. outward, 56.
Conviction of fin, 21 — 24, 196.
Converfion, circum fiances attend-
ing it, are of little moment, 238.
Corn-field, an emblem, 256.
Covetou fuel's, 146, 147.
Crofs, the, 61, 264.
D
Death, Teprcfented by a river with-
out a bridge, 216 — 219, 369 —
078. fear of, how overcome,
meeting it with compo-
no proof of a fafe flare,
224. often moil peaceful to the
moll timid, 373, 3^5, 376.
Debts, unjuft to contia6t them by
fall'e appearances of affluence,
153. ill < ffetts of minifters con-
tracting them, 154.
Deceivers, lolly ot neglecting re-
ligion, for fear of being led away
by them, 359.
Delegable Mountains, 8-2, 172 —
178,348—352.
Demas, myites Chrmian and Hope-
ful to turn ah" le to a fii\ cr mine,
»53— 155- bis pedigree, 156.
fed ices by-en Is, &c. ib.
B °J gracci 7S Sracei i,n am~
ions and improper cxpref-
fiopj 203.
furc
Defpair reprefemed by an iron
cage, 57. how fai a believer may
fall under its power, 165, 166.
giant, takes Chriftian and Hope-
ful pnloners, 164. his cruelty to
them, 163 — 168. his fits, 166.
men whole eyes had been put
out by him, 176. [lain by Great-
heart and his companions, 345.
Defpond, Slough of, 29 — 32, 259,
240. iteps over, 32. all pafs it,
32, 33. grew worfe after Chrif-
tian patted it, C39, 240.
Defpondency, whence it arifes, 25,
30, 33. how to be removed, 44.
repreiented by a quag, 94—96.
Mr. and his daughter Much-
afraid, refcued from Doubting-
cattle, 346. pafs the black Riv-
er, 374-
DeftrucHon, city of, 26, 101, 225,
226.
Difficulty, the hill, 66, 271—273.
Diffidence, giant D. fpair's wife,
166. llain by Honefl, 345, 346.
Difcontent, 106.
Difcretion, her difcourfe with
Chriftian, 73, 74.
Diftoyalty, charged upon profef-
fors of the gofpel, 135, 136. ill
effefts of, in them. ib. .
Diilemers, their fuccefsful oppo-
lition to popery in the latl cen-
tary.xtto. 341, 342- persecution
of them in the lalt century, xv,
xvi. indulgence granted them
by James II. xvii.
Diftrefs, lieedle/s, 240. often fol-
lows long after the ccmmii'lion
of fin, 288. how to be removed,
289. folly oi neglecting religion
for fear of temporary, 303, 304.
Dog, at the Wicket-gate, 241.
Doubnng-cattle, 163—172. de-
rholiflied by Great-heart, &c.
345. 346: ,' f . ,
Di earns, ot the day ct judgment,
xii. 7,9. Chrifliana's, 230, 250.
Mercy's, 280, r.81. how far to
be regarded, 230, 281.
Eafe, the plain, i,"2.
Enchanted Ground, 194—213, 360
-36«.
Enthufiafm, 62, 120, 201, 202, 230,
261.
Envy, his teflimony againft Faith-
ful, 134 — 136. arifvvered, 138.
Error, mount, 175, 176. none
harmlefs or innocent, 175.
Evangelift, meets Chriftian, 24.
again, 38. overtakes him and
Faithful, 124.
Evidences, (fee Grace.)
Examination, felt, importance of,
377:
Experience, Chriftian relates his,
75 — 77. Hopeful's, 196 — 202.
of believers, an uieful ftudy,
377-
F
Faint-heart, Miftruft, and Guilt,
rob Little-faith, 181—183. con-
verfation concerning them be-
tween Chriftian and Hopeful,
183-189.
Fairs, their pernicious effects, 127,
128. (fee Vanity.)
Faith, human and divine, 138. na-
ture of, 201, 206, 260, 261. Ig-
norance's, 206. dead and living,
117. erroneous ftatement of,
232, 240, 261, 268, 269.
Faithful, joined by Chriftian, loo.
gives an account of his pilgrim-
age, 101 — 110. beguiled by Talk-
ative, 111, 112. undeceived by
Chriftian, 113 — 116. propofes a
queftion to Talkative and refutes
his anfwers, 118, 119. anfwers
it himlelf, and makes an appli-
cation to Talkative's confer. -nee,
119 — 122. He and Chriftian
overtaken by Evangelift, 124.
arrive at the town of Vanity,
129. are perfecuted there, 129,
&c. replies to his indictment,
134. anfwers the charges brought
againft him, i.38. condemned
and put to death, 140, 141. (fee
Chriftian.)
Fear, nature and advantages of
right, 25, 209, 244, 245 316,
347. miftakes concerning, 60 ,70,
171, 172, 209, 210, 316, 347.
of men, 212. different kinds of,
30, 164, 165. habitual, removed
by a clear view of the gofpel,
61. of death, overcome, 217,
218.
Fearing. Mr. account of, 310 —
3*5-
Feeble-mind, refcued from gant
Slay-good, 329, 330. his account
of himlelf, 330, 331. entertain-
ed by Gaius, 332. proceeds on
his pilgrimage with Chriftiana,
&c. 333—335^ &c- paffta the
black River, 373.
Fire, an emblem, 55.
Flatterer, the, draws Chriftian and
Hopeful into a net, 189, 190.
Flower Garden, an emblem, 256.
Form a lift and Hypocrify climb
over the wall, 64. turn afide,
67, 272.
G
Gaius, entertains Chriftiana, &c.
321—333.
Gentleman-like, the expreftion, 153.
Good-will, receives Chriftian at
the Wicket-gate, 45, 46. in-
flructs him in the way, 48. re-
ceives Chriftiana, &c. 242. and
Mercy, 243.
Grace, how maintained in the
heart, ,55. evidences of, 118 —
121, 372, 373. Mnafon's daugh-
ter, married to Samuel, 340.
Great-heart, appointed by the In-
terpreter to guide Chriftiana as
far as the houfe Beautiful, 263.
flays giant Grim, 276. returns
home, 278. appointed to con-
duct her all the way, 293. kills
giant Maul, 305. and giant Slay-
good, 329, 330. he and his com-
panions attack a monfter at she
town of Vanity, 341. flay giant
Defpair, and 'demolifh Doubt-
ing-caftle, 344—347-
Grim, giant, oppoles Great-heart
and the ^Pilgrims, 276. is flain
by him, ib.
H
Hate-good, judge, 133, 134. his
addrefs to Faithful, 138. his
charge to the jury, 139.
Hearing, vain without doing, 115,
116.
Heart, of man, reprefemed by a
dufty parlour, 52. its deceitful-
INDEX,
nek, 20,3—205. a good one,
504, its natural enmity againft
God, 268, 269.
Heaven, employments of, 220.
friends will be known there,
Help, 31.
lien and chickens, an emblem,
383
TT °'J
Honeit, Mr. found afleep by Chrif-
tiana, &c. 307. accompanies
them the reft of their -pilgrim-
age, ^io, &c. pafles the black
r River, 374.
Hope, and fear duly proportioned,
60. reprefented by a golden an-
chor, 293.
Hopeful, joins Chriftian, 142. jn.
clincs to turn afide to the hill
Lucre, 155. is prevented by
Lnriftian, 155. warns and ei cour-
ages Chriftian againft fuicide in
Doubimg-caftle, 167, 168. re-
lates his experience, 196—202.
comforts Chriftian while pafling
the black River with him, i—\
218. is received into the'celef-
tnl City, 222. (fee Chriftian.)
Ho.pual tor children, and orphans,
Humiliation, Valley of, 83, 84.
Chnftian's conflia there,' 84—
89» 295, 296, 298— qco. a pleaf-
ant and healthful place in fum-
mer time, 296, 297. Chrift had
a coumry houle there, 298. not
neceflanly connected with ter-
ror, 295, 296. increafed by clear
views of the gofpel, 62, 2c2.
Hypocnfy, fee Formality, a fpe-
cious kind of, 144.
Idlerefs, objeaed to religious per-
fons, 357. r
Ignonn.cc, 170. his convention
with Chnftmn and Hopeful,
179, 180, 2C2- 208, converfa-
tion about him, between Chrif-
tian and Hopeful, 180, 2c2, £08
—2 to. hisheies, i-9; 203. hif
good motions, ib. his good
ao4- nis faith, 20,5, 206. is fer-
ried over the K,ver by Vain-
hope, 223. has no certificate, ib.
II carried back the By-way to
hell, ib.
Imagination, acceffiblc to Satan,
85, 89, 90.
Indictment of Mr. Bunyan, jw. of
Chriftian and Faithful, 134.
Indifference, in regard to theologi-
cal truth, prevalence of, 175.
Innocence, mount, 349, 350.
Innocent, 251.
Infanitv, very feldom occafioned
by religion, 167.
Interpreter, entertains Chriftian,
49—60. and Chnftiana, &c.
T 251—253.
Intolerancy, evil of, 137.
Invitations to tinners, miftakes
about, 238, 244.
James, Chriftiana's fon, marries
Phebe, 333.
Johnfon, Dr. a great admirer of
the Pilgrim's Progrefs, xviii,
xix.
Jofeph, Chriftiana's fon, marries
Martha, 340.
Jury, on the trial of Chriftian and
Faithful, their names, 140. their
verdict, ib.
Juftification, not by works, 22, 39,
41 — 43j *97» *9%- by faith, way
of, 199— -201, 264 — 267. objec-
tions again ft it anfwered, 206.
K
Knowledge, vain without practice,
119. two kinds of, ib.
Key, of promife, 171.
Ladder, Jacob's, 292.
Law, the, canrot fan&ify, 51, 52.
knows nothing of mercy, 105.
explained away by thofe who
expeft justification by it, 37. 38.
man's natural enmity againft it,
105. the rule of duty, 319.
Legality, Mr. recommended to
Chriftian by Worldly-wifeman,
37. exiofed by Evangelifr, 42.
Lions, before the boufe Beautiful,
72. backed by giant Grim, 2-5.
Little-faith, robbery of, 181, 182.
obleivations on it, 183 — 1F9.
difference between, ana Efau,
184, ,85.
334
Looking-glafs, given to Mercy,
35i. 3.32- \
Lord of the hill, difcourfe concern-
ing him, 79, 80.
Lot's wife, (fee Monument.)
Lucre, hill, 152.
M
A Lip, Great-heart's, 362.
Marriage, 285 — 287, 323.
Martha, Mnafon's daughter, mar-
ried to Jofeph, 340.
Marvel, Mount, 349.
Matthew, Chrilhana's fon, taken
ill, 287. cured by Mr- Skill,
287 — 289. marries Mercy, 333.
Maul, giant, {lain by Great-heart,
304 — 306.
Mercy, virus Ghriftiana, 233. is
perfuaded to accompany her on
pilgrimage, 238. admitted at the
Wicket-gate, 243. her dream,
280, 281. vilited by Mr. Brifk,
285. married to Matthew, 333.
longs for the looking-glafs, at the
Delectable Mountains, 351, 352.
Miniiler, picture of, 50, 51. expof-
ed to great danger when fituated
among the affluent, 154, 155.
duty of praying for, 278.
Miniilry, dated, advantages of,
s63> 353-
Mittruft and Timorous, 68, 69.
pnnifhed for endeavouring to
hinder Chrifh'an, 274, 275.
Mnafon, entertains Chriftiana, &c.
337, 34Q-
Monfler, a, attacked by Great-
heart, &c. at Vanity, 341.
M • ment, 1 56, 137.
Morality, village or, 37. a faulty
and defective kind of, put in the
place of the gofpel, 37, 38, 41,
52
Mo' s, 10,5.
Much-afraid, (fee Defpondency.)
Muck-rake, an emblem, 252, 253.
N
Negligence, darkens the believer's
e^ idence, 69, 70.
Not-right, killed by lightning, 332.
Obftinate, pin 'urs Chriftian, 26,
27. returns home, 28.
Pagan, giant, 99. perfecution may
polfibiy be revived, 99, 100.
Palace, guarded by armed men, 56.
Pardon, by word and by deed, 264
— 267.
Parlour, dudy, an emblem, 31, 52.
Paflion and Patience, 53, 54.
Perfecution, 126 — 141. caufes of,
130—132, 135. (fee Pagan.)
Perfeverance, final, doctrine of,
55> l73- abided, 96. guarded
from abufe, 165, 166, 184.
means of, 177, 178.
Phebe, Gaius's daughter, married
to James, 333.
Pickthank, his evidence againd
Faithful, 137. anfwered, 138.
Picture of the Pilgrim's Guide,
.5°. 5»-
Piety, her converfation with Chrif-
tian, 75, 76.
Pilgrimage, objections againft it, 35,
357 — 359- two things requifite
for thofe who undertake it, 340.
Pills, Mr. Skill's, 289.
Pieafure, worldly, 128.
Pliable, purfues Chridian, 26. is
perfuaded to accompany him,
27, 28, falls into the Slough of
Defpond, 29, 30. returns home,
30. further account of him, 102.
Pope, giant, 99.
Popery, fad declines at prefent, 37,
127, 129. reprelented by a mon-
fler, 341. prevalence of, in Eng-
land before the revolution, xviu
342-
Prayer, perfeverance in, necelfary,
199 — 201. why required, 250.
Preufenefs, objected to religious
perfons, 130.
Prejudice and Ill-will throwing dirt
on Godly-nan, 349, 350.
Preemption, (fee Simple,) repre-
fented by a ditch, 94, 95.
Profefiion, worthlefs without fruit,
B$6i 2,57.
Proieflbrs, loofe, bring a fcandal
on religion, 113— 1 15, 121 — 123.
how fuch are to be dealt withj
1 16 — 123. emblem of hypocrit-
ical, 257, 258.
INDEX.
3*5
Vrorpemy, 195, 196, 361, 362.
Providence, openings of, abate of
the term, 149, 152.
Prudence, her converfatton with
Chriftian, 76, 77. catechifes
Chriftiana's children, 282— 284.
O
Quag, in the Valley of the Shadow
of Death, 94, 95.
R
Raiment, given to Chriftiann, &c.
at the. Interpreter's, 263.
Ranters, the, ailail Mr. Bunyanby
oiie of their party, who feems to
have furniihed the charaBer of
Atheift, xiii. probably intended
by Self-will, xiv.
Ready-to-hal t, joins Chi iltiana,&:c.
and accompanies them in their
pilgrimage, 335. palles the black
River, 373. ..■'.. 1
Regeneration, precedes right views
of the glory of the gofpel, 268,
269.
Religion, its practical nature, 115,
116. evangelical, declined after
the publication of the Firft Part
of the Pilgrim's Progrefs, 240,
271, 272.
Repentance, falfe, 212. neceihty
of, 200. folly of deferring it to
a death-bed, 319, 320, 328.
Reftitution, final, 268.
Righteoufnefs of Chiift, four-fold,
264—268.
River, of the Water of Life, 158,
159, 343. the black, 216—219,
309-378.
Robm, the, an emblem, 257.
Roll, given to Chrifhan, 62. loii
in the arbour on the hill Diffi-
culty, 68. found again, 70. (lee
Certificate.)
S
Sacrament, the, 79, 80, 279.
Sagacity, Mr. hisaccoun: oiChnf-
tian, 2c6, 227. of Chriftiana and
her family, 228—241.
Sar.ctitication, .52, ,53.
Samuel, Chriiliaua's fon, marncd
to Grace, 340.
I 1
Saying and doiv^ 115, u6.
Scripture, repteicnted by a fludy,
81. byalooking-glafs, 351, 352.
by a map, 362. how to be read,
284.
Seal, a, fet on ChriHian'storehead,
62. on Chriftiana's, 262.
Seciet, 231 — 233.
Security, danger of, 68.
Sell-will, 217—219. the Ranters
probably intended by him, xiv.
Shadow of Death, Valley of, 93—
99, 300—304.
Shame, 107 — ico.
Shepherds,at the Deled. «.ble Moun-
tains, 172—178, 348—353.
Sheep, an emblem, 256.
Silver, mine of, (fee Lucre.)
Simple, Sloth, and Prefumption
aileep, 63, 64. hanged, 270. drew
many afide, ib.
Sin, in-dwelling, 66. deliberate,
muft bring guilt on the con-
fcience, 163. allowed, a proof of
hypocrify, 257, 258.
Sinai, mount, 38, 39, 42, 43, 47.
Skill, Mr. 287. his pills, 289.
Slander, (fee Prejudice.)
Slay-good, giant, killed by Great-
heart, 329, 330.
Spider, an emblem, 254.
Spies, two, 93, 94.
Spirit, the Holy, his comforting
his
his
influences, 158—160, 343.
teaching, 49,0°^ 2S1» 232-
inward witnefs, 02, 63.
Spring, at the foot of the hill Dif-
ficulty, 66, 67, 271, 272.
Standfafl, overtaken by Chrifliana,
&c. 365. accompanies them the
remainder of the 1 pii^nniagi.,
365, 8:c< his account of Madam
Bubble, 366. paiies the black
River, 377- . _ ;
Snggeflions, fatanical, 40, 84, 0,5,
95, 96. occaficn of good to be-
lievers, 247. deterring perfoi.s-
from the ufe of the means of
grace, 333. 3°A-
Suicide, 166—108.
Superftirion, his evidence ag
Faithful, 136. anfweteJ. 138.
886
INC EX.
Talkative, defcription of him, 111.
beguiles Faithful by his plaufible
^iicourfe, 111 — 113. expofedby
Chriftian, 113 — 118. his anfwers
to Faithful's queftions refuted,
118 — 121. leaves Faithful, 122.
Tell-true, 356.
Temporary, once very religious,
210. reafons of fuch men's draw-
ing back, 211, 212. manner of
it, 57i.58» 212, 213.
Temptations, peculiar, often fuc-
ceed peculiar confolations, 83.
(fee Apollyon) vice verfa, 91.
are no proof of fpiritual advance-
ment, 301. believers drawn alldc
by, 161. means to be ufed for
their removal, 303, 304.
Terror, vain without humiliation,
>97-
Timorous, 68, 69. his daughter
endeavours to diifuade Chriftiana
from going on pilgrimage, 233
— 235. her converfation with
her neighbours about her, 236,
237-
Tree, rotten, an emblem, 258.
Trial, of Mr. Bunyan, xv. of
Chriftian and Faithful at Vanity,
133—140.
Turn-away, 181, 353,354.
Vain-confidence, 161.
Valiant-for-truth, overtaken by
Chriftiana, &c. 354. accompa-
nies them the reft of their pil-
grimage, 354, &c. relates his
conflict with three robbers, 354,
355. gives an account of his fet-
ting out on pilgrimage, 357—
360. pafTes the black River, 375.
Vanity, town of, 126. the fair kept
there, 126, 127. Chrift palled
through it, 128, 129. perfec-
tion of Chriftian and Faithful
there, 131 — 140. ftateof, wh.n
Chriftiana palled through it, 338,
339- w
Wanton, Madam, 103, 237.
Watchful, the Porter at the houfe
Beautiful, 72, 73, 278.
Wicket-gate, 25, 42, 44, 45, 241
—243.
Women, a commendation of, 323,
324.
Works, men will be judged accord-
to their, 116, 227, 228.
Worldly-wifeman, 34—38. expof-
ed, by Evangelift, 41.
Young perfons, cautions to, 153,
247.
Youth and age, their different ad-
vantages, 327, 328.
Zeal, rafli, ill efi'cas of, 133.
BOOKS
For Sale at Manning and Loring's Bookftore,
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1 HE Gofpel its own Witnefs : or, The Holy
Nature and Divine Harmony of the Chriftian Religion,
contrafted with the Immorality and Abfurdity of Deifm
BY ANDREW FULLER.
Motto—" Laying his hand on his Bible, he would fay, 'There is
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•n the Dodrine of Univeifal Salvation.
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[Price 50 cents.
Ext raft from the Concliifwn of this Work.
" Great numbers of thofe who began in Univerfalifm,
have ended m Deifm. The idea of Univerfal Salvation is
too pleafmg to the unhallowed feelings of the impenitent
heart, to be tamely given up ; and when it is found that
the Bible is oppofed to fuch an idea, (as it mod truly is,
and it is preiumed it mufl appear fo to them when they
iurrer themfelves to think attentively upon thefubjecl) then
the Bible itfelf is given up. They commonly begin by re-
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their belief in the Bible is wholly obliterated. Indeed, in
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fa fo far as the exertions of thofe men preva.l, they conn-
"SSSS!rSS3»fi- has the whole current of the
finally rv> favour, it would feem that
rtft?SS-ftd heardown all oppontion ; hut as
t has the truth of God, and all his perfeftions, ^ well as
h« elo y and honour, in oppofition to it, we are fore that
• S ft fin^llv fall This will not, however, excufe the
it mult finally ran. *«•» ' f 7; Tt is time
ss 5,"„x ,». £" ™ J ««i. .»• — »-*
betraysd the truth."
A View of Religions : in two Parts.....Part . I,
,no4em• By HANNAH ADAMS.
Memoirs of the late Rev. ^^^tiW'KS
The Bachffider; or, ^^^t«t"$Z' fX,'
and Effefts of Religious Declenfion, with tne
Bv Andrew Fuller.
To which are added, by the fame Author
Espor,to,y R.n.arks on .he ^^1^-^"^^
&
S*SR^£ ■>;
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