Ex Libris
r C. K. OGDEN I
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
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PILGRIMS P
Msi* SCOTT,
PART i .
PR
PREFACE.
1 UK high estimation, in which the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS has
been held for much above a century, sufficiently evinces it* in-
trinsick value: and there is every reason to suppose, that it will
lie ivad with admiration and advan; e| to come, probably
till the consummation of all tiling.
Tin- pious Christian, in proportion to " his growth in grace, and
" in the knowledge of Jesus Christ," derive- more and more in-
struction from repeated perusals of this remarkable book; while
his enlaced experience and extended observation enable him to
unfold, with progressive evidence, the meaning of the agr-
similitude employed b\ its ingenious author: and even the care-
less reader is fascinated to attention, by the- simple and artle
manner in which the interesting narrati\e is arranged. Vu
should this be represented a^ mere amust-ment, for it has l>et n
nbs-r\cd, bv men of ijreat disr-rnment and ac(|iiaintance with the
human mind, that young per-oiis, ha\ ing f)eru<ed the Pi r.c u i .M as
a pleasing tale, often retain a remembrance of its K-aiiin^ inci-
<lents, wliich, after c -.iitinuiim perhaps in a dormant sla;
several \ears, has at Mninated, as it weir, inlo the mo-;
important and KUOOable instruction { while (he events of their
own liv.s placed it beto]-.- their minds in a m-. i ting point
ot view. It ma\ . theiei'-re, l-e (jue-tioned. wlutlier modern ages
base produced anv work vvhicli ha im.ie j.,-omoti-d the best in-
of mankind.
These observations indeed m lly npplx to ihe first part
of the I'II.(.HIM'S l'i inph te in ilr!i.
in all respects superior t
many edifying and intiTe-; i:,j ; .
J. Stdey, Printer,
fl PREFACE.
sign, in arrangement of incident, and in simplicity of allegory, it
is not comparable to the other. Indeed the author, in his first
effort, had nearly exhausted his subject 7 and nothing remained
lor liijj second attempt, but a few detached episodes to his original
design : nor could any vigour of genius have wrought them up to
an equal degree of interest It must, however, be allowed, that
Mr. Bunyan here in some instances, sinks below himself, both in
fertility of invention, force of imagination, and aptness of illustra-
tion ; nay, he occasionally stoops to a puerile play of fancy, and
a refined nicety in doctrine, which do not well accord to the rest
of the work. Yet the same grand principles of evangelical and
practical religion, which stamp an inestimable value on the first
part, are in the second also exhibited with equal purity, though
not with equal simplicity : and, on many occasions, the author
rises superior to his disadvantages ; and introduces characters and
incidents, which arrest the attention^ and deeply interest the
heart, of every pious and intelligent reader.
It would not perhaps be difficult to prove, that the Pi LORI si's
PROGRESS, is as really an original production of vigorous na-
tive genius, as any of those works, in prose or verse, which have
excited the admiration of mankind, through successive ages and in
different nations. It does not indeed possess those ornaments
which are ot'teii mistaken for intr-insick excellence: but the rude-
ness of its stvb (which at the same time is aptly characteristick
of the subject) concurs to prove it a most extraordinary book :
for, had it not been written- with very great ingenuity, a religious
treatise, evidently i-nculcating doctrines always offensive, but now
more unfashionable than formerly, could not, in so homely a garb,
have durably attracted the attention of a polished age and nation.
Yet it is undeniable, that BUNYAN'S PILGRIM continues to be
read and admired by vast multitudes; while publications on a-
similar plan, by persons of respectable learning and taleuts, are
consigned to almost total neglect and oblivion.
This is not, however,- that view of the work'/ which entitles it to
its highest honour, or most endears it to the pious mind : for, com-
paring it with the other productions of the same author, (which*
arc indeed edifying to the humble believer,, but not much suited to
the taste of the ingenious ;) we shall be led to conclude, that in
penning this he was favoured with a peculiar measure of divimsr
assistance: especially uhen we recollect, that, within the confines
PREFACE. iii
of a jail, he was able so to delineate the Christian's course, with it"
various difficulties, perils, conflict-, and supports, that scarcely
any thing seems to have escaped his notice. Indeed, the accurate
observer of the church in his own davs and the learned student of
ecclesiastical history, must be equally surprised to rind, that hard-
ly one remarkable character, good or bad, or mixed in any man-
ner or proportion imaginable ; or one fatal delusion, by-path, or
injurious mistake, can be singled out, which may not be paralleled
in the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS: that is, as to the grand outlines;
for the rninutur, about which bigotted and frivolous minds waste
their zeal and force, arc, with very few exceptions, wisely passed
over. This circumstance is not only very surprising, but it sug-
gests an argument perhaps unanswerable, in confirmation of the
divine authority of those religious sentiments, which are now often
derided under the title of orthodoxy: For every part of this sin-
gular book excltairely suits the different descriptions of such a*
|irnfr-s those doctrines; and relates the experiences, mistake*,
falls, recoveries, distresses, temptations, and consolations of se
rious persons of this class in our own times, as exactly as if it h.xj
been penned from the observation of them, and tor their immedi-
ate benefit : while, like the sacred Scriptures, it remains a sc.ile.<
book to ;ill who are strangers to evangelical religion.
These remarks may very properly be concluded with the \\<
of a justly admired poet of the present day, who in the fol!<
has fully sanctioned all that ha* been here advan<
' thun, vhnm, born on fancy I t-a ger ///
Rack to the season of lift's /itijynt >//<//,
I pi fas' d remember, and while mem'ru yrt
Holds fast her office here, can nr'crfor"! I .
tntzrninit'i dreamt r, in \Jmtr -.: < 'I told (alt'
fion and x-tittt trut/i <////.< //nvtf/7,
ll'lime hum' run* ;nw, */< .M//V. and \inif<tc
Mini teach the gayest, modi ti smile;
II 'if t if, and veil cm// 'nu'd. and Hie thy I Aril,
Speaking in parables his flighted vord,
I name thee not, lest so dctpix'd a namr
Mwnld move atneer at thy deserted fa
l<< <'cn in transitory life'* In:
mingles all my brouit :;;/// ,<-7-< / >*?.
PREFACE.
Rirere the man, whose PILGRIM marh the road
J>i'/ guides the PROGRESS of the soul to God.
"fwerf well with most if books, that eould engage
'I 'heir childhood, picas' d them at a riper age;
The man approving what had charni'd the boy,
Would die at last in comfort, pcaee, and joy,
And not with curses on his art who stole
The gem of truth from his unguarded soul.'
COWPER, TIROCIMtTM, V.
In respect of this edition of the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, it may
be proper to observe, that it has become general to publish every
approved work, in such a style of elegance, and with such deco-
rations, as may recommend it to a place in the collections of the
curious and affluent; and thus atti-act the notice of those who
would perhaps otherwise have overlooked it It was therefore
thought, that something of this kind might properly be attempted,
in respect of this excellent work; provided k were accompanied
with original explanatory notes. Several persons have indeed al-
ready favoured tliepublick with illustrations of this kind: but the
editor, on mature deliberation, did not think himself precluded by
this consideration from communicating his- sentiments on a favour-
ite book, according to a plan he had formed in his own mind.
Every man who thinks for himself has his own views of a subject,
which often vary, more or k>ss, from the sentiments of others, whom
he nevertheless esteems and loves with great cordiality: and the great
Head of the church lias entrusted different talents to his servants,
to qualify them for usefulness among distinct descriptions of per-
sons. It is indeed incontrovertible, that some men will receive the
great truths of Christianity with candour and docility, when ex-
hibited in'a style and manner suited to their peculiar taste, who-
disregard and reject them, when conveyed in language which num-
bers, perhaps justly, think far more interesting and affecting. It
need not, therefore, be apprehended, that the labours of different
writers on the same subject should materially interfere with each,
other: rather we may indulge an hope, that, as far as they accord
to the standard of divine truth, they will, in different circles, pro-
mote the common cause of vital godliness.
PRF.FAC I . V
The editor'- aim/- in tin- attempt to elucidate the PlLGl|l'i
, i-. f" nive a brief key to the grand outlines ul' the al-
\, from which the a-tteutivc reader mav obtain a general idea
of the author's design; to bestow more paias ui lixJiig the ] ,
meaning of those parts, which might mo-r perplex the enquirer, and
v.hich seem to Jia\e mo-t escaped the notice, or divided tin
timcnt-, ot expositors; to state aud c-tub!Mi, conipcndion-l\ but
clearly, thox 1 doctrinal, practical, and cxperitueoiaj i.c\\- of Chris-
tianity, \\hicli -Mr. limnan meant to.a\e\ ; to jiiiard tbeju care-
fully from those extremes and perversions which 1** iwxer :'K\
but which too frequently inc reuse men's prejudices a<^ai|iil them;
to delineate the more prominent Iv-atures (.f his \ari> us c h;i; .1
\\i;ii a s|n-cial reference to 'the present state of religious pnii-
distinguishing accurately \\hat he approses, from the defect -
of true jiiliinms; and in line, to i\e as ju>t n n-prest-nlatioii, us
may he, of the author'- -enliiucnts t-ur.ceiMiini; the n^lit a\ I<
In ;uen, ami of the main fal-e \\y\s and hy-paths, \\!iioh pn.>e i;i-
jurious to all who venture into them, und fatal to unuuinbered
multitudes. In executing this plan, no information that the editor
could procure ha- been neglected; but hi- d >cs not in\arial>ly ad-
the >entinient- of any man: and \\hile his dependence is
placed, a, he hopes, on the promised teaching of l!ie Holy Spirit,
he doc- not tliink himself authorixed to spare any pains in en-
deavouring to render the publication acceptable and useful.
The t-\t i- printed, a- it -lands in the oldest edition-, which
may be -uppo-ed to contain the author's oun terms, \\hich later
editor- hu\e frequently modernized. A few ob-olrte
-ic.d \\onls, and unusual phra-e-, MVIII to In-come tin character
of the. Pilgrim; and thes are often more cmphalical tliun any
which can be sti!>-tituted in their Mead. Some c\cej.ti<>n-. hov,-
eser, ha\e been admitted; as the author, if living, would p!-ol>abl\
< lian^e a \er\ few e\pn -M->n- for -uch as art* less ollen-i\e to m-
dern ears; and in other instances the -lip- of hi- pen. \\hile taken
up with things of va-tly superior importance, woul<l now be
mi-taken for errors of the prc . (Jrvat pain- have been taken to
collate diriVrcnt cojjir- of tin- \\ork, and to examine every scriptu-
ral reference; in order to rcndei this edition, in ail ::scr-
^pos-ibh-. Tlie editor lia- ?!i nn of addius. tl>at he
ha,s U-en favoured i)\ .Mr-, (iur.u \, Ilolborn, with the UM of tlu
second edition of the iir-t p:irt of the Pin. KIM, by \\hich lie ha.
vi PREFACE.
been enabled to correct many errors of subsequent editions. The
author's marginal references seemed so essential a part of the work,
that it was deemed indispensably requisite to insert them in their
places. But as the marginal notes do not appear to convey any
material instruction distinct from that contained in the text, and
to be principally useful in pointing out any passage, to which the
reader might wish to refer; it was thought most advisable to omit
them, and to supply their place by a running title on the top of
tfvery page, conveying as nearly as possible the same ideas : for,
indeed, they so encumber the page, and break in upon the uniform-
ity of printing, that all hope of elegance must be precluded while
they are retained.
Mr. Bunyan prefaced each part' of the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
with a copy of verses: but as his poetry does not suit the taste of
these days, and is by no means equal to the work itself, it hath
been deemed expedient to omit them. That prefixed to the first
partis intitled 'The Author's Apology for his Book;' in which
he informs the reader that he was unawares drawn into the alle-
gory, when employed about another work ; that the further he pro-
ceeded, the more rapidly did ideas flow into his mind; that this
induced him to form it into a separate book; and that, shewing it
to his friends -
' Some said, ' John, print it,' others said, ' Not so;'
Some said, ' It might do good;' others said, ' JVb.'
The publick will not hesitate in determining which opinion was
the result of the deeper penetration ; but will wonder that a long
apology for so valuable a publication should have been deemed
necessary. This was, however, the case; and the author, having
solidly though rather verbosely, answered several objections and
adduced some obvious arguments in very unpoetical rhymes, con--
eludes with these lines, which may serve as a favourable specimen
of the whole.
' Would 'st thou divert thyself from melancholy ?
Would' st thou be pleasant, yet be far from folly?
Would' at thou read riddles and their explanation ?
Or eke be drowned in thy contemplation ?
Dost thou love picking meat ? Or would'st thou see
A man i'th' clouds, and hear him speak to t/iec?
PREFACE. -VU
Wouhr*t t/toti be in a dream, and yet not sleep*
Or would' xt t/iou in a moment laiig/i ati'l weep?
Or would'st t/iun lose thyself, and catch no harm ?
.-I ml find thysrlf again without a c/tann?
Would' st read t/ii/*t /t\ and read t/ioit kiiox'st not u/iat.
And yet know whether thuu art blest or not.
By reading the same lines'? then conic hither^
And l*yjny book, thy heart and head together'
The poem prefixed to the second part, ki a kind of dialogue be-
tween the- author and his book, is still less interesting; and SITUS
to shew, that he had a more favourable opinion of its comparative,
merit, than posterity has formed ; which is no singular case.
Some verses are likewise found at the bottom of certain plates
that accompanied several of the old editions, which the\. who
omit the plates, or substitute others know not where to insert.
To shew all regard, however, to every thing that Mr. HTXYAN
wrote, as a part of the work, they will be found in the notes ou the
jucidejjtsio which they refer.
THE LIFE
OF
JOHN BUN Y AN,
11 F. celebrated author of the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS was born,
.A. 1). ld\\S, at Mi. STOW, a small village near BEDFORD. His
father rained his bread by the low occupation of a tinker ; but he
boro a fair character, and took care that hi.s -on, whom he
brought up to the same business, should be taught to read and
Ivrite. We are told indeed, that he quickly forgot all he had
learned, through his extreme profligacy : \etit is probable, that
be retained so much as enabled him to recover the rest, when his
mind became better disposed ; and that it wa.s very useful to him
in the subsequent part of hi- life.
The material-, from which an account of this valuable man must
be compiled, are so scanty and imperfect, that nothing very satis-
. v must be expected. He seems from his earliest youth to
have i.een greatly addicted to gross vice as well as impict\
lie was interrupted in his course by continual alarms and convic-
tion-, vvlndi were sometime- peruliaily overwhelming; but the} had
ao other cfiect at the time, than to extort from him the most ab-
surd wishes that can be imagined. A copious narrative of these ear-
ly conflicts and crimes is contained in a treatise published by him-
self, under the title of Grace abounding to the chief of Sinners.
1 hiring this part of his life he waj twice preserved from the mo-t
imminent danger of drowning : and being a soldier in the parlia-
ment's army at the siege of Lei(e-t< -r. A. D. 1645, he was drawn
out to stand centinel ; but one of his comrades, having by lii- ow:i
taken his place, was shot through the head on his post; and
X THE LIFE OF
thus BU'NYAN was reserved by the all-disposing hand of GOD for
better purposes. He seems, however, to have made progressive
advances in wickedness, and to have become the ring-leader of
youth in every kind of profaneness and excess.
His career of vice received a considerable check, in consequence
of his marriage with the daughter of a person who had been very
religious in his way, and remarkably bold in reproving vice, but
who was then dead. His wife's discourse to him concerning her
father's piety excited him to go regularly to church ; and as she
brought him, for her whole portion, The Practice of Piety, and
The plain Man's Path-way to Heaven, he employed himself fre--
quently in reading these books..
The events recorded of our author are so destitute of dates, and
regard to the order in which they happened, that no clear arrange-
ment cau now be made of them : but it is probable, that this new
attention to religion, though ineffectual to the reformation of his
conduct, rendered him more susceptible of convictions ; and his
vigorous imagination, at that time altogether untutored by know-
ledge or discretion, laid him open to a variety of impressions,
sleeping and waking, which he verily supposed to arise from words
spoken to him, or objects presented before his bodily senses; arid
he never after was able to "break the association of ideas Avhich
was thus formed in his mind. Accordingly he says, that one day
when he was engaged in diversion with his companions, ' A voice
4 did suddenly dart from heaven into my soul, which said, Wilt
* thou leave thy sins and go to heaven, or have thy sins and go to
4 hell f The consciousness of his wicked course of life, accom-
panied with the recollection of the truths he had read, suddenly
meeting in his mind, thus produced a violent alarm, and made
such an impression on his imagination, that he seemed to have
heard these words, and to have seen CHRIST frowning and
Jnenacing him. But we must not suppose, that there was any
tniracle wrought; nor could there be any occasion for a new
revelation to suggest or enforce so scriptural a warning. This
may serve as a specimen of those impressions, which constitute
a large part of his religious experience, but which it is not ad-
visable to recapitulate.
He was next tempted to conclude that it was then too late to re-
pent or seek salvation ; and, as he ignorantly listened to the sugges-
tion, he indulged his corrupt inclinations without restraint, imag-
JOHN BUNYAH. M
that this was tlic only way in which he could possibly have
the least expectation of pleasure, during his whole existence.
While lie was proceeding in this wretched course, a woman of
very bad character reproved him with great severity for profane
swearing ; declaring in the strongest expressions, that he exceeded
in it all men she had ever heard. This made him greatly asham-
ed, when he reflected that he was too vile even for such a bad
woman to endure: so that from that time he began to break oiT
that odious custom. His guilty and terrified mind was also pre-
pared to admit the most alarming impressions during his sleep:
and he had such a dream about the day of judgment, and its awful
circumstances and consequences, as powerfully influenced his
conduct. There was, indeed, nothing very extraordinary in this ;
for such dreams are not uncommon to men under deep convic-
tions : yet the Lord was doubtless, by all these means, secretly
influencing his heart, and warning him to flee from the wrath to
come.
lie was, however, reluctant to part with his irreligious associates
and vain pleasures ; till the conversation of a poor man, who
rame in his way, induced him to read the Bible, especially the
preceptive and historical parts of it : and this put him upon an
entire reformation of his conduct ; so that his neighbours were
greatly astonished at the change. In this manner he went on
for about a year ; at some times satisfied with himself, and at
others distressed with fears ami consciousness of guilt. Indeed
ms ever after to have considered a [l these convictions and
desires as \v!i"lK originating ;ii:i natural pnnci|ilrs ; l,i;t HI
this perhaps some persons will venture to dissent in-m him. A
M'lf-righteous dependence accompanied with self-complacency,
and furnishing incentives to pride, is indeed a full proof of unre-
generacy: but conscientiousness connected with disquietudes,
humiliation for sin, and a disposition to wait for divine teaching,
is an effect an. I evidence 'i /./,. though the mind be yet darkened
with igaorftnct, error, and prejudice. And he, that hatli
life will give it more abundantly; for, " The path of the just i<
" as the shining light, that shinotb more and more unto tlie per-
' feet day.
While Br s YAK was in this*tate of mind he went to BEDFORD,
in the exercise of his trade as n tinker, where lie overheard s.-mo
vomen discourse about regeneration : and though he did not under-
xn THE LIFE or
stand their meaning, he was greatly affected by observing the ear-
nestness, cheerfulness, and humility of their behaviour; and he
was also convinced that his own views of religion were very de-
fective. 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 so deeply engaged in
contemplating the great ,'concerns of eternity, and the things per-
taining to the kingdom of GOD ; that he found it very difficult to
employ his thoughts on any secular affairs.
But this extraordinary flow of affections, not being attended by
doctrinal information in any measure proportionable, laid him open
to various attempts of SATAN and his emissaries. The RANTEKS,
a set of the vilest antinomians that almost ever existed, first assail-
ed him by one of their party, who had formerly been Mr. BUN-
YAN'S companion in vice: but he over-acted his part; and, pro-
ceeding even to deny the being of a GOD, probably furnished the
character of ATHEIST in the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. While
Air. BUN; VAN was engaged in reading the books of the RANTERS,
not being able to form his judgment about them, he was led to offer
up the following prayer: ' O Lord, I am a fool, and not able to
4 know the truth from error: Lord, leave me not to my own blind-
' ness, either to approve or condemn this doctrine. If it be of
* GOD, let me not despise it; if it be of the devil, let me not em-
' brace it. Lord "I lay my soul in this matter only at thy foot;
' let me not be deceived, I humbly beseech thee/ No experienced
Christian will be surprised to find, that the Lord, in an evident
manner, graciously answered this most suitable request. Mr.
BUN Y AN soon saw through the delusions of the RANTERS; and
probably referred to them, under the character of SELF-WILL, in
the second part of this work.
The Epistles of ST. PAUL, which he now read with great atten-
tion, but without any guide or instructor, gave occasion to his
being assaulted by many sore temptations. He found the apostle
continually speaking oi faith; and he could not understand the
meaning of that word, or discover whether he was a believer or not :
so that, mistaking the words of CHRIST *, he was tempted to seek
a solution of his difficulty by trying to work a miracle. He
thought however it would be right to pray, before he made the at-
tempt, and thus he was induced to desist, though his difficulties still
i Matt, xvii. 20.
JOHN* Bt'VY.<\. \l'O
remained. On another occasion he \\-as delivered from gre;i>
plexities about tin- doctrine of election, l>y reflecting that none
trusted in don and was confounded:" and then-tore it
would be tw-st for him to trot in (.on, ai.d leave election.
" secret thing," with the Lord to whom it belonged. And the
general invitations of the gospel, and the assurance that " vet there
" is room," helped him to repel the temptation to coiiclu ; :
the day of grace was past.
This brief account of his temptations and escape* may teach
others the best way of residing similar suggestions; and it may
shew us, that numbers arc durably harassed by such pcrple
for want of doctrinal knowledge and faithful instructors ami coun-
sellors. He was, however, afterwards enabled by means of these.
inward trials, to'caution others to better effect, and more tenderly
to s\ mpathi/c with the tempted.
After some time, Mr. Bi NY AN became acquainted with Mr.
GIFFORD, an Antipu'do-baptist minister at HKDFOKI>. whose
conversation was very useful to him: yet he was in some respects
more discouraged than ever, by fuller discoveries of those evils in
I. is heart, which he had not before noticed; and by doubts con-
cerning the truth of the scriptures, which his entire ignorance of
the evidences by which they are most completely authenticated,
rendered durably perplexing to him. lie \\as, however, at length
relieved by a sermon he heard on the love ot "Ciiiuvr: though the
grounds, tin which he derived satisfaction and encouragement from
it, are not \ery accurately stated.- -Soon alter this he was admitted,
hv adult baptism, a memlier of .Mr. (in IORD'S church, A. 1 >.
Ix-ing then twentv -seven years of age; and after a little time,
lie ua> earnestly desired by the column-nation to expound or preach,
in a manner which is customary among the Dissenters, as a prepa-
ration to the ministry. I or a \\liile he resisted their importunity,
under a deep seriM- ol his incom|x-t( ncv ; but at length In- \\as pre-
vailed upon to s|K-ak in a small company, which he did greatlv to
their sati-uiction ami edification. Having been thus proved for a
-on.-iderablr time, hewas:<t Icn^fh cidled forth, and set apart by
fasting and prayer to tin- ministerial ofh'ce. which he executed wiil
faithfulness and success during a !mn c-mrse ri \<ar: though tic-
quentiy with the greatest trepidation and inward disquietude.
Ashcwaslw) . he could "not
i^- -U' -I MI the work when the latter c\ent took
XIV THE LIFE Of
and it does not appeaf whether lie obtained a stated employment
as a minister; or whether he only preached occasionally, and con-
tinued to work at his trade; as many Dissenters very laudably do,
when called to minister among poor people, that they " may not
" be burdensome to them." Previously however to the restora-
tion of CHARLES II, when the churches were principally filled by
those, who have since been distinguished as non-conformists; he
was expected to preach in a church near CAMBRIDGE; and a
student of that university, not remarkable for sobriety, observing a
concourse of people, was induced by curiosity to hear ' the tinker
' prate;' but the discourse made an unexpected impression on his
mind, he embraced every future opportunity of hearing Mr. BUN-
YAN, and at length became an eminent preacher in CAMBRIDGE-
SHIRE.
When the restoration took place; and, contrary to equity, en-
gagements, and sound policy, the laws were framed and executed
with a severity evidently intended to exclude every man, who
scrupled the least tittle of the doctrine, liturgy, discipline, or
government of the established church, Mr, BUNYAN was one
of the first that suffered by them: for being courageous and unre-
served, he went on in his ministerial work without any disguise)
and Nov. 12, 1660, he was apprehended by a warrrant from Jus-
tice WINGATE at HARLINGTON, near BEDFORD, with sixty
other persons, and committed to the county jail. Security was
offered for his appearance at the sessions; but it was refused, as hi
sureties would not consent that he should be restricted from preach-
ing. He was accordingly confined till the quarter-sessions, when
his indictment stated, ' That JOHN BUNYAX, of the town of
/
' BEDFORD, labourer, had devilishly and perniciously abstained
* from coming to church to hear divine service ; and was a com-
' mon upholder of several unlawful meetings and conventicles, to
' the great disturbance and distraction of the good subjects of this
' kingdom, contrary to the laws of our sovereign Lord the King/
The facts charged upon him in this absurd indictment were never
proved; as no witnesses were produced. He had confessed, in
conversation with the magistrates, that he was a dissenter, and had
preached ; these words being considered as equivalent to conviction
were recorded against him ; and as he refused to conform he was-
sentenced to perpetual banishment. This sentence indeed was not
executed; but he was confined in BEDFORD jail more than twelve
JOHN BUXYAN. XVII
clearly saw through tin- dc-i^iK of tin- court in favour of popery,
when tin- indulgence was grunted to the Dis>cnters, l>\ .lame* II.
m K>s7: but that he advised his brethren to v avail thcm-elu -. of
the sun-shine, by diligent endeavours to s])read tlie Dispel, and to
prepare for an approaching storm by fasting and prayer. The
ii"\t \ear h<- took a journey in very bad weather from LONDON
' Ur.ADlNG, BERKS, to make uj) a breach between a lather and
his son, with whoiri he had SOUK- acquaintance; and haxing hap-
pily effected his last work and labour of love, he returned to his
lodgings on SNOW-HILL apparently, in good health, but very wet
with the heavy rain that was then falling: and soon after he was
sei/ed with a fever, which in ten days terminated his useful life.
He bore his malady with great patience and composure, and died
in a very comfortable and triumphant manner, AUG. 31, 16*88,
-ixty years; after having exercised his ministry about thirty
two. He lies buried in 1U N HILL FIELDS, where a tomb-stone
to his memory may still be seen. lie was twice married: by his
lir-t wife, he had four children, one of which, a daughter named
M \UY who was blind, died before him. lie was married to his
second wife A. P. 1 6*5 8, two years before his imprisonment, by
whom In- seem* not to ha\e had any children. She sunned him
about four years. Concerning the other branches of his family we
have not been able to gain any information.
Mr. KiNYxN was tall and broad set, though not corpulent:
lie had a ruddv complexion, with sparkling exes, ;md hair inclining
to red, but in his old age sprinkled with grey. His whole appear-
ance was plain, and his dress ulwaxs simple and unaffected. He
published sixty tract-, which equalled the number of vears he
lived. The PILGRIM'S PROGRESS had passed through more
tiian fifty editions in 1784.
His character seems to have been uniformly good, from the
time when he was brought acquainted with the blessed g"s|>rl of
CM HIST: and though his countenance was rather stern and his
manner rough; yet he was very mild, modest, and affable, in his
hehaxiour. He was backward to speak much, except on pa.ticu-
l.ir occasions, and remarkabh nxersr to boasting; ready to sul mir
to the judgment of others, and di-pos t -| to forgive inj tin- -. t.
I'.w peace with all men, ami to employ himself as .
\et he was steady to his principles, and bold in reproxi;,.. i \
out respect of persons. Many slanders were spread conn :
B
THE LIFE OF JOHN
Mm during the course of his ministry, some of which ho refuted '
they have however all died away ; and no one now pretends to
say any thing to his disadvantage, except as a firm attachment to
his creed and practice, as a Calvinist, a Dissenter, and an .\nti-
pcedo-baptist, has been called bigotry;- and as the account given of
his own experience has been misunderstood or mi* rep resented.
lie was undoubtedly endued with extraordinary natural talents j,
his understanding, discernment, memory, invention, and imagi-
nation, were remarkably sound and vigorous: so that he made
very great proficiency in the knowledge of scriptural divinitv y
though brought up in ignorance: but he never made/ much pro-
gress in human learning. Even such persons, as did not favour
his religious principles, have done ample justice to his mental pow-
ers. The celebrated Dr. JOHNSON ranks the PILGRIM'S PRO-
GRESS among a very few books indeed, of which the reader when
he comes to the conclusion, wishes they had been longer; and al-
lows it to rank high among the works of original genius r . But
it is above all things wonderful, that BUNYAN'S imagination, fer-
tile and vigorous in a very great degree, and wholly untutored by
the rules of learning, should in this instance have been so disci-
plined by sound judgment, and deep acquaintance with the Scrip-
ture, as to produce, in the form of an allegory, one of the fairest
and most unexceptionable treatises on the system of Calvinism,
that can be found in the ENGLISH language! In several of his
ether publications his imagination frequently carried him beyond
just bounds;: but here he avoids all extremes, and seems not to
deviate either to the right hand or to the left. Perhaps, as he was
himself liable to depression of spirit, and had passed through deep
distresses, the- view he gives of the Pilgrim's temptations may be
too gloomy: but he has shewn in the course of the work, that this
arose principally from inadeqtJate views of evangelical truth, and
the want of Christian communion, with the benefits to be derived
from the counsels ofa faithful minister.
i Piozzt's Anecdotes of JOHNJON.'BOIWSLL'S Life of JOHNSON,
'il, p. 97. ad. edit.
THE
PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
PART I.
.S I walked through the wilderness of this
world, I lighted on a certain place where was a den ;
and I laid me down in that place to sleep : and as I
slept I dreamed a dream*. I dreamed, and behold
I saw a man clothed with rags, standing in a cef-
' '.tin place, with his face from his <>\\n house, a book
Mr. BUNYATI was confined about twelve years in BED-
FORD jail, t<>r i M raising his ministry contrary to the statutes
thru in force. This was ' the den, in which lit- slept and d train-
ed :' hi-rr he penned this instructive allegory, and many other
u-rful works, which evince that he was neither soured nor <ljs-
!;< aitfncd by persecution. The Christian, who understands what
usage he ought to expect in this evil world, comparing om
u-asure of religious liberty with the rigours of that age,
will M.-e abundant cause for gratitude ; but they who are disposed
to complain, can never be at a loss for topicks, while so much is
amiss aimui all ranks and orders of men, and in the conduct of
individual.
2 THE PILGRIM^S DISTRESS.
* in his hand, and a great burden upon his back 1 . " J
looked, and saw him open the book and read there-
in ; and as he read he wept and trembled ; and, not
being able longer to contain, he brake out with a
lamentable cry, saying 'What shall I do 1 ?' 1
1 Isa. Ixiv. 6. Luke xiv. 33. Psal. xxxviii. 4. Hab. il. 2,
a Acts ii. 37.
b The allegory opens with a description of its principal char-
acter. The author in his dream saw him ' clothed in rags ;' which
implies, that all men are sinners, in their dispositions and con-
duct; that their supposed virtues are radically defective, and
worthless in the sight of GOD ; and that the Pilgrim has discov-
ered his own' righteousnesses to be insufficient for justification,
even as sordid rags would be unsuitable raiment for those who
stand before kings, ' His face turned from his own house/ re-
presents the sinner convinced that it is absolutely necessary to
subordinate all other concerns to the care of hrs immortal soul,
and to renounce every thing which interferes with that grand ob-
ject : and this makes him lose his former relish for the pleasures,
of sin, and even for the most lawful temporal satisfactions, while
he trembles at the thought of impending destruction *. ' The
' book in his hand in which he read' implies, that sinners discov-
er their real state and character, by reading and believing the
Scriptures ; that their first attention is often directed to the de-
nunciations of the wrath to come ; and that in this case they can-
not but continue to search the Word of GOD, though their grief
and alarm is increased by every perusal. The ' burden on his
' back' represents that distressing sense of guilt, and fear of wrath,
which deeply convinced sinners cannot shake off; ' the rcmcm-
* brance of their sins is grievous to them, the burden of them is
* intolerable ;' their consciences are oppressed with guilt, even on
account of those actions in which their neighbours perceive no
harm ; their hearts tremble at the prospect of clangers of which
others have no apprehension ; and they see an absolute nccessity
i Hcb. xi. 8. 2 $-27.
SPEAKS OF IT TO HIS FAMILY. S
In tliis plight therefore he went home, and re-
strained himself as long as he could, tfiat his wife
and children should not perceive his distress; but
he could not be silent long, because that his trou-
ble increased : wherefore at length lie brake his
iiiind to his wife and children; and thus he began
to talk to them: ' O my dear wife,' said he, ' and
* you the children of my bowels, I your dear friend
' am in myself undone, by reason of a burden that
* licth hard upon me : moreover, I am certainly in-
* formed that this our city will be burned with fire
* from heaven; in which fearful overthrow, both
* myself, with thce my wife, and you my sweet
* babes, shall miserably come to ruin; except (the
1 which yet I see not) some way of escape may be
' found, whereby we may be delivered.' At this his
relations were sore amazed; not for that they be-
lieved that what he had said to them was true, but
because they thought some frenzy-distemper had got
into his head ; therefore, it drawing towards night,
and they hoping that sleep might settle his brains,
ipinji from a situation in which others live most securely: for
: nth " sees thins* that are imi-iMe." In one way or other,
therefore, they soon manifest the earnestness of their minds, j; (
fncjiiiriii" " what they must do to l>< -;i\-<l ; " --Tin- rirciiinstatu" >
of these humiliating convictions exceeding -vary, but the lili- <>t"
faith and grace always begins with them; and they who :itv
wboDy ftnngen-to this experience arc Christians only in name
and form :
' JI- knows no hope who never knew a fear.'
COWFSB*
4 THEIR BEHAVIOUR TO 11131.
with all haste they got him to bed : but the night
was as troublesome to him as the day ; wherefore,
instead of sleeping he spent it in sighs and tears.
So when the morning was come, they would know
how he did : and he told them worse and worse.
He also set to talking to them again, but they be-
gan to be hardened : they also thought to drive
away his distemper by harsh and surly carriages to
him: sometimes they would deride, sometimes they
would chide, and sometimes they would quite neg-
lect him. Wherefore he began to retire himself
to his chamber, to pray for and pity them ; and
also to condole his own misery. He would also
walk solitarily in the fields, sometimes reading and
sometimes praying; and thus for some days, he
spent his time. c
c The contempt or indignation, which worldly people express
towards those who are distressed in conscience, commonly in-
duces them to conceal their inquietude as long as they can, even
from their relatives ; but this soon becomes impracticable. Na-
tural affection also, connected with a view of the extreme danger
to which a man sees the objects of his' most tender attachments
exposed, but of which they have no apprehensions, will extort
earnest representations, warnings, and intreaiies. The city of
DESTRUCTION, (as it is afterwards called) signifies this present evil
world as doomed to the flames ; or the condition of careless sin-
ners immersed in secular pursuits and pleasures, neglecting eter-
nal things, and exposed to the unquenchable fire of hell, " at the
" day of judgment arid perdition of ungodly men." They, who
are ignorant of the Scriptures, and unaccustomed to compare
their own. conduct with the divine law, will be amazed- at such
discourse ; and, instead of duly regarding the warnings given them,
will commonly ascribe them to enthusiasm or insanity : and, as
EVAXGELIST MEETS HIM. 5
Now I sn\\\ iijxm a time, when lit- was walking
in the fields, that he was (as lie wzis wont) reading
in his hook, and greatly distressed in his mind ; and
as he read, he hurst out, as lie had done before, cry-
ing " What shall I do to he saved '?"
I saw also tliat he looked tin's way, and that way,
as if he would run; vet he stood still, beeause (as
' v , V
I perceived) he could not tell which way to go.
I looked then, and saw a man named KVA.M;KJ,JST
coming to him, and he asked, k Wherefore dost
thou cry?' lie answered, Sir, I perceive by the
book in my hand that I am condemned to die, and
1 Acts xvi. 30, 31.
prophets, apostles, and the Son of GOD himself, were looked upon
M vtsioaaiies or betide themselves by their Contemporaries; \vc
may be sure that no prudence, excellence, or benevolence, cau
exempt the con-i-tent believer from thr same trial. Near rela-
tions will generally be the first to form this opinion of his case;
and will di-vjse \arious exjK-dients to (juiet his mind: divert ,;is,
company, feasting', ah-enre from ^MIOU- friends or b(M)k, will be
pre-eriird ; Knd l>v these means a faNc peace ofu*n Miccivds a
transient alarm. Hut when any cue hs receiwd a ^
miliatinn (li'fr.\er\ of the evil and desert of sin, such
\sill not alleviate but increase the anguish; and will be follow <-d
by still greater earne-tnr>-> about his own salvation, and that of
This rommonly strengthens prejudice, and induco <>!>-
y : and contemptuous pity piv^ place to resentment, iii
usage, derision, or neglect. 'Hie disconsolate believer is then
driven auto retirement, and endeavours to relieve IMK burdened
niiiid by reading the Scriptures, ao4 meditating on his doleful
cae, with compassionete prayer- f his despiscr* : r.nd thus he
so\\s iu tears tkat seed from which the hancst of his future joy
will surely be produced.
B J-
after that to come to judgment ; and I find that I
am not willing to do , the first nor able to do the
second '.
Then said EVANGELIST, Why not willing to die,
since this life is attended with so many evils ? The
man answered, Because I fear that this burden that
is upon my back will sink me lower than the grave,
and I shall fall into Tophet z . "And, Sir, if I be not
fit to go to prison, I am not fit to go to judgment,
and from thence to execution : and the thoughts
of these things make me cry. d
Then said EVANGELIST, if this be thy condi-
tion, why standest thou still ? He answered, Be-
cause I know not whither to go. Then he gave
him a PARCHMENT-ROLL; and there was written
within, " Flee from the wrath to come 3 ." e
1 Heb. ix, 27. Job xvi. 21, 22. Ezek. xxii. 14.
2 Isai. xxx. 33. * Matt. iii. 7.
d The Scriptures are indeed sufficient to make us wise unto
salvation, as well as to shew us our guilt and danger : yet the
Lord commonly uses the ministry of his servants, to dir6ct into
the way of peace, even those who have previously discovered their
lost condition. Though convinced of the necessity of escaping
from impending ruin,' they hesitate not knowing what to do ; till
providence brings them acquainted with some faithful preacher of
the gospel, whose instructions afford an explicit answer to their
secret enquiries after the way of salvation.
The able minister of CHRIST will deem it necessary to en-
force the warning, " Flee from the wrath to come," even upon
those who are alarmed about their, souls ; because this is the
proper way of exciting them to diligence and decision, and of
preserving them from procrastination. They, therefore, who
WHO BEGINS TO RUN FROM HOME. 7
The man therefore read it, and, looking upon
EVANGELIST very carefully, said, Whither must I
flee? Then said EVANGELIST, pointing with his
finger over a very wide field, Do you see yonder
WICKET-GATE '? The man said, No. Then said
the other, Do you see yonder shining Light*? lie
said, I think I do. Then said EVANGELIST, Keep
that light in your eye, and go up directly thereto,
so shalt thou see the Gate ; at Munich when thou
knockest it shall be told thce what thou shalt do.
So I saw in my dream that the man began to
run. Now he had not run far from his own door,
but his wife and children perceiving it began to
cry after him to return'; but the man put his fin-
gers in* his ears, and ran on, crying Life! life!
eternal life! So he looked not behind him 4 but fled
towards the middle of the plain. (
1 Matt. vii. 13, 14. Psal. cxix. 105. 2 Pet. i. 19.
* Luke xiv. 26. + Gen. xix. 17. 2 Cor. iv. 18.
would persuade persons under convictions, that their fcur> an-
groundless, their guilt tar less than they suppose, and their dan-
ger iinan'marv, use the most effectual means of soothing them into
a fatal securit\. And no discoveries of heinous guilt or helpless
ruin in them wires can produce despondency, provided the salvation
of the gospel be fully exhibited and proposed to them.
f The awakened sinner may be incapable, for a time, of per-
ceiving the way of salvation by faith in CHRIST ; for divine illu-
mination is often very gradual : si the Pilgrim could M"t -re the
Gatf, when EVANGELIST pointed it out to him. Yet he thought
be could discern i\\c shining Jjght ; for upright enquirers attend to
the general instructions and encouragement* of Scripture, unJ tho
OBSTINATE AND PLIABLE
The neighbours also came out /to see him run :
and as lie ran, some mocked, others threatened, and
some cried after him to return ; and among those
that did so there were two that were resolved to
fetch him back by force. The name of one was
OBSTINATE, and the name of the other PLIABLE.
Now by this time the man was got a good distance
from them ; but however they were resolved to pur-
sue him, which they did, and in a little time they
overtook him. Then said the man, Neighbours,
Wherefore are you come ? They said, To persuade
you to go back with us ; but he said, That can by
no means be: you dwell, said he, in the City of
DESTRUCTION, the place also where I was born;
I see it to be so; and dying there, sooner or later,
you will sink lower than the grave, into a place that
declarations of the pardoning mercy of GOD, which by degrees lead
them to the knowledge of Cn HIST and to faith in him ; as our author
says in a marginal note, ' CHRIST, and the way to him, cannot be
* found without the Word/ The Pilgrim being thus instructed,
* began to run :' for no persuasions or considerations can induce
the man, who is duly in earnest about salvation, to neglect those
things which he knows to be his present duty : yet \vhcn this is the
case, it must be expected that carnal relations will oppose this new
course of conduct ; especially as it appears to them destructive of
all prospects of worldly advantage.
The following lines are here subjoined to a very rude engrav-
ing :
' CHRISTIAN no sooner leaves the world, but meets
EVANGELIST, who lovingly him greets
With tidings of another ; and doth shew
Him how to mount to that from this below.*
ATTEMPT TO FETCH HIM BACK. 9
burns with fire and brimstone: be content, good
neighbours, and go along with inc. 8
What, said OBSTINATE, and leave our friends
and our comforts behind us!
Yes, said CHRISTIAN, (tor that was his name,)
because, that till is not worthy to be compared with
a little of that that I am seeking to enjoy; and if
you will u'o along with me, and hold it, you shall
fare 1 as I myself; for there where I go is enough
and to spare 1 : come away, and prove my words.
OBST. What are the things you seek, since you
leave all the world to find them?
CHR. I seek an " inheritance incorruptible, un-
" defiled, and that fadeth not away;" and it is
" laid up ju heaven 1 ," and safe there, to be bestow-
ed at the time appointed on them that diligently
seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my book.
1 Luke xv. 17. * i Pet. i. 4 6. Heb. xi. 6. 16.
* The attention of whole circles of careless sinners is generally
excited, when onr of their companions engages in religion, and for-
sakes the party. He soon becomes the topick of conversation ; some
ridicule, others rail or thjvaten, other* us<- force or artiiice to
withdraw him from his purpose; according to their different dis-
po-itions, situations, or relations to him. Most of them, however,
M.I in desist, mul leave him to his choice. But two character- are
II,. i s> . .>!\ *hak< u oft': til - OIU Ulthar I.:;- nair.r.i ( >r- : i \ \ , r.
and PLIABLE, to denote their opposite propensities. The former,
through a r> >i>lute pride and stoutness of heart,' persists in at-
tempting to bring bark the new convert to his worldly pursuits:
the latter, from a natural ea>iiw<s of temper and susceptibility of
impression, \* pliant to persuasion, and readily consents to accom-
pany him.
.10 PLIABLE CONSENTS TO GO WITH HIM.
Tush, said OBSTINATE, away with your book:
will you go back with us, or no?
No, not I, said the other, because I have laid my
hand to the plough '.
OBST. Come then, neighbour PLIABLE, let us
turn again, and go home without him : there is a
company of these craz'd-heacled coxcombs, that
when they take a fancy by the end are wiser in
their own eyes than seven men that can render a
reason.
Then said PLIABLE, Don't revile; if what the -
good CHRISTIAN says is, true, the things he looks
after are better than ours ; my heart inclines to go
with my neighbour.
OBST. What! more fools still ! be ruled by me,
and go back; who knows .whither such a brain-
sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and
be wise.
CHR. Come with me, neighbour PLIABLE;
there are such things to be had which I spoke of,
and many more glories besides : if you believe not
me, read here in this book; and, for the truth of
what is expressed therein, behold all is confirmed
by the blood of him that made it*.
Well, neighbour OBSTINATE, saith PLIABLE, I
begin to come to a point : I intend to go along
with this good man, and to cast in my lot with
him. But, my good companion, do you know the
way to this desired place?
1 Luke ix. 62. * Heb. ix t 17 22.
OBSTINATE HETURXS IIO.WF. II
CHR. I am directed by a man, whose name is
EVANGELIST, to speed me to a little Gate that is
before us, where we shall receive instructions about
the way.
PLI. Come then, good neighbour, let us be
going. Tlien they went both together.
And I will go back to my place, said OBSTI-
NATE : I will be no companion of such misled
fantastical fellows. h
Now I saw in my dream that when OJISTI NATE
wa*. gone hack, CHRISTIAN and PI.IAHLE went
talking over the plain : and thus they began their
discourse.
C'nu. Come, neighbour PLIABLE, how do you
t]<>~- I am glad you are persuaded to go along with
me; had even OBSTINATE himself but felt what I
have felt, of the powers and terrors of what is"'yet
mismi. he would not thus lightly have given us
the back.
h This^dialogiie admirably illustrates the characters of the
speaker*. CHRISTIAN, (for so he is henceforth called.) is firm,
decided, bold, and sanguine: OBSTIN ATK i* pIQ&oe,SCOnifal, aelf-
Millicient. and disposed to contemn even the Word <>t (Jon, when it
interferes with his worldly interests : PLIABLE is yielding, and
c.i-ily induced \ engage in things of which he understands neither
the nature nor the consequences. CHRISTIAN'S plain warnings
and earnest entreaties; and OBSTINATE'S contempt ot' believer*,
as ' cra^d-headcd coxcombs,' and his exclamation \vhen TI.I \ r. i r.
inclines to be a Pilgrim, ' What ! more fools Mill !' are admirably
charactcrUtick ; and shew that such sarcasms ami scornful .
an- peculiar to no age <>r place, but always follow serious godliness
as the shadow dues the substance.
12 CHRISTIAN DISCOURSES WITH PLIABLE,
PLI. Come, neighbour CHRISTIAN, since 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 speak of them with my tongue : but yet,
since you are desirous to know, I will read of them
in my book.
PLI. And do you think that the words of your
book are certainly true ?
CHR. Yes verily, for it was made by him that
cannot lie '.
PLI. Well said ; what things are they?
CHR. There is an endless kingdom to be in-
habited, and everlasting life to be given us, that
we may inhabit that kingdom for ever*.
PLI. Well said; and what else?
CHR. There are crowns of glory to be given us;
and garments that will make us shine like the sun
in the firmament of heaven 3 .
PLI. This is excellent : and what else?
CHR. There shall be no more crying nor sorrow;
for he that is owner of the place will wipe all tears
from our eyes 4 .
PLI. And what company shall we have there?
CHR. There we shall be with Seraphims and
Cherubins, creatures that Will dazzle your eyes to
look on them 5 . There also you shall meet with
1 Tit. i. 2. 4 Isa. xlv. 17. John x. 27 29. * 2 Tim. iv. 8.
Rev. iii. 4. Matt. xiii. 43. 4- Isa. xxv. 8. Rev. vii, 16. 17.
xxi. 4. 5 Isa, vi. 2, i Thess. iv, 16, 17.
WHO IS MUCH DELIGHTED. 13
thousands and ten thousands that have gone he-
fore us to that plaee; none of them are hurtful,
hut loving and holy; every one walking in the
sight of God, and standing in his presence with ac-
ceptance for ever. In a word, there we shall see
the elders with their golden crowns'; there \ ..-
shall see holy virgins with their golden harps 1 ;
there we shall see men that by the world were cut
\
in pieces, burnt in flames, eaten of beasts, drowned
in the seas, for the love that they hare to the Lo;;i>
of the place, all well, and clothed with immor-
tality as with a garment 1 .
Pi. i. The hearing of this is enough to ravish
one's heart: but are these tilings to he enjoyed?
how shall we gel to be sharers hereof?
C'IIH. The LORD, the Governor of the country,
hath recorded lliat in this book; the .substance of
\\iiieh is, it' we be truly willing to have it he will
be.-tow it upon us freely*.
PI.I. Well, my good companion, glad am I to
hear of these things. Come on, let us mend our
pace.
C'IIH. I cannot go so fast as I would, by reason
of this burden that is ujxm my back. '
1 Rev. iv. 4. Rev. xiv. i 5. John xii. 25. 2 Cor.
v. 2 5. * Isa. Iv. i 3. John vi. 37. vii. 37. Rev. xxi. 6.
xxii. 17.
' Th- rniurrxatjoii ln-twoon CHRISTIAN and PLIABLE mark*
tin* <liffi'rrnr<- in their characters, as well as the measure- of ihe
DCAV cn\crt's attainments. The want of u due apprehension
14 THEY FALL INTO THE SLOUGH OF DESPOXft,
Now I /saw in my dream, that just as they had
ended this talk, they drew nigh to a very MIRY
SLOUGH that was in the midst of the plain, and they
being heedless did both fall suddenly into the bog.
The name of the Slough was DESPOND. Here
therefore they wallowed for a time, being grievous-
ly bedaubed with the dirt: and CHRISTIAN, be-
cause of the burden that was on his back, began
to sink in the mire.
of eternal things is evidently the primary defect of all who oppose
or neglect religion ; but more maturity of judgment and experi-
ence are requisite to discover, that many professors are equally
strangers to a realizing view ' of the powers and terrors of what is
* yet unseen.' The men represented by PLIABLE disregard these
subjects : they enquire eagerly about the good things to be enjoy-
ed ; but not in any due proportion about the way of salvation, the
difficulties to be encountered, or the danger of coming short ; and
new converts, being zealous, sanguine, and unsuspecting, are na-
turally led to enlarge on the descriptions of heavenly felici,ty given
in Scripture. These are generally figurative or negative ; so that
unregcnerate persons annexing carnal ideas to them, are greatly
delighted ; and, not being retarded by any distressing remorse and
terror, or feeling the opposition of corrupt nature, (which is grati-
fied in some respects, though thwarted in others,) they are often
more zealous, and seem to proceed faster in external duttes than
true converts. They take it for granted that all the privileges
of the gospel belong to them ; and, being very confident, zealous,
and joyful, they often censure those who are really fighting the
good fight of faith, as deficient in zeal and alacrity. There, are
also systems diligently propagated, which greatly encourage this
delusion, excite a high flow of false affections, (especially of a mere
selfish gratitude to a supposed Benefactor for imaginary benefits :)
till the event proves the whole to be like the Israelites at the Red
Sea, who " believed the Lord's word, and sang his praise ; but
" soon forgat his works, and waited not for his counsel "."
Psal. cvi. 1224.
PLIABLE GETS OUT AXD GOES HOME. 1J
Then, laid PLIAHI.K, All! neighbour CHRISTIAN,
\\ here an- YOU now?
v
Truly, said CHRISTIAN', I do not know.
At that PLIABLE began to be offended, and an-
grily said to his fellow, ' Is this tlie happiness you
have told me all this while of? If we have such
ill speed at our first setting out, what may we ex-
pect "twixt this and our journey's end? May I
get out again with my life, you shall possess the
brave country alone for me.' And with that he
gave a desperate struggle or two, and got out of the
mire, on that side of the Slough which was next to
his own house. So away he went, and CHRISTIAN
saw him no more. k
k The Slough of DESPOND represents thosr discouraging fears
which often hurras* in \v runvrrts. It is distinguished from the
alarms \\hich induced CM RISTI AN to leave tin- city, and " flee
" from the wrath to come:" for the anxious apprehensions of onu
\\lio is diligently seeking -;il\ation are \ery different from those
which excited him to eii<|uire after it. The latter are reasonable
and iiM-ful, and arise from faith : but the former are groundless :
thev result from remaining ignorance, inattention, and unbelief,
und greatly retard the Pilgrim. They must al>o be careful 1\ di--
tini;ui-lH'<l from tho-e doubts and discouragements, which assault
the established Christian: for these are generally the consequence
licence, or \ielding to temptation: whereas new converts
fall into their desponding!, when most diligent according to the
li^lit thev have received: and, if some conscientious per-oh
t-> meet uith this Slough in e\er\ part of their pilgrimage, it arises
from an immature judgment, erroneous sentiments, or peculiar
temptations. When the diligent student of the Scriptures obtains
Mich an acquaintance with the perfect holiness ( .f (IoD, the spirit-
uality of hi> law, the inexpressible evil of sin. and lii- o\\n ol
PART I. C
i() CHRISTIAN STRUGGLES TO THE OTII ER SI DE.
Wherefore CHRISTIAN was left to tumble in the
Slouch of DESPOND alone; but still he endeavoured
tions and transgressions, as greatly exceeds the measure in which
he discerns the free and full salvation of tke gospel, his humilia-
tion will of course verge nearer and nearer to despondency. This,
however, is not essential to repentance, but arises from misappre-
hension ; though few in proportion wholly escape it. The mire of
the Slough represents that idea which desponding persons entertain
of themselves and their situation, as altogether vile and loathe-
some ; and their confessions and self-abasing complaints, which
render them contemptible in the opinion of others. As every at-
tempt to rescue themselves discovers to them more of the latent
evil of their hearts, they seem to grow worse and worse ; and, for
\vantofaclearundcrstandingof the gospel, they have no firm
ground to tread on, and know neither where they arc, nor what
they must do. But how could PLIABLE fall into this Slough,
seeing he had no such views of GOD, or his law, of himself, or of
sin, as this condition seems to pre-suppose ? To this it may be an-
swered, that men can hardly associate with religious persons, and
hear their discourse, confessions, and complaints, or become ac-
quainted with any part of Scripture, without making some alarm-
ing and mortifying discoveries concerning themselves. These
transient convictions taking place when they fancied they were
about to become very good, and succeeding to great self-compla-
cency constitute a grievous disappointment; a&d they ascribe
their uneasiness to the new doctrine they have heard. But
though PLIABLE fell into the Slough, CHRISTIAN ' by reason of
' his burden' sunk the deepest ; for the true believer's humiliation
for sin tends greatly to increase his fear of wrath. Superficial
professors, expecting the promised happiness without trouble or
suffering, are often very angry at those who were the means of
leading them to think of religion ; as if they had deceived them:
and, being destitute of true faith, their only object is, at any rate to
get rid of their uneasiness. This is -a species of stony-ground
hearers abounding in every part of the church, who are offended
and fall away, by means of a little inward disquietude, before any
outward tribulation arises because of the word.
; ! < DM El TO ur.i.i VF.U HIM. 17
!-ug'_rle to that side of the Slough, that was still
further from his own house 1 , and next to tlu> Wick-
et-gate, the which lie did, l>nt could not get out,
hccausc of the burden that was upon his hack.
IJut I beheld in my dream, that a man came to
him, whose name was HELP, and asked him,
' What he did ther.
' Sir," .said CHRISTIAN, k 1 was bid go this way,
by a man (ailed Kv.\ \ (; 1. 1 .1 sr, who tlirected me
also to yonder Gate, that I might e.scaj>c ihe wrath
to come: and as I was going thither I fell in
Hi; j.i'. But why did you not look for thestcj
dm. FEAR folloM-ed me so h:ird. that 1 iled the
next was, and fell in. '
1 CHIUSTIVN dreaded the doom of liis city ni<>rc than tho
h. .Manv jMTMin-, under d<vp <lilrrs> .t' ri.ns.-i.-iux 1 , arc
nt" n-licf", lot it i!i<nli jr'\c dfhi-iu-. Di-liM-runco from
\viatli and tlic |j]c--in^^ of MiKation apprar to tlu'in so valnublf,
that all else is comparati\rly tri\inl. Dftpondngfeart ina\ i ,.;i-
ri'-i-t with tlirir rrliiii'-ii'* dilim-ncc ; l>ut <.lc*p>iir would In- tin
sequence of a return to tliur fi.rnu-r roiir-M- of >in : if thr\ ;
tlu-rrforc, it shall bo, while- rann--tl\ -'nmyjnn:, under deep dis-
couragement, after that salvation for which their >ouK e\en faint
within them. Their own efforts indeed tail t( extricate them :
l>ut in due time tin- Lord send-, them .1- :
Ix-d !>. tin- alii ^om ;d peisoii naineil lli-.I.r, who max
the instrument> by which they receive encouragement ; a -enice
in which it is a pmikge to be employed: or the Hol\ Spiiit, the
Ljuer of hope and peace. |'i \ u i^ also per-'.nitied ; in the midst
of the new convert's discourse on the jo\s < t heaven, fears of
wrath citten cast him into dopondencv . v\ lull- he s () meditates oa
'he terrors of the Lord as t overlook his piei ion- proj.n-rs.
I
IS WHV THE SLOUGH IS XOT MENDED,
' Then,' said lie, * Give me thy hand.' So he
gave him his hand, and he drew him out, and set
him on sound ground, and let him go on his way.
Then I stept to him that pluckt him out, and
said, ' Sir, wherefore, since over this place is the
way from the city of DESTRUCTION to yonder
Gate, is it, that this plat is not mended, that poor
travellers might go thither with more security?'
And he said to me, this miry Slough is such a place
as cannot be mended. It is the descent, whither
the scum and filth that attends conviction of sin
doth continually run, and therefore it is called the
SLOUGH OF DESPOND: for .still as the sinner is
awakened about his lost condition, there ariseth in
his soul many fears, and doubts, and discouraging
apprehensions, which all of them get together, and
settle in this place. And this is the reason of the
badness of this ground \
It is not the pleasure of the King, that this place
should remain so bad. His labourers also have, by
the directions of his Majesty's surveyors, been, for
above this sixteen hundred years, employed about
this patch of ground, if perhaps it might be mend-
ed : yea and to my knowledge, said he, Here hath
been swallowed up, at least, twenty thousand cart-
loads, yea millions of wholesome instructions, that
have at all seasons been brought from all places of
the King's dominions ; (and they that can tell say,
that they are the best materials to make good ground
of the place, if so be it might be mended ;) but it
1 Psal, xl. 2. Isa, xxxv. 3, 4.
STEPS PLACED ACROSS IT. 1)
is the Si.ort.ii or DESPOND still, and so will be,
when they have done what they ean.
True there arc-, In the direction of the I^aw -giv-
er, certain good and substantial steps, placed even
through the very midst of this Slough : but at such
time as this place doth much spue out its iilth, as
it doth against change of weather, these steps are
liardlv seen, or if they be, men through the dizzi-
of their heads *tep beside; and then they arc
bt-inircd to purpose, notwithstanding the steps be
there: but the ground is good when they are once
got in at the date 1 . m
1 i Sam. xii. 22.
m This account of the Slough, which our author in Iris vision
n -ceived from HELP, coincides with the preceding explanation.
Increasing knowledge produces deeper self-abasement : hence dis-
coura^iuii fears arise in men's minds le-t the\ should ; it hi^t perish,
and objections against themselves continually accumulate, till
ihrv lull into habitual despondency, unless they constantly attend
to t!i<- encouragements of the Scripture, or, in the apostle's lan-
. have " tlu-ir tVct shod with the preparation of the gospel of
" jxaice." As this state ot* mind is distivssing and entivblini: in
it-i-If, and often furnishes enemies \\itb a plausible objection to
religion, the servants of GOD have al\va\s attempted to preserve
the serious t*n<|iiirers alter salvation from it, by various scriptural
instructions and consolatory topicks : \et their sucees, j> n,>t ade-
quate to tlu ir wishes; for the Lord is pleased to permit numbers
to be thus discouraged, in order to detect false professors, and to
render the upright mmv watchful and humble. Our author, in a
ial note, explains the >//M to mean, ' the promises of for-
Mess and acceptance to life by faith in CHRIST ;' which in-
clude the general invit.itioiis, and the yaiious encourap-mcnts
yiven in Scripture to all who sevk the salvation of the l/.nl, and
ddii;ently use the appointed means. It was evidently his opinion,
C3
20 PLIABLE RIDICULED ON HIS RETURN.
Now I saw in my dream that by this time PLIA-
BLE was got home to his house. So his neighbours
came to visit him; and some of them called him
wise man for coming back ; and some called him
fool for hazarding himself with CHRISTIAN : others
again did mock at his cowardliness, saying, ' Sure-
ly, since you began to venture, I would not have
been so base to have given out for a few difficul-
ties:' so PLIABLE sat sneaking among them.
But at last he got more confidence, and then they
all turned their tales and began to deride poor
CHRISTIAN behind his back. And thus much
concerning PLIABLE. "
Now as CHRISTIAN was walking solitarily by
himself, he espied one afar off come crossing
over the field to meet "him, and their hap was to
meet just as they \vere crossing the way of each
other. The gentleman's name was Mr. WORLDLY-
that the path from destruction to life lies by this Slough ; and that
none arc indeed in the narrow way, who have neither struggled
through it, nor gone over it by means of the steps. ' The change of
1 weather' seems to denote those seasons, when peculiar tempta-
tions, exciting sinful passions, perplex the minds of new converts ;
and so, losing sight of the promises, they sink into despondency
during humiliating experiences: but faith in CHRIST, and in the
merry of GOD through him, sets the Pilgrim's feet on good gr6und.
n They, who affect to despise real Christians, often feel and ex-
press great contempt for those that cast off their profession : such
men are unuble, for a time, to resume their wonted confidence
among their former companions ; and this excites them to pay
court to them by reviling and deriding those whom they have for-
saken.
WO R I. D L Y -W I S E M A X M J . K T S C II III S 'I I A V . '-1
WISFMAN; lie dwelt in the town of' C'AKXAI-
POLICV; a very great town, and also hard by
from whence CiiuisTiAN' eame. This man then
meeting with CHRISTIAN, ami having sonic ink-
ling of him, for CHRISTIAN'S setting forth from
the City of DESTKL CTIO3I was mueh noised ahroad,
not only in the town where lie dwelt, hut also it
began to be the town-talk in some other places;
.Master WORLDLY-WISK.M AX therefore- havingsome
guess of him by beholding his laborious going, by
observing his sighs and groans, and the like, began
thus to enter into some talk with CHRISTIAN.
The wise men of this world carefully notice those who be-
gin to turn their thoughts to religion, and attempt to counteract
their convictions before the case becomes desperate ; from their
desponding fears they take occasion to insinuate that they are
deluded or disordered in their minds ; that they make too much
ado about religion ; and that a decent regard to it is all that i-.
requisite, which consist-* with the enjoyment of this lile. and e\en
ronducv> to -rcular advantiige. \Voui.ni.v-\\ IS>.MAK, then--
fure, is a person Of COHeqaeDCe, whose superioritv i\e> him in-
fluence over poor Pilgrims : he is n rejnitaMe and successful man ;
prudent, sa^arious, and a( -quaiiited with munkind ; moral, and
.is in his wav, and qualified to give the \er\ best counsel to
those who wish to ser\e both CIoi) and M. \JIMON : but he is de-
rided in his judgment against all kinds and "f religion.
which interfere with a man's worldly interest, disquiet Ins mind,
or -]>oil his relish for outward enjoyments. He reside-, at C'.vu-
s \ i -I'oi.u Y, a great town near the city of DESTRUCTION . to*
worldly prudence, modelling a man\ K lii;ion, is as niijious as open
vice and impii ty ; though it be very prevalent amony decent and
virtuous people. Such men attend to the reports that are circu-
l.ited about the conversion () j' their neighbours, ami often watch
tlieir opportunity of entering into discourse with them.
i >
22 WORLDLY-WISEMAN QUESTIONS CHRISTIAN,
WORLD. How now, good fellow, whither away
after this burdened manner?
CHR. A burdened manner indeed, as ever, I
think, poor creature had ! And whereas you ask
me, Whither away ? I tell you, Sir, I am going to
yonder Wicket-gate before me ; for there, as I am
informed, I shall be put in a way to be rid of my
heavy burden.
WORLD. Hast thou a wife and children ?
CHR. Yes ; but I am so laden with this burden,
that I cannot take that pleasure in them as for-
merly : methinks I am as if I had none '.
WORLD. Wilt thou hearken to me if I give thee
counsel ?
CHR. If it be good I will; for I stand in need
of good counsel.
WORLD. I would advise thee, then, that thou
with all speed get thyself rid of thy burden ; for
thou wilt never be settled in thy mind till then ; nor
canst thou enjoy the benefits of the blessing which
God hath bestowed upon thee till then.
CHR. That is that which I seek for, even to be
rid of this heavy burden ; but get it off myself I
cannot : nor is there any man in our country that
can take it off my shoulders : therefore am I going
this way, as I told you, that I may be rid of my
burden,
WORLD, Who bid thee go this way to be rid
of thy burden ?
CUR. A man that appeared to me to be a very
1 i Cor, vii, 29.
AND BLAMES EVANGELIST'S COUNSEL. 23
m -cat and honourable person ; his name, as I re-
member, is EVANGELIST.
WOULD. I beshrew him for his counsel; there
is not a more dangerous anil troublesome way in
the world than is that unto which he hath directed
tliee ; and that thou shalt find if thou wilt be ruled
by his counsel. Thou hast met with something,
U I perceive, already ; for I see the dirt of the
Slough of DES PO v D is upon thee ; but that Slough
is the beginning of the sorrows that do attend
those that go on in that way. Hear me, I am
older than thou ! thou art like to meet with on
the way which thou goest, wearisomeness, painful-
ness, hunger, perils, nakedness, sword, lions, dra-
gons, darkness, and, in a word, death, and what
not ! These things are certainly true, having been
confirmed by many testimonies. And why should
a man so carelessly cast away himself by giving
heed to a stranger.
C'HK. Why, Sir, this burden on my back is
more terrible to me than are all these things which
you have mentioned : nay, mcthinks I care not
what I meet with in the way, so be I can also meet
with deliverance from my burden.
WORLD. How earnest thou by thy burden at
first ?
CHR. By reading this book in my hand.
WORLD. I thought so; and it is happened unto
thee as to other weak men, who meddling with
things too high for them, do suddenly fall into thy
distractions ; which distractions do not only unman
24 WORLDLY-WISEMAN COUNSELS CHRISTIAN
men, (as thine I perceive has done thee,) but they
run them upon desperate ventures to obtain they
know not what.
CHII. I know what I would obtain; it is ease
for my heavy burden.
WORLD. But why wilt thou seek for ease this
way, seeing so many dangers attend it ? Especially
since, hadst thou patience to hear me, I could di-
rect thee to the obtaining of what thou desirest,
without the dangers that thou in this way wilt run
thyself into. Yea, and the remedy is at hand.
Besides, I will add, that, instead of these dangers
thou shalt meet with much safety, friendship, and
content, p
P There is great beauty in this dialogue, arising from the exact"
regard to character preserved throughout. Indeed this forms one
of our author's peculiar excellences ; as it is a very difficult at-
tainment, and always manifests a superiority of genius. The
self-satisfaction of WORLDLY-WISEMAN ; his contempt of CHRIS-
TIAN'S sentiments and pursuits ; his sneering compassion, and cen-
sure of EVANGELIST'S advice; his representation of the dangers
and hardships of the way, and of ' the desperate ventures' of re-
ligious people ' to obtain they know not what ;' and his conh'dent
assumption, that CHRISTIAN'S concern arose from weakness of
intellect, ' meddling with things too high for him,' and hearkening
to bad counsel, (that is, reading the word of GOD, and attending
to the preaching of the gospel) and from distraction as the natural
consequence, are most admirably characteristick. His arguments
also arc very specious. He docs not say, that EVAXGELIST had
not pointed out the way of salvation, or that wicked men are not
in danger of future misery : but he urges, that so much concern a-
bout sin and the eternal world takes men off from a proper regard
to their secular concerns, and injures their families ; that it prevents
their enjoying comfort in domestick life, or in other providential
TO GO TO LEGALITY. '_Y>
CIIH. Pray Sir, open this secret to me.
WORLD. Why in yonder village, (the village is
named MOUAI.ITY) there dwells a gentleman,
whose name is LKC-ALITY, a very judicious man,
and a man of a \ <>d name, that has skill to
help men off with such luirdc -us as thine are from
tluir shoulders; yea, to my knowledge lie hath
done a great deal of good this way : aye, and be-
sides, he hath skill to cure those that are somewhat
cra/cd in their wits with their burdens. To him,
;.s 1 said, thou inaycst go and be helped presently.
His house is not quite a mile from this place; and
; that it leads thorn into perilous and distressing situations,
t which their first terrors and despoolings arc onl\ an earnest ;
that a troubled conscience may be quieted in a more expeditious
aiid easy manner; and that they may obtain credit, comfort, and
manifold advantages, by follow ing prudent counsel. On the other
hand, Cii i< ivr i AN speaks in the character of a young convert.
He makes no sec ret ot his distress and terrors, and declares with-
out reserve the method in which he sought relief. He own- lie
-t his relish for every earthly comfort, and desires to re-ei\e
good counsel : but while lie is prepared to withstand all persuasions
to return home, he is not upon his guard against the insidious ad-
vice of WORLDLY-WISEMAN. He fears the \\raih to come more
than all the dreadful things which had been mentioned: but IIH
earnestness f. ^i t immediate relief exposes him to the danger of
-eking it in an unwarranted wa\ . Searching tin Scriptures has
shewn him his guilt and danger; but, not having learned likewise
the instructions of life, lie docs not divcern the f.ital tt-ndency of the
plausible advice given him, <-] ( lallv as his counsellor is a person
it reputation and sagacity. Every one, who has been in the
.iv of making observations on these matters, must perceive IM,\\
'v this suits the case of numbers, when first brought to miud
" the one thing needful."
26 CIVILITY SON TO LEGALITY.
if he should not be at home himself, he hath a
pretty young man to his son, whose name is CIVIL-
ITY, that can do it (to speak on) as well as the old
gentleman himself. There, I say, thou mayest be
eased of thy burden : and if thou art not minded
to go back' to thy former habitation, as indeed I
would not wish thee, thou mayest send for thy
wife and children to thee to this village; where
there are houses now stand empty, one of which
thou mayest have at reasonable rates. Provision
is there also cheap and good : and that which will
make thy life more happy, is, to be sure there
thou shalt live by honest neighbours in credit and
good fashion. q
i The village MORALITY represents that large company, who,
in nations favoured with revelation, abstain from scandalous vices,
and practise reputable duties, without any genuine fear or love of
GOD, or regard to his authority or glory. This decency of con-
duct, connected with a system of notions, and a stint of external
worship, is substituted in the place of Christianity : but it is faulty
in its principle, its measure, and its object. It results wholly from
self-love ; it is restricted to the outward observance of some scrip-
tural precepts, while the rest arc disregarded ; and it aims princi-
pally at the acquisition of reputation, or temporal advantages, with
only a subordinate respect even to the interests of eternity. It is
entirely different from humble, cheerful, unreserved obedience ; it
leaves the heart in the possession of some worldly idol ; and never
constitutes a spiritual worshipper, or renders a man meet for the
pleasures of heaven. Yet this mutilated religion draws multitudes
off from attending either to the holy requirements of the law, or
the humbling doctrines of the gospel. The most noted inhabitant
of this village derives his name, LEGALITY, not from making the
law of GOD his rule and standard, (for " by the law is the know-
" ledgo of sin," which tends to increase the convinced sinner's dis~
CHRISTIAN SETS OUT FOR MORALITY. C7
Xow was CHRISTIAN- somewhat at a stand ; but
presently lie concluded, It' this be true which this
gentleman has said, my wisest course is to take his
advice; and with that he thus farther spoke.
C'IIR. Sir, which is my way to this honest man's
house- "-
WORLD. Do you see yonder high hill ?
CIIR. Yes, very well.
WORLD. By that hill you must go, and the first
you come at is his.
So CHRISTIAN, turned out of his way to go to
Mr. LEGALITY'S house for help. But behold when
he was got now hard by the hill, it seemed so high,
and also that side of it that was next the wav side
) but from his tradiin^ men to <l<-jicml n a defective olx-.li-
rnce to a small part of the law, falsely explained, according to the.
method i if the scribes and pharisecs. These teachers, however,
arc admired by the wise men of tliis world, and are deemed \erv
skilful in relieving troubled consciences, and recovering men from
religious detractions! C'IVILITV represents those who persuade
themselves and others, that a decent, benevolent,, and obii-iing be-
haviour, will secure men from all future punishment, and ensure
an inheritance in heaven, it indent then- In- tinn \;/<7//i/mv / Coun-
Nellors of tins description can case the consciences of i^nonint
persons, when superficially alarmed, almost ;,- ncll as tliosc who
superadd a form of godliness, a few doMrinal opinions, and a re-
paid to some precepts of christianitx . Both an- at hand in every
place: and the \\isr men of this world are /ealou* in rvromiiieiid-
in them : il)sorvini;, that no doubt the imnioi.il and protli^ate
should reform their li\e-: .is tins will please their n-latives. and
conduce to their ad\ant:U'-: but the strait dalf and the nttrn>w
\Va\ \\ould prove their ruin ! Most Pilgrims are :is>:iilcd by such
counsellors ; and few are able to detect the fallar\ of tin ir i
in^s till their own i'oll\ vuxcis them.
<2S CHRISTIAN MET BY EVANGELIST,
did hang so much over, that CHRISTIAN was afraid
to venture further, lest the hill should fall on his
head : wherefore there he stood still and he wot
not what to do. Also his hurden now seemed
heavier to him than while he was in his way. There
came also flashes of fire out' of the hill, that made
CHRISTIAN afraid that he should be burned ' ; here
therefore he did sweat and quake for fear. And
now he began to be sorry that he had taken Mr.
WORLDLY-WISEMAN'S counsel. And with that
he saw EVANGELIST coming to meet him ; at the
sight also of w r hom he began to blush for shame.
So EVANGELIST drew nearer and nearer; and
coming up to him he looked upon him with a se-
vere and dreadful countenance, and thus began to
reason with CHRISTIAN.
' What -doest thou here ?' said he. At which
word CHRISTIAN knew not what to answer;
wherefore at present he stood speechless before
him. Then said EVANGELIST further, ' Art
not thou the man that I found crying without
the walls of the City of DESTRUCTION ?' r
1 Exod. xix. 16 18. Heb. xii. 21.
T CHRISTIAN must go past mount SINAI to the village MO-
RALITY : not that such men, as depend on their own reformation
.and good works, pay a due regard to the holy law of GOD, for
" they are alive without the law ;" but they substitute their own
scanty obedience in the place of the righteousness and atonement
of CHRIST. They who are not humbled in true repentance, per-
ceiving little danger, pass on securely ; but the true penitent finds
every attempt " to establish his own righteousness" entirely
1(0 ASKS HIM HOW lil C A.MK TH ITU KR. Cj)
CHU. Ye>. dear Sir, I am the man.
Kv.\\. Did not I direct thce tin- way to the lit-
tle WlCKI T-GATK?
Yes. dear Sir, said CHRISTIAN.
1'v \N. How is it then that thou art -,o e.nickly
turned :i-idc : tor than art now out of tlu- v.ay.
CMR. I met with a gentleman, so soon as I had
got over the slough of DESPOND, who JKTSI:;
me that I might, in the -ullage before me, find a
man that could take off my burden.
I-'.VAN. What was he?
Cni:. He looked like a gentk.man, and talked
much to me, and got me at last to yield ; > > \
came hither: hut when I heheld this hill, and how
it hangs over the way, I suddenly made a .stand
it should rail on my head.
F.v A N. What said that gentleman to yon :
C'IIH. Why he n^ked me v hither I was ".-I'mg:
anil I told him.
KVA \. And what said he then :
(IJH. lie asked me if I had a family, and I told
him: hut, said 1, I am so loadcM \sith the \n-.-
^
u]><>i-tm- : tbe more be COmparca l. : - rundnrt and rli^ractcr \\ith
fhirtlix inr lav. . the jn-.d", is his alnnn ; and hi- viiMi-ti.ivs tirniMf
Ir-t i(- (urf >||oulil iinnicdiutcly tali upon him, with icn^num
IIP-IT tii niriivluus than tin- :r."-t :i\vful tliundcr. Ti.fii tin -
M Is o| \viirldl\ wixjoin apju\ir in their true li'Jit, and tin- -uu,rr
is prr|i:ircd tn wrlronir frr- s;i|\ati'>r-. : nii-i lh( :ilil thr in
\\IIOM- instruciiiiiis he hud funiukrii, mrct him, shame
would IK- aiddcd to hi^ u-rrur ; and h<- would c\rn U- U-miAiid lo
i hi^ t'.iit It ful frii-nd, through tV;ir of nx-rirrd n-proof.
30 EVANGELIST SHARPLY REBUKES CHRISTIAN.
that is on my back, that I cannot take pleasure in
them as formerly.
EVAN. And what said he then ?
CHR. He bid me with speed get rid of my bur-
den, and I told him 'twas ease that I sought : and,
said I, I am therefore going to yonder Gate to re-
ceive further direction how I may get to the place
of deliverance. So he said that he would shew me
a better way, and short, not so attended with dif-
ficulties, as the way, Sir, that you set me ; which
way, said he, will direct you to a gentleman's house,
that hath skill to take off these burdens. So I be-
lieved him, and turned out of that way into this,
if haply I might be soon eased of my burden ; but
when I came to this place, and beheld things as
they are, I stopped for fear, as I said, of danger :
but I now know not what to do.
Then, said EVANGELIST, stand still a little, that
I may shew thee the words of GOD. So he stood
trembling. Then, said EVANGELIST, " See that
" ye refuse not him that speaketh, for if they es-
" caped not, who refused him that spake on earth,
" much more shall not we escape, if we turn away
" from him that speaketh from heaven. " ' He said
moreover, " Now the just shall live by faith; but-
" if any man draws back, my soul shall have no
" pleasure in him. " a He also did thus apply them.
Thou art the man, that art running into this misery.
Thou hast begun to reject the counsel of the Most
High, and to draw back thy foot from the way
1 Heb. xii. 25. Heb. x. 38.
CHRISTIAN IS GREATLY TERRIFIED. 31
of peace, even almost to the hazarding of thy per-
dition.
Then CHRISTIAN fell down at his foot as dead,
crying, Woe is me, for I am undone. At the sight
of which K\ \\GELIST caught him by the right
hand, saying, "All manner of sin and blasphc-
mies shall be forgiven unto men 1 :" " Be not
" faithless, but believing." Then did CHRISTIAN
again a little revive, and stood up trembling, as at
t, before EVANGELIST. *
1 Matt. xii. 31. Mark iii. 28, 29.
It appears from this passage, that the Author judged it right,
in dealing with persons under great terror of conscience, to aim at
preparing them for solid peace, rather than hastily "ivins them com-
fort. Men may be greatly dismayed, and in some degree humbled,
and yet not be duly scnsfble of the hcinousness and aggravations
of their guilt. In this case, further instructions arc needful to ex-
cite them to proper diligence and self-denial, and to make way for
abiding peace and consolation. Whereas, a compassionate. l>ut
injudicious method, of proposing consolatory topicks indiscrimi-
nately to all under trouble of conscience, lulls many into a fatal
sleep, and gives others a transient peace which soon terminates in
In j>er despondency : as a wound, hastily skinned over by an ig-
norant practitioner, instead of being effectually cured by the patient
attention of a skilful surgeon, will soon tacomc worse than before.
The communication of more knowledge may indeed augment a
man's terror and distress; but if it produce a deeper humiliation,
it \vill effectually warn him against carnal counsellors and i.tN.-
dejH-ndenees. Turning aside* from the gospel implies a tin-
tusiil to hrarken toC'iiuiNT : and all who do thus, run into miser\
and lease the wa\ of peace, to the ha/ard of their -ouls . The-c
denunciations are de-pi-ed hy the stout-hearted, l>ut the contrite
in spirit. \vhen consciously uuilty, if thus addre-ed, would tall into
Gal. v. 4.
I'ART I. D
EVANGELIST REFUTES
Then EVANGELIST proceeded, saying, , " Give
" more earnest heed to the things" that I shall tell
thee of. I will now shew thee who it was that de-
luded thee, and who 'twas also to whom he sent
thee. The man that met thee is one WORLDLY-
WISEMAN, and rightly is he so called ; partly he-
cause he favonreth only the doctrine of this world r ,
(therefore he always goes to the town of MORALI-
TY to Church ;) ' and partly, because he loveth
that doctrine best, for it saveth him from the
cross * ; and because he is of this carnal temper,
therefore he seeketh to pervert my ways, though
right. Now there are three things in this man's
counsel that thou must utterly abhor: His turn-
ing thee out of the way ; -His labouring to render
1 i John, iv. 5. 2 Gal. vi. 12.
despair, did not the ministers of CHRIST encourage them by the
grace of the gospel.
The following lines are here inserted, as before, in the old
editions :
* When Christians unto carnal men give ear,
Out of their way they go, and pay for't dear :
For Master WORLDLY-WISEMAN can but show
A saint the way to bondage and to woe.'
* WORLDLY-WISEMAN goes to church at the town of MORAL-
ITY : for the persons here represented, in great measure support
their confidence and reputation for religion by attending on those
preachers, -who substitute a proud scanty morality in the place of
the gospel. This both natters their self-preference, and coincides
with their carnal pursuits: and they, verily think they have found
out the secret of reconciling the friendship of the world with the
favour of GOD ; and set up for teachers of the same convenient
system.
WORLDLY WISEMAN'S COUNS 33
the cross odious to thce; And his setting thy
feet in that way that leadcth unto the administra-
tion of Death.
First, Thou must ahhor liis turning thec out of
the way ; yea, and thine own consenting thereto :
because this is to reject the counsel of GOD, for
the sake of the counsel of a WORLDLY-WISEMAN.
The LORD says, " Strive to enter in at the strait
"gate," (the Gate to which I sent thee;) "for
" strait is the gate that leadeth unto life, and few
" there be that find it 1 ." From this little WICKET-
GATE, and from the way thereto hath this wicked
man turned thce, to the bringing of thee almost to
destruction : hate therefore his turning thee out of
the way, and ahhor thyself for hearkening to him.
Secondly, Thou must ahhor his labouring to
render the cross odious unto thee; " for thou art
" to prefer it before the treasures of Egypt 1 :" be-
Mdes, the KINO OF GLOHY hath told thee, that,
" he that will save his life shall lose it ;" and, " he
" that comes after him, and hates not his father,
" and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren,
" and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot
* be my disciple 1 ." I say the -retbre, for a man to
labour to persuade thee, that that shall be thy
death, without which the TRUTH hath said, thou
canst not have eternal life; This doctrine thou
must abhor.
Matt. vii. 13, 14. Luke xiii. 24. Hcb. xi. 25, 26.
Matt. x. 39. Mark viii. 34, 35. Luke xiv. 26, 27.
John xii. 25.
D a
34 LEGALITY AND CIVILITY ARE CHEATS.
Thirdly, Thou must hate his setting of thy feet
in the way that leadeth to the ministration of death.
And for this thou must consider to whom he sent
thee, and also how unable that person was to de-
liver thee from thy burden. He to whom thou
wast sent for ease, being by name LEGALITY, is
the son of the bond-woman, which now is, and is
in bondage with her children ' ; and is in a mys-
tery this Mount SINAI, which thou hast feared
will fall on thy head. Now if she with her chil-
dren are in bondage, how canst thou expect by
them to be made free? This LEGALITY therefore
is not able to set thee free from thy burden. No
man was as yet ever rid of his burden by him ; no,
nor ever is like to be : "Ye cannot be justified by
" the works of the Law; for by the deeds of the
" Law no man living" can be rid of his burden;
therefore Mr. WORLDLY-WISEMAN is an alien;
and Mr. LEGALITY is a cheat; and for his son
CIVILITY, notwithstanding his simpering looks,
he is but a hypocrite, and cannot help thee.
Believe me, there is nothing else in all this noise
that thou hast heard of this sottish man, but a de-
sign to beguile thee of thy salvation, by turning-
thee from the way which I had set thee. After
this EVANGELIST called aloud to the heavens for
confirmation of what he had said ; and with that
there came words and. fire out of the Mountain,
under which poor CHRISTIAN stood, that made
the hair of his flesh stand. The words were thus
1 Gal. iv. 21^-27.
CHRISTIAN ALARMED AND ASHAMED. '.}')
pronounced : kt As many as are of the works of
4 ' the law, arc under the curse; for it is written,
" Cursed is every one that continueth not in all
' things which are written in the book of the law
" to do them 1 .'" 1
Now CHRISTIAN looked for nothing hut death,
and began to cry out lamentably, even cursing
the time in which he met with Mr. WOHI.DLY-
w i si. MAX; still calling himself a thousand fools
ior hearkening to his counsel : he also was greatly
ashamed to think that this Gentleman's argument*,
following only from the flesh, should have that
prevalency with him, to forsake the right way.
This done, he applied himself again to KVANGEL-
j s i in words and sease as follows :
1 Gal. iii. 10.
u When CHRIST had finished his work on earth, the covenant
ui:!i NUAEL as a national Mount SINAI was abrogated :
ami the. lr\s s. by cleaving to tin- Mosaick law, were It-It in bond-
age and under condemnation. In like manner, all professed
Christians, who depend on notion-., sacraments, religious duties
and morality, and neglect CHRIST and the new covenant in his
blood, are entangled in a fatal error. They seek the ble>Mn<; " not
" by faith, but as it uere by the works of the law;" " for they
" stumble at that stumbling stone." The Scriptures adduced by
\'.\ \ M. i i IST an- ^o |)crtinent and conclusive against tliis species
of religion, which has at preM-ut almost superseded the;o>p'l, that
they can iK-\er be fairly answered: nay, the more any man con-
thern, as the testimony of GOD himself, the greater must be
bis alarm, (even a- it' he heard the voice iiom Mount SINAI out
of the midst of the fire;) unless he be conscious of ha\
nounced every other confidence, to " Hee for refuge ty lay hold on
' the hope set before us" in the gospel.
D3
36 CHRISTIAN HASTENS BACK,
CHR. Sir, what think you ? is there hopes ? may
I now go back and go up to the WICKET-GATE,
shall I not be abandoned for this, and sent back
from thence ashamed ? I am sorry I have heark-
enec} to this man's counsel, but may my sin be
forgiven ?
Then said EVANGELIST to him, Thy sin is very
great, for by it thou hast committed two evils ; thou
hast forsaken the way that is good, to tread in for-
bidden paths : yet will the man of the GATE receive
thee, for he has good will for men ; only, said he,
take heed that thou turn not aside again, " lest
"thou perish from the way, when his wrath is
" kindled but a little. "Then did CHRISTIAN
address himself to go back, and EVANGELIST,
after he had kissed him, gave him one smile, and
bid him God speed : so he went on with haste,
neither spake he to any man by the way ; nor if
any man asked him, would he vouchsafe them an
answer. He went like one that was all the while
treading on forbidden ground, and could by no
means think himself safe, till again he was got
into the way which he left to follow Mr. WORLD-
LY-WISEMAN'S counsel : w so in process of time
w In aiming to encourage those who arc ready to despond, we
must by no means persuade them that their sins are few or small,
or that they judge themselves too rigorously : on the contrary, we
should endeavour to convince them that their guilt is far greater
than they suppose ; yet not too great to be pardoned by the infinite
mercy of GOD in CHRIST JESUS : for this tends to take them off
move speedily from every vain attempt to justify themselves, and
AND ARRIVING, KNOCKS AT TH I. CATE. 37
CHRISTIAN JJOt Uj) tO till 1 <iatC. \0\r OVer tllC
date there was written, "Knock, and it shall be
l ' IK- opened unto you 1 ." * Hi- knocked therefore
more than once or twice ; saving,
* May 1 now enter lu-iv ? will In- within -
Open to syj-ry me, though I have lx-en
An linden-nil]- Kcbel ? then shall I
Not fail to siiui his lasting praise on high.'
1 Matt. vii. 7, 8.
renders them incur unrescned uiul earnest hi applying to Cn ui vr
for salvation. In the midst of tin- m<>st affectionate encourage-
ments, tlu 1 faithful minister will also solemnly warn young converts
not to turn a-ide : nor can the humble when OOttCJoasty
ever find contideiice or coinibrt, till they haM % n--ai:u I the way
they had
* Tkis Gale reprc-i-m^ Ciinisr him-eh", a- reiei\ed by the pe-
nitent sinner for all the purposes of sahat'n.n, according to the
measure of hi-> ae(jiiaintanre \\ith the Scriptures; by which he
actually enters into a state of acceptance with GOD. Vet, to
prevent inisUkr*, the Janiiiiage of our Lord on thi> subject should
be carefullv considered. " Enter ye in at the strait izate, for \\id-
" is the j;atc, and broad is the wa\ that leadeth to dc-trin.-
" lion ; and many there be who go in thereat 1 ." ' \Vi % are all lx>ni
'in sin and the children of \\rath;' ue ' turne\er\ OM to his
" own way" of sin and folly; and a!.i>, mo.-t men ju-r-i-t in one
evil nirse or other, to the end of their day s, bciiy kept in counte-
nance by the example of a vast majority, in which the rich, the
noble, and the \\jsi- of this world are generally included. " Because
" strait is the gate and narrow the way which leadeth unto life ;
" and fewthccc be that find it." But by this strait Gate every true
penitent enters into the narrow way to life, though with difficulty
and conflict. This entrance on a life of ex angelical piety is in the
language of the allegory called a WICKET, or ulittlfgatc: for the
Matt. \n. 13, 14.
P4
38 GOOD-WILL SPEAKS TO CHRISTIAN,
At last there came a grave person to the Gate,
named GOOD-WILL, who asked, Who was there ?
and whence he came ? and what he would have ?
CHR. Here is a poor burdened sinner; I come
from the City of DESTRUCTION, but am going
to Mount ZION, that I may be delivered from the
wrath to come ; I would therefore, Sir, since I am
convert cannot carry along with him any of his sinful practices,
ungodly companions, worldly idols, or false confidences, when he
enters in : nor can he effectually contend with those enemies that
obstruct his passage, unless he wrestle continually with GOD in
prayer for his gracious assistance. And therefore our Lord has
also said " Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say
" unto you, shall seek to enter in and shall not be able l ." Yet we
must not forget that the sinner returns to GOD by faith in Cu RIST ;
that genuine repentance comes from him and leads to him ; and
that the true believer not only trusts in the Lord for salvation, but
also seeks his liberty and happiness in his service. These things
taken together are so contrary to the pride and lusts of the human
heart, to the course of the world, and to the temptations of the
devil, that striving is far more necessary in this, than it can be
conceived to be in any other, kind of conversion. Various exer-
cises of the mind commonly precede this unreserved acceptance of
CHRIST ; but they are not in general easy to be known from those
temporary convictions, impressions, and starts of devotion, which
vanish and come to nothing. Yet even this saving change is ju-
diciously distinguished by our author from that view of the Cross,
by which CHRISTIAN was delivered from his burden, for reasons
which will speedily be stated.
The following lines are here inserted under an engraving :
' He that would enter in, must first 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 sin.'
> Luke xiii. 24.
AND ADMITS HIM AT THE GATE. 39
informed that by this Gate is the way thither,
know if you are n'illing to let me in.
I am inlling with all my heart, said he; and
with that he opened the Gate. y
So when CHRISTIAN" was stepping in, the other
gave him a pull. Then said CHRISTIAN, What
means that? The other told him, * A little dis-
tance from this Crate, there is erected a strong
Ca>tlc, of which BEELZEBUB is the Captain ; from
thence both he and they that are with him, shoot
arrows at them that come up to this Gate; if hap-
ly they may die before they enter in.' z Then said
CHRISTIAN, I rejoice and tremble. So when he
f GOOD-WILL seems to be an allegorical person, the cnibU'in
of the compa-Monate love of GOD to sinners through JESUS
CM HIST '. He " came from heaven to do the will of him that
" sent him," and " he will in no wise cast out any that come to
him," rither on account of former sins, or present mistakes, in-
tirmitie*, evil habits, or peculiar temptations. " For he waits to
" be gracious," till Dinners seek him by earnest persevering prayer.
Numbers give themselves no concern about their souls; other*,
alter con\ic-ti<>ns, turn back with PLIABLE, or cleave to the coun-
sels of worldly wisdom : but all, who come to CHRIST with a real
of his salvation, are cordially welcomed; and while angels
rejnire over them, the Redeemer " sees of the travail of his soul
and is satisfied."
' \- M nncrs become more decided in counting all but loss for
CM HIST, and assiduous in the means of grace, Satan, if permitted,
\\ill !> more vehement in his endeavours to discourage them ; that,
if possible, he may induce them to desist, and so come short of the
juue. It is probable that the powers of darkness cannot exactly
distinguish between those impressions which arc the effect* of rc-
Luke ii. 14.
40 GOOD-WILL DISCOURSES WITH CHRISTIAN,
was got in; the man of the Gate asked him, Who
directed him thither ?
CHE. EVANGELIST hid me come hither and
knock, as I did ; and he said, that you Sir, would
tell me what I must do.
GOOD. "An open door is set before thee, and
" no man can shut it."
CHR. Now I .begin to reap the benefits .of my
hazards.
GOOD. But how is it that you came alone ?
CHR. Because none of my neighbours saw their
danger as I saw mine.
GOOD. Did any of them know of your coming ?
CHR. Yes, my wife and children saw me at the
first, and called after me to turn again. Also some
of my neighbours stood crying, and calling after
me to return ; but I put my fingers in my ears, and
so came on my way.
GOOD. But did none of them follow you to per-
suade you to go back ?
CHR. Yes, both OBSTINATE and PLIABLE:
But when they saw that they could not prevail,
OBSTINATE went railing back; but PLIABLE
came , with me a little way.
generation, and such as result from natural passions. It is, how-
ever, certain that they attempt to disturb all those who earnestly cry
for mercy, by various suggestions to which they were wholly strangers
while satisfied with a form of godliness: and that the Christian's
grand conflict, to the end of his course, consists in surmounting the
hindrances and opposition he meets with, in keeping near to the
throne of grace, by fervent, importunate, and persevering prayer,.
V, HO ANSWERS ALL HIS QUESTIONS. 41
GOOD. But why did he not come through?
C'IIK. We indeed fame both together, until we
came to the Slough of DESPOND, into the which
we also suddenly fell. And then was my neigh-
bour PJ i MILE discouraged, and would not adven-
ture further. Wherefore getting out again, on
that side next to his own house, he told me, I
should p< > * the brave country alone for him.
So he went his way, and 1 came mine; he after
OUST i \ A i !:. and I to this Gate.
Then said GOOD-WILL, Alas poor man ! is the
C'elestial Glory of so small esteem with him, that
lie counteth it not worth running the hazards of a
few difficulties to obtain it ?
Truly, said CHRISTIAN, I have said the truth
of l*i.i A lii.K ; and if 1 should also say the truth of
inxM-lf, it will appear there is no betterment a 'twixt
him and myself. 'Tis true he went back to his
own house, but I also turned aside to go in the
way of death, being persuaded thereto by the car-
nal arguments of one Mr. WOULD LY-W is j .M A \ .
GOOD. Oh, did he light upon you ! what, he
Mould have had you a sought for ease at the
Our author here puts a very cmphatical word into CIIRIS-
j i \ \'s mouth, (' then* is no Itrttrnncnt 'twixt him and myself)
uliich later editors have changed for difference. This is by no
means an improvement, though the word may be more classical : for
LI.II c had made an immense ilitffrcnce between CHRISTIAN and
I'l i ABLE ; but the former thought his conduct equally criminal,
and therefore, in respect ot deserving-, there was no betterment bc-
them.
42 CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTED IN THE WAY,
hands of Mr. LEGALITY ; they are both of them
a very cheat : but did you take his counsel ?
CHR. Yes, as far as I durst : I went to find out
LEGALITY, until I thought that the Mountain that
stands by his house would have fallen upon my
head : wherefore there I was forced to stop.
GOOD. That Mountain has been the death of
many, and will be the death of many more : 'tis
well you escaped being by it dasht in pieces.
CHR. Why, truly I do not know what had be-
come of me there, had not EVANGELIST happily
met me again as I was musing in the midst of my
dumps: but 'twas GOD'S mefcy that he came to
me again, for else I had never come hither. But
now I am come, such a one as I am, more fit indeed
for Death by that Mountain, than thus to stand
talking with my LORD : But O ! what a favour is
this to me, that yet I am admitted entrance here.
GOOD. We make no objections against any, not-
withstanding all that they have done before they
come hither, " they in no Avise are cast out ' ;" and
therefore good CHRISTIAN, come a little way with
me, and I will teach thee about the way thou must
go. Look before thee ; dost thou see this narrow
way ? THAT is the way thou must go. It was
cast up by the Patriarchs, Prophets, Christ, and his
Apostles, and it is as straight as a Rule can make
it. This is the way thou must go.
But, said CHRISTIAN, Is there no turnings or
windings, by which a Stranger may lose the way ?
1 John vi. 37.
AND TO DISTINGUISH IT FROM OTHER WAYS. 43
GOOD. Yes, there are many Mays butt down
upon this ; and they are crooked, and wide : but
//lit A- thou niay'st distinguish the right from the
wrong, that only being straight and narrow. b
Then I saw in my dream, that CHRISTIAN ask-
ed him further, if he could not help him off with
hi*, burden, that was upon his back; fo.r as yet he
b CHRISTIAN, when admitted at the at rait gate, is directed in
the narnm: way. In the broad road e\erv man may choose a path
.suited to his inclinations, shift about to avoid difficulties, or ac-
commodate himsclt' to circumstances ; and he niav he -ure of com-
pany agreeable to his taste. But Christians must follow one another
in the narrow way on the same track, facing enemies, and bearing
hardships, without attempting to evade them : nor is anv indulgence
pven to different tastes, hahits, or propensities. It is; therefore., a
ttraitened, or, as some render the word, an afflicted way ; being in-
deed an habitual cour-e of repentance, self-denial, patience, and
mortification to sin and the world, according to the rule of the.
holy Scripture^. C'liiusr himself is tlie\V.\Y, by which we come,
t" the Father and \\alk with him; but true faith works by lo\e,
and " sets us in the way of his steps '." '1 hi- path is al>o .-/,.
a* opposed to the crooked ways of \\icked men *; for it consists n
an uniform n-ard to piety, integrity, sincerity, and kindness; at
a distance from all the hypocrisies, frauds, and aitilice-. by whicii
ungodly men wind about, to a\oid detection, and keep up their
credit, to deceive others or impose on theniM'lvc-. Thi: question
propose,) \>\ CuuisTt \\ implies, that bolie\i-is are in. -re
<>l missina tji,. \ l!1N than of encotinterin<; hardships: and (
WILL'S answer, that many \\u\iliutli-il down on it, or opened into
it in various directions, s|,,. u ,, t|, ul the cureless and self-willed aie
xtremely liable to be deceived. Hut all th.
and u/W< ; they turn aside from the direct line oi living faith and
holy obedience, and an- more soothing, indulgent, and plea
i-iirrupt nature, than the path of life; which :: -i/ forward,
and is c\cr\ \\here contrary to the bias of the carnal mind.
> Pi. UiXT. 13. PJ. c<xr. 5.
44 THE HOUSE OF THE INTERPRETER.
had not got rid thereof, nor could he by any means
get it off without help. He told him, ' As to thy
burden, be content to bear it, until thou comest
to the place of deliverance ; for there it will fall
from thy back itself. ' e
Then CHRISTIAN began to gird up his loins, and
to address himself to his journey. So the other
told him, that, by that he was gone some- distance
from the Gate, lie would come at the house of the
INTERPRETER, at whose door he should knock ^
and he would shew him excellent things. Then
CHRISTIAN took his leave of his friend, and he a-
gain bid him GOD speed.
Then he went on, till he came at the house of
the INTERPRETER, where he knocked over and
over: at last one came to the door, and asked,
Who was there ? d
c A general reliance on the mercy of GOD by faith in CHRIST,
accompanied with a consciousness of sincerity in seeking his sal-
vation, gives some encouragement to the convinced sinner's hope ;
and transient lively joys are often vouchsafed to unestablished be-
lievers : but more distinct views of the glory of the gospel are
necessary to abiding peace. The young convert's consolations
resemble the breaking forth of the sun in a cloudy and tempestuous
day ; those of the experienced Christian, his more constant light
in, settled weather, which is not long together interrupted, though
it be sometimes dimmed by intervening clouds. .-Believers should
not, therefore, rest in transient glimpses, but press forward to a-
biding peace and joy : and, as CHRIST* does not in general bestow
this blessing on the unesta.blisb.ed, the endeavours of ministers to
do so must prove vain.
d We continually meet with fresh proofs of our author's exact
CHRISTIAN' IS ADMITTED. 45
CIIK. Sir, here is a traveller; \vlio was bid by
an acquaintance of the Good-man of this house, to
call here for my profit: I would therefore speak
with the Master of the house. So he called for
the Master of the house; who after a little time
came to CHRISTIAN, and asked him what he would
have :
Sir, said CHRISTIAN, I am a man that am come
from the City of DESTRUCTION, and am i>oiiii; to
the Mount Ziox ; and I was told by the man that
stands at the Gate, at the head of this way, that if
I called here, you would shew me excellent thi
Mich as would be an help to me in my journc\ .
Then *aid the INTER PI: KTF.H. Come in ; 1 will
iirqiiaintancc \\itlt tho Scripture, his sound judgment, deep experi-
ence and c\U'tisi\e observation. \Vitli ^iviit propriety ho place*
the llOUSO of till 1 INTKKIMII.TI-.R beyond till' STRAIT U VTKI 1'T
the knowledge of dixiiu rhinos which preoodet COBVCnioa to(i(i>
In faith in CHRIST, is very -c;mty, compared \\ith the diligent
Christian's suljvcjiient attuinntents. A tew livid inn truths deeply
impressed on the heart, and producing ei'iimc -IKUS tc;ir.uml hope.,
with warm desires and atFeftions-. rli:ir;icteri/e the state of a i.evi-
l>onil)alx: but relianc on the mercy of (Jon through J
CIIKISI pit-pan- him for further instruction : and, " having tasi-
" ed that the Ix>rd is ^uraeioii*. In- de.-ire- the sino-re i.iilk of t lit-
" word, that he may -row thereliv." Tl,.- IN . !:uris .' . i n em-
.ili-matK all\ represents the teaching ot the Holy Spint uciMidi)^
to the Scripture, (r while l>elie\-is iva<l. hear, and meditate.
*!id etuieasour to profit by their dailv e\p"iu:i(f .:i..i " ;
lion ; they also depend on (hi- promised te:uv. -. cnuMuiit
praser look to the i'ountnin of vvisdmn, to deli\er them fiom pre-
j'.nliee. pn-rrve them fry in error, and enabk- tlu-m to profit by tli
ministry of the \rord.
46 THE PICTURE OF THE PILGRIM'S GUIDE.
shew thee that which will be profitable to thee. So
he commanded his man to light the candle, and bid
CHRISTIAN follow him; so he had him into a
private room, and bid his man open a. door, the
which when he had done, CHRISTIAN saw the pic-
ture of a very grave person hang up against the
wall, and this was the fashion of it, * It had" eyes
lifted up to heaven, the best of Books in his hand,
the Law of truth was written upon it's lips, the
world was behind his back, it stood as if it pleaded
with men, and a crown of gold did hang over it's
head.'
Then said CHRISTIAN, What means this?
INTER. The man whose picture this is, is one of
a thousand ; he can beget children T , travail in
birth with children 1 , and nurse them himself when
they are born. And whereas thou seest * him with
his l eyes lift up to heaven, the best of Books in his
hand, and the Law of truth writ on his lips, ' it is
to shew thee, that his work is to know, and unfold
dark things to sinners, even as also thou seest him
' stand as if he pleaded with men :' And whereas
thou seest the world as cast behind him, and that a
crown hangs over his head ; that is, to shew thee,
that slighting and despising the things that are
present, for the love that he hath to his Master's ser-
vice, he is sure in the world that comes next, to
have glory for his reward. Now said the INTER-
PRETER, I have shewed thee this picture first, be-
cause the man whose picture this is, is the only
1 i Cor. iv. 15. a Gal. iv, 19. i Thcss. ii. 7.
nil I \ M itl'li 1 I Kit's COUNSEL THEREON. 47
111:111, whom the Lord of the place whither thou
art going, hath authorized to be thy guide in all
difficult places thou iiuivi.st meet with in the way :
whcrctmv take good heed to what I have shewed
thee, and bear well in thy mind what thou hast
seen ; lest, in thy journey, thou meet with some
that pretend to lead thee right, but their way
j down to death. '
' The condescending love of the Holy Spirit, in readily grant-
ing the desires of those who apply for his teaching, notwithstand-
ing their -in^, prejudices, and slowness of heart to understand, can
iK-uT sufh'ciently be admired ! * He employs men as his in-.tru-
ments, \vho, by explaining the Scriptures, may be said to ' light
the candle :' while he efficaciously opens the mind to instruction.
"The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him * :" the IN-
TEKPKKTKU leads them into retirement that he may impart that
heavenly wisdom, which is hidden from the most sagacious of
worldly men. The first lesson here inculcated relates to the cha-
racier of the tnie minister : for nothing can be more important to
ne who enquires the way to heaven, than the capacity of
distinguishing faithful pastors from hirelings and false teachers,
who are SATAN'S principal agents in deceiving mankind, and in
pre\enting the stability, consistency, and fruitfulness of believers.
Tli i- portrait and its key need no explanation : but all who sustain,
or mean to as>ume, the sacred ofiice, should seriously examine it,
clause by clause, with the Scriptures from which it is deduced ;
enquiring impartially how far they roemblc it, and praying ear-
iii^tly for more exact conformity: and every one should be ex-
tremely careful not to entrust his soul to the guidance of those
who are wholly unlike this cmblematick representation. For sure-
ly a diisipnted, ambitious, profane, or contentious man, in the
garb of a minister, cannot -.aft-ly l>e trusted as a guide to heaven !
!! who never studies or who studies any thing in preference to the
Bible, cannot be qualified to ' unfold dark things to sinners !' and
' Pt: cxliii. to. * Pi. xxv. 14.
PART I. E
4S THE DUSTY PARLOUR CLEANSED,
Then IK- took him by the hand, and led him into
a very large Parlour that was full of dust, because
never swept ; the which after lie had reviewed a
little while, the INTERPRETER called for a man to
sweep. Now when he began to sweep, the dust
began so abundantly to fly about, that CHRISTIAN
had almost therewith been choked. Then said the
INTERPRETER to a Damsel that stood by, ' Bring
hither the water, and sprinkle the room ;' which
when she had done, it was swept and cleansed
with pleasure.
Then sakt CHRISTIAN, What means this ?
The INTERPRETER answered ; This Parlour is
the heart of a man;, that was never sanctified by the
sweet grace of the gospel : The dust is his original
sin, and inward corruptions that have defiled the
whole man. He that began to sweep at first is the
law ; but she that brought water, and did sprinkle
it, is the gospel. Now, whereas, thoil sawest, that
so soon as the first began to sweep, the dust did so
fly about, that the room by him could not be
cleansed, but that thou wast almost choked there-
with : This is to shew thee, that the law instead
of cleansing the heart (by it's working) from sin \
1 Rom. vii. 6.-
he, who is 'abundantly more careful about his income, case, or
consequence, than about the souls of his flock, cannot be follow-
ed without the most evident danger and the most inexcusable
folly! For who would employ an ignorant, 'indolent, or fraudu-
lent lawyer or physician, merely because he happened to live in.
the same parish,?
THK HKART CLEANSED THROUGH THE GOSPEL. 49
doth revive, put .strength into 1 , and increase it in
the soul, as it doth disc-over and forbid it, but doth
not give power to .subdue *. Again, as thou s:i\v-
est tlie Damsel sprinkle the room with water, upon
which it was cleansed with pleasure; this is to
shew thee, that when the gospel conies in the sweet
and precious influences thereof to the heart, then I
even as thou sawest the Damsel lay the dust,
by sprinkling the floor with water, so is sin van-
quished and subdued, and the soul made clean,
through the faith of it; and consequently fit for
the KIXG of glory to inhabit 1 . f
1 i Cor. xv. 56. * Rom. v. 20. J John xv - 3- Acts xv. 9.
Rom. xvi. 25, 26. Eph. v. 26.
f K\<.T\ attempt to produce conformity of heart and life to the
dhine law, In rv^Hrding it" spiritual precepts, apart from the d-.r-
aii'l promises of Scripture, discovers the evils which before
lay dormant ; ticcording to the significant emblem here adduced.
.Mere moral preaching indeed lia^ no such effect : because it sub-
stitute* another rule of obedience, \\hich is so vague that self-
(lattery will enable almost any man, not scandalou-ly \icious, to
deem himself justified according to it ; >n that he i pleased with
the rule by which he is approved, and loves that idea ot (M.I>
\\hich accords with his own character. l>ut when the law of Gol*
is brought with energy to the conscience, its strictness,, spirituality,
and severity awaken the latent enmity of the heart : the absolute
self-denial it demands even in the most plausible claims of golf-
love, and its express prohibition of the darling sin, with the
rienced impracticability of adequate obedient <-, and the awful
sentence it denounces against i very tran- roncur in excit-
ing opposition to it, and e\en to Him uho gave it and is deter-
mined to magnify and c.-tabli-h it in honour. The consciousness
uls.i f coveting things prohibited, and the cn\irtiou that U,H
K2
<50 PASSION AND
I saw moreover in my dream, that the INTER-
PRETER took him by the hand and had him into a
little room, where sat two little children, each one
in his chair. The name of the eldest was PASSION,
and of the other PATIENCE: PASSION seemed, to
be much discontent, but PATIENCE was very
quiet. Then CHRISTIAN asked, What is the
reason of the discontent of PASSION? The IN-
TERPRETER answered, The Governor of them
would have him stay for his best things till the
beginning of the next year ; but he will have them
all now : but PATIENCE is willing to wait.
Then I saw that one came to PASSION and
brought him a bag of treasure ; and poured it
down at his feet ; the which he took up and re-
joiced therein, and withal laughed PATIENCE tc*
scorn. But I beheld but a Avhile, and he had
lavished all away, and had nothing left him but
rags.
concupiscence is sinful, induce a man to conclude that he is viler
than ever ; and indeed clearer knowledge must aggravate the guilt
of every sin. A little discouragement of this kind induces num-
bers to cease from all endeavours, at least for a season ; supposing
that a;t present it is impossible for them to serve GOD : but others,
being more deeply humbled,, and taken off from self-confidence,
are thus prepared to understand and welcome the free salvation of
the gospel. Then the law appears to them disarmed of its curse,
as the rule and standard of holiness ; encouraged by the truths
and promises of the gospel ; and animated to exertion by its mo-
tives, they delight in " cleansing themselves from all filthincss of
"flesh and spirit, and perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD,.""
that they may be " an habitation of God through the Spirit/'
PA S S ION and PA
THE MEN OF THIS WOULD, AND THE NEXT. -> 1
Then said CHRISTIAN' to the INTERPRETER,
Expound tliis matter more fully to me.
So he said, These two lads are figures : PASSI o v
of the men of ////.v world, and PATI ENC E of the men
of that which is to conic : for as here thon seest,
kssiov v.ill have all now, this year, that is to say
in this world ; so are the men of this world, they
must have all their good things now, they cannot
stay till next year, that is, until ihctt&vt world, for
their portion of good. That proverb, * A bird in
the hand is worth two in the bush,' is of more au-
thority with them, than are all the divine testi-
monies of the good of the world to come. But as
thou sawest that he had quickly lavished all away,
and had presently left him nothing but rags ; so
will it be wjth all such men at the end of this
world. *
* In this instructive emblem, PASSION* represents tin* preva-
lence of tlw: carnal affections over reason and religion. \Vhafe\rr
be the object, this dominion of the- pas-ions produce* fret fulness
ami rliilih-li jx'rverseness, when the imagined temporal good is
withheld. This impatience of delay or disappointment is however
succeeded by pride, insolence, and inordinate though transient
joy, when the man is indulged with the possession of his idol ; \et
he soon n>\\s dissatisfied with success, and often speedily la\ishes
away his ro\eted advantages. On the other hand, P.VTIESCE is
the emblem of those who quietly and meekly wait for future hap-
piness, ri-nouncing present things for the sake of it. True riches,
honours, and pleasures are intended for them, but not here ; and, as
young children well ^o\ ( mi d, they simply wait for them till the
appointed season, in the way of patient obedience. Reason de-
termines, that a greater and more permanent good hereafter U
E3
5Q THE MEN OP THE NEXT WORLD THE WISEST.
Then said CHRISTIAN, Now I see that PA-
TIENCE has the best wisdom, and that upon many
accounts ; because he stays for the best things :
and also because he will have the glory of his,
when the other has nothing but rags.
INTER. Nay you may add another, to wit, the
glory of the next world will never wear out, but
these are suddenly gone. Therefore PASSION had
not so much reason to laugh at PATIENCE, because
he had his good things first, as PATIENCE Avill have
to laugh at PASSION, because he had his best things
last ; forjirst must give place to last, because last
must have his time to come ; but last gives place to
nothing, for there is not another to succeed : he
therefore that hath his portion Jirst, must needs have
a time to spend it ; but he that hath his portion last,
must have it lastingly. Therefore it is said of DI-
VES, "In thy life- time thou receivedst thy good
" things, and likewise LAZARUS evil things; but
" now he is comforted, and thou art tormented V
CHR. Then I perceive 'tis not best to covet
1 Luke xvi. 19 31.
preferable to a less and fleeting enjoyment at present ; faith real-
izes, as attainable, a felicity infinitely more valuable than all
which this world can possibly propose ; so that in this respect the
life of faith is the reign of reason over passion, while unbelief
makes way for the triumph of passion over reason. Nor can any
thing be mere essential to practical religion than an abiding con-
viction, that it is the only true wisdom, uniformly and cheerfully
to part with evcr,y temporal good, whenever it interferes with the
iirand concerns of eternity.
TUE FIRE KEPT FROM lit. 1 \(i QUENCH KD. 5S
tilings that arc now, but to wait for tilings to
come.
I \TF.K. You say truth, "For the things that
" arc seen arc temporal ; but the things that arc
"not seen arc eternal ':" Dut though this he , .>.
-inec things present, and our fleshly appetite,
nK such near neighbours one to another; and again
l)ccausc things to come, and carnal sense, are such
strangers one to another :- therefore it is that the
first of these so suddenly fall into amity, and that
distance is so continued between the second.
Then I saw in my dream, that the INTERPRE-
TER took CHRISTIAN by the hand, and led him
into a place where was a fire burning against a
wall, and one standing by it, always easting much
water upon it to quench it; yet did the fire burn
higher and hotter.
Then said CHRISTIAN, What means this?
The INTERPRETER answered, This lire is the
work of grace that is wrought in the heart ; he
that easts water upon it, to extinguish and put it
out, is the Devil: but in that thou seest the lire,
notwithstanding, burn higher and hotter, thou
shalt also see the reason of that. So he had him
about to the back side of the wall, where he saw
a man with a vessel of oil in his hand, of the
which he- did also continually cast, but secretly,
into the fire.
Then said CHRISTIAN, What means this?
1 2 Cor. iv. 18,
4
54 THE EMBLEM EXPLAINED.
The INTERPRETER answered, This is CHRIST,
who continually with the oil of his grace main-
tains the work already begun in the heart ; by the
means of which, notwithstanding what the Devil
can do, the souls of his people prove gracious
still 1 . And in that thou sawest, that the man
stood behind the wall to maintain the fire ; this is
to teach thee, that it is hard for the tempted to
see how this work of grace is maintained in the
soul h
1 2 Cor. xii. g.
h The doctrine of the true believer's final perseverance is here
stated, in so guarded a manner as to preclude every abuse of it.
The emblem implies, that the soul is indeed born of God and
endued with holy affections : but this heavenly flame is not repre-
sented, as almost extinguished or covered with ashes for many
years, and then revived a little at the closing scene : for ' it burns
' higher and hotter/ notwithstanding the opposition of depraved
nature, and the unremitted efforts of Satan to quench it; the
Lord secretly feeding it with his grace. Unbelievers can perse-
vere in nothing but'impiety and hypocris}' : and when a professor
remarkably loses the vigour of his affections, the reality of his
conversion becomes doubtful, and he can take no warranted en-
couragement from this doctrine. When however, any one grows
more spiritual, zealous, humble, and exemplary, in the midst of
harassing temptations ; while he gives the whole glory to the
Lord, he may take comfort from the assurance, that " he shall be
" kept by his power, through faith, unto salvation." But the way,
in which the tempted are preserved, often so far exceeds their ex-
pectations, that they are a wonder to themselves ; every thing
seems to concur in giving Satan advantage against them, and his
efforts appear very successful ; yet they continue from year to
year, " cleaving with purpose of heart unto the Lord," trusting in
his mercy, and desirous of living to his glory. The instruction
especially inculcated by this emblem is, an entire reliance, in the
TJIK MAX M'HO F I (JUTS INTO THE PALACE. 55
I vaw aUo tliat the I \ TI.H PRETER took liim
by the hand, and led him into a pleasant
place, \\here was imilded a stately palace, beauti-
1'ul to behold; at the sight of which CHRISTIAN
greatly delighted : he saw also upon the top
of, certain persons walking who were clothed
in gold.
Then said 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 stood a great company of men, as desir-
ous to go in, but durst not. There also sat a man,
at a little distance from the door, at a table-side,
with a book and his ink-horn before him, to take
the name of him that should enter therein : He
saw also that in the door way, stood many men in
armour to keep it, being resolved to do to the man
that would enter, what hurt and mischief they
could. Now was CHRISTIAN somewhat in amaze;
at last, when cvcrv man started back for fear of
tf
the armed men, CHRISTIAN saw a man of a very
stout countenance, come up to the man that sat
there to write, saying, set down my name, Sir; the
which when he had done, he saw the man draw his
sword, and put an helmet upon his head, and rush
toward the door upon the armed men, who laid upon
him with deadly force; but the man, not at all
; tin- appointed moans, on the secret, but powerful influence
<>t ilivinr pracv, to maintain and carry on fhw sanctifying \u-rk
tfiat lias been begun in the -<>ul.
56* CHRISTIAN UNDERSTANDS THE EMBLEM.
discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most
fiercely : so after he had received and 1 given many
wounds to those that attempted to keep him out,
he cut his way through them all, and pressed for-
ward into the palace ; at which there was a pleas-
ant voice heard from those that were within, even
of those that walked upon the top of the palace,
saying,
' Come in, Come in,
Eternal Glory thou shall win.'
So he went in, and was clothed with such gar-
ments as they. Then CHRISTIAN smiled, and said,
I think verily I know the meaning of this. !
Now said CHRISTIAN, let me go hence : Nay,
1 Acts xiv. 22.
1 Many desire 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 purpose to do this, resulting from
divine grace, profession will at length end in apostacy : " The man
" began to build, but was not able to finish." This is emphatically
taught by the emblem before us. We must be made willing unre-
servedly to venture or " suffer the loss of all things that we may
" win CHRIST ;" or we shall never be able to break through the
combined opposition of the world, the flesh, and the devil. If we
habitually fear any mischief that our enemies can attempt against
us, more than coming short of salvation, we shall certainly perish,
notwithstanding our notions and convictions. We should, there-
fore, count our cost, and pray for courage and constancy, that we
may give in our names as in earnest to win the prize: then,
" putting on the whole armour of GOB," we must fight our way
through with patience and resolution ; while many, " being har-
" nessed and carrying bows," shamefully " turn back in the day
" of battle."
THE MAN IX THE IRON CAGE. 57
stay, said the I VTKRPRETER, till I have shewed
thee a littk- more, and after that thou shalt go on
thy \\ay. ' So lie took him by the hand again,
and led him into a very dark room, where there
sat a man in an iron cage.
ow the man to look on seemed very sad : he
Unth his eyes looking- down to the ground, his
hands folded together, and he sighed as if he
would break his heart.
Then said CHRISTIAN, What means this?
At which the INTERPRETER bid him talk with
the man.
Then said CHRISTIAN to the man, What art
thou ?
*
The man answered, I am what I was not once.
CUR. What wast thou once?
The man said, I was once a fair and flourish-
ing professor, both in mine own eyes, and also in
the eyes of others : I was once, as I thought, fair
for the Celestial city, and had then even joy at
the thoughts that I should get thither '.
CH K. Well, but what art thou now?
MAX. I am now a Man of despair, and am shut
up in it as in this iron cage. I cannot get out.
O now I cannot !
1 Luke viii, 13.
k The time, spent in acquiring knowledge and >ound judgment,
i> t.ir from lot, though it may seem to retard a man's progress, or
intertrre with his more active services: and the next emblem is
admirably suited to teach the convert watchfulness and caxition.
'53 CHRISTIAN INTERROGATES HIM.
CHR, But how earnest thou in this condition ?
MAN. I left oft* to watch and be sober: I laid
the reins upon the neck of my lusts ; I sinned a-
gainst the light of the word, and the goodness
of GOD; I have grieved the SPIRIT, -and he
is gone ; I tempted the Devil, and he is come to
me; I have provoked GOD to anger, and he has
left me; I have so hardened my heart, that I
cannot repent.
Then said CHRISTIAN to the INTERPRETER,
But is there no hopes for such a man as this ?
Ask him, said the INTERPRETER.
Then said CHRISTIAN, Is there no hope, but
you must be kept in the iron cage of despair ?
MAN. No, none at all.
CHR. Why ? the Son of the Blessed is very pitiful.
MAN. I have " Crucified him to myself a-
" fresh ', " I have despised his Person *, I have des-
pised his righteousness, I have counted his blood
an unholy thing, I have done despite to the Spirit
of grace ; ; therefore I have shut myself out of all
the promises ; and there now remains to me nothing
but threaten ings, dreadful threatenings, faithful
threatcnings of certain judgment which shall de-
vour me as an adversary.
CHR. For what did you bring yourself into this
condition ?
MAN. For the lusts, pleasures, and profits of
this world ; in the enjoyment of which I did then
* Heb. vi. 4 6. * Luke xix. 14. * Heb. x. 28, 29.
AND IS TAUGHT TO WATCH AND BE SOBER. jf)
promise myself much delight : but now every one
of those things also bite me, and giia\\- me like a
burnina: worm.
o
C'HR. But canst thou not now repent and turn ?
MAN. (Jon hath denied me repentance; his
d gives me no encouragement to believe; \c;i.
himself hath shut me up in this iron cage; nor
can all the men in the world let me out. O ETEU-
M TV ! ETERNITY ! how shall I grapple with the
misery that I must meet with in ETEHMTY ;
Then said the I \ TKH PK i. ri.ii to CHRISTIAN.
Let this man's misery be remembered by thee,
and IK- an everlasting caution to thce.
\\ell (said CHRISTIAN) This is fearful! (ion
help me to watch and be sober, and to pray that
I may shun the causes of this man's misery. Sir.
is it not time for me to go on my way now ? '
's discour-e with the man in the iron m^o snfii-
ciently explains the author's meaning: but it has often been ob-
served, tliat the man's- opinion <>t his own t. .i-e <1 es not prove ih;:t
it wMJndeedderaerate. DouhtK--, >-u< h iV.irs prc\ail in somr
CaSC* of deep despOMCncy', \vlu-n tln-iv i- every reason t'i roii-
clude them grouixilevs ; and we sliould alvvav> |)nipnse tl,.-
grace of the gospel to those that have sinned in the HUM -isgrfc-
vatcd manner, fNp-cially wlu-n they Ixrcomc srn^ilile >t' tin ir miiir
and danger. Yet it is an awfnl fart, that s'une are thus ' shut up
' under despair,' beyond relief: and " it is impossible to renevc
" them to repentance." So that no true jHMiitent can be in tin*
case: and wean- commanded " in meekness to instruct ilii-i-
" that oppose thein-eUt-^, if perad venture GOD will ^ivv them i"
" pentance." Hut v\e should leave the doom of ap|Kirent
tales to GOD ; and improve th'-ir example, a< a wiirninu tn our-
60 THE MAN WHO DREAMED OF THE LAST DAY*
INTER. Tarry till I shall shew thee one thing
more, and then thou shalt go on thy way.
So he took CHRISTIAN by the hand again, and
led him into a chamber where there was one rising
out of bed ; and as he put on his raiment, he shook
and trembled.
Then said CHRISTIAN, Why doth this man
thus tremble ?
The INTERPRETER then bid him tell to CHRIS-
TIAN the reason of his so doing. So he began and
said, This night as I was in my sleep, I dreamed,
and behold the heavens grew exceeding black ;
also it thundered and lightened in most fearful
O
wise, that it put me into an agony. So I looked
up in my dream, and saw the clouds rack at an
unusual rate ; upon which I heard a great sound
of a trumpet, and saw also a man sit upon a cloud,
attended with the thousands of heaven : they
were all in flaming fire, also the heavens were on
a burning flame. I heard then a voice saying,
* Arise ye dead and come to judgment;' and with
that the rocks rent, the graves opened, and the
dead that were therein came forth ' : some of them
were exceeding glad, and looked upward ; and
1 John v. 28, 29. i Cor. xv. 5158. 2 Thess. i. 710.
Jude 14, 15. Rev. xx. 11- 15.
selves and others, not to venture one step in so dangerous a path.
This our author has judiciously attempted in a most striking
manner, and God forbid that I should in the least counteract his
obvious intention.
THE TERRIFIED DREAMER
AND HIS DISTRESS AND CONSTERNATION. 6l
sonic sought to hide themselves under the moun-
tains ': then I saw the man that sat upon the cloud
open the hook and hid the world draw near. Yet
there was. hy reason of a fierce llame that issued out
and came from IK tore him, a convenient distance
l>et\\ ixt him and them, as betwixt the judge and
the- prisoners at the bar ~. I heard it also proclaim-
ed to them that attended on the man that sat on
the cloud, ' (iather together tile tares, the chair',
' and stubble, and east them into the burning
' lake:' and with that the bottomless pit opened,
just thereabout I .stood: out or' the mouth ot*
which there came, in an abundant manner, smoke,
and coals of lire, with hideous noises. It was also
said to the same persons, ' (iather my wheat into
' the garner'.' And with that 1 saw many catch-
cd up and carried away into the cloi-,!s 4 . but 1
w.is left behind. I also sought to hide myself, but
1 could not. tor the man that -; t upon the cloud
.still kept his eye upon me; i ;y sins also came
into my mind, and my conscience did ::< use
me on every side 5 . I'pon this I awaked froiu
my sleej).
C'nu. But what was it that made \ on wo al'iaid
of this sight?
M\\. \\'h\. I thought that the da \ or' judg-
ment uas e i nne. and that I was not rcadv tor it :
but this frighted me most, that the angels gathered
1 P. I. i 3.22. Isa. xxvi. ro. ?i. Mic.vii.i6.i-. * l)n,
vii.9,iO. Mai. iii. 2,3. Mai. iv. 1,2. Malt. iii. t 8. Xtw, JO*
Luke iii. 17. * i Thess. iv. 13 18. 5 Rom. i . . i
62 CHRISTIAN TAUGHT TO FEAR AND HOPE-
up several and left me behind ; also the pit of hell
opened her mouth just where I stood.. My con-
science too afflicted me ; and, as I thought, the
Judge had ahvays his eye upon me, shewing in-
dignation in his countenance.
Then said the INTERPRETER to CHRISTIAN,
' I last thou considered all these things ?
CHR. Yes, and they put me in hope and fear. m
INTER, Well, keep all things so in thy mind
that they may be as a goad in thy sides, to prick
thee forward in the way thou must go. Then
CHRISTIAN began to gird up his loins, and to
address himself to his journey. Then said the
m Our safety consists in a due proportion of hope and fear :
when devoid of hope, we resemble a ship without an anchor ;
when unrestrained by fear, we are like the same vessel under full
sail without ballast T . Indiscriminate censures of aliyear as the
result of unbelief, and unguarded commendations of strong confi-
dence, without respect to the spirit and conduct of professors, not
only lead to most fatal self-deception, but also tend to make be-
lievers unstable, unwatchful, and even uncomfortable ; for the
humble can never attain that presumptuous confidence which is
thus represented as essential to faith ; and true comfort is the ef-
fect of watchfulness, diligence, and circumspection. Upon the
whole, what lessons could possibly have been selected of greater
importance, or more suited to establish the new convert, than
these are which our author has qnost ingeniously and agreeably
inculcated, under the emblem of the INTERPRETER'S curiosities.
They are indeed the principal subjects which faithful ministers
enforce, publickly and in private, on all who begin to profess the
gospel; and which every true disciple of CHRIST daily seeks to
have more clearly discovered to his mind, and more deeply im-
pressed upon his heart.
i Pet. i< 1317.
HIS BURDEN FALLS OFF AT THE CHOSS. 6$
INTERPRETER, The Comforter be always with
llu-c, good CHRISTIAN, to guide thee in the way
that leads to the city. So CHRISTIAN went on
lii> way, saying
1 Here I have seen things rare and profitable ;
Things pleasant, dreadful, things to make me stable
In what I have begun to take in hand :
Then let me think on them, and understand
Wherefore they shew'd me were ; and let me be
Thankful, O good INTERPRETER, to
Now I saw in my dream, that the highway, up
which CHRISTIAN was to go, was fenced on either
side M-ith a wall, and that wall was called SAL-
VATION'. Up this way therefore did burdened
CHRISTIAN run, but not without great difficulty,
because of the load on his back.
lie ran thus till he came at a place somewhat
ascending, and upon that place stood a Cross, and
a little below in the bottom a Sepulchre. So I saw
in my dream, that just as CHRISTIAN came up
with the Cross, his burden loosed from off his
shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began
to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to
the mouth of the Sepulchre, where it fell in, and I
saw it no more. *
1 Isa. xxvi. l.
Divine illumination in many respects tends to quicken the
r\ hopes and lear>, and to increase his earm-stnr^ and dili-
gence ; hut nothing can linalK relie\e him from his burden. ex-
cept the clear discovery of the nature and glory of redemption.
With more general MOWS of the subject, and un implicit reliance
PART I. F t
64 CHRISTIAN IS JOYFUL.
Then was CHRISTIAN g-lad and lightsome, and
&iid with a merry heart, ' He hath given me rest
on the mercy of GOD through JESUS CHRIST, the humbled sin-
ner enters the way of life, which is walled by salvation: yet he is
oppressed with an habitual sense of guilt, >and often bowed down
with fears, till " the Comforter* who glorifies CHRIST, receives
" of his and shews it to him *." When in this divine light the soul
contemplates the Redeemer's cross, and discerns more clearly his
love to lost sinners in dying for them ; the motive and efficacy of
his intense sufferings ; the glory of the divine perfections harmoni-
ously displayed in this surprising expedient for saving the lost ;
the honour of the divine law and government, and the evil and
desert of sin most energetically proclaimed, even in pardoning
transgressors and reconciling enemies ; and the perfect free ness
and sufficiency of this salvation; then " his conscience is purged
" from dead works to serve the living GOD," by a simple reliance
on the atoning blood of EMMANUEL. This deliverance from the
burden of guilt is in some respects Jinal, as to the well instructed
and consistent believer: his former sins are buried, no more to be
his terror and distress. He will indeed be deeply humbled under
a sense of his guilt, and sometimes may question his acceptance :
but his distress, before he understood the way of deliverance, was
habitual, except in a few transient seasons of relief, and often
greatly oppressed him when most diligent and watchful ; wherea*
now he is only burdened when he has been betrayed into sin, or
when struggling with peculiar temptations ; and he constantly
finds relief by looking to the cross. Many indeed never attain to
habitual peace : but this arises from remaining ignorance, error,
or negligence, which scriptural instructions are the proper means
. of obviating. It was not however proper, that our author should
draw the character of his hero from the lowest order of Christians ;
nay, it rather calls for our admiration, that, in an allegory,
'(which is the peculiar effort of a vigorous imagination) he was
preserved, by uncommon strength of mind and depth of judgment v
from stating CIIIUSTIAN'S experience ahoic the general attain-
ments of consistent believers under solid instructions.
i John xvi. 14.
AND IS SALUTED BY THREE SHINING ONES. 6*5
l>y his sorrow, and life by his death.' Then he
stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was
very .surprising to him, that the sight of the Cross
should thus ease him of his burden. He looked
therefore, and looked again, even till the springs
that were in his head sent the waters down his
cheeks '. Now, as he stood looking and weep-
ing, behold three shining ones came to him, and
saluted him with " Peace be to thee;" so the first
said to him, " Thy sins be forgiven * ;" the second
stript him of his rags, and clothed him with
change of raiment ' : the third also set a mark on
his forehead, and gave him a Roll with a seal upon
it 4 , which he bid him look on as he ran, and that
he should give it in at the celestial Gate ; so they
went their way. Then CHRISTIAN gave three
leaps for joy, and went on singing
1 Thus far did I come louden with my sin,
Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in,
Till I came hither: what a place is tins !
Must here be the beginning of my bliss ?
Must hero the burden fall from on* m\ l>ack ?
Must here the strings that bound it to me crack P
Blest Cross ! blest Sepulchre ! blest rather be
The MAN that there was put to shame forme !'
1 Zech. xii. to. * Mark ii. 5. ' Zcch. iii. 4. * Eph. i. 13.
CHRISTIAN'S tears, amidst his gladness, intimate, that de-
liverance from guilt, by faith in the atoning sacrifice of CHRIST,
tends to increase sorrow for sin, and abhorrence of it ; though ii
mingles even those affections with u sweet and solid pleasure. By
the ' three shining ones,' the author alludes to the ministration ot
F 2
66 CHRISTIAN FIXDS THREE MEN
I saw then in my dream, that he went on thu*
even until he came at a, bottom, where he saw, a
little out of the way, three men fust asleep, with
angels, as in some way subserving the comfort of the heirs of sal-
vation : but he could not mean to ascribe CHRISTIAN'S confi-
dence to any impressions, or suggestion of texts to him l>y a voice,
or in a dream ; any more than he intended, by his view of the
cross, to sanction the account that persons of heated imaginations
have given, of their having seen one hang on a cross, covered with
blood r who told them their sins were pardoned ; while it has been
evident, that they never understood the spiritual glory, or the
sanctifying tendency r of the doctrine of a crucified Saviour.
Such things arc the mere delusions of enthusiasm, from which our
author was* remarkably free ; but the nature of an allegory led
him to this method of describing the happy change that take*
place in the pilgrim's experience, when he obtains " peace and
" joy in believing." The general tenor of the work sufficiently
shews, that he considered spiritual apprehensions of the nature of
the atonement, as the only soursc of genuine peace and comfort,
As the ' mark in the forehead' evidently signifies the renewal of
the soul to holiness, while the ' roll with a seal upon it' denotes
such an assurance of acceptance,- as appears most clear and satis-
factory, when the believer most attentively compares himself with
the holy Scriptures : so he could not possibly intend to ascribe these
effects to any other agent than the Holy Spirit, for he alone as
the Spirit of adoption enables a man to exercise in a lively
manner all filial affections towards God ; and thus bears wit-
ness with his conscience, that his sins are pardoned, that he is
justified by faith in the righteousness of EMMANUEL, a child of
GOD, and an heir of heaven. They who have experienced this
happy change, w ill readily understand the language in which it is
described ; and the abiding effects of their joy in the Lord, upon
their temper and conduct, (like the impression of the seal after
the wax is cooled,) completely distinguish it from the confidence
and comfort of hypocrites and enthusiasts. It must, however,
continue to be " the secret of the Lord, with them that fear him,"
" hidden manna," and " a white stone, having in it a new name
NAMED SIMPLE, SLOTH, AN'D PRESUMPTION*, 6*7
fetters upon their heels. The name of the one
was SIMPLE, another SLOTH, and the third PRE-
SUMPTION".
CHRISTIAN then, string them lie in this case,
went to them, if pt-rad vent ure he might, awake
them ; and cried, You arc like them that sleep
on the top of a mast 1 , for the dead sea is under
you, a gulph that hath no hottom : awuke, there-
fore, and come uway ; be M'illing also, ami I will
help you off with your irons. He also told them,
If he that goeth about like a roaring lion comes
by, you will certainly become a prey to his teeth z .
With that they lookt upon him, and began to
reply in this sort: SIMPLE said, ' I see no dan-
ger:' SLOTH said, * Vet a little more sleep:' and
PRESUJIPTIOX said, ' Every vatt must stand
1 Prov. xxiii. 34. * i Pet. v. 8.
" written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it '."
For even the idea> excited in our minds by external objects
through our scases, and the pleasure often connected with them,
can ne\er hi- made intelligible to those who never had those senses.
The man born blind cannot j>i>--il>ly ha\e any idea of colours, or
any conception of the pleasure of beholding beautiful objects ; nor
one born deaf, any-idea of a trumpet's solemn sound, or the plea>-
urc arising from a concert of mu>ick.
Here apain we meet with uncngruving, and the following lin
' \\\M>\ this? The Pilgrim. ll<>\v ! Tis very trur :
Old things arc past away ; all's become new.
Strange! he'- another man, upon my word :
They be fine feathers that make a fine bird,'
* rs. xxv. 14. Rev. u. 17.
F3
6*8 CHRISTIAN MET BY FORMALIST&HYPOCRISY,
upon its own bottom.' And so they lay down to
sleep again, and CHRISTIAN went on his way. p .
Yet was he troubled to think, that men in that
danger should so little esteem the kindness of him
that so freely offered to help them, both by a-
wakening of them, counselling of them, and prof-
fering to help them off with their irons. And as
he was troubled thereabout, he espied two men
come tumbling over the wall, on the left hand of
the narrow way ; and they made up apace to him.
The name of the one was FORMALIST, and the
name of the other HYPOCRISY. So, as I said,
p We were before informed, that other ways ' butted down upon'
the straight way ; and the connexion of the allegory required the
introduction of various characters, besides that of the true be-
liever. Many outwardly walk in the ways of religion, and seem
to be pilgrims, who are destitute of those " things which accom-
pany salvation." The three allegorical persons next introduced
are nearly related ; they appear to be pilgrims, but are a little out
of the way, asleep, and fettered. Many hear, and learn to talk
about the peculiar doctrines of Christianity, and have transient
convictions, who yet cleave to the world, and rest more securely
in the bondage of sin and SATAN, by means of their profession
of religion. They reject or pervert all instruction, hate all trou-
ble, yet are confident that every thing is and \vill be well with
them; while teachers after their own hearts lull them with a
Syren's song, by confounding the form with the power of godliness :
and if any one attempt, in the most affectionate manner, to warn
them of their danger, they answer, (according to the tenor of the
words here used) ' Mind your own business; we see no danger;
' you shall not disturb our composure, or induce us to make so
* much ado about religion. See to yourselves, and leave us to
* ourselves.' Thus they sleep on till death and judgment awake
them!
AND IN VAIN REASONS WITH THEM. 69
they drew uj> unto him, who thu.s entered with
them into discourse.
CHR. (icntlcmen, Whence cajne you, and
whither do you go?
FORM. cS: IJyp. We were born in the laud of
VAI N ; -GLORY, and arc going for prai.se to Moi \ r
ZION.
(UK. Why came you not iu at the Gate, which
standcth at tlie beginning of the way r Know you
not that it is written, that " He that cometh not
" in hy the door, but climbcth up some other \
" the same is a thief and a robber '."
They said, that to go to the ( J ate for entrance, was
by all their countrymen counted too far about ; and
that thereto re their usual way was to makeashoi t cut
of it, and to climb over the wall as they had done.
CUR. But will it not be counted a tre>j>ass
against tle LOUD of the City whither we are
bound, thus to violate his revealed will?
They told him, That as for that he needed not
to trouble his head thereabout: for what they did
they had custom for ; and could p rod uce, if m cd
were, testimony that would witness it, for more
than a thousand years.
But, said CHRISTIAN, Will your practice stand
a trial at law :
They told him, That custom, it being of so
lonir -i standing as above a thousand years, would
doubtless now be admitted as a thing legal. l>\ an
John x. i .
F 4
70 HOW CHRISTIAN IS DISTINGUISHED
impartial judge : and besides, said they, if we get
into the way, what's matter which way we get in ?
If we are in, we are in : thou art but in the way,
who as we perceive came in at the Gate ; and we are
also in the way, that came tumbling over the wall :
Wherein now is thy condition better than ours ?
CHR. I walk by the rule of my MASTER, you
walk by the rude working of your fancies : you
are counted thieves already by the LORD of the
way ; therefore I doubt you will not be found true
men at the end of the way. You come in by
yourselves without his direction ; and shall go out
by yourselves without his mercy.
To this they made him but little answer ; only
they bid him look to himself. Then I saw that
they went on every man in his way, without much
conference one with another ; save that these two
men told CHRISTIAN, That, as to laws and ordi-
nances, they doubted not but they should as con-
scientiously do them as he. Therefore, said they,
we see not wherein thou difTerest from us, but by
the coat that is on thy back, which was, as we
tro', given thee by some of thy neighbours to hide
the shame of thy nakedness.
CHR. By laws and ordinances you will not be
saved ', since you came not in by the door. And
as for this coat that is on my back, it was given me
by the Lord of the place whither I go ; and that,
as you say, .to cover my nakedness with. And |
Gal. ii. 16.
FROM FORMALIST AVD HYPOCRISY. 71
take it as a token of his kindness tome; for I had
nothing hut ra^s before : and besides, thus I com-
O O
fort myself as I go; Surely, think I, when I come
to the gate of the city, the Lord thereof will know
me for good, since I have his coat on my back ! a
coat that lie gave me freely in the day that he
stript me of my rags. I have moreover a mark in
my forehead, of which perhaps you have taken no
notice, which one of my Lord's most intimate a^.-
sociatcs fixed there, in the day that my burden fell
off my shoulders. I Mill tell you, moreover, that
I bail then given me a Roll sealed, to comfort
me by reading as I go on the way ; I was also bid
to give it in at the celestial Gate, in token of my
certain going in after it : all which things I doubt
you want, and want them because you came not
in at the gate. q
* The true Christian will always be troubled at the vain-confi-
!rw of many professors: but he is more surprised by it at liiM
than afterwards ; for he sets out with the idea, that all apparently
religion- people sincerely seek the salvation of their souls. But at
length experience draws l,j> attention to those parts of Scripture
which mention tarct among the wheat, and foolish virgins among
the wise. FORMALIST and HYPOCRISY soon come in his way.
These are near relations: the first represents such as by notions
and external observances dccei\e themsi-Kes ; the second those
who more grossly attempt to impose upon others. They an- both
actuated by vain-glory, and seek t lie applause- of men b\ their m<t
.i ,il.>us profession and most specious actions, while the credit thus
acquired subserves also tlieir temporal interests : hut n-jH-ntiince,
conversion, and the life of faith, would not on' , cost tlu-m too
much labour, but destroy the very principle by which they an
72 DIRECT WAY UP THE HILL DIFFICULTY.
To these tilings they gave him no answer ; only
they looked upon each other and laughed. Then
I saw that they went on all, save that CHRISTIAN
kept before, who had no more talk but with him-
self, 'and that sometimes sighingly and sometimes
comfortably : also he woidd be often reading in
the Roll that one of the shining ones gave him, by
which he was refreshed. '
I beheld then that they all went on till they
came to the foot of the hill DIFFICULTY ; at
the bottom of which was a spring. There were
also in the same place two other ways, besides
that which came straight from the gate ; one
turned to the left hand and the other to the
right, at the bottom of the hill ; but the nar-
row way lay right up the hill, and the name of
the going up the side of the hill is called DIF-
FICULTY. CHRISTIAN now went to the spring,
actuated. By a much ' shorter cut,' they become a part of the
visible church, are satisfied with a form of godliness, and kept in
countenance by the example of great numbers of professed chris-
tians, in every age and place. Their confidence, however, will not
bear the Tight of Scripture ; they, therefore, shrink from investiga-
tion, and treat with derision and reproaches all who would con-
vince thorn of their fatal mistake, or shew them the real nature of
evangelical religion.
r TVwe Christians even \vhen most assured of their acceptance,
end competent -to perceive the awful delusions of false professors,
.find cause for sighs amidst their comforts, while employed in seri-
oos .retired self-reflection. Nothing can exclude the uneasiness
which arises from in-dwelling siw, :and -from the crimes and mi--
cries they witness around them.
ROADS CALLED DANGER AND DESTRUCTION. 73
and drank thereof to refresh himself 1 , and then
began to go up the hill, saying
' The hill, though high, I covet to ascend,
The difliculty \\ill not me offend ;
For I |>ercci\e the \\ay to life lies here :
Come, pluck \ip, heart, Irt's neither taint nor fear,
lietter, tlio' (li(jicuf(, th' right way logo,
Than wrong, though easy, where the end is woe.'
The other two also came to the foot of the hill ;
but when they saw that the hill was steep and
high, and that there were two other ways to go;
and supposing also that these two ways might
meet again, with that up which CHRISTIAN went,
on the other side of the hill ; therefore, they Mere
resolved to go in those ways. Now the name of
one or' those ways was DANGER, and the name of
the other DESTRUCTION. So the one took the
way which is called DANGER, which led him
into a great wood; and the other took directly
up the way to DESTRUCTION", which led him in-
to a wide field full of dark mountains, where he
.stumbled and fell, and rose no more. '
1 Isa. xlix. 10.
The hill I)i FKICI I.TY represents those seasons ami situations
vv hit h require peculiar self-denial and exertion; and arc suited to
pn>\- tin- lu-liever's sincerity, alter he has obtained " a good hop'
" through grace." The frowns ol'ihe world, the saciifice of tem-
poral interestsoutward circumstances of sharp affliction and di>-
trcss, together with the painful task of overcoming inveterate c\il
haluts or constitutional propensities, (which durini; his first anxious
earnestness. <rrmed perhaps to he destrmWl. thrm<;h in fact tlu-y
74 THE ARBOUR ON THE SIDE OF THE HILL.
I looked then after CHRISTIAN to see him go
up the hill, where I perceived he fell from running
to going, and from going to c'lambering upon his
hands and his knees, because of the steepness of
the place. Now about the mid-way to the top of
the hill was a pleasant Arbour, made by the LORD
of the hill, for the refreshing of weary travellers. '
Thither therefore CHRISTIAN got, where also he
sat down to rest him : then he pulled his Roll out
of his bosom, and read therein to his comfort; he
also now began afresh to take a review of the coat
or garment that was given him as he stood by the
cross. Thus pleasing himself a while, he at last
were only suspended ;) prove a severe test of his integrity : but
there can be no hope, except in pressing forward ; and the encpur-
agements of the gospel prepare the soul for every conflict and
effort. But there are also by-ways ; and the difficulty may often
be avoided without a man's renouncing his profession : he may
decline the self-denying duty, or refuse the demanded sacrifice,
and find some plausible excuse to his own conscience, or among
his neighbours. ^The true believer however is suspicious of these
easier ways, on the right hand or on the left : his path lies straight
forward, and cannot be travelled without ascending the hill ; which
he desires to do, because his grand concern is to be found right at
last. But they, who chiefly desire at a cheap rate to keep up their
credit and confidence, venture into perilous or ruinous paths, till
they either openly apostatize, or get entangled in some fatal delur
sion, and are heard of no more among the people of GOD.
These lines are here inserted
' Shall they who wrong begin yet rightly end ?
Shall they at all have safety for their friend ?
No, no ; in headstrong manner they set out,
And headlong they will fall at last, no doubt.'
WHERE CHRISTIAN LOSES HIS ROLL. 13
fell into a slumber, and thence into a fast sleep,
which detained him in that place until it was al-
most night ; and in his sleep his Roll fell out of his
hand. Now, as he was keeping, there came one
to him and awaked him, saying, " Go to the ant,
" thon sluggard : consider her ways and he wise V
And with that CHRISTIAN suddenly started up,
and sped 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 against him amain ;
the name of the one was TIMOROUS, and the other
i
Prov. vi. 6.
' The diniculties of believers often seem to increase as they
proceed : this damps their spirits and they find more painful
exertion requisite than they once expected, especially \\hen re-
joicing in the Lord: \et he helps them, and provides tor their
.ei'reshincnt that they may not taint. Hut, whether their trial- be
moderated, or remarkable divine consolations be vouchsafed, it is,
alas, UT\ common for them to presume too much on their perse-
verance hitherto, or on the privileges in which the\ have been ad-
mitted ; and thus their ardour abates, their diligence and vigilance
are relaxed, and they venture to allow themselves some respite.
Then drovvsine-, steals upon them, darkness envelopes their souK,
the evidences ( ,( their acceptance are obscured or lost, and the
event would be la tal, did not the l^>rd excite them to renewed
arnestne.ss h\ salutary warnings ami alarms. Nor are ti,
any time more exposed to this temptation, than when outward
case hath succeeded to great hardships, patiently and coiisCH'n-
tiously endured: lor at such a crisis they an: least disposed f<>
question their own sincerity ; and Satan is sure to employ ail
his subtlety to lull them into security, and MMII fuel temp 1
to abuse the Lord's sprcial :<n-lr.' ihrm.
76 TIMOROUS AND MISTRUST RUN BACK.
MISTRUST: to whom CHRISTIAN said, Sirs,
what's the matter you run the wrong way ? TIM-
OROUS answered, that they were going* to the city
of Ziox, and had got up that difficult place : but,
said he, the farther we go the more danger we
meet with ; wherefore we turned, and are* going
back again.
Yes, said MISTRUST, for just before us lie a
couple of lions in the way (whether sleeping or
waking we know not ;) and we could not think,
if we came within reach, but they would presently
pull us in pieces.
Then said CHRISTIAN, you make me afraid :
but whither shall I flee to be safe ? If I go back to
mine own country, that is prepared for fire and
brimstone, and I shall certainly perish there : if I
can get to the celestial city, I am sure to be in
^safety there. I must venture : to go back is
nothing but death ; to go forward is fear of death,
and life everlasting beyond it. I will yet go for-
ward. 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 bosom for his Roll, that he might read
therein and be comforted ; but he felt, and found
it not. Then was CHRISTIAN in great distress,
and knew not what to do; for he wanted that
which used to relieve him, and that which should
have been his pass into the celestial City. Here
therefore he began to be much perplexed, and
CHRISTIAN RETURNS TO SEEK HIS ROLL. 77
knew not what to do. At last he bethought him-
self that he had slept in the Arbour that is on the
side of the hill ; and fulling down upon his knees
he asked God forgiveness for that his foolish fact,
and then went back to look for his Roll. But all
the way he went baek, who can sufficiently set
forth the sorrow of CHRISTIAN'S heart? Some-
times lie sighed, sometimes he wept, and often-
times he chid himself for being so foolish to fall
asleep in that place, which was erected only for a
little refreshment from his weariness. Thus there-
fore he went back, carefully looking on this side
and on that, all the way ;rs he went, if happily he
might find his Roll that had been his comfort so
many times in his journey. lie went thus till he
came again within sight of the Arbour where he
sat and slept ; but that sight renewed his .sorrow
the more, by bringing again, even afre>h, his r\ il
of sleeping unto his mind. Thus therefore he now
went on bewailing his sinful sleep, saying, " ()
wretched man that I am !" that I should .sleep in
the day-time", that I should sleep in the midst of
difficulty ! that I should so indulge the flesh, as to
use that icst tor ease to my llesli, which the Lord
of the hill hath erected only for the relief of the
spirits of Pilgrims ! How many steps ha\ e I i
in vain ! Thus it happened to ISIIAKI. for tluii
they were sent back a^ain by the w;iv of the Red
&fc: and I am made to tread those step* with
1 i ThrM. v. 7^8. Rcr. ii. 4, 5.
73 CHRISTIAN REGRETS HIS FOLLY,
sorrow, which I might have trod with delight, had
it not heen for this sinful sleep. How far might I
have been on my way by this time ! I am made to .
tread those steps thrice over, which I needed not
to have trod but once : yea, now also I am like to
be benighted, for the day is almost spent : O that
I had not slept ! u
Now by this time he was come to the Arbour
u Some persons are better prepared to struggle through difficul-
ties, than to face dangers. Alarming convictions induce them to-
exercise a temporary self-denial, and to exert themselves with
diligence ; yet the very appearance of persecution drives them
back to their forsaken courses and companions. Through unbe-
lief, distrust, and timidity, they fear the rage of men more than
the wrath of Gob j and never consider how easily the Lord can
restrain or disarm the fiercest persecutors. Even true Christians
arc often alarmed by the discourse of such persons ; 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 professors
to apostacy, excite upright souls to renewed self-examination by
the holy Scriptures, that they may " rejoice in hope" amidst their
perils and tribulations : and this discovers to them those decays in
the vigour of their affections, and consequently in the evidences of
their acceptance, which had before escaped their notice. CHRIS-
TIAN'S perplexity, remorse, complaints, and self-reproachings,
when he missed his roll, and went back to seek it, exactly suit the
experience of humble and conscientious believers, when unwatch-
fulness has brought their state into uncertainty : but they do not
at all accord to that of professors who strive against all doubts
indiscriminately, more than against any sin whatever, unless con-
nected with open scandal ; who labour hard to keep up their con*
Jidence against evidence, amidst continued negligence and allowed
ins ; and exclaim against sighs, tears, and tenderness of conscience,
as legality and unbelief. No doubt Bux YAN would have excluded
uch characters from the company of his pilgrims !
HE FIN'DS HIS ROLL, BUT IS BENIGHTED. 79
again, win-re for a while he sat down and wept;
but at last, (us CHRISTIAN' would have it,) looking
.VHTOW fully down under the settle, there he espied
his roll; the which he with trembling and haste
eatehed up and put it into his bosom. But who
ran tell how joyful this man was when hehadgot-
iiis roll again r For this roll was the assurance
of his lii'e, and acceptance at the desired havui.
Therefore he laid it up in his bosom, gave thanks
to GOD for directing his eye to the place where it
lay. and with joy and tears betook himself again
to his journey. But O how nimbly now did he
go up the rest of the hill ! w Yet before he got up,
the sun went down upon CHRISTIAN; and this
made him again recall the vanity of his sleeping to
his remembrance ; and thus he again began to con-
dole himself: ' O thou sinful sleep ! how for thy
' >ake am I like to be benighted in my journey ! 1
* must walk without the sun, darkness must cover
' the path of my feet, and I must hear the noise of
4 doleful creatures, because of my sinful sleep!'
Xow also he remembered the story that MISTRUST
and TIMOROUS told him of, how they were fright-
ed with the sight of the lions. Then said Cuitis-
w By means of extraordinary diligence, with renewed upplica-
tkm to theldood of CttRItT, the believer in time rcco\er< hi-
varranted ronlidence, and GOD " restore* l>> him tin- joy of his
vuKatinn :" Inn In- imit, :is it \\en-. .itrdl\ over the WtBC
-i nuiid \\ith M>rrmv. which, had it not born fur I. is negligence, he
ini^lit lia\- pa-fl ut once with comfort.
PART I. Cl
80 THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL.
TIAN to himself again, these beasts range in the
night for their prey ; and if they should meet with
me in the dark how should I shift them ? how
should I escape being by them torn in pieces ? x
Thus he went on his way. But, while he was thus
bewailing his unhappy miscarriage, he lift up his
eyes, and behold there was a very stately palace
before him, the name of which was BEAUTIFUL,
and it stood just by the highway side. y
x Believers may recover their evidences of acceptance, and yet
suffer many troubles as the effects of their past umvatchfulness.
The LORD rebukes and chastens those whom he loves: genuine
comfort springs immediately from the vigorous exercise of holy
affections in communion with GOD, which may be suspended even
when no doubts are entertained of final salvation r and the true
penitent is least disposed to forgive himself, when most satisfied
that the Lord hath forgiven him.
y Hitherto CHRISTIAN has been a solitary pilgrim : but we
must next consider him as admitted to the communion of the
faithful, and joining with them in the most solemn publick ordi-
nances. This is represented under the emblem of the house
BEAUTIFUL, and the pilgrim's entertainment in it, Mr. BUN-
TAN was a protestant dissenter, an Independent in respect of
church-government and discipline ; and an Anti-picdo-baptist, or
one who deemed adult professors of repentance and faith the only
proper subjects of baptism, and immersion the only proper mode
of administering that ordinance. He must, therefore, have in-
tended to describe especially the admission of the new convert as
a member of a dissenting churck, (which consists of the communi-
cants only,) upon a profession of faith, and with adult baptism by
immersion : but as he held open communion with Pcedo-baptists,
the last circumstance is not necessarily included. Indeed he has
expressed himself so candidly and cautiously, that his representa-
tions may suit the admission of members into the society of pro-
THE LIONS. THE PORTER WATCHFUL. 81
So I saw in my dream, that he made haste and
went forward, that if possible he might get lodging
there. Now before he had gone far he entered
into a very narrow passage, which was ahout a fur-
long off of the PORTER'S lodge; and looking very
narrowly before him as lie went, he espied two lions
in tliV \\ -ay. Now, thought he, I see the danger
that MisTursT and TIMOROUS were driven back
by. (The lions were chained but he saw not the
chains.) Then lie was afraid, and thought also
himself to go back after them; for he thought
nothing but deatli was before him. But the POR-
TER at the lodge, whose name is WATCHFUL, per-
ceiving that CHRISTIAN made a halt, as if he
would go back, cried unto him, saying, ' Is thy
' strength so small ' ? Fear not the lions, for they
1 are chained, and are placed there for trial or' faith
' where it is, and for discovery of those that have
1 Mark iv. 40.
fcsscd Christians, in any communion, where u si-rimis regard to
spiritual religion is in this rr-|>oct maintained. It may perhaps be
questioned, how fur, in the present state of things, this jx pr-
blc: but we can scarcely deny it to be very desirable, that
Christian -m -ietio should IK- funned according to the principle-
here exhibited: Mich would indeed be \cry Inautiful, honourable
OD, conducive to mutual edification, and examples to th
world around them. Various expedients also may IK- adopted t.-i
thus promoting the communion of the saints: and surely morr.
mi^ht be done than is at preM-nf. perlutps ans where, were all Con
ccrned to attempt it boldly, i-ariie-tl\. and nitlj united efforts.
G*
6 1 2 CHRISTIAN VENTURES PAST THE LIONS..
' none : keep in the mrdst of the path and no hurt
' shall come unto thee.' z
Then I saw that lie went on trembling for fear
o
of the lions ; but taking good heed to the direc-
tions of the PORTER, he heard them roay, but they
did him no harm. Then he clapped his hands,,
and went on till he came and stood before the gate
where the PORTER was. Then said CHRISTIAN
to the PORTER, Sir, What house is this? And,.
May I lodge here to-night? The PORTER answer-
ed, This house was built by the LORD of the hill,,
and he built it for the relief and security of Pil-
grims. The PORTER also asked whence he was?
and whither he was going ?
z A publick profession of faith exposes a man to more oppo-
sition from relatives and neighbours, than a private attention to
religion ; and in our author's clays it was commonly the signal
for persecution : for which reason he places the lions in the road
to the house BEATTTIFUI,.. -Sense perceives the dangers, and the
imagination,- through the suggestions of SATAN, exceedingly mag-
nifies them : but faith alone can discern the secret restraints
which the LORD lays on the minds of opposers ; and even believers
are apt to be needlessly fearful oa such occasions. But the vigi
lant pastors of the flock obviate their fears, and by seasonable mi-
monitions animate them to press forward, assured that nothing
shall do them any real harm, and that all shall eventually prove
beneficial to them.
We meet with the following lines in the old copies, which re In-
to the pilgrim's present situation :
' Difficulty is behind, fear is before,
Though lie's got on the hill, the lions roar :
A Christian man is never long at case ;
Whqn one*fright's gone, another doth him
ID] 1'ORTKR QUFSTlONs HIM.
I am conic from (lie City of Di -.ri'i i -
TIOV, and am oin<; to Mount /ION; I'til. be-
cause tlu- sun is no\v set, I desire, if I m:;
lodge here to-night.
I'OK. \\'\rdt is your name?
C'nu. My name is now C'HIUSTIAN, but my
name at tlie fu>t was (iu.u j i : ^ : I came of the
raee of JAIMIKTH ', whom God will pcr.sua<le to
dwell in I lie tents of Si; i .M.
Pou. lint how doth it happen that you come so
late : The sun is set.
C'HR. I had been here sooner, Init that, v.retc-h-
rd man that I ajn ! I slept in the arbour that stands
on the hill-side. Nay, I had, notwithstanding
that, been here much sooner, but that in my sleep
I lost my evidence, and came without it to the
brow of the hill; and then feelin"' for it and find
in^ it not. I uus forced with sorrow of heart, to <n>
back to the place where I slept my sleep ; where
I found it. and now I am come. *
* Gen. ix. 97.
' The I'nrtrr'x riKiuiiii's and CM i; I^TI A N'S :IM-\MT- exhibit our
author's s, ntimcnto, <>n the caution with \\hirh mcmlx-r^ should bi-
admitted into the communion of thi-laiiliful : and it very properly
slie\\-, hr ( \\ ministers, by private conversation, may form a judg-
ment of a man's jirofe-Moii, whether it \x intelligent aud the result
of experience, or notional and formal.- I'IIUIM i \\ a-i-m-.l hi>
Miilul sl,.,.|, mi , ;ls th<"aiise ol'liis mrriuai; so late: \\hvn Iwliever-
npiessfd with prevailing <loul)ts of their acceptance. the\ are
liarkward in joining theinseKe- to the people of GOD; and this
often tempts them to sinful delays, instead of exciting them to
greater diligence.
84 THE VIRGINS DISCRETION,
POR. Well, I will call out one of the virgins of
this place, who will, if she likes your talk, bring
you in to the rest of the family, according to the
rules of the house. So WATCHFUL the PORTER
rang a bell, at the sound of which came out at the
door of the house a grave and beautiful damsel,
named DISCRETION, and asked why she was
called ?
The PORTER answered, This man is in a jour-
ney from the City of DESTRUCTION to Mount
ZION; but being weary and benighted, he asked
me if he might lodge here to-night : so I told him
I would call for thee, who, after discourse had with
him, mayest do as seemeth thee good, even accor-
ding to the law of the house.
Then she asked him whence he was ? and whither
he was going ? and he told her. She asked him
also how he got into the way ? and he told her.
Then she asked him what he had seen and met with
in the way ? and he told her. And at last she ask-
ed his name? So he said, It is CHRISTIAN ; and I
have so much the more a desire to lodge here to-
night, because, by what I perceive, this place was
built by the LORD of the hill for the relief and se-
curity of Pilgrims. So she smiled, but the water
stood in her eyes ; and after a little pause she said,
I will call forth two or three more of the family,
So she ran to the door and called out PRUDENCE,
PIETY, and CHARITY, who, after a little more
discourse with him, had him into the family ; and
PIETY, PRUDENCE, A\D CHARITY. 85
many of them meeting him at the threshold of the
house, said, " Come in, thou hle-^cd of the Lord;"
this house was ' built by the LORD of the hill, on
' purpose to entertain such Pilgrims in.' Then lie
bowed his head, and followed them into the house.
So when he was eomc in and set down, they gave
him something to drink, and eonsenled together,
that until supper was ready, some of them should
have some particular discourse with CHRISTIAN,
for the best improvement of time ; and they ap-
pointed PIETY, and Piu DKNCK, and CHARITY,
to discourse with him ; and thus they began. b
Pi. Come, good CHRISTIAN, since we have
been so loving to you, to receive you into our
house this night, let us, if perhaps we may better
b The discourse of Disrii r.Tiox with tin- pilgrim represents
Mich precautions and enquiries into the character and \ic\\s of a
professor, as may be made use. of by any body of christians, in or-
der to prevent the intrusion of improper persons. The answer*,
gi\en to the several questions proposed, constitute the pro|wr fx~
frmn/ qualifications for admission to the LORD'S table, when there
is nothing in a man's principles and conduct inconsistent with
tin-in ; for the LOUD alone cnn judge how far they accord to
I he iniiiinl dispositions and affections of the heart. By the di-
thers belonging to the family with CHRISTIAN, pre-
\iously to his admission, the author probably meant, that members
should be admitted into Christian societies with the approbation
ot the most prudent, pious, and candid part of those that constitute
them; and according to the dictates of those graces or endow -
ments here jH-rsoniiied. IK giving him ' something to cat before
' supper," h< probably referred to those preparatory sermons and
de\i.tn>ns, |>\ which the administration of the I-ord's MipjMT was
then frequently and with great propriety introduced.
86 PIETY CONVERSES WITH CHRISTIAN,
ourselves thereby, talk with you of all things that
have happened to you in your pilgrimage. c
CHR. With a very good Avill ; and I am glad
that you are so well disposed.
Pi. What moved you at first to betake yourself
to a .Pilgrim's life ?
CHR. I was driven out of my native country by
a dreadful sound that was in mine ears ; to wit,
That unavoidable destruction did attend me if I
abode in that place where I was.
Pi. But how did it happen that you came out of
your country this way ?
CHR. It was as God would have it : for when I
was under the fears of destruction, I did not know
whither to go ; but by chance there came a man,
even to me (as I was trembling and weeping,)
whose name is EVANGELIST, and he directed me
to the WICKET-GATE, which else I should never
have found, and so set me into the way that hath
led me directly to this house.
Pi. But did you not come by the house of the
INTERPRETER?
CHR. Yes, and did see such things there, the
c The further conversation of PIETY and her companions with
CHRISTIAN was subsequent to his admission, and represents the
advantage of the communion of the saints, and the best method of
conducting it. To lead believers to a serious review of the way in
which they have been led hitherto, is every way profitable, as it
tends to increase humiliation, gratitude, faith, and hope; and
must, therefore, proportionably conduce to the glory of GOD, and
the edification of their brethren.
WHO RELATES WHAT HE HAD MET WITH. 87
remembrance of \\hich will stick by nit 1 as long
;t I live; especially three things; to wit, how
C'liHisr, in despite of SATAN, maintains his woik
of grace- in the hc;;rt; how the n:an IKK! sinned
himself quite nut of hopes of GOD'S mercy ; and
aKo the dream of him that thought in his sleep the
day of judgment was come.
Pi. Why ? Did yon hear him tell his dream ?
CUR. Yes, and a dreadful one it was, I thought;
it made my heart ake as he was telling of it ; hut
yet I am glad 1 heard it.
Pi. Was this all you saw at the house of the IN-
TERPRETER ?
C'nii. No; he took me and had me where'he
shewed me a stately palace, and how the people
\v t re clad in gold that were in it ; and how there
came a venturous man, and cut his way through
the armed men that stood in the door to keep him
out; and how he was hid to come in and win eter-
nal glory. Methought those things did ravMi
my heart: I Mould have .staid at that good man s
house a twelvemonth, hut that I knew 1 had fur-
ther to go.
l'i. And what saw you else in the wax :
C'nii. Sa\v ! \Vh\. 1 wcnl hut a little further.
and I saw One, as L thought in my mind, -hang
hleeding upon a tree; and the \ei\ sight of him
made my hurdcn fall otf my hack ; for 1 groan-
ed under a heavy hurdcn, hut then it fell down
from off me. Twa.s a strange thing to me, for I
never saw such a thing before; yea, and while I
88 PRUDENCE QUESTIONS CHRISTIAN,
stood looking up, (for then I could not forbear
looking-,) three shining ones came tome: one of
them testified that my sins were forgiven me ; a-
nothcr stript me of my rags, and gave me this
broidercd coat which you see ; and the third set
the mark which you see in my forehead, and gave
me this sealed roll ; (and with that he plucked it
out of his bosom.)
Pi. But you saw more than this, did you not ?
CIIR. The things that I have told you were the
best : yet some other matters I saw ; as namely, I
saw three men, SIMPLE, SLOTH, and PRESUMP-
TION, lie asleep, a little out of the way as I came,
with irons upon their heels ; but do you think I
could awake them ! I also saw FORMALIST and
HYPOCRISY come tumbling over the Avail, to go,
as they pretended, to ZION ; but they were quickly
lost ; even as I myself did tell them, but they
would apt believe. But, above all, I found it 1'iard
work to get up this hill, and as hard to come by
the lions' mouths : and truly, if it had not been
for the good man, the PORTER, that stands at the
gate, I do not know but that, after all, I might
have gone back again ; but now, I thank G od, I
am here ; and I thank you for receiving of me.
Then PRUDENCE thought good to ask him a
few questions, and desired his answer to them.
PR. Do you not think sometimes of the country
from whence you came ?
CHR. Yes, but with much shame and detestation :
truly, " If I had been mindful of that country from
wiio sHi.M-s HIS CONFLICTS AND COMFORTS. 89
" whence I came out, I might have had opportuni-
wv tv to have returned; but now I desire a better
" country, that is an heavenly 1 ."
PK. Do you not yet bear away with you some of
the things that then you were conversant withal?
C'nit. Yes, but greatly against my will; es-
pecially my inward and carnal cogitations, with
which all my countrymen, a* well as myself, were
delighted : but now all those things are my grief;
and might I but choose mine own things, I would
choose never to think of those things more; but
when I would be doing of that which is best, that
which is worst is with me.
I'K. Do you not find sometimes as if those
things were vanquished, which at other times are
\our perplexity ?
C'n it. Yes, but that is but seldom ; but they are
to me golden hours in which such things happen
to me.
PR. Can you remember by what means you
find your annoyances at times as if they were van-
<|uMicd :
C'IIK. Yes: when I think what I saw at the
cro>s, that will do it; and when I look upon my
broiclered coat, that will do it; also when I look
into the roll that I carry in my bosom, that will do
it ; and when my thoughts wax warm about whither
I am going, that will do it.
I'K. And what is it that makes you so desirous
to go to Mount ZION?
Heb. xi. 16.
90 CHARITY ALSO QUESTIONS CHRISTIAN
CIIR. Why, there I hope to see him alive that
did hang dead on the cross : and there I hope to be
rid of all those things that to this day are in me
an annoyance to me : there they say there is no
death 1 ; and there I shall dwell with such company
us I like best. For, to tell you truth, I love him
because I was by him eased of my burden ; and I
am weary of my inward sickness. I would fain be
where I shall die no more, and with the company
that shall continually cry, rt Holy, holy, holy." d
Then said CHARITY to CHRISTIAN, Have you
a family ? are you a married man ?
CHR. I have a wife and four, small children.
CHA.R. And why did not you bring them along
with you ?
Then CHRISTIAN wept, and said, Oh! how
willingly would I have done it ! but they were all
of them utterly averse to my going on pilgrimage.
1 Isa. xxv. 8. Rev. xxi. 4.
d Men may learn any doctrine by human teaching, and relate
by rote any experience ; nay, general convictions, transient affec-
tions, and distinct notions may impose upon the man himself, and
he may mistake them for true conversion. The best method of
avoiding this dangerous rock consists in daily self-examination,
and constant prayer to be preserved from it : and, as far as we
are concerned to form a judgment of others, in order to perform
our several duties towards them, prudence is especially required,
and will suggest such questions as are here proposed. The true
Christian's inmost feelings will best explain the answers, which no
exposition can elucidate to those who arc unacquainted with the
conflict to which they refer. The golden hours, (fleeting and
precious,) are earnests of the everlasting holy felicity of heaven.
COXC K K \ I N O 11 1 S W I I E AND C II I LDfl E X. .0 1
CHAR. But you should have talked to them, and
have endeavoured to have shewn them the danger
of being left behind.
CUR. So I did ; and told them also what GOD
had shewed to me of the destruction of our City;
but I seemed to them as one that mocked, and
they believed me not 1 .
CM AU. And did you pray to GOD that he would
blr-s your counsel to them?
CUR. Yes, and that with much affection ; lor
you must think that my wife and poor children
were very dear unto me.
CHAR. But did you tell them of your own sor-
row, and fear of destruction ? for 1 suppose that
destruction was visible enough to you.
CHH. Yes, over, and over, and over. They
might also see my fears in my countenance, in my
rcais, and also in my trembling under the appre-
hension of the judgments that did hang over our
heads; but all was not sufficient to prevail with
them to come with me.
CIIAH. But wliat could they say for themselves
why they came not ?
CHU. Why, my wife was afraid of losing this
world ; and my children were given to the foolish
delights of youth: so, what by one thing and
what by another, they left me to wander in thi>
manner alone.
(HAH. But did you not with your vain life
1 Gen. xix. 14.
92 CHRISTIAN SHEWS WHY HE CAME ALONE.
damp all that you by words used by way of per-
suasion to bring them away with you ?
CHR, Indeed I cannot commend my life, for I
am conscious to myself of many failings therein :
I know also, that a man by his conversation may
soon overthrow, what by argument or persuasion
he doth labour to fasten upon others for their good.
Yet this I can say, I was very wary of giving them
occasion, by any unseemly action, to make them
averse to going on pilgrimage. Yea, for this very
thing they would tell me I was too precise ; and
that I denied myself of things, (for their sakes, )
in which they saw no evil. Nay, I think I may
say that if what they saw in me did hinder them, it
was my great tenderness in sinning against GOD,
or of doing any wrong to my neighbour.
CHAR. Indeed " CAIN hated his brother, be-
" cause his own works were evil, and his brother's
" righteous l ;" and if thy wife and children have
been offended with thee for this, they thereby shew
themselves to be implacable to good ; and thou hast
delivered thy soul from their blood *. e
1 i John iii. 12. a Ezek. iii. 19.
e When \vc know the value of our own souls, we shall become
greatly solicitous for the souls of others. It is therefore a very
suspicious circumstance, when a man professing godliness shews
no earnestness in persuading those he loves best to seek salvation :
and it is absurd in the extreme to excuse this negligence by argu-
ments taken from GOD'S secret purposes, when these have no in-
fluence on the conduct of the very same persons in their temporal
concerns! CHARITY'S discourse with CHRISTIAN shews the
THEIR DISCOURSE DURING SU PPER. V-J
Now I saw iii my dream, that thus they sat talk-
ing together until supper was ready. So when they
had made ready, they .sat down to meat. Now the
table was furnished with fat things, and with wine
that was well refined ; and all their talk at thetahlc
was about the LORD of the hill ; as namely, about
what HE had done, and wherefore I IK did what
II F. did. and why HE had bnilded that House ; and,
by what they said, I perceived that UK had been
a great warrior, and had fought with and slain him
that had the power of death ' ; but not without
great danger to himself; whieh made me love him
the more.
Tor, as they said, and. as I believe, said CHUIS-
i IAN, he did it with the loss of much blood. But
that which put glory of grace into all lie did,
was, that he did it of pure love to his country.
And besides, there were some of them of the house-
hold that said, they had seen and spoke with him
since lie did die on the cross ; and they have attest-
ed, that they had it from his own lips, that lie i>
such a lover of poor Pilgrims, that the like is not
to be found from the east to the west.
They, moreover, gave an instance of what they
attirmed, and that was, he had stript liimvlf of
his glory that he might do this tor the poor; and
1 Hcb. ii. 14, 15.
author's sfiitiuuMitk of the cliit'u-- <>t ln:lio>n in thU most. ;ni|*>r
taut concern ; and of the rial reason* wh) rarnal nu-n rejcrt the
gO$JK'l.
94 THE CHAMBER PEACE.
that they heard him say and affirm, ' That he
' would not dwell in the mountain of ZION alone.'
They said, moreover, that he had made many Pil-
grims Princes, though by nature they \verc beggars
born, and their original had been the dunghill '. {
Thus they discoursed together till late at night ;
and after they had committed themselves to their
LORD for protection, they betook themselves to
rest. The Pilgrim they laid in a large upper cham-
ber, whose window opened towards the sun-rising :
the name of the chamber was PEACE, where he slept
till break of day, and then he awoke and sang
' Where am I now ! Is this the love and care
Of JESUS, for the men that Pilgrims are,
Thus to provide ! That I should be forgiven,
And dwell already the next door to heaven !' &
1 i Sam. ii. 8. Ps. cxiii. 7.
f The administration of the Lord's supper is here emblematically
described. In it the Person, humiliation, sufferings, and death of
CHRIST, with the motive and event of them, arc kept in perpetual
remembrance. By seriously contemplating on these interesting
subjects, with the emblems of his body wounded and his blood shed
before our eyes ; and by professing our cordial acceptance of his
salvation, and surrender of ourselves to his service ; we find every
holy affection revived and invigorated, and our souls humbled and
softened in deep repentance, inspired with calm confidence, ani-
mated to thankful, zealous, self-denying obedience, and enlarged
tender affection for our fellow Christians, with compassionate for-
giving love of our most inveterate enemies. The believer will
readily apply the allegorical representation of ' the LOUD of the
' hill 1 ,' to the love of CHRIST for lost sinners, which no words
can adequately describe, for " it passeth knowledge."
* That peace of conscience and serenity of mind, which follow
Isa. xxv. 6, 7.
THE STUDY AND THE RECORDS. $5
So in the morning they all got up; and, after
some more discourse, they told him that he should
not depart till the v had shewed him the Rarities of
that j)l;iee. And first they hail him into the ST u DY,
where they she-wed him records of the greatest
antiquity ; in which, as I remember my dream,
they shewed him, first the pedigree of the LOUD
of the hill, that he was the Son of the ANCIENT
OF DAYS, and came by an eternal generation.
Here also was more fully recorded the acts that he-
had done, and the names of many hundreds that he
had taken into his service ; and how he had placed
them in such habitations, that could neither by
length of days, nor decays of nature be dissolved.
Then they read to him some of the worthy acts
that some of his servants had done: as how they .
had " subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness.
" obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
"quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge
" of the sword, out of weakness were made strong,
"waxed valiant in light, and turned to flight the
armies of the aliens." '
1 Ilcb. xi. 33, 34.
a humble upright profession of faith in CHRIST, and communion
with him au<l his people, i> not the eliert of a mere outward O!>MM
Mince; but of that inward disposition of heart which i thus cul-
tivated, and of the LORD'S ble-siu^ on his own appointments.
This !, li t -re represented \>\ tin chamber I'KAI I. : it raises tin- soul
aho\c the care and bustle of this \ain world, and spring tV-m the
hcalinj; beams of the Sun of
PART I. 11
96 THE ARMOURY, AXD ITS CURIOSITIES.
Then they read again in another part of the
records of the house, where it was shewed how wil-
ling their LORD was to receive into his favour
any, even any, though they in time past had offered
great affronts to his person and proceedings.
Here also were several other histories of many
other famous things, of all which CHRISTIAN had
a view : as of things both antient and modern ;
together with prophecies and predictions of things
that have their certain accomplishment, both to
the dread and amazement of enemies, and the
comfort and solace of Pilgrims. h
The next day they took him and had him into
the ARMOURY, where they shewed him all man-
ner of furniture which their Lord had provided for
Pilgrims, as sword, shield, helmet, breast-plate, all-
prayer, and shoes that would not wear out. And
there was here enough of this to harness out as
many men, for the service of their LORD, as there
be stars in the heaven for multitude.
They also shewed him some of the engines, with
which some of his servants had done wonderful
things. They shewed him MOSES'S rod ; the ham-
mer and nail with which JAEL slew Si SERA ; the
pitchers, trumpets, and lamps too, with which
k Christian communion, properly conducted, tends to enlarge
the believer's acquaintance with the holy Scriptures: and thi*
conduces to increase faith, hope, love, patience, and fortitude ; to
animate the soul in emulating the illustrious examples there ex-
hibited ; and to furnish instruction for every good work.
A VIEW OF THE DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS. 97
GIDEON put to flight the armies of MIDI AN.
Then they shewed him the ox's goad, wherewith
SHAMC.AI; slew six hundred men. They shewed
him also the jaw-hone with which SAMPSON did
such mighty teats: they .shewed him moreover the
sling and .stone with which DAVID slew GOLIAH
ofCiATH: and the sword also with which their
LORD will kill the Man of sin, in the day that he
shall rise up to the prey. They shewed him besides
many excellent things with which CHRISTIAN
was much deiigiitcd. This done they went to
their rest again. '
Then I saw in my dream that on the morrow he
got up to go forwards, but they desired him to
stay till the next day also ; and then, said they,
we will, if the day be clear, shew you the DELEC-
i \ I-. IK MOUNTAINS ; \\hieh, they said, would yet
further add to his comfort, because they were
1 The provision made in CHRIST and his fulness, for maintain-
ing and inrreaini:. in tin- heart* of his people, those holy affections,
by the vigorous exercise of which victory is obtained over all ene-
mies, is here represented by the ARMOURY *. This suffices t-.j
all who seek to be supplied from it, how many soever they be. We
miijht, therefore, " to take to ourselves the whole armour of GOD,"
and " put it on," by diligently using all the means of grace ; and
we may assist others, by our exhortations, counsels, example, and
prayers, to do the same. The following allusions to the scriptural
history, which have a peculiar propriety in an allegory, intimate
that the means of prate are made effectual l>y the power of
GOD, which we should depend on, in implicit obedience to hi<
appointment^.
i Eph. vi. 10. 1 8. i Then. v. 6.
H 2
98 J MM AX U EL'S LAND.
nearer the desired haven than the place where at
present lie was ; so he consented and staid. When
the morning- was up they had hinfto the top of the
house, aiid bid him look south : so he did ; and
behold, at a great distance ', he saw a most pleas-
ant mountainous country, beautified with woods,
vineyards, fruits of all sorts, flowers also, with
springs and fountains, very delectable to behold.
Then he asked the name of the country. They
said, It was IMMANUEL'S LAND ; and it is as com-
mon, said they, as this hill is, to and for all -the Pil-
grims. And when thou comest there, from thence,
said they, thou mayest see to the gate of the celes-
tial City, as the shepherds that live there will make
appear. k
Now he bethought himself of setting forward,
and they were willing he should. But first, said
they, let us go again into the ARMOURY. So they
did ; and when he came there they harnessed him
from head to foot with what was of proof, lest
perhaps he should meet with assaults in the way.
He being therefore thus accoutred walketh out
1 Isa. xxxiii. 16, 17.
k The DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS, as seen at a distance, re-
present those distinct views of the prhileges and consolations at-
tainable in this life, with which believers are sometimes favoured,
when attending on divine ordinances, or diligently making a sub-
sequent improvement of them. The hopes thus inspired prepare
them for pressing forward through clangers and hardships. This
is the pre-eminent advantage of Christian -communion, and can
only be enjoyed at some special seasons, when the Sun of righte-
ousness shines upon the soul.
CIIUIS'I IAN AHMKD GOES ON II IS WAY. 99
with his friends to the gate, and there lie asked
the POHTI.IJ, it' he. saw any Pilgrims pass by? Then
the FORTH ii answered, Yes. '
C'IIK. Pray did you know him?
FOR. I asked his name, and he told me it was
FA ri n M i .
O, said CHRISTIAN', I know him: he is my
townsman, my near neighbour, he comes from the
place where I was born : how far do you think he
may be before ?
FOR. He is got by this time below the hill.
Well, said CHRISTIAN, good PORTKR, the Lord
be with thce, and add to all thy blessings much
increase, for the kindness that thou hast shewed
to me.
Then he began to go forward ; but I) i sc R i r ION,
PIETY, CHARITY, and PRL DF.NCK would accom-
pany him down to the foot of the hill. So they
went on together, reiterating their former dis-
courses, till they came to go down the hill. Then
said CHRISTIAN, as it -was dijjicult coming up. so,
so far as I can sec, it is dan^nmx going down.
1 The ordinances (if publick or social \vor-hip arr only the
i>t lieinii rrli;;i'ius DOt Uft6 CMGOCe of KUgpQO it -oil'. Ilsmi
i our strength liy \\aitim: <>n tin- Lord, \ve must iz' forward.
li\ attending with greater diligence to the duties tit" our M-\rral >ta-
tions ; preparing tu resist temptations, \\hich ot'trn assault u- ;iit- ;
-|>-rial M-asniiN o| '<li\iin- t-oiiNolatiun. Ministers thnvfon-, aiul
\l>t'iu-iKcil iH-lievrr-, vliiiuKl warn converts to r\pTt trial- an-i
t (inflicts, and recomnnMid to tlu-iu Midi roiiipanicn> a> may lir u
comfort and help in their pilrim.i..
II 3
100 THE VALLEY OF HUMILIATION.
Yes, said PRUDENCE, so it is; for it is an hard
matter for a man to go down into the Valley of
HUMILIATION,, as thou art now, and to catch no
slip by the way ; therefore, said they, are we come
out to accompany thee doAvn the hill. So he be-
gan to go down, but very warily, yet he caught a
slip or two. .
Then I saw in my dream, that these good com-
panions, when CHRISTIAN Avas gone down to the
bottom of the hill, gave him a loaf of bread, a bot-
tle of wine, and a cluster of raisins; and then he
went on his way. m
m The humiliation. requisite for receiving CHRIST, obtaining
peace, and making a good confession of faith, is general and indis-
tinct, compared with that which may be acquired by subsequent
study, observation, and experience, especially amidst trials and
conflicts : and the Lord commonly dispenses comfort and humili-
ating dispensations alternately, that the believer may neither be
elated nor depressed above measure 1 . The valley of HUMILIA-
TION, therefore, is judiciously placed beyond the house BEAUTI-
FUL. Some explain it to signify a Christian's outward circum-
stances, when reduced to poverty, or subjected to great temporal
losses by professing the gospel ; and perhaps the author had this
idea in his mind : yet these could only be viewed as means of
producing inward humiliation. In going down into the valley,
the believer will greatly need the assistance of discretion, piety,
charity, and prudence, and the recollection of the instructions and
counsels of such christia.ns as are eminent for these endowments :
for humiliating dispensations and experiences excite the latent
evils of the heart, and often cause men to speak and act unadvis-
edly ; so that, notwithstanding every precaution, the review will
commonly discover many things which excite the remorse and sor-
row of deep repentance.
i 2 Cor. xii. 15.
THE FIEND APOLLYON. 1U1
But now, in this valley of' HUMILIATION*, poor
CHRISTIAN' was hard put to it; for IK- had gone
but a little \yay, before he espied a foul Fiend
coming over the field to meet him : his name is
APOM.YOV. Then did C'u it ISTI A \ begin to he
afraid, and to east in his mind whether to go back
or to .stand bis ground. Ihit lie considered again,
that he had no armour for his back, and therefore
thought that to turn the back to him might give
him greater advantage, with ease to pierce him
with his darts: therefore he resolved to venture,
and stand his ground : for, thought he, had I no
more in mine eye than the saving of my life,
'twould be the best way to stand.' B
Unili-r dbcottftg^lg circumstances the believer may l>etempt-
rcl to murmur, despond, or M-i-k relief from the world, rinding
his too sanguiiu- expectation! not answered; that he grow* worse
rather than better in his opinion of himself; that his comforts are
transitory ; and that much reproach, contempt, and loss are in-
curred by his profession of religion, discontent will often rise up in
his heart, and weakneis of faith will expose him to sharp conflicts.
Mr. HUXYAX, ha\ in-.: experienced, in an uncommon derive,
the most dreadful temptations, was probably led by that circum-
"tance to sjx-ak on this subject, in language not very intelligible to
thrive who ha\e been exempted from such painful exercises. The
nature of his \\ork required, that they should IH> de-iribed under
outward emblems; but the imvard suggestions of evil spirits ;irc
-sp, rially intended. These seem to have peculiar access to the
imagination, and arc able to paint before that illusive fucult\ the
most alluring or trrrifung representations, as if the\ \M n realities.
APOLLYON signifies the dettroyrr 1 : and in earning on the
work of destruction, fallen angels endeavour, by \ariout devices.
Rev. ix. ii.
II 4
102 A DESCRIPTION OF APOLLYON.
So he went on, and APOLLYON met him. Now
the monster was hideous to behold : he was cloth-
ed with scales like a fish, (and they are his pride ;)
he had wings like a dragon, feet like a bear, and
out of his belly came fire and smoke, and his
mouth was as the mouth of a lion. When he was
come up to CHRISTIAN, he beheld him with a
disdainful countenance, and thus began to ques-
tion with him.
to deter men from prayer, and to render them afraid of those
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 composure. Many, " having
" no root in themselves," thus gradually fall away ; and others
are greatly retarded : but the well-instructed believer sees no safety
except in facing his enemy. If it appear dangerous to persevere,
to desist is inevitable ruin, (for CHRISTIAN ' had no armour for
' his back.') So that fear itself will in that case induce a man to
stand his ground ; and the more resolutely he resists temptation,
the sooner will he regain his tranquillity ; for, when the sugges-
tions of SATAN excite us to pray more fervently, and to be more
diligent in every duty, that enemy will soon " flee from us." Per-
haps some may remember a time when they were harassed to that
degree as almost to despair of relief; who have since been so en-
tirely delivered, that, were it not for the recollection of their own
past experience, they would be ready to ascribe these distresses to
disease or enthusiasm, notwithstanding all that the Scripture con-
tains on the subject.
The description of APOLLYON implies, that the combat
afterwards recorded particularly represented the terrors, by which
evil spirits attempt to drive professors out of their path. Other
temptations, though often more dangerous, are not so distressing :
" for SATAN can transform himself into an angel of light;" and
indeed he is a i *ry PROTEUS, who can assume any form that best
mi's his puq>ose.
HE ACCOSTS AND REASONS WITH CHRISTIAN. 103
A POL. Whence- come you : and whither are you
1)01111(1 ?
Cms. I am come from the city of DESTRUC-
TION which is the place of all evil, and am going
to the city of /ION.
A POL. By this I perceive thou art one of my
.subjects; for all that country is mine, and lam
the prince and god of it. How is it then th:it
thou hast run away from thy king: Were it not
that I hope thou maycst do me more service, I
would strike thee now at one blow to the ground.
CIIH. I was horn indeed in your dominions, but
your service was hard, and your wages such as a
man could not live on ; " for the wages of sin is
" death ' ;" therefore when I was come to years I
did, as other considerate persons do, look out if
perhaps I might mend my .self.
AI'OL. There is no prince that will thus lightly
iiis .subjects, neither will I as yet lose thee ; but
since thou complaincst of thy service and wages, be
content to go back ; what our country will afVord,
I do here promise to give thee.
C'IIK. l>ut I ha\e let myself to another, even to
the K i NO of Princes ; and how can 1 with fairness
go back with thee ?
A POL. Thou hast done in this accoiding to the
proverb, C 'Imaged a had for a icorsc : but it is ordi-
nary tor those that have professed thcnischei his ser-
vants, after a while to give him the slip, and return
again to me. Do thou so too, and all shall be well.
1 Rom. vi. 23.
104 CHRISTIAN REFUTES APOLLYONT,
CHR. I have given him my faith, and sworn my
allegiance to him : how then can I go back from
this and not be hanged as a traitor ?
APOL. Thou didst the same to me, and yet I
am willing to pass by all, if now thou wilt yet turn
again and go back.
CHR. What I promised thee was in my nonage ;
and besides, I count that the PRINCE under whose
banner now I stand, is able to absolve me ; yea,
and to pardon also what I did as to my compliance
with thee: and, besides, O thou destroying APOL-
LYON, to speak truth, I like his service, his wages,
his servants, his government, his company, and
country, better than thine ; and therefore leave off
to persuade me further, I am his servant, and I will
follow him.
APOL. Consider again, when thou art in cool
blood, what thou art like to meet with in the way
that thou goest. Thou knowest that for the most
part, his servants come to an ill end, because they
are transgressors against me and my ways. How
many of them have been put to shameful deaths ?
And besides, thou countest his service better than
mine, whereas he never came yet from the place
where he is, to deliver any that served him out of
my hands : but, as for me, how many times, as all
the world very well knows, have I delivered, either
by power or fraud, those that have faithfully served
me, from him and his, though taken by them : and
so I will deliver thee.
CHR. His forbearing at present to deliver them
WHO AIMS TO DISCOURAGE HIM. 105
is on purpose to try their love, whether they will
cleave to him to the end : and, as for the ill end
tliou sa\cst they come to, that is most glorious in
their account : for, for present deliverance, they do
not much expert it ; for they stay for their glory>
and then they shall have it, when their PRINCE
comes in his and the glory of the angels. p
APOL. Thou habt already been unfaithful in thy
service to him ; and how dost thou think to receive
wages of him :
P As all have been overcome by the temptation of the devil ;
and " of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought into
** bondage :" MI, In usurpation, he is become the god and prince
of this world, and we have all been his slaves. But believer.', hav-
ing been redeemed by the blood of CHRIST, " are made free from
" sin ;nui become the servants of God:" and the abiding comic-
tion, that all the subjects of sin and SITAX must perish, concurs
with their experience, that it is an hard bondage, in fortifying
them against every temptation to return. Sensible of their obli-
gations to GOD as their Creator and Governor, they have deeply
repeated of past rebellions; and, having obtained merrv, feel
themselves bound by gratitude and the HUM solemn engagements
to cleave to him and his service. Their difficulties and discour-
agements cannot induce them to U-lieve thi't they ' have changed a
* bad for a worse ;' nor will they be iutluemvd by the numbers who
apostati/e, from kne to the world and dread of the cross : for they
an- " rooted and grounded in love," and not merely moved by
retire that the Lord is able to deliver
them from their enemie* : and, should the wicked be permitted to
prosper in their malicious devices against them, they know enough
of his plan, to rely on his wisdom, truth, and Jove, in the midtt of
sufferings. Thus they ha\c aii^v*ers ready for everv suggestion;
eteii such answers as CHRISTIAN had been furnished with at th*
llOUM' of the I NT 1. 1:1 !' I.TER.
106 APOI+LYON REPROACHES CHRISTIAN,
CHR. Wherein, O APOLLYON, have I been un-
faithful to him ?
APOL. Thou didst faint at first setting: out,
o
when thou wast almost choked in the gulph of
DESPOND ; thou didst attempt wrong ways to be
rid of thy burden, whereas thou shouldest have
stayed till thy PRINCE had taken it off: thou
didst sinfully sleep, and lose thy choice thing :
thou wast also almost persuaded to go back at the
sight of the lions : and when thou talkest of thy
journey, and of what thou hast heard and seen,
thou art inwardly desirous of vain-glory in all
that thou sayest or doest.
CHR. All this is true, and much more which
thou hast left out: but the PRINCE, whom I serve
and honour, is merciful and ready to forgive. But
besides, these infirmities possessed me in thy coun-
try : for there I suckt them in, and I have groan-
ed under them, being sorry for them, and have
obtained pardon of my PRINCE. q
*J If the suggestions before described be rejected, SATAN will
perhaps assault the believer, by representing to his mind, with
every possible aggravation, the several instances of his miscon-
duct since he professed the gospel ; in order to heighten his ap-
prehensions of being found at last a hypocrite : for when the soul
is discouraged and gloomy, he will be as assiduous in representing
ever,y false step to be a horrid crime inconsistent with the hope of
salvation ; as he is at other times in persuading men, that the most
flagrant violations of the divine law arc mere trifles. In repelling
such suggestions, the well-instructed believer will neither deny the
charge, nor extenuate his guilt; but he will flee for refuge to the
free grace of the gospel, and take comfort from the consciousness
AND VIOLENTLY ASSAULTS HIM. 107
Then APOLLYON broke out into a grievous
rage, saying I am an enemy to this PHIXCK; 1
hate Ins person, his laws, and people. I am come
out on purpose to withstand thee.
CHR. APOLLYON, beware what you do; for I
am in the KING'S highway, the way of holiness;
therefore take heed to yourself.
Then APOLLYON stradled <juite~over the whole
hreadth of the way, and said, I am void of fear in
this matter; prepare thyself to die; for I swear by"
my infernal den that thou shalt go no further:
here will I spill thy soul.
And with that he threw a flaming dart at his
breast; but CHKISTIAN had a shield in his hand,
with whieh lie caught it. and so prevented the
danger of that.
Then did CHRISTIAN ; draw ; for he saw'tuas
time to bestir him; and APOLLYON as fast made
at him, throwing darts as tliiek as hail : by the
whieh, notwithstanding all that Cu KISTI AN eould
do to avoid it. Aroi.i.vov wounded him in his
head, his hand, and foot. This made C'uuisi i \\
give a little hark : A POLL VON, therefore, follow< d
his work amain, and CHRISTIAN again tookeonr-
ati'c. and resisted as manfully as he could. This
sore combat lasted for above half a day, even till
CM u is i i.\ v \\as almost quite spent ; for you
iliat In- no\\ hate- and "roans under the remains of th-c rvil-.
uhicli once hr \\h"!l\ lived in without rrnir-e: tlx-n.-,- int
that " hi- MM-. f!n'Mi;li n:
108 CHRISTIAN FIGHTS WITH APOLLYON,
know, that CHRISTIAN, by reason of his wounds,
must needs grow weaker and weaker.
Then APOLLYON, espying his opportunity, be-
gan to gather up close to CHRISTIAN, and wrest-
ling with him, gave him a dreadful fall ; and with
that CHRISTIAN'S sword flew out of his hand.
Then said APOLLYON, I am sure of thee now:
and with that he had almost prest him to death ;
so that CHRISTIAN began to despair of life.
as GOD would have it, while APOLLYON
fetching of his last blow, thereby to make a full
end of this good man, CHRISTIAN nimbly reached
out his hand for his sword, and caught it, saying,
" Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy ! when
" I fall, I shall arise ';" and with that gave him a
deadly thrust, which made him give back as one
that had received his mortal wound. CHRISTIAN
perceiving that made at him again, saying, " Nay,
" in all these things we are more than conquerors
" through him that loved us *;" and with that
APOLL YON spread forth his dragon's wings and
sped him away, that CHRISTIAN saw him no
more.
In this combat no man can imagine, unless he
had seen and heard, as I did, what yelling and
hideous roaring APOLLYON made all the time of
the fight ; he spake like a dragon : and, on the
other side, what sighs and groans burst from
CHRISTIAN'S heart. I never saw him all the
while give so much as one pleasant look, till he
1 Mic. vii. 8. * Rom. viii. 37 39. Jam. iv. 7.
AND OVERCOMES HIM. 109
perceived he had wounded APOLLYON with his
two edged sword ; then indeed he did smile and
look upward ! but 'twas the drcadr'ullest light that
ever I
' The prcn-diivj part of CHRISTIAN'S contest with APOL-
I.YOX i> instructive to every experienced believer; but this is far
more difficult : yet if we duly reflect upon the LORD'S permission
to SATAN, in respect of JOB, with the efforts and effects that fol-
lowed, and compare it with the tempter's desire of sifting PETER
and the apostles as wheat ; we shall not be greatly ;it n lo>s about
the author's meaning. This enemy is sometimes gratified by an
arrangement of outward dispensations exactly suited to favour his
assaults : so that the believer's path seems wholly obstructed. The
LORD himself appears to have forsaken him, or even to fight a-
gainst Jiim ; and his appointments arc thought contrary to his
promise* ! This gives SATAN an opportunity of suggesting hard
thoughts of Goo and his ways, d-mlits about the truth of the Scrip-
tures, and desponding fears of a fatal event. Many such " fiery
M dart-." may be repelled or quenched 1>\ the shield of faith : but
there arc seasons (as some of us well kuow,) when they are poured
in so incessantly, and receive such plausibility from facts ; and
when thev so interrupt a man while praying, reading, or medi-
tating, that he is tempted to intermit religious duties, that lie may
avoid these most distressing Attendants on them. The evils of the
heart, which seemed before subdued, are*so excited l>v mean- t>i
the imagination, that they apparently prevail more than i-vei ,
rendering e\ery service an abomination, as well as a burden ; so
that the harassed soul, alarmed, baffled, defiled, self-detested, .i:id
thinking that Gooand his sor\ants unite in abhorring him, is read)
to give up all hope, to doubt all his former principles, to seek re!u^,-
in somr heretical or antinomian system, or to attempt the dissi-
pating of his melancholy gloom, by joining again in the \::n.'
the world. Thus the enemy ' wounds him in his understanding.
1 faith, and conversation,' (according to the author's marginal in-
terpretation of his meaning:; \el he cannot in this way find relief;
but is inwardly constrained, \\ith renewed efforts, to return to the
outlict. Wlun such tempfitinns however an- !.>i>-j <:
110 CHRISTIAN" RETURNS THANKS.
So when the battle was over, CHRISTIAN said,
I will here give thanks to him that hath delivered
resistance will gradually become more feeble ; the distressed be-
liever will be ready to give up every thing; and, when the enemy
plies him closely with infidel suggestions, to which his circum-
stances give a specious occasion, he may be thrown down, and
" his sword fly out of his hajfid :" so that for a time he may be
unable to give any credit t6*the truth of the Scriptures, by which
alone he was before enabled to repel the tempter. This is a dread-
ful case : and could true faith thus finally fail, even real Christians
must perish: SATAN hath succeeded against many professors,
with half these advantages ; and he may be supposed at least to
boast that he is sure of such as are thus cast down. But the Ad-
vocate above " prays" for his disciples, " that their faith should
" not fail l :" so that, though PETER fell with JUDAS, he was not
left to perish with him. The Christian, therefore, though ^almost
' pressed to death,' and ready ' to despair of life,' will, by the
special grace of GOD, be helped again to seize his sword, and to
use it with more effect than ever. The HOLY SPIRIT will bring
to his mind, with the most convincing energy, the evidences of the
divine inspiration of the Scripture, and enable him to rely on the
promises : and thus at length the enemy will be put to flight, by
testimonies of holy writ pertinently adduced, and more clearly un-
derstood than before. Experience will teach some readers to
understand these things, ^nd they will know how to compassionate
and make allowances for the mistakes of the tempted : and others,
who have been graciously exempted from perhaps the deepest an-
guish known on earth, (though commonly not of long duration,)
should learn from the testimony of their brethren, to allow the
reality of these distresses, and sympathize with the sufferers ; and
not (like JOB'S friends) to join with SATAN in aggravating their
sorrows. We may allow, that constitution, partial disease, and
errors in judgment, expose some men more than others to such
assaults : yet these are only occasions, and evil spirits are assured-
ly the agents in thus harassing serious persons. It is indeed of the
greatest importance to be well established in the faith : they, who
i Luke xxii. 31, 32.
TO HIS GRACIOUS DELIVERER. Ill
me out of the mouth of the lion, to him that
did help me against APOLLYOX. And so he did ;
*a\ ing,
' Groat Beelzebub, the captain of this fit-nil,
1 )( >in'd my ruin ; therefore to this end
I K- vent him harnest out ; und he with rage
That hellish was did fiercely me engage.
But blessed MICHAEL helped me, and I
By dint of sword did quickly make him fly:
Therefore to him let me give lasting praise,
And thank and bless his holy name always.'
Then there came to him an hand with some of
the leaves of the Tree of life, the which CHRIS-
TIAN took, and applied to the wounds that he had
in ordinary cases arc satisfied with general convictions and com-
fortable feelings, without being able to give a reason fur their hope,
may be driven to the most tremendous extremities, should GOD
permit them to be thns assaulted : for they have no fixed princi-
ples to which they may resort in such an emergency ; and perhaps
some degree of mistake always gives SATAN his principal advan-
tage on thi-M- c( < -isions. Yet men of the most sober mind and
Miuutl judgment, when in a better state of bodily healfh than usual,
and in all other resprct^ most rational, have experienced suclj dis-
tressing temptations of this kind, us they nmld scarcely have be-
lieved on the report of others ; and, when delivered, they cannot
look back on the past without the greatest consternation.
Besides the verses, by which CHRISTIAN gave thanks to bis
great Deliverer, we meet in the old copies with these lines
* A'more unequal match can hardly be.
CHRISTIAN must fight an angel; but, you -ee.
Tin- valiant man. In handling sword and shield.
Doth make him. though a dragon, quit the field.'
PART I. I
112 THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW O I' DEATH,
received in the battle, and was healed immediately.
He also sat down in that place to eat bread, and
to drink of that bottle that was given him a little
before: -so being refreshed he addressed himself to
his journey with his sword drawn in his hand ; for
he said, I know not but some other enemy may be
at hand. (But lie met with no other affront from
APOLLYON quite through this valley. s
Now at the end of this valley was another, call-
ed the Valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH, and
CHRIST IA'N must needs go through it, because
the way to the Celestial 'City lay through the
midst of it. Now this Valley is a very solitary
place. The prophet JEREMIAH thus describes it :
" A wilderness, a land of 'deserts and of pits; a
" land of drought, and of the shadow c/J' death ; a
s When the believer has obtained the victory over temptation,
the LORD will graciously heal all his wounds; pardoning his srns,
and renewing his strength and comfort : so that the most distress-
ing experiences are often succeeded by the sweetest confidence and
serenity of mind, and the greatest alacrity in the ways <;f GOD.
' The leaves of the tree of life 1 ,' represent the present benefits of
the redemption of CHRIST : ' the hand' may be the emblem of the
instruments he employs in restoring to 'his discouraged servants
" the joy of his salvation." The believer thus healed, and re-
freshed by meditation on the death of CII-RIST, and other religious
exercises, rests not in one victory, but prepares for new conflicts :
yet the enemy, once decidedly put to flight, seldoYn repeats the
same assaults, at least for sometime; because he will generally
find the victor upon his guard on that side, though liable to. le
surprised in some other way.
> Rev. xxii. 2.
VEHV niSTHI s>l \ - I > i liUI*. I IAN. HJ
u land tint no man," (l)iit .1 Christian,) " jksseth
'" lhrouh, and where- no man dwelt 1 ."
Now hero Cn n i M i A \ MV.S \\ orse j>ut to it than
in his fight with A POM YOV ; as hy the sequel you
shall see. l
1 Jcr. ii. 6.
1 The Valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH seems intended to
represent a variation of inward discouragement, distress, conflict,
and alarm, which :.ri*es from prevailing darkness of mind and want
of lively spiritual aficctions ; by which a man is rendered reluctant
: 'ijoiis duties ;i!nl heartless in performing them ; and this
makes way for manifold fears, dangers, and temptation*. The
word*, quoted from JKKF.MIAH, describe the wa*te howlinj; v\il-
derness through which ISRAKI. journeyed to CAXAAN ; \\hicli
typified the believer's pilgrimage through this world to heaven.
The author therefore meant in general, that such dreary *<
may be expected; and that lew belie\ ers wholly escape them :
but not that all experience tlie-e various trial-, in tl.-- *ame order
or degree as CHRISTIAN did. While men rest in forms and
notion*, they think of little in religious ordinances but performing
a task, and the satisfaction of having done their supposed duty:
but the spiritual worshipper, at some season*, finds his soul tilled
with clear li^hl and hol> allection ; " It i* then j;ood for him to
" draw ni^h to Con;" and " Hi* soul is satisfied as \\ith marrow
" and fatness, \\hilc he prai*es liis (ion with jo) fid'lip* :" but at
other times, dulness ;md heaviness i,ppre*s |,im ; faith, hope, ri %<-
rence, and love, an- at a low ebb ; he seems to address an unkn< >w n
or absent (oi, and rutlu-r to m< rk than to woi->hip him ; <livinu
t kings appear obscure and almost unreal ; and each returning
cason of <levoti(n, or reiterated elli 1 1 to lift up his heart to GOD,
rnds in di-apjM.intiuent, su that rdi^ion lK-coine> his burden in-
stead of his deli-lit. Self know !i-d_'.i- i* increased, and he now jx>r-
ceixes evils hefoie miiiotieed coiin|tini his services ; his remedy
seems to IIK iea-e hi* disease: be suspects that his former jov was
a delusion, and is reads to conclude, that " Con hath forgotten
' to be gracious, uud hath shut up hi> lo\in^ Undue** in iti*-
I 2
1 14 CIIRISTIAX MEETS TWO MEN GOING BACK ;
I sfcw then in my dream, that when CIIRISTIAX
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 ', mak-
ing haste to go back; to whom CIIRISTIAX spake
as follows :
Whither are vou sroing: ?
v O O
1 Numb. xiii.
" pleasure." These experiences, sufficiently painful in them-
selves, arc often rendered more distressing, by mistaken expec-
tations of uninterrupted comfort ; or by unscripturul instructions,
which represent comfort as the evidence of acceptance, assurance
as the essence of faith, impressions or visions as the witness of the
Spirit, or perfection as attainable in this life, nay actually attain-
ed by all the regenerate ; as if this were the church triumphant,
and not the church militant. The state of the body also, as dis-
ordered by nervous or hypochondriacal affections, gives energy to
the distressing conclusions which men often draw from this dark
state of mind : and indeed disease may operate as a direct cause
of it ; though the Holy Spirit will overcome this, and all other im-
pediments to comfort, when " he sheds abroad the love of GOD in
the heart."^ The Scriptures also evidently teach \* that fallen
spirits never fail, \vhcn permitted, to take advantage of a disorder-
ed state, whether of body or mind, to mislead, perplex, or defile
the soul. Persons of a melancholick temperature, when not a-
ware of the particular causes whence their gloom originates, are
apt to ascribe it wholly to the LORD'S displeasure, on account of
some peculiar sins they have committed ; and to look upon it as a
direct proof that they have been self-deluded hypocrites; which
exceedingly enhances their distress. The author himself had been
greatly harassed in this way ; and therefore he has given us a
larger proportion of this shade than is generally met with by
consistent believers, or than the Scriptures give us reason to ex-
pect. Indeed it is probable that he meant to state the outlines of
his own experience in the pilgrimage of CHRISTIAN.
Til E Y I N V A I X V. I 1. 1) I) 1 S C O I H A C K II I M. 1 1 5
They said, Hack ! hack ! and MT would have you
to do so too,"if either lite or peace is prized by you.
Why? what's the matter? said CHRISTIAN.
Matter! said they, We were going that way as
you are going, and went as tar as \\T durst; and
<1 v,v W.MV aim >st past owning back: tor had
re cone a little further we hid not been here to
O
bring the news to thee.
But what have you met with? said CHRISTIAN.
Mi.\. Why we were almost in the Valley of the
SHADOW OF DKATII '; but that by good hap we
looked before us and saw the danger before we
came to it.
13ut what have you seen? said CHRISTIAN.
MEX. Seen ! why the Valley itself, which is as
dark as pitch : we also saw there the hobgoblins,
satyrs, and dragons of the pit : we heard also iu
that Valley continual howling and yelling, as
of a people under unutterable misery, who there
sat bound in aflliction and irons ; and over that
Valley hang the discouraging clouds of confusion:
death also doth always spread his wings over it*.
In a word, it is every whit dreadful, being utterly
without order.
Then said CHRISTIAN, I perceive not yet, by
what you have said, but that this is my way to the
desired haven.
M KN. Be it thy way ; we will not choose it for
ours.
* Psal. xliv. 19. * Job, iii. 5. x. 22.
I 3
116 THE QUAG AND THE DITCH.
So they parted ; and CHRISTIAN went on his
M r ay, but still with his sword drawn in his hand,
for fear lest he should be assaulted. u
I saw then in my dream, so 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
miserahly perished. Again, behold, on the left
hand there was a very dangerous Quag, into
which if even a good man falls he finds no bot-
tom for his foot to stand on : into that Quag
king DAVID once did fall, and had no doubt*
u These men were spies, not Pilgrims : and they related what
they had observed at a distance, but had never experienced. They
represent those who have been conversant with godlv people; and.
* bring an evil report on the good land/ to prejudice the minds of
numbers against the right ways of the LORD. Such men pretend
to have made trial of religion, and found it to be comfortless and
dreary : they give a caricatured description of the sighs, groans,
terrors, and distresses of pious persons, and of all the dreadful
things to be seen and heard among them : and they avail themselves
of every unguarded or hyperbolical expression, which escapes a
tempted believer, of the enthusiastick accounts which some people,
give of their experience; and even of the figurative language,
which is often employed in speaking of imvard conflicts under im-
ages taken from external things. Thus they endca* our to excuse
their own apostacy, and to expose to contempt the cause which
they have deserted. Nothing they can say, however,, concerning
the disorder or confusion to which religion may sometimes give
occasion, can induce the Christian to conclude that he has mis-
taken his \\ay, or that it would be advUiMe f;>r him to turn back,
or deviate into any by-path : on the contrary their representations-
are suited to excite his vigilance and circumspection.
CHRISTIAN'S PKRIM i xi TV. 1 17
therein Ivcn sir.otJK Ted, Ir.ul not lie 1 that is. able
pluckt him out '.
The path-way was here also exceeding narrow,
and theiefore good CHRISTIAN was the more 1 put
lo it ; tor when he sought in the dark to shun the
Ditch on the one hand, lit 1 was ready to tip over
into tlif mire on the other : also when he sought
to escape the mire, without great carefulness lie
would he ready t > tall into the Ditch. Thus he
went on, and I heard him here sigh bitterly : tor
besides the- dangers mentioned above, the path-way
was here so dark, that oft-times when he lift up
liis. foot to set forward, he knew not where, nor
upon what, lie should set it next.
About the midst of the Valley, I perceived the
mouth of hell to be. and it stood also hard by the
way-side. Now, thought C'IIIUSTIAX, what sJiall
Ido? And ever and anon the llame and smoke
would come out in such abundance-, with sparks
and hideous noises, (things that cared not for
C'II:;;NI i \\'s >\sord, as did APOI. i YON before,)
that he wai forced to put up his M\u>rd, and betake
himself to another weapon, called nil-printer : sn
he cried, in my hearing. " () Lord I bcM-eeh tllee
" deliver m\ M>ul V Thus he 1 went on a great
while. \<; still the tlame^ would he reaching to-
wards him: also lu- heard doleful voices, and rush-
ings to and fro, so that sometimes he thought he
be torn in pieces, or trodden down like
1 Psal. Ixix. \\. Ps. cxvi. \. Ephcs. vi. iK.
I 4
118 CHRISTIAN HARASSED BY FIEXDS,
mire in the streets. This frightful sight was seen,
and these dreadful noises were heard, hy him for
several miles together : and coming to a place
where he thought he heard a company of fiends
coming forward to meet him, he stopt, and began
to muse what he had best to do. Sometimes he
had half a thought to go back ; then again he
thought he might be half way through the Valley :
he remembered also how he had already vanquish-
ed many a danger ; and that the danger of going
back might be much more than for to go forward.
So he resolved to go on : yet the fiends seemed to
come nearer and nearer : but when they were come
even almost at him, he cried out with a most ve-
hement voice, " I will walk in the strength of the
" LORD GOD ;" so they gave back, and came no-
further. w
w The fatal presumption, into which men are soothed, through
ignorance and false doctrine of various kinds, is intended by the
' deep Ditch,' into which " the blind lead the blind" and perish
with them. ' The dangerous Quag,' on the other side of the narrow
way, represents the opposite extreme, despair of GOD'S mercy :
and the mire of it agrees with that of the Slough of DESPOND.
In these opposite ways multitudes continually perish ; some con-
cluding that there is no/ear, others that there is no hope. But the
danger to which a real believer is exposed, of verging towards one
of these extremes in times of inward darkness and disconsolation,
is especially implied. They, who have had much opportunity of
conversing with persons professing the peculiar doctrines of the
gospel, have met with many who once were zealous and joyful :
but their religious affections have declined ; their dutie's are com-
paratively scanty and formal ; their walk unsteady, and their
DID NOT KXOW HIS OWN VOICE. . 1 19
OIK- thing I would not let slip: I took notice
that nowpoor CHRISTIAN \va> M> confounded that
In-art, cold and uncomfortable. They call them-cl\es back-lidcrs,
ami complain rf desertion : vet thcv have no heart to use proper
ring their vigour and cheefMaeM; but lo\e to he
soothed in tlii-ir present condition; and quiet thorn-elves by pre-
suming they are true believers, and abusing the doctrine of final
-. eranco. Many of this cast are doubtless n/tulfi/ deceived.
But e-.i'ii the true christian, when greatly discouraged, may be
powerfully tempted to seek peace of mind, by arguing \vith him-
self on the safety of his state, or trying to be satisfied without his
former /e.il, activity, and consolation: and SATAV will find
prompters t<> -u^ge-t to him, that this is the case of all established
believers, an. 1 that fervent love belongs only to young converts,
who are strangers to their own hearts. This is the more plausible,
because the increase of sound judgment and abiding spiritual af-
fection-, abate* that earnestness, (often indiscreet and dispropor-
tioncd,) which .sprang from mere selii-h principles: and, when rc-
ligious protrtion i- M> common as not to expose a man to reproach
or persecution, many retain it, who have scarcely any appearance
of -piiitualitv , and who infect others with their contagious con-
iiul i --.ample. Hut, while the well instructed consistent
be!iew-r, iiM-ler the deejx?st discouragement, dreads and shuns this
pre umption, he is liable to sink into despondency ; and may be
Ir.l t i condemn all his past experience as deltision, to rank him-
self among the -tony-ground hearers, to conclude that it is useless
for him to pray or seek any more, and to lie down in enfeebling
dejection. And again, perceiving thU danger, he finds it ven dif-
ficult, in the present dark state of liis -oul, to avoid it, without
seeming to abu-e the free grace of the gospel. This state of mind
is attended by much di-tress anil jerple\ity ; and makes way for
main terrors and temptations: so that, though a man be not per-
plexed with doubts about the truth of the Si riptures, he may bo
unable to make much use of them for his direction and comfort ;
and earnest instant prayer must be his only resource. Cases
Mum-times occur, in which, through a concurrence of circum-
*tamv>, this trial c -ntinucs and increases for some time : but thf
ICO BLASPHEMY SUGGESTED TO CHRISTIAN.
he did not know his own voice ; and thus I per-
ceived it : just when he was come over against the
mouth of the burning pit, one of the wicked ones
got behind him, and stept up softly to him, and
Avhisperingly suggested many grievous blasphemies
to him, uhich 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 should now blaspheme him
that he loved so much before; yet if he could
have helped it s he would not have done it : but he
had not the discretion either to stop his ears, or to
know from whence those blasphemies came. x
true Christian is, as it were, constrained to press forward, and by
faith he will at length put his enemies to flight. Some have
thought, that the general notions of apparitions also was here al-
luded to, as giving the tempter an occasion of increasing the ter-
ror of such persons as are in that respect credulous and timorous.
x The case here intended is not uncommon among conscientious
persons of strong imaginations, in circumstances of distressing
temptation. Thoughts are suddenly excited iu their minds, with
which, their previous reflections had no connexion, even as if
words were spoken; to them. These suggestions are suited to in*
tluce them to think hardly of GOD, or his service, or his decrees ;
aud this they abhor as direct blasphemy : or to harass them with
other hateful ideas ; which they consider as unpardonably criminal,
inconsistent with a stato of grace, and a mark of final reprobation.
Yet did these suggestions accord to the state of their hearts, they
would be dcfiluig but not dfOtxe&ing ; and instead of rejecting them
at once with decided abhorrence, they would give them entertain-
ment, and willingly employ their thoughts about them, as far as
they dared : " for the carnal mind is enmity against GOD," and
can only be deterred from blasphemy, on many occasions by the
lit IS CO.MrOU'l ! I) I'.Y llf AK1 N(. ON 1. SPEAK. 101
When C'HKIM IAN hud travelled in this discon-
nditidn x.ine coiis/ulcrahle lime, lie thought
lie ]iru,rd the voiee of a man, as going hefore him,
..tying, "Though I walk through tlie valley of the
: dentil I will iear none ill, for thou ; t it
" v ill) me '."
Then \\'n* he glad, and that for these reasons :
First, hccaiuc he gathered from thenee, that
some v, ho feared (Jon v.crc in this Valley ;ts well
as himself: Secondly, for that he perceived God
v.-ith them, though in that dark and dismal
state: and why not, thought he, AS ith me ; though
by reuv>n of the impediment that attends this place
I cannot perceive it 1 ? Thirdly, for that he hoped
1 P$. xxiii. 4. * Job, ix. 1 1.
ilrca<l ff In- \rnsrancc: so that the distress they experience is
exactly proportioned to the decree iu which they li;i\e learned to
lo\e (Joi>, und liate every tiling di|ileasiiu; :uid di^lionourable to
him; and i* itself an evidence of their conversion. Our author
I i;| I.een ^o much hallleil Ity this ^trata^em of the tempter, that it
would have been extraordinary had he omitted it: for the subse-
quent di-covery he made of his mistake, and of the way of rc>i>tin
>il in this case, qualified him to give suitable cautions to
.The intru->in of e\il thoughts should excite us to great -
er earne^ti.ess in praser, pi-ms meditations, 01 adoring pruis.
.ill things will bo found tu close the mind most ciletx
ttially a.?iiu>t tin m.
The following lines come in here, as before
' l'or man ! where art thou iu>w ? thy day i.s ni
man. IK- not cast do\\n, tl.-ui \t ait right.
The \\a\ t.> hea\'n lie-* l>y the pates of hell :
Cheer up, hold cut, with thee it 6 hall go well.'
122 THE DAY BREAKS, AND CHEERS CHRISTIAN.
(could he overtake them) to have company by and
by. -So he went on, and called to him that was
before : but he knew not what to answer ; for that
he also thought himself to be alone. And by and
by the day broke: then said CHRISTIAN, "He
" hath turned the shadow of death into the morn-
"ingV'- y
Now morning being come he looked back, not
of desire to return, but to see bv the li<>-ht of the
*/ O
day what hazards he had gone through in the
dark : so he saw more perfectly the Ditch that
was on the one hand, and the Quag that was on
the other ; also how narrow the way was which lay
betwixt them both : also now he saw the hobnob-
o
lins, and satyrs, and dragons of the pit, but all
afar off, for after break of the day they came not
nigh ; yet they were discovered to him, according
to that which is written, " He discovered! deep
" things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light
fl the shadow of death V
1 Amos, v. 8. 2 Job, xii. 22.
y Few things more effectually support the tempted, than to learn
that others, whom they consider as believers, have been or are in
similar circumstances : for the idea, that such a state of mind is
inconsistent with true faith, gives the enemy his principal advan-
tage. Indeed, this often proves the means of their deliverance ;
for in due season that light, affection, and consolation, for which
they have long mourned, thirsted, prayed, and waited, will be
vouchsafed them ; and the review of the dangers they have escap-
ed, now more clearly discerned than before, will enlarge their hearts
with admiring gratitude to their great and gracious Deliverer,
THE DANGERS WHICH HE THUS ESCAPES. 123
Now was CHRISTIAN much affected with his
di-li verance iVom all the dangers of his solitary
wa\ ; whiv-li daubers though he feared them more
:r, yet lie saw them more clearly now, because
the light of tlic day made them conspicuous to
him. And about this time the sun was rising; and
this was another mercy to CHRISTIAN; for you
nui>>t note, that though the first part of the Valley
of the SHADOW OF DEATH was dangerous; yet
this second part, which he was yet to go, was, if
possible, far more dangerous : for, from the place
where he now stood even to the end of the Valley,
the way was all along set so full of snares, traps,
gins, and nets here ; and so full of pits, pitfalls,
deep holes, and ihfilvingB down, there; that had it
now been dark, as it was when he came the lirst p^i t
of the way. had lie had a thousand souls they had
in reason been caM away : but; as I said, just now
the sun wa> rising. Then said he, "His candle
' shineth on my head, and by his light. I go through
" darkness '." !
' Job, x\i\. 3.
v Varii.il- interpretation* arc uucn of thU >ei:ond part of l'u
Valley, which only shew, that the author's precise idea in it lit-,
more remote I'roni general apprehension, than in other pa-
fur tlu-y all coincide with some of the <litfirulturs or dan^-rs that
i*ix- dearly dc->crib<'d under other emblem*. In general we arc
lauuht t-y it, tl.at liclieveiN an- not nn-.t 1:1 duller \\heu under t!.f
M di-tn.b-: that the -nan*- and tievici-. of the ci'i'uiv :i
ni.inv and \ario;i<, tlirou^h t!i<- -.'-N.-H! >:;i..-i ..I our ^ili;ri:nni;o,
I milk- all d.-cription or <-niniemtiou ; and t!u:t all the
TWO GIANTS, POPE AND PAGAN'.
In this light therefore he came to the end of the
Valley. Now I saw in my dream, that at the end
of this Valley lay blood, bones, ashes, and mangled
bodies of men| 'even of Pilgrims that had gone this
way formerly ; and while I was musing what should
be the reason, I espied a Ijttle before me a cave,
where two giants, POPE and PAGAN, dwelt in old
time ; by whose power and tyranny the men,
whose bones, blood, ashes, &c, lay there, were
cruelly put to death. But by this place CHRIS-
TIAN went without much danger, whereat I some-
what wondered : but I have learnt since, that
PAOAN has been dead many a day ; and, as for the
other, though he be yet alive, he is, by reason of
age, and also of the many shrewd brushes that he
met with in his younger days, grown so crazy and
stiff in his joints, that he can now do little more
than sit in his cave's mouth, grinning at Pilgrims
as they go by, and biting his nails because la-e can-
not come at them.
So I saw that CHRISTIAN went on his way ;
yet, at the sight of the old man, that sat in the
mouth of the cave, he could not tell what to think ;
specially because he spake to him, though he
could not go after him, saying, ' You will never
emblems of the Valley of HUMILIATION, and of the SHABWV
OF DEATH, could not fully represent the thousandth part of them.
Were it not, therefore, that the LOUD undertakes to gui'dc his
people, by the light of his word and SPIRIT, they never coufkl
possibly escape them all.
BUT CHRISTIAN QUIETLY PASSES THEM. 125
1 mend till more of you he burned.' But lie held
his peace, and set a ood face on it, and so went
by and catcht no hurt. * Then sang Cmu vn A v,
' O world of wonders ! (I can say no less)
That I should be pre-er\'d in that distress
Tliat I have met with hen- ! () l>K-sscd be
That hand that from it bath delivered me ! .',
Dangers in darkness, devils hell, and sin,
Did compass me, while I this Vale, wus in :
Y a, snaiv>. and pits, and traps, and nets, did lie
!Sfy path about, that worthless <jll\ 1
Might ha\e lieen catch'd, entangled, and cast down :
But siui-i- I Iru- K-t JESTS \\ear the crown.'
Now as CHRISTIAN' went on his -way he came
to a little ascent, which wa-> up east on purpose that
Pilgrims mijrht see before them. l"p then 1 , there-
fore CHHISTI AN went; and look UILC for ward he<:iw
;HFI i heforc him upon his journey. Then
said CHRIST i \\ aloud, ' Ho ho, so ho; stay, artd
1 I will be \ our companion/ At that l ; .\i rnfui.
* The inhabitants of 'BRITAIN arc not thought to be in any
fWMK-t/ui/c danger, either from 1'ort or PAGAN. Vet s<>mell,in.;
ver\ like the [)hiks(>phical part of paganism M't-ms t<> l>r
he d-ud; and 11-, t -svii b\ the confeision of the late f>
I'ULSMA, vsln> was ;i -ti-udy friend to the. philo<o|>hiral ih
the\ * an l>\ no means fa\ottraMe to general toleratiuii,' it is m-t
improbaMe l>ut pugnii pvrM'cution nm\ uUo in <lue time i
Xi\ it may U- i|ue<tioned, \\hetherpopery ma\ n;t \-t so i,
,:- vigour, a to make one nr-r- i'"-ni : 'ir -'t mgglt flMn T
C'liristiaintN, li.'luiv that MAN o- SIN he I'nr.ilK l<-.tn>\e.l. Otir
author, ho\M-\i-r, ha> descril)ei| no other per-i-miion than \vhr.
protr-tants in hii lime curried on ugunitt UIH: HIK. liter wiiJi
great alacrity .
CHRISTIAN OVERTAKES FAITHFUL.
looked behind him; to whom CHRISTIAN cried
again, ' Sta}~, stay, till I come up to you,' but
FAITHFUL answered, ' No, I am upon my life,
' and the avenger of blood is behind me."
O
At this CHRISTIAN was somewhat moved, and
putting to all his strength he quickly got up with
FAITHFUL, and did also overrun him ; so the last
was first. Then did CHRISTIAN vain-gloriousiy
smile, because he had gotten the start of his bro-
ther : but not taking good heed to his feet he sud-
denly stumbled and fell, and could not rise again
until FAITHFUL came up to help him. b
Then I saw in my dream, they went very lov-
ingly on together, and had sweet discourse of all
things that had happened to them in their pil-
grimage : and thus CHRISTIAN began.
My honoured and well-beloved brother FAITH-
b This ascent may denote those moments of encouragement, in
which tempted believers rise superior to their difficulties ; and are
animated to desire the company of their brethren, whom dejection
under humiliating experiences disposes them to shun. The con-
duct of CHRISTIAN intimates, that believers are sometimes ready
to hinder one another, by making their own attainments and pro-
gress a standard for their brethren : but the lively exercise of faith
renders men intent on pressing forward, and more apt to fear the
society of such as would influence them to loiter, than to stop for
them. This tends to excite an useful emulation : but, while it
promotes diligence, it often gives occasion to those risings of vain-
glory and self-preference, which are the fore-runners of some hu-
miliating fall : and thus believers often feel their need of help from
the very persons whom they have foolishly under-valued. Yet
this gives occasion to those mutual good offices, which unite them
more closely in the nearest ties of tender affection.
THEV CONVERSE ABOUT THEIR CITY. 127
FUL, I am glad that I have overtaken you; and
that (ion has so tempered our spirits that we can
walk as eompaiiions in this so pleasant a path.
FAITH. I had thought, clear friend, to have had
your company quite from our town, but you did
get the start of me: wherefore I was forced to
come thus much of the way alone.
CIIR. How long did you stay in the City of
DESTRUCTION, before you set out after me on
your pilgrimage ?
FA i . ii. Till I could stay no longer; for there
\\as great talk presently after you were gone out,
that our city would in a short time with lire from
heaven be burned down to the ground.
CHK. What ! did your neighbours talk so?
FAITH. Yes, 'twas for a while in every body's
mouth.
I'm;. What ! and did no more of them but you
conic out to escape the danger ?
FAITH. Though there was, as I said, a great talk
thereabout, yet I do not think they did linnly be-
lieve it. For in the heat of the discourse, I heard
.some of them deridingly speak of you, and of your
ih'xpcrute journey, for so they called this your pil-
grimage. But I did believe, and do still, that the
end of our city will be with lire and brimstone from
above ; and therefore I have made mine-
c Thi-. cpisod,., MI tn -*|>eak, and others of the same kind, give
our author a happy advantage of varying the characters and *\-
PART I. K
FAITHFUL SHEWS CHRISTIAN
CUR. Did you hear no talk of neighbour PLI-
ABLE ?
FA ITU, Yes, CHRISTIAN*, I heard that he fol-
lowed you till he came at the Slough of DESPOND ;
where, as some said, he fell in ; but he would not
be known to have so done ; but I am sure he was
soundly bedabbled with that kind of dirt.
CI-IR. And what said the neighbours to him ?
O
FAITH, lie hath since his going back been had
greatly in derision, and that among all sorts of
people ; some do mock and despise him, and scarce
will any set him on work. He is now seven times
worse than if he had never gone out of the city.
CHR. But why should they be so set against
him, since they also, despised the way that he
forsook ?
FAITH. Oh, they say, 'Hang him; he is Turn-
periences of Christians, as found in real life ; and of thus avoiding
the common fault of making one man a standard for others, in the
circumstances of his religious progress. It often happens, that
they who have been acquainted before their conversion, and hear
little of each other for some time after, find at length that they
were led to attend to religion about the same period, without
having opportunity orcourage to confer together respecting it. The
decided separation of a sinner from his old companions and pur-
suits, to walk with GOD in all his ordinances and commandments,
from avowed dread of " the wrath to come," as well as the hope of
eternal life, frequently excites serious thoughts in the minds of
others, which they are not able wholly to shake off. In many
indeed this is a mere transient alarm, insufficient to overcome tin-
propensities of the carnal mind : but when it arises from a real be-
lief of GOD'S testimony it will at length produce a happy change-
HOW PLIABLE WAS DESPISED AT HOME. 129
' coat ! he was not true to his profession.' I think
GOD has stirred up even his enemies to hiss at him,
and make him a proverb, because he hath; forsaken
the way '.
CM;*. Had you no talk with him before you
eame out?
FAITH. I met him once in the streets, but he
leered away on the other side, as one ashamed of
what lit' had done : so I spake not to him.
CIIK. Well, at my first setting out I had hopes
of that man ; but now I fear he will perish in the
overthrow of the city: for " it hath happened to
" him according to the true proverb, The dog is
" turned to his vomit again ; and the sow that was
" washed to her wallowing in her mire*."
FAITH. They are my fears of him too : but who
can hinder that which will be?
Well, neighbour FAITHFUL, said CHRISTIAN,
let u> leave him, and talk of things that more im-
mediately eoneern ourselves. d Tell me now what
you have met wi,th in the way as you came: for I
1 Jer. xxix. 18, 19. * 2 Pet. it. 22.
* Apostates arc often ashamed to own they have had convic-
tions. Even thrir former companions assume a superiority over
them, do not think th.-m heam in the cause of ungodliness, aid
-< tlu-ir cowardice and instability: while feeling that tkey
want an apology, they have recourse to lies and slanJers with ab-
jrrr -crvility. On the other hand they shun religious people, a?
afraid of encountering their arguments, warnings, and expostula-
tion^ : ami thus are in all respects exceedingly contemptible and-
wretched.
K 2
130 FAITHFUL WAS TEMPTED BY WANTON*,
know you have met with some things, or else it
may be writ for a wonder.
FAITH. I escaped the Slough that I perceive you
fell into, and got up to the Gate without that dan-
ger; only I met with one, whose name was WAX-
TON, that had like to have done me a mischief.
CHR. It was well you escaped her net : JOSEPH
Avas hard put to it hy her, and he escaped her as
you did ; hut it had like to have cost him his life '.
But what did s"he do to you.
FAITH. You cannot think, but that you know
something, what a flattering tongue she had ; she
lay at me hard to turn aside with her, promising
me all manner of content.
CHR. Nay, she did not promise you the content
of a good conscience.
FAITH. You know what I mean ; all carnal and
fleshly content.
CHR. Thank God you have escaped her : " the
" abhorred of the Lord shall fall into her ditch i . "
FAITH. Nay, I know not whether I did wholly
escape her or no.
CHR. Why, I trow you did not consent to her
desires.
FAITH. No, not to defile myself, for I re-
membered an old writing that I had seen which
saith, " her steps take hold of hell V So I shut
mine eyes because I would not be bewitched
1 Gen. xxxix. 1113. * Prov. xxii. 14. J Prov. v. 5.
Job. xxxi. i.'
AND Till \ l.V ADAM Til I' l-'IHST. 131
with her looks: then she railed on me, and i
x\cnt my way. r
CUR. Did you meet with no other assault a~.
you came'?
I Mm. When I came to the loot of the hill
called l)i ri iei" I.TV, I met with a very aged man,
who asked nuMvhat I was, and whither bound ? I
told him that I was a Pilgrim going to the Celes-
tial City. Then said the old man, Thou lookcst
like an honest fellow: wilt thou he content to
dwell with me, for the wages that I shall give
tliec? Then I asked him his name, and where he
dwelt? He. said. His name wa-> ADAM THE FIRST,
and I dwell in the town of DKCKIT'. I asked
him then what was his work? and what the wages
that he would give ? lie told me, that his work
was many delights ; and his wages, that I should
he his heir at last. I further asked him, what
1 Ephes. iv. 22.
r ^ >mc men arc preserved from desponding fears Hiul the sug-
zr-tion* of worldly \\i-dom, by recri \in.n more distinct >iows of
I In- truths of the gos|K?l ; and thus they procci-d with h--s Invita-
tion and interruption, in -rrkiiu; t C'IIUIM- tor Mil\ation: yet,
perhaps their temperature, turn of mind, habits of life, ami pe-
culiar situation, render them more accessible to temptation- -.1
another >Tt ; and they are more in danger from the la-i nations
of lle-hlv Uist. Thus in different \\u\* the- Lord makes his peo-
t heir depnnity, weakne . and exposed situation;
while ho so moderates the temptation, or interposes fir their de-
nat they are piv-.-r.ed, nml taught to ascribe all the
to hi> name.
K3
FAITHFUL HARDLY ESCAPED OLD ADAM,
house he kept, and what other servants he had ? So
he told me, that his house was maintained with all
the dainties in the world: and that his servants
^hose of his own begetting. Then I asked how
*nany children he had ? He said that he had but
three daughters, " the Lust of the flesh, the Lust
" of the eyes, and the Pride of life 1 -,'" and that I
should marry them if I would. Then I asked how
long time he would have me to live with him ?
And he told me, as long as he lived himself. .
CHR. Well, and what conclusion came the Old
man and you to at last ?
FAITH. Why, at first I found myself somewhat
inclinable to go with the man, for I thought he
spake very fair ; but looking in his forehead as I
talked with him, I saw there written, " Put off the
" old man with his deeds."
CHR. And how then ?
FAITH. Then it came burning hot into my
mind, whatever he said, and however he flattered,
when he got me home to his house, he would sell
me for a slave. So J bid him forbear to talk, for
I would not come near the door of his house.
Then he reviled me, and told me, that he would
send such a one after me that should make my way
bitter to my soul. So I turned to g-o away from
him; but just as I turned myself to go thence, I
felt him take hold of my flesh, and gave me such a
deadly twitch back, that I thought he had pullecj
* j John ii. 16.
AND WAS A ! .MOST MAIN 11 Y MOSES. 133
]>:irt of me after himself: this made me m . "()
" wretched man ' !"- ) I went on my way up
the hill. '
Now. when I had got about h:ilt'\vay u]>, 1 look-
ed behind me, and .saw one coming after inc. MS ill
as the wind; *n he overtook me just about the
place where the settle stands.
Just there, said CHRISTIAN', did I sit down to
rest me; but being overcome with sleep, I there
lost this Roll out of my bosom.
FAITH. Ihit, good brother, hear me out: so
soon as the ir.an overtook me, he was but a word
aud a blow, for down he knockt me. and laid me
for dead. But when I was a little come to myself
again, I asked him wherefore he M-rved me so : He
said, because of mv secret inclining to ADA.M riir
r*
1 Rom. vii. .
.
r Those ill ristians, \\lio by strong faith >r assured fcojx 1 , endure
hardship* more cheerfully than their brethren, may vnmetii.
expose! to greater danger from tlie allurements of outward objects.
I)i-e|) humiliation and great anxiety about the event, in manv
instances, u-rid to repies, the lusts of the heart, by supplx in^ a
continual succession <>l <tlu-r tliui!lits nnd cares : wliiie constant
rnr<iuraeiuent, readily attained, KH> nl'ten k-a\es a man to <
flu 'in more lorciblx . Na\. tlie same JM-INODS, who under
|>rr-itm M.ltcitiH!'' srcm to U- entirely delivered from some pe-
culiar corruptions, find them revive and In-come very im|>ortunate
wh'-n they lia\r obtained more coniidcnre about their salvation.
'I'be 01 i) ADAM, (fit- corrupt nature, |>ro\rsa constant snare to
many believer", by its thirMinu after the pleasures, nches, honours,
and pride of the world : nor can the \ictoryln' secured without
dilficulty r.nd tn-ul.'.e, and sirong faith ami fencnt prayer.
K 4
134 FAITHFUL, SAVED FROM MOSES BY CHRIST,
FIRST : and with that he struck me another dead-
ly blow on the breast, and beat me down back-
ward : so I lay at his foot as dead as before. So
when I came to myself again I cried him mercy :
but he said, I know not how to shew mercy ; and
with that knockt me down again. He had doubt-
less made an end of me but that one came by and
bid him forbear.
CHR. Who was that that bid him forbear ?
FAITH. I did not know him at first, but r/s he
went by I perceived the holes in his hands and in
his side : then I concluded that he was am- LORD.
So I went up the hill.
CHR. That man that overtook you was MOSES.
He spareth none, neither knoweth he how to shew
mercy to those that transgress his law.
FAITH. I know it very well ; it was not the first
time that he has met with me. 'Twas he that came
to me when I dwelt securely at home, and that told
me he would burn my house over my head if I
staid there. g .
8 The doctrine of MOSES did not essentially differ from that
of CHRIST : but the giving of the law, that ministration of con-
demnation to all sinners, formed so prominent a part of his dis-
pensation, in which the gospel was exhibited under types and
shadows, that " the law" is said to have been " given by MOSES,"
while " grace and truth came by JESUS CHRIST ;" especially, as
the shadows were of no further use when the Substance was come.
Even such desires of things forbidden as are effectually opposed
and repressed, being contrary to the spirituality of the precept,
'* Thou shall not covet," often greatly discourage the new convert ;
PASST.l) THK HOUSE BEAUTIFV I. 135
C'nn. But did you not sec 1 the house that stood
their on the top of that hill on the side of which
MOSKS met YOU :
I'M in. Yes, and the lions too, before I came at
it: but, lor the lion-., I think they M ere asleep ;
for it u as 'about noon : and, heeau.se I had so
ir.ui-h of the day before me, I pa^cd by the I'ou-
TI it and came down the hill. h
C'liR. lie told me indeed, that lie saw yon ;o
by ; but 1 wMi yon had called at the house, for
thev would have shewed you so many rarities, that
i.ics not duly recollect, that the gospel is intended! to relieve
those who feel thnaetvejusdy condemned by the law. V<
terrors prove the occasion of deeper humiliation, and greater
simplicity of dependence on the mercy of GOD in CHRIST JK-
j " the c;; I df the law for righteousness to every One that
" believeth." Many fr a time escape discouragement, because
.ire but superficially acquainted with their own heart-
it is proper they should l>e further instructed by such confl.
are here desci il>ed, in order to their greater stability, tenderne-.^
of con-' i( IK--, and compassion for their brethren, in the subse-
quent part dt their pilgrimage.
h This circumstance s,- ( >tns to imply, that, in our author's
judgment, even eminent believers sometimes decline entering into
communion with their brethren, according to /</. lux's of it ; and
that very lively atiections and strong consolations mav render
them less attenlixe to externals. Indeed he deemed this a dis-
ii'hcuntfi^r and a mi.tfttkc, (which eems intimated l)\ FAITH-
FUL'S not calling either at the House of t!ie I \ TKRPUKTKR, or
at the House HEAUTIFUL,) yet that is not a sufficient rea-oii
why othiT Christian-* should not cordially unite with them. This
i- a beautiful example of that candour, in respect of those things
about which pious per-on> dilVer, that consists with decided firm-
ness in the great essentials of faith and holiness.
136 FAITHFUL REFUTES DISCONTENT,
you would scarce have forgot them to the day of
your death. But pray tell me, did you meet no-
body in the Valley of HUMILITY.
FAITH. Yes, I met with one DISCONTENT, who
would willingly have persuaded me to go back a-
gain with him : his reason was, for that the Valley
was altogether without honour. He told me more-
over, that there to go was the way to disoblige all
my friends, as PRIDE, ARROGANCY, SELF-CON-
CEIT, WORLDLY-GLORY, with others, who he
knew, as he said, would be very much offended if
I made such a fool of myself as to wade through
this Valley,
CHR. Well, and how did you answer him ?
FAITH. I told him that although all these that
he named might claim kindred of me, and that
rightly, (for indeed they were my relations ac-
cording to the flesh ;) yet since I became a Pilgrim
they have disowned me, as I also 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
misrepresented the thing ; for " before honour is
" humility," " and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Therefore, said I, I had rather go through this
Valley to the honour that -\vas so accounted by the
wisest, than choose that which he esteemed most
worth our affections. *
1 While some believers are most tried \\ith inward fears and
Conflicts, others are more tempted to repine at the outward de-
AND IS ASSAULTED BY SHAME. 137
C'n K. Met you \\ ith nothing else in that Valh \ :
FAITII. Yes, I met with SHA.MI. ; but of all the
men that I met with in my pilgrimage, he, I think,
hears the wrong name. '1 'lie other would he said
alter a little argumentation and somewhat
else: hut this hold-faced SHAME would never
have done.
C'liit. Why, what did he say to you?
FAITH. What ! why licohjeeted against religion
itself, lie said, It was a pitiful, low, sneaking
husinessfor a man to mind religion; he said, th t
a tender const 'u nee was an unmanly thing ; and
that for a man to watch over his words and ways,
so AS to tie up himself from that hectoring liberty
that the brave spirits of the times accustom them-
selves unto, \\ould make him the ridicule of the
times. He objected also, that but few of the migh-
eh. or wise, were ever of my 6pinion ; nor any
gradation, reproach, or ridicule, to which religion exposes them.
A m:tn perhaps, at first, may flatter himself with tin? hojK of
avoiding the peculiarities and extravagances, which have brought
enmity or contempt ou some professors of the gosjKil ; and <ff en-
suring respect anil affection, by caution, uprightness, and benevo-
lence: but further experience and knowledge constrain him to
adopt and avow sentiments, and associate \\ith jK-rsons, that the
\vorUl despi>e>. And, seeing himself invincibly impelled bv lii
con-fience, to a line of conduct wlvich insures the reproach of
enthusiasm and folly, the loss of friends, and manifold mortificar
cations, ho is powerfully assaulted by discontent ; and tempted to
repine, that the way to heaven lies through such humiliations and
worldly disappointments: till the considerations, adduced in
FAITHFUL'S answer, enable him at length to overcome this as-
&ailaQt, and to " seek the honour that comcth tjyto GOD onlr."
138 SHAME'S IMFORTUXITV AND
>
of tlicni neither, before they were persuaded to be
fools, and to be of a voluntary fondness to venture
the loss of all for nobody else knows what '. He
moreover objected the base and low estate and con-
dition of those that were chiefly the Pilgrims of the
times in which they lived ; also their ignorance,
and want of understanding in all natural science.
Yea, he did hold me to it at that rate also about a
great many more things than here I relate ; as,
that it was a shame to sit whining and mourning;
O O
under a sermon, and a shame to come sighing and
groaning home ; that it was a shame to ask my
neighbour forgiveness for petty faults, or to make
restitution where I had taken from any. He said
also, that religion made a man grow strange to the
great, because of a few vices, (which he called by
finer names ;) and made him own and respect the
base, because of the same religious fraternity : and
is not this, said he, a shame ?
CHR. And what did you say to him ?
FAITH. Say ! I could not tell what to say at
first. Yea, he put me so to it that my blood came
up in my face ; even this SHAME fetched it up, and
had almost beat me quite off. But at last I began
to consider that " that which is highly esteemed
" among men is had in abomination with GOD V
And I thought again, this shame tells me what
O O '
men are ; but it tells me nothing what GOD or the
word of GOD is. And I thought moreover, that
1 John vii. 48. i Cor. i. 26. iii. 18. Phi!, iii. 7 9.
4 Luke xvi. 15. ,
FAITHFUL WITH DIFFICULTY REPELS H IM.
at the clay of doom we shall not be doomed to
death or lite, according to the hectoring spirit-, of
the world, hut according to the wisdom and law of
the Highest. Therefore, thought I, what GOD
Baya is best, is best, though all the men in the
world are against it: seeing then that GOD pre-
fers his religion ; seeing GOD prefers a tender con-
science; seeing they that make themselves fools
for the kingdom of heaven are wisest ; and that
the poor man that loveth CIIUIST is richer than the
greatest man in the world that hates him ; SHAM K,
depart, thou art an enemy to my salvation ; shall
I entertain thee against my sovereign LOUD? how
then shall I look him in the face at his coming?
Should I now be ashamed of his ways and servants,
how can I expect the blowing ' ?- l>ut indeed this
Sn \MF was a bold villain; I could scarce shake
him out of my Company : yea, he would be haunt-
ing of me, and continually \ihi.spcring ir.c in the
ear, with some one or other of the infirmities that
attend religion : but at last I told him, 'twas but in
vain to attempt further in this business; for those
tilings that he disdained, in those did 1 sir most glo-
ry : and so at last I got past this importunate one. k
1 Mark viii. j8.
k Person* ot a j>r< uliar turn of mind, \vlu-n i-nablcd to <>\or-
temptation t<> diM-ontrnt about *<t|ldl\ degradation, an-
-n-ly |>rync to be inlluem rd.by a false shamo, ami to jiro-
ii ui'li timi'd caution; to U- ahaid ol' di-claring their
bOutimcntb with tri-rdoin in -onu- |>lacc> and fonipauifo. o\cn ui.ou
140 PILGRIMS NEED VIGILANCE.
And when I had shaken him off then I beo-an
o
to sing :
4 The trials that those men do meet \vithal, :
That are obedient to the heavenly call,
Are manifold and suited to the flesh,
And come, and come, and come again afresh ;
That now, or sometime else, we by them may
Be taken, overcome, and cast away.
O let the Pilgrims, let the Pilgrims then
Be vigilant, and quit themselves like men/
the most favourable opportunity occurs ; to shun in part the so-
ciety of those whom they most love and esteem, lest they should
be involved in the contempt cast on them ; to be reserved and in-
constant in attending on the ordinances of GOD, entering a protest
against vice and irreligion, bearing testimony to the truth, and at-
tempting to promote the gospel : being apprehensive lest these
things should deduct from their reputation for good sense, pru-
dence, learning, or liberality of mind. Men, who are least exposed
to those conflicts in which CHRISTIAN was engaged, are often
most baffled by this enemy : nor can others readily make pro-
per allowances for them in this case ; any more than they can for
such fts experience those dark temptations, of which they have no
conception. Constitution, habits, connexions, extensive acquaint-
ance with mankind, and an excess of sensibility, united to that
pride which is common to man, continually suggest objections to
every thing the world despises, which they can hardly answer to
themselves, and excite such alarms as they cannot surmount:
while a delicate sense of propriety, and the specious name of pru-
dence, supply them with a kind of half excuse for their timidity.
The constant trouble which this criminal and unreasonable shame
occasions some, persons, contrary to their judgment, endeavours,
and prayers, gave bur author the idea, that ' this enemy bears a
* wrong name.' Many a suggestion made to the mind in this re-
spect from time to time, is so natural, and has so strong a party
within, (especially in those who are more desirous of honour
than of wealth or pleasure ;) that men can scarcely help feeling
for the moment as if there 'were truth in it, though they know
SHAME MUST BE REPELLED BY PRAYER. 141
C'tiR. I am glad, my brother, that thou didst
withstand this villain so bravely ; for of all, as
thou I think he has the wrong name : for
I ir i> .so bold a.s to follow- us in the streets, and to
attempt to put us to shame before all men ; that is,
to make us ashamed of that which is good. But
if he was not himself audaeious, he would never
attempt to do as he does: but let us still resist
him ; for, notwithstanding all his bravadoes, he
promoteth the fool, and none else. "The M'IH-
"shall inherit glory," said SOLOMON; " but
tine shall be the promotion of fools '."
I'.uTH. I think we must cry to Him, for help
against SIIAMK, that would have us be " valiant for
truth upon the earth."
CUR. You say true: but did you meet nobody
else in that Valley ?
FAITH. No, not I; for I had sun-shine all the
rest of the way through that, and also through the
Valley of the SHADOW OK DFATII. '
1 Pror. 111.35.
upon reflection, that it is most irrational. Nay, tin
i;i-ciiMl)ly \vaq> thrir conduct; though they are continually seif-
condemned on tin- retrospect. Tlu-iv are M>mc who hardlv r\rr
2ot the better ol'tbU tal>c shame; and it often bring* their siiuvr-
ity into doubt, both with tlu-mM-Krs and i>tlu-r> : but llouri.shin^
duttttUUM at U-ntli in j;ood nK-.^urt- ri>c su|M'rior to it, by sucl
u> arc here adduced, and l>\ ram-^t
prayer.
N in great mea ped the peculiar
t%OD$ that fttt%ukeCl r.\rmit i. : \<i ^- winnatlii-/^ \ith him
142 THE PILGRIMS MEET TALKATIVE.
CHU. 'T was well for you; I am sure it fared
far otherwise with me : I had for a long season, as
soon almost as I entered into that Valley, a dread-
ful combat with that foul fiend APOLLYON ; yea
I thought verily he would have killed me, espe-
cially when he got me down and crushed me un-
der him as if he would have crushed me to pieces :
for as he threw me my sword flew out of my hand ;
nay, he told me he was sure of me ; but " I cried
" to GOD, and he heard me, and delivered me out
" of all my troubles." Then I entered into the
valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH, and had no
light for almost half the way through it. I thought
I should have been killed there over and over : but
at last day braise, and the sun rose, and I went
through that which was behind with far more ease
and quiet.
Moreover I saw in my dream, that as they went
on, FAITHFUL, as lie chanced to look on one side,
saw a man, whose name is TX\LKATIVE, walking
at a distance besides them ; for in this place there
nor did the latter doom the gloomy experiences of his brother
visionary or imaginative, though he had been exempted from
them. One man, from a complication of causes, is exposed to
temptations of which another is ignorant ; and in this case he needs
much sympathy, which he seldom meets -with: while they, who
are severe on him, arc liable to be baffled in another way, which,
for want of coincidence in habit, temperature, and situation, he
is .equally prone to disregard. Thus Christians are often led re-
ciprocally to censure-, suspect, or dislike each other, on those very
grounds which should render them useful and encouraging coun-
sellors and companions !
THEY OVERTAKE TALKATIVE. 143
was room enough for them all to walk. He was a
tall man, and something more comely at a distance
than at hand. To this man FAITHFUL addressed
himself in this manner: m
Friend, whither away? are you going to the
heavenly country?
TALK. I am going to that same place.
FAITH. That is well ; then I hope we may have
your good company ?
TALK. With a very good will will I he your
companion.
FAITH. Come on then, and let us go together,
and let us spend our time in discoursing of things
that are profitable.
The character here introduced, under a most exjm --no
name, is an admirable portrait, drawn by a masterly hand from
some striking original, but exactly resembling numbers in every
age and place, where the truths of the gospel are generally known.
TA LK ATI v E is not so called merely from his loquacity ; but also
from the peculiarity of his religious profession, which gives scope
to his natural propensity, by furnishing him with a copious sub-
ject, and enabling him to display his talents, or seek credit among
pious persons, without the trouble and ex pence of practical god-
liness. Such vain-talkers especially appear when religious pro-
fession is safe, and reputable, and e\en in many cases conducive
to secular advantage. Thry may, thru-fore, be expected HI our
age and nation, particularly in populous places, where the preach-
ing or profession of any doctrine excites littl.- attention or sur-
jin-r, but ensures regard and favour from a numerous body who
Imld the same opinions. Such men appear /; r utlirrs, pu-liing
themselves into notice, and becoming more conspicuous than
humble Ix-lievers : but their profession, specious at a distance, will
not endure a near and strict investigation.
r \ UT I. L
14-4- TALKATIVE'S PLAUSIBLE DISCOURSE
TALK. To talk of things that are good to me is-
very acceptable, with you or with any other : and
I am glad that I have met with those that incline
to so good a work. For to speak the truth, there
are but few that care thus to spend their time, as
they are in their travels ; but choose much rather
to be speaking of things to no profit : and this hath
been a trouble to me.
FAITH. That is indeed a thing to be lamented :
for what thing so worthy of the use of the tongue
and mouth of men on earth, as are the things of
the GOD of heaven ?
TALK. I like you wonderful well, for your say-
ing is full of conviction : and, I will add, what
thing is so pleasant, and what so profitable, as to
talk of the things of GOD?
What things so pleasant ? that is, if a man hath
any delight in things that are wonderful : for in-
stance, if a man doth delight to talk of the history
or the mystery of things ; or if a man doth love ta
talk of miracles, wonders, or signs ; where shall he
find things recorded so delightful, and so sweetly
penned, as in the holy Scripture ?
FAITH. That's true : but to be profited by such
things in our talk, should be that which we design.
TALK. That is it that I said ; for to talk of such
things is most profitable : for by so doing a man
may get knowledge of many things ; as, of the
vanity of earthly things, and the benefit of things
above. Thus in general, but more particularly,
by this a man may learn the necessity of the new
WITH FAITHFUL. 145
nirth ; the insufficiency of our works ; the need of
C'n UIST'S rightcouMievi, &c. Besides, by this a
nian may Irani />i/ talk what it is to repent, to be-
lieve, to pray, to suffer, or the like: by this also a
man may learn \\ hat are the great promises and con-
solations of the gospel, to his own comfort. Fur-
ther, by this a man may learn to refute false
opinions, to vindicate the truth, and also to instruct
the ignorant.
FAITH. All this is true, and glad am I to hear
these things from you.
TALK. Alas ! the want of this is the cause that
so few understand the need of faith, and the neces-
sity of a work of grace in their soul, in order to e-
ternal life ; but ignorantly live in the works of the
law, by the which a man can by no means obtain
the kingdom of heaven.
FAITH. But, by your leave, heavenly know-
ledge of these is the gift of GOD; no man attain-
eth to them by human industry, or only by the
talk of them.
TALK. All this I know very well: for a man
ean riven T nothing except it be given him from
heaven ; all is of grace not of works : I could give
you an hundred Scriptures for the confirmation of
this.
\Vcll then, said FAITHFUL, what is that one
thing that we shall at this time found our rii>-
coursc upon :
TALK.. What you will: 1 will talk of things
i :
146 FAITHFUL BEGUILED BY TALKATIVE,
heavenly or things earthly ; things moral or things
evangelieal ; things sacred or things profane ;
things past or things to come ; things foreign or
things at home : things more essential or things
circumstantial ; provided that all be done to our
profit.
Now did FAITHFUL hegin to wonder; and
stepping to CHRISTIAN, (for he walked all this
while by himself;) he said to him, but softly,
What a brave companion have we got ! Surely this
man will make a very excellent Pilgrim. n
n Zealous Christians, who are not well established in judgment
and experience, are often greatly taken with the discourse of per-
sons, who speak fluently and plausibly on various subjects, with a
semblance of truth and piety : yet they sometimes^/ee/, as it were,
a defect in their harangues, which makes them hesitate, though
they are easily satisfied with specious explanations. TALKA-
TIVE'S discourse is copied, with surprising exactness, from that of
numbers who learn doctrinally to discuss even experimental sub-
jects, of which they never felt the energy and efficacy in their own
souls. Men of this stamp can take up any point in religion with
great case, and speak on it in an ostentatious manner : but the
humble believer forgets himself, while from his heart he expatiates
on topicks which he longs to recommend to those whom he ad-
dresses. Humility and charity, however, dispose men to make the
best of others, and to distrust themselves : so that, unless connec-
ted with proportionable depth of judgment and acuteness of dis-
cernment, they put them off their guard, in respect of vain-glorious
talkers. It would be conceited and uncandid, they think, to sus-
pect a man, who says so many good things, with great confidence
and zeal; theirdisatisfactionwith the conversation they suppose was
their own fault; if they disagreed with the speaker, probably they
were in an error ; if a doubt arose in their minds about his spirit
or motives, it might be imputed to their own pride and envy. Thus
they arc seduced to sanction what they ought to protest against.
BUT UNDECEIVED BY CHRISTIAN. 147
At this CHRISTIAN- modestly smiled and said,
Tliis man, with whom you arc so taken, will be-
guile with this tongue of his twenty of them that
know him not.
FAITH. Do you know him then ?
CIIR. Know him! yes, better than lie knows
himself
FAITH. Pray what is her
CIIR. His name is TALKATIVE ; he dwelleth in
our town. I wonder that you should he a stranger
to him ; only I consider that our town is large.
FAITH. Whose son is he ? and whereabout doth
lie dwell ?
( ' i i H . He is the son of one SA Y - w E L L, he d welt
in PHATING-ROW ; and he is known of all that are
acquainted with him, by the name of TALKATIVE
in PKATI \(,-KOW ; and notwithstanding his fine
tongue he is but a sorry fellow.
FA n n. Well, he .seems to be a very pretty man.
CM H. That i.s, to them that have not thorough
acquaintance with him ; for he is best abroad, near
home he is ugly enough : your saying, that he is a
pretty man, brings to my mind what I have ob-
served in the work of the painter, whose pictures
shew best at a distance, but very near more un-
plca.sing.
and to admin- those \\hoin thry should avoid ; and that oven by
means ..j tin- HUM amiable dispositions ! What follows is peculi-
arly calculated to rectify such mi-take.-, and to expose the CO11SC-
nf this ill-judged candour.
L3
148 CHRISTIAN SHEWS FAITHFUL
FAITH. But I am ready to think you do but
jest, because you smiled.
CHR. GOD forbid that I should jest (though I
smiled) in this matter, or that I should accuse any
falsely. I will give you a further discovery of him :
this man is for any company, and for any talk ; as
he talketh now with you, so will he talk when he is
on the ale-bench ; and the more drink he hath in
his crown the more of these things he hath in his
mouth : religion hath no place in his heart, or
house, or conversation ; all he hath lieth in his
tongue, and his religion is to make a noise there-
with.
FAITH. Say you so ! then am I in this man
greatly deceived.
CHR. Deceived \ you may be sure of it : re-
member the proverb, " They say, and do not:'*
but " the kingdom of GOD is not in word, but in
"power 1 ." He talketh of prayer, of repentance,
of faith, and of the new-birth ; but he knows but
only to talk of them. I have been in his family.,
and have observed him both at home and abroad ;
and I know what I say of him is the truth. His
house is as empty of religion as the white of an egg
is of savour. There is there neither prayer, nor
sign of repentance for sin ; yea, the brute, in his
kind, serves GOD far better than he. He is the
very stain, reproach, and shame of religion, to all
that know him 2 ; it can hardly have a good word
in all that end of the town where he dwells, through
1 Matt, xxiii. 3. i Cor, iv. 20. * Rom. ii. 23, 24.
TilK REAL CHARACTER OF TALKATIVE. 149
him. Thus say the common people' that know
him, ' A saint abroad, and a devil at home.' His
poor family finds it so: lie is such a churl, such a
railcr at, and so unreasonable with, his servants.
that they neither know how to do for, or speak
to, him. Men that have any dealings with him
say, it is better to deal with a Tu UK than with him,
for fairer dealing they shall have at his hands.
This TA I.KATIVK, if it be possible, will go beyond
them, befraud, beguile, and over-reach them. IJe-
sidcs. he brings up hi^, sons to follow hia atcps ; and
if he iindeth in any of them ajuoli.s/i tinmruusness,
(for so lu- calls the first appearance of a tender con-
science,) he calls them fools and blockheads, and
by no means will employ them in much, or speak
to their commendations before others. Tor my
part, I am of opinion that he has, by liU wicked life
rauM-d many to stumble and fall; and will be, if
GOD prevents not, the ruin of many more.
Those brlierer>, \\ ho have made the most extensive a ixl ac-
curate observation on tin- state of religion in their o\\u a_e and
place, and are most acquainted with the internal historv of the.
church in other lands or former periods, may !>e deemed inferior
in charity to their brethren; IxTauso they surpass them in jH-no-
tration, and clearly perceive the mischiefs which arise from coun-
tenancmi; s| H .cj(H|s hypocrites. They would " do good to all men,"
" boar with the infirmities of the weak." " restore in meekne^
'" siich a.s arc overtaken in a fault." and make allowances for the
tempted : hut thev dare not sanction such men as talk about ro-
und diL!racc it ; as mislead the simple, stumble the hojH-ful,
prejudice the. observing, and give enemies a plausible objection to
the truth. Ik-re charity constrains us to run the risk of being
L4
150 CHRISTIAN STATES THE DIFFERENCE
FAITH. Well, my brother, I am bound to believe
you ; not only because you say you know him, but
also because like a Christian you make your reports
of men. For I cannot think that you speak these
things of ill-will, but because it is even so as you
say.
CHR. Had I known him no more than you, I
might perhaps have thought of him as at the first
you did : yea, had I received this report at their
hands only that are enemies to religion, I should
have thought it had been a slander, (a lot that
often falls from bad men's mouths upon good
men's names and professions :) but all these things,
yea, and a great many more as bad, of my own
knowledge, I can prove him guilty of. Besides,
good men are ashamed of him ; they can neither
call him brother nor friend ; the very naming of
him among them makes them blush if they know
him.
FAITH. Well, I see that saying and doing are
two things, and hereafter I shall better observe this
distinction.
CHR. They are two things indeed, and are as
diverse as are the soul and the body ; for, as the
body without the soul is but a dead carcase, so
deemed uncharitable, by unmasking the hypocrite, and undeceiving
the deluded. We must not indeed speak needlessly against any
one, nor testify more than we know to be true even against a sus-
pected person : but we should shew, that vain talkers belong to
the world, though numbers class them among religi: i /coplc t to
the great discredit of the cause.
BETWEEN SAYJXC! AND DOING. 151
,\ai/in; if it be alone, is but a dead carcase also.
The- soul of religion is tbc practick part: " Pure
*' religion and undeiiled before GOD and the FA-
" THF.H, is this: to visit tbe fatherless and widows
" in tbeir aftliction, and to keep himself unspotted
" from the world 1 ." This TALKATIVE is not a-
warc of; he thinks that hearing and saying will
make a good Christian ; and thus he deceiveth his
own soul. Hearing is but as the sowing of the
seed ; talking is not sufficient to prove that fruit
is indeed in the heart and life: and let us assure
ourselves that at tbe day of doom men shall be
judged according to their fruits*: it will not be
said then, 'Did you believer' but, 'Were you
' Doers, or Talkers only ?' and accordingly shall
they he judged. The end of the world is com-
pared to our harvest ; and you know men at har-
vest regard nothing but fruit. Not that any
thing can be accepted that is not of faith; but I
spiak this to shew you how insignificant the pro-
fession of TALKATIVE will be at that day.
FAITH. This brings to my mind that of MOSES,
1\ \\hieh he deseribeth the beast that is clean 1 :
he is Mich an one that parteth the hoof, and cliew-
eth tin- end; not that parteth the hoof only, or
that chcueth the cud only. The hare cheweth the
end, but yet is unclean bccauM- he parteth not
the hoof. And this truly resemblcth TALKATIVE;
he eheweth the cud, he seeketh knowledge; he
1 James i. 2, 3, 8227. Matt. xiii. 23. xxv. 3146.
* Lev. xi. Dcut. xiv.
1J2 MERE TALKERS U >. CAN AXD LIFELESS.
chewelh upon the word it he clivideth not the
hoof, he parteth not with t!ie way of sinners ; but,
as the hare, retaineth the foot of a dog or bear, and
therefore he is unclean.
CHR. You have spol for aught I know, the
true gospel-sense of the exts. And I will add
another thing : PAUL ci !! th some men, yea, and
those great talkers too, ! s Bunding brass and tink-
" ling cymbals;" that is, as he expounds them in
another place, " things without life giving sound V
" Things without life ;" that is, without the true
faith and grace of the gospel ; and consequently
things that shall never be placed in the kingdom
of heaven among those that are the children of
life, though their sound, by their talk, be as if it
were the tongue or voice of an angel. p
1 i Cor. xiii. i 3. xiv. 7.
P TALKATIVE seems to have been introduced on purpose, that
the author might have a fair opportunity of stating his sentiments
concerning the practical nature of evangelical religion, to which
numbers in his day were too inattentive : so that this admired al-
legory has fully established the important distinction, between a
dead and a living faith, on which the whole controversy depends,
We may boldly state the doctrines of the gospel with all possible en-
ergy and clearness, and every objection must ultimately fall to the
ground, and every abuse be excluded, provided this distinction be
fully and constantly insisted on : for they arise without exception
from substituting some false notion of faith, in the -place of that
living, active, and efficacious principle, which the Scriptures so
constantly represent as the grand peculiarity of vital godliness.^-
The language used in this passage is precisely the same, as is now
branded with the opprobrious epithet of legal t by numbers who
FAITH! I I. WANTS TO BE RID OF TALKATIVE. 153
FA i TII. Well, I was not so fond of his company
at first, Imt am as sick of it now. What shall we
do to he rid of him ?
C'IIK. Take my advice and do as I hid you, and
you shall find that he will soon he sick of your
company too, except GOD shall touch his heart
and turn it.
FAITH. What would you have me to do r q
would be thought to admire the PILGUIM ; as any impartial per-
son must perceive, upon an attentive perusal of it : and indeed
si Hue expressions arc used, which they, who arc accustomed to
stand before such as " make a man an offender for a word," li:i\c
1< anted to avoid. ' The practick part' is accurately defined to
be the unfailing effect of that inward life which is the soul of reli-
gion. True faith justifies as it forms the sinner's relation to
CM HIST; but it always " works by love," ami influences to obe-
dience: hence the enquiry at the day of judgment will be rather
about the inseparable fruit-, of faith, than about it's essential pro-
perties and nature.
<J When we -peak to loose professors, we should always keep
two tliins in \icw; either to get rid of such en-narinj: and dis-
honourable companions, or to use proper means to convince them
of their fatal mistake. There is indeed more hope of the most
ignorant ami careless than of them : yet "with (loo all things
.Me," and we should not despair of any, e-pecially as
the \er\ same method is suited to both the ends proposed; which
the subsequent discourse most clenrlv evinces. Very plain and
particular declarations of those things, l>\ which true Mievcrs
are distinguished from the most specious hypocrites, (whether in
conversation <T preaching,) are best calculated to undeceive and
alarm fal-e professors ; and form the most commodious fan, by
whieh the irreclaimable may be winnowed from the society of real
Christians. This is of great importance : for they arc Acn ANH in
the camp of ISRAEL, yea spots and blemishes to every company
that countenances them. Doctrinal or even practical discu
154 FAITHFUL ASKS TALKATIVE A QUESTION,
CHR. Why, go to him, and enter into some
serious 'Discourse about the pozver of religion ; and
ask him plainly, (when he has approved of it, for
that- iie will,) whether this thing be set up in his
heart, house, or conversation ?
Then FAITHFUL stepped forward again, and said
to TALKATIVE, Come, what cheer ? how is it now?
TALK. Thank you, well; I thought we should
have had a great deal of talk by this time.
FAITH. Well, if you will, we will fall to it now ;
and since you left it with me to state the question,
let it be this : ' How doth the saving grace of
GOD discover itself, when it is in the heart of
man ?'
TALK. I perceive, then, that our talk must be
about the power of things : well, 'tis a very good
question, and I shall be willing to answer you :
and take my answer in brief thus. First, where
the grace .of GOD is in the heart it causeth there
a great out-cry against sin, Secondly,
if confined to general terms, do not startle them ; they mimick the
language of experience, declaim against the wickedness of the
world and the blindness of pharisees, and strenuously oppose the
opinions held by some rival sect or party : they can endure the
most awful declarations of the wrath of GOD against the wicked ;
supposing themselves to be unconcerned : nay they will admit
that they are backsliders, or inconsistent believers. But when the
conversation or sermon compels them to complain, ' in so saying
' thou condcmncst us also ;' they will hear no longer, hut seek re-
fuge under more comfortable preachers, or in more candid com-*
pany ; and represent their faithful monitors as censorious, peevish,
and melancholy.
AND REFUTES HIS ANSWERS. 1 JO
FAITH. Nay, hold, let us consider of one at
onee : I think you should rather say. It shews it-
sclf by inclining the soul to ahlior its sin.
TAI.K. Wiiy, v, hat difference is therebetween
crying out again>r, and abhorring of, sin ?
FAITH. Oil! a great deal. A man may cry out
against sin, of policy, but he cannot abhor it but
by virtue of a godly antipathy against it. I have
heard many cry out against sin in the pulpit, who
yet can abide 1 it well enough in the. heart, house,
and conversation. JOSEPH'S mistress cried out
with a loud voice, as if she had been very holy;
hut she would willingly, notwithstanding that,
have committed uncleaniK'ss with him 1 . Some
cry out against sin, even as the mother cries out
against her child in her lap, when she calleth it
slut and naughty girl, and then falls to hugging
and kissing it.
TALK. You lie at the catch, I perceive.
FAITH. No, not I, I am only for setting things
right. Hut what is the second thing when b\ you
would prove a discovery of the work of grace
in the heart :
TALK. Great knowledge of gospel -my. st<
FAITH, This sign should have been first: hut,
first or last, it is also false ; for knowledge, great
knowledge, may be obtained in the mysteries of
th" gospel, and yet no \\>rk i '-^i.icc in the soul
if a man have all knowledge he i;,..\ vit be
nothing, and M> consequently ho no i-hild of GOD.
1 Gen. \x\it. it 15. *t(
156 KNOWING AND DOING DISTINGUISHED.
When CHRIST said, " Do you know all these
"things?" and the disciples had answered, Yes;
he added, " Blessed are ye if ye do them." He
doth not lay the blessing in the knowing of them,
but in the doing of them. For there is a know-
ledge 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
Christian : therefore your sign is not true. In-
deed to know is a thing that pleaseth talkers and
boasters; but to do is that which pleaseth GOD.
Not that the heart can be good without know-
ledge; for without that the heart is naught.
There is therefore knowledge and knowledge :
knowledge that resteth in the bare speculation of
things ; and knowledge that is accompanied with
the grace of faith and love, which puts a man upon
doing even the will of GOD from the heart: the
first of these will serve the talker ; but without the
other the true Christian is not content : " Give
" me understanding and I shall keep thy law ; yea,
"" I shall observe it with my whole heart '. '
1 Psal. cxix. 34.
r Spiritual knowledge, obtained by an implicit belief of GOD'S
sure testimony under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, producing
a hearty love of revealed truth, is always humbling, sanctifying,
and transforming : but speculative knowledge is a mere notion of
'divine things, as. distant from a man's own concern in them, or a
due apprehension of their excellency and importance, which puffs
lip the heart with proud self-preference, feeds carnal and malig-
nant passions, and leaves the possessor under the power of sin and
"Satan.
HOW A WORK OT GRACE MAT BE KXOWX. 157
TALK. You lie at the catch again; this is not
for edification.
FUTH. \\\ll, if you please, propound another
how this work ot' grace discoveix'th itself wliere
TA i K. Not I, for I see we shall not agree.
FAITH. Well, if you will not, will you give me
leave to do it
TA I.K. You may use your liberty.
FAITH. A work of grace in the soul discovcreth
itself, cither to him that hath it, or to standcrs by.
To him that hath it, thus: it gives him convic-
tion of sin, especially of the defilement of his na-
ture, and the sin of unhelief, for the sake of which
lie is sure to be damned, if he findcth not mercy at
COD'S hand by faith in JESTS CHRIST '. This
sight and .sense of things worketh in him sorrow
and shame for sin ; he iindcth, inoit o\ er, revealed
in him the Saviour of the world, and the absolute
necessity of closing with him for life; at the
which he findcth hungering* and thirstings after
him : to which hungering*, c, the promise is
made 1 .* Now according to the strength 01
1 Pi. xxxviii. 18. Mark xvi. 16. Johnxvi.8, 9. Actti'v. 12.
Rom. vii. 24. A Jer. xxxi. 19. Matt. v. 6. Gal. i. 15, 16.
Rev. xxi. 6.
' Divine teaching convince* a man that ho is justly condemned
for tnn>^n-Nsin^ ilic law, and tximmt IK* saved unless \w ulifain an
tUteratt in the merit* of CHRIST l>\ laith ; and that nnlx-liof. (-r
i <>t tlt'iN -real saUali'in, *j)iin_- t'n>ui |m<lc, aversion t<> tlio
character authoritv and bw "i G>i). and l"vi- t -MI and thr
158 THE FRUITS OF TRUE FAITH.
weakness of his faith in his Saviour, so is his joy
and peace, so is his love to holiness, so are his de-
sires to know him more, and also to serve him in
this world. But though, I say, it discovered! it-
self thus unto him, yet it is but seldom that he is
able to conclude that this is a work of grace ; be-
cause his corruptions now, and his abused reason,
make his mind to misjudge in this matter : there-
fore in him that hath this work there is required a
world ; that it implies the guilt of treating the truth of GOD as a
lie, despising his wisdom and mercy, demanding happiness as a
debt from his justice, and defying his " wrath revealed from hea-
" ven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." This
conviction makes way for discovering that a free salvation by faith
is exactly suited to his case: he perceives the glory of the divine
perfections harmoniously displayed in the person and redemption
of CHRIST ; and his heart is inwardly drawn to close with the in-
vitations of the gospel, and to desire above all things the fulfilment
of its exceedingly great and precious promises to his soul. The
expression revealed in him is taken from St. PAUL': but as his
conversion was extraordinary without the intervention of means
or instruments, and as he seems rather to have intended his ap-
pointment to the ministry, and that communication of the know-
ledge of Christ to his soul, by which he was qualified as an apostle
to reveal him to mankind, and not simply that divine teaching by
which he was led to become a Christian ; perhaps it is not accu-
rately 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 understand, believe, admire, and
love the truths of the Bible respecting CHRIST ; and not any new
revelation, declaring his interest in the Saviour, by a whisper,
vision, or any such thing. * These enthusiastick expectations and
experiences have deceived many and 'stumbled more: and have
done greater harm to the cause of evangelipal religion, tkan can be
conceived or expressed.
i Gal. i. 16.
HOW A WORK OF GRACE IS SHEWN.
a very sound judgment before lie can with steadi-
ness conclude that this is a work of grace. l
To others it is thus discovered: First, By an
experimental confession of his faith in C'IIKJST.
Secondly, By a life answerable to that confession;
to wit, a life of holiness ; heart-holiness, family-
holiness, (if he hath a family,) and by conversa-
tion-holiness in the world ; which in the general
teacheth him inwardly to abhor his sin, and him-
self for that, in secret ; to suppress it in his family,
and to promote holiness in the world ; not by talk
only, as an hypocrite or talkative person may do,
but by a practical subjection in faith and love to
tin power of the word '. And, now, Sir, as to this
brief description of the work of grace, and also the
discovery of it, if you have aught to object, ob-
ject; if not, then give me leave to propound to
you a second question.
TA I.K. Nay, my part is not now to object but to
hear : let me therefore have your second question.
1 Job xlii. 5, 6. P$. 1. 23. Ezek. xx. 43. Matt. v. 8.
John xiv. 15. Rom. x. 9, 10. Phil. i. 27.
1 The prevalence of those fervent desires and earnest expet
tations ii> which the exerci.se of true faith greatly consist, i* the
proper (Midrntv ot saving grace ; and the s\\r t t spirit of reliance
ud Confidence, which i- inseparable from frequent and earnest ap-
plications to the Saviour, put vigour into all holy affections and
exertions. Hut few, comparatively, have Mich strong faith, ami
distinct views, and sound judgment, and \ictorv over corrupt |.;:.--
sions as habitually to draw the proper conclusion from their own
experience. This our Author lias judiciously noticed.
PART I. \l
1 60 FAITHFUL APPLILS THE DISCOURSE,
FAITH. It is this ; Do you experience this first
part of this description of it ? and doth your life
and conversation testify the same ? ' or standeth
your religion In word or in tongue, and not in deed
and truth ? Pray, if you incline to answer me in
this, say no more than you know the GOD above
will say Amen to ; and also nothing hut what your
conscience can justify you in: " Tor not he that
" commendeth himself is approved, but whom the
" LORD commendeth." Besides, to say I am thus
and thus, when my conversation and all my neigh-
bours tell me I lie, is great wickedness.
Then TALKATIVE at first be^an to blush : but,
O
recovering himself, thus he replied : You come
now to experience, to conscience, and GOD; and
to appeal to him for justification of what is spoken,
This kind of discourse I did not expect ; nor am I
disposed to give an answer to such questions : be-
cause I count not myself bound thereto, unless
you take upon you to be a catechizer ; and though
you should so do, yet I may refuse to make you
my judge. But I pray r will you tell me why you
ask me such questions ?
FAITH. Because I saw you forward to talk, and
because I knew not that you had aught else but
notion. Besides, to tell you all the truth, I have
heard of you, that you are a man whose religion
lies in talk, and that your conversation gives this
your mouth-profession the lie. They say you are
a spot among Christians ; and that religion fareth
the worse for your ungodly conversation ; that
A \ I) SHLWS i A i K \TIVE HIS HVPOCRISY. l6\
sonic already have Mumbled at your wicked ways,
and that more are in danger of being destroyed
thereby : your religion and an alehouse, and covc-
toiisncss, and uneleanncss, and swearing, and ly-
ing, and vain company-keeping, &c, will stand
together. The proverb is true of you which is
said of a whore, to wit, that * she is a shame to all
' women ;' so you are a shame to all professors. u
TALK. Since you are ready to take up reports,
and to judge so rashly as you do, I cannot but
conclude you are some peevish or melancholy man,
not lit to be discoursed with: and so, adieu.
Then came up CHRISTIAN, and said to his bro-
ther, 1 told you how it would happen ; your words
and hi* lusts could not agree. He had rather leave
your company than reform his life : but he is gone,
u It Ls not enough to state practical and experimental subjects
in tin- plainest and most distinguishing manner: we ought also to
apply them to men's consciences, by the most solemn and parti-
cular interrogations. In publick indeed, care must be taken,
i. "i to turn tin- thought of a congregation to an individual: yet
\\c should aim to lend every one to reflect on his own case, and
excite his conscience to perform the office of a faithful monitor.
Hut in private, u lien we have ground to suspect that men deceive
tlicinselu-s, such plain-dealing is the bejt evidence of disinterested
!<>\e. It is at present, alas ! much disused, and deemed incon-
sistent with politeness; so that, in many cases, an attempt of this
kiiul would be considered as a direct outrage and insult: and
perha|>s, in some circles, the language of these plain Pil-rmu
mi-ht be exchanged for that which would l>e less otleiisue, with-
out deducting from its eiiei;^, ; \et /eal for the honour of the gos-
pel, and lo\e to the souU "t IIK-H, are, no doubt, grievously sa-
crificed to urbauity, in this age of Courteous insincerity.
162 THE GOOD EFFECTS OF FAITHFU LNESS
as I said : let him go, the loss is no man's but his
own : he has saved us the trouble of going from
him; for he continuing (as I suppose he will do,)
as he is, he would have been but a blot in our
company : "besides, the apostle says, " From such
"withdraw thyself." w
FAITH. But I am glad we had this little dis-
course with him ; it may happen that he will think
of it again : however, I have dealt plainly with
him, and so am clear of his blood if he perisheth.
CHR. You did well to talk so plainly to him as
you did ; there is but little of this faithful dealing
with men now a days, and that makes religion to
stink in the nostrils of many as it doth : for they
w This apostolical rule is of the greatest importance. While
conscientious Christians, from a mistaken candour, tolerate scan-
dalous professors and associate with them, they seem to allow
that they belong to the same family; and the world will charge
their immoralities on the doctrines of the gospel, saying of those
who profess them, ' They arc all alike, if we could find them out.'
But did all, who " adorn the doctrine of GOD our Saviour,"
withdraw from such men ; their crimes would rest with themselves,
and the world would be compelled to see the difference between
hypocrites and real Christians. This is also the most effectual
method of exciting self-deceivers or inconsistent professors to self-
examination, and of thus -bringing them to be ashamed and hum-
bled in true repentance : and at the same time, it tends to deprive
such men of that influence, which they often employ to mislead
and pervert hopeful enquirers and unestablished believers. Even
the best conducted discipline would have but a partial effect in
preventing these evils, if not followed up by this conduct of indi- t
viduals ; and, where the former cannot be obtained, the latter
would produce happier consequences than believers in genera]
can suppose.
EVANGELIST OVERTAKES THE PILGRIMS. 163
arc these talkative tools, whose religion is only in
words, and arc debauched and vain in their con-
versation, that, being so much admitted into the
fellowship of the godly, do puzzle the world, blem-
i-,h Christianity, and grieve the sincere. I wish
that all men would deal with such as you have
done ; then should they be cither made more con-
formable to religion, or the company of saints
would be too hot for them.
' How TALKATIVE at first lifts up his plumes!
How bravely ilotli he speak ! I low he presumes
T<> <lri\e down all before him ! But so soon
A- FAITHFUL talks of heart-work, like the moon
That's past the full, into the wane he jjoes ;
And so will all but he that heart-work knows."
'I'll us they went on talking of what they had
seen by the way, and so made that way easy which
would otherwise no doubt have been tedious to
them : for now they went through a Wildenu>>.
Now, when they were got almost quite out of
this wilderness, FAITH ri; i. chanced to east his eye
back, and espied one coining after them, and he
knew him. Oh! said FAITHFUL to his brother,
Who comes yonder? Then CHRISTIAN looked,
and said, It is my good friend EVANGELIST.
A\c, and my good friend too, said FAITHFUL,
for it was he that set me the way to the Gate.
Now was KvANCiF. FISI come up unto them, and
thus saluted them :
Peace be with you, dearly beloved ; and peace
be to your helpers.
M3
164 EVANGELIST COUNSELS THE PILGRIMS
CHR. Welcome, welcome, my good EVANGE-
LIST ; the sight of thy countenance brings to my
remembrance thy ancient kindness and unwearied
labouring for my eternal good.
And a thousand times welcome, said good
FAITHFUL, thy company, O sweet EVANGELIST,
how desirable is it to us poor Pilgrims.
. Then said EVANGELIST, How hath it fared
with you, my friends, since the time of our last
parting ? what have you met with, and how have
you behaved yourselves ?
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 ar-
rived to that place.
Right glad am I, said EVANGELIST, not that
you met with trials, but that you have been victors,
and for that you have, notwithstanding many
weaknesses, continued in the way to this very day.
I -say, right glad am I of this thing, and that for
mine own sake and your's. I have sowed and you
have reaped ; and the day is coming, when " both
" he that sowed and they that reaped shall rejoice
" together :" that is, if you hold out ; " for in due
" time ye shall reap, if you faint not '." The crown
is before you and it is an incorruptible one ; "so
" run, that you may obtain" it. Some there be
that set out for this crown, and after they have
gone far for it another comes in and takes it from
them ; " hold fast therefore that you have, let no
1 John, iv. 36. Gal. vi. 9.
M 1 I 11 ADMONITIONS AND CAUTIONS.
' mail take your crown ' :" you arc not yet out of
the gunshot of the devil : " you have not resisted
" unto Mood, striving against sin :" let the king-
dom he al ways before you. and believe steadfastly
concerning things that are invisible. Let nothing
that is on this side of the other world get within
you : and, above all, look well to your own hearts
and to the lusts thereof, for they arc " deceitful
" above all things, and dcspcr .tcly wicked;" MI
your faces like a Hint ; you have all power in hea-
ven and earth on your s'uh .
Then CM u IST i AV thanked him for his exhorta-
tion ; hut told him withal, that they would have
him speak farther to them lor their help the rc*.t 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 aKo
1 i Cor. ix. 24 27. Rev. iii. n.
x The author, intending in tin- next place to re] n-M-nt his I'il-
a- c\p"M-d to severe persecution, nnd to exhibit in one \i<-\\
\vhat cliristians -hould i-xpn't, and may \n- exposed to, 1'nun tlu-
OOmity of the WOr|d| very judiciously introduce^ that iiitTctiim
sc.-nr I iv !'.VA\( i M-I'S iniM-tinj; them, with Miitahlc raution>,
r\hortti(n<, and -ncouram'mont < . Thf inini-ti-r. In nli.i-olaith-
fid |:I|M>UIN a man i>. first dircctrd into the way of salvation, coin-
in -nlv retain^ nn-al intliu-nce and N onisidrn-d with special nlli-c-
tion. c\-n wlwii \arioiis circumstances hav- placed him at a
di-t.iii<-e under *n\\\t> nther p:^tor. The Conversation, thcirfor. .
i :i In-lnved frifiid fends to recal to the mimN of believers
their former fears tnaU, and delis* ranees which anminlrs them
to encounter furtlier dillicultie>. and opens the wa\ for
and admonitions.
II 4
166 EVANGELIST FORETELS PERSECUTIONS.
how they might resist and overcome them. To
which request FAITHFUL also consented. So
EVANGELIST began as followeth :
My sons, you have heard in the words of the
truth of the gospel, that "you must through many
" tribulations enter into the kingdom of heaven."
And again, that " in every city, bonds and afflic-
" tions abide you ;" and therefore you cannot
expect that you should go long on your pilgrim-
age without them, in some sort or other. You
have found something of the truth of these testi-
monies upon you already, and more will immedi-
ately follow : for now, as you see, you are almost
out of this Wilderness, and therefore you will soon
come into a Town that you will by and by see
before you ; and in that Town you will be hardly
beset with enemies, who will strain hard but they
will kill you ; and be you sure that one or both
of you must seal the testimony, which you hold,
with blood : but " be you faithful unto death,
" and the KING will give you a crown of life."
He that shall die there, although his death will
be unnatural, and his pain perhaps great, he will
yet have the better of his fellow ; not only be-
cause he will be arrived at the Celestial City soon-
est, but because he will escape many miseries that
the other will meet with in the rest of his journey.
But when you are come to the Town, and shall
find fulfilled what I have here related, then re-
member your friend, and quit yourselves like
THE TOWN OF VANITY : AND VANITY-FAIR. l~
men; and " commit the keeping of your souls to
" your (ion, as unto a faithful Creator." J
Then I sa\v in my dream that, when they were
got out of the Wildernos, they presently saw a
Town before them ; the name of that To\rn is
VANITY; and at the Town there is a fair kept,
called VAN i TV- FA i K. it is kept all the year long:
it heareth the name of VANITY-FAIR, because the
Town where it is kept is " lighter than vanity,"
and also because all that is there sold, or that
cometli thither, is vanity. As is the saying of the
wise, " All that cometli is vanity 1 ."
This Fair is no new-erected business, but athing
of ancient standing: I will shew yon the original
of it.
Almost five thousand years agone there were
1 Ecclcs. i. 2. 14. ii. 11. 17. xi. 8. Isaiah, xl. 17.
y The ;il>lr and faithful minister can foretel many things, from
hi-* knowledge of the Scriptures and enlarged exjxTience and ob-
>er\ation, 'it 'which hi* people arc not auare. He knows before
hand, that " through much tribulation tliev mu>t enter into the
" kingdom cif (ion ;" and the circumstances of the times aid him
in di< rniinn\\hat triaN and difficulties more e-pecially await tliem.
\ retired hie shelters a believer from the mmit\ of the world :
and timid men are often tempted on this account to abide in the
zii/ilrrm:\s ; to ehoose obscurity and solitude, for the sake of quiet
and safety, to the neglect of tlmse active M-mce> for which tin-v-
an- (jualiliod. Unt when Christians an- called forth to more pub-
lick situation*, they need peculiar cautions and instructions: for
inexperience renders men inattentive to the words of Scripture ;
and the\ often do n<>t at all expect, or prepare for, the trials which
are inseparable from thosc *< en--, on which the\ are perhaps even
impatient to enter.
1()8 THINGS SEEN AND SOLD IN VANITY-FAIR.
Pilgrims -walking to the Celestial City, as these
t\v r o honest persons are; and BEELZEBUB, APOL-
LYON, and LEG i ox, with their companions, per-
ceiving, by the path that the Pilgrims made, that
their way to the city lay through this town of
VANITY, they contrived here to set up a Fair; a
Fair, wherein should be sold all sorts of vanity ;
and that it should last all the year long : therefore
at this Fair are all such merchandize sold as houses,
lands, traces, places, honours, preferments, titles,
countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures ; and delights
of all sorts, as whores, bawds, wives, husbands, chil-
dren, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies^ souls,
silver, gold, pearls, precious stones, and what not !
And moreover, at this Fair there is at all times
to be seen jugglings, cheats, games, plays, fools,
apes, knaves, and rogues, and that of every kind.
Here are to be seen too, and that for nothing,
thefts, murders, adulteries, false-swearers, and that
of a blood -red colour.
And as in other fairs of less moment there are
several rows and streets under their proper names,
where such and such wares are vended, so here
likewise you have the proper places, rows, streets,
(viz. countries and kingdoms) where the wares of
this fair are soonest to be found. Here is the
BRITAIN Row, the FRENCH Row, the ITALIAN
Row, the SPANISH Row, the GERMAN Row, where
several sorts of vanities are to be sold. But as in
other fairs some one commodity is as the chief of
all the Fair, so the ware of ROME and her mer-
TflE ENGLISH D I M I K I. TH K VARFS OF ROME. 1(>9
chandi/e is peutly promoted in this fair: only
our K\(. i i MI nation, with some others, have taken
a did ike thereat. '
z Our author evidently designed to exhibit in his allegory the
izrand outlines of the difficulties, temptations, and suflerings, to
which be]ie\ers air exposed in this evil world; which, in a work
of tliis nature, must be related as if they came upon them one af-
ter another in regular succession ; though in actual experiei..
veral mav meet together, many may molest the same per>on apiin
and a-.'ain, and some haras-shim in every sta-e of his journey. \\'e
should, therefore, singly consider the instruction con\e\ ed by every
: ical incident, without measuring our experience, or calcu-
hitin- our pro^n-s. by comparing them with circvmtttOtCtt, which
mi^ht be reused or altereil with almost endless variety. In
ral VAN i r Y-I AIR represents jlu- wretched state of things in those
populous places especially \\here true religion is neglected and
persecuted ; and indeed of " the whole world lyin^ in wickedness,"
as distinguished from the church of redeemed sinners. This con-
: the s;iine (in respect of the ^en-ral principles, conduct, and
pursuits of mankind,) through all ages and nations : but Christians
are called to mix more uith it, at some times than at others; and
Satan, the ^<>d and prince of it, is permitted to excite fierce perse-
cution in some places and on some occasions, while at other times
he is restrained. Main, therefore, seem to SJM.MH! all their days
in the midst of V.\ \ n v-i AIK, and of continual insults or injuries;
while others are onlv sometimes thus exposed, and pass me-: , i
their li\es uiimolesti-d : and a few are favoured \\ith so obscure a
situation, and such peaceable times, that thev are \er\ little ac-
quainted with these trials. Mr. 1U N VA\, li\ini; in the country,
had frequent opportuiuties of witnessing thoM fair-, which arc held
tirst in one town and then in another; and ol ob-enin^ the per-
nicious effects produced on the principles, morals, health, and cir-
cumstaiK e- of \ounu persons especially, In thus drawing together
a multitude, from motives of interest, dissipation, and CMVS,. JJ e
must also, doubtless, ha\e found them to be a very dangerous snare
to serious or hopeful persons : s ( > that his delineation of this case,
under allusions taken from this scene, will be more interesting and
170 THE WAY TO THE CITY THROUGH THE FAIR.
Now, as I said, the way to the Celestial City
lies just through this Town where this lusty Fair
affecting to those who have been spectators of it, than to such as
have moved in higher circles, or dwelt chiefly in populous cities.
Worldly men covet, pursue, grasp at, and contend for, the things
of time and sense, with eagerness and violence, so that their con-
duct aptly resembles the bustle, selfishness, artifice, dissipation,
riot, and tumult of a large crowded fair. The profits, pleasures,
honours, possessions, and distinctions of the world, are as transient
and frivolous as the events of the fair-day ; with w hich the chil-
dren are delighted, but which every man of sense contemns. SOL-
OMON, after a complete experiment, pronounced the whole to be
" vanity of vanities ;" the veriest vanity imaginable, a complex
vanity, an accumulation of cyphers, a lottery consisting entirely
of blanks; every earthly object being Unsuitable to the wants of
the rational soul, unsubstantial, unsatisfactory, disappointing, and
perishing. Yet this traffick of A'anities is kept up all the year :
because the carnal mind always hankers after one worldly trifle
or other, and longs ' for change of follies, and relays of joy ;'
while objects suited to its feverish thirst are always at hand to al-
lure it, deriving their pfficacy from continually pressing, as it were,
on the senses. When our first parents were fatally prevailed on
to join Satan's apostacy, they " forsook the Fountain of living
"waters, to hew out for themselves broken cisterns;" and the
idolatry, of seeking happiness from the creature instead of tire
CIIEATOR, has been universal among all their posterity. Since
the promise of a SAVIOUR opened to fallen men a door of hope,
the tempter has continually tried to allure them by outward ob-
jects, or induce them by the dread of pain and suffering, to " neg-
" lect so great salvation." Thus the prince of the devils sets up
t\i\sfair; and by teaching men to abuse the good creatures of
GOD to vile purposes, or to expect from them such satisfaction as
they were never meant to afford, he has used them as baits to the
ambition, avarice, levity, and sensuality of the carnal mind. No
crime has ever been committed on earth, or conceived in the heart
of man, which did not arise from this universal apostacy and idol-
atry; from the excess, to which the insufficiency of the object to
CHRIST HIMSELF PASSED THROUGH IT. 17 1
is kept ; and he that will go to the City, and yet
not go through this Town, " must needs go out of
" the world." The Prince of princes himself,
when here, went, through this Town, to his own
country, and that upon a Fair-day too : yea, and
as I think, it was BEELZEBUB the chief lord of
this Fair that invited him to buy of his vani-
ties : yea, would have made him Lord of the
Fair, would he but have done him reverence as
he went through the Town : yea, because he was
such a Person of honour, BEELZEBUB had him
from street to street, and shewed him all the king-
doms of the world in a little time, that he might
if possible allure that Blessed One to cheapen and
buy some of his vanities. But he had no mind
to the merchandize, and therefore left the Town
answer the proposed end, gives rise; and from the vile passions
which the jarring interests or inclinations of numberles- competi-
tors for honour, power, \vealth, and pleasure, cannot fail to excite.
As the streams of impiety and vice, which flow from this source,
are varied, according to men's constitutions, educations, hahits
and situations: so different worldly pursuits predominate in divers
nations, or stages of civilization. Hence the manifold variations
in the human character, which equal the diversity of their com-
plexions, shape, or capacities, though they be all of one nature.
To this an allusion is made by ' the rows' in this fair. --The mer-
chandize of ROME, which suited a rude and ignorant age, ha
given place to the more plausible wares of sceptical philosophers,
which arc more agreeable to the pn.ii- of learning and human rca-
soniim. Kvrn things lawful in themselves, \\heii sought, or pos
sessed in a manner which is not consistent with " seeking first the
" kingdom of Gou, and his ri;Jite> ix-come alluremenU
of Satan, to dra\ sinners into his fatal snare.
172 A HUBBUB IN THE FAIR
without laying out so much as one farthing upon
these vanities \ This Fair, therefore, is an ancient
thing, of long standing, and a very great Fair. a
Now these Pilgrims, as I said, must needs go
through this Fair. Well, so they did ; but behold,
even as they entered into the Fair, all the people
in the Fair were moved, and the Town itself, as it
were, in a hubbub about them ; and that for sev-
eral reasons: for,
First, The Pilgrims were clothed with such kind
of raiment as was diverse from the raiment of any
that traded in that Fair. The people, therefore, of
the Fair, made a great gazing upon them : some
1 Matt. iv. 8. 9. Luke iv, 5 7.
a Christianity docs not allow men to " bury their talent in the
" earth," or to put " their light under a bushel :" they should
not " go out of the world," or retire into cloysters and deserts :
and, therefore, they must all go thrqpgh this Fair. Thus our
Lord and Saviour endured all the temptations and sufferings
of this evil world, without being at all impeded or entangled by
them, or stepping in the least aside to avoid them. The age in
which he lived peculiarly abounded in all possible allurements ;
and he was exposed to such enmity, contempt, and sufferings, as
Could never be exceeded or equalled. But " He went about doing
" good ;" and his whole conduct, as well as his indignant repulse
of the tempter's insolent offer, hath emphatically shewn his judg-
ment of all earthly things, and exhibited to us " an example that
" we should follow his steps."
Here are inserted the following lines
' Behold VANITY-FAIR ! The Pilgrims, there
Are chained, and stoned beside :
Even so it was our Lord past here,
And on mount CALVARY died/
AT THE SIGHT OF THE PILGRIMS.
said they were tools ' ; some, they MXTC Ix?dlams,
and sonic-, they were outlandish men.
Secondly, And as they wondered at their ap-
parel, so they did likewise at their speech ; for few
could understand what they said : they naturally
spoke the language of C'.v \\ANJ but they that
kept the Fair were the men of this world : so that
from one end of the Fair to the other they seem-
ed barbarians each to the other.
Thirdly, But that which did not a little amuse
the merchandi/crs was, that these Pilgrims set very
light by all their wares : they cared not so much
as to look upon them: and if they called upon
them to buy, they would put their lingers in their
and cry, "Turn away mine eyes from hc-
" holding vanity 1 ;" and look upwards, signifying
that their trade and traliick wa>. in heaven 5 . b
1 i Cor. iv. 9, 10. * ?s. cxix. 37. J Phil. iii. 20, 21.
b The presence of real Christians in those places, where a
cnncourse of world I v men i* collected for sinl'ul purpu-es, must
produce a disturbance and c!ler\ -rcm <. : ami ihc ^ir.allt-r the num-
ber is of those, who by their actions, words, <>r silrm ,
against vice anil ijiipi-t\, tin- Ucrct-r the oppo-ilion that will b-
J.- -A piuii^ clc.^\ man, on !)uanl a \^M-!, where he
single exception to ; .il ungodliness that prevailed, ga\e
great oflence l)\ coii>tantly but silently withdrawing, wlsen oath-
or unseemly tli^cmir^e made .Li^ >iluution uneasy; and he wa-.
i ailed to account for so a>Mimin- a -iiiiiJariu ! -Consistent be
liexers, appearing in ehaiai-ler anion- worldly people find not di*-
guUiqgthcil >eutimenls, al\va\s excite this opposition; but more
uccouiraudatinj; profi . pe it. An avowed dej>en.ler,cy on
:!:e ri^liteoi.iness and atoneinynt ot'di KISI I'.T at
174- THE PILGRIMS ARE APPREHENDED.
One chanced, mockingly, beholding the car-
riages of the men, to say unto them, ' What will
'ye buy?' but they looking gravely upon him,
said, "We buy the truth 1 ." At that, there was
an occasion taken to despise the men the more :
some mocking, some taunting, some speaking
reproachfully, and some calling upon others to
smite them. At last things came to an hubbub
and great stir in the Fair, insomuch that all or-
der was confounded. Now was word presently
brought to the great one of the Fair, who quickly
came down, and deputed some of his most trusty
friends to take those men into examination, about
whom the Fair was almost overturned. So the
1 Prov. xxiii. 23.
vast offence to those who rely on their own good works for justifi-
cation: and conformity to the example, and obedience to the
commandments, of the Redeemer, are deemed precise and uncouth
in the judgment of those who " walk according to the course of
" this world ;" and they deem the Christian insane or outlandish
for his peculiarities. His discourse, seasoned with piety, humili-
ty, and spirituality, so differs from the " filthy conversation of the
wicked," and the polite simulation of the courtly, that they can
have no intercourse with him, or he with them : and when Ac
speaks of the love of CHRIST, and the satisfaction of communion
with him, while they " blaspheme the worthy name by which he is
" called " they must seem barbarians each to the other. But
above all, the believer's contempt of worldly things, when they in-
terfere with the will and glory of GOD, forms such a testimony
against all the pursuits and conduct of carnal men, as must excite
their greatest astonishment and indignation : while he shuns with
dread and abhorrence, as incompatible with salvation, those very
things to which they wholly addict themselves without the least
remorse.
EXAMINED AND CONFINED. 175
men were brought to examination ; and they that
sat upon them, asked them whence they came,
whither they went, and what they did there in
such an unusual garbr The men told them that
they were Pilgrims and strangers in the world ;
and that they were going to their own Country,
which was the heavenly JERUSALEM '; and that
they had given no occasion to the men of the
Town, nor yet to the merchandizes, thus to abuse
them, and to let them in their journey : except it
was for that, when one asked them what they
would buy, they said they would " buy the
" truth." - But they that were appointed to ex-
amine them, did not believe them to be any other
than bedlams and mad, or else such as came to put
all things into a confusion in the Fair. Therefore
they took them and beat them, and besmeared
them with dirt, and then put them into the cage,
that they might be made a spectacle to all the men
of the Fair. c There therefore they lay for some
1 Hcb. xi. 13 >6.
c When the scoffs of those, " \\ho think it strange that Chris-
" tians will not run with them to the same excess of riot," extort
frmn them a full and explicit declaration of their principles, if
may be expected thnt the reproaches and insults of their despNers
will be increased : and then all the mischief and confusion which
follow will IM- laid to th<ir charge 'There were no such di-putes
' about religion before they euine.' '* The>e men who turn the
" world upside down are come hither also ;" " they exceedingly
" trouble tin; cit\," town, or village, by their uncharitable di--
oiurx- and example? Thus S\TAX fak<- o,v;t-ion to excite
I'AKT I. \
176 THEIR MEEK AND PRUDENT BEHAVIOUR,
time, and were- made the objects of any man's
sport, or malice, OF revenge ; the great One of the
Fair laughing still at all that beiel them. But.
the men being patient, and " not rendering railing
" for railing, but contrariwise blessing," and giv-
ing good words for bad, and kindness for injuries
done ; some men in the Fair, that were more ob-
serving and less prejudiced than the rest, began to
check and blame the baser sort for their continual
abuses- done by them to the men : they therefore
in angry manner let fly at them again, counting
them as bad as the men in the cage, and telling
them that they seemed confederates, and should
persecution, when lie fears lest the servants of GOD should suc-
cessfully disseminate their principles : and persecuting princes
and magistrates, his ' most frosty friends/ are deputed by him to
molest and punish their peaceable subjects, for conscientiously re-
fusing conformity to the world, or for dissenting from doctrines
and modes of worship which they cfdem unscriptural. Thus, the
most valuable members of the community are banished, impris-
oned, or murdered ; multitudes are tempted to hypocrisy ; en-
couragement is given fa tune-servers to seek secular advantages
'by acting contrary to their consciences ; the principles of sincerity
and integrity are generally weakened or destroyed, by multiplied
prevarications and false professions; and numerous instruments
of cruelty and oppression are involved in this complication of
atrocious crimes. Our author doubtless drew many of his. por-
traits, in the subsequent historical picture, from originals then suf-
ficiently known ; and if any think that he has heightened his col-
ourings, it may furnish them with, a subject for gratitude, and a
reason for content and peaceable submission to our rulers. In
Fox's Martyrs we meet with, authenticated facts, that fully equal
this allegorical rq^resentation : nay, ' The Acts of the Apostles*
give us the very same view of the subject.
AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF IT. 177
he made partakers of their misfortune. The other
replied that, for aught they could see, the men
were quirt and sober, and intended nobody any
harm : and that there were many, that traded in
their Fair, that were more worthy to be put into the
cage, yea, and pillory too, than were the men that
they had abused. Thus after divers words had
passed on both sides, (the men behaving themselves
all the while very wisely and soberly before them :)
they fell to some blows and did harm one to ano-
ther. Then were these two poor men brought be-
fore their examiners again, and there charged us
being guilty of the late hubbub that had been in
the Fair. So they beat them pitifully, and hang-
ed irons upon them, and led them in chains up and
down the Fair, for an example and terror to others,
my should speak in their behalf, 01 join them-
selves unto them. But CHRISTIAN and FAITH-
ri i behaved themselves yet more wisely, and
received the ignominy and shame that was cast
upon them with so much meekness and paticmv.
that it won to their bide (though but few in com-
pariM>n of the rest,) several of the men in the Fair.
This put the other party yet into a greater rage, in-
somuch that they concluded the death of these two
men. Wherefore they threatened that the cage
nor irons should serve their turn, but that thev
should die for the abiiM- they had done, aud for
deluding the men of the Fair. d
d The contempt, injustice, and cruelty, \\ith \\hich persecutors
178 THEIR SUFFERINGS AND COMFORTS '
Then were they remanded to the cage again,
until further orders should he taken with them.
So they put them in, and made their feet last in
the stocks.
Here, also, they called again to mind what they
had heard from their faithful friend EVANGELIST,
and were the more confirmed in their way and
sufferings by what he told them would happen to
them. They also now comforted each other, that
whose lot it was to suffer that even he should have
the hest on 't ; therefore each man secretly wished
treat the harmless disciples of CHRIST, gives them an occasion
of discovering that amiable conduct and spirit -which accord to
the precepts of Scripture, and the example of persecuted prophets
and apostles : and this often produces the most happy effects on
those who are less prejudiced, which still more exasperates deter-
mined opposers ; yet it frequently procures a short respite for the
persecuted, while worldly people quarrel about them among them-
selves. And even if greater severity be at length determined on,
persevering prudence, meekness, and patience, amidst all the rage
of their enemies, will bear testimony for them in the consciences
of numbers; their religion will appear beautiful, in proportion as
their persecutors expose their own odious deformity ; GOD will
be with them to comfort and deliver them ; he will be honoured
by their profession and behaviour, and many will derive the most
important advantage, from their patient sufferings and cheerful
fortitude in adhering to the truths of the gospel. But when be-
lievers are put off their guard by ill usage ; when their zeal is
rash, contentious, boasting, or disproportionate ; when they are
provoked to render " railing for railing," or to act contrary to the
plain precepts of Scripture : they bring guilt on their consciences,
stumble their brethren, harden the hearts and open the mouths
of opposers, dishonour GOD and the gospel, and gratify the great
enemy of souls ; who malignantly rejoices in their misconduct,
but is tortured when they endure sufferings in a proper manner.
Til F.I II IMHCTMI NT. 1 A ITU T L I/S A NSW ER. 179
that lie mi^lit have tint preferment : but commit-
ting themselves to the all-wise disuse of Him that
rnlctli all things, Mirhnutch content they abode
in the eondition in which they were, until they
should he otherwise disj)os( <1 of
Then a convenient time being appointed, they
brought them forth to their tiial in order to thin
condemnation. When the time was come they
were brought before their enemies, and arraigned.
The Judge's name was lord 1 1 ATI -coon : their
indictment was one and the same in substance,
though somewhat varying in form; the contents
whereof was this :
That they were enemies to, and disturbers of,
their trade; that they had made commotions and
divisions in the town, and had won a party to their
own most dangerous opinions, in contempt of the
law of their Prince.
Then F.MTIHI i began to answer, that he had
only set himself against that which had set itself
against Him that is higher than the- highest. And,
said he. a> for disturbance, I make none, being my-
self a man of peace; the parties that \UTC \\on to
us were won by be holding our truth and innocence;
and they are only turned from the worse to the bet-
ter. And as to the king yon talk of, since he i->
uu, the enemy of our LOUD, I defy him
and all his angels. e
The description of the procrss, instituted :i:iin-t tlu> Pilgrims
is given in language taken from the legnl form* u-ed in our courts
180 THE DEPOSITION OF ENVY,
Then proclamation was made, that they that had
aught to say for their lord the king against the
prisoner at the bar, should forthwith appear and
give in their evidence. So there came in three
witnesses, to wit, ENVY, SUPERSTITION, and
PICKTHANK. They were then asked if they
knew the prisoner at the bar ; and what they had
to say for their lord the king against him.
Then stood forth ENVY, and said to this effect :
My lord, I have known this man a long time, and
will attest upon my oath before this honourable
bench, that he is f
of justice, which in Mr. BUNYAN'S days were shamefully per-
verted to subserve the most iniquitous oppressions. The allegori-
cal narrative is framed in such a manner, as emphatically to
expose the secret reasons, which influence men to persecute their
inoffensive neighbours ; and the very names employed declare the
several corrupt principles of the heart, from whence this atrocious
conduct results. Enmity against GOD, and his holy character,
law, worship, truth, and servants, is the principal source of perse-
cution; the judge in FAITHFUL'S trial. The interference of
spiritual religion with men's covetous, ambitious, and sensual
pursuits ; and the interruption it gives to their false peace, and
unanimity in ungodliness or hypocrisy, which it tends to expose
and undermine, form the grounds of the indictment : that is,
when the persecuted can truly answer, that they ' only set them-
* selves against that which sets itself against Him, who is higher
' than the highest ;' and when they do not suffer " as evil-doers,
" busy-bodies in other men's matters," ambitious competitors for
secular advantages, or contentious disputants about political
questions.
f The names of these witnesses declare the characters of the
most active instruments of persecution. Even PILATE could
perceive that the Jewish Scribes and Priests were actuated by
ONE OF THE WITNTsxi s. 181
Hold, <;ive him his oath.
So they swarc him. ---Then he said, My lotd, thi->
man, notwithstanding his plausible name, is one or'
the vilest men in our country ; he neither rc^ard-
eth priucc nor people, law nor custom; hut docth
all that he can to pos.os all men with certain of his
disloyal notions, 8 Mhich he in the viicral
firci/, in delivering up JKSUS to him. His instructions discredited
fhcir's, and diminished their reputation and influence: he was
more followed tluin they : and in proportion us lie \VHS deemed u
teacher sent from GOD, they were disregarded as blind guides.
Thus formal instructors, and learned men who arc strangers to
f he power of goxllinoss, havv alvvuys affected to de<pi*e tin- pr<--
f--sors and preachers ot 'thegcspcl as ignorant enthusiasts. They
envy the reputation acquired by them, and are angry at the suc-
cess of their doctrines. If they have not the authority to silence
the niittisfcr, they will brow-beat such of his hearers as are within
the reach of their influence; especially, if they have afT
them by forsaking their uninteresting instruction*-. If they can-
not prexail upon " the powers that be" to interfere ; they will em-
|i!>\ repri'nrhcs, menaces, or even oppression, to obstruct the
: evangelical ministers : should anv obsolete law remain
unrepcaled, of which they can take advantage, they will be the
first to enforce it : and it the rulers engage in persecution, they
will take the lead, as prosecutors and witnesses. AS this was re-
markably tlx- ca-e in our author's day* ; and as the history of the
old and new Testament, and ever\ authentuk record of persecu-
tion-, i^ive the same view of it ; we cannot be greatly at a !<>-> to
know what was especially meant by this emblem. In other re-
spects there is seldom much in the circumstances of pious p, :
:te the /;ry of their mo-dK in ighbour* ; as the) :
their spiritual privileges am! romlorts.
It has always been the'p-.-.u tier <.f en\ious arciiM-rsto reprc-
,iose, who refuse religious conformity, as ///./ova/ -and di-ul-
N *
182 ENVY'S FURTHER DEPOSITION,
' principles of faith and holiness.' And, in par-
ticular I heard him once myself affirm, that Chris-
tianity and the customs of our Town of VANITY
were diametrically opposite, and could not be re-
conciled. By which saying, my lord, he doth at
once, not only condemn all our laudable doings,
but us in the doing of them.
Then did the Judge say unto him, Hast thou
any more to say ?
ENVY. My lord, I could say much more, only
I would not be tedious to the court. Yet if need
be, when the other gentlemen have given in their
evidence, rather than any thing shall be wanting
fected to the civil government of their country ; because they
judge it " right to obey GOD rather than man !" How grievous
then is it, that any, who profess the gospel, should give plausi-
bility to sueh calumnies ! How desirable for them, after the
example, and in obedience to the precepts, of CHRIST and his
apostles, " by well-doing to put to silence the ignorance of foolish
" men," " to avoid all appearance of evil :" " to render to Cx-
" SAR the things that are CESAR'S ;" and to constrain even ene-
mies to bear testimony to their peaceable deportment ! This
would exhibit their patient suffering for conscience-sake as amiable
and respectable, in the eyes of all not immediately engaged in
persecution ; and would give a sanction to their most bold and
decided testimony against every kind of vice, impiety, and false
religion. But when they revile the persons of rulers, or make re-
ligion the pretext for intermeddling out of their place in political
matters, and of attempting to disturb the peace of the community ;
they exceedingly strengthen men's prejudices against the doctrines
of the gospel, and the whole body of those who profess them ; and
thus give occasion, and furnish an excuse, for that very persecu-
tion of which they complain, in, other respects with the greatest
justice.
AND THAT OF SUPERSTITION. 1 $3
that will dispatch him, I will enlarge my testimony
against him. So he was hid to stand by.
Then they called Su r I-.KS rrnox, and hid him
look upon the prisoner ; tlu-y also asked what he
eotdd say tor their lord the king against him?
Then they sware him ; so he began :
My lord, I have no girat acquaintance with this
man, nor do I desire to have further knowledge of
him; however, this I know, that he is a very pes-
tilent fellow, from some discourse that the other
clay I had with him in this Town ; for then, talking
with him, I heard him say that our religion was
naught, and such by which a man could by no
means please GOD. Which sayings of his, my
lord, your lordship very well knows \\hat neces-
sarily thence will follow, to wit, that we- still do
worship in vain, are yet in our sins, and finally
shall he damned : and this is that which I have
iy. h
h Sr ri us i iTios represents another class of underling ;
cuior> ; (for the principals an- often marked infidels). Traditions,
human imcntion>, forms, and externals, appear to them decent,
vcncrahli 1 , and sacred ; and arc mistaken, with pertinacious ig-
norance, for the Mihstancc of religion. AS mere r/Y< -uinttu.,,
Worship, tome ofthe-rma\ MTV well answer the purpos r; pro-
vided tlirs lie not imposed, magnified ubme tlieir value, or sulisti-
tiitt-d in tin- place of things eentially good: others are bad, in
their nriin, u>e, and tendency ; \et the truth, ordinanco, and
commandment of don are made void, that men ma\ keep them !
\\hat is pompous or Imrdenxomc appears to such men iin-ritori-
ous ; nnd the excitement of men- natural pasM,mx, (as at a tragc-
;ied a nut needful help to true devotion. The) arc,
184 PICKTHANK'S DEPOSITION :
Then was PICKTHANK sworn, and bid say what
he knew in the behalf of their lord the king against
the prisoner at the bar.
My lord, and you gentlemen all, this fellow I
have known of a long time, and have heard him
speak things that ought not to be spoke ; for he
hath railed on our noble prince BEELZEBUB, and
hath spoken contemptibly of his honourable
friends, whose names are the lord OLD-MAN, the
lord CARNAL-DELIGHT, the lord LUXURIOUS,
the lord DESIRE-OF-VAIN-GLORY, my old lord
LECHERY, Sir HAYING-GREEDY, with all the
rest of our nobility : and he hath said, moreover,
that, if all men were of his mind, if possible there
is not one of these 1 noblemen should have any
longer a being in this town. Besides he hath not
been afraid to rail on you, my lord, who are now
appointed to be his Judge, calling you an ungodly
therefore, eminently qualified to bo -witnesses against the faithful
servants of GOD : for they " think they are thus doing him ser-
" vice," while they are opposing a company of profane despisers
of their idolized forms ; a set of fanaticks, hereticks, and pestilent
schismaticks ! Their religious zeal contracts and hardens their
hearts; and the supposed goodness of the cause sanctifies their
bitter rage, enmity, and calumny. The extreme odiousness of
these proceedings should excite all who love the truth, to keep at
the utmost distance from such obstinate confidence and violence ;
to discountenance them to the utmost, in the zealots of their own
sentiments ; and to leave the enemies of the gospel, if possible, to
monopolize this disgrace. For hitherto, almost all parties have
been betrayed into it, when advanced to power ; and this has
given the enemies of Christianity their most plausible arguments
ngtiinst it.
THE JUDGE'S SPEECH TO FAITHFUL. 185
\ illain, with many other such-likc vilifying terms,
with which he liatli bespattered most of the gentry
of our Town. '
"\Vhcn this PICKTIIANK. had told his tale, the
Judge directed his speech to the prisoner at the
liar, saving, Thou runagate, lieretiek, and traitor,
hast tliou heard what these honest gentlemen have
uitiic.^sed against thee?
FAITH. May I speak a few words in my own
<K -fence?
.1 1 DGE. Sirrah, sirrah, thou dcservest to live no
longer, hut to be slain immediately upon the place:
\et. that all men may see our gentleness towards
thee, let us sec what thou hast to say.
1 PICKTIIANK represents a set of tools that persecutors con-
tinually UM- ; namely, men of no religious principle; who assume
tin- appearance of /cal for any party, as may best promote their
interest:. ; ami who inwardly despise both the superstitious and the
-piritual worshipper. These men discern little in the conduct or
circumstances of believers to excite either their rage, or envy:
but if their superiors be disposed to persecute, the) will afford
their assistance; for preferment runs in this channel. So that
thc\ bear their testimony from avarice or ambition, and flatter tin-
most execrable characters, in order to get forward in the \vorld :
this being the grand object to which they readily sacrifice eu-ry
clse. The names of those against whom FAITHFUL spoke,
that his crime consisted in ] l>s nm-d and deed,
\ice- v. hich the great too often think themselves privih ^^l
to commit without censure; and not in reviling the persons or
mUrepreM-ntin:; the actions of superior*. The former may wilh
propriety be done at all time-: and on some occasions the
t< -tiinony again-t ^in cannot be too closely applied U> th- c- n-
.-< irnces of the guilty, without re.p n of persons: but the latter
i| always utiiut and unscriptural.
186 FAITHFUL'S ANSWER.
FAITH. I say then, in answer to what Mr. Ex-
VY hath spoken, I never said aught but this, that
what rule, or laws, or custom, or people, were flat
against the word of GOD, are diametrically oppo-
site to Christianity. If I have said amiss in this,
convince me of my error, and I am ready here be-
fore you to make my recantation.
As to the second, to wit, Mr. SUPERSTITION,
and his charge against me, I said only this, that
in the worship 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 thrust into the worship of GOD, that
is not agreeable to divine revelation, cannot be
done but by an human faith, which faith will not
be profit to eternal life.
As to what Mr. PICKTHANK hath said, I say
(avoiding terms, as that I am said to rail, and the
like,) that the prince of this town, with all the rab-
blement, his attendants, by this gentleman named,
are more fit for a being in hell than in this Town
and Country ; and so the LORD have mercy upon
me. k
k FAITHFUL'S defence is introduced by these lines, as in the
foregoing instances
' Now, FAITHFUL, play the man, speak for thy GOD;
Fear not the wicked's malice, nor their rod :
Speak boldly man, the truth is on thy side ;
Die for it, and to life in triumph ride.'
Christians in such circumstances, should be more concerned for
THE JUDGE'S CHARGE TO THE JURY. 187
Then the Judge failed to the jury, (who all this
while stood by to hear and observe;) Gentlemen
of the jury, you see this man about whom so great
an uproar hath been made in this Town; you have.
heard what thoe worthy gentlemen have wit-
against him; also you have heard his reply
and confession* It lieth now in your breasts to
hang him, or save his life ; but yet I think meet to
instruet you into our law.
There was an aet made in the days of PHARAOH
the great, servant to our prince, that, lest those of
a contrary religion should multiply and grow too
strong for him, their males should be thrown into
the river '. There was also an aet made in the days
Exod. i.
the honour <>t ( ">n than for their own credit or safety ; and they
should take occasion to bear a decided testimony to the truths,
commandments, and institutions of Scripture : leaving it to their
accusers, judges, or hearers, to determine what sentiments and
practices are thus proved to lie anti-ehri-tian, or what numbers of
" teacher* in ISRAEL" arc exposed as blind guides. That faith,
(by which alone we approach to (Ion, and acceptably worship
him,) has no other object than divine revelation ; nothing done
without the exprrsn warrant of Scripture can be profitable to eter-
nal life, whatever maybe said for its expediency; but cverv
thing foisted into r< luion contrary to that sacred rule must be an
abomination. Human faith may please men ; but without a di-
vine faith it is impo^ihle to please Con, either in general or in
any particular action. And. .1- \\e seldom can speak against the
vile lusts of men, without being judged b) implication to rail a-
g;iinst such as are notoiiou-ly addicted to them, wr cannot be the
followers of him " whom the world hated, because In- testified of
it that its works \\rre evil," unless \\e l>e willing to ri>k all con-
in lopving hi- example.
188 THE IAWS APPEALED TO.
of NEBUCHADNEZZAR the great, another of his
servants, that whoever would not fall clown and
worship his golden image, should be throM'n into
a fiery furnace '. There was also an act made in
the days of DARIUS, that whoso for some time
called upon any God but him should be cast into
the lions' den z . Now the substance of these laws
this rebel has broken, not only in thought, (which
is not to be born) but also in word and deed ;
which must therefore needs be intolerable.
For that of PHARAOH ; his law was made upon a
supposition to prevent mischief, no crime yet being
apparent ; but here is a crime apparent. For the
second and third ; you see he disputeth against our
religion ; and for the treason he hath confessed he
deserveth to die the death. !
1 Dan. iij. * Dan. vi.
1 A more just and keen satyrical description of such legal ini-
quities can scarcely be imagined, than that contained in this
passage. The statutes and precedents adduced (with an humor-
ous and well imitated reference to the style and manner, in which
charges are commonly given to juries ;) shew what patterns perse-
cuting legislators and magistrates choose to copy, and whose king-
dom they labour to uphold. Nor can any impartial man deny,
that the inference is fair which our author meant the reader to
deduce ; namely, that nominal protestants, enacting laws requir-
ing conformity to their own creeds and forms, and inflicting pun-
ishments on such as peaceably dissent from them, are actually
involved in the guilt of these heathen persecutors, and of their
anti-christian successors ; even if their doctrine and worship be
allowed to be scriptural and spiritual. For these methods only
serve to promote hypocrisy, and to expose the conscientious to
the malice, envy, or avarice of the unprincipled.
mi-. NAMES AND VEUDICT OF THE JURY.
Then went the jury out, whose names were Mr.
l.i IN DM AN, Mr. NO-GOOD, Mr. MAI.ICF, Mr.
LOVE-LUST, Mr. LIVE- LOOSE, Mr. HI-IAD v. Mr.
HIGH-MI \i>. Mr. KN.MITY, Mr. LIAR, Mr. C'ltr-
r i i Y, Mr. HATE-LIGHT, and Mr. IMPLACABLK;
whoc\cr\ one gave in his private verdict against
him among themselves, and afterwards unanimous-
ly concluded to bring him in guilty before the
judge. And first Mr. B LIN DM AX, the foreman,
said, * I see clearly that this man is an hcretick.'
Then said Mr. NO-GOOD, ' Away with such a fel-
' low from the earth.' 'Ay,' said Mr. MALICI,
lor I hate the very looks of him.' Then said Mr.
LOVE-LUST, * I could never endure him.' * Nor
' I,' said Mr. LIVE-LOOSE, 'for he "would always
4 be condemning my way.' * Hang him, hang
'him," said Mr. HEAPY. * A sorry scrub,' said
Mr. HIGH -.MI xi). * My heart riscth against him/
said Mi. KNMM\. 'He is a n'gue," said Mr.
LIAJJ. ' Hanging is too good for him,' said Mr.
(.'KUELTY. * Let us dispatch him out of the way,'
siid Mr. HATE-LIGHT. Then said Mr. IMPLAC-
ABLE, ' 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 so
they did; thcrefoic he \v:is presently condemned
to be had from the place \> here he was, to the place
from whence lie came, and there to be put to the
most cruel death that could be invented.
'I hey therefore brought him out to do with him
according to their law : and first they scourged
190 FAITHFUL'S TORMEXTS AND DEATH.
him, then they buffeted him, then they lanced his
flesh with knives-; after that they stoned him with
stones, then prick'd him with their swords ; and
last of all they burned him to ashes at the stake.
Thus came FAITHFUL to his end. m
Now I saw tliat there stood behind the mirlti-
tude a chariot and a couple of horses waiting for
m The names of the jury-men, and their general and particular
verdicts, the cruel execution of FAITHFUL, and the happy event
of his sufferings, need no comment. It was not indeed the prac-
tice of the times in which our auther lived, to inflict death on
those who were persecuted for conscience' sake : yet very great
rigours were used ; the system then adopted if carried to its con-
sequences, must have ended in the extermination of all non-con-
formists from the land ; it was natural to expect still greater cni-
elty from persons who were found capable of the severities already
experienced ; and without all doubt many actually lost their lives,
in one way or other, by the persecutions to which they were ex-
posed. All those, who feel a disposition to employ the power of
the magistrate against such as differ from them in religious matters,
should attentively Consider the contemptible and odious picture
here delineated', with the most entire justice, of the whole race of
persecutors, and of their characters, principles, motives, and con-
duct : that they may learn to hate and dread such an anti-christian
practice, and shun the most remote approaches to it. On the
other hand, they who are exposed to persecution, or in danger of
it, should study the character and conduct of FAITHFUL, that
they may learn to suffer in a Christian spirit, and to adorn the gos-
pel in the fiery trial.
The following lines are here introduced as before
' Brave FAITHFUL ! bravely done in' word and deed !
Judge, witnesses, and jury have, instead
Of overcoming thee, but shown their rage,
When they are dead, thou'lt live from age to age.'
IS TAKEN TO GLORY. CHRISTIAN ESCAPES. 191
FAITHFITL, who, so soon as his adversaries had
dispatched him, VMS taken up into it, and straight-
way was carried up through the clouds, with sound
of trumpet, the nearest way to the Celestial Gate.
But, as tor CHRISTIAN', he had some respite, and
was remanded back to prison ; so he there remain-
ed for a space: hut lie that over-rules all things,
having the power of their rage in his own hand, so
wrought it about that CHRISTIAN for that time
O
escaped them and went his way. *
' Well, FAITHFUL, thou hast faithfully profest
Unto thy LORD, with whom thou shalt be blest,
\\lie\\ faithless ones, with all their vain delights,
Are crying out under their hellish plights.
Sing, FAITHFUL, sing, and let thy name survive,
For though they kill'd thec thou art yet alive.'
Now I saw in my dream that CHRISTIAX went
n When tlu In-licver has done his work, the wrath of man may
be permitted to expedite his removal to his heavenly inheritance ;
but all tin- malice and power of earth and hell are utterly unavail-
ing to cut oft' any one, till the purposes of GOD respecting him are
pli-lied. Thus the apostles \\ere preserved during SAUL'S
persecution, and PETER was rescued from the hands- of HEROD..
The LORD has various methods of protecting and liberating his
servants: sometimes be intimidates their persecutors ; the parox-
YMii of their fury abates ; or they are disheartened by ill success
n their efforts to extirpate the hated sect ; the principals and in-
struments are left to quarrel among tl.> ; their cruelties
disgust the people, so that they dare not procoi-d ; political in-
'C.e e\en ungodly princes to promote toleration, and
chain up the demon persecution; or the LORD raises up one of
Ins own si-rvunts to authority, that he may be a protector of bis
church, and disappoint the U'\ices of his enemies.
PART I. X)
193 HOPEFUL ATTENDS CHRISTIAN.
not forth alone ; for there was one whose name
was HOPEFUL, (being so made by the beholding
of CHRISTIAN and FAITHFUL, in their Avords and
behaviour in their sufferings at the Fair) who join-
ed himself unto him ; and entering into a brother-
ly covenant told him that he would be his com-
panion. Thus one died to make testimony to the
truth, and another rises out of his ashes to be a
companion with CHRISTIAN. This HOPEFUL
also told CHRISTIAN, that there were many more
of the men in the Fair, that would take their time
and follow after.
So I saw that quickly after they were got out of
the Fair they overtook one that was going before
them, whose name was BY-ENDS : so they said to
him, What countryman, Sir ? and How far go you
this way ? He told them that he came from the
toAvn of FAIR-SPEECH, and he was going to the
Celestial City, but told them not his name.
' The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church :' for suf-
ferings, property endured, form the most convincing and useful
kind of preaching. The name of CHRISTIAN'S new companion
denotes the opinion, which established believers form at first, of
such as begin to profess the gospel in an intelligent manner. The
nature of an allegory rendered it impracticable to introduce the
new convert, as beginning his pilgrimage from the same place, or
going through the same scenes, as CHRISTIAN had done: neither
could FAITHFUL, for the same reason, be represented as passing
the river afterwards mentioned. But the brotherly covenant, in
which HOPEFUL joined himself with his companion, must be
supposed to imply the substance of all that had been spoken of, as
necessary to final acceptance.
BY-ENDS OF FAIR-SPEECH AND KINDRED. 193
From FAIR-SPEECH ! said CHRIST IAN : is there
any i^ood that lives there 1 ?
Y,x s;iid BY-ENDS, I hope.
CHH. 1'ray, Sir, what may I call you?
BY. I am a stranger to you and you to me : if
you be going this way, I shall be glad of your
company: if not, I must be content.
C'HK. This town of FAIR-SPEECH I have heard
of it, and, as I remember, they say it's a wealthy
place.
BY. Yes, I will assure you that it is; and I
have very many rich kindred there.
CHR. Pray who are your kindred there, if a
man may be so bold ?
BY. Almost the whole town : and, in particu-
lar, my Lord TURN-ABOUT, my Lord TIME-SERV-
ER, my Lord FAIR-SPEECH, from whose ancestors
that town first took its name: also Mr. SMOOTH-
MAN, Mr. FACINO-BOTH-WAYS, Mr. ANT-THING;
ami the parson of our parish, Mr. TWO-TOXGUES,
was my mother's own brother by father's side :
and, to tell you the truth, I am a gentleman of
good quality, yet my great grandfather was but a
waterman, looking one way and rowing another,
anil I got most of my estate by the same occupa-
tion.
CHR. Are you a married man.
BY. Yes, and my wife is a very virtuous woman,
the daughter of a virtuous woman ; ihe was my
Lady FEU; \ i NO'S daughter, therefore she came of
1 Prov. xxvi. 5
O 2
BY-EXDS DIFFERS FROM THESTRICTER SORT.
a very honourable family, and is arrived to siich
a pitch of breeding, that she knows how to carry
it to all, even to prince and peasant. It is true
we somewhat differ in religion from those of the
stricter sort, but yet in two small points. First,
we never strive against wind and tide. Secondly,
<T3 / "
we are always most zealous when religion goes in
his silver slippers ; we love much to walk with
him in the street, if the sun shines, and the people
applaud it. p
P The character of BY-ENDS, and the group that attended
him, forms a clear detection and merited condemnation of a
large company of false professors ; and is not at all inferior in
importance to the preceding severe satire on open persecutors.
When rest is given to the church, hypocrites often multiply
more than real Christians. The name of this man, and those of
his town and relations, do not merely describe his original charac-
ter and situation, (as CHRISTIAN was at first called GRACELESS
of the. City of DESTRUCTION ;) but they denote the nature of his
religious profession. Believers look back on their former princi-
ples and behaviour with shame and abhorrence ; but hypocrites,
A\ hen reproved for evident sins, excuse them, because CHRIST
came to save the lost, and because he is merciful to the chief of
sinners, CHRISTIAN would readily have granted that ' no good
lived' at his native city; and on that very account he had re-
nounced it with all his old connexions: but BY-ENDS hoped
better of FAIR-SPEECH, and gloried in his honourable relations
there. Yet he was ashamed of his name: for men arc unwilling
to allow, that they seek nothing more than worldly advantages by
religion. The names here selected are most emphatically descrip-
tive of that whole company of professed Christians who, under
various pretences, suppose " that gain is godliness." The polite
simulation and dissimulation, which some most courtly wr' -s have
inculcated, as the summit of good breeding, the perfection of a
finished education, and the grand requisite for obtaining conse-
rillUSTI AN DETECTS BY-ENDS. 1)J
Then CiiKisiiAX stcpt a little aside to his fH-
k)W HOPEFUL, saying, It runs in my mind that
tliis is one ttv-r.Mvs of FAIR-SI- F.KC H ; and it' it
be he, \vc have is very a knave in our compar,
dwelleth in all these parts. Then said llorn-i i.
Ask him ; methinks he 1 should not he ashamed of
his name. So Cii ui s i i A \ eame up with him a-
i*ain, and said, ' Sir, you talk as if yon knew some-
thing more than all the world doth, q and, if I
qucnce in society, if introduced into religion, and adopted by pro-
fessors <>r preachers of the gospel, in connexion with fashionable
accomplishment-, and an agreeable address, constitute the most
\er>atile, refined, and insinuating species of kypacrity that can be
imagined : and a man of talents, of any occupation or profession,
may render it very -u!/-cr\icnt to his intere-t ; by ensuring the
patronage' or custojn of th >>-(. to \vlioin lie attaches himself, with-
outgi\iim much umbrage to the \vorjd, which may indeed de-pi-e
such a character, but \sill not dt-em him worthy of hatred. lie
may a^ume any of the names here provided for him, as may best
Miit hi> line in life ; and may shape his course, in subserviency to
.nid concern, with ci i^iderable latitude; pnnided he has
prudence enough to keep clew of scandalous \ice- : he \\ill not
be lonj; in learning the beneficial art of usin two tongues \\ith one
mouth, and ot'lookini; one way and rowing another : and porhapb
be may impro\e his tortune by an honourable alliance, with some
branch of the ancient family of the FKIGXIXGS, The grand dif-
ference bet\\i\t this whole tribo, and the body of true Christian*,
in tlie^e two things: Christians seek the salvation of their
s, and at tin- .same time aim to glorify (ion, and be u>cful to
rir neighbours ; but hypocrites profess to bo religion* in order
to obtain friends, patrons, customers, or applause: those follow
lie LORD habitually, whatever tribulations ari^e because of the.
n-.ril: I. ut these conceal or deny their profession, when, instead
by it, they arc exposed to reproach or persecution.
1 The people of the \yild, who a\o\\ tluir real character, know
196 BY-ENDS SHEWS HOW HE CAME BY HIS NAME'.
take not my mark amiss, I deem I have half a guess
of you: is not your name Mr. BY-ENDS, of FAIR-
SPEECH ?
BY. This is not my name, but indeed it is a
nick-name that is given me by some that cannot
abide me, and I must be content to bear it as a re-
proach, as other good men have born their's before
me.
CHR. But did you never give an occasion to
men to call you by this name ?
BY. Never, never ! the worst that ever I did, to
give them an occasion to give me this name, was,
that I had always the luck to jump in my judg-
ment with the present way of the times, whatever
it was ; and my chance was to get thereby. But
if things are thus cast upon me, let me count them
a blessing ; but let not the malicious load me there-
fore 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 should think it doth.
BY. Well, if you will thus imagine, I cannot
how to serve MAMMON by neglecting and despising OOD and re-
ligion i and the disciples of CHRIST can serve GOD -enouncing
the world and its friendship : but time-servers talk . ~ they had
found out the secret of uniting these two discordant i. ests, and
thus of ' knowing something more than all the world.'- .'is is the
most prominent feature in this group of portraits, \vhic ' other
respects exhibits various dissimilarities, and contains th TCS of
persons belonging to every division of professed Christians c Tth,
CHRISTIAN AND HOPEFUL PAtlT FROM HTM.
help it: you shall find me a fair
it' you will still admit me your associate.
C'IIK. If yon will go with us, you must go a-
gain.it wind and tide, the which, I perceive, is
against your opinion : you must also own religion
in his rags as well as when in his silver slippers:
and stand by him too when hound in irons, as well
as when he walketli the streets with applause. 1
l>v. You must not impose, nor lord it over my
faith ; leave me to my liberty, and let me go with
you.
CIIH. Not a step further, unless you will do in
what I propound as we.
Then said I'V-F.VDS, I shall never desert my
old principles, since they are harmless and profita-
ble. If I may not go with you, I must do as I
did before you overtook me, even go by myself,
until some overtake me that will be glad of my
company. '
' When hypocrites are charged with their double-dealing anil
obvious crimes, they commonly et it <lmvn to tin- account ot'pcr-
vrution, :tn<l class themselves with that Messed company, nl'whom
" all manner of evil is spoken /;//></;/, for the name of Cunisr :"
as if there were no difference between MI fieri n as a chri>tiun, and
Ix IM- a M -mdal ti the very name of clmMianit\ ! 'J'lms they en-
deavour to quiet their mindt, and Lecp up their credit ; drmin
tlu-niM-U. , at thf >amr time very prudent and fortunate, i
ahout -ia> to avdiil t!ir cross, and .M-rure tin ir tcmpnral i
'i'lu- ajxKtli- vays t.mcerninj; tho*- men, " fronj^iwh turn awa\ ;"
ami thedrn.li-il inanm-i in wliich Ciiu ISTI is warns Hv-RXTis,
and rrnount <- ln^ < -nnpany, though perhaps too plyin to |M> cither
iippmu'd or imitated in thi> courtly candid .!-<, i- *.-t-rtainl> \Mir-
mntcd and required by the holy Script u
198 HOLD-THE-WORLD, MONEY-LOVE, SAVE-ALL,
Now I saw in my dream that CHRISTIAN and
HOPEFUL forsook him, and kept their distance
before him ; s but one of them looking back saw
three men following Mr. BY-ENDS, and behold as
they came up with him he made them a very low
congee ; and they also gave him a compliment.
The men's names were Mr. HOLD-THETWORLD,
Mr. MONEY-LOVE, and Mr. SAVE-ALL ; men that
Mr. BY-ENDS had formerly been acquainted with;
for in their minority they were school-fellows, and
were taught by one Miv GRIPEMAN, a school-
master in LOVE-GAIN, which is a market-town in
the county of COVETING, in the north. This
schoolmaster taught them the art of getting, either
by violence, cozenage, flattery, lying, or by put-
ting on a guise of religion ; and these four gentle-
men had attained much of the art of their master,
so that they could each of them have kept such a
school themselves.
Well, when they had, as I said, thus saluted each
other, Mr. MONEY- LOVE said to Mr. BY-ENDS,
Who are they upon the road before us ? for CHRIS-
TIAN and HOPEFUL were yet within their view.
s In the second Edition, printed l67S, all the subsequent part
of this episode is wanting; till CHRISTIAN and HOPEFUL enter
the plain Ease : but there can be no doubt of its having been ad-
ded by the Author himself, for it is in his manner entirely. This
induces a doubt, whether some other alterations from that Edition
were not made by the Author; and on this ground, it has been
necessary to exercise a discretionary power in admitting or re
jecting them,
i
JOIN* THEMSELVES TO BY-EXDS. 199
liv. They arc a couple of far countrymen, that
.liter their mode are going on pilgrimage.
MONEY. Alas! why did they not stay, that
Me might have had their good company ? for they,
and we, and you, Sir, 1 hope, are all going on
pilgrimage. '
1 It might have been supposed that the persons, here intro-
duced, were settled inhabitants of the Town of VAX ITY, or the
City of DESTRUCTION : but indeed they protes>ed them^eKes
Pilgrims, and desired during the sun-shine, to associate with Pil-
grims; pro\ided thev would allow them, to hold the Korld, lo\c
iiininy, and .v</;r all, whatever became of faith and holim
honesty, piety, truth, uiul charity ! Covetousuess, whether it con-
sit in rapaciously trying to get money, to hoard, or to lavish, in
purchasing consequence, power, or pleasure, or in supporting mag-
nificence and the pride of life ; or in parsimony as to the ordinary
proportion of expenditure; or in tenacity, when duty requires a
man to part with it ; is a vice not so easily defined as many others.
At the i-uine time it enables u man, in various ways, to reward those
who can be induced to connive at it, and to render it dangerous
to oppose him : so that it is not wonderful that it generally finds
more quarter, even amon^ religious persons, than other vices,
which are not marked with so black a brand in the holy Scrip-
tun-. Too many professing to be the disciples of Christ, " bless
' the covetous, whom GOD abhorrcth," and speak to them as if
thr\ were doubtless true Christian* ; because of their steadiness in
the profession of a doctrinal -\stem, and a mode ot worship ; at-
tended by morality, when- money is not concerned and scandal
might be incurred ; and a narrow disproportionate contribution
from their^ibundancc, to support the interest of a sodetv or a
. Thus the " \ile person is called liberal, and the churl is
1 to be bountiful:" and the idolatry of worshiping mency
has seldom l>nn execrated equally with that of tlu-in, " who<e
" goti i* tlu-ir belly ;" unless \\hen so enormons as to become a
Kind ot insanity. The most frugal support of religious worship,
with the mo.st disinterested pastor*, and managers, is attended
200 BY-ENDS & HIS PARTY CENSURE CHRISTIAN,
Br. We are so indeed : but the men before us
are so risrid, and love so much their own notions,
O * '
and do also so lightly esteem the opinions of others,
that let a man be ever so godly, yet if he jumps
not with them in all things, they thrust him quite
out of their company.
SAVE. That's bad: but we read of some that
are righteous over much, u and such men's rigid-
ness prevails with them to judge and condemn all
but themselves : but I pray what and how many
were the things wherein you differed ?
with an expence that the poor of the flock are utterly unable to
defray: by this opening, HOLD-TIIE-WORLD and MONEY-
LavE frequently obtain admission, and acquire undue influence
among Pilgrims. And when the effect of remaining selfishness in
the hearts of true believers, insinuating itself under the specious
plea of prudence and necessity, and the ill consequences of spe-
cious hypocrites associating with them, arc duly considered ; with
the censure that must fall upon a few obscure individuals who at-
tempt to stem the torrent: it will appear evident that the rich,
and they who are growing rich, have more need of self-examina-
tion and jealousy over their own hearts than any other persons ;
because they will be less plainly warned and reproved, in publick
and private, than their inferiors.
u This expression of SOLOMON was probably intended to cau-
tion us against excessive zeal for some detached parts of religion
to the neglect of others, or against superstitious austerities and
enthusiastical delusions, or any extremes, which always lead men
oft* from vital godliness : or, as some think, it is the objection of
an opponent, which he afterwards answers : but it is the constant
plea of those, who neglect the most essential duties of their place
and station, to avoid the cross, and preserve their worldly in-
terests ; and thus " they wrest the Scriptures to their ovrn dcstruc-
" tion."
AND APPLAUD THEIR OWN PRINCIPLES. 201
l)v. Why they, alt IT their headstrong manner,
conclude, that it is their duty to rush on their
journey all weathers ; and I am for waiting for
wind and tide. They are for hazarding all for
GOD at a clap, and I am for taking all advantages
to secure my life and estate. They are for hold-
ing their notions though all other men be against
them ; but I am for religion in what, and so far as,
the times and my safety will bear it. They are for
religion when in rags and contempt; but I am for
him when he walks in his golden slippers, in the
Min-Nhine, and with applause.
HOLD. Ay, and hold you there still, good Mr.
I) \-i\ns: for my part, I can count him but a
fool, that having the liberty to keep what he has
shall he so unwise as to lose it. Let us be " wise
11 as serpents;" it is best * to make hay when the
' sun shines ;' you see how the bee lieth still in win-
ter, and bestirs her only when she can have profit
with pleasure. GOD sends sometimes rain and
sometimes sun-shine : if they be such fools a> to
go through the first, yet let us be content to t..ke
fair weather along with us. For my part, I like
that religion best that will stand with the security
of GOD'S good blessings unto us: for who can
imagine, that is ruled by his reason, since GOD
has bestowed upon us the good things of thi.s lite,
but that he would have us keep them for his sake?
ABRAHAM and SOLOMON grew rich in religion.
And JOB says that a good man "shall lay up
" gold as dust." But he must not be such as the
202 BY-ENDS PROPOSES A QUESTION :
men before us, if they be as you have described
them.
SAVE. I think that we are all agreed in this
matter, and therefore there needs no more words
about it.
MONEY. No, there needs no more words about
this matter indeed ; for he that believes neither
Scripture nor reason, (and you see we have both
on our side,) neither knows his own liberty, nor
seeks his own safety. w
BY. My brethren, we are, you see, going all on
pilgrimage, and for our better diversion from things
that are bad, give me leave to propound unto you
this question :
Suppose a man, a minister or tradesman, &c,
should have an advantage lie before him to get
w This dialogue is not in the least more absurd and selfish, than
the discourse of many who attend on the preaching of the gospel,
and expect to be thought believers. They connect " the wisdom
of the serpent" with his craft and malice, not with the harmless-
ness of the dove : if worldly luere be the honey,. they imitate the
bee, and only attend to religion when they can gain by it : they
cut and shape their creed and conduct to suit the times, and to
please those among whom they live : they determine to keep what
they have at any rate, and to get more, if it can be done without
open scandal ; never seriously recollecting that they are mere
stewards of providential advantages, of which a strict account
must at last be given : and, instead of willingly renouncing or ex-
pending them, for the LOHD'S sake, when his providence or com-
mandment requires it, they determine to hoard them up for
themselves and families, or to spend them in worldly indulgence ;
and tlu-n quote and pervert Scripture to varnish over this base
jdolatiy.
LIONET-LOVE'S ANSWER. 203
the good blessings of this life, yet so as that he
can by no means come by them except, in appear-
ance at least, he becomes extraordinary zealous in
some points of religion that lie meddled not with
before, may he not use -this means to attain his
end, and yet be a right honest man ?
MONEY. I see the bottom of your question;
and, with these gentlemen's good leave, I will en-
deavour to shape you an answer. And first, to
speak to your question, as it concerns a minister
himself. Suppose a minister, a worthy man, pos-
sc -sscd but of a very small benefice, and has in his
eye a greater, more fat and plum]) by far : he has
also now on opportunity of getting of it ; yet so as
by being more studious, by preaching more fre-
quently and zealously, and because the temper of
the people requires it, by altering of some of his
principle^ : for my part, I sqe no reason but a man
may do this, provided he has a. call, ay, and more
a great deal besides, and yet be an honest man.
For wliv "-
v
1. I lis desire of a greater benefice is lawful;
this cannot be contradicted, since it is set before
him by Providence; so then lie may get it if he
can, making no question for conscience' sake.
1 2. Ucsidcs, his desire after that benefice makes
him more studious, a more zealous preacher, &c;
and so makes him a better man, yea, makes him
better improve his parts ; which is according t
the mind of (jon. ^
.1. tfow, as .for the complying with the
MONEY-LOVE'S ANSWER CONTINUED.
of his people by deserting, to serve them, some of
his principles, this argueth that he is of a self-de-
nying temper, of a sweet and winning deportment ;
and so more lit for the ministerial function.
4. I conclude, then, that a minister that changes
a small for a great, should not, for so doing, be
judged as covetous ; but rather, since he is im-
proved in his parts and industry thereby, be count-
ed as one that pursues his call, and the opportunity
put into his hand to do good. x
And now to the second part of the question,
which concerns the tradesman you mentioned :
suppose such 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 customers to his shop. For my part, I see no
reason but this may be lawfully done. For why ?
x There is a fund of satyrical humour in the supposed case here
very gravely stated : and if the author, in his accurate observations
on mankind, selected his example from among the mercenaries
that are the scandal of the established church, her most faithful
friends will not greatly resent this conduct of a dissenter. The
worthy clergyman sccks^/vtf, (not " the kingdom of GOD and his
" righteousness," or the glory of GOD in the salvation of souls, but)
a rich benefice : to attain this primary object means must be used ;
and hypocritical pretensions to diligence, zeal, piety, with some
change of doctrine merely to please men, seem most likely to suc-
ceed : and so this most base, prevaricating, selfish, and ungodly
plan is adopted ! In how many thousands of instances has this
been an awful reality ? How often has it been pleaded for, as
prudent and laudable, by men, not only pretending to common
honesty and sincerity, but calling themselves the disciples of JE-
SUS CHRIST !
THEY AGREE TO PROPOSE IT TO CHRISTIAN. C0.5
1 To become religious is a virtue, by what
means soever a man becomes so.
<J. Nor is it unlawful to get a rich wife, or more
custom to my shop.
'3. Besides, the man that gets these by becoming
religious, gets that which is good, of them that
are good, by becoming good himself; so then here
is a good wife, and good customers, and good
gain, and all these by becoming religious, which
is good : therefore, to become religious to get all
tiu se is a good and profitable design.
This answer, thus made by this Mr. MOVEY-
LOVE to Mr. BY-ENDS'S question, was highly ap-
plauded by them all ; wherefore they concluded
upon the whole that it was most wholesome and
advantageous. And because, as they thought, no
man was able to contradict it, and because CHRIS-
TIAN and HOPEFUL were yet within call, they
jointly agreed to assault them with this question
as soon as they overtook them ; and the rather
because they had opposed Mr. BY-ENDS before.
So they called after them, and they stopped and
stood still till they came up to them: but tl^x
concluded, as they went, that not Mr. BY-E\PS
but old Mr. HoLD-TiiE-woRLi), should propound
the question to them ; because, as they suppo-id.
their answi r to him \\ould be without the remain-
tier of that heat, that was kindled between Mr. Bv-
i s DS and them at their parting a little- IK i
So they came up t< each oilier, and, after a short
salutation, Mr. UoXD-T HE-WORLD propounded
206 CHRISTIAN'S SCRIPTURAL
the question to CHRISTIAN and his fellow, and
bid them to answer it if they could.
Then said CHRISTIAN. Even a babe in religion
o
may answer ten thousand such questions. 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 stalking-horse to get and enjoy
the world ? Nor do we find any other than hea-
thens, hypocrites, devils, and witches, that are of
this opinion.
Heathens : for when HAMOR and SHECHEM had
a mind to the daughter and cattle of JACOB, and
saw that there were no ways for them to come at
them, but by becoming circumcised ; they say to
their companions, " If every male of us be circum-
" cised, as they are circumcised, shall not their
" cattle, and their substance, and every beast of
" theirs, be ours?" Their daughters and their cat-
tle were that which they sought to obtain, and
their religion the stalking-horse they made use of
to come at them. Read the whole story, Genesis
xxxiv. 20 24.
The hypocritical Pharisees were also of this re-
ligion : long prayers were their pretence : but to
get widows' houses was their intent, and greater
damnation was from GOD their judgment 2 .
JUDAS the devil was also of this religion: he
was religious for the bag, that he might be possess-
ed of what was therein ; but he was lost, a cast-
away, and the very son of perdition.
1 John vi. 26, 27. * Luke xx. 46, 47.
BY-ENDS AND HIS PARTY SILENCED. 20?
SIMON the witch was of this religion too; for
he would have had the HOLY GHOST, that he
illicit have got money therewith; and his sen-
tence from PJ ;[ i. u's mouth was accordingly '.
Neither will it out of my mind, hut that that man,
that takes up religion for the world, will throw away
religion for the world ; for so surely as JUDAS de-
signed the world in heeoming religious, so surely
did he also sell religion and his MASTER for the
same. To answer the question therefore affirma-
tively, as I perceive you have done, and to accept
of, asauthentick, such answer, is hoth heathenish,
hypocritical, and devilish ; and your reward will he
according to your works. Then they stood staring
one upon another, hut had not wherewith to an-
swer CHRISTIAN. HOPEFUL also approved of
the soundness of CHRISTI A \'s answer; so there
was a great silence among them. Mr. BY-ENDS
and his company also staggered and kept behind,
that CHRISTIAN land HOPEFUL might out-go
them. Then .said CHRISTIAN to his fellow, If
these nun cannot stand before the sentence of
men, \\hat will they do with the sentence of GOD?
And, if they are mute when dealt with by vr-^els
of clay, what will they do when they shall he- re-
buked by the- ilaines of a devouring fire? y
1 Acts viii. 18 23.
y GOD permit* Satan to bait hi- hook with some worldly ad-
vantage, in onler to induce men to renounce their
!' VRT I. P
208 THE PLAIN EASE, AND THE HILL LUCRE.
Then CHRISTIAN and HOPEFUL out went them
again, and went till they came at a delicate Plain,
called EASE; where they went with much con-
tent : but that Plain was hut narrow, so they were
quickly got over it. Now at the further side of
that Plain was a little Hill, called LUCRE, and in
that Hill a silver mine, which some of them that
had formerly gone that way, because of the rarity
of it, had turned aside to see ; but going too near
the brink of the pit, the ground, being deceitful
under them, broke, and they were slain : some also
had been maimed there, and could not to their dy-
ing day be their own men again. z
expose their hypocrisy, or disgrace the gospel : and they, (poor de-
luded mortals !) call it ' an opening of Providence/ The LOUD
indeed puts the object in their way, if they will break his com-
mandments in order to seize upon it : but he does this in order to
prove them, and to shew whether they most love him or their
worldly interests ; and it is the devil that tempts them to seize the
advantage by sinful compliances or hypocritical pretences that
he may " take them captive at his will." The arguments here ad-
duced, by an admirable imitation of the pleas often used on such
occasions, are only valid on the supposition that religion is a mere
external appearance, and has nothing to do with the state of the
heart and affections ; and in short, that hypocrisy and piety are
words precisely of the same meaning. Upon the whole, the an-
swer of CHRISTIAN, though somewhat rough, is so apposite and
conclusive, that it is sufficient to fortify every honest and attentive
mind against all the arguments, which the whole tribe of time-
serving professors of Christianity ever did r or ever can, adduce, in
support of their ingenious schemes and assiduous efforts to recon-
cile religion with covetousness and the love of the world, or to ren-
der it subservient to their secular interests.
z When the church enjoys outward peace and prosperity, (which.
THE SILVER MI\E, AND DEMAS. 209
Then I saw in my dream, that a little off the
road, over-against the silver mine, stood DEMAS,
gentleman- like, to call to passengers to come
and see; who said to CHRISTIAN and his lei-
low, Ho ! turn aside hither, and I will show you
a thing. *
has hitherto been generally but for a transient season,) they, who
the gospel, are peculiarly exposed to the temptation of
ing worldly riches and distinctions: and many in such cir-
cumstances arc more disconcerted and disposed to murmur, if ex-
cluded from sharing these idolized prizes, than Christians in gene-
ral appear to have been under the most cruel persecutions; -alien
these objects were placed at such a distance, as to lose most of their
attractive influence. But the Hill LUCRE, with the siher mine,
is a little out of the- Pilgrim's path, even in times of the greatest
outward rest and seem it \ : and \vhilc those " who -a: ill be rich,
V fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurt-
" till lust*, which drown men in destruction and perdition ;" others
tin;:, that " the love of money is the root of all evil, having
" coveted alter it, have erred from the faith, and pierced them-
:\e.s through with many sorrows."
1 We know not in what way the love of this present world in-
fluenced DEMAS to forsake St. PAUL: and it is not agreed
whether he afterwards repented, or whether he was finally an
apostate: yet our author is warranted by the general opinion in
thus using his name, and afterwards joining it with those < >i ( < i -
11 \/i, JUDAS, and others, who perished by that idolatry. The
love of money docs not always spring from a desire of covetously
hoarding it; but often from a vain affectation of gentilitv, which
IN emphatically implied by the epithet gentleman-like bestowed on
Di MAS. The connexions that proli -<,|s form in a d.-.y of eaie
and prosperity, and the example of the world around th<-m, and
even that of numbers who would he thought to |o\e the cro^pel, se-
duce them in-en-.il.lv into a M\le of luing that they cannot art<u.l.
in order to avoid the imputation of be mi: -<n<!ul au-1 iiu:ukv. Ar
I-
10 CHRISTIAN'S ENQUIRY,
CHR. What thing so deserving as to turn us
out of the way.
increasing family insures additional expencc ; and children gen-
tecly educated naturally expect to be provided for according-
ly. Thus debts are contracted and gradually accumulate : it is
neither so easy nor so reputable to retrench, as it was to launch
out : and numerous tempters induce men thus circumstanced to
turn aside to the Hill LUCRE; that is, to leave the direct path of
probity and piety, that they may obtain supplies to their urgent
and clamorous necessities. Young persons^ when they first set
out in life, often lay the foundation for innumerable evils, by vain-
ly emulating the expensive style of those in the same line ot busi-
ness, or the same rank in the community, who are enabled to
support such cxpences, cither by extensive dealings or unjustifiable
means. Many are the bankruptcies which originate from this mis-
taken conduct: and besides this, it is often found, that fair profits
arc inadequate to uphold the appearance which was at first need-
lessly assumed ; so that necessity is pleaded for engaging in those,
branches of trade, or seizing on those emoluments, which the con-
duct of worldly people screen from total scandal, but which are
evidently contrary to the word of GOD, and the plain rule of exact
truth and rectitude; and which render their consciences very un-
easy. But who can bear the mortification of owning himself poor-
er than he was thought to be ? Who dare risk the consequences
of being suspected to be insolvent? In these ensnaring circum-
stances professed Christians, if not powerfully influenced by re-
ligious principles, will be almost sure to embrace DEMAS'S invi-
tation, along with BY-ENDS, Mo XEY-LOVE, and SAVE- ALL ; and
if they be " not drowned in destruction and perdition," will " fall
" into temptation and a snare, and pierce themselves through with
" many sorrows." It therefore is incumbent on every one, well
to consider, that it is as unjust to contract debts for superfluous
indulgences, or to obtain credit by false appearances of affluence,
as it is to defraud by any other imposition ; and that this kind of
dishonesty makes way for innumerable temptations to more dis-
graceful species of the same crime : not to speak of its absolute
inconsistency with piety and charity.
ANSWERED BY DEM AS. 11
DIM \v Here is a silver mine, ami some dig-
ging in it for treasure; if you will come, with
lint none arc in tliis respect so much exposed as minis-
ters and their families, when, having no private fortune*, they
are situated anion^ the aflluent and sjentei-l : and by \ieldin;;
t - the temptation, they are often incapacitated from paving
their debts with punctualit\ : they are induced to degrade their
office by stooping to unsuitable methods of extricatiim thcr.i-
.-> out of diliicultics from which strict frugality would have
preserved them, and by laving themselves under obligations to
Mich men a* are capable of abusing thu purchased superiority :
and, above all, they are generally led to place their children in
situations and connexion-*, highly unfavourable to the interests of
their souN, in order to procure them a genteel provision. If wo
form our judgment on this Mibject from the holy Scripture, we
shall n'-t think of finding the true ministers of CHRIST amnn^ the
higher clasps in the community,/// mutters of citernal appearance
or indulgence. That information and learning, winch many of
tin-in ha\e the opportunity of acquiring, ma\ render them accepta-
ble conijianv to the affluent, especially to Mich as love them for
their work's sake; and even thc-M ivi-e of Christian tt injx'rs uill
improve the urbanity acquired by a lilx-ral education, where faith-
fulne- i- in i concerned. Rut if a minister thinks, that the atten-
tion of the Creator noble requires him to copy their expensive stv K-
of living, he grievously mistakes the matter. For this will gene-
rally forfeit the opinion before entertained of his >^><,d si-n-^ and
ud to propriet\ : and his otjicinl declarations concerning the
\anity of eartldy things, ami the chri-tian's indifTerenc<- to them,
uill be suspected of insincerity ; while it is c.l.M-ned, that lie con-
forms to the world, as far or e\en further than his circumstances
will admit: and thus respect will often be chanm-d into di>mM.
Nay indeed the superior orders in soriet\ do not choo-n- to be too
clov-ly copied, in those things which they deem their exclusive
prmle-es ; especially by one who. (the\ must think,') >ecretly de-
pends >n them t- ! l,.i\ the expi-nce of the intrui\e competiiimi.
The consistent minister of CIIUIST will certainly desire to avoid
every thinn mean and sordid, and to ixHreiuh in every other \^
rather than exhibit the appearance ofpemir\ : but, provided he
212 HOPEFUL INCLINED TO GO.
a little pains you may richly provide for your-
selves.
Then said HOPEFUL, Let us go see.
o
Not I, said CHRISTIAN, I have heard of this place
before now, and how many have there been slain ;
and besides, that treasure is a snare to those that
seek it ; for it hindereth them in their pilgrimage.
and his family can maintain a decent simplicity, and the credit of
punctuality in his payments, he will not think of aspiring any high-
er. If, in order to do this, he be compelled to exercise considera-
ble self-denial, he will think little of it, while he looks more to
JESUS and his apostles, than to the few of a superior rank who
profess the gospel : and could he afford something genteel and
fashionable, he would deem it more desirable, to devote a larger
portion to pious and charitable uses, than to squander it in vain
affectation. Perhaps Satan never carried a more important point,
within the visible church, than when the opinion was adopted, that
the clergy were gentlemen by profession ; and when he led them to
infer from it, that they and their families ought to lii'e in a genteel
andfashionabie style. As .the body of the clergy have been mostly
but slenderly provided for : when they were thus taught to imitate
the appearance of the affluent, the most effectual step was taken
to reduce them to abject dependence ; to convert them into para-
sites and flatterers;, to render them very indulgent to the vices of
the rich and great ; or even to tempt them to become the instru-
ments of accomplishing their ambitious or licentious designs : and
no small part of the selfishness and artifices of the clergy, which
are now made a pretext for abolishing the order, and even for re-
nouncing Christianity, have in fact originated from this fatal mis-
take. In proportion as the same principle is adopted by ministers,
of any description, similar effects will follow; and a degree of de-
pendence, inconsistent with unembarrassed faithfulness, must be
the consequence : nor can \ve in all cases, and without respect of
persons, " declare the whole counsel of GOD," unless we be wil-
ling, if required, to be, and to appear as, the poor followers of Him
" who had not where to lay his head."
CHRISTIAN EXPOSTULATES -WITH DEMAS. 213
Then CHRISTIAN called to DEMAS, saying, Is
not the way dangerous? hath it not hindered
many in their pilgrimage?
DEMAS. Not very dangerous, except to those
that are careless. But M'ithal lie blushed as he
spake.
Then said CHRISTIAN to HOPEFUL, let us not
stir a step, but still keep on our way. b
HOPE. I will warrant you when BY-ENDS comes
up, if he hath the same invitation as we, he will
turn in thither to see.
CHR. No doubt thereof, for his principles lead
him that way, and a hundred to one but he dies
there.
Then DEMAS called again, saying, But will you
not come over and see.
Then CHRISTIAN roundly answered, saying,
Di MAS, thou art an enemy to the right ways of
the LORD of this way, and hast been already con-
demned, for thine own turning aside, by one of
his Alajt sty's Judges '; and why seekest thou to
bring us into the like condemnation ? Besides, if
we at all turn aside, our LOUD the KING will cer-
* s Tim. iv. 10.
k Inexperienced believers arc very liable to be seduced by the
example and persuasions of hypocrites; and to deviate from
the direct path, in order to obtain worldly advantages, by
means that many deem fair and honourable. In this case the
counsel and warnings of an experienced companion are of tho
moment.
P4
214* BY-ENDS & PARTY PERISH AT THE MINE.
tainly hear thereof, and will there put us to' shame,
where we would stand with boldness before him.
DEM AS cried again that he also was one of their
fraternity ; and that if they would tarry a little he
also himself would walk with them.
Then said CHRISTIAN, What is thy name? Is
it not the same by the which I have called thce ?
DEMAS. Yes, my name is DEMAS ; I am the
son of ABRAHAM.
CHR. I know you : GEHAZI was your great
grandfather, and JUDAS your father, and you
have trod their steps ; it is but a devilish prank
that thou usest : thy father was hanged for a trait-
or, and thou deservest no better reward '. Assure
thyself that when we coine 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 sight, and they at the first 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 smothered in the bottom by the damps that
commonly arise, of these things I am not certain ;
but this I observed, that they never were seen a-
gain in the way. Then sang CHRISTIAN :
' BY-ENDS and silver DEMAS both agree ;
One calls, the other runs, that he may be
A sharer in his lucre ; so these two
Take up in this world, and no further go.'
1 2 Kings v. 2027, Matt, xxvi, 14, 15. xxvii. 35%
CimiSTL4NandHOI*EF'1 T L at the MONUMENT.
London, Published by L.B. JetJey May 30.1801 .
THE MONT MF. XT, OR LOT'S WIFE. 01:5
Xow I saw tint, just on the other side of this
plain, the Pilgrims came to a ])l;iee where stood an
old Monument hard by the highway side, at the
sight of which they were hoth concerned, because,
of the strangeness of the form thereof, for it Deni-
ed to them as if it had been a ICOHHIH transformed
into the shape of a pillar. Here therefore they
stood looking and looking- upon it ; but could not
for a time tell what they should make thereof: at
last 1 1 OP IT i" i. espied written above upon the head
thereof a writing in an unusual hand ; but he, be-
ing no scholar, called to C'n ftisrm x (for he was
learned,) to see if he could pick out the meaning:
so he came, and after a little laying of letters to-
gether, he found the same, to be this " Remember
LOT'S wife." S.) he read it to his fellow; after
which they both concluded that that was the pillar
nf -alt into which LOT'S wife was turned, for her
looking with a covetous heart when she was going
from SOPOM '. Which sudden and amazing sight
gave them occasion of thi> discourse.
CIIK. Ah, my brother! this is a seasonable si^ht :
it came opportune ly to us after the invitation which
Di MAS gave us to come over to view the Hill Lu-
; and had we gone over, as he 1 doircd us, and
as tliou wast inclining to do, my brother, we had,
for aught I know, been made ourselves a .spectacle
for those- that shall come after to behold.
HOPE. I am sorry that I \\as so foolish, and am
jnade to wonder that I am not now as LOT'S wife;
1 Gen. xix. 36.
215 THE PILGRIMS DISCOURSE ON THE SUBJECT.
for wherein was the difference 'twixt her sin and
liiine ? she only looked back, and I had a desire to
go see. Let grace be adored, and let me be ashamed
tii it ever such a thing should be in mine heart.
C it R. Let us take notice of what we see here for
our help for time to come : this woman escaped
one judgment, for she fell not by the destruction
of So DOM; yet she was destroyed by another, as
we see, she is turned into a pillar of salt.
HOPE. True, and she may be to us both caution
and example; caution, that we should shun her
sin ; or a sign of what judgment will overtake such
as shall not be prevented by this caution : so Ko-
RAH, DATHAN, and ABIRAM, with the two hun-
dred and fifty men that perished in their sin, did
also become a sign or example to others to be-
ware *. But above all, I muse at one thing, to wit,
how DEMAS and his fellows can stand so confi-
dently yonder to look for that treasure, which this
woman but for looking behind her after, (for we
read not that she stept one foot out of the way, )
was turned into a pillar of salt ; specially since the
judgment which overtook her did make her an ex-
ample within sight of where they are : for they
cannot choose but see her, did they but lift up
their eyes, c
1 Numb. xxvi. 9, 10.
c It is indeed most wonderful, that men, who profess to believe
the Bible, can so confidently attempt to reconcile the love of the
world with the service of Goo; when the instructions, warnings,
six 'GAINST WARNINGS MOST AGGRAVATED. C 17
dm. It is a thing to be wondered at, and it ar-
guetb that their heart is grown desperate in that
case ; and 1 cannot tell whom to compare them to
so fitly, as to them that pick pockets in the presence
of the judge, or that will cut purses under the gal-
lows. It is said of the men of SODOM, that " they
"were sinners cxi ccdingly," because they were
sinners " before the LORD," that is, in his eye-
sight, and notwithstanding the kindnesses that he
had shewed them ; for the land of SODOM was now
like the garden of EDEN heretofore 1 . This there-
fore provoked him the more to jealousy, and made
their plague as hot as the fire of the LORD out of
heaven could make it. And it is most rational-
ly to be concluded, that such, even such as these
are, that shall sin in the sight, yea and that too in
despite, of such examples that are set continually
before them to caution them to the contrary, must
be partakers of severest judgments.
1 Gen. xiii. 10. 13.
and examples in the sacred volume, which show the fatal con-e-
t such endeavours, arc so numerous, express, and af-
! If I.n's \\ite, \\lu> merely hankered after the possessions
>he had left behind in SODOM, and looked back with a design of
returning,, was made a monument of the LORD'S vengeance, and
a warning to all future a-es , what will be the doom of those pro-
t.'-M-d clu -istians \\lio habitually prefer worldly gain, or the \aiu
pomp and indulgence that may ly: purchased with it, to the hon-
our of CHRIST, and obedience to his most reasonable command-
ments ? The true cau<*> of this infatuation is here assigned : they
* do not lift up their eyes ;' and it is to be feared most of them
never will, before " they lift them up in hell, being in torments."
5218 THE RIVER OF THE WATER OF LIFE!
HOPE. Doubtless thou hast said the truth ; but
what a mercy is it, that neither thou, but especial-
ly I, am not made myself this example ! This
ministereth occasion to us to thank GOD, to fear
before him, and always to " remember LOT'S
" wife."
I saw then, that they went on their way to a
pleasant River, which DAVID the king called
" the River of GOD ;" but JOHN, " the River of
"the water of life 1 ." Now their way lay just
upon the bank of the River : here therefore
CHRISTIAN and his companion walked with great
delight : they drank also of the water of the Riv-
er, which was pleasant, and enlivening to their
weary spirits. Besides, on the banks of this Riv-
er, on either side, were green trees for all manner
of fruit ; and the leaves they ate to prevent sur-
feits, and other diseases that are incident to those
that heat their blood by travels. On either side
of the River was also a meadow, curiously beauti-
fied with lillies ; and it was green all the year long.
In this meadow they lay down and slept : for here
they might lie down safely *. When they awoke
they gathered again of the fruit of the trees, and
drank again of the water of the River, and then
lay down again to sleep. Thus they did several
days and nights. Then they sang :
' Behold ye how these crystal streams do glide,
To comfort Pilgrims by the highway-side.
1 Ps. Ixv. 9. Ezek. xlvii. Rev. xxii. i, * Ps. xxiii,
Isa. xiv. 30.
THE PILGRIMS BEING REFRESHED DEPART. 219
The mcado\\s green, besides their fragrant smell,
Yield dainties for them : and lie that can toll
What pleasant fruit, yea leave-. the-e tiv<- do yield,
all that lie may buy this field.'
So when they were disposed to go on (for they
\verenot as yet at their journey's end,) they ate,
and drank, and departed. d
d When ABRAHAM had given place to his nephew LOT, and
receded from his interest for the credit of his religion, lie \\as im-
mediately fa\oured with a most encouraging \isioti. ' Thus the
Pilgrims, having been enabled to ie>i-t the temptation to turn
aside for lucre, were indulged with more abundant spiritual o in-
solations *. The Holy Spirit, the inexhaustible source of life,
li^lit, holiness, and joy, is represented by " the River of GOD;"
even that" River of the water of life, clear as crvMal, proceeding
" out of the throne <>! '(ion. and of the I^amb '." All believers
partake of his sacred influences, which prepare the soul for
hi-avenly felicity, and are earodtB and pl^dflGS of it : but there
UOta when he communicates his hol\ comforts in larger
measure; when the Christian sees such glorv in the s;.l\a'ion of
( 'UK IST ; so clearly ascertains hi-, interest in it ; and realizes his
obligations and privileges, with ^uch li\el\ exetCMa of adoring
love, gratitude, and joy, that he is raised abo\e his darkness :m d
difficulties; enjoys sweet communion with (Ion; for-ets, tor the
moment, the pain of former conflicts and tin: prospect of future
trials; finds his in-bred corruptions reduced to a Mate of -ul-jer-
Uon, and his maladies healed by lively c\erci-e, of faith in the
divine Saviour; and anticipates with unspeakable delight the
L'lory that shall lie revealed. Thru communion with humble le-
liexer-. (the lillies that adorn the luinks \' the river,) K \erv plea-
sant ; and the soul's rest and ;itisfiictii>n in Clou and his --I'lvice.
lire safe, and his mini confidence is well yrounded ; beinu widely
ditlerent fromeverx -| < i - "I < arind ecuritv. I lad this River
been intended as the emblem of pardon, justification, and adoption,
i- some Understand the pa .!_;: It \\ould lut lta\e IHVII thus OO
Gen. xiu, if-*8. * Mark x, 43-30. ? Rev. vcii, i.
220 ROUGH ROAD, AND BY-PATH-MEADOW I
NOAV I beheld in my dream, that they had not
journeyed far but the River and the way for a time
parted ; at which they were not a little sorry, yet
they durst not go out of the way. Now the way
from the River was rough, and their feet tender by
reason of their travels : so " the souls of the Pil-
" grims were much discouraged because of the
" way V Wherefore still as they went on, they
wished for better way. Now a little before them,
there was on the left hand of the road a Meadow,
and a stile to go over into it ; and that Meadow is
called BY-PATH-MEADOW. Then said CHRISTIAN
to his fellow, If this Meadow lieth along by our
way-side let 's go over into it. Then he went to
the stile to see, and behold a path lay along by the
way on the other side of the fence. 'Tis according
to my wish, said CHRISTIAN, here is the easiest go-
ing ; come, good HOPEFUL, and let us go over. c
1 Numb. xxi. 4.
tasionally introduced ; for these belong to believers at all times,
without any interruption or variation : but the more abundant
consolations of the Spirit are not vouchsafed in the same manner,
and on them the actual enjoyment of our privileges in u great
measure depends.
e Believers, even when in the path of duty, walking by faith,
and supported by the sanctifying influences of the Spirit, may be
abridged of those holy consolations which they have experienced :
and if this trial be accompanied with temporal losses, poverty,
sickness, the unkindness of friends, or ill usage from the world,
they may be greatly discouraged ; and SATAN may have a special
advantage in tempting them to discontent, distrust, envy, or cov-
THE PILGRIMS TURN ASIDE INTO IT. 221
HOPE. But how if this path should lead us out
of the way ?
That's not like, said the other. Look, doth it
not go along by the way-side? So HOPEFUL be-
ing persuaded by his fellow went after him over
the stile. When they were gone over, and were
got into the path, they found it very easy for their
feet ; and, withal, they looking before them espied
a man walking as they did, and his name- was
VAIN-CONFIDENCE: so they called after him
and asked him whither that way led r lie said, to
Hing. Thus, being more disposed to ' wish for a better way,'
than to pray earnestly for an increase of faith and patience, they
an- tempted to look out for some method of declining the cross,
or shifting the difficulty which wearies them : nor will it be long
before some expedient for a temporary relict' will be suggested.
The path of duty bein^ ron^li, n by-path is discovered which seems
to lead the same way : but, if they will thus turn aside, though
they need not break through an hedge, they must go over A stile.
The commandments of GOD mark out the path of holines- and
<atety : but a deviation from the exact strictness of them may
sometimes be plausible, and circumstances may seem to invite t.>
a. Men imagine some providential interposition, iimng eaM> to tlur
weary; and they think that the precept may in- interpreted wiili
some latitude, that prudence should be exercised, and that --rni-
pulousness about little things is a mark of legality or suporsliti'-n.
Thus by *' leaning to their own understandings" and " tru-tii)<; in
" their own hearts," in-te.ad of asking counsel ofthc Lord, they
hearken to the tempter. Nor is it uncommon for chri-t:;uis <,\
deeper experience, and more established reputation, tp mislead
their juniors, by turning aside from the direct line of obedience.
For the Lord leaves them to themselves to repress their sclt-con-
tidence, and keep them entirely dependent on him; and thus
teaches young converts to follow no man further than he follows
CHRIST.
222 THE AWFUL FALL OF VAIN-CONFIDENCE.
the Celestial Gate. ' Look,' said CHRISTIAN,
' did not I tell you so ? by this you may see we are
' right. ' So they followed, and he went hefore
them. But behold the night came on, and it grew
very dark ; so that they that were behind lost the
sight of him that went before. f
lie therefore that went before, (VAIN-CONFI-
DENCE by name,) not seeing the way before him,
fell into a deep pit ', which was on purpose there
made by the prince of those grounds to catch vain-
glorious fools withal, and Avas dashed in pieces with
his fall. *
1 Isa. ix. 16.
f It would not be politick in SATAN to tempt believers at first
to flagrant crimes, at which their hearts revolt: and therefore he
'endeavours to draw them aside, under various pretences, into
such plausible deviations as seem to be of no bad repute or ma-
terial consequence. But every wrong step makes way for further
temptations, and serves to render other sins apparently necessary:
and if it bd a deliberate violation of the least precept in the smallest
instance, from carnal motives, it involves such self-will, unbelief,
ingratitude, and worldly idolatry, as will most certainly expose the
believer to sharp rebukes and painful corrections. The example?
also of vain pretenders to religion, of whom perhaps at the first
interview too favourable an opinion has been formed, helps to in-
crease the confidence of him who has departed from the path of
obedience : for these men often express the strongest assurance,
and venture to violate the precepts of CHRIST, under pretence of
honouring his free grace, and knowing their liberty and privilege !
But darkness must soon envelope all who follow such guides, and
the most extreme distress and danger are directly in the way they
take.
This circumstance may represent the salutary effects, which
arc sometimes produced ou offending believers, by the awful death
THE PILGRIMS IX DANGER, AND ALARMED. 223
Now CHRISTIAN and his fellow heard him fall :
so they called to know the matter ; but there was
none to answer, only they heard a groaning.
Then said HOPKFUL, Where are we now? Then
was his fellow silent, as mistrusting that he had
led him out of the way ; and now it began to rain,
and thunder, and lighten, in a very dreadful man-
ner ; and the water rose amain. h
Then HOPEFUL groaned in himself, saying,
' Oh that I had kept on my way ! '
CHR. Who could have thought that this path
should have led us out of the way ?
HOPE. I was afraid on't at the very first, and
therefore gave you that gentle caution. I would
have spoke plainer but that you are older than I.
CHR. Good brother, be not offended, 1 am
sorry I have brought thee out of the way, and that
I have put thee into such imminent danger : pray
my brother, forgive me ; I did not do it of an evil
intent.
of some vain-glorious hypocrite, to whom they have given too
much attention. The Lord, however, will in one way or other
deliver his servants from the temporary prevalence of vain-confi-
dence; while presumptuous transgressors perish in the pit of
darkness and despair.
h The holy law condemns every transgression : when the chri--
tian, the IT tun-, lias fallen into wilful "in, In- u> often led to fear that
li: faith is dead, that he is still under the law, and that his j>erson
a- well us his conduct is liable to its righteous condemnation.
Thus In- i> brought back again, as it were, to the tcniju-t. thun-
der, and lightning of mount SINAI.
PART I. Q
224 HOPEFUL EXCOURAGES CHRISTIAN.
HOPE. Be comforted, my brother, for I forgive
thee ; and believe, too, that this shall be for our
good.
CHR. I am glad I have with me a merciful bro-
ther : but we must not stand thus ; let us try to/
go back again.
HOPE. But, good brother, let me go before.
CHR. No, if you please, let me go first, that if
there be any danger I may be first therein ; because
by my means we are both gone out. of the way.
No, sakl HOPEFVL, you shall not go first; for
your mind being troubled may lead you out of the
way again. Then, for their encouragement, they
lieard the voice of one saying, " Let thine heart be
" towards the highway ; even the way that thou
" wentest turn again '." But by this time the wa-
ters were greatly risen, by reason of which the way
of going back was very dangerous. (Then I
thought that it is easier going wfe of the way when
Ave are in, than going in when we are out.) Yet
they adventured t& go back ; but it was sa dark,
and the flood was so higl\ that in, their going
1 Jer. XMXI'. 21.
1 This dialogue is very natural and instructive^ anil exhibits that
spirit of mutual tenderness, forbearance, and sympathy, which be-
comes Christians in such perplexing circumstances. They, who
have- misled others into sin, should not only ask forgiveness of
GOD, but of them also; and they who have been drawn aside by
the example and persuasion of their 'brethren, should be careful
not to upbraid or discourage them, when they become sensible of
their fault.
DOUBTING-CASTLE, AND GIANT DISPAIK. 225
back they had like to liave been drowned, nine or
ten times. k
Neither could they, \vitli all the skill they had,
get again to the stile that night. Wherefore at
lust, lighting under a little shelter, they sat down
there till the day-break : but being weary they
fell asleep. Now there was, not far from the
place where they lay, a Castle, called DOUBTING-
CASTLE, the owner whereof was Giant DKSPAI it :
k When snch as have turned aside are called upon in Scripture
to return to GOD and his ways, the exhortation implies a promUe
of acceptance to all who comply with it, and may be considered
a> immediately addressed to every one with whose character and
situation it corresponds. It might be thought indeed, that an e\-
pvrieiK-ed belie\er, when convinced of an v Mil, would find little
difficulty in returning to his duty, and recovering his peace. But
a deliberate transgression, however trivial it might stem at the
moment, appears upon the retrospect to be an act of most un-
sratetul and aggravated rebellion; so that it brings Mich darkness
upon the soul, and guilt on the conscience, as frequently causes a
man to Mi^pect thai all his religion has been a delusion. And,
when he would attempt to set out anew, it occurs to him, that it
all his post endeavours and expectations, for many years, have
: nitrated, hi- can entertain little hoj>e of better success hore-
atter ; as he kmn\s not ho\\- to u-e other means, or greater earnest-
ness, than he has already employed us ho fears to no purpose.
Nor will Satan ever tail, iit these circumstances, to pour in such
suggest I. MX. as may overwhelm the soul with aw apprehension that
th< case U hopeless, and GOD inexorable. Tho believer \\ill not,
indeed, be prevailed upon by these discouragements wholly to neg-
lect all attempts to recover his ground : but he often rcbeiuhK > j
man who is groping in the dark ajul canuot 6ml his way ; or \\h<.
is passing through a deep and rapid stream, and struggling
to keep his head above water.
226 GIANT DESPAIR FINES THE PILGRIMS;
and it was in his grounds they now were sleeping 1 ,
Wherefore he getting up in the morning early, and
walking up and down in his fields, caught CHRIS-
TIAN and HOPEFUL asleep in his grounds. Then
with a grim and surly voice he bid them awake,
and asked them whence they were, and what they
did in his grounds? They told him they were
Pilgrims, and that they had lost their way. Then
said the giant, You have this night trespassed on
me by trampling in,, and lying on, my ground,
and therefore you must go along with me. So
they were forced to go, because he was stronger
than they. They also had but little to say, for
they knew themselves in a fault. The Giant,
therefore, drove them before him, and put them
into his Castle into a very dark dungeon, nasty
and stinking to the spirits of these two men. !
J When DAVID had fallen into the depths of sin and distress,
he cried most earnestly to the Lord ; and JONAH did the same in
the fish's belly. Extraordinary cases require singular diligence ;
even as greater exertion is necessary to get out of a pit than to
walk upon level ground. When believers, therefore, have brought
themselves, by transgression, into great terror and anguish of con-
science, it is foolish to expect that GOD will " restore to them
** the joy of his salvation," till they have made the most unreserved
confessions of their guilt ; humbly deprecated his deserved wrath
in persevering prayer, and used peculiar diligence in every thing
that accompanies repentance and faith in CHRIST ; and tends to
greater watchfulness, circumspection, and self-denial. But they
often seek relief in a more compendious way : and, as they do not
wholly omit their customary religious exercises, or vindicate and
repeat their transgressions; they endeavour to quiet themselves by
general notions of the mercy of GOD through JESUS CHRIST,
AND SHUTS THEM UP IN DO U BTI VG-CASTLE. CC7
Here then they lay, from Wednesday morning till
Saturday night, without one bit of bread, or drop
and the security of the new covenant; and the storm in their
subsiding, they ' lind u little shelter.' and '* wait for a
convenient opportunity" of recovering tlieir former lite
and vigour in religion. Indeed the vcrv circumstances which
should excite us to peculiar earnestness, tend, through the deprav-
ity of our nature, to blind and stupify the heart: I'I.TKK and the
other disciples " slept for sorrow," \\heii they were more especially
re(|uired " to watch and pray, that they might not enter into
" temptation." Such repeated sins and mistakes bring believers
into deep di-tre-s,-. (.i rowing more and more heartless in reli-
gion, and insensible in a most perilous situation, they are led
habitually to infer that they are hypocrites ; that the encourage-
ments of Scripture belong not to them ; that prayer itself will bo
of no use to them : and, when they are at length brought to re-
flection, they are taken prisoners by DESPAIR, and shut up in
DOUBTING-CASTLE. This case should be carefully distinguished
from CHRISTIAN'S terrors in the City of DESTRUCTION", which
induced him to" flee from the wrath to come ;" from the Slough of
DESPOND, into which he fell when diligently seeking salvation;
from the burden he carried to the Cross; from his conflict with
APOLLYON, and his troubles in the Valley of the SHADOW op
DEATH; and even from the terrors that seized him and HOPE-
FUL in BY-PATH meadow, which would have speedily terminat-
ed if they had not slept on forbidden ground, and stopped short
of the refuge the Ixml hath provided. Despair, like a tremendous
giant, will at last seize on the souls of all unbelievers; and when
christians conclude, from some aggravated and pertinacious mi--
conduct, that they belong to that company. e\eu their acquaint-
ance with the Scripture will expose them to be taken captive l>\
him. They do not indeed fall and perish with \ \i\ i ovri-
DENCK: but tor a S<MM>H they find it impossible to ri>c Mi|M-rior
to prc\ ailing gloomy doubts bordering on despair, or to obtain llie
l-'a-t comfortable hope of deli\crance, or encouragement t"
the proper means of becking it. Whenever we deliberately quit
Q 3
{228 THE PILGRIMS IN DEEP DISTRESS,
of drink, or light, or any to ask how they did :
they were, therefore, here in evil case, and were
far from friends and acquaintance '. Now in this
place CHRISTIAN had double sorrow, because it
was through his unadvised haste that they were
brought into this distress. m
1 Ps. Ixxxviii. 8.
the plain pa.th of duty, to avoid hardship and self-denial, we tres-
pass on Giant DESPAIR'S grounds ; and are never out of his
reach till renewed exercises of deep repentance and faith in
CHRIST, producing unreserved obedience, especially in that in-
stance where before we refused it, have set our feet in the high-
way we had forsaken. This we cannot attain to, without thq
specia.1 grace of GOD, which he may not see good immediately to
communicate ; in the mean time every effort must be accompanied
with discouragement and distress : but if, instead of persevering,
amidst our anxious fears to cry to him for help, and wait his time
of shewing mercy ; we endeavour to bolster up some false confi-
dence, and take shelter in a refuge of lies, the event will be such
as is here described. It will be in vain, after such perverseness,
to pretend that we have inadvertently mistaken our way : " our
" own hearts will condemn us ;" how then can " we have confi-
" dcnce toward GOD, who is greater than our hearts and knowcth
" all things ?" the grim Giant will prove too strong for us, and shut
us up in his noisome dungeon, and the recollection of our former
hopes and comforts will only serve to aggravate our woe.
These lines are here inserted
' The Pilgrims now, to gratify the flesh,
Will seek its ease ; but, oh ! how they afresh
Do thcroby plunge thonvselvos, now griefs into !
Who seek to please- the flesh themselves undo.'
m Perhaps the exact time, from Wednesday morning till Satur-
day night, was mentioned, under the idea that it was as long as
life can generally be supported in such a situation. The believer
IJL.IXCi CRUELLY ABUSED BY THE GIANT. CC9
Now Giant DESPAIR had a wife, and lur name
l)i i i i DE \ c K : sotfieniB^WaEI gone to bed
lie told liis wife what he had done; to wit, that he
had taken a couple of prisoners, and east them
into his dungeon for trespassing on his grounds.
Then he asked her also what he had best do fur-
ther to them? So she asked what they were,
whence they came, and whither they were bound ?
* *-
and he told her. Then she counselled him that
when he arose in the morning he should beat them
without any mercy. So when he arose he getteth
a gricyous crab-tree cudgel, and goes down into
the dungeon to them, and there first falls to rating
of them as if they were dogs, although they gave
him ne\*er a word of distaste : then he falls upon
them, and beats them fearfully, in such sort that
rna\ be lin.u^lit by wilful <in to such a condition that, to \\\- own
apprclun-i u, destruction i> inevitable. Kvcn a true rlm-'ian
my -ink -<> low as to have no light or comfort from the Scnp-
iini tin- Holy SPJHIT; nothing to sustain liis almost expiring
faith and }\\ic ; no help or pity from his brethren, but severe cen-
>r ni-iro piiintul 4iipiri<m*; the horrors of an accu^in^ con-
M-MMirr. ti.c driMil nt"lii> ;IH nn enemy, connected with sharp and
multiplied corrections in hi- outward circumstance*; and all this
a-> the price of the ease or indulgence obtained by some wilful
! NM\V \\hnthcf really A,/;<-;c.v r'//'v. uill t;tkc en-
to sin from the doctrine of final perseverance ?
Would a man, tor a tn\ul gain t leap down a precipice, e\en
i! he could be sure ifcttiM-dumU i-M-apc nith his life ? N<>,
the dread of the anguish of broken bx>ncs, and of bem^ made a
cripple to the end of his days, would effectually secure luiu from
a madness.
230 GIANT DESPAIR URGES THEM TO SUICIDE.
they were not able to help themselves, or to turn
them upon the floor. This done he withdraws,
and leaves them there to condole their misery,
and to mourn under their distress : so all that day
they spent the time in nothing but sighs and bitter
lamentations. The next night she talking with
her husband about them further, and understand-
ing that they were yet alive, did advise him to
counsel them to make away themselves : so when
morning was come he goes to them in a surly
manner, and, perceiving them to be very sore with
the stripes that he had given them the day before,
he told them that, since they were never like to
come out of that place, their only way would be
forthwith to make an end of themselves, either
with knife, halter, or poison : for why, said he,
should you choose life, seeing it is attended with
so much bitterness ? But they desired him to let
them go ; with that he looked ugly upon them,
and rushing to them, had doubtless made an end
of them himself, but that he fell into one of his
fits, (for he sometimes fell into fits,) and lost for a
time the use of his hand. Wherefore he withdrew,
and left them as before to consider Avhat to do. n
n Despair seldom fully seizes any man in this world ; and the
strongest hold it can get of a true believer amounts only to a pre-
vailing distrust of GOD'S promises, with respect to his own case :
.for this is accompanied with some small degree of latent hope, dis-
coverable in its effects, though unperceived amidst the distressing
feelings of the heart. Perhaps this was intended in the allegory
by the circumstance of DESPAIR'S doing nothing to the Pilgrim?,
CHRISTIAN HALF-DISPOSED TO COMPLY. 231
Then diil the prisoners consult between themselves
whether it was best to take his counsel or no;
;md thus they began to discourse:
Brother, said CHRISTIAN, what shall we do?
The lite that we now live is miserable ! for my
part, I know not whether is best, to live thus, or
< lie out of hand ; "my soul chooseth strangling
rather than life 1 ," and the grave is more easy for
me than this dungeon ! Shall we be ruled by die
Giant ?
HOPE. Indeed our present condition is dread-
ful, and death would be far more welcome to me
than thus for ever to abide : but yet let us consid-
er, the LORD of the country to which we are going
hath said, " Thou shalt do no murder;" no, not
to another man's person ; much more then are we
forbidden to take his counsel to kill ourselves.
Besides, he that kills anodier can but commit
1 Job, vii. 15.
save at the instance of his wife DIFFIDENCE. Despooling fears,
ulnii tlirv so pre\uil as to keep men from prayer, make \\ay tor
temptations to suicide, as the only relief from misery : but when
there is any true faith, however it may seem wholly out of exer-
cise, the temptation will l>e eventually oxcrcome, provided actual
insanity do not intervene; and this i> a very uncommon case a-
mong religious people, \\hatever slanders their enemies may cir-
culate, in order to prejudice men's minds against the truth. Most,
it not all, mi..!, in editions read, ' for he sometimes in sun-xHiHy
' ucnthcr fell into fits:' but the words in sun-tkiny u-cathcr, arc
not in the old Kdition before me. If the authr ;.lh i wards added
them ; he probably intended to represent those transient "limpses
of hope, \\hieh pre-er\e Mic'vcrs from dire extremities in their
discouraged season-.
232 HOPEFUL QUIETS THE MlND OF CHRISTIAN.
murder upon his body : but, for one to kill him-
self, is to kill body and soul at once. And more-
over, my brother, thou talkest of ease in the
grave, but hast thou forgotten the hell whither
for certain the murderers go ? for " no murderer
" hath eternal life," &c. And let us consider
again, that all the law is not in the hand of Giant
DESPAIR:' others, so far as I can understand,
have been taken by him as well as we, and yet
have escaped out of his hands. Who knows, but
that GOD, that made the world, may cause that
Giant DESPAIR may die, or .that, at some time or
other, he may forget to lock us in ; or but he may
in a short time have another of his fits before us,
and may lose the use of his limbs ? and if ever
that should come to pass again, for my part, I am
resolved to pluck up the heart of a man, and to try
my utmost to get from under his hand. I was a
fool that I did not try to do it before : but how-
ever, my brother, let us be patient, and endure a
while ; the time may come that may give us a
happy release : but let us not be our own murder-
ers. With these words HOPEFUL at present did
moderate the mind of his brother ; so they contin-
ued together, in the dark, that day in their sad
and doleful condition.
They, who have long walked with stable peace in the ways of
GOD, arc often known to be more dejected, when sin hath filled
their consciences with remorse, than younger professors arc ; es-
pecially if they have caused others to offend, or brought reproach
THE GIANT FIERCELY THREATENS THEM. C33
"Well, towards evening the Giant goes down
into the dungeon again, to see if his prisoners had
taken hi* eounsel : but when he came there lie
found them alive; and, truly, alive was all. Tor
now, what tor want of bread and water, and by
ni of the wounds they received wiicn he
them, they could do little but breathe. l)ut, I
say, lie found them alive ; at \\hieh he fell into a
grievous rage, and told them that, seeing the}' had
disobeyed his counsel, it should be worse with
them than if they had never been born.
on the gospel. Their recent conduct, as inconsistent with their
former character and profession, seems a decided proof of self-de-
ception; thc\ deem it hopeless to begin all over again; Satan
endeavours to the utmost to dishearten new converts by their
example; and the LORD permits them to be overwhelmed for a
time with discouragement, for a warning to others : to vindicate
the honour of his truth which they have disgraced ; to counter-
poise such atuiymeuN or -rmces, as might otherwise " exalt
" thrm above mea-uie;" and to shew that none has any stren-tli
independent of Him, and that he can make use of the feeble to
tin- strong, when he see* pood. HOPEFUL'S arguments
self-murder arc conclusive : dmibtle.-s men in general
venture on that awful crime, either disbelieving or forgettiu- the
doctrine of Scripture concerning a future and eternal state of re-
tribution. It is greatly to be wished, that all serious persons
would avoid speaking of self-murderers, as having put an end to
their c.ii*fiiii-f ; which certainU tends to mislead the mind of the
tempted, into very erroneous apprehensions on tliis most important
subject. This discourse aptly represents the fluctuation of men's
under great despondency ; their t niggles against despair,
*%ith purposes at some future opportunity to seek dclivr ranee; their
it irresolution ; and the way in which feeble hopes, and strong
fears of future wrath, keep them from yielding to the suggestions
of the enemy.
234 PAST DELIVERANCES RECOLLECTED.
At this they trembled greatly, and I think that
CHRISTIAN fell into a swoon ; but, coming a lit-
tle to himself again, they renewed their discourse
about the Giant's counsel, and whether yet they
had best take it or no. Now CHRISTIAN again
seemed to be for doing it, but HOPEFUL made his
second reply as folio weth.
My brother, said he, rememberest thou not how
valiant thou hast been heretofore? APOLLYON
could not crush thee ; nor could all that thou didst
hear, or see, or feel, in the Valley of the SHADOW
OF DEATH ; what hardship, terror and amazement
hast thou already gone through, and art thou now
nothing but fear ? Thou seest that 1 am in the
dungeon with thee, a far weaker man by nature
than thou art ; also this G iant has wounded me as
well as thee, and hath also cut off the bread and
water from my mouth, and with thee I mourn
without the light. But let us exercise a little more
patience : remember how thou playedst the man
at VANITY Fair, and wast neither afraid of the
chain nor cage, nor yet of bloody death : wherefore
let us, at least to avoid the shame that becomes
not a Christian to be found in, bear up with pa-
tience as well as we can. p
P Serious recollection of past conflicts, dangers, and deliver-
ances, is peculiarly useful to encourage confidence in the power
and mercy of GOD, and patient waiting for him in the most diffi-
cult and perilous situations :i and conference with our brethren,
even if they too are under similar trials, is a very important
DIFFIDENCE'S COUNSEL TO THE GIANT. 235
Now night being come again, and the Giant
and his wife being in bed, she asked him cone fin-
ing the prisoners, and if they had taken his coun-
sel : to which he replied, * They are sturdy rogues,
they choose rather to bear all hardship than to
make away themselves.' Then said she, * Take
them into the Castle-yard to-morrow, and shew
them the bones and skulls of those that thou hast
already dispatched, and make them believe, ere a
week comes to an end, thou also wilt tear them
in pieces, as thou hast done their fellows before
them/
So when the morning was come the Giant goes to
them again, and takes them into the Castle-yard,
and shews them as his wife had bidden him : these
mean of resisting tin- devil, xshcn lie would tempt us to renounce
our hope, and have recourse to desperate measure-*.
i The Scripture exhibits some examples of apostates who have
died IM despair, (as king SAUL and JUDAS Uc \UIOT;) and sev-
eral intimations arc given of those, to whom nothing " remains hut
rtuin fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation."
A tew instances also have been recorded in dirterent ages, of noto-
nous apostate*, who have died in blasphemous rage and derail.
'Hi.--,, accord to the man in the iron-cage at the house of the IN -
TEKIMIETEK, and arc awful warnings to all professors, "while
44 they think they stand, t take heed lest they fall." But the hy-
pocrite generally o\crlo-ks the solemn caution : and the humble
Christian, ha\ing a tender conscience, and an acquaintance with
the dcccitfulness of his own heart, is xery apt to consider his xvilful
it a.s the unpardonable sin, and to \\ ar. h--t ti.e doom < f
IMI MI. T apostates will at length be his own. This serins intended,
by the Giant sin-wing the I'il^nms the [mm--, of those he had aiain,
in order to induce them to self-murder.
THE PI1GRIMS DEGIN TO PRAT.
said he, were Pilgrims, as you are, once, and they
trespassed in my grounds, as you have done ; and
Tvhen I thought fit I tore them in pieces, and so
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 case, as before. Now,
when night was come, and when Mrs. DIFFI-
DENCE and her husband the Giant were got to
bed, they began to renew their discourse of their
prisoners ; and, withal, the old Giant wondered
that he could neither by his blows nor counsel
bring them to an end. And with that his wife
replied, I fear, said she, that they live in hopes
that some will come to relieve them, or that they
have picklocks about them, by the means of which
they hope to escape. And sayest thou so, my dear ?
said the Giant; I will therefore search them in
the morning.
Well, on Saturday about midnight they began
to pray, and continued in prayer till almost break
ofdav. r
r Perhaps the author selected ' Saturday at midnight' for the
precise time when the prisoners began to pray, in order to inti-
mate, that the retard of the LORD'S day,- and that preparation
which serious persons arc reminded to make for its sacred services,
are often the happy means of recovering those that have fallen
into sin and despondency. Nothing will be effectual for the re-
covering of the fallen, till they ' begin to pray' with fervency, im-
portunity, and perseverance. Ordinary diligence will in this case
be unavailing : they have sought case to the flesh, when they
ought to have " watched unto prayer;" and they must now watch
THE KEY, PROMISE, OPENS THE DOOR. 237
Now a little before it was day good CHRISTIAN,
as one halt' amazed, brake out in this passionate
speech : k What a fool,' quoth he, ' am I, thus to lie
in a .stinking dungeon \vhcn I may as well walk at
liberty ! I have a key in my bosom called PROM-
ISE, that will, I am persuaded, open any lock
in DOUBTING-CASTLE.' Then said Hoi- KM i,
" That's good neM's, good brother, pluck it out of
thy bosom and try.'
Then CHRISTIAN pulled it out of his bosom,
and began to try at the dungeon-door ; whose bolt
as he turned the key gave back, and the door flew
open with ease, and CHRISTIAN' and HOPEFUL
both came out. Then ho went to the outer door
and pray when others --Jeep : and they must struggle against rc-
Inctanry, ami i*-riist m repeated approaches to the merr\
till they obtain a gracious answer. Hat sacb our nature aid
situation, that in proportion as we have special need i'or rarm-t-
nevs in rhese devout exercises, our hearts an- a\er.e to them. The
child while obedient, anticipates the pleasure of meeting his af-
fcctiooaCe pureat; but, when conscious of having otlcnded, he
from shaiuv, Ct-ar, and pride, hides himself and keeps at a dis-
tance. Thus unbelief, guilt, and a proud aversion to uiuv
self-atoisemeiit, wrought pn by Satan's temptation*, keep e\en tin-
believer, when he has fallen inte any a'^ravated sin, from coming
to his only Friend, and availing himself of his sole remedy : "He
'* keeps silence, though his bones \\a.\ old with his roaring all the
" day long 1 ." lUit when stoutiu^s of spirit is broken down, atid
a contrite believing frame of mind succeetU ; the offender begins
to cry fervently to GOD for mercy, with humiliating confession^.,
renewed application to the blood of CHRIST, and perseverance
amidst delays and discouragement-: and then it will not bq very
long ere he obtain complete deliverance.
P*.
238 THEY ESCAPE AND ERECT A MONUMENT.
that leads into the CASTLE-YARD, and with this
key opened that door also. After he went to the
iron-gate, for that must be opened too, but that
lock went extremely hard ; yet the key did open
it. Then they thrust open the gate to make their
escape with speed, but that gate as it opened made
such a creaking that it waked Giant DESPAIR,
who hastily rising to pursue his prisoners felt his
limbs to fail, so that he could by no means go
after them. Then they went on, and came to the
King's highway again, and so were safe because
they were out of his jurisdiction.
Now, when they were gone over the stile, they
began to contrive with themselves what they should
do at that Stile, to prevent those that should come
after from falling into the hand of Giant DESPAIR.
So they consented to erect there a pillar, and to
engrave on the side thereof, ' Over this Stile is the
' way to DOUBTING-CASTLE, which is kept by
' Giant DESPAIR, who despiseth the King of the
1 Celestial Country, and seeks to destroy his holy
1 Pilgrims.' Many therefore that followed after
read what was written, and escaped the danger. 5
This done, they sang as follows :
* Out of the way we went, and then we found
What 'twas to tread upon forbidden ground ;
And let them that come after have a care
Lest heedlessness makes them as we to fare,
Lest they, for trespassing, his prisoners are
Whose Castle's DOUBTING, and whose name's DESPAIR.'
The promise of eternal life, to every one without exception
THE DELECTABLE MOUNTAIN'S. 239
They went then till they came to the DELEC-
i i MOUNTAINS, which mountains belong to
the LORD of that Hill of which we have spoken
before : so they went u}> to the mountains, to be-
liold the gardens and orchards, tlie vineyards and
fountains of water; where also they drank and
who believeth in CHRIST, is especially intended by the Key ; but
\\ithout excluding any other of " the exceeding great and precious
" promises" of the gospel. The believer, being enal>led to recollect
such as peculiarly suit his case, and, conscious of cordially desir-
ing the promised blessings, has the ' Key in his bosom, which will
cpfii any lock in Dot I:TIXI;-CASTLE :' and while he pleads the
promise- in t'.iith, depending on the merits and atonement of EM-
MA \ i : i , " as coming to GOD through him;" he gradually re-
sumes his confidence, and begins to wonder at his past despon-
lene\ . Vet remains of unbelief, recollection of his aggravated
guilt, and fear lest he should presume, often render it difficult for
him entirely to dismiss discouraging doubts. But let it especially
lir noted that the faith, which delivered the Pilgrims from giant
I>! M-AIK'S. castle, induced them without delay to return into the
high-way of obedience, and to walk in it with more circumspec-
tion than before, no more complaining of its roughness; and to
e\ery method of cautioning others against pa-sing over the
Stile into BY-PATH meadow. Whereas a dead faith and a vain
confidence keep out all doubts and tears, even on forbidden
ground, and under the wall- of Drsr \IH\ castle; till at length
the poor deluded \\rctch is unexpectedly and irresistibly -
upon, and made his prey. And \\Chrittians follow V. UN -CON-
FIDENCE, and endeavour to keep up their hopes when neglecting
their known duty ; let them remember, that (whatever some men
may pretend,) they will surelv be thus brought acquainted with
hii i HUM K, immured in Doi r. i i \ ( ' \M i .1 . and terribly
i>niiM-d and frighted by (Jiant l)f-i-\iu; nor will they be dc-
i till llie\ have learned, by painful experieiiee. that the as-
MiraiKe of hope i> inseparably connected with the self-denying
obedience of faith and K>\e.
TAUT I. R
240 SHEPHERDS TENDING THEIR FLOCKS:
washed themselves, and did freely eat of the vine-
yards. Now there was on the tops of these moun-
tains Shepherds feeding their Hocks, and they stood
by the highway side. The Pilgrims therefore went
to them, and leaning upon their staves (as is com-
mon with weary Pilgrims when they stand to talk
with any by the way,) they asked, ' Whose DE-
LECTABLE MOUNTAINS are these?" and whose be
the sheep that feed upon them ?'
SHEP. These mountains are EMMANUEL'S LAND,
and they are within sight of his City ; and the sheep
also are his, and he laid down his life for them. *
4 When offending Christians are brought to deep repentance,
renewed exercises of lively faith, and willing obedience in those
self-denying duties which they had declined, the LORD " restores
" to them the joy of his salvation," and their former comforts
become more abundant and permanent. The DELECTABLE
MOUNTAINS seem intended to represent those calm seasons of
peace and comfort, which consistent believers often experience
in their old age. They have survived, in a considerable degree,
the vehemence, of their youthful passions, and have honourably
performed their parts in the active scenes of life : they are estab-
lished, by long experience, in the simplicity of dependence and
obedience: the LORD graciously exempts them from peculiar
trials and temptations : their acquaintance with the ministers and
people of GOD is enlarged, and they possess the respect, confi-
dence, and affection of many esteemed friends : they have much
leisure for communion with GOD, and the immediate exercises of
religion: and they often converse with their brethren on the
loving-kindness and truth of the LORD till " their hearts burn
" within them." Thus * leaning on their staffs/ depending on
the promises and perfections of GOD in assured faith and hope,
they anticipate their future happiness " with joy unspeakable and
" lull of glory." These things are represented under a variety of
THE PILGRIMS CONVERSE WITH THEM. 241
CIIR. Is this the way to the Celestial CITY?
SHEP. You arc just in your way.
CIIK. lion- far is it thither ?
SHEP. Too tar for any but those that shall get
thither indeed. u
CH u. Is the way safe or dangerous ?
external images, according to the nature of an allegory. The
Shepherds anil their flocks denote the more extensive acquaint-
ance (if many a^i-d Christians with the Ministers and churches of
CHRIST, tin- CHIEF SIIEPIIERD, " who laid down his life for
" the sheep." This i> ' MM MANTEL'S land;' for, being detach-
ed from worldly engagements and connexions, they now spend
their time almost wholly among the subjects of the PRINCE OF
PEACE, and as in his more especial presence.
The following lines arc added here, as before
* Mountains delectable they now ascend,
Where Shepherds be, which to them do commend
Alluring things, and tilings that cautions are:
Pilgrims arc steady kept by faith and fear.'
* The certainty of the final perseverance of true believers U
continually exemplified in their actually persevering, notwith-
standing all imaginable inward and outward impediments Many
hold the doctrine who are not interested in the privilege ; and
whoso conduct eventually proves, that they " had no root in
" themselves ' :" but the true believer acquires new strength by
ry trials and mistakes, and possesses increasing e\idence
that the new covenant is made with him ; for, " having obtained
" help of GOD," lie still " continues in CHRIST'S word," and
" abides in him:" and, while temptations, persecutions, he:
nn<l atllictiom, which stumble transgressors and detect h\ pornte-.
tend to quicken, humble, sanctity, and establish him ; he may
assuredly conclude, that " he shall be kept by the power of GOD,
44 through faith, unto salvation."
i John ii. 19.
R 2
242 THE NAMES OF THE SHEPHERDS,
SHE p. Safe for those for whom it is to be safe ;
" but transgressors shall fall therein ',."
CHR. Is there in this place any relief for Pil-
grims that are weary and faint in the way ?
SHE p. The LORD of these Mountains hath given
us a charge " not to be forgetful to entertain stran-
gers * ;" therefore the good of the place is before
you.
I saw also in my dream, that, when the Shep-
herds perceived that they were wayfaring men,
they also put' questions to them, (to which they
made answer, as in other places ;) as, Whence
came you ? and, how got you into the way ? and
by what means have you so persevered therein?
for but few of them that begin to come hither do
shew their face on this Mountain. But when the
Shepherds heard their answers, being pleased there-
with, they looked very lovingly upon them and
said, ' Welcome to the DELECTABLE MOUN-
TAINS.'
The Shepherds, I say, whose names were KNOW-
LEDGE, EXPERIENCE, WATCHFUL, and SIN-
CERE, w took them by the hand, and had them to
1 Hos. xiv. 9. * Heb. xiii. i, 2.
* These names imply much useful instruction, both to Min-
isters and Christians, by shewing them what endowments arc
most essential to the pastoral omcc. The attention given to
preachers should not be proportioned to the degree of their con-
fidence, vehemence, accomplishments, graceful delivery, elo-
quence, or politeness ; but to that of their knowledge of the Scrip-
tures, and of every subject that relates to the glory of GOD and
WHO KINDLY EXTERTAIX Til I. P I LG R I MS.
their tents, and made them partake of that which
Mas ready at present. They said moreover, \\'c
Mould that yon should stay here a while, to he ac-
quainted with us, and yet more to solace your-
M'lvcs with the good of these DELECTABLE
MOUNTAIN v They told them that they were
content to stav : and so they went to their rest
/
that night, heeause it was very late.
Then I saw in my dream, that in the morning
the Shepherds called up CHRISTIAN and HOPE-
ii i to walk M'ith them upon the Mountains: MI
they went forth with them, and walked a while,
having a pleasant prospect on every side. Tlien
said the Shepherds one to another, Shall we shew
thoe Pilgrims some wonders ? So, when they had
concluded to do it, they had them first to the top
of an Mill, called EURO it, which was very steep on
the further side, and hid them look clown to the
bottom. So CHRISTIAN and HOPEFUL looked
tin- salvation of souls; thrir crfKrience of the power of divine
truth in their own luarN, of tin- faithfulness of don to his prom-
ises, of tin- lrlir\rr's conflicts, difficulties, and danger*, and of
thr manifold devices of Satan to mMcad, deceive, pervert, defile,
or harass the soul> of men ; their vatchfulnesy over the people, as
their constant biisine-s and unremitted c.ire, t" caution them a-
^aniit e\fi\ snare, and to recover them out of every error into
which thev may IK.* l>ctrayed ; and their .W/WcT/V 1 /, as manilested
l.\ .1 disinti-ri'-ted, unambitious, una^umin^, patient, and affec-
tionate conduct; by proving that they deem thcm-i-hes bound to
. tin ir own in-truction., and by an uniform attempt to con-
Mine the people, that they " seek not their' t but them."
B3
244 MEN SLAIN BY A FALL FROM MOUNT ERROR.
down, and saw at the bottom several men clashed
all to pieces by a fall that they had from the top.
Then said CHRISTIAN, What mcaneth this ? The
Shepherds answered, Have you not heard of them
that were made to err, by hearkening to HYME-
NEUS and PHI LET us ', as concerning the faith of
the resurrection of the body ? They answered,
Yes. Then said the Shepherds, Those that you
see lie dashed in pieces at the bottom of this
Mountain are they ; and they have continued to
this day unburied, as you see, for an example to
others to take heed how they clamber too high,
or how they come too near the brink of this
Mountain. x
1 2 Tim. ii. 17, 18.
* Human nature always verges to extremes. In former times
the least deviation from an established system of doctrine was
reprobated as a damnable heresy ; and some persons, even at this
day, tacitly laying claim to infallibility, deem every variation from
their standard an error, and every error inconsistent with true pi-
ety. But the absurdity and bad effects of this bigotry having been
discovered and exposed, it has become far more common to con-
sider indifference about theological truth, as essential to candour
and liberality of sentiment ; and to vilify, as narrow-minded bigots,
all who " contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the
" saints," however averse they may be to persecution, or disposed
to benevolence towards such as differ from them. Thus the great
end for which prophets and apostles were inspired, martyrs shed
their blood, and the Son of GOD himself came into the world and
died on the cross, is pronounced a matter of no moment ! revela-
tion is virtually rejected ! (for we may know, without the bible,
that men ought to be sober, honest, sincere, and benevolent ;) and
those principles, from which all genuine holiness must arise, are
contemned as enthusiasm and foolishness ! Some errors may
MOUNT CAUTION'. 245
Then I saw that they had them to the top of
another mountain, and the name of that is C'.xi -
TIOX, and bid them look afar off: which when
they did they peivi ivecl. as they thought, several
men walking up and down among the tombs that
were there : and they perceived that the men were
Mind, k-can.sc they Mumbled sometimes upon the
tombs, and because they could not get out from
among them. Then said CHIU.ST i AX, What
means this?
The Shepherds then answered, Did you not see
a little below these Mountains a Stile that leads
into a Meadow on the left hand of this way ? They
indeed consist \\ith true faith: (for who will say that he is in
nothing mistaken ?) yet no error is absolutely harmless ; all must,
in in- way or other, originate from a wrong state of mind or u
faulty conduct, anil proportionally counteract the design <,f re-
lation : and some are absolutely inconsistent with repentance, hu-
mility, faith, hope, 1'ovc, spiritual worship, and holy obedience, and
consequently incompatible with a -tate of acceptance and salva-
tion. These are represented by ' the hill ERROR,' and a scriptu-
ral specimen is adduced. Professed Christians fall into delusions
by indulging self-conceit, vain-glory, and curiosity ; by " leaning
" to their own understandings," and " intruding into the things
" they have not sivii. \ainl) pulled up by their lleshU mind," and
by speculating on subjects which are too deep for them. For the
fruit of " the tree of knowledge," in respect of religious opinions
not expre-sly revealed, is still forbidden; and men\aiiil\ thinking
it " good for food, and a tree to be doiivd to make one \\i-e;"
and denning " to be as gods," understanding and accounting for
e\er\ thing; fall into destructive heretics, do immense mischief,
and become awful example..-* for the warning of their contempi*-
rarics and .ucces>or-.
R *
246 MEN BLINDED BY GIANT DESPAIR.
answered, Yes. Then said the Shepherds, From
that Stile there goes a path that leads directly to
DOUBTING-CASTLE, which is kept by Giant DES-
PAIR ; and these men (pointing to them among the
tombs) came once on pilgrimage, as you do now,
even till they came to that same Stile. And, be-
cause the right way was rough in that place, they
chose to go out of it into that Meadow, and there
were taken by Giant DESPAIR, and cast into
DOUBTING-CASTLE; where, after they had a
while been kept in the dungeon, he at last did put
out their eyes, and led them among those tombs,
where he has left them to wander to this very day,
that the saying of the wise man might be fulfilled,
11 He that wandereth out of the way of vmderstand-
" ing, shall remain in the congregation of the
"dead 1 ." Then CHRISTIAN and HOPEFUL
looked upon one another, with tears gushing out,
but yet said nothing to the Shepherds. y
1 Prov. xxi. 16.
y Many professors, turning aside from the line of conscientious
obedience to escape difficulties, experience great distress of mind ;
which not being able to endure, they desperately endeavour to dis-
believe or pervert all they have learned concerning religion : thus
they are blinded by Satan through their despondings, and are
given over to strong delusions, as the just punishment of their
wickedness *. Notwithstanding their profession, and the hopes
tong formed of them, they return to the company of those who are,
dead in sin, and buried in worldly pursuits ; differing from them
merely in a few speculative notions, and being far more hopeless
i 2 Thess. ii. 1113.
TIJK BY-WAY TO HELL. 247
Then I saw in my dream, that the Shepherds had
them to another place in a bottom, where was a
door, in the side of an hill, and they opened the
door and bid them look in. They looked in there-
fore, ami saw that within it was very dark and
smoky ; they also thought that they heard a rum-
bling noise, as of lire, and a cry of some torment-
ed ; and that they smelt the scent of brimstone.
Then said CIIIIISTIAX, What means this? The
Shepherds told them, This is a by-way to hell, a
way that hypocrites go in at: namely, such as sell
their birth-right, with ESAU ; such as sell their
Master. \\ithJuDAs; such as blaspheme the gos-
pel, with ALEXANDER ; and that lie and dissemble,
with ANANIAS and SAPPHIRA his wife.
Then said I Io p F. FU L to the Shepherds, I perceive
that these had on them, even every one, a shew of
pilgrimage, a> 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, .since they notwithstanding were
thus miserably cast away ?
S 1 1 1 p. Some further, and some not so far as these
Mountains.
than they. This H n<>t only the case with many, at the first
lu-ilinning of a religious profession, as of PLIABLE at the Slough
i 1 >i M-osi), but with M>im- at every stagu of the. journey. Such
vxamples mav M rv properly demand our tears of godly sorrow and
fervent gratitude ; when we rrllect on our o\\n misconduct, and the.
loving kindness of the LORD, who hath made us to differ, by first
implanting, and then preserving, faith in our heart-.
248 THE HILL CLEAR.
Then said the Pilgrims one to another, We had
need cry to the strong for strength.
SHE P. Ay, and you will have need to use it
when you have it, too. 7
By this time the Pilgrims had a desire to go for-
wards, and the Shepherds a desire they should ; so
they walked together towards the end of the
Mountains. Then said the Shepherds one to ano-
ther, Let us here shew to the Pilgrims the gates
of the Celestial City, if they have skill to look
through our perspective glass. The Pilgrims then
lovingly accepted the motion : so they had them
to the top of an high Hill, called CLEAR, and
gave them their glass to look.
Then they essayed to look, but the remembrance
of that last thing that the Shepherds had shewed
them made their hand shake ; a by means of which
z No man can see the heart of another, or certainly know him
to be a true believer : it is, therefore, proper to warn the most ap-
proved persons, " while they think they stand, to take heed lest
" they fall." Such cautions, with the diligence, self-examination,
watchfulness, and prayer which they excite, are the means of per-
severance and establishment to the upright. An event may be
certain in itself, and yet inseparable from the method in which it
is to be accomplished x ; and it may appear very uncertain to the
persons concerned, especially if they yield to remissness 2 : so that
prayer to the almighty GOD for strength, with continual watch-
fulness and attention to every part of practical religion, is absolute-
ly necessary to " the full assurance of hope unto the end V
* Such is the infirmity of our nature, even when in a measure
i Acts xxvii. 2231. 2 i Pet. iv. 18. 3 Heb, vi. 10 12,
THE COUNTRY OF CONCEIT. 249
impediment they could not look steadily through
(he glass; yet they thought they saw some-thing
like the Gate, and also some of the glory of the
place.
' Thus by the Shepherds secrets are rcvral'd,
M'liich from :ill other men arc kept conceal'd :
Ciine to the Shepherds then, if you would sec
Things deep, things hid, and that mysterious be/.
AVhcn they were about to depart one of the
Shepherds gave them A note of the way. Another
of them hid them, Kczcarc <>f the Flatterer. The
third hid them, 'lake heed that they sleep not upon
the enchanted Ground. And the fourth bid them
(I nd speed. So I awoke from my dream.
And I slept and dreamed again, and saw the
same two Pilgrims going down the Mountains
along the highway towards the City. Now a lit-
tle below these 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
tied, that it is almost impossible for us vigorously to exercise
one holy affection, without failing in some other, \\hen we con-
!id<- in (Jon with assured faith and hope, we commonly arc detective
in iv\ureiice, humility, and caution : on the oilier hand, a jealousy
of ourselves, and a salutary fear of coming short or drawing back,
p-uenillv, \\eaken confidence ill GOD, and interfere with a joyful
anticipation of our futuiv inheritance. But, notwithstanding this
deduction, through our remaining unbelief, such experiences are
Ivantagcous. " Be not high-minded but fear :" for " bles-
1 i> he that tlarcth alwu\
2.50 A YOUTH NAMED IGNORANCE.
met with a very brisk lad that came out of that
Country, and his name was IGNORANCE. b So
b Multitudes of ignorant persons entirely disregard GOD and
religion; and others have a shew of piety, which is grave, reser-
ved, austere, distant, and connected with contemptuous enmity to
evangelical truth. But there are some persons of a sprightly dis-
position, who are more conceited and vain-glorious than haughty
and arrogant ; who think well of themselves, and presume on the
good opinion of their acquaintance ; who are open and communi-
cative, though they expose their ignorance continually; who fancy
themselves very religious, and expect to be thought so by others ;
who arc willing to associate with evangelical professors, as if they
all meant the same thing ; and who do not express contempt or
enmity, unless urged to it in self-defence. This description of men
seems to be represented by the character next introduced, about
which the author has repeatedly bestowed much pains. CHRIS-
TIAN had soon done with OBSTINATE and WORLDLY-WISE-
MAN : for such men, being outrageous against the gospel, shun all
intercourse with established believers, and little can be done to
warn or undeceive them : but brisk, conceited, shallow persons,
who are ambitious of being thought religious, are shaken oft" with
great difficulty ; and they are continually found among the hearers
of the gospel. They often intrude themselves at the most sacred or-
dinances, when they have it in their power ; and sometimes are fa-
vourably thought of, till further acquaintance proves their entire
ignorance.- Pride, in one form or another, is the universal fault
of human nature ; but the frivolous vain-glory of empty talkers
differs exceedingly, from the arrogance and fpnnal self-importance
of Scribes and Pharisees, and arises from a different constitution
and education, and other habits and associations. This is the
Town of CONCEIT, where IGNORANCE resided. A lively dispo-
sition, a weak capacity, a confused judgment, the want qf infor-
mation about religion and almost every other subject, a propor-
tionable blindness to all these defects, and a pert forward self-
sufficiency, arc the prominent features in this portrait: and if a
full purse, secular influence, the ability of conferring favours, and
the power to excite fears, be added, the whole receives its highest
CHRISTIAN DISCOURSES WITH HIM.
CHRISTIAN asked him from what parts he came,
and whither he was going?
I(,\ou. Sir, I was horn in the Country that
lietli oft' there a little to the left hand, and I am
going to the Celestial CITY.
CIIR. But how do you think to get in at the
(iate? for you may find some difficulty there.
k As other good people do,' said he.
C'IIH. But what have you to shew at that Gate,
that may cause that the Gate should he opened to
you ?
v
IGNOR. I know my LORD'S will, and have been
a good liver; I pay every man his own; I pray,
fast, pay tithes, and give ahn>, and have left my
Country for whither I am going.
CHR. But tliou earnest not in at the WICKET-
(,.\ i i: that is at the head of this way ; thou cannot
in hither through that ^uue crooked lane; and
therefore I fear, however thou mayest think of
thy-elf, when the reckoning-day shall come, thou
wilt have laid to thy charge that thou art a thief
and a robber, instead of getting admittance into
the City. .
l(.\ou. Gentlemen, ye be utter stranger to
me, 1 know you not; be content to follow the re-
ligion of your Cou.itrv. and I will follow the re-
ligion of mine. I hope all \\ill be well. And, as
:. With those observations on thi- peculiar character, and
I'.m!- :i- \\e-procecti, the plain laminatM- \ the u'ltlmr <>n thi*
subject \vill be pcrtectly intelligible to the uttuutnc reader.
252 THE PILGRIMS LEAVE IGNORANCE.
for the Gate that you talk of, all the world kno>v 5
that that is a great way off of our Country. I
cannot think that any man in all our parts doth
so much as know the way to it, nor need they mat-
ter whether they do or no ; since we have, as you
see, a fine pleasant green lane that conies down
from our Country the next way into it.
When CHRISTIAN saw that the man was wise in
his own conceit, he said to HOPEFUL whispering-
ly, " There is more hopes of a fool than of him J :"
and said moreover, " When he that is a fool walk-
" eth by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he
" saith to every one that he is a fool 4 ." What,
shall we talk further with him, or outgo him at
present, and so leave him to think of what he hath
heard already, and then stop again for him after-
wards, and see if by degrees we can do any good
of him ? Then said HOPEFUL,
* Let IGNORANCE a little while now muse
On what is said, and let him not refuse
Good counsel to embrace, lest he remain
Still igaorant of what's the chiefest gain.
GOD saith, those that no understanding have,
Although he made them, them he will not save.'
He further added, It is not good, I think, to say
all to him at once ; let us pass him by, if you will,
and talk to him anon, even* as he is " able to bear
" it." c
1 Prov. xxvi. 12. * Eccles. x. 3.
c It is best not to converse much at once with persons of this
TURN-AWAY CARRIED OFF BY DEVILS. 253
So they both went on, and IGNORANCE he came
after. Now when they had passed him a little way,
they entered into a very dark lane, where they met
a man whom seven devils had bound with seven
strong cords, and \\ere carrying of him back to
the door that they saw on the side of the hill*.
Now good CHRISTIAN began to tremble, and so
did HOPEFUL his companion ; yet as the devils
led away the man, CHRISTIAN looked to see if he
knew him ; and he thought it might be one TV KN-
AWAY that dwelt in the Town of APOSTASY. Hut
he did not perfectly see his face, for he did hang
his head like a thief that is found. Hut being gone
past, HOPEFUL looked after him, and spied on his
back a paper with this inseription, ' Wanton pro-
' f<-sM>r and damnable apostate/ d
1 Matt. xii. 45. Prov. v. 22.
character: but after a few warning to leave them to their re-
flections; for their sclf-conreit i* often cherished by alteiciiii"ii<,
in which they deem themselves verv expert, however di^usting
their discourse m:i\ prove to others.
* The dark lane seems to mean a season of prevalent impiety,
un.l of great affliction to the people of GOD. Here the inijmrtiijl
author takes occasion to contrast the character <i Ic.voi
with that of TURV-AWAY. LOOM- evangelical pr-ie^.r* look
d>wn with supercilious disdain oil those who do not undci-t.in 1
the doctrines of grace; and think themselves im-n- nli<^htened,
and letter acquainted with the liberty of the f<pel, than inorrr
A al Christian*: but in dark times wanton proffuors
turn out damnable apottatcs, and tin 1 detection of their h\pcn*v
makes them ashamed to shew their facet among thor In I.
oxer whom tliev before affected a kind of superior) i
convictions suicide, and <'HIU.T has n;t srt up his kingdom in the
254 CHRISTIAN RELATES HOW LITTLE-FAITH
Then said CHRISTIAN to his fellow, Now I call
to remembrance that which was told me, of a thing
that happened to a good man hereabout. The
name of the man was LITTLE-FAITH ; but a good
man, and he dwelt in the Town of SINCERE. The
thing was this : at the entering in at this passage,
there comes down from BROAD-WAY GATE a lane
called DEAD MAN'S-LANE ; so called, because of
the murders that are commonly done there ; and
this LITTLE-FAITH going on pilgrimage, as we
do now, chanced to sit down there and slept ; now
there happened at that time to come down the lane
from BROAD-WAY GATE three sturdy rogues, and
their names were FAINT-HEART, MISTRUST, and
GUILT, three brothers; and they, espying LITTLE-
FAITH where he was, came galloping up with speed.
Now the good man was just awaked from his sleep,
and was getting up to go on his journey. So they
came up all to him, and with threatening language
bid him stand. At this LITTLE-FAITH looked as
white as a clout, and had neither power to fight
nor flee. Then said FAINT-HEART, ' Deliver thy
' purse ;' but he making no haste to do it, (for he
heart, the unclean spirit resumes his former habitation, and " takes
" to himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself/' who
bind the poor wretch faster than ever in the cords of sin and de-
lusion ; so that his last state is more hopeless than the first.
Such apostasies make the hearts of the upright to tremble- but a
recollection of the nature of TURN-AWAY'S profession and confi-
dence gradually removes their difficulties, and they recover their
hope, and learn to take Jiecd to themselves.
WAS ROBBED AND ALMOST MURDERED. 255
was loth to lose his money,) MISTRUST ran up to
him, and thrusting his hand into his pocket pulled
out thence a bag of silver. Then he cried out
'Thieves! thieves!' With that GUILT, with a
great club that was in his hand, struck LITTLE-
FAITH on the head, and with that blow felled him
flat to the ground : where he lay bleeding as one
that would bleed to death. e All this while the
thieves stood by. But at last, they hearing that
some were upon the road, and fearing lest it should
be one GREAT-GRACE, that dwells in the c-ity of
GOOD-CONFIDENCE, they betook themselves to
e The ensuing episode concerning LITTLE-FAITH was evident-
ly intended, to prevent weak Christians being dismayed by the
awful thing- spoken of hxpocritesand apo-tates. In times of per-
secution, many who seemed to be religious openly return into the
broad way to destruction; and thus Satan murders the souls of
men, by threatening to kill their bodies. This is DEAD-MAX'S-
LANE, leading back to BROAD-WAY-GATE. All true believers
arc indeed preserved from draw ing back to perdition : but the
weak in faith, \w\\\f(rint-licartal, and mitt rusting the promises and
faithfulness of GOD, are betrayed into sinful compliances or neg-
li^enre- ; they lie down to sleep when the\ ha\e .-peciul need to
watch and be sober ; they conceal or perhaps deny their profession,
are timid and negligent in duty ; or in other respects act contrary
to their consciences, and thus contract guilt. So that FAINT-
IIKAIIT threaten- and assaults them; M isrursT plunders them ;
and GUILT beats them down, and makes them almost despair of
A- the robbery was committed in the dark lane before men-
tioned, this skeins to have been the Author's precise meaning : but
any unbelic\ing fears, thnt induce men to neglect the means ol
grace, or to adopt sinf'il espvtiu-nts <f securing theniM-Ues, which
on the re\ie\v bring guilt and terror upon their conscience-, mav
al-n be intended.
PAUT I. S
256 LITTLE-FAITH PRESERVES HIS JEWELS
their heels, and left this good man to shift for
himself. f N ow after a while Li T T L K- F A i T H came
to himself, and getting up, made shift t^ scrabble
on his way. This was the story.
HOPE. But did they take from him all that t
he had ?
CHR. No: the place where his Jewels wer
they never ransacked : so those he kept still. But.
as I was told, the good man was much afflicted
for his loss ; for the thieves got most of his spend-
ing money. That which they got not, as I said,
were Jewels ; also he had a little odd money left,
but scarce 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 himself alive (for his
Jewels he might not sell). But beg and do what
he could, ' he went,' as we say, ' with many a hun-
* gry belly,' the most part of the rest of the w r ay.
HOPE. But is it not a wonder they got not
1 i Pet. iv. 18.
f As these robbers represent the inward effects of unbelief and
disobedience, and not any outward enemies, GREAT-GRACE may
be the emblem of those' believers, or ministers, who having honour-
ably stood their ground, endeavour to restore the fallen in the
spirit of meekness, by suitable encouragements. The compas-
sionate exhortations or honourable examples of such eminent
Christians keep the fallen from entire despondency, and both tend
to bring them to repentance, and to inspire them when penitent,
and trembling at the word of GOD, with some hope of finding mer-
cy and grace in this time of urgent need ; which seems to be alle-
gorically represented by the flight of the robbers, when they heard
that GREAT-GRACE was on the road.
AXD CERTIFICATE. HIS DEEP DISTRESS. 257
from him his certificate, by which he was to re-
ceive his admittance at the celestial Gate?
CHH. It is a wonder : but they got not that;
though they missed it not through any good cun-
ning of his; for he, being dismayed with their
coming upon him, had neither power nor skill to
hide any thing, so it was more by good Providence
than by his endeavour that they missed of that
good thing '.
HOPE. But it must needs be a comfort to him
that they got not his Jewels from him.
C'u K. It might have been great comfort to him,
had he used it as he should : but they that told
me the story said that he made but little use of it
all the rest or' the way ; and that, because of the
dismay that he had in the taking away his money.
Indeed he forgot it a great part of the rest of his
journey ; and besides, when at any time it came
into his mind, and he began to be comforted there-
with, then would fresh thoughts of his loss come
again upon him, and those thoughts would SM al-
low up all.
1 1 o } t , Alas, poor man ! this could not but be a
great grief unto him !
CHR. Grief! ay, a grief indeed. Would it not
have been so to any of us, had we been used as he,
to be robbed and wounded too, and that in a
strange pl#ce, as he was? Tis a wonder lie did
not die with grief, poor heart ! I was told that he
1 t Tim. i. 14. 2 Pet. ii. 9.
fl 2
258 THE NATURE OF LITTLE FAITll's JEWELS.
scattered almost all the rest of the way with nothing
but doleful and bitter complaints : telling also to
all that overtook him, or that he overtook, in the
way as he went, where he was robbed, and how ;
who they were that did it, and what he lost ; how
he was wounded, and that he hardly escaped with
life. g
HOPE. But it is a wonder that his necessity did
not put him upon selling or pawning some of his
Jewels, that he might have wherewith to relieve
himself in his journey.
CHR. Thou talkest like one upon whose head is
the shell to this very day ; for what should he
pawn them ? or to whom should he sell them ? In
all that country where he was robbed his Jewels
were not accounted of; nor did he want that re-
lief which could from thence be administered to
% The believer's union with CHRIST, and the sanctification of
the SPIRIT, sealing his acceptance and rendering him meet for
heaven, are his invaluable and unalienable jewels. But he may
by sin lose his comforts, and not be able to perceive the evidences
of his own safety : and even when again enabled to hope that it
will be well with him in the event ; he may be so harassed by the
recollection of the loss he has sustained, the effects of his miscon-
duct on others, and the obstructions he hath thrown in the way of
his own comfort and usefulness, that his future life may be ren-
dered a constant scene of disquietude and painful reflections.
Thus the doctrine of the believer's final perseverance is both main-
tained and guarded from abuse : and it is not owing to a man's
own care, but to the LORD'S free mercy, powerful interposi-
tion, and the engagements of the new covenant, that unbelief and
guilt do not rob him of his title to heaven, as well as of his com-
fort and confidence.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIM AND ESAU, C
him. Besides, had his Jewels been missing at the
( . ate of the celest ial City, he had (and that lie knew
well enough,) been excluded from an inheritance
there, and that would have been worse to him
than the appearance and villainy of ten thousand
thieves.
HOPE. Why art tliou so tart, my brother ?
l^\u sold his birthright, and that for a mess of
pottage 1 ; and that birthright was his great^t
Jewel: and, if he, why might not LITTLE-FAITH
do so too ?
CHR. ESAU did sell his birthright indeed, and
so do many besides, and by so doing exclude them-
selves from the chief blessing ; as also that caitifY
did : but you must put a difference betwixt ESAU
and LITTLE-FAITH, and also betwixt their estates.
ESAU'S birthright was typical, but LITTLE-FAITH'S
Jewels were not so. ESAU'S belly was his god, but
LITTLE-FAITH'S belly was not so. ESAU'S want
lay in his tlcshly appetite, LITTLE-FAITH'S did
MM! so. Besides, ESAU cauld see no further than
to the fulfilling of his lusts : " For I am at the
" point to die" (said he) "and \vhat good will
" this birthright do me 1 ?" But LITTLE-FAITH,
though it was his lot to have but a little faith, was
by his little faith kept from such extravagance.
and made to see and prize his Jewels more than to
sell them as ESAU did his birthright. You read
not any where that ESAU had faith, no not so.
1 Hcb. xii. 16. * Gen. xxv. 2934.
S3
6*0 Lit TLE FAITH BETTER THAN NO FAITH.
much as a little ; therefore no marvel, if where the
flesh only bears sway, (as it will in that man where
no faith is, to resist,) if he sells his birthright, and
his soul and all, and that to the devil of hell : for
it is with such as it is with the ass, " who in her
." occasions cannot be turned away 1 :" when their
minds are set upon their lusts, they will have
them whatever they cost. But LITTLE-FAITH
was of another temper, his mind was on things di-
vine; his livelihood was upon things that were
spiritual and from above ; therefore, to what end
should he that is of such a temper sell his Jewels,
(had there been any that would have bought
them,) to fill his mind with empty things? Will
a man give a penny to fill his belly with hay ? or
can you persuade the turtle-dove to live upon car-
rion like the crow ? Though faithless ones can,
for carnal lusts, pawn, or mortgage, or sell what
they have, and themselves outright to boot ; yet
they that have faith, saving faith, though but lit*
tie of it, cannot do so. Here, therefore, my bro-
ther, is thy mistake. h
HOPE. I acknowledge it ; but yet your severe
reflection had almost made me angry.
1 Jer. ii. 24.
h Many professors, meeting with discouragements, give up their
religion for the sake of this present world : but, if any thencv argue,
that true bclie-cers will copy their example, they shew that they,
are neither well established in judgment, nor deeply acquainted
with the nature of the divine life, or the objects of its supreme
desires and peculiar fears.
THE ROBBERS NOT F.ASILY RESISTFD.
C'n R. \Vhy : I did but compare thec to some of
the l)irds that arc of the brisker sort. who will run
to and fro in trodden paths with the shell upon
their lieads : but pass by that, and consider the
matter under debute, and all shall be well be-
i \vi.\t thec and me.
HOPE. But, CHRISTIAN', these three fellows, I
am persuaded in my heart, are but a company of
cowards : would they have run else, think you, as
they did, at the noise of one that was coming on
the road : \Vliy did not LITTLE-FAITH pluck
up a greater heart? he might, methinks, have
stood one brush with them, and have yielded when
there had been no remedy.
CUR. That they are cowards, many have said,
but few have found it so in the tin>e of trial. As
for a great heart, LITTLE-FAITH had none; and
I perceive by thcc. my brother, hudst thou been
the man eonccrncd, thon art but for a brush, and
then to yield. And verily, since thi.s is the height,
oi' thy stomach now they arc at a distance from
us; should they appear to thec, as they did to him,
they might put thee to second thoughts.
IJut consider again, they are but journeymen
thieves, they serve under the king of the bottom-
less pit : \\ho, if need be, will come in to their aid
himself, and his voice is as the roaring of a lion '.
I myself have been engaged as this Lri i i.r.-r.vmi
was; and I found it a terrible thing. These three
Pet. v. 8.
S*
262 GREAT-GRACE, THE KING'S CHAMPION,
villains set upon me, and I beginning like a Chris-
tian to resist, they gave but a call, and in came
their master: I would, as the saying is, have given
my life for a penny; but that, as GOD would have
it, I was clothed with armour of proof. Ay, and
yet, though I was so harnessed, I found it hard
work to quit myself like a man : no man can tell
what in that combat attends us, but he that hath
been in the battle himself.
HOPE. Well, but they ran, you see, when they
did but suppose that one GREAT-GRACE was in
the way.
CHR. True, they have often fled, both they and
their master, when GREAT-GRACE hath appeared ;
and no marvel, for he is the KING'S Champion:
but, I trow, you will put some difference between
LITTLE-FAITH and the KING'S Champion. All
the KING'S subjects are not his Champions; nor
can they, when tried, do such feats of war as he.
Is it meet to think that a little child should han-
dle GOLIATH as DAVID did ? or that there should
be the strength of an ox in a wren ? Some are
strong, some are weak ; some have great faith,
some have little ; this man was one of the weak,
and therefore he went to the wall.
HOPE. I would it had been GREAT-GRACE for
their sakes.
CHR. If it had been he, he might have had his
hands full : for I must tell you that, though
GREAT-GRACE is excellent good at his weapons,
and has, and can, so long as he keeps them at
SORELY PRESSED BY THE ROBBERS. 6'3
sword's point, do well enough with them ; yet if
they get within him, even FAINT-HEART, .MIS-
TRUST, or the other, it shall go hard but they will
throw up his heels : and when a man is down, you
know, what can he do?
Whoso looks well upon GREAT-GRACE'S face,
shall see those scars and cuts there that shall easily
give demonstration of what I say. Y'ea, once I
heard he should say, (and that when he was in the
combat,) " We despaired even of life." How did
these sturdy rogues and their fellows make DAVID
groan, mourn, and roar? Yea, HEMA\ and HEZ-
KKIAII too, though Champions in their day, were
forced to bestir them when by these assaulted ; and
\ c t. notwithstanding, they had their coats soundly
brushed by them. PETER, upon a time, would go
try what he could do ; but though some do say
of him that he is the Prince of the apostles, they
handled him so that they made him at lat afraid
of a sorry girl.
Desidcs, their king is at their whistle; he is
never out of hearing ; and if at any time they be
put to the worst, he, if possible, comes in to help
them : and of him it is .said, " The sword of him
" that layeth at him cannot hold; the spear, the
"dart, nor the habergeon ; he estecmcth iron as
" >traw, and brass as rotten wood : the arrow can-
" nut make him flee, sling-stones are turned with
" him into stubble ; darts are counted as stubble;
" he laugheth at the shaking of a spear '." What
* Job xli. 2629.
26*4 HUMILITY VERY XEEDFUL,
can a man do in this case ? 'tis true, if a man could
at every turn have JOB'S horse, and had skill and
courage to ride him, he might do notable things ;
for " His neck is clothed with thunder ; he will
" not be afraid as the grasshopper ; the glory of
" his nostrils is terrible ; he paweth in the valley,
" and rejoiceth in his strength ; he- geeth on to
" meet the armed men : he mocketh at fear, and is
" not afrighted, neither turneth he hack from the
" sword : the quiver rattleth against him, the glit-
" tering spear and the shield : he swalloweth the
" ground with fierceness and rage, neither believ-
" eth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. He
" saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha ; and he
" smeUeth the battle afar off, the thunder of the
" captains, and the shouting 1 ."
But for such footmen as thee and I are, let u>
never desire to meet with an enemy ; nor vaunt as
if we eoold do better, when we hear of others that
they have been foiled ; nor be tickled at the
thoughts of our own manhood, for such common-
ly come by the worst when tried. Witness PE-
TER, of whom I made mention before, he would
swagger, ay, he would ; he would, as his vain
mind prompted him to say, do better, and stand
more for his Master than all men : but who so
foiled and run down by those villains as he ?
When therefore we hear that such robberies are
done on the KING'S highway, two things become
us to -do : first to go out harnessed, and to be sure
1 Job xxxix. 1925.
AKD THE SHIELD OF FAITH. 65
to take a .shield with us ; for it was for want of
that, that he that laid so lustily at Leviathan could
not make him yield; for, indeed, if that foe want-
ed, lie fears us not at all. Therefore lie that had
skill hath said, "Above all, take the shield of
t'.iith. wherewith ye shall foe able to quench all
** the fiery darts of the wicked 1 ." *
1 Eph. vi. 16.
1 Voting converts often view temptations, conflicts, and perse-
cutions, in a very different li^ht than expeiienced belie\ers do.
Warm with zeal, and full of confidence which they imagine to be
wholly genuine, and knowing comparatively little of Uieir oun
hearts, or tlu- nature of the Christian conflict, they resemble new
recruits who are apt to boast what great things they will do : but
the oM disciple, thouqh much stronger m faith, and possessing
habitually more vigour of holy affection, knows himself too wHl to
. and speaks with mo.ir-ty of the past, and diJfidencc of the
future ; like the \eteran soldier, of approved \alour, who ha* otteii
been in actual service. Tlic-v , win) have boasted before-hand \\liat
they would do and suffer, rather than deny the faith, have gene-
rall\ ritlu-r proM-d apostates, or lx;cn taught their weakness by
jiainful experifiK'i-. And when a real believer ha* thu* fallen, the
recollection of past boa-tings add to liis remorso and ttTror; and
Satan will attempt to drive him to despair: so that, indeed, ' no
' man can tell uhat \n such a combat attends us, but he that has
' been in the battle himself.' Even they, who \n-iv most remarka-
ble fr stmij-th of faith, have often been overcome in the hour of
temptation; and, when guilt got within them, .ihey found it no
easy matter to n < o\er their hope and comfort: how then ran the
in taith be e \poded to owfoomc in such circumstances?
1 ho acconnnorlation of the pawsagw from .lor. to this conflict, HCeaw
* K-n-U mteiide.l l.i imply, tluit the a-.m!t> ol >ntan HI li.-.- <.< -
casions, rr more terrible than any tkrag in tlic risiUe creation
can fcc : and chat c\ ery ^xy We advantage witt be needful ia or-
der to withstand in the evil day.
266 THE ONLY SECURITY AGAINST ROBBERS.
Tis good also that we desire of the KING a con-
voy, yea, that he will go with us himself. This
made DAVID rejoice when in the Valley of the
SHADOW OF DEATH; and MOSES was rather for
dying where he stood than to go one step without
his GOD '. O my brother, if he will but go along
with us, what need we be afraid of ten thousand
that shall set themselves against us ? but without
him the proud helpers fall under the slain *. k
I, for my part, have been in the fray before
now ; and though, through the goodness of him
that is best, I am, as you see, alive, yet I cannot
boast of my manhood. Glad shall I be if I meet
with no more such brunts ; though I fear we are
not got beyond all danger. However, since the
lion and the bear have not as yet devoured me, I
hope GOD will also deliver us from the next un-
circumcised PHILISTINE.
' Poor LITTLE-FAITH ! hast been among the thieves ?
AYast robb'd ? remember this, whoso believes,
And get more faj.th, then shall you victors be
Over ten thousand, else scarce over three.'
So they went on, and I G N o R A N c E followed. They
1 Exod. xxxiii. 15. * Ps. iii. 5 8. xxvii. i 3. . Isa. x. 4.
k Instead of saying, " though all men deny thee, yet will not I, w
it behoves us to use all means of grace diligently ; and to be instant
in prayer, that the LORD himself may protect us by his power,
and animate us by his presence: and then only shall \ve be ena-
bled to overcome both the fear of man, and the temptations of
the devil.
THE PILGRIMS TAKEN I X FLATTERER^ N ET, 267
went then till they came at a place where they saw
a Way put itself into their Way, and seemed withal
to lie as straight as the Way which they should go ;
and here they knew not which of the two to take,
for both seemed straight before them : therefore
here they stood still to consider. And as they
were thinking about the way, behold a man of black
tlesh, but covered with a very light robe, came to
them, and asked them why they stood there ? They
answered they were a going to the Celestial CITY,
but knew not which of these ways to take. ' Fol-
4 low me,' said the man, * it is thither that I am
' going.' So they followed him in the Way that
but now came into the road, which by degrees turn-
ed, and turned them so from the City that they de-
sire d to go to, that in little time their faces were
turned away from it: yet they followed him.
But by and by, before they were aware, he led
them both within the compass of a net, in which
they were both so entangled that they knew not
what to do ; and with that the white robe fell off
the black man's back : then they saw where they
were. Wherefore there they lay crying some time,
for they could not get themselves out.
Then said CHRISTIAN to his fellow, Now do I
see myself in an error. Did not the Shepherds
bid us beware of the Flatterers? A-% is the saying
of the wise man, so we have found it this day, " A
M man that tlattercth his neighbour sprcadcth a
"net for hi-* feet 1 ."
1 Prov. xxix. 5.
26$ BUT SET AT LIBERTY BY A SHINING ONE;
HOPE. They also gave us a note of directions
about the way, for our more sure finding thereof;
but therein we have also forgotten to read, and
have not kept ourselves from " the paths of the
" destroyer." Here DAVID was wiser than we;
for saith he, "concerning the works of men, by
" the word of thy lips I have kept me from the
" paths of the destroyer V Thus they lay bewail-
ing themselves in the net. At last they espied a
Shining One coming towards them with a whip of
small cord in his hand. When he was come to the
place where they were, he asked them whence they
came, and what they did there? They told him that
they were poor Pilgrims going to ZION, but were
led out of their way by a black man clothed in
white, who bid us, said they, follow him, for he was
going thither too. Then said he with a whip, It
is- Flatterer, " a false apostle, that hath transform-
" ed himself into an angel of light*." So he rent
the net, and let the men out. Then said he to
them, Follow me, that I may set you in your
way again : so he led them back to the way which
they had left to follow the Flatterer. Then he ask-
ed them, saying, Where did you lie the last night ?
They said, With the Shepherds upon the DELEC-
TABLE MOUNTAINS. He asked them then if they
had not of them Shepherds a note of direction for
the way ? They answered, Yes. But did you, said
he, when you were at a stand, pluck out and read
your note ? They answered, No. He asked them,
1 Ps. xvii. 4. * 2 Cor. K!. 13, 14. Dan, xi. 32.
WHO REBUKES AND CHASTISES THEM.
Why ? They said, They forgot. I Ic asked morc-
ovrr, If the Shepherds did not bid them In u are of
the Flatterer ? They answered. Yes; hut we did not
imagine, said they, that this line-spoken man had
hern he '.
Then I saw in my dream that he commanded
them to lie down * ; which when they did, he chas-
tised them sore, to teach them the good way v here-
in they should walk J : and, as he chastised them,
he said, "As many as I love I rebuke and chasten;
" be zealous, therefore, and repent 4 ." This done,
lie bids them go on their way, and take good heed
r<> the other directions of the Shepherds. So they
thanked him for all his kindness, and went softly
along the right way.
' Conic hither, you that walk along the way,
how the Pilgrim- tan- that ::<> astray:
The\ ( atched are in an entaiu;liiuj net,
'('.HIM' they .;<>. id counsel liiihtlv did forgot:
"I'i- true, they re-cu'd were, but \et, \ mi -. e,
The\ _'d to boot : let this your caution be.' '
1 Rom. xvi. ijjjiS. k Dcut. xxix. 2. * a Chron. vi. 26, 27.
* Rev. iii. 19.
1 Tlii- \Va\, which seemed as straight as the ri^/it Jt'<t>/, and
in entering on which there \\as no Stifr to climb our, nm>t denote
some very plausible and gradual deviation from the simplicity 1.1"
pel. in doctrine <>r prarticc. Peculiar circumstances may
require the believer to act ; while so much can be said in support
of different IIUM . make him 1 nd il'he merely
consider the subject in hi> o\\n ir.ind, or consult with hi-; friends,
\\itiiout carefully examining the Scripture, and praying for divine
direction ; hn will very probably be seduced into the wrong path :
270 ONE COMING TO MEET THE PILGRIMS.
Now after a while they perceived, afar off, one
coming softly and alone all along the highway to
and, if he listen to the FLATTERER, he will certainly be misled.
But what is meant by the FLATTERER? It cannot reasonably
be supposed, that the author meant to state that the Pilgrims
hearkened, to such as preach justification by the works of the law ;
or flatter men's self-complacency by harangues on the dignity of
human nature, and the unbiassed freedom of the will, the sufficiency
of reason in matters of religion, or the goodness of the heart : for
experienced Christians cannot be thus imposed on. And gross an-
tinomianism can never greatly attract the attention of those, who
have been in DOUBTING-CASTLE for turning aside into BY-PATH-
MEADOW. But the human mind is always accessible to flattery,
in one form or other; and there have in every age been teachers
and professed Christians, who have soothed men into a good opinion
of their state on insufficient grounds ; or fed their spiritual pride by
expressing too favourable thoughts of their attainments, which is
often mistaken for a very loving spirit. This directly tends to in-
duce unwatchfulness, and an unadvised way of deciding in difficult
cases : and thus men are imperceptibly led to consult their own
inclination, ease, or interest, instead of the will and glory of GOD.
In the mean time, such flatterers commend their prudence, in al-
lowing themselves a little rest ; persuade them that they are en-
titled to distinction, and exempted from general rules ; insinuate,
that they are too well acquainted with Satan's devices to be de-
ceived ; and in short seem to make their opinion the standard of
right and wrong. Some excellent men, from a natural easiness of
temper, united with spiritual love and genuine candour, thus vn~
designedly too much soothe their brethren : but the FLATTERER
is ' a black man in a n/iitc robe ;' a designing hypocrite, who with
plausibility, fluency of speech, talents, eloquence, or polite ac-
complishments, and very evangelical views of religion, " serves not
" our LORD JESUS CHRIST, but his own belly; and by good
" words and fair speeches deceives the hearts of the simple."
Such a man will not shock serious minds by gross antinomianism :
but he will insist disproportionately and indiscriminately on privi-
leges, promises, and consolatory topicks ; and thus put his auditors
HAVING HIS BACK TOWARDS ZION. 271
meet them. Then said CHRIST TAX to his fellow,
Yonder is a man with his back towards ZION, and
he is coming to meet us.
into good humour with themselves, and consequently with him, in
order to obtain advantages, not so easily acquired by other means.
There, arc many other flatteivrs : but this description, coming
far more in the way of evangelical professors than any other, seems
emphatically to be intended. Satan aims to lull men into a fatal
security, wholly or in part; flatterers of every kind arc his prin-
cipal agents; and a smooth undistinguishing gospel, and want of
plain-dealing in private, has immense influence in this respect.
Too often, it is to be feared, the preacher uses flattery in the pul-
pit and the parlour, and is reciprocally flattered or rewarded : and
what wonder is it, if ungodly men take up the business as a lucra-
tive trade, and serve their own selfish purposes, by quieting uneasy
consciences into a false peace, misleading unwary souls, entangling
incautious believers in a net, and thus bringing a scandal on the gos-
pel ? ' Satan is transformed into an angel of light, and his minis-
" ters into ministers of righteousness:" and it' this were the case in
the apostles' da\s, in the midst of terrible persecutions; it may
well be expected, that the same attempts will be made at other
times. Among persons not much acquainted with the gospel, a
different method of seduction will be employed ; in some places by
vain philosophy or pharasaical self-righteousness, in others In en-
thn-iastick imaginations or dreams of sinless perfection : but among
established christians, some plausible scheme, flattering men as
vise anl strong in CHRIST, and as knowing their liberu and priv-
ileges, must be adopted ; such as were propagated among the CO-
RINTHIANS, or those professed Christians \\hom JAMES, PETER,
and Ji'DE successively addressed. In the present state of re-
lijious profession, u more important caution, I apprehend, cannot
be given by the united voice of all those ministers, whom the Shep-
ic-rds represent, than this, ' Ueware of the FI.ATTKRKR ;' o|
all teachers who address the self-preference of the human heart,
and thiis render men forgetful of ' taking heed to ilu ir \\a_v accor-
* dm to the word of GOD.' For if mMi "\, rlook the precejtts of
IMKI l. T
72 THE VAIN REASONINGS OF ATHEIST
HOPE. I sec him, let us take heed to ourselves
now, lest he should prove a Flatterer also.
So he drew nearer and nearer, and at last came
up to them. His name was ATHEIST; and he
asked them ' Whither they were going ?'
CHR. We are going to the mount ZION.
Then ATHEIST fell into a very great laughter.
CHII. What is the meaning of your laughter ?
ATH. I laugh to see what ignorant persons you
are, to take upon you so tedious a journey ; and
yet are like to have nothing but your travail for
your pains.
CHR. Why, man ? do you think we shall not be
received ?
ATH. Received 1 there is no such 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 coun-
try, I heard as you now affirm, and from that hear-
ing went out to see, and have been seeking this
Scripture, and forsake practical distinguishing preachers ; to fol-
low such as bolster up their hopes in an unscriptural manner ;
they will either be fatally deceived, or drawn out of the path of
truth and duty, taken in the net of error, and entangled among in-
jurious connexions and with perplexing, difficulties. They will
indeed at length be undeceived as to these Jine-spoken wen, but
not till they scarcely know what to do or what will become of
them. For when the Lord plucks their feet out of the net, he
will humble them in the dust for their sin and folly ; and make
them thankful to be delivered, though with severe rebukes and
corrections.
DISREGARDED BY THE PILGRIMS.
city tliis twenty years, hut iincl no more of it than
1 did the first day I set out '.
C'n u. We have both heard and believe that there
is sucli a place to be found.
ATH. Had not I when at home believed, I had
not come thus far to seek ; but finding none, (and
M t 1 should had there been such a place to be
found, for I have gone to seek it further than
you ;) I am going back again, and will seek to re-
fresh myself, with the things that I then cast away
for hopes of that which I now see is not.
Then said CHRISTIAN to HOPEFUL his fellow,
Is it true which this man hath said ?
HOPE. Take- heed, he is one of the Flatterers;
irmcmbcr what it hath cost us once already for our
hearkening to such kind of fellows. "What ! no
Mount /i ox : Did we not see from the DELEC-
TABLE MOUNTAINS the Gate of the City? Also,
are we not now to walk by faith * ? Let us go on,
said HOPEFUL, lest the man with the whip over-
take us a^ain. You should have taught me that
h^on which I will round you in the ears withal:
" Cease, my son, to hear the instruction, that
" causeth to err from the words of knowledge ' ;
I say, my brother, cease to hear him, and let us
believe to the saving of the soul.
Cn H. My brother, I did not put the question to
thee for that I doubted of the truth of your behd
'Eccl.x. 15. Jer. xvii. 15. a Cor. v. 7. Prov. xix, 87.
Hcb. *. 39.
T 2
2/4 THE PILGRIMS TURN AWAY FROM ATHEIST.
myself, but to prove thee, and to fetch from thee a
fruit of the honesty of thy heart. As for this
man, I know that 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 1 /'
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
1 i John ii. 21.
m Some false professors gradually renounce " the truth as it is
in JESUS :" but others openly set themselves against all kinds of
religion, and turn scoffers and infidels. Indeed none are more
likely to become avowed atheists, than such as have for many
years hypocritically professed the gospel : for they often acquire
an acquaintance with the several parts of religion, their connexion
with each other, and the arguments with which they are support-
ed; so that they know not where to begin, if they would oppose
any particular doctrine or precept of revelation. Yet they hate
the whole system ; and, having never experienced those effects
from the truth, which the Scripture ascribes to it, they feel, that
if there be any reality in religion, their own case is very dreadful,
and wish to shake off this mortifying and alarming conviction.
And, as they have principally associated with loose professors,
and witnessed much folly and wickedness among them; they
willingly take up a bad opinion of all who pretend to piety, (as
rakes commonly revile all women,) and so they make a desperate
plunge, and treat the whole of religion as imposture and delusion ;
pretending, that upon a thorough investigation, they find it to be
a compound of knavery, folly, and fanaticism. Thus GOD in aw-
ful judgment permits Satan to blind their eyes, because they
" obeyed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
Men set out with a dead faith and a worldly heart, and at length
occupy the seat of the scorner ! The vain reasonings - and con-
.IAVTED GROUND : HOPEFU L DROWSY. C?J
I saw then in my divam, that they went till they
carw- into a certain country whose air naturally
tended to make one drowsy, if lie came a stranger
into it. And here HOPKFUL began to he very dull
and heavy of sleep : wherefore he said unto CHRIS-
TIAN, I do now begin to grow so drowsy that I
ean scarcely hold uj> min, let us lie down
here, and take one nap.
By no means, said the other, lest sleeping we
never awake more.
HOPI:. Why, my brother? sleep is sweet to the
labouring man ; we may be refreshed if we take a
nap,
CHK. Do vou not remember that one of the
v
Shepherds bid us beware of the K \CIIA\TED
GROI \ n ? lie meant by that, that we should bc-
v. arc- <>t sleeping ; " Wherefore let us not sleep, as
" do cithers, but let us watch and be sober'."
llorr.. I acknowledge myself in a fault ; and,
had I been hen 1 alone, I had by sleeping run the
danger of death. I see it is true that the wise man
saith, "Two are better than one*." Hitherto
1 i Thes<. v. 6. Eccl. iv. g.
tempt r> of such apostates, may turn aside other unsound
. ti t -.ami perplex nrwcomorts : but thoi xpi-ru-iu-i' nt' estab-
lished believrr- will fortify them aj;nin^t tln-M- inaiiifi-t <li-liiNi')H- ;
and corrections for previous inibtakes will ix-nder them jealous of
turmM-Kc's and one another ; so that they will p> on their way
with greater circumspection, ami pity the sconu-r who ridicules
them.
T 3
276* THE PILGRIMS CONVERSE TOGETHER.
hath thy company been my mercy ; and thou slialt
" have a good reward for thy labour." "
Now then, said CHRISTIAN, to prevent drowsi-
ness in this place, let us fall into good discourse.
' With all my heart,' said the other.
CHR. Where shall we begin ?
HOPE. Where* GOD began with us : but do
you begin, if you please.
' When saints do sleepy grow, let them come hither,
And hear how these two Pilgrims talk together : .
. Yea, let them learn of them in any wise,
Thus to keep ope their drowsy slumb'ring eyes.
Saints' fellowship, if it be manag'd well,
Keeps them awake, and that, in spite of hell.'
n The E"N T CHAXTED GROUND may represent a state of ex-
emption from peculiar trials, and of worldly prosperity ; especially
when Christians are unexpectedly advanced in their outward cir-
cumstances, or engaged in extensive flourishing business. A
concurrence of agreeable dispensations sometimes succeeds to long
continued difficulties ; the believer's peace is little interrupted,
but he has not very high affections or consolations ; he meets with
respect and attention from his friends and acquaintance ; and is
drawn on by success in his secular undertakings. This powerfully
tends, through remaining depravity, to produce a lethargick and
indolent frame of raind : the man attends on religious ordinances,
and the constant succession of duties, more from habit and con-
science, than from delight in the service of GOD : and even they,
who have acquitted themselves creditably in a varied course of
trials and conflicts, often lose much of their vigour, activity, and
vigilance, in these fascinating circumstances. No situation, in
which a believer can be placed, requires so much watchfulness :
other experiences resemble storms, which keep a man awake
almost against his will; this is a treacherous calm, which invites
ai:d lulls him to sleep. But pious discourse, the jealous cautions
HOPI i rr.'s FIRST CONVICTIONS. 1277
Then CIMMSIIAN hcgan, and said, I will ask
you a (jiu'stion : how came you to think at first oi'
doing as you do now ?
II OP i. Do you mean, how came I at first to
look utter the good of my soul ?
CHK. Yes, that is my meaning.
Hop].. I continued a great while in the delight
of those things which were seen and sold at our
Fair; things which I hclieve now would have, had
I continued in them still, drowned me in perdition
and destruction.
('MR. What things were they?
Ho? ]:. All the treasures and riches of the world.
Also I delighted much in rioting, revelling, drink-
ing, swearing, lying, unclcanm>s, sabbath-break-
ing, and what not, that tended to destroy the soul.
But I found, at last, by hearing and considering
of things that are divine, which indeed I heard of
you. as aNo of the Ix-loved FAITHFUL, that wa^
put to death for his faith and good living in VAN-
ii V-FAIK, "that the end of these things is death; "
And that " for these things' sake, the wrath of GOD
'* cometh upon the children of disobedience '."
C'IIR. And did yon presently fall under the pow-
er of this conviction ?
1 Rom. vi. 21 23. Eph. v. 6.
f faithful fiii-mN, and recollections of the Lord's dealing- \\ll\\ us
in times past, arc admirably suited to counteract thi* tendency.
i la- MiixK'qurnt dialogue contains the author's own exposition, of"
several particulars in the preceding allo:;
278 HIS STIVINGS AGAINST CONVICTIONS
HOPE. No, I was not willing presently to know
the evil of sin, nor the damnation that follows
upon the commission of it; but endeavoured,
when my mind at fust began to be shaken with the
word, to shut mine eyes against the light thereof,
CHR. But what was the cause of your carrying
of it thus, to the first workings of GOD'S blessed
Spirit upon you ?
HOPE. The causes were 1. I was ignorant that
this Avas the work of GOD upon me. I never
thought that by awakenings for sin GOD at first
begins the conversion of a sinner. 2. Sin was yet
very sweet to my flesh, and I was loth to leave it.
3. I could not tell how to part with mine old com-
panions, their presence and actions were so de-
sirable unto me. 4. The hours in which convic-
tions were upon me were such troublesome and
such heart-affrighting hours, that I could not
bear, no not so much as, the remembrance of them
upon my heart.
CHR. Then it seems, sometimes you got relief
of your trouble.
HOPE. Yes, verily, but it would come, into my
mind again ; and then I should be as bad, nay
worse than I was before.
CHR. Why, what was it that brought your sins
to mind again.
HOPE, Many things : as, if I did but meet a
good man in the street ; or if I have heard any
read in the Bible ; or if mine head did begin to
ach ; or if I were told that some of my neighbours
WHICH WERI: RIM WKD AND INCREASED. <279
v, (ic sick ; or if I heard the bell toll for some that
were dead ; or if I thought of dying myself; or if
I heard that sudden death happened to others:
but especially when I thought of myself, that I
must quickly come to judgment.
CHK. And eould you at anytime, with ease, get
oft' the guilt of sin, when by any of these ways it
came upon you?
1 1 < > i> i . NO, not heartily ; for then they got fast-
er hold of my conscience: and then, if I did but
think of going back to sin, (though my mind was
turned against it,) it would be double torment to me.
C'n K. And how did you do then ?
HOPE. I thought.1 must endeavour to mend my
life ; for else, thought I, I am sure to be damned.
C'liu. And did vou endeavour to mend?
tr
Hop i. Ye-. ; and tied from not only my sins,
but sinful company too, and betook me to religious
duties as praying, reading, weeping for sin, speak-
ing truth to my neighbours, &c. These things I
did, with many other, too much here to relate.
This word is used, here and in other places, not to signify (he
cnV of tin in the sight of God, and the transgressor's dt-M i \od lia-
bleness to punishment; but the remorse and fear of urath, with,
which the convinced Dinner is oppressed, and from which he often
v.-cks relief l>\ means which exceedingly increase his actual guilt.
Nothing, except a free pardon, by faith in the atoning sacri fid- <-f
(HU IST, can take away guilt: but the ui.< t a man's
ron-ricncc may be for a time removed by various expedients.
Tin- words guilt or guilty arc often u><cd in this latter sense, by
modern dnine* ; but it docs not seem to be scripturally accurate,
and may produce misapprehensions.
80 AMENDMENT INSUFFICIENT.
CIIR. And did you think yourself well then?
HOPE. Yes, for a while; but at the last my
trouble came tumbling upon me again, and that
over the neck of all my reformations.
CH R. How came that about, since you were now
reformed.
HOPE. There were several things brought it
upon me; especially such sayings as these " All
" our righteousnesses are as filthy rags :" " By
" the works of the law no man shall be justified :"
" When ye have done all these things, say, We
" are unprofitable ' :" with many more such like.
From whence I began to reason with myself thus :
If all my righteousnesses are filthy rags ; if by
the deeds of the law no man can be justified ; and
if, when we have done all, we are yet unprofitable
then 'tis but a folly to think of heaven by the law.
I further thought thus : If a man runs a hundred
pounds into the shopkeeper's debt, and after that
shall pay for all that he shall fetch : yet, his old
debt stands still in the book uncrossed, for the
which the shopkeeper may sue him, and cast him
into prison till he shall pay the debt.
CHR. Well, and how did you apply this to your-
self?
HOPE. Why, 1 thought thus with myself, I have
by my sins run a great way into GOD'S book, and
that my now reforming will not pay off that score;
therefore I should think still, under all my present
amendments, ' But how shall I be freed from that
1 Isa. Ixiv. 6. Luke xvii. 10. GaJ, ii. 16,
A PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS NEEDFUL. 281
damnation, that I brought myself in danger of
by my former transgressions?'
dm. A very good application : hut pray go on.
HOPE. Another tiling that hatli troubled me,
even since my lute amendments, is, that, if I look
narrowly into the best of what I do now, I still see
sin, new sin, mixing itself witli the best of that I
do: so that now I am forced to conclude that,
notwithstanding my former fond conceits of my-
self and duties, I have committed sin enough in
one duty to send me to hell, though my former
lite had been faultless.
Cmi. And what did you do then ;
HOPE. Do ! I could not tell what to do, till I
brake my mind to FAITHFUL; for he and I were
well acquainted. And he told me that unless I
could obtain the righteousness of a man that never
had sinned, neither mine own, nor all the right-
uuii of the- world, could save me.
CIIH. And did you think he spake true?
HOPE. Had he told me so, when I was pleased
and satisfied with mine own amendments, I had
called him fool for his pains ; but now, since I see
mine own infirmity, and the sin that cleaves to my
best performance, I have been forced to be of his
opinion.
('UK. But diil you think, when at first he sug-
gested it to you, that there was such a man to be
found, of whom it might justly be said that he never
committed sin :
HOPE. I must confess the words at first sounded
28<2 HOW HOPEFUL LEARNED
strangely, but, after a little more talk and compa-
ny with him, I had full conviction about it.
CHR. And did you ask him what man this was,
and how you must be justified by him * ?
HOPE. Yes, and he told me it was the Lord
JESUS, that dwelleth on the right hand of the
Most High : And thus, said he, you must be justi-
fied by him even by trusting to what he hath
done by himself, in the days of his flesh, and suffer-
ed when he did hang on the tree. I asked him
further how that man's righteousness could be of
that efficacy to justify another before GOD? And
he told me he was the mighty GOD, and did what
he did, and died the death also, not for himself, but
for me, to whom his doings and the worthiness of
them should be imputed, if I believed on him.
CHR. And what did you do then ?
HOPE. I made my objections against my be-
lieving, for that I thought he was not willing to
save me.
CHR. And what said FAITHFUL to you then ?
HOPE. He bid me go to Tiim and see. Then I
said it was presumption. He said, ' No, for I was
invited to come 1 .' Then he gave me a book of
JESUS'S inditing, to encourage me the more freely
to come : and he said, concerning that book, that
every jot and tittle thereof stood firmer than hea-
ven and earth 3 . Then I asked him what I must
do when I came ? And he told me I must intreat
I Rom. iv. Col. i. Heb. x. 2 Pet. i. * Matt, xi, 28,
? Matt. xxiv. 35.
THE WAV OF JUSTIFICATION. 283
upon my knees ', with all my heart and soul, the
! \ i in u to reveal him to me. Then I asked him
further, how I must make my supplication to him ?
And he said,. Go, and thou shalt find him upon a
mercy-seat *, where he sits, all the year long, to
give pardon and forgiveness to them that come. 1
told him that I knew not what to say when I came.
And lie hid me say to this effect " GOD be mer-
" ciful to me a sinner,'' ' and make me to know
* and hclieve in JKSUS CHRIST : for I see, that if
' his righteousness had not been, or I have not faith
' in that righteousness, I am utterly cast away.
' LoiiT), I have heard that thou art a merciful (Jo n,
'and hast ordained that thy SON JJ.M'S (.'HKIST
' should be the Saviour of the world : and, morc-
over, that thou art willing to bestow him upon
' Mich a poor sinner as 1 am, (and 1 am a sinner
' indeed :) LOUD, take therefore this opportunity,
4 and magnify thy grace in the salvation of my
soul, through thy Son JESUS Cnisivr. Amen.'
( UK. And did you do as you were hidden :
Ho IT. Yes. o\ u-, and over, and over.
fun. And did the FATHF.H reveal the SON to
von :
HOPE. Not at the first, nor second, nor third.
nor fourth, nor fifth, no nor at the sixth tim
neither.
C'IIK. AVliat did you do tli.
Ho I- 1 \\ hat ! \\lix 1 could not tell what l <i<i
*
1 Ps. xcv. 6. Jer. xxix. i ?, i j. Han. vi. to.
I:c- li i-. .\. 16.
284 HOPEFUL CONTINUED TO PRAY
CHR. Had you not thoughts of leaving off
praying ?
HOPE. Yes, and a hundred times twice told.
CHR. And what was the reason you did not?
HOPE. I believed that that was true which had
been told me, to wit, that without the righteous-
ness of this CHRIST, all the world could not save
me : and therefore, thought I with myself, 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, because it will surely come,
" and will not tarry V So I continued praying,
until the FATHER shewed me his SON.
CHR. And how was he revealed unto you ?
HOPE. I did not see him with my bodily eyes,
but with the eyes of mine understanding 1 , and
thus it was : One day I was very sad, I think sad-
der than at any one time in my life ; and this sad-
ness was through afresh sight of the greatness and
vileness of my sins. And as I was then looking
for nothing but hell, and the everlasting damna-
tion of my soul, suddenly, as I thought, I saw the
LORD JESUS look down from heaven upon me, and
saying, " Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST,
" and thou shalt be saved 3 ."
But I replied, * LORD, I am a great, a very great
' sinner :' and he answered, " My grace is sufficient
" for thee." Then I said, 'But, LORD, what is
' believing ?' And then I saw from that saying,
" He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and
| Hab. li. 3. * Eph i. 18, 19, J Acts xvi.30, 31.
TILL CHRIST WAS KKVEALED TO HIM. CSS
he that hclicveth on me shall never thirst V
"that believing and coming was all one; and
that he tluit came, that is, run out in his heart
and affections after salvation by CHRIST, he
indeed believed in CHRIST. Then the water
stood in mine eyes, and I asked further, * But
' LORD, may such a great sinner, as 1 am, be
' indeed accepted of thee, and be saved by thee?'
And 1 heard him say " And him that cometh to
4i me, I will in no wise cast out 1 ." Then I said,
' But how, LORD, must I consider of thee in my
' e( lining to thee, that my faith may be placed
'aright upon thee?' Then he said, "CHRIST
" JESUS came into the world to save sinners:''
" lie is the end of the law for righteousness to
'* every one that believes :" " He died for our .sins,
" and rose again for our justification :' ; " He 1 >\
" ed us, and washed us from our sins in his own
" blood:" " He is mediator between GOD and
" B:" M he ever liveth to make intercession tin
'us } ." From all which I gathered that I must
look for righteousness in his person, and for sa-
tisfaction for my sins by his blood ; that what
he did in obedience to his FATH MI'S law, and
in submitting to the penalty thereof, was not
for himself, but for him that will accept it
tor his salvation, and be thankful. And now
my heart full of joy, mine eyes full of
tears, and mine affections running over with
1 John vi. 35. 4 John vi. 37. i Tim. i. t.f. i!ir. x. 4.
Iicb. vii. 24,
286 THE EFFECT OF THIS REVELATION".
love to the name, people, and ways of JESUS
CHRIST. p
CHR. This was a revelation of CHRIST to your
soul indeed : but tell me particularly what effect
this had upon your spirit.
HOPE. It made me see that all the world, not-
withstanding all the righteousness thereof, is in a
state of condemnation : it made me see that GOD
the FATHER, though he he just, can justly justify
the coming sinner : it made me greatly ashamed
P Coming to CHRIST is properly the effect of faith : yet the
language here used is warranted by Scripture. The word reveal,
and the vision of CHRIST conversing with HOPEFUL, seem to
sanction such things as have been greatly mistaken and abused,
and have occasioned many scandals and objections : yet it is evi-
dent, that the author meant nothing contrary to the most sober
statement of scriptural truth. CHRIST did not appear to HOPE-
FUL'S senses, but to his understanding : and the words spoken are
no other than texts of Scripture taken in their genuine meaning;
not informing him, as by a new revelation, that his sins were par-
doned, but encouraging him to apply for this mercy and all other
blessings of salvation. So that, (allowing for the nature of an al-
legory,) the whole account for substance exactly coincides with
the experience of the most sober Christians ; who, having been
deeply humbled, and ready to sink under discouragement, have
had such views of the love of CHRIST, of his glorious salvation,
the free ness of the invitations, the largeness of the promises, and
the nature of justifying faith, as have " filled them with peace and
" joy in believing:" and these. have been followed by such abid-
ing effects as are here described, which completely distinguish
them from all the false joys of hypocrites and enthusiasts. Others
indeed cannot relate so orderly an account of their convictions
end comforts ; yet they are brought, (though by varied methods,)
to the same reliance on CHRIST, and the same devoted obedi-
ence.
THE PILGRIMS WAIT FOR IGNORANCE. 287
of the vilcness of my former life, and confounded
inc v'ith the sense of mine own ignorance; for
there never came thought into mine heart, before
now, that shewed me so the beauty of JESUS
( ii UIST : it made me love a holy life, and long to
do something for the honour and glory of the
name of the LORD JESUS ; yea, I thought that,
had I now a thousand gallons of blood in my
body, I could spill it all for the sake of the LORD
JESUS.
I saw then in my dream, that HOPEFUL looked
back and saw IGNORANCE, whom they had left
behind, coming after: ' Look,' said he to CHRIS-
TIAN, ' how far yonder youngster loitereth behind.'
CHR. Ay, ay, I see him : he careth not for our
company.
HOPE. But I trow it would not have hurt him,
had he kept pace with us hitherto.
C'HK. That is true; but I'll warrant you he
thinkcth otherwise.
HOPE. That I think he doth : but however, let
n > tarry tor him. So they did.
Then CHRISTIAN said to him, Come away, man,
ivhy do you stay so behind ?
IGNOR. I take my pleasure in walking alone;
(Nen more a great deal than in company; unle>>
I like it the better.
Then said CHRISTIAN to HOPEFUL, (but soft-
ly,) Did I not tell you he eared not for our com-
pany : But, h<>\\ c \er. come up, and let us talk
I'AKT I. I
THEY DISCOURSE WITH IGNORANCE
away the time in this solitary place. Then, di-
recting his speech to IGNORANCE, he said, Come,
how do you ? how stands it between GOD and
your soul now ? q
IGNOR. I hope well, for I am always full of
good motions, that" come into my mind to com-
fort me as I walk.
CHR. What good motions? pray tell us.
IGNOR. Why, I think of GOD and heaven.
CHR. So do the devils and damned souls.
IGNOR. But I think of them and desire them. T
CHR. So do many that are never like to come
there. " The soul of the sluggard desires, and
" hath nothing 1 /'
1 Prov. xiii. 4.
i In this dialogue IGNORANCE speaks exactly in character;
and the answers of the Pilgrims are conclusive against such absurd
and unscriptural grounds of confidence, as are continually main-
tained by many who would be thought pious Christians.
r The desire of heavenly felicity, when the real nature of it is
not understood, the proper means of obtaining it are neglected,
other objects are prei'erred to it, or sloth and procrastination in-
tervene, is no proof that a man will be saved. In like manner
this expression, the desire of grace i-s grate, must be owned to be
very fallacious and ambiguous. Men may be notionally con-
vinced that without grace they must perish, and mere selfishness
may excite some feeble desires after it; though worldly atjectiona
predominate, and the real value of the spiritual good is not per-
ceived. But to hunger and thirst for GOD and his righteousness,
his favour, image, and service, as the supreme good ; so that no
other object can satisfy the earnest desire of the heart, and every
thing is renounced that interferes with the pursuit of it, is grace
indeed, and shall be completed in glory.
CONCERNING HIS HOPES AND HEART. 289
IGNOR. But I think of them, and leave all tor
them.
CHR. That I doubt: for leaving of all is an
hard matter ; yea, a harder matter than many are
aware of. But why, or by what, art thou per-
suaded that thou hast left all for GOD and heaven ?
I G N o R. My heart tells me so.
C'HR. The wise man says, " He that trusts his
" own heart is a fool 1 ."
IGNOR. That is spoken of an evil heart, but
mine is a good oue.
CH K. But how dost thou prove that ?
IGNOR. It comforts me in hopes of heaven.
CHR. That may be through its deceitfulness ;
for a man's heart may minister comfort to him in
the hopes of that thing for which he yet has no
ground to hope. '
IGNOR. But my heart and life agree together;
and therefore my hope is well grounded.
C'HR. Who told thee that thy heart and life
agree together ?
IGNOR. My heart tells me so.
CHR. 'Ask my fellow if I be a thief!' Thy
heart tells thee so ! except the word of GOD
1 Prov. xxviii. 26.
It is exceedingly dangerous to make comfort aground ofcon-
M-Um-e ; unlos the nature, sourer, and effects of that comfort be
oiiisjderrd : for it may result entirely frotn ignorance and self*
flutter) , in a variety of ways.
U 2
8.90 GOOD THOUGHTS OF OURSELVES
beareth witness in this matter, other testimony is
of no value.
IGNOR. But is it not a good heart that has
good thoughts ? and is not that a good life that is
according to GOD'S commandments?
CHR. Yes, that is a good heart that hath good
thoughts, and that is a good life that is according to
GOD'S commandments ; but it is one thing indeed
to have these, and another thing only to think-so.
IGXOR. Pray, what count you good thoughts,
and a life according to GOD'S commandments ?
CHR. There are good thoughts of divers kinds ;
some respecting ourselves, some GOD, some
CHRIST, and some other things.
IGNOR. What be good thoughts respecting our-
selves ?
CHR. Such as agree with the word of GOD.
IGNOR. When do our thoughts of ourselves
agree with the word of GOD ?
CHR. When we pass the same judgment upon
ourselves which the word passes. To explain my-
self: the word of GOD saith of persons in a natural
condition, l " There is none righteous, there is
1 " That which is born of the flesh is flesh ;" " The carnal mind
" is enmity against GOD ; for it is not subject to the law of GOD,
" neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh can-
" not please GOD;" for " They are by nature the children of
wrath." This is man's natural condition : but of the regenerate
it is said, " Ye are not in the flesh, 'but in the spirit," " for that
which is " born of the Spirit is spirit ;" and to such persons the
texts adduced do not apply.
AGKKE WITH THE WORD OF COD.
none that doeth good." It saith also that " Ev-
" erv imatrination of the heart >f 'man is onlv evil,
11 and that continually '." And again, " The im-
- ination of man's heart is evil from his youth."
Xow then, when we think thus of ourselves, hav-
ing sense thereof, then are our thoughts gootl
ones heeause according to the word of (ioD.
I(,\oit. I will never believe that my heart is
thus had.
C'nu. Therefore thou never hadst one good
thought concerning thyself in thy life. But let
me go on. As the word passeth a judgment upon
onr heart, so it passeth a judgment upon our ways ;
and when our thoughts of our hearts and ways
agree with the judgment which the word giveth
of both, then are both good, because agreeing
thereto.
IC.NOI:. Make out your meaning.
C'mi. Why, the word 0f GOD saith that man's
- are crooked ways, not good but perverse :
it saith they are naturally out of the good wav,
that they have not known it \ Now \\hen a man
thus thinketh of hi-> ways, I >;iy. when he doth,
M-usiblv and with heart-humiliation, thus think,
/
then hath he good thoughts of his own wavs, be-
cause his thoughts now agree with the judgment
of the word of GOD.
IC.NOK. What arc good th'-ughts concerning
!>?
' Gen. vi. 5. Rom. iii. * Ps. cxxt. 5, Prov. ii, 15.
U 3
292 GOOD THOUGHTS CONCERNING GOD-
CHR. Even, as I have said concerning our-
.selves, when our thoughts of GOD do agree with
what the word saith of him ; and that is, when we
think of his being and attributes as the word hath
taught ; of which I cannot now discourse at large.
But to speak of him with reference to us ; then we
have right thoughts of GOD when we think that
he knows us better than we know ourselves, and
can see sin in us when and where we can see none
in ourselves : when we think he knows our inmost
thoughts, and that our heart, with all its depths,
is always open unto his eyes : also when we think
that all our righteousness stinks in his nostrils,
and that therefore he cannot abide to see us stand
before him in any confidence even of all our best
performances. u
IGNOR. Do you think that I am such a fool
as to think GOD can see no further than I? or
u The external services, performed by unregenerate persons
from selfish motives, being scanty and partial, and made the
ground of self-complacency, and self-righteous pride, " are abom-
" ination in the sight of GOD," however " highly esteemed among
" men :" " For men look at the outward appearance, but tho
" LORD looketh at the heart." Even the obedience of a true be-
liever, though it springs from right principles, and has some
spiritual excellency in it, is yet so defective and defiled by sin ;
that if it were not accepted as the fruit of the Spirit through the
mediation of CHRIST, it must 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 sinners, fora free justification and salvation, by faith in.
CHHIS.T,
IGNORANCE DECLARES HIS FAITH.
that I would come to GOD in the best of my per-
formances.
C'n R. Why, how (lost tliou think in this matter ?
IONOII. Why, to be short, I think I mut be-
lieve in CHRIST for justiiication.
C'HK. IIo\v? think tlumimist believe in CHRIST,
when thou secst not thy need of him ! Thou nei-
ther scest thy original nor actual infirmities; but
ha-t such an opinion of thyself, and of what thou
docst, as plainly renders thee to be one that did
never see a necessity of CHRIST'S personal righte-
ousness to justify thee before GOD. IJow then
dost thou say, I believe in CHRIST ?
IGNOR. I believe well enough for all that.
CIIR. How dost thou believer
IGNOR. I believe that CHRIST died for sinners;
and that I shall be justified before (ion from the
ciiiM-, through his gracious acceptance of my o-
bcdiencc to his law. Or thus, CHRIST makes
my duties, that are religious, acceptable to his
Father by virtue of his merits, and so shall I be
justified.
CHR. Let me give an answer to this confession
of thy faith.
1. Thou believest with a fantastical faith; for
this faith is no where described in the word.
2. Thou believest with a false faith : because it
1. 1 keth justifications/row* the personal righteous-
ness of CHRIST, and applies it to thy own.
3. This faith maketh not CHRIST a justilier of
U 4
TRUE JUSTIFYING FAITH.
thy person, but of thy actions ; and of thy person
for thy actions' sake, which is false. w
4. Therefore this faith is deceitful, even such as
will leave thee under wrath in the day of GOD
Almighty: for true justifying faith puts the soul,
as sensible of its lost condition by the law, upon
fleeing for refuge unto CHRIST'S righteousness;
(which righteousness of his is not an act of grace,
by which he maketh, for justification, thy obedi-
ence accepted with GOD, but his personal obedi-
ence to the law, in doing and suffering for us
what that required at our hands :) this righteous-
ness, I say, true faith accepteth ; under the skirt
of which the soul being shrouded, and by it pre-
sented as spotless before GOD, it is accepted, and
acquit from condemnation.
IGNOR. What, would you have us trust to what
CHRIST in his own person hath done without us?
this conceit will loosen the reins of our lust, and
tolerate us to live as we list : for what matter how
w r e live, if we may be justified by CHRIST'S per-
sonal righteousness from all, when we believe it.
CHR. IGNORANCE is thy name, and as thy
name is so art thou ; even this thy answer demon-
strateth what I say. Ignorant thou art of what
w The way of being justified by faith, for which IGNORANCE
pleads, may well be called 'fantastical,' as well as 'false ;' 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 standard of righ-
teousness, and substitutes a vague notion, called sincerity, in its
place, which never was* or can be, defined with precision.
K.XOKA \( l's OBJECTIONS ANSWERED. C$5
justifying righteousness is, and as ignorant how
cure thy soul, through the faith of it, from
tlii- heavy wrath of GOD. Yea, thou also art ig-
norant of the true cflects of saving faith in this
righteousness of CHRIST, which is to bow and
win over the heart to Gon in CHRIST, to love his
name, his word, ways, and people, and not as thou
ignorantly imagined.
IIoi-i:. Ask him if ever he had CHRIST revealed
to him from heaven ?
Ic NOR. What ! you are a man for revelations ?
I believe that what both you, and all the rest of
von, sav about that matter is but the fruit of dis-
J V
traded brains.
lIoi-K. \\liyman! CHRIST is so hid in GOD
from the natural apprehensions of all flesh, that he
e innot by any man be savingly known, unless
(ion the Father reveals him to them, *
I(.\OK. That is your faith, but not mine: yet
mine, I doubt not, is as good as yours, though I
have not in my head so many whimsies as you.
CIIH. (live 1 me leave to put in a word: you
ought not so slightly to speak of this matter: for
this I will boldly affirm, (even as my good Com-
panion hath done) that no man can know JESUS
CHRIST but by the revelation of the Father; yea,
x Pride, iinMi. I, and carnal prejudices or affections so close
tin- mind of a sinner a^niiivt the spiritual glory of the Person and
redemption of CHRIST, that nothing, but tin- illumination of the
Spirit removing this\ril, ran enable him to understand andreceue
thr rcvclatkm of the sacred Oracles on these important subjects,
9 IGNORANCE STAYS BEHIND.
and faith too, by which the soul layeth hold upon
CHRIST, (if it be right) must be wrought by the
exceeding greatness of his mighty power * ; the
working of which faith, I perceive, poor IGNO-
RAXCE, thou art ignorant of. Be awakened then,
see thine own wretchedness, and flee to the Lord
JESUS ; and by his righteousness, which is the
righteousness of GOD, (for he himself is GOD,)
thou shalt be delivered from condemnation.
IGNOR. You go so fast I cannot keep pace with
you : do you go on before ; I must stay a while
behind.
Then they said
' Well, IGNORANCE, wilt thou yet foolish be
To slight good counsel, ten times given thee ?
And if thou yet refuse it, thou shalt know,
Ere long, the evil of thy doing so.
Remember, man, in time; stop, do not fear:
Good counsel taken well saves ; therefore hear^
But if thou yet shall slight it, thou wilt be
The loser, IGNORANCE, I'll warrant thec.'
Then CHRISTIAN addressed thus himself to his
fellow :
Well, come, my good HOPEFUL, I perceive
that thou and I must walk by ourselves again.
So I saw in my dream, that they went on apace
before, and IGNORANCE, he came hobbling after.
Then said CHRISTIAN to his Companion, it pities
me much for this poor man ; it will certainly go
ill with him at last.
HOPE. Alas ! there are abundance in our Town
1 Matt. xi. 27. i Cor. xii. 3. Eph. i. 18, 19.
THE ADVANTAGE OF HOLY FEAR. 297
in bis condition, whole families, yea, whole streets,
and that of Pilgrims too; and if there be so many
in our parts, how many, think you, must there be
in fhe place where he was horn? r
('nil. Indeed the word saith, " lie hath blinded
'* their eyes, lest they should see," &c.
lint, now we are by ourselves, what do you
think of such men ? have they at no time, think
you, convictions of sin, and so consequently, fears
that their state is dangerous.
HOPE. Nay, do you answer that question your-
self, for you are the elder man.
C'uu. Then I say, sometimes (as I think) they
may ; but they, being naturally ignorant, under-
stand not that such convictions tend to their good;
and therefore they do desperately seek to stifle
them, and presumptuously continue to flatter them-
selves in the way of their own hearts.
HOPE. I do believe, as you say, that fear tends
much to mcn\ good, and to make them right at
their beginning to go on pilgrimage.
C'HK. Without all doubt it doth, if it be rizttt :
o
q ia^l the word, " The fear of the Lord is the
" beginning of wisdom V
HOPE. How will you describe right fear?
dm. True or right fear is discovered by three
1 Job, xxviii, 28. PJ. cxi. 10. Prov. i. 7. ix. 10.
* If numbers of ignorant persons may be found amon:; the ap-
parently religious, what must be the rase of those, who are left
without instruction to their native pride and self-conceit?
THE MARKS OF A RIGHT FEAR,
things : 1. By its rise : it is caused by saving con-
victions for sin. 2. It driveth the soul to lay fast
hold of CHRIST for salvation. 3. It begetteth and
continueth in the soul a great reverence of GOD,
his word, and ways, keeping it tender, and making-
it afraid to turn from them, to the right hand or
to the left, to any thing that may dishonour GOD,
break its peace, grieve the Spirit, or cause the en-
emy to speak reproachfully. z
HOPE. Well said; I believe you have said the
truth. Are we now almost got past the ENCHANT-
ED-GROUND?
CHR. "Why ? are you weary of this discourse ?
HOPE. No verily, but that I would know where
we are.
CHR. We have not now above two miles further
z Fears of wrath are too generally ascribed to unbelief, and
deemed prejudicial ; but this arises from ignorance and mistake :
for belief of GOD'S testimony must excite fears in every heart, till
it is clearly perceived how that wrath may be escaped ; and doubts
mingled with hopes must arise from faith, till a man is conscious
of having experienced a saving change. These fears and doubts
excite men to self-examination, watchfulness, and diligence : and
thus tend to the believer's establishment, and " the full assurance
" of hope unto the end :" while the want of them often results
from unbelief and stupidity of conscience, and terminates in carnal
security and abuse of the gospel. Fears may indeed be excessive
and unreasonable, and the effect of unbelief: but it is better to
mark the extreme, and caution men against it, than by declaiming
indiscriminately against all doubts and fears, to help sinners to de-
ceive themselves, and discourage weak believers from earnestly
using the scriptural means of" making their calling and election
" sure."
WHY Sill XX ED BY THE IGNORANT.
to go thereon. But let us return to our matter-
Now the ignorant know not that such convict!
that tend to put them in tear, are for their good,
and therefore they seek to stiile them.
HOPE. How do they seek to stifle them.
C' n R. 1 . They think that those fears are wrought
hy the devil, (though indeed they are wrought of
GOD;) and, thinking so, they resist them, as things
that directly tend to their overthrow. L\ They
also think that these fear* lend to the spoiling of
their faith ; when, alas for them, poor men that they
are, they have none at all ! and therefore they
harden their hearts against them. 3. They pre-
sume they ought not to fear, and therefore in despite
of them wax presumptuously confident. 4. They
sec that those fears tend to take away from them
their pitiful old self-holiness, and therefore they
resist them with all their might. a
HOPE. I know something of this myself: for
before 1 knew myself it was so with me.
('UK. Well, we will leave, at this time, our
neighbour IGNORANCE by himself, and fall upon
another profitable question.
Ho PI.. With all my heart: butyou shall still begin.
The oxprr^ion, pitiful old *r//-Ao/Mf.w, leiioU- tin- opinion
thut ignorant |HTM>M-> cnti-rtaiu ol tlirir /<;//* :is s{oo<l ami liol\ ;
\\liilc tin- term. tctf'-rif.'itrouiiictx. ri-hiti's to tlu-ir Hipposvd jj>ocl
luit nothing ran be further from our author's meanint;, than
!> ~|-ak a'.anist " ancIiii.-atiMi l-v I 1 ,'.- ^pirit unto oln-ninn-i-."
as rutinitial <>(' our uni-ni \Mtji ('iii:i-|- a *i-J j:< - . ; t:uicc Jti lii>
300 TEMPORARY, TURNBACK, AXD SAVESELF;
CHR. Well then, did you not know, about ten
years ago, one TEMPORARY in your parts, who
was a forward man in religion then ?
HOPE. Know him ! yes, he dwelt in GRACE-
LESS, a Town about two miles off of HOXESTY,
and he dwelt next door to one TURNBACK.
CHR. Right, he dwelt under the same roof with
him. Well, that man was much awakened once ;
I believe that then he had some sight of his sins,
and of the wages that was due thereto.
HOT?E. I am of your mind, for, (my house not
being above tliree miles from him,) he would oft
times come to me, and that with many tears.
Truly I pitied the man, and was not altogether
without hope of him : but, one may see, it is not
every one that cries, LORD, LORD.
CHR. He told me once that he was- resolved to
go on pilgrimage, as we go now ; but all of a sud-
den he grew acquainted with one SAVES ELF, and
then he became a stranger to me. b
b TEMPORARY was doctrinally acquainted with the gospel, but
a stranger to its sanctifying power. Such men have been forward
in religion, but that is now past ; for they were always graceless,
and came short of honesty, in their profession, if not in their moral
conduct, and were ever ready to turn back into the world at a con-
venient season. They have indeed been alarmed ; but terror
without humiliation \\ill never subvert self-confidence : and of the
numbers with whom some ministers converse under trouble of con-
science, and of whom they hope well, how many disappoint their
expectations, and after a time plunge deeper into sin than ever!
Such convictions resemble the blossoms of the fruit-tree, which
must precede the ripe fruit, but do not always produce it : so that
REASONS OF THEIR TURNING BACK. 301
HOPE. Now since we arc talking about him, let
us a little enquire into the reason of the sudden
backsliding of him and such others.
C'HII. It may be very profitable; but do you
begin.
HOPE. Well then, there are in my judgment
four reasons for it.
1. Though the consciences of such men are a-
wakened, yet their minds are not changed : there-
fore, when the power of guilt wcarcth ;iway, that
which provoked them to be religious ceascth :
M herefore they naturally turn to their own course
again ; even as we see the dog that is sick of what
he hath eaten, so long as his sickness prevails he
vomits and casts up all: not that he doth this of
free mind, (if we may say a dog has a mind,) but
because it troubleth his stomach : but now, when
his sickness is over, and so his stomach eased, his
desires being not at all alienate from his vomit, he
turns him about, and licks up all ; and so it is true
which is written, " The dog is turned to his own
" vomit again V Thus, I say. being hot for heaven,
by virtue only of the sense and fear of the torments
of hell, as their sense of hell, and the tears of dam-
1 2 Pet. ii. 12.
y, l The moiv blossom- tin-it- anvlii-nn-alrr abundance
will there be of fruit ;' thoi^h \\c may be assmvil that then- can IK-
no fruit if theTO b no blossom^. Tin 1 :-M-.].-. and tin- manner of
such HK-II'* dedensiotis and ajK.-tucy Hie rry justly and emphati-
cally slated ; though perhaps jut with ul1ic;cut delicacy to suit
die taste of this fustidiou-
SOS FEAR OF MEN AND FALSE SHAME,
nation, chills and cools, so their desires for heaven
and salvation cool also. So then it comes to pass
that, when their guilt and fear is gone, their desires
for heaven and happiness die, and they return to
their course again.
2. Another reason is, they have slavish fears,
that do over-master them : I speak now of the
fears that they have of men : " for the fear of men
" hringeth a snare V So then, though they seem
to he hot for heaven so long as the flames of hell
are ahout their ears, yet, when that terror is a little
over, they betake themselves to second thoughts,
namely, that it is good to be wise, and not to run
(for they know not what) the hazard of losing all,
or at least of bringing themselves into unavoidable
and unnecessary troubles ; and so they fall in with
the world again.
3. The shame that attends religion lies also as a
block in their way : they are proud and haughty,
and religion in their eye is low and contemptible :
therefore, when they have lost their sense of hell
and wrath to come, they return again to their
former course.
4. Guilt, and to meditate terror, are grievous
to them ; they like not to see their misery before
they come into it ; though perhaps the sight of it
first, if they loved that sight, might make them
flee whither the righteous flee and are safe ; but
because they do, as I hinted before, even shun the
thoughts of guilt and terror ; therefore, when once
1 Prov, xxix, 25.
THE STEPS TO APOSTACT. 303
they arc rid of their a\\akenings about the terrors
and wrath of (ion, they harden their hearts glad-
ly, and rhooM- such ways as will harden them more
and more.
C'nu. You arc pretty near the business, for the
bottom of all is, for want of a change in their mind
and will. And therefore thev are but like the felon
/
that standeth before the judge: he quakes and
tremble^, and seems to repent most heartily ; but
the bottom of all is, the fear of the halter, not of
any detestation of the offences; as is evident, be-
cause, let but this man have his liberty, and he
will be a thief, and so a rogue still ; whereas, if his
mind was changed, he would be Otherwise.
HOPE. Now I have shewed you the reasons of
their going back, do you shew me the manner
thereof.
CUR. 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
cast off by degrees private duties, as closet-prayer,
curbing their lusts, watching, sorrow for sin, and
the like: then they shun the company of li\dv
and warm christians: after that they grow cold
to jmbliek duty ; as hearing, reading, godly con-
ferenee, and the like: then they begin to pick
holes, as we say, in the coats of some of the godly,
and that devilishly ; that thc\ may have a seeming
colour to throw religion (for the <%ake of some in-
firmity they have spied in them.) behind their
PART I. X
304- THE COUNTRY OF BEULAH,
backs : then they begin to adhere to, and asso-
ciate themselves with, carnal, loose, and wanton
men : then they give way to carnal and wanton
discourses in secret ; and glad are they if they can
see such things in any that are counted honest,
that they may the more boldly do it through their
example. After this, they begin to play with little
sins openly : and then, being hardened, they show
themselves as they are. Thus, being launched a-
gain into the gulph of misery, unless a miracle of
grace prevent it, they everlastingly perish in their
own deceivings. c
Now I saw in my dream that by this time the
Pilgrims were got over the ENCHANTED GROUND,
and entering into the Country of BEU LAH ', whose
1 Sol. Song ii. 10 12. Isa. Ixii. 4 12.
c " The hypocrite will not pray always ;" nor can he ever pray,
with faith or sincerity, for spiritual blessings : but he may depre-
cate misery, and beg to be made happy, and continue to observe a
form of private religion. But when such men begin to shun the
company of lively Christians, to neglect publick ordinances, and
to excuse their own conduct, by imitating the devil the accuser of
the brethren, in calumniating pious persons, magnifying their im-
perfections, insinuating suspicions of them, and aiming to confound
all distinction of character among men ; we may safely conclude
their state to be perilous in the extreme. While professed chris-
tians should be exhorted carefully to look to themselves, and to
watch against the first incursions of this spiritual declension ; it
should also be observed, that the lamented infirmities and dulness
of those who persist in using the means of grace, and striving against
sin ; who decidedly prefer the company of believers, and deem
them the excellent of the earth; and who are severe in judging
themselves, but candid to others, are of a contrary nature and ten-
dency to the steps of TEMPORARY'S apostacy.
AND ITS ABUNDANT DELIGHTS. 305
air was very sweet and pleasant, the way lying di-
reetly through it, they solaced themselves there
for a MUMHI. Yea, IKTL- they heard continually
the sinking of hirds, and saw every day the flow-
ers appear in the earth, and heard the voice of the
turtle in the land. In this Country the sun shin-
eth night and day : wherefore this was beyond the
Valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH, and also out of
the reach of Giant DESPAIR, neither could they
from this place so much as see DOUBTING CASTLE.
Here they were within sight of the City they were
going to : also here met them some of the inhabi-
tants thereof; for in this land the shining ones
commonly walked, because it was upon the borders
of heaven. In this land also the contract between
the Bride and the Bridegroom was renewed : yea,
here, " as the Bridegroom rcjoiceth over the Bride,
" so did their GOD rejoice over them." Here they
had no want of corn and wine; for in this place
they met abundance of what they had sought for
in all their pilgrimages. Here they heard voices
from out of the City, loud voices, saying, " Say
"ye to the daughter of Zi ON, Behold, thy sal va-
" tion cometh ! Behold his reward is with him !''
Here all the inhabitants of the country called them
" the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord, sought
" out" &c. a
* The word BED LA n signifies married ; and the prophet, in the
IPMfMAtMe it is quoted, predictaA*4MTj il-tr.n-i. i;.^ st.ih ..f
religion, which is yet in futurity : bu the author accommodate* it
X 2
306 THE PILGRIMS OVERCOME IVlTH DELIGHTS
Now, as they walked in this land, they had more
rejoicing than in parts more remote from the
Kingdom to which they were bound ; and draw-
ing near to the City they had yet a more perfect
view thereof. It was builded of pearls and precious
stones, also the street thereof was paved with gold ;
so that, by reason of the natural glory of the City,
and the reflection of the sun-beams upon it,
CHRISTIAN with desire fell sick, HOPEFUL also
had a fit or two of the same disease ; wherefore
to the sweet peace and confidence which tried believers commonly
experience towards the close of their lives. This general rule ad-
mits indeed of exceptions : but the author, having witnessed many
of these encouraging scenes, was willing to animate himself and his
afflicted brethren with the hope of similar triumphant joys. The
communion of saints in prayer, praises, and thanksgivings, with
liberty and ardour, and hearts united in cordial love ; th6 beauties
of holiness, and the consolations of the Holy Spirit ; the healing
beams of the Sun of righteousness, shining by the sweet light of
divine truth upon the soul ; exemption from darkening temptations
and harassing doubts ; lively earnests and near prospects of heaven-
ly felicity ; a cheering sense of communion with the heavenly host,
in their fervent adorations, and a realizing apprehension of their
ministering care over the heirs of salvation ; a comfortable renew-
al of the acceptance of CHRIST, sealed with the tokens, pledges,
and assurances of his love ; gratitude, submission, confidence in
GOD, hope, and the sweet exercise of tenderness, sympathy, meek-
ness, and humility, but little interrupted by the working of the con-
trary evils : these things seem to constitute the happy state here
represented. It is remarkable that the Psalms (which were in-
tended, among other uses, to regulate the devotions and experiences
of believers,) abound at first with confessions, complaints, fears,
and earnest cries of distress or danger ; but towards the close be-
come more and more the language of confidence, gratitude, and
joy, and conclude with unmingled praises and thanksgivings.
THEY ENTER THE KING'S GARDEN'S. 307
here they lay by it a while, crying out because of
their panics, li If you see my Beloved, tell him that
"I am sick of love." c
But, being a little strengthened, and better able
to bear their siekness, they walked on their way.
and came yet nearer and nearer, where were orch-
ards, vineyards, and gardens, and their gates open-
ed into the highway. Xo\v, as they eame up to
these places, behold the Gardener stood in the
uay ; to whom the Pilgrims said, ' Whose goodly
4 vineyards and gardens are these ?' He answered,
' They arc the KINO'S, and are planted here for his
own delights, and also for the solace of Pilgrims.'
So the Gardener had them into the vineyards,
and bid them refresh themselves with the dainties';
he also shewed them there the KING'S walks and
the arbours, where he delighted to be: and here
they tarried and slept.
Now I beheld in my dream, that they talked
1 Deut. xxiii. 24.
In the immediate view of heavenly felicity, PAUL, " desired
" to ill-part hence and be with CHRIST, as far better" than lift- ;
and DAVID " fainted for GOD'S salvation." In the li\clye\ r-
ri-r of holy alYcrtions, the believer grows weary of this sinful
world ; and longs to have his faith changed for sight, his hope
swallow oil up in enjoyment, and his love perfected, and secured
from all interruption and abatement. Were this frame of mind
liulntual, it might unfit men for the common concerns of life,
which appear \i-iy trilling to the soul when employed in delightful
admiring contemplation of heavenly glory.
X 3
508 MET BY TWO MEN IN GOLDEN RAIMENT.
more in their sleep at this time than ever they did
in all their journey ; and, being in amuse there-
about, the Gardener said even to me, Wherefore
musest thou at the matter ? ijt is the nature of the
fruit of the grapes of these vineyards " to go down
" so sweetly as to cause the lips of them that are
" asleep to speak." f
So I saw that when they awoke they addressed
themselves to go up to the City. But, as I said,
the reflection of the sun upon the City, (for the
City was pure gold 1 ,) was so extremely glorious
that they could not as yet with open face behold
it, but through an instrument made for that pur-
pose. So I saw, that as they went on, there met
them two men in raiment that shone like gold,
also their faces shone as the light.
These Men asked the Pilgrims whence they
came? and they told them. They also asked
them where they had lodged, what difficulties
and dangers, what comforts and pleasures, they
had met in the way ? and they told them. Then
said the Men that met them, ' You have but two
1 Rev. xxi. 18. 2 Cor. iii. 18.
f Attendance on the publick 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 exercise, he sweetly rests in
these earnests of heavenly joy ; and speaks freely and fervently of
the love of CHRIST and the blessings of salvation, to the edifica-
tion of those around him ; who often wonder at witnessing such a
change, from reserve and diffidence to boldness and earnestness,
in urging others to mind the one thing needful.
THE RIVER WITHOUT A BRIDGE. 309
difficulties more to meet with, and then you are in
the CITY.' 8
CHRISTIAN then and his Companion asked the
Men to go along with them : so they told them
they would : hut, said they, * You must obtain it by
your own faith.' So I saw in my dream, that they
went on together till they came in sij^ht of the
O */ O
Gate.
Now I further saw that betwixt them and the
Gate was a RIVER ; but there was no Bridge to go
over: the RIVER was very deep. At the sight
therefore of this RIVER, the Pilgrims were much
stunned ; but the Men that went with them, said,
' You must go through, or you cannot come at the
The Pilgrims then began to enquire if there was
no other way to the Gate ? to which they answered,
* Yes; but there hath not any, save two, to wit.
KXOCH and ELIJAH, been permitted to tread that
path since the foundation of the world, nor shall
until the last trumpet shall sound.' The Pilgrims
then, (especially CHRISTIAN) began to despond in
their minds, and looked this way and that, but no
way could be found by them, by which they might
escape the RIVER. Then they asked the men ' If
* Perhaps the author here allu.Ied to I!I<IM- pro-intimations of
death, that some persons seem to receive : and he appears to have
ax -rilwd them to guardian angels, watching OUT evi-ry believer.
Death, and admission into the City, were the unl) difficulties that
awaited the Pilgrims.
X 4
310 CHRISTIAN'S TERRORS IN THE RIVE-R:
the waters were all of a depth ?' they said no ; yet
they could not help them in that case : * For/ said
they, ' you shall find it deeper or shallower, as you
believe in the KING of the place.'
They then addressed themselves to the water,
and entering, CHRISTIAN began to sink, and cry-
ing out to his good friend HOPEFUL, he said, " I
" sink in deep waters ; the billows go over my
" head, all his waves go over me. Selah."
Then said the other, ' Be of good cheer, my
brother; I feel the bottom and it is good.' Then
said CHRISTIAN, ( Ah ! my friend, the sorrows
of death have compassed me about, I shall not see
the land that flows with milk and honey.' And
with that a great darkness and horror fell upon
CHRISTIAN, so that he could not see before him.
Also here he in great measure lost his senses, so
that he could neither remember nor orderly talk
of any of those sweet refreshments, that he had
met with in the way of his pilgrimage. But all
the words that he spake still tended to discover
that he had horror of mind, and hearty fears that
iie should die in that RIVER, and never obtain en-
trance in at the Gate. Here also, as they that
stood by perceived, he was much in the trouble-
some thoughts of the sins that he had committed,
both since and before he began to be a Pilgrim. h
h Death is aptly represented by a deep River without a Bridge,
separating the believer from his heavenly inheritance ; as JORDAN
flowed between ISRAEL and the promised land. From this River
HE IS TROUBLKD BY EVIL SPIRITS. 311
Tu as also observed, that he was troubled with ap-
paritions of hobgoblins and evil spirits : for ever
nature shrinks back, even when faith, hope, and love are in lively
t \ercise ; but, when these decline, alarm and consternation may
unite with reluctance at the thoughts of crossing it. The dreaded
pangs that precede the awful separation of those intimate associate-,
the soul and body ; the painful parting with dear friends and every
earthly object ; the Bloomy ideas of the dark, cold, and noisome
j:rau-; and the solemn thought of launching into an unseen eter-
nity, render Death the fang of terrors. But faith in a crucified,
buried, risen, and ascended Saviour ; experience of his faithfulness
and love in times pa>t ; hope of an immediate entrance into his
presence, where temptation, conflict, sin, and suffering, will find
no admission ; and the desire of perfect knowledge, holiness, and
felicity, will reconcile the mind to the inevitable stroke, and some-
times ui\e a complete victory over every fear. Yet if faith and
hope be weakened} through the recollection of any peculiar mis-
i '>nduct, the with-liolding of divine light and consolation, or some
violent assault of the tempter, even the bciiaer will be peculiarly
liable to alarm and distrr^. His reflecting mind, having long
cciistumed to consider tin' subject in its important nature
and consequence 1 *, has very different apprehensions of GOD, of
eternity, of judgment, of sin, and of himself, than other men have.
Sum-times experienced saints are more desponding in these cir-
cumstanres than their junior brethren : constitution has considcr-
ableeifect upon the mind ; and some men (like Cnuis , i \\,) arc
m csery stage of their profession, more exposed to temptations of
a discouraging nature, than to ambition, avarice, or fleshly in>t-.
It has before been suuuested, that the author probably meant
to describe the peculiarities of hi*, own experience, in the cl,
:i-r of TDK i NT i \\ ; and lie may jH-rhaps here have intimati .i I, is
apprehension, lest be should not meet death with becoming i..rti-
tude. A conscientious life in<leed is coiniuonlx favoured with a
sen when forebodings to the contrary have trou-
bled men during their whole lives: and this is so far general, t!i. t
tiny best provide for a comfortable death, who lii'.st diligei.tiy
attend :< the duties of their station and the improvements of their
312 CHRISTIAN ENCOURAGED BY HOPEFUL:
and anon he would intimate so much by words.
HOPEFUL therefore here had much ado to keep
his brother's head above water ; yea, sometimes he
would be quite gone down, and then, ere a while,
would rise up again half dead. HOPEFUL also
would endeavour to comfort him, saying, * Bro-
ther, I see the Gate, and men standing by to re-
ceive us;' but CHRISTIAN would answer, ' Tis
you, 'tis you they wait for ; you have been HOPE-
FUL ever since I knew you.' c And so have you,'
said he to CHRISTIAN. ' Ah, brother,' said he,
' surely if I was right, he would now rise to help
me ; but for my sins he hath brought me into the
snare, and hath left me.' Then said HOPEFUL,
' My Brother, you have quite forgot the text,
where it is said of the wicked, " There is no band
" in their death, but their strength is firm ; they
" are not troubled as other men, neither are they
" plagued like other men." These troubles and
distresses that you go through in these waters, are
no sign that GOD hath forsaken you ; but are sent
to try you, whether you will call to mind that
talents, from evangelical principles ; whereas they who live negli-
gently, and yield to temptation, make, as it were, an assignation
with terror to meet them on their death-bed, a season when com-
fort is more desirable than at any other. The LORD, however, is
no man's debtor: none can claim consolation as their clue: and,
though a believer's experience and the testimony of his conscience
may evidence the sincerity of his faith and love ; yet he must dis-
claim to the last every other dependence than the righteousness
and blood of CHRIST, and the free mercy of GOD in him.
THEY GAIN THE SHORE IN SAFETf. 313
which heretofore you have received of his good-
ness, and live upon him in your distresses/
Then I saw in my dream, that CHRISTIAN was
in a muse a while. To whom also HOPEFUL ad-
ded this word, " Be of good cheer, JESUS CHRIST
" maketh thce whole." And with that CHRIS-
TIAN brake out with a loud voice, ' Oh, I see him
again ! and lie tells me, "When thou passest
" through the waters, I will be with thee ; and
" through the rivers, they shall not overflow
" thce 1 ."- -Then they both took courage, and the
enemy was after that as still as a stone, until they
were gone over. CHRISTIAN therefore presently
found ground to stand upon, and so it followed
that the rest of the RIVER was but shallow; thus
they got over. '
Now upon the bank of the RIVER, on the other
Mdc, they saw the two shining Men again, who
there waited for them. Wherefore being come out
of the UIVKH, they saluted them, saying, "We
1 Isa. xliii. 2.
1 The temporary distresses of dying believers often arise from
bodily disease, which interrupt the free exercise of their intellect-
ual powers. Of this Satan will be sure to take advantage, as far
:i> In- is permitted ; and will suggest gloomy imaginations, not only
to distress them, but to dishearten others by their example.
What may in this state be painted before the fancy we cannot tell :
but it is "iMierally oWned, that sucji painful conflicts terminate
in renewed hope and comfort, frequently by means of the conver-
sation and prayers of Christians and ministers ; so that they, who
t<r a time ha\e been most distressed, have at length died most
triumphantly.
THEY MOUNT WITH EASE TO THE CITY :
" are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for
" those that shall be heirs of salvation." Thus
they went along towards the Gate. Now you
must note that the CITY stood upon a mighty
hill : but the Pilgrims went up that hill with ease,
because they had these two Men to lead them up
by the arms : also 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
speed, though the foundation upon which the
CITY was framed was higher than the clouds:
they therefore went up through the regions of the
air, sweetly talking as they went, being comfort-
ed, because they safely got over the RIVER, and
had such glorious Companions to attend them. k
The talk that they had with the shining Ones
was about the glory of the place ; who told them,
that the beauty and glory of it was inexpressible.
There, said they, is " The Mount ZION, the heav-
" enly JERUSALEM, the innumerable company of
" angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect 1 ."
1 Heb. xii. 22 24.
k When " LAZARUS died, he was carried by angels into A-
" BRA HAM'S bosom ;" and we have every reason to believe, that
the services of these friendly spirits to the souls of departed saints
are immediate and sensible ; and that their joy is such as is here
described. The beautiful description that follows admits of no
elucidation : some of the images indeed are taken from modern
customs ; but in all other respects it is entirely scriptural, and,
very intelligible and animating to the spiritual mind.
CONDUCTED AND WELCOMED BY ANGELS. 315
You are going now, said they, to the Paradise of
GOD, wherein you shall see the THEE of LIFE, and
eat of the never-fading fruits thereof: and when you
come there you shall have white robes given you,
and your walk and talk shall be everyday with the
KI.VG, even all the days of eternity '. There you
shall not see again such things as you saw when
you were in the lower region upon the earth, to
wit, sorrow, sickness, affliction, and death, " for
" the former things are passed away 1 ." You are
going now to ABRAHAM, to ISAAC, and JACOB,
and to the prophets, men that GOD hath taken
away from the evil to come, and that are now
" resting upon their beds, each one walking in his
" righteousness." The men then asked, * What
must we do in the holy place?" To whom it was
answered, ' You must there receive the comfort of
all your toil, and have joy for all your sorrow; you
must reap what you have sown, even the fruit of
all your prayers, and tears, and offerings, for the
l\ i \ G, by the way '. In that place you must wear
crowns of gold, and enjoy the perpetual si^ht and
vision of the HOLY ONE, for there " you shall see
" Him as he is 4 ." There also you shall serve Him
continually with praise, with shouting, and thanks-
giving, whom you desired to serve in the world,
though with much difficulty, because of the infir-
mity of your flesh. There your eyes shall be de-
lighted with seeing, and your cars with hearing,
1 Rev. ii. 7. iii. 4. xxii. 5. * I<a. Ixv. 16. * Gal. vi. 7, 8.
+ i John iii. 2.
316 THEY ARE MET BY THE HEAVENLY HOST,
the pleasant voice of the MIGHTY ONE. There
you shall enjoy your friends again, that are gone
thither before you ; and there you shall with joy
receive even every one that follows into the holy
place after you. There also you shall be clothed
with glory and majesty, and put into an equipage
fit to ride out with the KING of GLORY. When
he shall come with sound of trumpet in the clouds,
as upon the wings of the wind, you shall come with
him : and, when he shall sit upon the throne of
judgment, you shall sit by him : yea, and when he
shall pass sentence upon all the workers of iniquity,
let them be angels or men, you also shall have a
voice in that judgment, because they were his ;.nd
your enemies. Also when he shall again return to
the CITY, you shall go too with sound of trumpet,
and be ever with him V
Now, while they were thus drawing towards the
Gate, behold a company of the heavenly host came
out to meet them ; to whom it was said by the
other two shining ones, ' These are the men that
have loved our LORD, when they were in the
world, and that have left all for his holy name,
and he hath sent us to fetch them, and we have
brought them thus far on their desired journey,
that they may go in and look their REDEEMER in
the face with joy.' Then the heavenly host gave
a great shout, saying " Blessed are they that are
" called to the marriage-supper of the LAMB*.'*
1 i Thess. iv. 13 17. Jude 14, 15. Dan. vii. 9, 10. i Cor.
vi. 2, 3. * Rev. xix. 9.
AND FILLED WITH RAPTUROUS JOY. 317
There came out also at this time to meet them
several of the KING'S trumpeters, clothed in white
and shining raiment, who with melodious noises
and loud made even the heavens to echo with their
sound. These trumpeters saluted CHRISTIAN and
his fellow with ten thousand welcomes from the
world ; and this they did with shouting and sound
of trumpet.
This done, they compassed them round on every
side ; some went before, some behind, and some
on the right hand, some on the left, (as 'twere to
guard them through the upper regions,) continual-
ly sounding as they went, with melodious noise,
in notes on high; so that the very sight was to
them that could behold it, as if heaven itself was
come down to meet them. Thus therefore they
walked on together ; and, as they walked, <\d
and anon these trumpeters, even with joyful sound,
would, by mixing their musiek with looks and
gestures, still signify to CHRISTIAN and his Bro-
ther how welcome they were into their company,
and with what gladness they came to meet them.
And now were these tuo men, as 'twere in heaven,
before they came at it, being swallowed up \\itli
the .sight of angels, and with hearing of their me-
lodious notes. Here also they had the CITY itself
in view; and they thought they heard all the bells
therein to ring, to welcome them thereto. Dut
above all, the warm and JON ful thoughts that they
had about their own duelling there with such
company, and that for ever and ever, Oh ! by
318 THEY ARRIVE AT THE GATE OF THE CfTY.
what tongue or pen can their glorious joy he ex-
pressed ! Thus they came up to the Gate.
Now, when they were come up to the Gate,
there was written over it, in letters of gold, " Bles-
" sed 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 V
Then I saw in my dream that the shining men
hid them call at the Gate : the which when they
did, some from above looked over the Gate, to wit,
ENOCH, MOSES, and ELIJAH, &c, to whom it
was said, ' These Pilgrims are come from the City
of DESTRUCTION, for the love that they bear to
the KING of this place;" and then the Pilgrims
gave in unto them each man his certificate, which
they had received in the beginning : those there^
fore were carried in to the KING, who, when he
had read them, said, ' Where are the men ?' to
whom it was answered, ' They are standing with-
i out the Gate.' The KING then commanded to
1 Rev. xxii. 14.
1 The commandments of GOD, as given to sinners under a dis-
pensation of mercy, call them to repentance, faith in CHRIST,
and the obedience of faith and love ; the believer habitually prac-
tises according to these commandments, from the time of his re-
ceiving CHRIST for salvation ; and this evidences his interest in all
the blessings of the new covenant, and proves that he has a right
through grace to the heavenly inheritance. May the writer of
these remarks, and every reader, have such " an abundant en-
" trance," as is here described, " into the everlasting kingdom of
" our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST !"
A\D FNTTER IX TRIUMPH. 319
u open the Gate, that the righteous nation," said
he, " that kecpeth truth may enter in 1 ."
Now I saw in my dream, that these two men
went in at the (late ; and, lo ! as they entered, they
were tran-sligurcd ; and they had raiment put on
that shone like gold. There was also that met
them with harps and crowns, and gave them to
them ; the harps to praise withal, and the crowns
in token of honour. Then I heard in my dream
that all the bells in the City rang again for joy,
and that it was said unto them, " Enter ye into
" the joy of your LORD." I also heard the men
themselves, that they sang with a loud voice, say-
ing, " Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power,
" be to Him that sittcth upon the throne, and to
" the Lamb for ever and ever*."
Now, just as the Gates were opened to let in
the men, I looked in after them, and behold the
CITY shone like the sun; the streets also were
paved with gold; and in them walked many men
with crowns on their heads, palms in their hands,
and golden harps, to sing praises withal.
There >\ ere also of them that had uings, and
they an>wcrcd one another M ithout intermission,
Baying, " Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD." And
after that they shut up the Gates: which when I
had seen, I wi-shed myelf among them.
Now, while I was ga/ing upon all these th;
I turned m\ head to look back, and sa\\ I
* Isa. xxvi. _>. * Rev. v. 13. 14.
PART U V
320 IGNORANCE FERRIED OVER BY VAIN-HOPE.
RANGE come up to the RivER-side: but he soon
got over, and that without half that difficulty
which the other two men met with. For it hap-
pened that there was then in that place one VAIN-
HOPE, a ferry-man, that with his boat helped him
over : so he, as the other I saw, did ascend the
hill, to come up to the Gate; only he came alone;
neither did any man meet him with the least en-
couragement. When he was come up to the /Gate,
he looked up to the writing that was above, and
then began to knock, supposing that entrance
should have been quickly administered to him : but
he was asked by the men that looked over the top
of the Gate, ' Whence come you ? And what would
' you have ?' He answered, ' I have eat and drunk
in the presence of the KING, and he has taught in
our streets.' Then they asked him for his Certifi-
cate, that they might go in and shew it to the
KING : so he fumbled in his bosom for one and
found none. Then said they, Have you none ?
But the man answered never a word. So they told
the KING, but he would not come down to see
him ; but commanded the two shining ones, that
conducted CHRISTIAN and HOPEFUL to the CITY,
to go out and take IGNORANCE, and bind him
hand and foot, and have him away. Then they
took him up, and carried him through the air to
the Door that I saw in the side of the hill, and put
him in there. Then I t saw that there was a way
to hell, even from the Gates of heaven, as well as
BUT CARRIED BACK THE BY-WAY TO HELL. 321
from the City of DESTRUCTION. m So I awoke,
and bc-lu-ld it was a dream.
m We frequently hear of persons that have lived strangers to
evangelical religion, and the power of godliness, dying with great
r (.in | x'Mi re and resignation: and such instances are brought for-
ward as an objection to the necessity of faith, or of a devoted life.
But what do they prove ? What evidence is there, that such men
art- ^avcd ? Is it not far more likely that they continued to the end
under the power of ignorance and self-conceit ; that Satan took
care not to disturb them; and that GOD gave them over to a
strong delusion, and left them to perish with a lie in their right
hand ? Men, who have neglected religion all their lives, or have
habitually for a length of years disgraced an evangelical profession,
being when near death visited by pious persons, sometimes obtain
a sudden and extraordinary measure of peace and joy, and die in
this frame. This should in general be considered as a bad sign :
for deep humiliation, yea distress, united with some trembling hope
in GOD'S mercy through the gospel, is far more suited to their case,
and more likely to be the effect of spiritual illumination. But
when a formal visit from a minister of any sect, a few general
|uc>tions, and a prayer, (with or without the sacrament,) calm the
mind of a dying person, whose life has been unsuitable to the Chris-
tian prohsMOM ; no doubt, could we penetrate the veil, we should
see him wafted across the lliv r.u in the boat of VAIN-HOPE, and
meeting with the awful doom that is here described. From such
delusions, good LORD, deliver us. Amen.
END OF PART I
T Ji /:
PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
cx
"HOWIES SCOTT r r
'
PART 2 n . d
-rr*rf>t^tlS*l
x.y
THE
PILGRIM'S PROGRESS,
PART II.
COURTEOUS COMPANIONS,
time since, to tell you a dream that I
liad of CHRISTIAN the Pilgrim, and of his dan-
gerous journey towards the Celestial Country, was
pleasant to me and profitable to you. I told you
thru also what I saw concerning his wife and
children, and how unwilling they were to go with
him on pilgrimage : insomuch that he was forced
to go on his progress without them ; for he durst
not run the danger of that destruction, which he
feared would come by staying with them in the
City of DESTRUCTION. Wherefore, a. 1 then
> he wed you, he left them and departed. '
It has been before observed, That the first part of 'The Pilgrim's
I' -' i- in ;ill rr |>o t- tin 1 mosl * M) ' tr > : then BTC iii. my
thin.;- in the second well worthy of the pious reader's attention ;
y 3
SAGACITY GIVES AN ACCOUNT
Now it hath so happened, through the multipli-
city of business, that I have been much hindered
and kept back from my wonted travels into those
parts where he went ; and so could not, till noM r ,
obtain an opportunity to make further enquiry
after whom he left behind, that I might give you
an account of them. But, having had some con-
cerns that way of late, I went down again thither-
ward. Now having taken up my lodging in a
wood, about a mile off the* place, as I slept I dream-
ed again.
And, as I was in my dream, behold, an aged
gentleman came by where I lay ; and because he
was to go some part of the way that I was travel-
ling, methought I got up and went with him. So,
as we walked, and as travellers usually do, I was
as if we fell into a discourse, and our talk happen-
ed to be about CHRISTIAN and his travels: for
thus I began with the old man :
Sir, said I, what Town is that there below, that
lieth on the left-hand of our way ?
Then said Mr. SAGACITY, (for that was his
name,) * It is the City of DESTRUCTION, a popu-
nor can there be any doubt, but it was penned by the same author.
It is not, however, necessary, that the annotator should be so co-
pious upon it, as upon the more interesting instructions of the pre-
ceding part. In general, the leading incidents may be considered
as the author's own exposition of his meaning in the former part ;
or as his delineation of some varieties, that occur in events of a
similar nature: yet some particulars will demand, and richly de-
serve, a more full and exact elucidation.
OF CHRISTIAN'S ADVENTURES.
lous place, but possessed with a very ill-condition-
ed and idle sort of people.'
' I thought that xvas that City,' quoth I, * I went
once myself through that Town ; and therefore I
know that this report you give of it is true.'
SAG. Too true ! I wish I could speak truth in
speaking better of them that dwell therein.
* Well, Sir,' quoth I, ' then I perceive you to be a
well-meaning man, and so one that takes pleasure
to hear and tell of that which is good: pray did
you never hear what happened to a man some time
ago in this town, (whose name was CHRISTIAN,)
that went on a pilgrimage up towards the higher
region* ?'
SAG. Hear of him! Ay, and I also heard of
the molestations, troubles, wars, captivities, cries,
groans, frights, and fears that he met with and had
on hi.- journey. Besides, I must tell you, all our
count! v ring- of him ; there are but few IIOUM s
that have heard of him and his doings, but have
sought after and got the records of his pilgrimage :
yea, I think I may say, that this hazardous journey
has got main well-wallers to his ways; for, though
A\ hen lie was here 1 , he was /Win every man's mouth,
yet now he is gone he- is highly commended of all.
For it i> said he lives bravely where he is: yea,
many of them that are resolved never to run his
ha/ard-, vet have their months water at his gains.
'They may.' quoth I, ' well think, if they think
any thing that is true, that he liveth well \\hcre he
y 4.
4 RUMOURS SPREAD ABOUT CHRISTIAN"
is ; for he now lives at and in the Fountain of life,
and has what he has without labour and sorrow,
for there is no grief mixed therewith. But pray,
what talk have the people about him ?'
SAG. Talk ! the people talk strangely about
him : some say, that he now walks in white T ; that
he has a chain of gold about his neck ; that he has
a crown of gold, beset with pearls, upon his head :
others say, that the shining ones, that sometimes
shewed themselves to him in his journey, are be-
come his companions, and that he is as familiar
with them in the place where he is, as here one
neighbour is with another *. Besides, it is confi-
dently affirmed concerning him, that the KING of
the place where lie is has bestowed upon him al-
ready a very rich and pleasant dwelling at court,
and that he every day eateth, and drinketh, and
walketh, and talketh, with him, and receiveth the
smiles and favours of him that is Judge of all there.
Moreover, it is expected of some, that his Prince,
the LORD of that Country, will shortly come into
these parts, and will know the reason, if they can
give any, why his neighbours set so little by him,
and had him so much in derision, when they per-
ceived that he would be a Pilgrim \
For they say, that now he is so in the affections
of his Prince, and that his Sovereign is so much
concerned with the indignities that were cast upon
CHRISTIAN, when he became a Pilgrim, that he
will look upon all as if done to himself: and no
' Rev. iii. 4. vi. 11. * Zech. iii. 7. * Jude, 14^ 15.
AND HIS FELICITY. O
marvel, for it was for the love that he had to his
Prince, that he ventured as he did '. *
* I dare say," quoth I, * I am glad of it ; I am
glad for the poor man's sake, for that now he has
rest from his labour*, and for that he now reaps
the benefits of his tears with joy J ; and for that he
has o-nt beyond the gun-shot of his enemies, and
is out of the reach of them that hate him. I also
am glad, for that a rumour of these things is noised
abroad in this country ; who can tell but that it
may work some good effect on some that are left
behind ? Hut pray, Sir, while it is fresh in my
mind, do you hear any thing of his Mile and
1 Luke x. 16. * Rev. xiv. 13. * Ps. cxxvi. 5, 6.
b Christians are the representatives on earth of the Saviour and
Judge of tin- world ; and the usage they meet with, whether good
or IKK), commonly originates in men's low- to him, or contemptu-
ous enmity against him. Tin- derisions of the great day therefore
\\ill be male, with an especial reference to this evidence of men's
taith ur unbelief. Faith works by love of CHRIST, and of his
people tor his -ake, which influences men to seli-dcns ing kindness
towards the needy and distressed of the flock. Where these fruits
are totally wanting, it is evident there is no love of CHRIST, and
COMeqoenfly no faith in him, or sahation by him. And as true
believers an- tin- excellent of the earth, no man can have any good
reason for despising, hating, and injuring them ; so that tins i
\\ill be adduced as a proof of positive enmity to CHRIST, and ex-
pos,- the condemned sinner to more aggravated misery. Indeed,
it often appears alter the death of consistent christians fliat the
consciences of their most scornful opposers secretly favoured
them: it must tin n surely be deemed the wisest conduct by every
reflec mm person, to" lit these mm ulnnr,-- lest haply he should.
" be found to fight against GOD."
O HOW CHRISTIAN S WIFE AND CHILDREN
children ? Poor hearts, I wonder in my mind
what they do/
SAG. Who? CHRISTIANA and her sons? They
are like to do as well as did CHRISTIAN himself;
for, though they all played the fool at first, and
would by no means be persuaded by either the tears
or intreaties of CHRISTIAN, yet second thoughts
have wrought wonderfully with them : so they
have packed up, and are also gone after him.
' Better and better,' quoth I ! ' But, what ! wife
and children and all?'
SAG. It is true : I can give you an account of
the matter ; for I was upon the spot at the instant,
and was thoroughly acquainted with the whole af-
fair.
' Then,' said 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 some considerable way
together, I will give you an account of the whole
matter.
This CHRISTIANA, (for that was her name from
the day that she with her children betook them-
selves to a Pilgrim's life, ) after her husband was
gone over the River*, and she could hear of him
no more, her thoughts began to work in her mind.
First, for that she had lost her husband, and for
that the loving bond of that relation was utterly
broken betwixt them. For you know, said he to
1 Parti, p. 309313.
WI'.KF T.I 1) TO BECOME PILGRIMS.
iaturc can <lo no less hut entertain the living
v. itli in-.inv a heavy cogitation. in the remenib ranee
v v CJ
of the loss of loving relations. This, therefore, of
her husband did cost her many a tear. But this
was not all, for CHRISTIANA did also begin to
rounder with herself, whether her unbecoming
behaviour towards her husband was not one cause
that she saw him no more; and that in such sort
lie was taken away from her. And upon this came
into her mind, by swarms, all her unkind, unnat-
ural, and ungodly carnage to her dear friend ;
\\hirh also clogged her conscience, and did load
her with guilt. She was moreover much broken
with calling to remembrance the restless groans,
the brinish tears, and self-bemoaning of her hus-
band, and how she did harden her heart against all
bi> intreaties, and loving persuasions, of her and
her sons, to go with him : yea there was not any
thing that CHRISTIAN cither said to her, or did
before her, all the while that his burden did hang
on his back, but it returned upon her like a flash
of lightning, and rent the caul of her heart in sun-
der; especially that bitter outcry of his, "What
"shall I do to be saved?" did ring in her ears
most dolefully '.
Then said she to her children, ' Sons. we are all
undone. I have .sinned away your father, and he
is gone: he would have had u.s \\ith him, but I
woidd not go myself: I also have hindered vou of
life.' With that the boys fell into tcai>. UMJ nitd
1 Part i. p. 26.
8 CHRISTIANA'S DISCOURSE TO HER SONS.
to go after their father. ' Oh ! said 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 foolishly
imagined concerning the troubles of your father,
that they proceeded of a foolish fancy that he had,
or for that he was over-run with melancholy hu-
mours : yet now it will not out of my mind, but
that they sprang from another cause ; to wit, for
that the light of life was given him ' ; by the help
of which, as I perceive, he has escaped the snares
of death.' Then they wept all again, and cried
out, * Oh, woe worth the day ! ' c
The next night CHRISTIANA had a dream ; and
behold, she saw as if a broad parchment was open-
ed before her, in which were recorded the sum of
1 John, viii. 12.
c It is here evident, that the author was intent on encouraging
pious persons to persevere in using all means for the spiritual good
of their children, even when they see no effects produced by them.
The Scripture teaches us to expect a blessing on such endeavours :
the dying testimony and counsels of exemplary believers frequent-
ly make a deeper impression, than all their previous instructions :
the death of near relations, who have behaved well to such as des-
pised them, proves a heavier loss than was expected : the recollec-
tion of unkind behayiour to such valuable friends, and of the pains
taken to harden the heart against their affectionate admonitions,
sometimes lies heavy on the conscience; and thus the prayers of
the believer for his children or other relatives, are frequently an-
swered after his death. And when some of them begin to enquire
" What must we do- to be- saved ?" these will become zealous in-
struments in seeking the conversion of those, whom before they
endeavoured to prejudice against the ways of GOD.
SHE IS ADMONISHED BY DREAMS. V
her ways, and the crimes, as she thought, looked
very black upon her. Then she cried out aloud
in her sleep, " Lord have mercy upon me a sin-
" ner ' :" and the little children heard her.
After this, she thought she saw two very ill-
favoured ones standing by her bed-side, and saying,
' What shall we do with this woman ? for she cries
out for mercy waking and sleeping : if she be suf-
fered to go on as she begins, we shall lose her as
we have lost her husband. Wherefore we must, by
some way, seek to take her off from the thoughts
of what shall be hereafter, else all the world can-
not help but she will become a Pilgrim.' d
Now she awoke in a great sweat ; also a trem-
bling was upon her: but after a while she fell to
sleeping again. And then she thought she saw
CHRISTIAN her husband in a place of bliss among
* Luke xviii. 13.
d The mind, during sleep, is often occupied about those subjects
that have m<>-t deepK engaged the waking thought* : and it some-
times pleases GOD to make use of ideas thus suggested, to influence
the conduct by exciting fears or hopes. Provided an intimation
be scriptural, and the effect salutary, we need not hr-itatc to con-
sider it as a divine monition, however it was brought t<> the mind :
but, if men attempt to draw conclusions in respect of their .
tance, or duty ; to determine the truth of certain dot-trims; tn
prophesy, or to discover hidden things, by dreams or \i-ioii- of
any kind ; they then become a very dangerous ami di^rarrt'ul
- of enthusiasm. \Vhatevermcansare employed, conviction
of sin, and a disposition earnestly to crv tor mercy, are the work
o| tin- holy Spirit in the heart : and, on tin- other hand, the po\\-r>
of darkness will surely use i-\< r\ effort and stratagem to take oft"
enquirers, from thus earnest K seeking thr salvation of GOD.
10 SECRET VISITS CHRISTIANA
many immortals, with a harp in his hand, stand-
ing and playing upon it before One that sat on a
throne, with a rainbow about his head. She saw
also, as if he bowed his head with his face towards
the paved work that was under his Prince's feet,
saying, ' I heartily thank my LORD and KING for
bringing me into this place.' Then shouted a
company of them that stood round about and harp-
ed with their harps : but no man living could tell
what they said, but CHRISTIAN and his com-
panions.
Next morning, when she was up, had prayed to
GOD, and talked with her children awhile, one
knocked hard at the door ; to whom she spake out,
saying, ' If thou comest in GOD'S name, come ift/
So he said, ' Amen ;' and opened the door, and
saluted her with, " Peace on this house." The
which when he had done, he said, ' CHRISTIANA,
knowest thou wherefore lam comer' Then she
blushed and trembled, also her heart began to wax
warm with desires to know from whence he came,
and what his errand was to her. So he said unto
her, 'My name is SECRET; I dwell with those
that are high. It is talked of, where I dwell, as if
thou hadst a desire to go thither : also there is a
report, that thou art aware of the evil thou hast
formerly done to thy husband, in hardening of thy
heart against his way, and in keeping of these babes
in their ignorance. CHRISTIANA, the Merciful
One has sent me to tell thee, that he is a GOD
ready to forgive, and that he taketh delight to
A, / e.'^in .'r '.t
WITH A LETTER FROM THE KING. 11
multiply the pardon of offences. He also would
have tlicc to know, that he invitcth thee to conic
into his presence, to his table; and that he will
I'crd thee with the fat of his house, and with the
heritage of JACOB thy father.'
' There is CHRISTIAN, thy husband that was,
M-itli legions more, his companions, ever beholding
that Face that doth minister life to the beholders:
and they will all be glad, when they shall hear the
sound of thy feet step over thy Father's threshold."
CHRISTIANA at this was greatly abashed in her-
self, and bowed her head to the ground. This
Vision proceeded, and said, ' CHRISTIANA, here
is also a letter for thee, which I have brought from
thy husband's KING ;' so she took it and opened
it, but it smelt after the manner of the best per-
fume '. Also it was written in letters of gold.
The contents of the letter were these: ' that the
KING would have her do as did CHRISTIAN her
husband ; tor that was the only way to come to
his City, and to dwell in his presence with joy for
ever.' At this the good woman was quite over-
come: so she cried out to her visitor, ' Sir, will
you carry me and my children with you, that we
may also go and worship the K i N < "
1 Sol. Song, i. 3.
" The secret of the LORD is \\ith them th.'it frar him." The
intimations iu-n by SKTUV.T -i rm to represent the >ilont teaching
ot (lie holy Spirit, by which tin- true iiu-aniiu; of tin- ^crip:
discoMTcd, and the- real gruund< of rnojunr^-riirnt brur.
12 HE ENCOURAGES AND ADVISES HER,
Then said the Visitor, ' CHRISTIANA, the bitter
is before the sweet.' Thou must through troubles,
as he did that went before thee, enter this Celestial
City. f Wherefore I advise thee to do as did
the penitent's notice or recollection. Thus he learns that the way
of salvation is yet open to him: and the invitations of the gospel
prove more fragrant and refreshing than the most costly ointment,
and more precious than the gold of OPHIR. It is observable that
SECRET did not inform CHRISTIANA that her sins were forgiv-
en, or that CHRIST and the promises belonged to her ; but merely
that she was in-cited to come, and that coming in the appointed
way she would be accepted, notwithstanding her pertinacious un-
belief in the preceding part of her life. Thus, without seeming to
have intended it, the author hath stated the scriptural medium be-
tween the extremes which have been contended for, with great
eagerness and immense mischief in modem days ; while some
maintain, that sinners should not be invited to come to CHRIST,
or commanded to repent and believe the gospel ; and others that
they should be urged to believe^at once, with full assurance, that
all the blessings of salvation belong to them, even previously to
repentance or works meet for repentance !
f " Through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom
" of GOB !" Habitual self-denial even in. things lawful in them-
selves vet in many cases inexpedient, mortification of our sinful
inclinations, inward conflicts, the renunciation of worldly interests
and connexions, the scorn and hatred of the world, sore tempta-
tions, and salutary chastisements, are very bitter to our natural
feelings. Habits likewise, and situation often render some of them
extremely painful, like " cutting off a right hand, or plucking out
" a right eye :" and deep poverty, persecution, or seasons of pub-
lick calamity, may enhance these tribulations. If a man, there-
fore, meet with nothing bitter, in consequence of his religious pro-
fession, he has great reason to suspect, that he is not in the narrow
way : yet many argue against themselves, on account of those very
trials, which are a favourable token in their behalf. But, on the
other hand, the believer has " a joy that a stranger intermeddleth
CHRISTIANA SPEAKS TO HER SONS. 13
CHRISTIAN thy husband: go to the WICKET*
GATE yonder over the plain ; for that stands in the
head of the way up which thou must go, and I
wish thee all good speed. Also I advise thce, that
thou put this letter in thy bosom : that thou read
therein to thyself, and to thy children, until they
have got it by heart ; for it is one of the songs that
thou must sing while thou art in this house of thy
pilgrimage ' : also this thou must deliver in at the
far Gate.
Now I saw in my dream, that this old Gentle-
man, as he told me this story, did himself seem to
be greatly affected therewith. He moreover pro-
ceeded and said: So CHRISTIANA called her sons
together, and began thus to address herself unto
them : ' My sons, I have, as you may perceive,
been of late under much exercise in my soul
about the death of your father : not for that I
doubt at all of his happiness ; for I am satisfied
now that he is well. I have been also much
affected with the thoughts of mine own estate
and your's, which I verily believe is by nature
1 Ps. cxix. 54.
*' not with." which counterbalance^ all his sorrows, so that even
in this life he possesses more solid satisfaction, than they do, who
choose the' road to destruction from fear of the dillicultios attend-
ing the way of life. Satan is, however, peculiarly ^vuvessful in
persuading men, that religion, the vi-ry essence i>l heavenly happi-
r.i ~. will make them miserable on earth ; and that sin, the source
of all the mi -ery in the universe, will make them happy ! By sucb
manifest lies does this old murderer support his cau-e '
PART II. 7
14 SHE IS VISITED BY TWO NEIGHBOURS;
miserable. My carriage also to your father in his
distress is a great load to my conscience : for I
hardened both my heart and yours against him,
and refused to go with him on pilgrimage.'
' The thoughts of these things would now kill
me outright, but for that a dream which I had last
night, and but that for the encouragement this
stranger has given me this morning. Come, my
children, let us pack up, and be gone to the Gate
that leads us to that celestial Country, that we
may see your father and be with him and his com-
panions in peace, according to the laws of that
land.'
Then did her children burst out into tears, for
joy that the heart of their mother was so inclined.
So the Visitor bid them farewell : and they began
to prepare to set 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 house, and knocked at her door.
To whom she said as before. At this the women
were stunned ; for this kind of language they used
not to hear, or to perceive to drop from the lips of
CHRISTIANA. Yet they came in : but behold,
they found the good woman a preparing to be gone
from her house.
So they began and said, ' Neighbour, pray what
is your meaning by this ?'
CHRISTIANA answered and said to the eldest of
them, whose name was Mrs. TIMOROUS, 'I am
preparing for a journey.' (This TIMOROUS was-
TO WHOM SHE SHEWS HER IXTEXTIOX. 1J
daughter to him that met CHRISTIAN' upon the
hill of DIFFICULTY, and would have had him
14-0 lie hack for fear of the lions '.)
TIM. For what journey, I pray you?
Cini. Even to go after my old husband. And
with that she fell a weeping.
TIM* I hope not so, good neighbour; pray, for
vour poor children's sake, do not so unwomanly
cast away yourself.
C'IIR. Nay, my children shall go with me, not
one of them is willing to stay 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 hast thou
got, that so worketh off thy mind from thy friends,
and that tempteth thee to go nobody knows where ?
Then CHRISTIANA replied, I have been sorely
afflicted since my husband's departure from me ;
but especially since he went over the River. But
that which troubleth me most, is my churlish car-
riage to him, when he was under his distress. Hi--
sides, I am now as lie was then ; nothing will
serve me, but going on pilgrimage. I \\
dreaming last night, that I saw him. () that my
M>ul was with him ! Hedwelletli in the presence
of the King of the Country ; lu- M!> and cats with
* Part i. p. 76.
W TIMOROUS DISSUADES HEtl FROM GOING.
him at his table ; he is become a companion of
immortals, and has a house now given him to
dwell in, to which the best palaces on earth, if
compared, seem to me but as a dunghill \ The
PRINCE of the Palace has also sent for me, with
promises of entertainment, if I shall come to him ;
his Messenger was here even now, and brought
me a letter, which invites me to come. And with
that she plucked out her letter, and read it, and
said to them, What now will you say to this ?
TIM.^ Oh, the madness that has possessed thee
and thy husband ! to run yourselves upon such
difficulties ! You have heard, I am sure, what
your husband did meet with, even in a manner, at
the first step that he took on his way, as our neigh-
bour OBSTINATE can yet testify, for he went
along with him; yea, and PLIABLE too, until
they, like wise men, were afraid to go any further z .
We also 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 so hard put
to it, what canst thou, being but a poor woman
do ? Consider also, that these four sweet babes are
thy children, thy flesh and thy bones. Therefore
though thou shouldst be so rash as to cast away
thyself; yet for the sake of the fruit of thy body,
keep them at home.
But CHRISTIANA said unto her, Tempt me not,
1 z Cor. v, t 4. * Part i. p. 8 15.
MI'RCY INCLINES TO ACCOMPANY HER. 1?
my neighbour : I have now a price put. into my
hand to get a gain, and I should he a fool of the
greatest sort, if I should have no heart to strike in
with the Opportunity. And for that you tell me
of all these troubles that I am like to meet with in
the way ; they are so far from being to me a dis-
couragement, that they shew I am in the right.
The bitter must cunie before the .crtr/, and that also
will make the sweet the sweeter. Wherefore since
you came not to my house in GOD'S name, as I
said, I pray you be gone, and do not disquiet me
further.
Then TIMOROUS also reviled her, and said to
her fellow, ' Come, neighbour MERCY, let us leave
her in her own hands, since she scorns our COUUM 1
and company." But MKKCY was at a stand, and
could not so readily comply M'ith her neighbour;
and that for a two-fold reason. 1st, Her bowels
yearned over CHRISTIANA. So she said within
herself, 'If my neighbour will needs be gone, I
will go a little way with her, and help her.' idly,
Her boweU yarned over her own soul; for what
CHRISTIANA had said, had taken some hold upon
her mind. Wherefore she said within herself again,
' I \\ill yet have more talk with this CHRISTIAN \ ;
and. if 1 find truth and life in what she shall say,
myself with my heart shall also go with her.'*
* Tlu* very things, which excite the rage and scorn of some
persons, penetrate the hearts and consciences of others. Thus
the LOUD makes one to differ from another, by prepgring the
18 TIMOROUS GOES TO HER NEIGHBOURS,
Wherefore MERCY began thus to reply to her
neighbour TIMOROUS.
MER. Neighbour, I did indeed come with you
to see CHRISTIANA this morning; and, since she
is, as you see, a taking her last farewell of the
country, I think to walk this sun-shiny morning
a little with her, to help her on her way. But she
told her not of her second reason, but kept it to
herself.
Ti M. Well, I see you have a mind to go a fool-
ing too ; but take heed in time, and be wise ;
while we are out of danger, we are out ; but, when
we are in, we are in. So Mrs. TIMOROUS returned
to her house, and CHRISTIANA betook herself to
her journey. But, whenToiOROus was got home
to her house, she sends for some of her neighbours,
to wit, Mrs. BAT'S-EYES, Mrs. INCONSIDERATE,
Mrs. LIGHT-MIND, and Mrs. KNOW-NOTHING.
So, when they were come to her house, she falls to
telling of the story of CHRISTIANA, and of her in-
tended journey. And thus she began her tale-
Neighbours, having but little to do this morn-
heart to receive the good seed of divine truth, which is sown in it;
yet every one wfflifigfy chooses the way he takes, without any con-
straint or hindrance, except his own prevailing dispositions. This
consideration gives the greatest encouragement to the use of all
proper means, in order to influence sinners to choose the good
part : for who knows, but the most obvious truth, warning, or
exhortation, given in the feeblest manner, may reach the con-
science of a child, relative, neighbour, enemy, or even persecutor ;
when the most convincing and persuasive dis/courses of eloquent
and learned teachers have failed to produce any effect.
AND TELLS THEM ABOUT CHRISTIANA. 19
I went to give CHRISTIANA a visit; and,
when I came at the door, I knocked, as you know
it is our custom : and she answered, ' If you come
in GOD'S name, come in.' So in I went, thinking-
all was well: but, when I came in, I found her
preparing herself to depart the town ; she, and also
her children. So I asked her, what was her mean-
ing by that? And she told me in short, that she
Mas now of a mind to go on pilgrimage, as did her
husband. She told me also a dream that she had,
and how the Ki\<; of the Country where her hus-
band was had sent her an inviting letter to come
thither.
Then said Mrs. KNOW-NOTHING, And what do
you think she will go?
TIM. Ay, go she will, whatever come on 't; and
]nethinks 1 know it by this; for that which was
my great argument to persuade her to stay at home
(to wit, the troubles she was like to meet with in
the way,) is one great argument with her, to put
her forward on her journey. For she told me in
so many words, The. bitter goes before the sweet :
yea. and forasmuch as it doth, it makes the swict
the .sweeter.'
Mrs. HAT'S-EYES. Oh this blind and foolish
uoman; and will she not take warning by her
husband's alllictions? For my part, I sec, if he
we ic here again, he would rest him content in a
whole skin, and never run so many hazards for
nothing.
20 THE DISCOURSE OF THE PARTY.
Mrs. INCONSIDERATE also replied, saying, ' A^
way with such fantastical fools from the Town : a
good riddance, for my part, I say of her ; should
she stay where she dwells, and retain this mind,
who could live quietly by her ? for she will either
be dumpish or unneighbourly, to talk of such mat-
ters as 110 wise body can abide. Wherefore for my
part, I shall never be sorry for her departure ; let
her go, and let better come in her room : it was
never a good world since these whimsical fools
dwelt in it.'
Then Mrs. LIGHT-MIND added as followeth;
1 Come, put this kind of talk away. I was yester-
day at Madam WANTON'S ', where we were as
merry as the maids. For who do you think should
be there, but I and Mrs. LOVE-THE-FLESH, and
three or four more, with Mr. LECHERY, Mrs.
FILTH, and some others : so there we had musick
and dancing, and what else was meet to fill up the
pleasure. And, I dare say, my lady herself is an
admirable well-bred gentlewoman, and Mr. LECH-
ERY is as pretty a fellow,' h
1 Part i. p. 130, 131.
h This dialogue, by the names, arguments, and discourse intro-
duced into it, shews what kind of persons they in general are, who
despise and revile all those that fear GQD and seek the salvation
of their souls ; from what principles, affections, and conduct such
opposition springs ; and on what grounds it is maintained. Men
of the most profligate characters, who never studied or practised
religion in their lives, often pass sentence on the sentiments and
actions of pious persons, and decide in the most difficult contro-
MERCY GOES WITH CHRISTIANA. 21
By this time CHRISTIANA was got on her way,
and MERCY went along with he? : so as they went,
her children being there also, CHRISTIANA began
to discourse. * And, MERCY," said CHRISTIANA,
' I take this as an unexpected favour, that thou
shouldst set foot out of doors with me to accom-
pany me a little in my way.'
Then said young MERCY, (for she was but
young,) ' If I thought it would be to purpose
to go with you, I would never go near the
Town.'
* Well, MERCY,' said CHRISTIANA, ' cast in
thy lot with me, I well know M hat will be the end
of our pilgrimage : my husband is where he would
not but be for all the gold in the Spanish mines.
Nor .shalt thou be rejected, though thou goest but
upon my invitation. The KING, who hath sent
for me and my children, is one that delighteth in
wary. l'iMlcs, if thou wilt, I will hire thee, and
versics, without the least hesitation ; as if they knew the most
altruse subject* by instinct or intuition, and were acquainted
with the srcrvts of men's hearts ! These presumers should con-
sider, that they must be wrong, let who will be right ; that any
religion is as good as open impiety and profligacy ; and that it
behoves them to " cast nut the beam out of their own eye," before
the\ attempt" to pull out the mote from their brother's rye."
Believers also, recollecting the vain conversation from which they
him- Keen redeemed, nod the obligations that have been conferred
upon them, should not disquiet themselves about the scorn mid
censure of such persons, but learn to pray f'r them, as entitled to
their compassion, even more thau their dentation.
S MERCY IS ENCOURAGED BY CHRISTIANA:
thon shalt go along with me as my servant. Yet
we will have all things in common betwixt thee
and me : only go along with me.'
MER. But how shall I be ascertained, that I
also shall be entertained ? Had I this hope from
one that can tell. I would make no stick at all, but
would go, being helped by Him that can help,
though the way was never so tedious.
CHR. Well, loving MERCY, I will tell thee
what thou shalt do; go with me to the WICKET-
GATE, and there I will further enquire for thee ;
and, if there thou shalt not meet with encourage-
ment, I will be content that thou shalt return
to thy place ; I also will pay thee for thy kind-
ness which thou she west to me and my children,
* There are remarkable circumstances attending the conversion
of some persons, with which others arc wholly unacquainted.
The singular dispensations of Providence, and the strong impres-
sions made by the word of GOD upon their minds, seem in their
own apprehension almost to amount to a special invitation : whereas
others are gradually and gently brought to think on religious sub-
jects, and to embrace the proposals of the gospel ; who are there-
fore sometimes apt to conclude, that they have never been truly
awakened to a concern about their souls : and this discouragement
is often encreased by the discourse of such religious characters,
as lay great stress on the drc&mftailCft attending conversion.
These misapprehensions, however, are best obviated, by shewing
that "the LOUD- delighteth in mercy;" that CHRIST " will in no
" wise cast out any that come to him ;" and that they who leave
all earthly pursuits to seek salvation, and renounce all other con-
fidence to trust in the mercy of GOD through the redemption of
his Son, shall assuredly be saved.
SHE WEEPS OVER IIF.R CARELESS RELATIONS
in the accompanying of us in our way as thou
dost.
M I:K. Then will I go thither, and will take what
shall follow ; and the LOUD grant that my lot may
there fall, cve.li as the KING of heaven shall have
his heart upon me.
CHRISTIANA was then glad at heart ; not on-
ly that she had a companion, but also for that
she had prevailed with this poor maid to fall in
love with her own salvation. So they went on
together, and MERCY began to weep. Then
said CHRISTIANA, ' Wherefore weepcth my sis-
ter so ?'
'Alas!' said she, 'who can but lament, that
shall but rightly consider what a state and con-
dition my poor relations are in, that yet remain in
our sinful Town: and that which makes my grief
the more, is, because they have no instruction,
nor any to tell them what is to come.'
C'HR. Bowels become Pilgrims : and thou doest
for thy friends, as my good CHRISTIAN did for
me wlu'n he left me ; he mourned for that I would
not heed nor regard him ; but his LORD and our's
did gather up his tears, and put them into his bot-
tle ; and now both I and thou, and these my sweet
babes, are reaping the fruit and benefit of them.
I hope, MF.UCV, that these tears of thine will not
be lost; for the Truth hath said, that " They that
" sow in tears shall reap in joy" and singing.
And " He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing
4 SLOUGH OF DESPOND WORSE THAN BEFORE.
" precious seed, shall doubtless come again with
" rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him V
Then said MERCY,
' Let the most Blessed be my Guide,
I ft be his blessed -will,
Unto his Gate, into his Fold,
l/p to his holy Hill:
And, let him never suffer me
To swerve or turn aside
From his free-grace and holy ways,
Whate'er shall me betide.
And let him gather them of mine,
That I have left behind ;
Lord, make them pray they may be thine,
With all their heart and mind.'
Now my old friend proceeded, and said, But,
when CHRISTIANA came to the Slough of DES-
POND z , she began to beat a stand; 'For,' said
she, ' this is the place in which my dear husband
had like to have been smothered with mud.' She
perceived also, that, notwithstanding the command
of the KING to make this place for Pilgrims good,
yet it was rather worse than formerly. So I ask-
ed if that was true ? Yes, said the old gentleman,
too true : for many there be, that pretend to be
the KING'S labourers, and say they are for mending
the Ki NG'S highways, that bring dirt and dung in-
stead of stones, and so mar .instead of mending. k
1 Ps. cxxvi. 5, 6. * Part i. p. 14 18.
k The autrjor seems to have observed a declension of evangeli-
cal religion, subsequent to the publication of his original Pilgrim,
THEY PASS THE SLOUGH WITH DIFFICULTY. C;
Here CHRISTIANA therefore, and her boys, did
make a stand : but said MERCY, 'Come, let us
venture; only let us be wary.' Then they looked
well to their steps, and made a shift to get stagger*
ins* over.
Yet CHRISTIANA had like to have been in, and
that not onee or twice. Now they had no sooner
got over, but they thought they heard words that
said unto them, " Blessed is she that belie veth, for
Probably he was grieved to find many renounce or adulterate the
gospel,* by substituting plausible speculations, or moral lectures in
it-. >tead; by narrowing and confining it within the limits of a
nice system, which prevents the preacher from freely imiting sin-
ners to come unto CHRIST; by representing the preparation of
heart requisite to a sincere acceptance of free salvation, as a legal
condition of being received by him ; or by condemning nil diligence,
repentance, and tenderness of conscience, as interfering with an
evangelical frame of spirit. By ihesc, and various (.tlier misap-
prehensions, the passage over the Slough is made worse; and tht ,
:on manifold discouragements to awakened - . .en tj
this day. IW, as the promises, strictly spcakii:^, In !<>::.; -nly tu
belie\ers; if imitations and exhortations he not freely given re
sinners in general, a kind of gulph will be formed, over which no
way can be seen : except as men taku it for granted, without any
kind nf evidence, that they are true believers, which open-, the door
to manifold delusions and enthustastick pretensions. Hut if all be
invited, and encouraged to ask that they may receive; the awak-
ened sinner will bo animated to hope in GOD'S mercy and UM the
means of grace, and thus giving diligence to make his culling and
>n sure, he will be enabled to rise >upi IHT t<> the discour-
agements, by which others nrc retarded. Labourers enough in-
il"fd arc ready to lend their assistance, in mending tin- road acrosc
tin- Slough ; but let them take care that they u<e none but scrip*
y will make \
2 THEY ARRIVE AT THE GATE I
" there shall be a performance of what has been
" told her from the Lord '."
Then they went on again ; and said MERCY to
CHRISTIANA, ' Had I as good ground to hope for
a loving reception at the WICKET-GATE, as you,
I think no Slough of DESPOND could discourage
me.'
1 Well,' said the other, ' you know your sore, and
I know mine ; and, good friend, we shall all have
enough evil before we come to our journey's end.
For it cannot be imagined, that the people that
design to attain such excellent glories as we do,
-and that are so envied that happiness as we are ;
but that we shall meet with what fears and snares,
with what troubles and afflictions, they can possi-
bly assault us with that hate us. ' J
And now Mr. SAGACITY left me to dream out
my dream by myself. Wherefore, methought I
saw CHRISTIANA, and MERCY, and the boys, go
all of them up to the Gate : to which when they
came, they betook themselves to a short debate,
1 Luke i. 45.
1 Some persons .are discouraged by recollecting past sins, and
imagining them too heinous to be forgiven ; while others disquiet
themselves by the apprehension, that they have never been truly
humbled and converted. Indeed all the varieties in the experir ,
ence of those, who upon the whole are walking in the same path,
can never be enumerated ; and some of them are not only unrea-
sonable, but unaccountable, through the weakness of the human
mind, the abiding effects of peculiar impressions, the remains of
unbelief, and the artifices of Satan.
ALARMED, WHILE KNOCKING, BV A DOG. 27
about how they must manage their calling at the
Gate; and what should be said unto him that did
open unto than, so it was concluded : since C'u it i s-
M \ \ A was the eldest, that she should knock for
entrance, anil that she should speak to him that
did open for the rest. So CHRISTIANA began to
knock, and, as her poor husband did, she knocked
and knocked a^ain '. But instead of anv that
*/
answered, they all thought that they heard as if a
dog came barking upon them ; a dog, and a great
one too; and this made the women and children
afraid. Nor durst they for a while to knock any
more, for fear the mastiff should fly upon them.
Now therefore they were greatly tumbled up and
down in their minds, and knew not what to do:
knock they durst not for fear of the dog ; go back
they duret not, for fear the keeper of that Gate
should espy them as they so went, and be offended
with them; at lust they thought of knocking
again, and knocking more vehemently than they
did at first. Then said the Keeper of the Gate,
* Who is there : ' So the dog left off to bark, and
he opened upon them. m
1 Part i. p. 3740.
m The greater fervency new converts manifest in prayer for
tin iii-rl-. <^ iiinl each <>tl,T, the more violent opposition will they
fxpriieni r liuni the powers of darkness. .Many have felt such
terrors \\hem\er they attempted to pray, that they have for a
time been induced wholly to desist: and doubtless nui
whose conviction were superficial) have thus been final! v driven
back to their former course of ungodliness. But when the fear of
28 CHRISTIANA & HER SONS ENTER THE GAT,
Then CHRISTIANA made low obeisance, and
said, * Let not our LORD be offended with his
handmaidens, for that we have knocked at his
princely Gate.' Then said the Keeper, ' Whence
come ye ? And what is it that you would have ?'
CHRISTIANA answered, We are come from
whence CHRISTIAN did come, and upon the same
errand as he ; to wit, to be, if it shall please you,
graciously admitted, by this Gate, into the way
that leads unto the celestial City. And I answer,
my LORD, in the next place, that I am CHRISTI-
ANA, once the wife of CHRISTIAN, that now is
gotten above.
With that the Keeper of the Gate did marvel,
saying, ' What is she now become a Pilgrim, that
but awhile ago abhorred that life ?' Then she bow-
ed her head, and said, ' Yea ; and so are these my
sweet babes also.'
Then he took her by the hand, and let her in,
and said also, " Suffer the little children to come
" unto me ;" and with that he shut up the Gate.
This done, he called to a trumpeter that was above,
over the Gate, to entertain CHRISTIANA with
shouting, and sound of trumpet, for joy. So he
obeyed, and sounded, and filled the air with his
melodious notes.
GOD, and a real belief of his word possess the heart; such dis-
turbances cannot long prevent earnest cries for mercy ; nay they
xvill eventually render them more fervent and importunate than
MERCY WITHOUT, KNOCKS AND FAINTS. 29
Now all this while poor MERCY did stand with-
out, trembling and crying for fear that she was
rejected. But when CHRISTIANA had gotten ad-
mittance for herself and her boys, then she began
to make intercession for MERCY.
And she said, My LORD, I hav r e a Companion
of mine that stands yet without, that is come
hither upon the same account as myself: one
that is much dejected in her mind, for that
she comes, as she thinks, without sending for :
whereas I was sent to by my husband's KING
to come.
Now MERCY began to be very impatient, and
eacli minute was as long to her as an hour ; where-
fore she prevented CHRISTIANA from a fuller in-
terceding for her, by knocking at the Gate herself.
And she knocked then so loud, that she made
CHRISTIANA to start. Then said the Keeper of
the Gate, * Who is there?' And CHRISTIANA
.said, * It is my friend.'
So he opened the Gate and looked out, but
Mi UCY was fallen down without in a swoon, for
she fainted, and was afraid that no Gate would be
opened to her.
Then he took her by the hand, and said, " Dam-
" sel, I bid thee ari->e."
' O Sir,' said she, ' I am faint ; there is scarce
litV left in me.' But he answered, that one >aid.
" When my soul fainted within me. 1 remembered
11 the LORD, and my pra\er eame unto thee. into
PART II. A a
30 MERCY IS ADMITTED AND COMFORTED.
" thy holy temple '." c Fear not, but stand upon
thy feet, and tell me wherefore thou art come.'
MER. I am come for that unto which I was
never invited, as my friend CHRISTIANA was.
Her's was from the KIXG, and mine was but from
her. Wherefore I presume.
GOOD. Pid she desire thee to come with her to
this place ?
MER. Yes ; and, as my LORD sees, I am come ;
and, if there is any grace and forgiveness of sins to
spare, I beseech that thy poor handmaid may be
partaker thereof.
Then he took her again by the hand, and led
her gently in, and said, ; I pray for all them that
believe on me, by what means soever they come
unto me. ' Then said he to those that stood by,
' Fetch something, and give it MERCY to smell on,
thereby to stay her faintings. ' So they fetched
her a bundle of myrrh. A while after she was re-
vived.
And now was CHRISTIANA, and her boys, and
MERCY, received of the LORD at the head of the
way, and spoke kindly unto by him. Then said
they yet further unto him, ' We are sorry for our
sins, and beg of our LORD his pardon, and further
information what we must do.'
' I grant pardon,' said he, ' by word and deed ; by
word in the promise of forgiveness; by deed in
the Avay I obtained it. Take the first from my lips
with a kiss, and the other as it shall be revealed V
1 Jonah ii. 7. 2 Sol. Song i. 2. John xx. 19.
THE PILGRIMS CONVERSE TOGETHER. 31
Now I saw in my dream, that he spake many
words unto them, whereby they were greatly
gladded, lit- also had them up to the top of the
(Jute, and shewed them by what deed they were
MiNed ; and told them withal, that that sight they
would have again as they went along in the way,
to their comfort. n
So he left them awhile in a summer-parlour be-
low, where they entered into talk by themselves:
and thus CHRISTIANA began: *O LORD, how
glad am I that we are got in hither !'
MER. So you well may : but I of all have cause
to leap for joy.
('MR. I thought one time as I stood at the Gate,
(beeause I had knocked and none did answer,)
that all our labour had been lost, especially when
that ugly cur made such a heavy barking at us.
MER. But my worst fear was, after I saw that
n Pardon />/ u-orrf sceins to denote the general discovery of five
sal\iuion by .H.srs CHRIST to all that brlie\e; which, being de-
(H'nded on by the humble sinner, is scaled by transient comforts
and lively affections. Pardon by deed may relate to the manner,
in which the blessing was purchased by the Saviour ; and when
this is clearly understood, the believer attains to stable peace and
hope. This coincides, with the explanation already giv n of the
(nli\ the ('TIMS, and the Sepulchre; ami it will IK- further con-
firmed in the sequel. The ' pardon by deed' 11111*1 be wailed for ;
yet the Pilgrims obtained a distant glimpse of the deed bv which
he\ were saved; for some general tppnlMMiOM of redemption
by the cross of CHRIST arc commonly connected with tl.- !,
liever's first comforts, though the nature and |orv "t it I..-
fully perceived a* lie proceed-.
A a 'J
32 MERCY RELATES HER FEARS,
you was taken into his favour, and that I was left
behind. Now, thought I, it is fulfilled which is
written, " Two women shall be grinding together,
" the one shall be taken and the other left 1 ." I
had much ado to forbear crying out, Undone !
And afraid I was to knock any more : but, when
I looked up to what was written over the Gate *,
I took courage. I also thought, that I must either
knock again or die : so I knocked, but I cannot
tell how ; for my spirit now struggled between life
and death.
CHR. Can you not tell how you knocked? I
am sure your knocks were so earnest, that the very
sound made me start : I thought I never heard
such knocking in all my life: I thought you
1 Matt. xxiv. 41. * Parti, p. 37.
The express words of scriptural invitations, exhortations, and
promises prove more effectual to encourage those who are ready
to give up their hopes, than all the consolatory topicks that can
possibly be substituted in their place. It is, therefore, much to
be lamented, that pious men, by adhering to a supposed system-
atical exactness of expression, should clog their addresses to sin-
ners with exceptions and limitations, which the Spirit of GOD
did not see good to insert. They will not say that the omission
was an oversight in the inspired writers ; or admit the thought for
a moment, that they can improve on their plan : why then can-
not they be satisfied to " speak according to the oracles of GOD,"
without affecting a more entire consistency ? Great mischief has
thus been done by very different descriptions of men, who undc-
signedly concur in giving Satan an occasion of suggesting to the
Trembling enquirer, that perhaps he may persevere in asking,
seeking, and knocking, with the greatest earnestness and impor-
tunity, and yet finally be a cast-away !
WHICH MADE HER KXOCK THE LOUDER. 33
would come in by a violent hand, or take the
kingdom hy storm '.
MER. Alas, to be in my case! who that so
was could hut a done so ? You saw that the
door was shut upon me, and that there was a
most cruel dog thereabout. Who, I say, that
was so taint-hearted as I, would not have knock-
ed with all their might? But pray, What said
my LORD unto my rudeness? Was he not angry
with me?
CHR. When he heard your lumbering noise, he
gave a wonderful innocent smile : I believe what
you did pleased him well, for he shewed no sign
to the contrary. p But I marvel in my heart
why he keeps such a dog: had I known that
before, I should not have had heart enough to
have ventured myself in this manner. 9 But
1 Matt. xi. 1 2.
P When tin- sinner prays under the urgent fear of perishing, he
i- excited to jK-culiar fervency of spirit: and the more ter\ent our
prayers are, the better are they approved by the LORD, how much
rr mm may object to the manner or expressions of them.
t Could soldiers, \\lien they enlist, foresee all the dangers and
hardships to be encountered ; or could mariner-*, \\hen about to
M-t -ail, be fully aware of all the difficulties of the voyage; their
relm-tano or discouragement would be increased by the prospect.
Rut. when they have engaged, they find it impossible to recede;
and thus they press forward through one labour and peril after
another, till the campaign or voyage be accomplished. Thus it is
with the Christian: but they strive for corruptible things, which
they may never live to obtain ; while he seeks for an incorruptible
Aa3
34 MERCY ASKS CONCERNING THE DOG!
now we are in, we are in, and I am glad with all
my heart.
MER. I will ask, if you please, next time he
comes clown, why he keeps such a filthy cur in his
yard : I hope he will not take it amiss.
Do so, said the children, and persuade him to
hang him, for we are afraid he will bite us when
we go hence.
So at last he came down to them again, and
MERCY fell to the ground on her face, before him,
and worshipped, and said, ' Let my LORD accept
the sacrifice of praise which I now offer unto him,
with the calves of my lips.'
So he said unto her, ' Peace be to thee : stand
up.' But she continued upon her face, and said,
" Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with
" thee, yet let me talk with thee of thy juclg-
"ments 1 :" wherefore dost thou keep so cruel a
dog in thy yard, at the sight of which such women
and children as we are ready to flee from the Gate
for fear ?
He answered and said, That dog has another
owner; he also is kept close in another man's
ground, only my Pilgrims hear his barking : he
belongs to the Castle which you see there at a
distance *, but can come up to the walls of this
1 Jer. xii. i, 2. a Part i. p. 39.
crown of glory, of which no event can deprive him. If he knew
all from the first, it would be his only wisdom to venture; where-
as the case with them is often widely different.
GOODWILL'S ANSWER. 3.5
place. IK- his frighted many an honest Pilgrim
fronuw*e to better, by the groat voice of his roar-
ing. Indeed he that owncth him (loth not keep
him out of any good-will to me or mine, but with
intent to keep the Pilgrims from coming to me, and
that they may he afraid to come and knock at this
Gate for entrance. Sometimes also he has broken
out, and has worried some that I loved ; but I
take all at present patiently. I also give my
Pilgrims timely help, so that they are not deliver-
ed up to his power, to do them what his doggish
nature would prompt him to. But what ! my
purchased one, I trow, hadst thou known never
so much before-hand, thou wouldcst not have
been afraid of a dog. The beggars that go from
door to door, will, rather than they will lose a sup-
posed alin->, run the ha/ard of the bawling, bark-
ing, and biting too, of a dog: and shall a dog-
in another man's yard, a dog whose barking I
turn to the profit of Pilgrims, keep any from
coining to me? " I deliver them from the lions,
" and my darling from the power of the dog."
Then said MERCY, I confess my ignorance: I
speak what I understand not : I acknowledge that
thou doe*,t all things well.
Then CHRISTIANA began to talk of their jour-
ney, and to enquire after the way '. So he fed
them and \va-shed their feet, and set them in the
way of his steps, according as he had dealt with
her husband before.
1 Part i. p. 42, 43.
36 THE BOYS EAT THE ENEMY'S FRUIT.
So I saw in my dream, that they went on their
way ; and the weather was comfortable to them.
Then CHRISTIANA began to sing, saying,
* Bless'd be the day that I began
A Pilgrim for to be ;
And blessed also be that Man
That thereunto mov'd me.
'Tis true, 'twas long ere I began
To seek to live for ever * ;
But now I run fast as I can :
'Tis better late, than never.
Our tears tojoy, our fears to faith,
Are turned, as we see ;
That our beginning (as one saith,)
Shews what our end will be.'
Now there was on the other side of the wall,
that fenced in the way, up which CHRISTIANA
and her companions were to go, a garden, and
that belonged to him, whose was that barking
dog of whom mention was made before. And
some of the fruit-trees, that grew in the garden,
shot their branches over the wall ; and being mel-
low, 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 pleased with
the trees, and with the fruit that did hang thereon,
did pluck them, and began to eat. Their mother
did also chide them for so doing, but still the boys
went on. r
1 Matt. xx. 16.
r The terrifying suggestions of Satan give believers much prc-r
sent uneasiness ; yet they often do them great good, and seldom.
THE WOMEN ARE ASSAULTED BY TWO MEN. 37
' Well,' said she, ' my sons, you transgress, ibr
that fruit is none of ours :' but she did not know
that they did he-long to tin- enemy : I'll warrant
you, ir' she 1 hud, she would have been ready to die
Ibr fear. But that passed, and they went on their
wav. --Now, by that they were gone about two
bow's-.shot from the place that led them into the
way, they espied two very ill-favoured ones com-
ing down apace to meet them. With that CIIRIS-
i JAVA and MERCY her friend covered themselves
uith their veils, and kept also on their journey:
the children also went on before : so that at last
they met together. Then they that came down
to meet them, came just up to the women, as if
they Mould embrace them: but CHRISTIANA,
said, ' Stand back, or go peaceably as you should.*
Vet these two, as men that arc deaf, regarded not
CHRISTIANA'S words, but began to lay hands
eventually hurt them : but the allurements of those worldly ob-
ject-, which he throws in their way, are far more dangerous and
pernicious. Many of these, for which the aged have no longer
any relish, are very attractive to young persons : but, all -those
parents or aged persons, who love the souls of their children and
\cuni: iVicnil-, instead of conniving at them in their self-indulgence,
In-ill a iinti.. IK that allowance must be made for youth ; should
employ all their influence and authority to restrain them from
th<>M- \ain pleasures which " war against the soul," and arc most
cianjrrous when leait -u. pee ted. This fruit may be found in the
1'iUi mi'- path ; but it grows in BEELZEBUB'S garden, an<l should
be shunned as poison. Many diversions and pursuits, both in
high and low life, are of this nature, though often pleaded for as
iunofent, by some persons who ought to know better.
38 THEY CRY ALOUD FOR HELP :
upon them : at that CHRISTIANA waxed very
wroth, and spurned at them with her feet. MER-
CY also, as well as she could, did what she could
to shift them, CHRISTIANA again said to them,
* Stand hack, and he gone, for we have no money
to lose, being Pilgrims as you see, and such too as
live upon the charity of our friends.'
Then said one of the two men, We make no as-
sault upon your money, but are come out to tell
you, that if you will but grant one small request
which we shall ask, we will make women of you
for ever.
Now CHRISTIANA, imagining what they should
mean, made answer again, ' We will neither hear
nor regard, nor yield to what you shall ask. W T e
are in haste, and cannot stay : our business is of
life and death.' So again she and her companions,
made a fresh essay to go past them : but they let-
ted them in their way.
And they said, We intend no hurt to your lives ;
'tis another thing we would have.
1 Ay,' quoth CHRISTIANA, ' you would have us
body and soul, for I know 'tis for that you are
come ; but we will die rather upon the spot, than
to suffer ourselves to be brought into such snares
as shall hazard our well-being hereafter.' And
with that they both shrieked out, and cried, Mur-
der ! Murder ! and so put themselves under those
laws that are provided for the protection of wom-
en f . But the men still made their approach upon
1 Deut. xxii. 23 27.
ARE RESCUED BY ONE SENT BY GOODWILL. 39
them, with design to prevail against them. .They
therefore cried out again.
\<>w they bring, as I said, not far from the
(late, in at which they came, their voice was
heard from where they were thither: wherefore
some of the house came out, and knowing that it
\\as CHRISTIANA'S tongue, they made haste to
her relief. But by that they were got within sight
of them, the women were in a very great scuffle; the
children also stood crying by. Then did he that
came in for their relief call out to the ruffians, say-
ing, * What is that thing you do? Would you
make my LORD'S people to transgress?' He also
attempted to take them; but they did make their
escape over the wall into the garden of the man to
whom the great dog belonged : so the dog became
their protector. This Reliever then came up to
the women, and asked them how they did. So
thrv answered, ' We thank thy PRINCE, pretty
well; only we have been somewhat affrighted:
uc thank thee also, that thou earnest in to our
help, for otherwise we had been overcome.'
So after a few more words, this Reliever said
as followeth : I marvelled much, when you \u-re
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
ha\e avoided these troubles and dangers: he
would have granted you one.
Alas ! said CHRISTIANA, we were so taken with
our present blessing, that dangers to come were
40 PILGRIMS NEED A CONDUCTOR ;
forgotten by us : beside, who could have thought,
that so near the KING'S palace there should have
lurked such naughty ones ! Indeed it had been
well for us, had we asked our LORD for one; but,
since our LORD knew it would be for our profit, I
wonder he sent not one along with us.
REL. It is not always necessary to grant things
not asked for, lest by so doing they become of lit-
tle esteem : but, when the want of a thing is felt,
it then comes under, in the eyes of him that feels
it, that estimate that properly is its due ; and so
consequently will be hereafter used. Had my
LORD granted you a Conductor, you would not,
neither, so have bewailed that oversight of your's
in not asking for one, as now you have occasion
to do. So all things work for good, and tend to
make you more wary. s
* Satan designs, by every means, to take off awakened sinners
from the great concern of eternal salvation ; and he makes use of
ungodly men for that purpose, among his manifold devices against
the female sex. These are "very ill-favoured to the gracious mind ;
however alluring their persons, circumstances, or proposals may
be to the carnal eye. As such vile seducers are too often suc-
cessful, they are emboldened to attempt even those who profess to
be religious : nor are they always repulsed by them ; for many, of
whom favourable hopes were once entertained, have .thus awfully
" been again entangled and overcome, so that their last state has
" been worse than the first." But when such proposals are repulsed
with decided abhorrence, and earnest prayers; the LOUD will
give deliverance and victor}'. The faithful admonitions and warn-
ings of a stated pastor arc especially intended by the Conductor.
The Reliever seems to represent the occasional direction a,nd
AXD SHOULD ASK FOR ONE. 41
CUR. Sliall we go back again to my LORD, and
confess our folly, and ask one ?
REL. Your confession of your folly will I pre-
sent him with : to go back again, you need not ;
for in all places where you shall 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 sufficient to furnish them
against all attempts whatsoever. But as I said,
" He will be enquired of by them, to do it for
11 them 1 ." And it'is a poor thing that is not
worth asking for. When he had thus said, he
went back to his place, and the Pilgrims went on
their way.
Then said MERCY, 'What a sudden blank is
here ! I made account we had been past all dan-
ger, and that we should never sorrow more.'
'Thy innocency, my sister,' said CHRISTIANA to
MERCY, ' may excuse thee much ; but, as for me,
my fault is so much the greater, for that I saw this
danger before I came out of the doors, and yet did
not provide for it where provision might have been
had. I am much to be blamed.'
Then said MERCY, How knew you this before
you came from home? Pray open to me this
riddle.'
1 Ezck. xxxvi. 37.
counsel of some able minister; t'.ir lie spraks <>f ( nuisT, an his
l.oun, ami mu^t tlicrcfniv In- ruiisiilnrJ a< uiiv nl'thr .-rnano 1-v
v\lim hcl) i< sent to the ditn
42 THE HOUSE OF THE INTERPRETER.
CHR. Why, I Avill tell you. Before I set foot
out of doors, one niglit, as I lay in my bed, I had
a dream about this : for methought I saw two
men, as like these as ever the world they could
look, stand at my bed's feet, plotting how they
might prevent my salvation. I will tell you their
very words : they said, (it was when I was in my
troubles,) 'What shall we do with this woman?
for she cries out waking and sleeping for forgive-
ness : if she be suffered to go on as she begins, we
shall lose her as we have lost her husband.' This
you know might have made me take heed, and
have provided when provision might have been
had.
' Well,' said MERCY, 'as by this neglect we have
an occasion ministered unto us to behold our im-
perfections, so our LORD has taken occasion there-
by to make manifest the riches of his grace ; for
he, as we see, has followed us with unasked kind-
ness, and has delivered us from their hands that
were stronger than we, of his mere good pleasure.'
Thus now, when they had talked away a little
more time, they drew near to an house that stood
in the way ; which house was built for the relief
of Pilgrims ; as you will find more fully related in
the first part of the records of the PILGRIM'S PRO-
GRESS'. So they drew on towards the house;
(the house of the INTERPRETER;) and, when
they came to the door, they heard a great talk in
the house : then they gave car, and heard, as they
1 Part i. p. 44 63.
THE DOOR IS OPENED TO THE PILGRIMS. 43
thought, CHRISTIANA mentioned by name. For
you must know, that there went along, even be-
fore her, a talk of her and her children going on
pilgrimage. And this was the more pleasing to
them, because they had heard that she Mas CIIRIS-
TI.\ N'S Mite, that woman who Mas some time ago
so unwilling to hear of going on pilgrimage.
Thus, therefore, they stood still, and heard the
good people within commending her, who they
little thought stood at the door. At last CHRIS-
TIANA knocked ; as she had done at the Gate be-
fore. Xow, when she had knocked, there came
to the door a young damsel, named IXXOCENT,
and opened the door, and looked, and, behold,
two women were there.
Then said the damsel to them, * With whom
would you speak in this place "
CHRISTIANA answered, We understand that this
is a privileged place for those that are become Pil-
grims, and we now at this door are such : M'here-
t'nrc \ve pray that we may be partakers of that for
which we at this time are come; for the clay, as
thou seest, is very far spent, and we are loath to-
night to go any further.
DAM. Pray what may I eall your name, that I
may tell it to my LORD within ?
C'nu. My name is CHRISTIANA; I was (he
wife of that Pilgrim that some years ago did travel
this w;i\ ; and these be his four children. This
maiden i> also nu roinpanion. ami is going ou
pilgrimage too.
44- THEY ARE WELCOMED BY INTERPRETER.
Then ran INNOCENT in, (for that was her name,)
and said to those within, ' Can you think who is
at the door? There is CHRISTIANA and her
children, and her companion, all waiting for en-
tertainment here !' Then they leaped for joy, and
went and told their Master. So he came to the
door, and, looking upon her, he said, ' Art thou
that CHRISTIANA whom CHRISTIAN the good
man left behind him, when he betook himself to a
Pilgrim's life?'
CHR. I am that woman that was so hard-hearted
as to slight my husband's troubles, and that left
him to go on his journey alone ; and these are his
four children r but now I also ,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 said to his son, " Go work to-day
" in my vineyard; and he said to his father, I will
" not; but afterwards repented and went 1 ."
Then said CHRISTIANA, ' So be it ; Amen. GOD
make it a true saying upon me, and grant that I
may be found at the last " of him in peace, with-
" out spot, and blameless !"
INTER. But why standest thou at the door?
Come in thou daughter of ABRAHAM: we were
talking of thee but now, for tidings have come to
O ' O
us before, how thou art become a Pilgrim. Come,
children, come in : come, maiden, come. So he
had them all into the house.
So, when they were within, they were bidden to
* Matt. xxi. 28, 29.
THE MAN WITH THE MUCK-RAKE. 45
sit down and rest them ; the which when they had
done, those that attended upon the Pilgrims in
the house came into the room to see them. And
one smiled, and another smiled, and another smil-
ed, and they all smiled, for joy that CHRISTIANA
was become a Pilgrim : they also looked upon the
boys ; they stroked them over their faces with their
hands, in token of their kind reception of them:
they also carried it lovingly to MERCY, and bid
them all welcome into their Master's house.
After a while, because supper was not ready, the
INTERPRETER took them into his significant rooms,
and shewed them what CHRISTIAN, CHRISTIANA'S
husband, had seen sometime before. Here there-
fore tiny saw the Man in the Cage, the Man and
his Dream, the Man that cut his wav through his
/ O
iiuinii >, and the Picture of the biggest of all ; to-
gether with the rot of those things that were then
so profitable to CHRISTIAN.
This done, and, after those things had been
somewhat digested by CHRISTIANA and her com-
pany, the INTERPRETER takes them apart again,
and has them first into a room where was a Man
that could look no way but downwards, with a
muck-rake in his hand : there stood also one over
his head with a celestial Crown in his hand, and
proffered him that Crown for his muck-rake; but
the man did neither look up nor regard, but rake
to himself the scraws, the small sticks, and dr.-t of
the floor.
PART II. Bb
46 THE EMBLEM EXPLAINED.
Then said CHRISTIANA, I persuade myself, that
J know somewhat the meaning of this ; for this is
the figure of a man in this world : is it not, good
Sir?
Thou hast said right, .said he, and his muek-rakc
doth shew his carnal mind. And, whereas thou
seest him rather give heed to rake up straws and
sticks, and the dust of the floor, than do what lie
says that calls to him from above, with the celestial
Crown in his hand ; it is to shew, that heaven is
but as a fable to some, and that things here arc
counted the only things substantial. Now, where-
as it was also shewed tliee, that the man could look
no 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 said CHRISTIANA, Oh! deliver me from
this muck-rake.
That prayer, said the INTERPRETER, has lain
by till it is almost rusty : " Give me not riches T ,"
is scarce the prayer of one of ten thousand.
Straws, and sticks, and dust, with most are the
great things now looked after. '
1 Prov. xxx. 8.
1 The emblematical instruction at the INTERPRETER'S house,
in the former part, was so important and comprehensive, that no
other selection equally interesting could be expected : some valu-
able hints, however, are here adduced. The first emblem is very
|ilain ; and so apposite, that it is wonderful any person should mid
it, without lifting up a prayer to the LORD, and saying, ' Oh !
THE SPIDER IX THE BEST RQOM. 47
With that MFKCY and CHRISTIANA wept, and
said, * It is, alas ! too true.'
When the INTERPRETER had shewed them this,
he had them into the very best room in the house:
(a very brave room it was:) so he bid them look
round about, and see if they could find any thing
profitable there. Then they looked round and
round ; for there was nothing to be seen but a
\ ti v great Spider on the wall ; and that they over-
looked.
Then said MERCY, 'Sir, I see nothing:' but
CHRISTIANA held her peace.
But, said the INTERPRETER, 'Look again:'
She therefore looked again, and said, ' Here is not
any thing but an ugly Spider, who hangs by her
hands upon the wall.' ' Then,' said he, ' is there
but one Spider in all this spacious room ?' Then
the water stood in CHRISTIANA'S eyes, for she
was a woman quick of apprehension : and she said,
\ : LORD, there is more here than one. Yea,
and .spiders whose venom is far more destructive
than that which is in he:. 1 The INTERPRETER,
then looked pleasantly on her, and .said, 'Thou
hast said the truth.' This made MERCY blush,
and the Boys to cover their faces, for they all be-
gan now to understand the liddlr.
me from this muck- rake.' Yet ala*, it is to be f
such prayers arc still little used even by professors of the gos-
pel ; at least they arc contradicted by the habitual conduct of
numbcr> among them.
Bb?
48 THE EMBLEM UNFOLDED.
Then said the INTERPRETER again, " The spi-
" der taketh hold with her hands, (as you see,)
" and is in king's palaces." And wherefore is this
recorded, but to shew you, that how full of the
venom of sin soever you be, yet you may, by the
hand of faith, lay hold of, and dwell in, the best
room that belongs to the KING'S house above?
I thought, said CHRISTIANA, of something of
this ; but I could not imagine it all. I thought,
that we were like spiders, and that we looked like
ugly creatures, in what fine rooms soever we were;
but that by this Spider, this venomous and ill-fa-
voured creature, we were to learn how to act faith,
that came not into my thoughts ; that she worketh
with hands; and, as I see, dwells in the best
room in the house.- GOD has made nothing in
vain.
u The instruction grounded on accommodation of Scripture,
though solid and important, is not so convincing to the under-
standing, as that which results from the obvious meaning of the
words; though many persons are for the time more excite ( d to
attention, by a, lively exercise of the imagination, and the surprise
of unexpected inferences. This method, however, should be used
with great caution by the friends of truth; for it is a most formida-
ble engine in the hands of those, who endeavour to pervert or
oppose it. The author did not, however, mean by "the emblem
of the Spider, that the sinner might confidently assure himself
of salvation, by the blood of CHRIST, while he continued full of
the poison of sin, without experiencing or evidencing any change :
but only, that no consciousness of inward pollution, or actual
guilt, should discourage any one from applying to CHRIST, and
"feeing for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before him," that
THE HEN AND HER CHICKENS. 49
Then they sinned all to be glad ; but the water
)()d intheir eyc> : yet they looked .ne upon ano-
tlicr, and also bowed before the I .\ i KKPRIITKK.
lie had them then into another room, where was
a Hen and ehiekens, and hid them observe awhile.
So one of the chickens went to the trough to drink,
and every time she drank she lifted i\\> her head
and her eyes toward-, heaven. ' See," said he, ' what,
this little ehiekdoeth, and learn of her to acknow-
ledge whence your mere-its come, by receiving
them with looking up. Vet again," said he, ' ob-
serve and look ;' so they gave heed, and perceived
that the lien did walk in a fourfold method towards
her ehiekens. 1. She had a common call, and that
she had all the day long. 2. She had a xpccinl call,
and that she had but sometimes. 3. She had a.
brooding note. And, 4. She had an outcry 1 .
' Now,' said he, * compare this lien to your
K i N (;, and these chickens to his obedient ones. For,
numerable to her, himself has his methods, which
he walkcth in towards his people: by his common
call he gives nothing ; by his special cull he alwa\ >>
has something togive ; he has also a />r(nH/hi I'oice
for them that are under his wing; and he, has an
viit-cn/, t<> give the alarm when he secth the enemy
1 Matt, xxiii. 37.
tliu* he may be delivered from condemnation, and dcan^-d fiotu
pollution, anl so made inert for those blessed n:unM"i-, int.j
'.vhidi no unclean thui^ < in lind adnii-M -n.
THE PATIENCE OF THE SHEEP.
come. I choose, my darlings, to lead you into
the room where such things are, because you are
women, and they are easy for you.' x
* And, Sir,' said CHRISTIANA, l pray let us see
some more.' So he had them into the Slaughter-
house, where was a butcher killing of sheep : and
behold the sheep was quiet, and took her death
patiently. l Then,' said the INTERPRETER, ' You
must learn of this sheep to suffer, and to put up
Wrongs without murmurings and complaints. Be-
hold how quietly she takes her death, and, without
objecting, she suffereth her skin to be pulled over
her ears. Your KING doth call you his sheep/
After this he led them into his Garden, where
x Our LORD hath, in immense condescension, employed this
emblem, to represent his tender love to his people, for whom he
bare the storm of wrath himself, that they might be safe and happy
under " the shadow of his wings T ." The common call signifies
the general invitations of the gospel, which should be addressed
without restriction to all men that come under the sound of it:
" as many as ye find, bid to the marriage." The special caU de-
notes those influences of the SPIUIT, by which the heart is sweetly-
made willing to embrace the invitation, and apply for the blessing,
in the use of the appointed means, by which sinners actually ex-
perience the accomplishment of the promises, as their circum-
stances require. -The brooding note was intended to represent
that communion with GOD, and those consolations of the Holy
SPIRIT, \vhich the Scriptures encourage us to expect, and by
which the believer is trained up for eternal felicity : whilst the
out-cry refers to the warnings and cautions, by which believers are
excited to vigilance, circumspection, and self-examination, and to
beware of all deceivers and delusions.
\. Matt, xxiii. 37.
l.LOWERS IN THE OAK PIN*. A CROP OF STRA\V. ."> !
v. as i>Tf.it variety oftlowrrs : and lie said. ' Do you
:i! these"-' So C'nius n A\ A >aid. Yc^' Then
.said he again, * Behold the il-wcrs are divers in
.stature, in quality, and colour, and smell, and vir-
tue; and some are better than some; aNo uherc
the gardener hath set them, there they stand, and
quarrel not one with another.' r
Again he had them into his iield, which he lu.d
v>wn with wlieat and corn : hut, when they heheld,
the to])s ot'all were cut orlj only the straw remained.
He said again, ' This ground was dunged, ami
sowed; but what shall we do with the crop?'
Then said C'u i; i s i i A \ A, 'Burn some, and make
muck of the rest/ Then said the INTERPRI
again, ' Fruit, you see, is that thing yon look for,
and lor \\ant of that von condemn it to the
*
tire, and to be trodden under foot of men : beware
that in this you condemn not yourselves.' z
* Wf ought not to be contcnfcd, (so to speak,) \vith a situutiou
union's the useless aii'l ii'i\i.us \\oeds of the divert: but it' we !>.:
planted amon^ the ornamental and fragrant flowers ot the LonD'*
n. ui- may deem ourselves suflicientiy distii:_ .: Uiu-
^Ve >hnull, tluTet'orc, \\atch auain^l envy and iiin:
of our brethren, and contention. We. ought to !
ti-fii d in our plarc, doinj; " nnthini; through ?.tritc or vain-glory,'
or " with murmurin^s and di.putiii2s : but endeavouring, in thi-
inrekness of wisdom, to ditfu^e a h-:iMMiIy fragrance around us,
and " !) mlnn tin- d"ctrine of GOD our Saviour in all thingv"
* The labour and expcncc of the husbandman arc not repayed
by the straw or the chaff, but by the corn. The humiliation and
suffering^ of C'u HI ^T, the publics ti-.n of the gospel, the promises
52 THE ROBIN-RED-BREAST AND SPIDER.
Then, as they were coming in from abroad, they
espied a Robin with a great spicier in his mouth : so
the INTERPRETER said, ' Look here.' So they
looked, and MERCY wondered, but CHRISTIANA
said, ' What a disparagement is it to such a little
pretty bird as the robin-red-breast is ! he being
also a bird above many, that loveth to maintain a
kind of sociableness with men. I had thought
o
they had lived upon crumbs of bread, or upon other
such harmless matter ; I like him worse than I
did.'
The INTERPRETER then replied, ( This Robin is
an emblem, very apt to set forth some professors
by; for to sight they are, as this" Robin, pretty of
note, colour, and carriage ; they seem also to have
a very great love for professors that are sincere ;
and above all other to desire to associate with them,
and to be in their company, as if they could live
upon the good man's crumbs. They pretend also,
that therefore it is that they frequent the house of
the godly, and the appointments of the LORD:
but when they are by themselves, as the Robin,
and instituted ordinances, and the labour of ministers, were not
intended merely to bring men to profess certain doctrines, and
observe certain forms ; or even to produce convictions, affections,
or comforts, in any order or degree whatsoever ; but to render
men fruitful in good works, by the influences of the SPIRIT of
CHRIST, and through his sanctifying truth: and all profession
\vill terminate, in everlasting contempt and misery, which is no
productive of this good fruit, whatever men may pretend, or howr
ever they may deceive themselves and one another.
THE INTERPRETER'S INSTRUCTIONS. 53
they catch and gobble up spiders, they can change
their diet, drink and swallow down sin like water.'
So when they were come again into the house,
In cause supper as yet was not ready, CHRISTIANA
again desired, that the INTERPRETER would either
shew or tell some other things that are profitable.
Then the INTERPRETER began, and .said: 'The
fatter the sow is, the more she desires the mire;
the tatter the ox is, the more gamesomely he goes
to the slaughter; and the more healthy the lusty
man is, the more prone is he unto evil.'
* There is a desire in women to go neat and fine,
and it is a comely tiling to be adorned with that,
which in GOD'S sight is of great price.'
' Tis easier watching a night or two, than to sit
up a whole year together: so 'tis easier for one to
begin to profess well, than to hold out as he should
to the end.'
* Kvcry ship-master, when in a storm, will wil-
lingly cast that overboard that is of the smallest
value in the vessel: but who will throw the best
out first? None but he that feareth not GOD.'
1 One leak will sink a ship; and one sin will
destroy a sinner. *
* Me, that forgets his friend, is ungrateful unto
* Ry repentance ami faith in CHRIST, the leaks that MM hath
maile art-, as it were, stopped ; but one sin, habitually committed
with allowance, proxcs a man's profession hypocritical, ho\e\er
pl:iu*ible it may be in all other respects; as one leak unstopped
\. :ll assuredly at length sink the ship.
54 . FURTHER INSTRUCTION'S.
him : but he, that forgets his Saviour, is unmerci-
ful to himself. '
' He that lives in sin, and looks for happiness
hereafter, is like him that soweth cockle, and
thinks to fill his barn with wheat or barley.'
' If a man would live well, let him fetch his last
day to him, and make it always his company-
keeper. '
* Whispering and change of thoughts prove
that sin is in the world.'
' If the world, which GOD sets light by, is
counted a thing of that worth with men ; what is
heaven, that GOD commcndeth?'
' If the life that is attended with so many trou-
bles, is so loath to be let go by us, what is the life
above?'
' Every body will cry up the goodness of men ;
but who is there, that is, as he should be, affected
with the goodness of GOD ?'
' We seldom sit down to meat, but we cat and
leave: so there is in JESUS CHRIST more merit
and righteousness than the whole' world has need
of. b
b This observation is grounded on the good old distinction, that
the merit of CHRIST'S obedience unto death is sufficient for ail,
though only effectual to some; namely, in one view of the sub-
ject, to the elect; in another, to all who by faith apply for an intercut
in it. This makes way for general invitations, and shews it to be
every one's duty to repent and believe the gospel; as nothing but
pride, the carnal mind, and enmity to GOD and religion, influence.
THE SUPPER WITH MUSICK AND SIN'CilNG. 55
When the IN T TERPRF.TER had done, lie takes
them out into his garden again, and had them to
a Tree, whose inside was all rotten and gone, and
yet it guw and had leaves. Then said Mi ROT,
' What means this?' ' This trcv.' said he, ' whose
outride is fair, and whose inside is rotten, is it, to
which many may he compared that are in the
Harden of GOD : who with their mouths speak high
in behalf of God, but indeed will do nothing for
him ; whose leaves are fair, but their heart good
tor nothing, but to be tinder for the devil's tinder-
box.' > v
Now supper was ready, the table spread, and all
things set on board; so they sat down and did eat,
when one had given thanks. And the INTER-
PRETER did usually entertain those that lodged
with him, with musiek at meals; so the minstrels
played. There was also one that did sing, and a
very line voice he had. His song was this
* The Lord is only my support,
And ho that doth me feed ; * .
How can I then want any thing,
Whereof I stand in need.'
When the song and musiek were ended, the IN-
1 1 UPRETER asked CHRISTIANA, what it was that
mm to neglect so great .salvation: and, when the regenerating
ji.mri t -t the Holy Spirit accompanies the word, sinners are made
willing to accept the proffered mercy, and encouraged by the
.1 iii\itati.-ns, which before they sinfully slighted.
56 HOW CHRISTIANA BECAME A PILGRIM.
at first did move her thus to betake herself to a
Pilgrim's life? CHRISTIANA answered: First,
the loss of my husband came into my mind, at
which I was heartily grieved : but all that was but
natural affection. Then, after that, came the
troubles and pilgrimage of my husband into my
mind, and also 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 husband, and a letter sent me by the
KING of that country where my husband dwells,
to come to him. The dream and the letter toge-
ther so wrought upon my mind, that they forced
me to this way.
INTER. But met you with no opposition before
you set out of doors ?
CHR. Yes, a neighbour of mine, one Mrs. TI-
MOROUS, (she was kin to him that would have
persuaded my husband to go back, for fear of the
Lions,) she also so befooled me, for, as she called
it, my intended desperate adventure : she also
urged what she could to dishearten me from it;
the hardship and troubles that my husband met
with in the way : but all this I got over pretty well.
But a dream that I had of two ill- looked ones, that
I thought did plot how to make me miscarry in
my journey, that hath troubled me; yea, it stili
runs in my mind, and makes me afraid of every
one that I meet, lest they should meet me to do
MERCY QUESTIONED OX THE SUBJECT. 57
UK' a mischief, and to turn me out of my way.
Yea, 1 may tell my LORD, though I would not
every body knew it, that between this and the Gate
by which we got into the May, we were both so
sorely assaulted, that we were made to cry out
murder; and the two, that made this assault upon
us, were like the two that I saw in my dream.
Then said the INTERPRETER, * Thy beginning
is good, thy latter end shall greatly increase.' So
he addressed him to MERCY, and said unto her,
And what moved thee to come hither, sweet
heart? 1
Then MERCY blushed and trembled, and for a
while continued silent.
Then said he, * Be not afraid, only believe, and
speak thy mind/
Then she began, ami said, k Truly, Sir. my want
uf experience is that which makes me covet to be
in silence, and that also that lilleth me with tears
of coining short at last. I rannot tell of \ JMons
and dreams as my friend ( 'ii K i s i i A\ A can: nor
know 1 v. hat it is to mourn lor my refusing of the
t ounsel of those that were gotul iclations.*
I \TF.K. What was it then, dear heart, that hath
prevailed with thee to do as thou hast done:
MKUCV. Why, when our friend here was pack-
ing up to be gone from our Town, I and another
went accidentally to ee her. So we knocked at
the door, and went in. When we were within, and
>ccing what she was doing. we a-skcd her what she
5S MERCY ANSWERS,
meant? She said, she was sent for to go to her
husband; and then she up and told us how she
had seen him in a dream, dwelling in a curious
place, among immortals, wearing a crown, playing
upon a harp, eating and drinking at his PRINCE'S
table, and singing praises to him for the bringing
him thither, c. Now methought while she was
telling these things unto us my heart burned with-
in me. And I said in my heart, If this be true, I
will leave my father and my mother, and the land
of my nativity, and will, if I may, go along with
CHRISTIANA.'
' So I asked her further of the truth of these
things, and if she would let me go with her; for I
saw now, that there was no dwelling, but with the
danger of ruin, any longer in our town. But yet
I came away with a heavy heart ; not for that I was
unwilling to come away, but for that so many of
my relations were left behind. And I am come
with all my heart, and will, if I may, go with
CHRISTIANA, to her husband, and his KING.
INTER. Thy setting out is good, for thou hast
given credit to the truth c ; thou art a RUTH, Avho
c This is a most simple definition of faith : it is " the belief of
" the truth," as the sure testimony of GOD, relative to our most
important concerns. When we thus credit those truths that teach
us the peril of our situation as justly condemned sinners, we are
moved with fear, and humbled in repentance: and when we thus
believe the report of a refuge provided for us, our hopes are ex-
cited. Those truths that relate to inestimable blessings attainable
AND HKtt ANSttTR IS APPROVED. 59
did, for the low sin- bare To NAOMI, and to the
LOUD her (ion, n leave father and mother, and the
by us when really credited, kindle our fervent desires; while such
as shew us the glory, excellency, mid mercy of GOD our Saviour,
un<l our obligations t> e, work \>\ lo\e, gratitude,
ami c\erv fervent ailection. This living faith influences a man's
judgment, choice, and conduct ; and especially induces him to
receive JESUS CHRIST for all the purposes of salvation, and to
yield himself to his sen ice, as constrained by love of him and xeal
tw liis glory. \Ve need no other ground for this faith, than tbc
authenticated word of GOD. This mny be brought to our recol-
:-. ( iin \i\ means ot'iii-t:c-> or danger, or even in a dream, or with
some very strong impulsion on the mind: yet true faith rests only
on the word of Gon, according to il.t meaning as it sfwids in t&t
Ilible; and not on the manner in which it occurs to the thoughts,
or according to any nra - sense ]>ut ujiwi if in a tin-am, or by an im-
prfttivn : a^ this would be a nrcc mcfatinn. 1'or it the words,
" Thv sins are forgiven thee," should l>e impre>^'d on my mind-,
\ould contain a declaration no where made in Scrip! lire con-
cfi-ning tuc; consequently the belie! \ l them on this ground would
uth nut warranted by the word of GOD. \- u as we have
.:- ( >n to r^juit such new revelations, raid as SATAT? can
counterfeit an\ ot ti. . \\e mu>t coi>iJer every thing
of this Iviiul a> t.j.c;,!!-;; a door to cnthuMaMii, and ilie most dan-
.-; tliough many, who rest their confidence on
I'lem, have, ako scriptural evidence of their acceptance, which
verlook. On tho other hand should the tollowins \\onU lx
mlly impressed on my .mind. " Him that cometh to me I
" will in uo \\ise cast out," or, " He ri.at confusscth and forsaketh
" his sin shall find mere) ;" I may deduce encouragement from
the words, according to tbc genuine meaning of them as they >tand
in N npturc, \\ithout any dread of delusion, or any pretence to
new revelations ; provided, 1 be conscious, that f do come to
( H K i vr. and confess my sins with the Mnccre purpose of forsaking
them. But there are so many danger* in this matter, that the
i'Lntly our uth and hop- i wholly on the
60 THEY PREPARE TO DEPART.
''* land of her nativity, to come out and go with a
" people that she knew not before. The LORD
" recompense thy work, and a full reward be given
" thee of the LORD GOD of ISRAEL, under whose
" wings thou art come to trust V
Now supper was ended, and preparation was
made for bed : the women were laid singly alone,
and the boys by themselves. Now when MERCY
\vas in bed, she could not sleep for joy, for that
now her doubts of missing at last were removed
further from her than ever they were before. So
she lay blessing and praising GOD, who had such
favour for her.
In the morning they arose with the sun, and
prepared themselves for their departure ; but the
INTERPRETER would have them tarry awhile;
* for,' said he, ' You must orderly go from hence.'
Then said he to the damsel that first opened unto
them, ' Take them and have them into the garden
to the Bath, and there wash them and make them
clean from the soil which they have gathered by
travelling.' Then INNOCENT the damsel took
them, and led them into the garden, and brought
them to the Bath ; so she told them, that there they
must wash and be clean, for so her MASTER would
i Ruth, ii. 11, 12.
plain testimony of GOD, and confirmed by our subsequent expe-
rience and conduct; the safer will our course be, and the less
occasion will be given to the objections of our despisers.
THE BATH AND THF, SEAL. 01
ill- women t- do, thai called at his hou-
they were going on pilgrimage. Thc'ii they went
in and waslu-d, yea, they and the boys and all; and
they came out of that Bath not only sweet and
(lean, hut also mueli enlivened and strengthened
in their joints. So when they eame in, they looked
fairer a deal than when they went out to the
washing.
When t'-cy were returned out of the garden
from the Bath, the INTERPRETER took them, and
looked upon them, and said unto them, " Fair
"as the moon." Then he called for -the Seal,
wherewith they used to he sealed that were washed
in his Bath. So the Seal was brought, and he set
his mark upon them, that they might be known
in the plaees whither they were yet to go. Now
the Seal was the contents and .sum of the passover,
which the children of ISRAEL did cat when they
came out of the land of EGYPT'; and the mark
was set between their eyes. This Seal greatly
added to their beauty, for it was an ornament to
their faces. It also added to their gravity, and
made their countenances more 1 like them of an-
gels. d
i Exod. xii. 8 10.
d The author rails this ' The Bath t.f sanctification,' in a mar-
ginal note: \\lu-iicr wo mm infer, that he r-j>-iiulh nn-ant U^
inmnatf, that lu-lir\rr- -hould constantly seek frwbsuppli'
i oin tin- holy Spirit, to purity their hearts from the rei
driili-mrnt of MH, uliich their intercourse with tin- \\orl-l \vilfcon-
PART II. C c
62 THE PILGRIMS, BEING CLOTHED IN WHITE,
Then said the INTERPRETER again to the dam-
sel that waited upon the women, ' Go into the Ves-
try, and fetch out garments for these people :' So
she went and fetched out white raiment, and laid
it down hefore him : so he commanded them to
put it on: it was " fine linen, white and clean."
When the women were thus adorned, they seemed
to be a terror one to the other; for that they
could not see that glory each one in herself, which
they could see in each other. Now therefore they
began to esteem each other better than themselves.
1 For you are fairer than I am,' said one; and,
' You are more comely than I am, ' said another.
The children also stood amazed, to see into what
fashion they were brought. e
tinually occasion; and to revive and invigorate those holy affec-
tions, which in the same manner are apt to grow languid. Yet he
did not intend to exclude their habitual reliance on the blood of
CHRIST for pardon and acceptance; for in both respects we need
daily washing. The sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience
warrants the true Christian's " peace and joy in believing;" it
gives him beauty in the sight of his brethren; it strengthens him
for every conflict and service; and the image of CHRIST, dis-
cernible in his spirit and conduct, seals him as a child of GOD
and an heir of glory : while the inward consciousness of living by
faith in the Son of GOD for all the blessings of salvation, and of
experiencing all filial affections towards GOD as his reconciled
Father, inspires him with humble joy and confidence.
e The Pilgrims are supposed to have been justified on their ad-
mission at the Gate; the INTKRPRETER is the emblem of the
Holy SPIRIT; and the raiment here mentioned rendered those who
were adorned with it comely in the eyes of their companions.
SET OUT, CONDUCTED BY GREAT-HEART. 6j
The INTERPRETER tlii'ii called tor a inan-ser-
vaiit of liis, oneGREAT-HEART, and bid him take
a sword, and helmet, and .shield ; 'and take these
my daughters,' said he, ' conduct them to the
house called BEAUTIFUL, at which place they
will rest next/ f So he took his weapons, and went
before them ; and the I.\ i i i; PKETER said, ' GOD
speed.' Those also that belonged to the family
sent them away with many a good wish. So they
went on their way, and sang
' This place has been our second stage,
Here we have heard and M-en
Those good things, that from age to age
To others hid have hrcn.
\Ve cannot, therefore, with propriety explain it to Minify the ri^liti--
oiiMic '.i ( a JUST imputed to the believer, hut tin- renewal of the
soul to holiness; for this alone in its cftect- is \isibleto the <
mm. 'I hey, who ha\e put on this raiment, an- al.i " clothed with
" humility:" M ( that they readily perceive the r\( ellrncii-s ul Other
helievers, but cannot discern their own, except when they look in
I.LSS of GOD'S word. At the same time they become \ery
ol.>cr\aiit of their own defects, and se\erc in anuuad\erting on
them, but proportionally candid to tlu-ir brethren : and thus
they learn the hard lesson of " esteeming others better than them-
"seh
f The stated pastoral care of a vigilant minuter, who is
in faith, uiul conr-meous in the can- ol (ion, i> represented by
the ('..jidnctor of the Pilgrim'*. We shall ha\- n-pt .ited oj>p<>r-
tunities dt showing, how de-irons tlie author was to recommend
this advantage to hi^ iv.i in^. t.. excite them to l><- thankful for it,
and to avail thcraselu-s of it when graciously alfurded them.
64 THEY COME TO THE CROSS AND SEPULCHRE.
The dungbill-raker, spider, hen,
The chicken too, to me
Have taught a lesson ; let me then
Conformed to it be.
The butcher, garden, and the field,.
The robin and his bait,
Also the rotten tree doth yield
INJe argument of weight ;
To move "me for to watch and pray,
To strive to be sincere*
To take my cross up day by day,
And serve the Lord with fear.'
Now I saw in my dream, that those went on, and
GREAT-HEART before them; so they went and
came to the place where CHRISTIAN'S burden fell
off his back, and tumbled into a Sepulchre \ Here
then they made a pause ; here also they blessed
GOD. Now, said CHRISTIANA, it comes to my
mind what was said to us at the Gate, to wit, that
we should have pardon by wo rd and deed ; byword,
that is, by the promise ; by deed, to wit, in the
way it was obtained. What the promise is, of
that I know something : but what it is to have
pardon by deed, or in the way that it was obtained,
Mr. GREAT-HEART, I suppose you know ; which,
if you please, let us hear your discourse thereof.
GR.-H. Pardon by the deed done, is pardon
obtained by some one for another that hath need
thereof: not by the person pardoned, but in 'the
way,' saith another, ' in which I have obtained
it.' So then, .(to speak to the question more at
1 Part i. p. 63.
V A II DON' 1JV DEED DONE, EXPLAINED. ().'>
large,) the- pardon that you and MERCY, and
tlics: 1 hoys, have attained by another ; to wit, by
him that let you in at that (iate: and hi- hath ob-
tained it in this double way: lie hath performed
righteousness to cover you, and spilt blood to
wash von in.
r
C'IIR. But if he parts with his righteousness to
ux what will he have for himself?
%
(in. -H. lie lias more righteousness than you
have need of, or than he ncedeth himself.
C'HK. Pray make that appear.
(in. -IF. AVith all my heart: but first I must
premie, that he, of whom we are now about to
speak, is one that has not his fellow. He has two
natures in one Person, plain to be distinguished,
impossible to be divided. Unto each of these na-
tures a righteousness belongeth, and each rightc-
oiism^ j> r>s:-ntial to that nature So that one
may as easily cause the natures to be extinct, us to
.separate its justice or righteousness from it. Of
righteousnesses, thm-iurc, \\e are not made
partakers, so that they, or any of them, should be
put upon us, that we might be made just, and live
therein, Inside^ tlu-sc, there is a right
which this lYrson ha>, as :lu.:- two natun 1 -
joined in one. And this is not the rightcou
of the Godhead, as distinguished from the man~
hood; nor the righteousness of thv manliood, as
distinguished from the (inc.luad ; but a righteous-
iandeth in the union of both natures,
< c 3
66 THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST,
and may properly be called the righteousness that
is essential to his being prepared of GOD to the
capacity of the mediatory office, Avhich he .was
entrusted with. If he parts with his first righte-
ousness, he parts with his Godhead : if he parts
with his second righteousness, he parts with the
purity of his manhood : if he parts with his third,
he parts with that perfection which capacitates
him to the office of mediation. l He has therefore
another righteousness, which standeth in perform-
ance, or obedience to a revealed will : and that is
what he puts upon sinners, and that by which
their sins are covered. Wherefore he saith, " As
" by one man's disobedience, many were made
" sinners : so by the obedience of one, shall many
" be made righteous V
CHR. But are the other righteousnesses of no
use to us ?
GR.-H. Yes: for though they are essential to
his natures and office, and cannot be communi-
cated unto another, yet it is by virtue of them that
the righteousness that justifies is for that purpose
efficacious. The righteousness of his Godhead
gives virtue to his obedience; the righteousness
of his manhood giveth capability to his obedience
to justify ; and the righteousness that standeth in
the union of these two natures to his office, giveth
authority to that righteousness to do the work for
which it was ordained.
1 Rom. v. 1.
I\ WHAT SENSE THE BE I I KV I. Il's. 67
So thai here is a righteousness that CHRIS:
(ion, lias no need of; tor he is (ion without it:
lieu- is a righteousness that Cn :m, has
no need of to make him so. tor he is ptilVct man
witliout it : again, here is a rigbteongfieM that
CHRIST. ;.s (ion-.MA v, has r.o nerd of, for he is
]>erf'eetly so without it. Here then is a righteous-
that CHRIST, as (.ion, and as (.ion- MAX, lias
no need of, with reference to himself, and there lore
lie can spare it ; a justifying righteousness, that
he for himself wanteth not, and therefore givcth it
away. Ilenee it is called " the gift ofrighteous-
" HCW*.* 1 -This righteousness, Miiee C'IIHIST JE-
SUS the LORD has made himself under the law,
must be given away ; for the law doth not only
hind him that is under it, to do justly, but to use
i-harity. Wherefore lie must, or ought by the law,
if he hath two eoats, to give one to him that has
none. Now our LOUD indeed hath two coats, one
for himself', and one to spare : \\herefore he fiu Iv
bestows one upon those that have none. And thus,
CHRISM \ \ A and MERCY, and the rest of you
that are here, doth your pardon come by deed or
by the work of another man. Your LORD CHRIST
is he that worked, and hath given away >Uiat he
wrought foi. to the next poor beggar he mci
lint again, in order to pardon by deed, t;
must something be paid to ( J o n as a price as \u II
.!-> something prepared to co\er u. withal. Sin ins
' Rom. v. 17.
Cc*
6'S REDEMPTION BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.
delivered us up to the just coarse oFa righteous
law: now from this course we must be justified by
way of redemption, a price being paid for the
harms we have done ; and this is by the blood of
your LORD, who came and stood in your place
and stead, and died your death for your transgres-
sions. Thus has he ransomed you from your
transgressions, by blood, and covered your polluted
and deformed souls with righteousness ' ; for the
sake of which, GOD passeth by you, and will not
hurt you, when he comes to judge the world. ^
1 Rom. viii. 34. Gal. iii. 13.
8 This discourse, on ' Pardon by the deed done,' confirms the
interpretation that hath been given of the Cross, and of CHRIS-
TIAN'S deliverance from his burden. The doctrine is, however,
here stated in a manner to which some may object, and indeed it
is needlessly systematical and rather obscure. By ' the righteous-
* ness of CHRIST, as GOD,' his essential divine attributes of jus-
tice and holiness must be intended, ' His righteousness, as Man,'
denotes his human nature as free from all the defilement of sin.
' The righteousness of his person, as he hath the two natures joined
' in one/ can only mean the perfection of his mysterious person in
all respects; and his capacity of acting as our Surety, by doing
and suffering in our nature all that was requisite, while his divine
nature stamped an infinite value on his obedience unto death.
The eternal WORD, tire only-begotten Son of GOD was under no
obligation to assume our nature: and when he had seen good to
assume it, he was not bound to live a number of years here on
earth, obedient to the law, both in its ceremonial and moral re-
quirements, amidst hardships, sufferings, and temptations of every
kind; except, as he had undertaken to be our Surety. In this
sense he himself had no need of that righteousness which he finish-
ed for our justification. And assuredly he was under no obligation,
HAPPY I rriCCTS OF LOOKING TO THE CROSS. 69
Cm;. This is hravc: now I see that there was
something to be learned by our being pardoned by
it-.Wand (Iced, (iood MKUCY, let us labour to
keep this in mind ; and my children, do you re-
member it also. But, Sir, was not this it that
made my good CHRISTIAN'S burden tall from off
his shoulder, and that made him give three leaps
tor joy?
Gii.-n. Yes, it was the belief of this that cut
oiV those strings, that could not be cut by other
means ; and it was to give him a proof of the vir-
tue of this, that he was suffered to carry his bur-
den to the Cross..
Ciut. I thought so; for though my heart was
:is a perfectly holy man, to suffer any thing, much less to sub-
mit to the violent, torturing, and ignominious death upon tin- cross.
That part of his obedience', which consisted in enduring agony,
and pain in body and soul, \\as only needful, as he bare our sins,
and mive himself a ^urritire to GOD for us. Indeed, his ri-l.te-
ousness i. not the less hi, own, by being imputed to us: for be-
licvcr-, are considered as one with him, and thus " made the
" righteousness ( ,t (ion in him," ami we are justified in \irtucof
this union. lie was able by his temporal sufferings nd death to
pay our debt, and ransom our inheritance; thus delivering us
from eternal misery which else had been inevitable, and bringing
us to eternal life which had otherwise, been unattainable ; and the
law of lo\e, to uhich as a man he lit came subject, required him
to do this; for if we " lo\ed our neighbour as ourselves," we
should be willing to su! )m jt to any interior loss, hardship, or suf-
fering, to rescue an enemy or stranger from a greater and more
durable misery, which lie has no othci w.-\ feMapig; or to
'.mi a more valuable and permanent advantage, which
can no ( tii.-n\i ined.
70 LOVE TO CHRIST, HOW EXCITED;
lightful and joyous before, yet it is ten times more
lightsome and joyous now. And I am persuaded
by what I have felt, (though I have felt but little
as yet,) that if the most burdened man in the
world was here, and did see and believe as I now
do, it would make his heart the more merry and
blithe.
GR.-II. There is not only comfort, and the
ease of a burden brought to us, by the sight and
consideration of these ; but an endeared aifection
begot in us by it : for who can (if he does but
once think that pardon comes not only by promise,
but thus,) but be affected with the way and means
of redemption, and so with the man that hath
wrought it for him ?
CHR. True: methinks it makes my heart bleed
to think, that he should bleed for me. Oh ! thou
loving One ! Oh ! thou blessed One ! Thou de-
servest to have me; thou hast bought me; thou
cleservest to have me all ; thou hast paid for me
ten thousand times more than I am worth ! No
marvel that this made the water stand in my hus-
band's eyes, and that it made him trudge so nimbly
on : I am persuaded he wished me with him : but,
vile wretch that I was ! I let him come all alone.
O MERCY., that thy father and mother were here;
yea, and Mrs. TIMOROUS also: nay, I wish now
with all my heart, that here was Madam WAN TO N
too. Surely, surely, their hearts would be affect-
ed; nor could the fear of the one, nor the powerful
AVD ITS POWERFUL EFFECTS. 71
lusts of the other, prevail with them to go home
and refuse to heeome ^ood Pilgrims. h
h When believers, ' in the warmth of their affections' feel the
humbling, melting, endearing, and sanctitVmg etle.cts of contem-
plating the glory of the Cross, and tin- love- of CHRIST in dying
lor sinners; and consider themselves as tin- special objects of that
inexpressible companion and kindness; thev an- apt to conclude
that the belief of tin- propositions, that CHRIST /wrt.v them and
(linl fur t/ieiti, and (hat GOD is reconciled to them, produce-* the
( -hange. by its own influence; and would affect the most carnal
heart-, in the same manner, could men be persuaded to believe it.
For they vainly imagine that apprehensions of the severity of divine
justice, and the dread of vengeance, are the sources of the enmity
which Mimer* manifest a^ain-t (ion. Hence \cry lively and
affectionate rhri->tian> liave frequently been prone to sanction the
unscriptural tenet, that the justifying act of faith consists in as-
sured! >i lulu -Jug tltal C'liniiT died for me in particular, and that
GOD lores me; and to consider thi- tij';>n>/'riation, as preceding
repentance, and CMTV other gracious' disposition; and as in v >inc
seii-e tin- canst- of regeneration, winning the heart to love Gtwl,
ii nd to rejoice in him, and in obeying his cunuiiandmeiits. 1'n.iii
this doctrine others hu\e inferred, that if all men, and evendc\iU
Sieved the live of GOD to tluyn, and his purpose at lei^th
to make them happy, they would be \v>n over from rebellion
against him, which they persist in from a mistaken idea that he
is their implacal)le enemv: and the\ make this one main argu-
ment, in support of the salutary tendency of the final restitution
scheme. Hut all these opinions arise from a false and flattering
estimate of human nature; for the carnal mind hates the scrip-
tural character of GOD and the glory displayed in the (
more than that which shines forth in the I'M TV law. Indeed if we
take away the tt/nnni\.r part of the gospel, the honour it puts upon
the law and its awful sanctions, and the exhibition it n..;kes of tho
divine justice and holiness, it will give the proud r.:in .1 heart but
little umbrage: if v\e admit that men's a\i TMOII t (.-on ami rv\\-
gion arise from misapprehension, and not fro ft \> i k -
72 WARM AFFECTIONS BY SPECIAL GRACE.
GR.-H. You speak now in the warmth of your
affections : will it, think you, be always thus with
ness, many will endure the doctrine. A reconciliation, in which
GOD assures the sinner that lie has forgiven him, even before he
has repented of his sins, will suit man's pride; and if he has been
previously frighted, a great flow of affections may follow : but
the event will prove, that they differ essentially from spiritual love
of GOD, gratitude, holy joy, and genuine humiliation, which arise
from a true perception of the glorious perfections of GOD, the
righteousness of his law and government, the real nature of re-
demption, and the odiousness and desert of sin. In short, all
such schemes render regeneration needless; or substitute some-
thing else in its stead, which is effected by a natural process, and
not by the new-creating pover of the HOLY SPIRIT. But, when
this divine agent has communicated life to the soul, and a capacity
is produced of perceiving and relishing spiritual excellency, the
enmity against GOD receives a mortal wound: from that season
the more his real character and glory are known, the greater spi-
ritual affection will be excited, and a proportionable transforma-
tion into the same holy image effected. Then the view of the
Cross, as the grand display of all the harmonious perfections of the
Godhead, softens, humbles, and meliorates the heart: while the
persuasion of an interest in these blessings, and an admiring sense
of having received such inconceivable favours from this glorious
and holy LORD GOD, will still.further elevate the soul above all
low pursuits, and constrain it to the most unreserved and self-deny-
ing obedience. But, while the heart remains unregenerate, the
glory of GOD and the gospel will cither be misunderstood, or
hated in proportion as it is discovered. Such views, and affec-
tions therefore as have been described, spring from special grace;
and are not produced by the natural efficacy of any sentiments,
but by the immediate influences of the Holy Spirit; so that even
true believers, though they habitually; are persuaded of their in-
terest in CHRIST, and the love of GOD to them, arc only at times
thus filled with holy affections : nor will the same contemplations
constantly excite similar exercises; but they often bestow much
THREE MI.N IIUVG IV CHAINS. 73
you ? Ik-sides, tliat is not communicated to every
one, nor to every one that did see your JKSUS bleed.
There were that stood bv, and that saw the blood
*
run troin the heart to the ground, and yet were M>
far otF this, that, instead of lamenting, they laugh-
ed at him; and instead of becoming his disciples,
did harden their hearts against him. So that all
that yon have, my daughters, you have by pecu-
liar impression 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 special grace.
Now I saw still in my dream, that they went on
until they were come to the place that SIMPLE,
and SLOTH, and PUKST.M PTIOV. lay and slept in,
when CHRISTIAN' went by on pilgrimage: and
behold they were hanged up in irons a little way
off on the other side.
Then said MERCY to him that was their Guide
and Conductor, 4 What are these three men ? and
tor what are they hanged there'-'
(iu. -n. These three men were men of bad quali-
tie-> ; they had no mind to be Pilgrims themselves,
and whomsoever they could they hindered : they
WCI for Sloth and folly themselves, and who:
pa iii* to get their miniU allrrtrd by them in \:iin: while at <>thri
timi-N a single glance >t" thought tills them with the must !
emotions of holy love and j<>\.
7* THE CRIMES THEY HAD COMMITTED
ever they could persuade, they made so too ; and
withal taught them to presume that they should do
Avcll at last. They were asleep when CHRISTIAN
went by; and now you go by, they are hanged.
MER. But could they persuade any one to be of
their opinion ?
GR.-H. Yes, they turned several out of the way.
There was SLOW-PACE, they persuaded to do as
they. They also prevailed with one SHORT-WIND,
with one NO-HEART, with one LINGER-AFTER-
LUST, and with one SLEEPY-HEAD, and with a
young woman, her name Avas DULL, to turnout
of the way and become as they. Besides, they
brought up an ill report of your LORD, persuading
others that he was a hard task-master. They also
brought up an evil report of the good land, saying
it was not half so good as some pretended it was.
They also began to vilify his servants, and to count
the best of them meddlesome, troublesome, busy-
bodies : further, they would call the bread of GOD
husks; the comforts of his children", fancies; the
travail and labour of Pilgrims, things to no pur-
pose. *
1 The dreadful falls and awful deaths of some professors artf
often made notorious, for a warning to others; and to put them
upon their guard against superficial, slothful, and presumptuous"
men, who draw aside many from the holy ways of GOD. The
names of the persons thus deluded show the reasons why men
listen to deceivers; for these are only the occasions of their turn-
ing aside, the cause lies in the concealed lusts of their own hearts.
1 \MIAVED 0\ A PILLAIl TO WARN" OTHERS. J5
Nay, said CHRISTIANA, if they were such, they
should never be bewailed by nu : they have but
what they deserve; and I think it well that they
stand so near the highway, that others may >,ce
and take warning. But had it not been v ell if
their crimes had been engraven on some pill :;r of
iron or brass, and left here where they did their
mis,chicfs, for a caution to other bad me::?
GR.-H. So it is, as you may well perceive, if
\ on will go a little to the wall.
MER. No, no; let them hang, and their names
rot, and their crimes live for ever against them: I
think it is a high favour that they are hanged be-
fore we came hither; who kmn\ s rNc \vhatthey
might a done to such poor women a* we are?
Then she turned it into a song, saying-
' Now then you three lian^ there, and bo :i
To all that shall against the truth combine.
And let him that comes after tear this end,
If unto Pilgrims In- is not a friend.
Ami ihou, my soul, of all stir!) men beware.
That unto ho|ini>s OJIJM
The transiiion is very easy from orthodox notions and j>r. r--i:.i\
uithout e\|icri-nce, to faUe and loose stentiincnts, and thru to
open ungodliness.
These lines are here inserted under a plate
Hehold here how the slothful are H SI^M
lluni; u|i Vausi- ho|\ \\:i\> th-'V did decline:
See lure too, IKHS tl u - child doth play the man,
A.ud \\^ik grows sttoiiv;, when GREAT-HEART leads the van,
76 SPRING AT THE HILL DIFFICULTY DIRTY.
Thus they went on, till they came at the foot of
the hill DIFFICULTY, where again their good
friend Mr. GREAT-HEART took an occasion to tell
them wlr.it happened there when CHRISTIAN him-
self went by *. So he had them first to the Spring :
Lo, saith he, this is the Spring that CHRISTIAN
drank of before he went up this hill; tmd then it
was clear and good, but now it is dirty with the feet
. of some, that are not desirous that Pilgrims here
should quench their thirst 1 . Thereat MERCY
said, 'And why so envious, trow?' But said the
Guide, it will do, if taken up and put into a vessel
that is sweet and good ; for then the dirt will sink
to the bottom, and the water come out by itself
more clear. Thus therefore CHRISTIANA and her
companions were compelled to do. They took it
up, and put it into an earthen pot, and so let it
stand till the dirt was gone to the bottom, and then
they drank thereof. k
1 Part i. p. 7280. a Ezek. xxxiv. 18.
k This passage shows, that the preaching of the gospel was espe-
cially intended by the Spring, in the former part of the work. Since
that had been published, the author had witnessed a departure
from the simplicity of the gospel, as it has been before observed 1 .
This might be done unadvisedly in those immediately concerned;
but it originated from the devices of evil men, and the subtlety of
Satan. They, however, who honestly and carefully aimed to dis-
tinguish between the precious and the vile, might separate the cor-
rupt part from the truths of GOD, and from the latter derive com-
fort and establishment.
i Note k, page 24.
MEN WILL NOT BE KEPT FROM BY-WAYS. 77
Next he shewed them the two by-ways that were
at the foot of the hill, where FORMALITY and II v-
POCRISY lost themselves. ' And,' said he, ' these
are dangerous paths: two were here cast away
when CHRISTIAN came by. And although you
see these ways are since stopped up with chains,
posts, and a ditch, yet there are they that will
choose to adventure here, rather than take the
pains to go up this hill.'
CHR. " The way of transgressors is hard 1 :" it
it a wonder that they can get into those ways
without danger of breaking their necks.
GR.-H. They will venture; yea, if at any time
any of the KING'S servants do happen to see them,
and doth call upon them, and tell them, that they
are in the wrong ways, and do bid them bcuare
of the danger, then they railingly return them an-
swer, and say, " As for the word that thou hast
" spoken unto us in the name of the KING, we
" will not hearken unto thee; but we will cer-
" tainly do whatsoever thing goeth out of our
" mouth V Nay, if you look a little further,
you shall see that these ways are made cautionary
enough, not only by these posts, and ditch, and
chain, but also by being hedged up ; yet they will
choose to go there. '
1 Prov xiii. 15. Jcr. xliv. 16, 17.
1 The express declarations, commandments, and warning* of
Scripture; and the heart-searching doctrine and distinguishing
FART II. Dd
78 THE PILGRIMS CLIMB THE HILL,
CHR. They are idle ; they love not to take
pains ; up-hill Avay is unpleasant to them. So it is
fulfilled unto them as it is written, -" The way of
" the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns '." Yea,
they will rather choose to walk upon a, snare, than
to go up this hill, and the rest of this way to the
City.
Then they set forward, and began to go up the
Hill, and up the Hill they went ; but before they
got up to the top, CHRISTIANA began to pant,
and said, I dare say this is a breathing Hill ; no
marvel if they that love their ease more than their
souls, choose to themselves a smoother way. Then
said MERCY, I must sit down; also the least of
the children began to cry : Come, come, said
GREAT-HEART, sit not down here, for a little
above is the PRINCE'S 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 sit down, for they were all in a'
pelting heat. Then said MERCY, how sweet is
1 Prov. xv. 19.
application of faithful ministers, sufficiently hedge xip all those
by-ways, into which professors are tempted to turn aside: but
carnal self-love, and desire of ease to the flesh, (which always
opposes its own crucifixion,) induce numbers to break through
all obstacles, and to risk their eternal interests, rather than deny
themselves, and endure hardship in the way to heaven. Nor will
teachers be \^anTing to flatter them with the hope of being saved
by nationally believing certain doctrines, while they practically
treat the whole word of GOD as a lie! -
AND REST IN" TEIF. ARBOUK. 75)
to them that labour 1 ! And how go. d is the
of I J, to provide such resting-places
tor them ! Of thi- Arbour I have heard niueh ;
but-I never saw it before. But here let us beware
of sleeping : for, as I have heard, for that it cost
poor CHRISTIAN dear.
Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART to the little ones,
Come, my pretty boys, ho\v do you do? VHiat
think you now of going oil pilgrimage? 'Sir,'
.said the least, ' I was almost beat out of heart ; but
I thank you for lending me a hand at my nerd.
And I remember now what my mother hath told me,
namely, That the v. ;:y to hi riven is as a ladder, and
the way to hell i-, as dm; na hill. But I had rather go
up the ladder to lit!-, than down the hill to dtath.'
Then said Mi ;cc v, ' But the proverb rs. To go
the hill ix tff.y : ' but JAM is s^M, M ;r that
was his name,) * The day is coming when, in rr;y
opinion, going down the hill Mill be ihe hanli^t
of all.' ' 'J'is a good boy,' .said his master, thou
hast iri\ - en her a rii'ht an%v,er.' Tlit-n MLRCT
d ^y
Mniled, but the little boy did blush.
' Come,' ^ail CMUISTIAVA, 'Mill you eat a bit,
to SM-CC ten your mouths, while you sit here to u.st
your legs : For I have here a piece of pome,
which Mr. l\rr IUMIETER put into my h.ii.d ju.->t.
\\hcn I came out of hisdooi-,; \v
pif-ccof an Imiu v-comb, and alittle bottle of spirits.'
* I thought he gave you something,' siiid .MLRCV,
* Malt. xi. 28.
DU2
80 BEING REFRESHED, THEY GO FORWARD.
* because he called you aside.' ' Yes, so he did,'
said the other. ' But,' said CHRISTIANA, ' it shall
be still as I said it should, when at first we came
from home ; thou shalt be a sharer in all the good
that I have, because thou so willingly didst be-
come my companion.' Then she gave to them,
and they did eat, both MERCY and the boys. And
said CHRISTIANA to Mr. GREAT-HEART, ' Sir,
will you do as we?' But he answered, ' You are
going on pilgrimage, and presently I shall return :
much good may what you have do to you. At
home I eat the same every day.'
Now when they had eaten and drunk, and had
chatted a little longer, their G uide said to them,
' The day wears away ; if you think good, let us
prepare to be going.' So they got up to go, and
the little boys went before: but CHRISTIANA for-
got to take her bottle of spirits with her ; so she
sent her little boy back to fetch it. Then said
MERCY, * I think this is a losing place. Here
CHRISTIAN lost his roll; and here CHRISTIANA
left her bottle behind her ; Sir, what is the cause
of this ?' So their Guide made answer, and said,
* The cause is sleep or forgetfulness ; some sleep
when they should keep awake, and some forget
Avhen they should remember ; and this is the very
cause, why often at the resting-places some Pil-
grims in some things come oft' losers. Pilgrims
should watch and remember what they have already
received under their greatest enjoyments ; but for
PUNISHMENT OF MISTRUST AND TIMOROUS. 81
want of doing so, oftentimes their rejoicing ends
in tears, and their sun-shine in a cloud : witness
the story of CHRISTIAN at this place.'
When they were come to the place where Mis-
TRU ST andTi MO ROUS met CHRISTIAN, to persuade
him to go back for fear of the lions, they perceived
as it were a Stage, and before it, towards the road,
a broad plate, with a copy of verses written thereon,
and underneath, the reason of raising up of that
Stage in that place rendered. The verses were
* Let him that sees that Stage, take heed
Upon his heart and tongue:
Lest if he do not, here he speed
As some have long agonc.'
The words underneath the verses were, ' This
Stage was built to punish such upon, who, through
timorousncss or MffffYrf, shall be afraid to go fur-
ther on pilgrimage : also on this stage both MIS-
TRUST and TIMOROUS were burnt through the
tongue with a hot iron, for endeavouring to hinder
CHRISTIAN on his journey.'
Then said MERCY, This is much like to the
saying of the Beloved, " What shall be given unto
" thee ; or what shall be done unto thee, thou false
"tongue? sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals
u of juniper V' ro
Ps. cxx. 3, 4.
m The word DAVID -i^nifies Rtloved. We should be very cau-
tious not to speak any thing, which may discourage such as seem
Dd3
82 THE LIONS BACKED BY GIANT GRIM.
So they went on, till they came within sight of
the lions 1 . Now Mr. GREAT-HEART was a strong
man, so 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 : so they
stept back and went behind. At this, their Guide
smiled, and said, ' Plow now, my boys, do you
love to.go before when no danger doth approach,
and love to come behind so soon as the lions ap-
pear?'
Now as they went on, Mn GREAT-HEART drew
his sword, with intent to make a way for the 'Pil-
grims in spite of the lions. Then there appeared
one, that it seems had taken upon him to back the
lions : and he said to the Pilgrim's Guide, ' What
is the cause of your coming hither?' . Now the
name of that man was GRIM or BLOODY- MAX,
because of his slaying of Pilgrims; and he was of
the race of the giants.
Then said the Pilgrim's Guide, ' These women
1 Part i.'p. 81.
disposed to a religious life; lest we should be found to have abet-
ted that enemy, who spares no pains to seduce them back again
into the world. Even the unbelieving fears and complaints of
weak and tempted Christians should be repressed before persons of
this description : how great then will be the guilt of those who
stifle their own convictions, and act contrary to their conscience,
from fear of reproach or persecution, and then employ themselves
in dissuading others from serving GQD !
GREAT-HEART FIGHTS THF (iFAXT. 83
nn<l children arc going on pilgrimage; and this is
flic way they must go, and go it they shall, in spite
of HUT and the lions.'
GRIM. This is not their way, neither shall they
o therein. I am come ffcrth to withstand them,
and to that end will hack the lions.
Now, to say the truth, by reason of the fierce-
ness of the lions, and of the grim carriage of him
that did back them, this way had of late lain much
unoccupied, and was almost all grown over with
gnt
Then said CHRISTIAX A, 'Though the high w
have been unoccupied heretofore, and though the
travellers have been made in time's past to walk
through by-paths, it must not be so now I am
risen, ' N'-u I am risen a mother in Israel 1 ."
Then he swore by the lions, but it should: and
therefore bid them turn aside, for they should not
bave passage there. But their (Jnide made iii-i
his approach unto GRI M, and laid so heavily on
him with his sword, that he forced him to retreat.
Then .said he that attempted to back the lions,
' Will yon slay me upon mine own ground :~
GR.-H. It is the KING'S highway that we- arc
in, and in this way it is that thou bust placed
tlu- lions: but these women and these children,
though weak, shall hold on their way in spi;
the lions.- And with that he ga\c him again a
downright blow, and brought him upon his k;
1 Judges v, 6, 7.
D(U
84 GRIM SLA1X. THE PILGRIMS PASS ON,
With this blo\v r he also broke his helmet, and with
the next cut off an arm. Then did the Giant roar so
hideously, that his voice frighted the women ; and
yet they were glad to see him lie sprawling upon
the ground. Now the Hons were chained, and so
of themselves could do nothing. Wherefore, when
old GRIM, that intended to back them, was dead,
GREAT-HEART said to the Pilgrims, ' Come now,
and follow me, and no hurt shall happen to you
from the lions.' They therefore went on, but the
women trembled as they passed by them ; the boys
also looked as if they would die, but they all got
by without further hurt. n
n It is not very easy to determine the precise idea of the author,
in each of the Giants, who assault the Pilgrims, and are slain by the
Conductor and his assistants. Some have supposed that Unbelief
is here meant: but GRIM, or BLOODY-MAN, seem not to be
apposite names for this inward foe; nor can it be conceived, that
Unbelief should more violently assault those, who are under the
care of a valiant Conductor, than it had done the solitary Pilgrims.
I apprehend, therefore, that this Giant was intended for the em-
blem of certain active men, who busied themselves in framing and
executing persecuting statutes; 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 assaults the believer,
when required to make an open profession of his faith, was exceed-
ingly increased : and, as heavy fines and severe penalties, in ac-
cession to reproach and contempt, deterred men from joining
themselves in communion with dissenting churches, that way was
almost unoccupied, and the travellers went through by-paths,
according to the author's sentiments on the subject. But the
preaching of the gospel, by which the ministers of CHRIST wielded
the sword of the Spirit, overcame this enemy: for the example
GRKATHK+tttT kills Gl^lXT GlUM .
AND REACH THE PORTER'S LODGE. 85
Now, when they were within sight of the Por-
ter's lodge, they soon came up unto it ; but they
made the more haste after this to go thither, be-
cause 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 soon as the Guide had said, ' 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, seeing the Guide standing just before
it, (for he saw not the women, for they were behind
him,) he said unto him, ' How no\\, Mr. GREAT-
HEART, what is your business here so late at night?'
* I have brought,' said he, ' some Pilgrims hither,
where, by my LORD'S commandment, they must
lodge. I had been here some time ago, had I not
been opposed by the Giant that used to back the
lions. But I, after a long and tedious combat
with him, have cut him oil', and have brought the
Pilgrims hither in safety.'
and exhortations of such courageous combatants animated even
weak believers to overcome their fears, and to act according to
their consciences, leaving the event to Clon. This seems t<> have
been the author's meaning; and perhaps he also intended :
courage his brethren boldly to j. -i M-U re in resisting such JH-I
ing statutes, confidently expecting that they should pie\ail for
the repeal of them; by which, as by the death of the Ghnt, the
Pilgrims might be frevd from additional terror, in act
teutly with their avowed princi,)'- -
) GREAT-HEART RETURXS.
POR. Will not you go in, and stay till morn-
ing.
GR.-H. No-. I will return to my LORD tonight.
-CiiR. Oh, Sir, I know not how to be willing
you should leave us in our pilgrimage, you have
been so faithful and so loving to us, you have
fought so stoutly for us, you have been so hearty
in counselling of us, that I shall never forget your
favour towards us.
Then said MERCY, ' O, that we might have thy
company to our journey's end ! How can sucLpoor
women as we hold out in a way so full of troubles
as this Avay is, without a friend or defender?*
Then said JAMES, the youngest of the boys,
'Pray, Sir, be persuaded to g*o with us and help us,
because we are so weak, and the way so danger-
ous as it is.'
GH. -ii. I am at my LORD'S commandment: if
he shall allot me to be your Guide quite through,
I will willingly wait upon you. But here you
failed at first; for when he bid me come thus far
with you, then you should have begged me of him
to have gone quite through with you, and he would
have granted your request. However, at present
We ai;e repeatedly reminded, with great propriety, that we
ought to be very particular and explicit in all our prayers, espe-
cially in every thing pertaining to our spiritual advantage. The
removal of faithful ministers, or the fear of losing them, may often
remind Christians that ' here they have failed:' they have not
tufficiently valued and prayed for them j or, making sure of their
THE PILGRIMS CORDIALLY' WELCOMED. 87
I must withdraw; and so tvood CHRISTIANA,
.MKUCV, and my brave children, Adieu.
Then the Porter, -Mr. WATCH FT i., asked C.'n
TIAXA of her country, and of her kindred: and
she said, ' I came from the city of DESTRUCTION;
I am a \\ idow-woman, and my husband is dead,
Kiine M;IS CHRISTIAN, the Pilgrim.' ' I;
said the Porter, ' was he your husband?" *
.said she, 'and these his children; and this,' (point-
ing to MKHCY) 'is one of my to\ni\s-women.'
Then the Porter rang his hell, as at Mich time he
is \vont, and there came to the door one of the
Damsels, whose name was HUMBLE-MI XD. And
to her the PoiHcr said, ' Go tell it within, that
CHRISTIAXA, tlic wife of CHRISTIAN', and her
children, ; ue hither on pilgrim:: She
went in. therefore, and t-.>ld it. Ihit, oh, what noix-
Indues was therein, when the damsel did but
drop that out of her mouth !
So they eame wi-h haste to the Porter, for CHUIS-
TIAN \ ->iood still at the door. Then some of the
-lid unto her, * Come in, CHRISTI A XA.
come in, thou wife of that g.uul man, cois-.e in,
thou hle^e<l woman, come in, with all til; 1 '
with thee.' So she went in, and they foilov.c<l her
that \\ere her children and her companions. Now
contii 1 in appan nl j r-'l-.i' iiiti ' nr.ulclhat
tlio sulijiH-1 el tlu-ir jurn'.'.-ii , ..iii n-buk<-l
'
88 THEY FEAST ON THE PASCHAL LAMB,
when they were gone in, they were had into a
large room, and bid to sit down : so they sat down,
and the chief of the house were called to see and
welcome the guests. Then they came in, and,
understanding who they were, did salute each
other with a kiss, and said, ' Welcome, ye vessels
of the grace of GOD, welcome unto us who are
your faithful friends.' p
Now, because it was somewhat late, and because
the Pilgrims were weary with their journey, and
also made faint Avith the sight of the fight, and the
terrible lions, they desired as soon as might be, to
prepare to go to rest. * Nay,' said those of the
family, ' refresh yourselves with a morsel of meat:'
for they had prepared for them a lamb, with the
accustomed sauce thereto '. q For the Porter had
1 Exod. xii. 3. John, i. 29.
P "Angels rejoice over one sinner that repenteth;" and all,
who truly love the LORD, will gladly welcome such, as appear
to be true believers, into their most endeared fellowship: yet
there are certain individuals, who, being related to those that
have greatly interested their hearts, or having long been remem-
bered in their prayers, are welcomed with singular joy and
satisfaction, and whose professed faith animates them in a pecu-
liar manner.
' The passover was a prefiguration of the sufferings of CHRIST,
and the believer's acceptance of him; of his professed reliance on
the atoning sacrifice, preservation from wrath, and the deliverance
from the bondage of Satan, to set out on his heavenly pilgrimage.
And the LORD'S supper is a commemorative ordinance of a simi-
lar import j representing the body of CHRIST broken for our sins,
AND RETIRE TO REST. 89
heard before of their coming, and had told it to
them M'ithin. So when ther had supped, and end-
ed their prayer with a psalm, they desired they
might goto rest. * But let us, 'said CHRISTIANA,
4 if we may be so bold as to choose, be in that
chamber that was my husband's, \vhen he was
here.' So they had them up thither, and they all
lay in a room. When they were at rest, CHRIS-
TIANA and MERCY entered into discourse about
things that were convenient
CHR. Little did I think once, when my husband
wrnt on pilgrimage, that I should ever have fol-
lowed him.
MER. And you as little thought of lying in his
bed, and in his chamber to rest, as you do now. r
and his blood shed for us ; the application of these blessings to our
souls by faith, the profession of this faith, and of love to him and
bis people, influencing us to devoted self denyiug obedience: and
the effects which follow from thus * feeding on CHRIST in our
* hearts by faith with thanksgiving,' in strengthening us for every
conflict and service to which we are called. " The unleavrnnl
" bread of sincerity and truth," and " the bitter herbs" of godly
sorjow, deep repentance, mortification of sin, and bearing the
Cross, accompany the spiritual feast; and even render it more
relishing to the true believer, aj> endearing to him CHRIST aud hit
salvation.
f A marginal note here says, ' CHRIST'S bosom is for all Pil-
grims.' The sweet peace arising from calm confidence in the
Saviour, the consolations of hLs Spirit, submiv-iun t<> lii> will, and
the cheerful obedience of frr\c :>t love, gives rest to the soul, as if
\vc were reclining on his bosom with the beloved disciple '.
i P. i. P . 94 .
$0 MERCT TELLS HER DREAM:
CHR. And much hss did I ever think of seeing
his face with comfort, aWl of worshipping the LORD
the KING with him ; and yet now I believe I shall !
MER. Hark, don't you hear a noise?
CHR. Yes, 'tis, as I believe, a noise of musick
for joy that we are here.
MER. Wonderful! Musick in the house, musick
in the heart, and musick also in heaven, for joy
that we are here !
Thus they talked awhile, and then betook them-
selves to sleep. So in the morning when they
were awaked, CHRISTIANA said to MERCY, ' What
was the matter that you did laugh in your sleep to
night ? I suppose you was in a dream.*
MER. So I was, and a sweet dream it was; but
are you sure I laughed ? '
CHR. Yes ; you laughed heartily ; but prythee,
MERCY, tell me thy dream.
MER. I was a dreaming that I sat all alone in a
solitary place, and was bemoaning of the hardness
of my heart. Now I had not sat there long, but
methought many were gathered about me to see
me, and to hear what it was that I said. So they
hearkened, and I went on bemoaning the hardness
of my heart. At this, some of them laughed at
me, some called me fool, and some began to thrust
me about. With that, methought I looked up,
and saw one coining with wings towards me. So
he caine directly to me, and said, ' MERCY, what
aileththee?' Now when he had heard me make
1RISTIANA MAKES A REMARK ON IT. Ql
my complaint, he said, ' Peace be to thce:' lie al.->f>
wiped mine i-ycs \\ith his liand kerchief, and clad
me in silver and gold. He ]>ut a cliain upon my
neck, and car-rings in mine ears, and a beautiful
crown upon my head '. Then he took me by the
hand, and said, ' MERCY, come after me.' So he
went up, and I followed, till we came at a golden
Gate. Then he knocked : and, when they within
had opened, the man went in, and I followed him up
to a throne, upon which one sat, and he said tome,
* Welcome, daughter.' The place looked bright
and twinkling, like the stars, or rather like the
sun, and I thought that I saw your husband there.
So I awoke from mv dream. 13ut did I laimli?
/
CIIH. Laugh! ay, and well you might, to see
yourself so \\ell. For you must give me leave te
tell you, that it was a good dream ; and that as you
h:i\c begun to find the first part true, so you shall
find the second at last. ' " God speaks once, yea
' twice, yet man percciveth it not; in a dream, in
" a vision of the night, when deep sleep failcth
1 Ezck. xvi. 8 13.
1 They \\lui foci and lament the hardness of their ln-arts and
earnestly pray that tlie\ may be humbled, softened, and tilled uith
the Ime <>f CIIUIHT, may be assured that then s,,rnAv shall l>e
turned into joy : though they must expect to be ridiculed l.
as know not their own hearts. The a> that the dream
should le accomplished, is grounded on the effects produced upon
MERCY'S heart; and there is no danger of <ie.ii-ion. v. I en SO
fcriptural an encouragement is inferred even fium a dream.
92 THE PILGRIMS INVITED TO STAY AWHILE.
" upon men, in slumbering upon the bed V We
need not, when a-bed, to lie awake to talk with
God ; he can visit us while we sleep, and cause us
then to hear his voice. Our heart oft-times wakes
when we sleep; and God can speak to that, either
by words, by proverbs, by signs and similitudes, as
well as if one was awake.
MER. Well I am glad of my dream, for I hope
ere long, to see it fulfilled, to the making me laugh
again.
CHR. I think it is now high time to rise, and to
know what we must do.
MER. Pray, if they advise us to stay awhile, let
us willingly accept of the proffer. I am the wil-
linger to stay awhile here, to grow better acquaint-
ed with these maids ; methinks PRUDENCE, PIETY,
and CHARITY have very comely and sober coun-
tenances.
CHR. We shall see what they will do. So when
they were up and ready, they came down, and
they asl^ed one another of their rest, and if it was
comfortable, or not.
' Very good,' said MERCY, l It was one of the
best night's lodgings that ever I had in my life.'
Then said PRUDENCE and PIETY, if you will be
persuaded to stay here a while, you shall have what
the house will afford.
' Ay, and that with a very good will,' said CHA-
RITY. So they consented, and staid there about a
1 Job. xxxiii. 1416.
PRUDENCE CATECHISES JAMES. 93
month or above, and became very profitable one to
another. And, because PRUDENCE would see how
C'inusTiANA had brought up her children, she
,'^kcd leave of her to catechise them: so she gave
her free consent Then she began with the young-
u hose name was JAMES. And she said, ' Come
JAMES, canst thou tell me who made thcc?'
JAM. GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON, and
GOD the Holy GHOST.
PRUD. Good boy. And canst thou tell who
saved thee?
JAM. GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON, and
GOD the Holy GHOST.
1 PIIUD. Good boy still. But how doth GOD the
FATHER save thee?
JAM. By his grace. '
PRUD. I low doth GOD the SON save thee?
JAM. By his righteousness, and blood, and
death, and lite.
* Grace, in this connexion, signifies unmerited mercy or favour,
from which all the- blessin^., of val\;ition flow. The FATHER
freely mm- Ins SON to be our Redeemer, and n.\v freely commu-
iiinites his SPIRIT, through the merits and mediation of the Sox,
to be our Sam titier, and thus, with CHKIST, he freely gives all
things t<> thoM, who are enabled truly to believe in him. The im-
portant, but much neglected, dut> of catechising children is here
MT\ properly inculcated ; without attention to which, the minis-
ter's labours, both in publick preaching and private instruction,
will In- understood in a \er\ iinper! ; and any revival of
religion that takes place, will probably die with the generation to
which it is vouchsafed.
PART II. 1
94 PRUDENCE CATECHISES JOSEPH
PRUD. And how doth GOD the Holy GHOST
save thec ?
JAM. By his illumination, by his renovation,
and by his preservation.
Then said PRUDENCE to CHRISTIANA, ' You
are to be commended for thus bringing up your
children. I suppose I need not ask the rest these
questions, since the youngest of them can answer
them so well. I will therefore now apply myself
to the next youngest.'
Then she said, * Come, JOSEPH, (for his name
was JOSEPH,) will you let me catechise you?'
Jos. With all my heart.
PRUD. What is man?
Jos. A reasonable creature, made so by GOD,
as my brother said.
PRUD. What is supposed by this word, saved?
Jos. That man by sin has brought himself into
a state of captivity and misery.
PRUD. What is supposed by his being saved by
the Trinity?
Jos. That sin is so great and mighty a tyrant,
that none can pull us out of it's clutches, but GOD;
and that GOD is so good and loving to man, as to
pull him indeed out of this miserable state.
PRUD. What is GOD'S design in saving poor
man ?
Jos. The glorifying of his name, of his grace,
and justice, &c; and the everlasting happiness of
his creature.
AND SAMUEL. 95
PRUD. Who arc they that must he saved?
Jos. Those that accept of his salvation. u
PHUD. Good hoy, JOSEPH; thy mother hath
taught thee well, and thou hast hearkened to what
she has said unto thee.
Then said PRUDENCE to SAMUEL, (who was
the eldest son but one,) * Come, SAMUEL, are you
willing that I should catechise you also ? '
SAM. Yes, forsooth, if you please.
PRUD. What is heaven ?
SAM. A place and state most hlesscd, because
GOD clwelleth there.
PRUD. What is hell?
SAM. A place and state most woeful, because it
is the dwelling-place of sin, the devil, and death.
PRUD. Why wouldest thou go to heaven ?
SAM. That I may see GOD, and serve him with-
out Mrariness ; that I may see CHRIST, and love
him everlastingly ; that I may have that
The young pupil is not here taught to answer tystemati-
cally, 'All the elect ;' but practically, ' Those that accept of his sal-
vation." This is perfectly consistent with the other; but it is suited
to instruct and encourage the learner, who would be perplexed,
stumbled, or misled by the other view of the same truth. Thus
our LORD observed to \\'\> disciple-;, " I have mam thin;:- to say
" unto you, but ye cannot bear them now . " and P.\r i. fed the
Corinthians " with milk, and not with meat; for they were not
" able to bear it." How beneficial would a portion nf the same
hea\enl\ wisdom pn>\e to the modern friends of evangelical truth !
And how absurd is it to teach the hardest lessons to thi
scholars in the school of CHRIST!
EC 2
90 PRUDENCE CATECHISES MATTHEW;
the Holy SPIIIIT in me, that I can by no means
here enjoy.
PRUD. A very good boy, and one that has
learned well. Then she addressed herself to the
eldest, whose name was MATTHEW : and she said
to him, ' Come, MATTHEW, shall I also catechise
you ?'
MAT. With a very good will.
PRUD. I ask, then, if there was ever any thing
that had a being antecedent to, or before, GOD ?
MAT. No; for GOD is eternal ; nor is there any
thing, excepting himself, that had a being until
the beginning of the first day : " For in six days
1 ' the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and
"all that in them is."
PRUD. What do you think of the Bible?
MAT. It is the holy word of GOD.
PRUD. Is there nothing written therein but
what you understand ?
MAT. Yes, a great deal.
PRUD. What do you do when you meet with
places therein that you do not understand ?
MAT. I think GOD is wiser than I. w I pray
w We ought not to think ourselves capable of comprehending
all the mysteries of revelation, or informed of all that can be known
concerning them : yet we should not make our incapacity a reason
for neglecting those parts of Scripture, which we do not at present
understand ; but, uniting humble diligence with fervent prayer, we
should, wait for further light and knowledge, in all things conducive
to our good. There may be many parts of Scripture, which would
A\D COUNSELS ALL THE CHILDREN. 97
also that he will please to let me know all therein,
that he knows will he for my good.
PRUD. How In lieve you as touching the resur-
rection of the dead r
MAT. I believe they shall rise, the same that
was buried ; the same in nature, thottgh not in
corruption. And I believe this upon "a double ac-
count: First, because (ion has promised it:
Secondly, because he is able to perform it.
Then said PRUDENCE to the boys, ' You must
still hearken to your mother, for she can learn you
more. You must also diligcntlv <nvc car to what
. ~
good talk you shall hear from others: for your
sakes do they speak good things. Observe also,
and that with carefulness, what the heavens and
the earth do teach you; but especially be much
in the meditation of that Book, that was the cause
of your father's becoming a Pilgrim. I, for my
part, my children, Mill teach you what I can while
you are here, and shall be glad if you will ask me
questions that tend to godly edifying.
Now by that these Pilgrims had been at this place
a M-cek, Mr. i;cv had a visitor that pretended some
good- will unto her, and his name was Mr. BRISK,
not bo useful to us, if we could understand them; though they
ha\e bren, are, or will be iiM'M to otlurs ; and our inability to
list-over the meaning of these |.:i-.s;i--s may teach i;s humility, and
submission to the decisions of our infallible Instnn.-t.-i-.
Ee3
98 MERCY HAS A SUITOR.
a man of some breeding, and that pretended to reli-
gion; but a man that stuck very close to the world.
So he came once or twice, or more, to MERCY,
and offered love unto her. Now MERCY was of a
fair countenance, and therefore the more alluring.
Her mind also was, to be always busying of herself
in doing ; for when she had nothing to do for her-
self, she would be making of hose and garments
for others, and would bestow them upon them that
had need. And Mr. BRISK, not ,knowing where
or how she disposed of what she made, seemed to
be greatly taken, for that he found her never idle.
1 1 will warrant her a good housewife,' quoth he to
himself. x
MERCY then revealed the business to the Maid-
ens that were of the house, and enquired of them
concerning him, for they did know him better than
she. So they told her, that he was a very busy
* Designing men will often assume an appearance of religion,
in order to insinuate themselves into the affections of such pious
young women, as are on some accounts agreeable to them ; and
thus many are drawn into a most dangerous snare. This incident
therefore is very properly introduced, and is replete with instruc-
tion. At the same time an important intimation is given, con-
cerning the manner, in which those, who are not taken up with
the care of a family, may profitably employ their time, adorn the
gospel, and be useful in the church and the community. It is
much better to imitate DORCAS, who " through faith obtained a
"good report," in making garments for the poor; than to waste
time and money in frivolous amusements, or needless decorations ;
or even in the more elegant and fashionable accomplishments.
MHO FOBSAKES HER. 99
young "ian, and one that pretended to religion ;
but was. as they t eared, a stranger to the power of
that which is good.
1 Nay then/ said MFUCY, ' I \\ill look no more
on him ; tor I purpose never to have u clog to my
.soul/
PRUDENCE then replied, that there needed no
great matter of discourage mi nt to be given to
him ; for continuing so, as she had begun, to do
for the poor, would quickly cool his courage.
So the next time he comes he finds her at her old
work, a making of tilings for the poor. Then said
he, ' What always at it ?' ' Vt s,' said she, * either
for myself or for others.' ' And what canst thou
earn a day ?' quoth he. ' I do these things/ said
she, " that I may he rich in good wmks laying a
" good foundation against the time to come, that
" I may lay hold of eternal life V ' Why pr'ytlur,
M-hat do>t thou do with them?" said he. * Clothe
the naked/ said she. With that his countenance
fell. So he 1 01 chore to come at her again. And
when he was asked the reason why, he said, that
* MKHCY was a pretty lass, but troubled with ill
conditions.'
When he had left her, PRUDENCE said, 'Did I
not tell thee, that Mr. UKISK would soon forsake:
thee? yea, he will raise up an ill report of thee:
for, notwithstanding his pretence to religion, and
his seeming love to Mercy, yet mercy and he are of
1 i Tim. vi. i- 19.
Ec-t
100 MERCY AT PRESENT LITTLE REGARDED.
tempers so different, that I believe they will never
come together. y
MER. I might have had hushands before now,
though I spoke not of it to any ; but they were
such as did not like my conditions, though never
did any of them find fault with my person. So
they and I could not agree.
PRUD. Mercy in our days is little set by, any
further than as to it's name : the practice, which is
* Young people ought not wholly to follow their own judg-
ment in this most important concern, on which the comfort and
usefulness of their whole future lives in a great measure depend :
and yet it is equally dangerous to advise with improper counsel-
lors. The names of the maidens of the house, shew what kind of
persons should be consulted : and, when such friends are of opinion
that there is danger of a clog, instead of a helper, in the way to
heaven, all who love their own souls, will speedily determine, to
reject the proposal, however agreeable in all other respects. The
apostolical rule, " Only in the LORD," is absolute: the most up-
right and -cautious may indeed be deceived; but they, who neg-
lect to ask, or refuse to take, counsel, will be sure to smart for
their folly, if they be indeed the children of GOD. An unbeliev-
ing partner must be a continual source of anxiety and uneasiness;
a thorn in the side; 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 such marriages, to induce a declining state of religion; or
indeed more plainly shews that it is already in a very unprosper-
ous state. But, when Christians plainly avow their principles,
purposes, and rules of conduct, they may commonly detect and
shake off such selfish pretenders: while the attempts made to in-
jure their characters, will do them no material detriment, and will
render them the more thankful for having escaped the snare.
.MATTHEW IS SICK. 101
x-t forth by the conditions, there are but few that
fan abide.
Well, said MERCY, if nobody will have me. I
will die a maid, or inv conditions shall be to me as
a husband; for I cannot change my nature: and
to have one tint lies cross to me in this, that I pur-
pose never to admit of as loni* as I live. I had a
sister, named Bot x i iyr r., married to one of these
churls: but he and she could never agree; but,
because my sister was resolved to do as she had
bcrim, that is, to shew kindness to the poor, there-
fore her husband first cried her down at the cross,
and then turned her out of hi.s doors.
Pur i). And yet lie was a professor, I warrant
you.
M: u. Yes, such a one as he was, and of such
as the world is now full: but I am lor none of
them all.
No\\ MATTHEW, the eldest son of CHRISTIANA,
fell sick, ,-ind his sickness was sore upon him, tor
he was much pained in his bowels, so that he was
with it, at times, pulled, as it were, both ends to-
gether. There dwelt also not far from thence,
one Mr. SKILL, an ancient and \\ell-appro\ ( d
phxsician. So C'IIUI^M \\ \ desired it. and they
sent for him, and he came: when he was entricd
the room, and had a little observed the boy, he
concluded that he was sick of the gripes. Then
he said to his mother, 'What diet hath MATIHI.W
of late fed upon?' 'Diet,' s.iid CHRISTIANA,
102 THE CAUSE OF HIS SICKNESS.
* Nothing but what is wholesome.' The physician
answered, ' This hoy has been tampering with
something that lies in his maw undigested, and
that will not away without means. And I tell you
he must be purged, or else he will die.'
Then said SAMUEL, ' Mother, what was that
which my brother did gather and eat, so soon 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 side of the wall, and
some of the trees hung over the wall, and my bro-
ther did pluck and did eat.'
'True, my child,' said CHRISTIANA, 'he did
take thereof, and did eat ; naughty boy as he was;
I chid him, and yet he would eat thereof.
SKILL. I knew he had eaten something that
was not wholesome food ; and that food, to wit,
that fruit, is even the most hurtful of all. It is the
fruit of BEELZEBUB'S Orchard. I do marvel that
none did warn you of it ; many have died thereof.
Then CHRISTIANA began to cry ; and she said,
' O naughty boy ! and O careless mother ! what
shall I do for my son ?' z
* Sin, heedlessly or wilfully committed, after the LORD has
spoken peace to our souls, often produces great distress long after-
wards; and sometimes darkness and discouragement oppress the
mind, when the special cause of them is not immediately recol-
lected: for we have grieved the Holy SPIRIT and he with-holds
his consolations. In this case we should adopt the prayer of JOB,
" Do not condemn me ; shew me wherefore thou contendest witk
THE PHYSICIAN'S PRKSCRIPTIOV. 103
SKILL. Come 4 , do not be too dejected ; the boy
may do well again, but lit- must purge and vomit.
CUR. Pray, Sir, try the utmost of your skill
with him, whatever it costs.
SKI 1. 1.. Nay, I hope I shall be reasonable. So
he made him a purge but it was too weak ; it was
said, it was made of the blood of a goat, the ashes
of a heifer, and u ith some of the juice of hyssoji,
&c '. When Mr. SKILL had seen that that purge
was too weak, he made him one to the purpose ; it
was made K.i Came ct Sanguine. Chriitti 1 ". (you
know physicians give strange medicines to their
patients:) and it was made up into pills, with *
IT iinise or two, and a proportionable quantity of
salt'. Now he was to take them three at a time,
fasting, in half a quarter of a pint of the U;n
repentance*. When this portion was prepared,
and brought to the boy, he was loath to take it,
1 Heb. ix. 13. 19. x. i 4. John, vi. 54 57. Hcb. ix. 14.
* Mark, ix. 49. * Zech. xii. 10.
" UK : " and this enquiry \\i\\ often be answered by the discourse
of -kiltul mini-NT*, and the faithful admonitions of our fellow
Christian-. When hojivful proti-M>r- an- greatly a-t d.-wu, it is
IN t" administi-r omliaU to tlu-m immttluitely : but t
poaosuch tjiu-stiDii-, as may lead to a di-o\rr\ .l the concealed
ra\i>- ! their distress. 'J'hus it will often be found, that they
have Uvn tannH-rinj; uith forbidden fruit; which di-ci.%rr\ may
tend ID their humiliation, and produce a similar euVi t on tin so
who have neglected their duty, by muttering others to MU \\nuout
\\armnj; or repi
104 HE RELUCTANTLY TAKES THE MEDICINE.
though torn with the gripes, as if he should be
pulled in pieces. ' Come, come,' said the physi-
cian, * you must take it.' 'It goes against my
stomach/ said the boy. 'I must have you take
it,' said his mother. ' I shall vomit it up again,'
said the boy. 'Pray, Sir,' said CHRISTIANA to
Mr. SKILL, * how does it taste?' ' It has no ill
taste,' said the Doctor ; and with that she touched
one of the pills with the tip of her tongue. ' Oh,
MATTHEW,' said she, ' this portion is sweeter than
honey. If thou lovest thy mother, if thou lovcst
thy brothers, if thou lovest MERCY, if thou lovest
thy life, take it.' So with much ado, after a short
prayer for the blessing of GOD upon it, he took it,
and it wrought kindly with him. It caused him
to purge, to sleep, and to rest quietly ; it put him
into a fine heat and breathing sweat, and rid him
of his gripes. a
* To support the allegory, the author gives the Physician's pre-
scription in Latin; but he adds in the margin, with admirable
modesty, The Latin I borrow. " Without the shedding of blood,
" there is no remission of sins," or true peace of conscience; "the
" blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin :" nothing there-
fore, can bring health and cure, in this case, but the ' body and
1 blood of CHRIST,' as broken and shed for our sins. These
blessings are made ours by faith exercised on the promises of GOD ;
the sanctifying grace of the Holy SPIRIT, which seasons our
words and actions as with salt, always connects with living faith ;
and godly sorrow, working genuine repentance, is renewed every
time we look to the Saviour, whom we have pierced by our recent
offences, and of whom we again seek forgiveness. The natural
HE RECOVERS. THE MEDICINE EXCELLENT. 105
So in a little time he got up, and walked about
with a staff, and would go from room to room, and
talk with PRUDENCE, PIETY, and CHARITY, of
his distemper, and how he was healed.
So when the hoy was healed, Cn UISTIANA asked
Mr. SKI LL, saying, ' Sir, what will content you for
your pains and care to me, and of my child ?' And
he said, * You must pay the Master of the College
of physicians, according to rules made in that case
and provided '.
But, Sir, said she, what is this pill good for
else?
SKILL. It is an universal pill ; it is good against
all diseases that Pilgrims are incident to; and,
when it is well prepared, will keep good time out
of mind.
CHR. Pray, Sir, make me up twelve boxes of
them: for, if I can get these, I will never take
other physick.
Sici i.i. These pills are good to prevent diseases,
as well as to cure when one is siek. Yea, I dare
SOT it, and stand to it, that if a man will hut use
j
this physick as he should, it will make him live for
' Ilcb. xiii. 1 1 1 5.
pride, stoutness, and unbelief of our hearts, render UN very reluc-
tant to this huMiiliatini; method <>f recovering peare and spiritual
lii; ami this often prolong our duties*: \ct nothing yields
more unalloyed comfort, than thus aliasing ourselves I < 1 u- (Jon,
and rel\ing on hi-, mcrcv through the atonement and j;,r.. union
of his beloved Son.
106 MATTHEW'S QUESTIONS TO PRUDENCE,
ever 1 . But, good CHRISTIANA, thou must give
these pills no other way, but as I have prescribed :
for if you do, they will do no good. b So he gave
unto CHRISTIANA physick for herself, and her
boys, and for MERCY; and bid MATTHEW take
heed how he eat any more green plums ; and kis-
sed him, and went his way.
It was told you before, that PRUDENCE bid the
boys, that if at any time they would, they should
ask her some questions that might be profitable,
and she would say something to them.
Then MATTHEW, who had been sick, asked her,
Why, for the most part, physick should be bitter
to our palates.
PRUD. To shew how unwelcome the word of
GOD, and the effects thereof, are to a carnal heart.
MAT. Why does physick, if it does good, purge,
and cause to vomit ?
PRUD. To shew, that the word, when it works
effectually, cleanseth the heart and mind. For,
look, what the one doeth to the body, the other
doeth to the soul.
1 John vi. 58.
b This hint should be carefully noted. Numbers abuse the
doctrine of free salvation, by the merit and redemption of CHRIST,
and presume on forgiveness, when they are destitute of genuine
repentance, and give no evidence of sanctification. But this most
efficacious medicine in that case will ' do no good;' or rather the
perverse abuse of it will increase their guilt, and tend to harden
their hearts in sin.
AXD HER ANSWERS. 107
MAT. What should we learn hy seeing the flame
of our fire go upwards ? and by seeing the beams
and sweet influences of the sun strike downwards ?
PR i n. By the going up of thelire we are taught
to ascend to heaven, by fervent and hot desires.
And by the sun his sending his heat, beams, and
sweet influences downwards, we are taught that
the SAVIOUR of the world, though high, readies
down Avith his grace and love to us below.
MAT. Where have the clouds their water?
P H L' D. Out of the sea.
MAT. What may we learn from that ?
PRUD. That ministers should fetch their doc-
trine from (ioD.
MAT. Why do they empty themselves upon the
earth ?
PRUD. To shew that ministers should give out
what they know of GOD to the world.
MAT. Why is the rainbow caused by the sun ?
PRUD. To shew, that the covenant of GOD'S
grace is confirmed to us in CHRIST.
MAT. Why do the springs come from the sea to
us through the earth ?
PRUD. To shew, that the grace of GOD comes
to us through the body of CHRIST.
MAT. Why do some of the springs rise out of
the top of high hilU -
PRUD. To shew, that the Sri HIT of grace shall
spring up in some that ;,re . ml might}, as
well as in many that are poor and low.
108 FURTHER QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
MAT. Why doth the fire fasten upon the can-
dle-wick ?
PRUD. To shew, that, unless grace cloth kindle
upon the heart, there will be no true light of life
in us.
MAT. Why is the wick, and tallow, and all,
spent, to maintain the light of the candle?
PRUD. To shew, that body and soul, and all,
should be at the service of, and spend themselves
to maintain in good condition, that grace of GOD
that is in us.
MAT. Why doth the pelican pierce her own
breast with her bill ?
PRUD. To nourish her young ones with her
blood, and thereby to shew that CHRIST the bless-
ed so loveth his young, his people, as to save them
from death by his blood.
MAT. What may one learn by hearing of the
cock crow?
PRUD. Learn to remember PETER'S sin and
PETER'S repentance. The cock's crowing shews
also, that day is coming on ; let then the crowing
of the cock put thee in mind of that last and ter-
rible day of judgment.
Now about this time their month was out;
wherefore they signified to those of the house, that
it was convenient for them to up and be going.
Then said JOSEPH to his mother, ' It is convenient
that you forget not to send to the house of Mr.
EVE'S APPLE SHEWN TO THE PILGRIMS. 109
INTERPRETER, to pray him to grant that Mr.
GREAT-HEART should be sent unto us, that he
may be our Conductor, the rest of our way.'
* Good boy,' said she, ' I had almost forgot.' So
she drew up a petition, and prayed Mr. WATCH-
FUL the Porter, to send it by some fit man, to her
good friend Mr. INTERPRETER; who, when it was
come, and he had seen the contents of the petition,
said to the messenger, ' Go tell them that I will
send him."
When the family, where CHRISTIANA was, saw
that they had a purpose to go forward, they called
the whole house together, to give thanks to their
K i \o, for sending of them such profitable guests
as these. Which done, they said unto CHRIS-
TIANA, * And shall we not shew thee something,
according as our custom is to do to Pilgrims, on
which thou mayest meditate when thou art on the
way?' So they took CHRISTIANA, her children,
and MERCY into the closet, and shewed them one
of the apples that EvE^ate of, and that she also did
give to her husband, and that for the eating of
which they were both turned out of Paradise ; and
c This may be applied to the case of persons who arc unavoid-
ably removed from those places, where they first made an open pro-
fession of the faith. The vigilant pastor, who can no longer watch
for their souls, will earnestly recommend them to the care of
some other minister, and join with them in pr.iyer, that the same
faithful services, or better, may be rendered them by other servants
f their common Lord.
PAllT JI. Ff
110 JACOB'S LADDER: THE ANCHOR:
asked her, ' What she thought that was ?' Then
CHRISTIANA said, ' It is food or poison, I know
not which. ' So they opened the matter to her,
and she held up her hands and wondered '. d
Then they had her to a place, and shewed her
JACOB'S ladder. Now at that time there were
some Angels ascending upon it. So CHRISTIANA
looked and looked to see the Angels go up ; so did
the rest of the company *. Then they were going
into another place, to shew them something else :
but JAMES said to his mother, ' Pray bid them
stay a little longer, for this is a curious sight.' So
they turned again, and stood feeding their eyes on
this so pleasant a prospect. e After this, they had
1 Gen. iii. i 6. Rom. vii. 24. * Gen. xxviii. 12.
d The nature of the first transgression ; the ambiguous insinua-
tions by which the tempter seduced EVE, and by her, ADAM;
the motives from which they ate the forbidden fruit ; and the
dreadful disappointment that followed; with all the aggravations
and consequences of that most prolifick offence, which contained
in it, as in miniature and embrio, all future sins, are very instruc-
tive and affecting to the pious mind. For the enemy still pro-
ceeds against us, according to the same general plan ; suggesting
hard thoughts of God, doubts about the restrictions and threaten-
ings of his word, proud desires of independence or useless know-
ledge, hankerings after forbidden indulgence, and hopes of enjoying
the pleasures of sin, without feeling the punishment denounced
against transgressors.
e CHRIST, in his Person and offices, is the medium of commu-
nication between heaven and earth, between GOD and man: by
him sinners come to GOD with acceptance, and GOD dwells witk
AN'D ABRAHAM OFFERING UP ISAAC. Ill
them into a place, where there did hang up a golden
Anchor, so they bid CHRISTIANA take it down;
for, said they, you shall have it with you, for it is
of absolute necessity that you should, that you may
lay hold of that within the veil, and stand stedfast
in case you should meet with turbulent weather:
so they were glad thereof 1 . f Then they took
them, and had them to the mount upon which
ABRAHAM our father had offered up ISAAC his
son, and shewed them the altar, the wood, the fire,
and the knife ; for they remain to be seen to this
very day. "When they had seen it, they held up
their hands, and blessed themselves, and said, * Oh
what a man for love to his Master, and for denial
to himself, was ABRAHAM !' After they had she wed
them all these things, PRUDENCE took them into
* Joel, iii. 16. Hcb. vi. 19.
them and is glorified; through him they present their worship and
services, and receive supplies of all heavenly blessings; and for
his sake Angels delight in " ministering to the heirs of salvation,"
as instruments of his providential care over them and all their
concerns. This was represented or typified by JACOB'S ladder.
* The hope of glory, or of the fulfilment of all GOD'S promises
to our souls, is the golden Anchor, by which we must be kept
stedfast in the faith, and encouraged to abide in our proper
station, amidst the storms of temptation, affliction, and per-
secution. This it will certainly effect; provided it be genuine
and living, grounded on the word of GOD, springing from faith in
his Sox, warranted by the experience of his grace, and accom-
panied by prevailing desires of a holy felicity, in the presence,
favour, and service of the LORD.
112 -GREAT-HEART ARRIVES,
a dining room, where stood a pair of excellent
virginals ; so she played upon them, and turned
what she had shewed them into this excellent song,
saying,
* EVE'S apple we have shewed youj
Of that be you aware ;
You have seen JACOB'S ladder too,
Upon which Angels are;
An Anchor you received have ;
But let not this suffice,
Until with Abra'am you have gave
Your best of sacriiice.'
Now about this time one knocked at the door :
so the Porter opened, and, behold, Mr. GREAT-
HEART was there! But when he was come -in,
what joy was there ! for it came now fresh again
into their minds, how but a while ago he had slain
old GRIM BLOODY-MAN the Giant, and had de-
livered them from the Lions.
Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART to CHRISTIANA,
and to MERCY, i My LORD hath sent each of you
a bottle of wine, and also some parched corn, to-
gether with a couple of pomegranates ; he also sent
the boys some figs and raisins ; to refresh you in
your way.'
Then they addressed themselves to their journey ;
and PRUDENCE and PIETY went along with them.
When they came at the Gate, CHRISTIANA asked
the Porter, if any of late went by. He said, ' No,
only one, some time since, who also told me,
that of late there had been a great robbery coin-
AND THE PILGRIMS DEPART. 113
mitted on the KING'S highway, as you go: but,
said he, the thieves arc taken, and will shortly be
tried for their lives.' Then CHRISTIANA and
MERCT were afraid; but MATTHEW said, Mother,
fear nothing, as long as Mr. GREAT-HEART i.> to
go with us, and to be our Conductor.
Then said CHRISTIAN A t<> llu- Porter, 'Sir, I
aminucli obliged to you tor all the kindnesses that
you have .shewed to me since I cauic hither ; and
also that you have been so loving and kind to my
children; I know not how to gratify your kind-
ness : wherefore, pray, as a token of my respects
to you, accept of this small mite.' So she put a
gold angel in his hand ; and he made her a low
obeisance, and said, " Let thy garments be always
<l white, and let thy head want no ointm
' Let MERCY live and not die, and let not her
works be lew.' And to the boys lie said, * Do
you llee youthful lusts, and follow after godliness
*"
with them that are grave and wNc; .<<> shall you
put gladness into your mother's heart, and obtain
praise of all that are sober-minded.' So they
thanked the Porter, and departed.
Now I saw in my dream, that they went forward,
until they were come to the brow of the hill, where
I'll TY, bethinking herself, cried out, 'Alas! I
have forgot what I intended to bestow upon CHRIS-
TIANA and her companions; I will go back and
fetch it.' So she ran and fetched it. When she
was gone, CHRISTIANA thought she heard in a
Ff3
114 THE SINGING BIRDS.
grove, a little way off on the right hand, a most
curious melodious note, with words much like
these :
' Through all my life thy favour is
So frankly shew'd to me,
That in thy house for evermore
My dwelling place shall be/
And listening still she thought she heard an-
other answer it, saying,
* For why? The LORD our GOD is good,
His mercy is for ever sure :
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.'
So CHRISTIANA asked PRUDENCE what it was
that made those curious notes. They are, said
she, our country-birds : they sing these notes but
seldom, except it be at the spring when the flowers
appear, and the sun shines warm, and then you
may hear them all the day long. I often, said she,
go to hear them; we also oft-times keep them
tame in our house. They are very fine company
for us when we are melancholy ; also they make
the woods and groves, and solitary places, places
desirous to be in *.
By this time PIETY was come again; so she
said to CHRISTIANA, Look here, I have brought
thee a scheme of all those things that thou hast
seen at our house, upon which thou mayest look
when thou findest thyself forgetful, and call those
1 Sol. Song, ii. 11, 12.
THE VALLEY OF HUMILIATION. 115
things again to remembrance, for thy edification
and comfort.
Now they began to go down the hill to the
Valley of HUMILIATION. It was a steep hill, and
the way was slippery ; but they were very careful ;
so they got down pretty well. When they were
down in the Valley, PIETY said to CHRISTIANA,
this is the place where your husband met with the
foul fiend APOLLYON, and where they had the
great fight that they had : I know you cannot but
have heard thereof. But be of good courage, as long
as you have here Mr. GREAT-HEART to be your
Guide and Conductor, we hope you will fare the
better. So when these two had committed the
Pilgrims unto the conduct of their Guide, he went
forward, and they went after.
Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART, We need not be
so afraid of this Valley, for here is nothing to hurt
us, unless we procure it ourselves. It is true,
CHRISTIAN did here meet with APOLLYOX, with
whom lie had also a sore combat ; but that fray
was the fruit of those slips that he got in his going
down the hill : for they that get slips there, must
look for combats here '. And hence it is that this
Valley has got so hard a name. For the common
people, when they hear that some frightful thing
has befallen such an one, in such a place, are of
opinion that that place is haunted with some foul
fiend, or evil spirit; when, alas ! it is for the fruit
1 P. i. p. 1O2 ill.
Ff4
116 SLIPS THE OCCASION OF CONFLICTS.
of their doing, that such things do befal them
there.
This Valley of HUMILIATION is of itself as
fruitful a place as any the crow flies over ; and I
am persuaded, if we could hit upon it, we might
find somewhere hereabout something that might
give us an account, why CHRISTIAN was so hardly
beset in this place.
Then JAMES! said to his mother, l Lo, yonder
stands a pillar, and it looks as if something was
written thereon ; let us go and see what it is.' So
they went, and found there written, ( Let CHRIS-
TIAN'S slips, before he came hither, and the burden
that he met with in this place, be a warning to
those that come after.' ' Lo,' said their Guide,
( did I not tell you that there was something here-
abouts that would give intimation of the reason
why CHRISTIAN was so hard beset in this place.'
Then, turning to CHRISTIANA, he said, ' No dis-
paragement to CHRISTIAN, more than to many
others whose hap and lot it was. For it is easier
going up than down this Hill, and that can be
said but of few hills in all these parts of the world.
But we will leave the good man, he is at rest, he
also had a brave victory over his enemy : let Him
grant that dwelleth above, that we fare no worse,
when we come to be tried, than he !' s
8 As the author here evidently alluded to some particulars in
his own experience, a more explicit account of these slips would
THE VALLEY VERY FRUITFUL. 117
But we will conic again to this Valley of II u-
ai i LI AT i ox. It is the best and most fruitful piece
of ground in all these parts. It is a fat ground ;
a:ul, as you sec, consistcth much in meadows ; and
if a man was to come here in the summcr-tiine, as
Avcdo now, if he knew not any thing before there-
of, and if he also delighted himself in the sight of
his eyes, he might see that which would be delight-
have been very interesting and instructive; but as it is we can
only conjecture his meaning. lie probably referred to some
MHII;.-(.IIS rnncliMnn-. which he had formed, concerning the
measure of the LORD'S dealings with his people, and the na-
ture of their situation in this world. Having obtained peace
and comfort, and enjoyed sweet satisfaction in communion \\iih.
his brethren, he expected the continuance of this happy frame,
and considered it as the evidence of his acceptance: so tliut afflic-
tions and humiliating discoveries of the evils of his heart, by
interrupting his comforts, induced him to conclude that hi-> rast
experience was a delusion, and that (Jon v.as become hi* enemv;
and this unscripttiral way of judging concerning hw state seem*
to have made \vny for the dark, temptations that followed. Were
it not for such mistakes, humiliating di-j-i usations and experiences
would not have any necessary connexion with terror; atid they
would give less occasion to temptations, than p-osperity and com-
fort do : while a lowly condition is exempted from the ntmberien
Miares, encumbrances, and anxieties of a more exalt' ;
and humility is the parent of patience, mei ' . ti.ient,
thankful IK----, and e\ery h<Jy disposition that can em id, i
the soul. A far greater proportion of i : re found in in-
ferior circumstances, than among the v -id they who are
kept low commonly thrive the best, and arc moM simple nnd
diligent. Without poverty of Spirit, we cannot pos^ex* * tho
" unsearchable riches of CHRIST :" and more promises arc made
to the humble, than to any other character .r.
118 THE SHEPHERD'S BOY, MEAN BUT CHEERFUL.
f ul to him. Behold, how green this Valley is ; also
how beautiful with lilies *. I have also known
many labouring men that have got good estates in
this Valley of HUMILIATION; (for " GOD re-
" sisteth the proud, but giveth more grace to the
"humble;") for indeed it is . a very fruitful soil,
and doth bring forth by handfuls. Some also have
wished, that the next Way to their FATHER'S
house were here, that they might be troubled no
more with either hills or mountains to go over :
but the Way is the way, and there is an end. h
Now as they were going along, and talking,
they espied a boy feeding his father's sheep. The
boy was in very mean clothes, but of a fresh and
well-favoured countenance ; and as he sat by him-
self he sung. ' Hark,' said Mr. GREAT-HEART, ' to
what the shepherd's boy saith :' so they hearkened,
and he said
' He that is down, needs fear no fall ;
He that is low, no pride :
Sol. Song, ii. i. James, iv. 6. i Peter, v. 5.
h The consolations of humble believers, even in their lowest
abasement, when favoured by the exhilarating and fertilizing
beams of tjie SUN of Righteousness, arc represented under this
emblem. The lilies are the harmless and holy disciples of
CHRIST, who adorn a poor and obscure condition of life; and
who are an ornament to religion, being " clothed with humility."
Many grow rich in faith and good works in retirement and obscu-
rity ; and become averse, even at the call of duty, to emerge from
it, lest any advancement should lead them into temptation, stir up
their pride, or expose them to envy and contention.
ADVANTAGES OF A LOWLY CONDITION. 119
He that H humble ever shall
IIuvc GOD to be his Guide.
I am content with what I have,
Little be it or much:
And, LORD, contentment still I crave,
Because thou savest such.
Fulncy to such a burden is
That go on pilgrimage:
Here little, and hereafter bliss,
Is best from age to age '.'
Then said the Guide, * Do you hear him ? I will
dare to say, this boy lives a merrier lite, and wears
more of the herb called heart" s-ease in his bosom,
than he that is clad in silk and velvet. But we
will proceed in our discourse. *
In this Valley our LORD formerly had his coun-
try-house, he loved much to be here: he loved
also to walk in these meadows, and he found the
air was pleasant. Besides, here a man shall be
free from the noise, and from the hurryings of this
life : all states are full of noise and confusion, only
the Valley of HUMILIATION is that empty and
solitary place. Here a man shall not be let and
hindered in his contemplation, as in other places
IK- is apt to be. This is a Valley that nobody
\\ulks in, but those that love a Pilgrim's life. And
1 Hcb. xiii. 5.
1 Perhaps the Shepherd's boy may refer to the obscure but quiet
station of some pastors over small congregating, \ I o live almost'
unknown to their brethren, but arc in a measure u&ctul, and very
comfortable.
120 OUR LORD LOVED THIS VALLEY.
though CHRISTIAN had the hard hap to meet with
APOLLYON, and to enter with him in a hrisk en-
counter ; yet I must tell you, that in former times
men have met with Angels here, have found pearls
here, and have in this place found the words of
life 1 .
Did I say our LORD had here in former days
his country-house, and that he loved here to walk ?
I will add, in this place, and to the people that
live and trace these grounds, he has left a yearly
revenue, to be faithfully paid them at certain
seasons for their maintenance by the way, and for
their further encouragement to go on their pil-
grim a<re. k
Now, as they went on, SAMUEL said to Mr.
GREAT-HEART ; 'Sir, I perceive that in this Val-
1 Hos. xii. 4, 5.
k Our LORD chose retirement, poverty, and an obscure sta-
tion, as the rest and delight of his own mind ; as remote from
bustle and contention, and favourable to contemplation and devo-
tion: so that his appearance in a publick character, and in crowd-
ed scenes, for the good of mankind and the glory of the FATHER,
was a part of his self-denial, in which " he pleased not himself."
Indeed there is a peculiar congeniality between a, lowly mind,
and a lowly condition : and as much violence is done to the in-
clinations of the humble, when they are rendered conspicuous
and advanced to high stations, as to those of the haughty, when
they are thrust down into obscurity and neglect. Other men
seem to be banished into this Valley;, but the poor in spirit
love to walk in it : and, though some believers here struggle with
distressing temptations, others in pasting through it enjoy much
communion with GOD.
FORGETFUL GREEN. 121
Icy my father and APOLLYOX had their battle;
but whereabout was the fight? for I perceive this
Valley is large.'
( * R. -H. Your father had the battle with APOL-
LYOX, at a place yonder before us, in a narrow
passage, just beyond FORGETFUL GREEN. And
indeed that place is the most dangerous place iu
all these parts : for if at any time Pilgrims meet
M ith any brunt, it is when they forget what fa-
vours they have received, and how unworthy they
are of them. ' This is the place also, where others
have been hard put to it. But more of the place
when we are come to it ; for I persuade myself,
that to this day there remains either some sign
of the battle, or some monument to testify that
such a battle there was fought.
Then said MERCY, I think I am as well in this
Valley as I have been any where else in all our
journey : the place, Bethinks, suits with my spirit.
I love to be in such places where there is no rat-
1 When consolations and privileges betray us \t\tnforgrffulites9
of our entire unworthiness of such special favours, huniiliatin^
di^HMisations conunnnlv ensue: and these sometimes reciprocally
<-\riti> murmurs and forgctfulncss of past mercies. Thus Satan
pains an opportunity of assaulting the soul \vitli dreadful tempta-
tions: and, while at one moment hard thoughts . of CJoo, or doubt*
concerning the truth of his word, arc suggested to our minds; al
the m-\t \vc may be affrighted by our own dreadful rebellion and
ingratitude, prompted to cwulcnin ourselves as hypocrite*, und
almost dri\cu to dopair.
MERCY IS WELL IX THE VALLEY.
tling with coaches, nor rumbling with wheels :
methinks, here one may, without much molesta-
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 spirit, until one's eyes become " as the fish-
pools of HESHBON." They that go rightly through
this " Valley of BACA, make it a we.ll; the rain,''
that GOD sends down from heaven upon them that
are here, " also filleth the pools." This Valley is
that from whence also the KING will give to them
their vineyards ' ; and they that go through it
shall sing as CHRISTIAN did, for all he met with
APOLLYON.
' It is true,' said their Guide, ' I have gone
through this Valley many a time, and never was
better than when here. I have also been a Con-
ductor to several Pilgrims, and they have confessed
the same. " To this man will I look," (saith the
KING,) " even to him that is poor, and of a con-
" trite spirit, and that trembleth at my word".'
Now they were come to the place where the*
aforementioned battle was fought. Then said the
Guide to CHRISTIANA, her children, and MERCY,
' This is the place: on this ground CHRISTIAN
stood, and up there came APOLLYON against him :
and, look, did not I tell you, here is some of your
husband's blood upon these stones to this day.
i Sol. Song. vii. 4. Ps. Ixxxiv, 57* Hos. ii. 15.
MEMORIALS OF CHRISTIAN'S CONFLICT.
Behold, qlso, how here and there are yet to be seen
upon the place some of the shivers of APOLLYON'S
broken darts. See also, how they did beat the
ground with their feet as they fought, to make
good their places against each other; how also,
with their by-blows, they did split the very stones
in pieces: verily CHRISTIAN did here play the
man, and shewed himself, as stout as HERCULES
could, had he been there, even he himself. When
APOLLYON was beat, he made his retreat to the
next Valley, that is called the Valley of the SHA-
DOW OF DEATH, unto which we shall come anon.
Lo, yonder also stands a monument, on which is
engraven this battle, and CHRISTIAN'S victory,
to his fame throughout all ages.' *
So because it stood just on the way-side before
them, they stepped to it, and read the writing,
which word for word was this
m We ought carefully to study the records left us of the temp-
tat ions, conflicts, faith, patience, and victories of former believers:
we should mark well,' what wounds they received, and by what
misconduct they were occasioned, that we may watch and pray
l'st \\e fall in like manner. We ought carefully to observe, hovr
i lu -v successfully repelled the various assaults of the tempter, that
we may learn to resist him, s ted fast in the faith: and in general,
their triumphs should animate us, to ** put on," and keep on,
" the whole armour of GOD, that we may be enabled to withstand
" in the evil day." On the other hand, such as have been ren-
dered victorious should readily speak of their experiences among
tho.\c that fear GOD, that they may be cautioned, instructed, and
<*Ncouraged by their example.
124 THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH".
* Hard by here was a battle fought,
Most strange, and yet most true ;
CHRISTIAN and APOLLYON sought
/ Each other to subdue.
The man so bravely play'd the man,
He made the fiend to fly:
Of which a monument I stand,
The same to testify.'
When they had passed by this place, they came
upon the borders of the SHADOW OF DEATH, and
this Valley was longer than the other ; a place also
most strangely haunted with evil things, as many
are able to testify : but these women and children
went the better through it, because they had day-
light, and because Mr. GREAT-HEART was their
Conductor.
When they were entered upon this Valley, they
thought that they heard a groaning, as of dead
men ; a very great groaning. They thought also
that they did hear words of lamentation, spoken
as of some in extreme torment. These things
made the boys to quake, the women also looked
pale and wan ; but their Guide bid them be of
good comfort.
So they went on a little further, and they thought
that they felt the ground begin to shake under
them, as if some hollow place was there; they
heard also a kind of hissing, as of serpents, but
nothing as yet appeared. Then said the Boys,
' Are we not yet at the end of this doleful place ?'
But the Guide also bid them be of good courage,
THE PILGRIMS ALARMED BY A FIEND. 125
and look well to their feet, lest haply, said he, you
be taken in some snare. "
Now JAMES began to be sick, but I think the
cause thereof was fear ; so his mother gave him
some of that glass of spirits that she had given her
at the INTERPRETER'S house, and three of the
pills that Mr. SKILL had prepared, and the boy
begun to revive. Thus they went on, till they
came to about the middle of the V r alley ; and then
CHRISTIANA said, * Methinks I see something
yonder upon the road before us ; a thing, of a
shape such as I have not seen.' Then said JOSEPH,
1 Mother, what is it ?' ' An ugly thing, child ; an
ugly thing,' said she. ' But mother, what is it
like?' said he. * Tis like, I cannot tell what,'
" The meaning of this Valley has been stated in the notes on
the first part of the work ; and the interpretation there given is
here confirmed. As it relates chiefly to the influence, which
" the Prince of the power of the air" possesses over the imagina-
tion; it must vary exceedingly, according to the constitution,
animal spirits, health, education, and strength of mind or judg-
ment, of different persons. They, who are happily incapable of
understanding either the allegory or the explanation 1 , should be-
ware of despising or condemning such, as have been thus h:i:
And, on the other hand, these should take care, not t consider
such temptation>, as proofs of spiritual advancement ; or to yield
to them, as if the\ were essential to maturity of grace and expe-
rience; by which mean- Siitan often attains dreadful ;;'Kantagcs.
It is most advisable for tempted persons to consult s-nne able,
judicious minister, or compassionate :md established Christian,
whose counsel and prayers may be singularly useful in this cas>c;
observing the assistance which GKF.AT-II tAR r uve to the Pil-
grims, in passing through the. Valley.
PART II. G g
l<26 A LION AFFRIGHTS THEM.
said she. ' And now it is but a little way off.'
Then said she, ' It is nigh.'
* Well,' said Mr. GREAT-HEART, ' Let them
that are most afraid, keep close to me.' So the
Fiend came on, and the Conductor met it ; but
when it was just come to him, it vanished to all
their sights : then remembered they what had been
said some time ago ; " Resist the devil, and he will
" flee from you."
They went therefore on, as being a little re-
freshed; but they had not gone far, before MERCY,
looking behind her, saw, as she thought, something
almost like a Lion, and it came a great padding
pace after ; and it had a hollow voice of roaring ;
and at every roar that it gave, it made the Valley
echo, and all their hearts to ache, save the heart of
him that was their G uide. So it came up ; and
Mr. GREAT-HEART went behind, and put the
Pilgrims all before him. The Lion also came on
apace, and Mr. GREAT-HEART addressed himself
to give him battle. But when he saw, that it was
determined that resistance should be made, he also
drew back, and came no further *.
Then they went on again, and their Conductor
did go before them, till they came at a place where
was cast up a Pit the whole breadth of the way ;
and, before they could be prepared to go over that,
a great mist and a darkness fell upon them, so that
they could not see. Then said the Pilgrims, 'Alas ?
i Pet. v. 8.
DARKNESS, AND A PIT ACROSS THE WAV. 127
now what shall we do?' But their Guide made
answer, ' I-'ear not, stand still, and see what an end
will be put to this also.' So they staid there, be-
cause their path was marred. They then also
thought they did hear more apparently the noise
and rushing of the enemies; the fire also, and
smoke of the pit was much easier to be discerned.
Then said CHRISTIANA to MERCY, ' Now I see
what my poor husband went through; I have
heard much of this place, but I never was here be-
fore now. Poor man ! he went here all alone, in
the night; he had night almost quite through the
way: also these fiends were busy about him, as if
they would have torn him in pieces. Many have
spoke of it, but none tell what the Valley of the
SHADOW OF DEATH should mean until they come
in themselves. " The heart knows it's own bitter-
" ness ; a stranger intermeddleth not with it's joy."
To be here is a fearful thing.'
GR.-H. This is like doing business in great
waters, or like going down into the deep; this is
like being in the heart of the sea, and like going
down to the bottom of the mountains ; now it
serins as if " the earth with it's bars, were about us
" for ever." " But let them that walk in darkness,
' and have no light, trust in the name of the LORD,
" and stay upon their GOD.'' l'>r 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 see I am alive. I
Gg2
128 THEY PRAY, AND ARE DELIVERED.
would not boast, for that I am not mine own
Saviour. But I trust we shall have a good de-
liverance. Come, pray for light to him that can
lighten our darkness, and that can rebuke, not
only these, but all the Satans in hell.
So they cried and prayed, and GOD sent light and
deliverance ; for there was now no let in their way,
no not there where but now they were stopt with
a pit. Yet they were not got through the Valley :
so they went on still, and beheld great stinks and
loathsome smells to the. great annoyance of them.
Then said MERCY to CHRISTIANA, ' There is not
such pleasant being here as at the Gate, or at the
INTERPRETER'S, or at the house where we lay
last.'
1 O but,' said one of the boys, c it is not so bad
to go through here, as it is to abide here always ;
Whatever attempts Satan may make to terrify the believer,
resolute resistance by faith in CHRIST will drive him away: but
if fear induces men to neglect the means of grace, he will renew
his assaults on the imagination, whenever they attempt to pray,
read the Scripture, or attend on any duty ; till for a time, or
finally, they give up their religion. In this case therefore, deter-
mined perseverance in opposition to every terrifying suggestion is
our only safety. Yet sometimes temptations may be so multiplied
and varied, that it may seem impossible to proceed any further;
and the mind of the harassed believer is enveloped in confusion and
dismay, as if an horrible pit were about to swallow him up, or the
Prince of darkness to seize upon him. But the counsel of some
experienced friend or minister, exciting confidence in the power,
mercy, and faithfulness of GOD, ahd encouraging him to " pray
" without ceasing," will at length make way for his deliverance.
HEEDLESS SLAIN AXD CAST INTO A DITCH. 12.9
and, for aught I know, one reason why we must
go this way to the house prepared for us is, that
our home might be made the sweeter to us.'
4 \\\-\\ said, SAMUEL,' quoth the Guide, ' thou
hast now spoke like a man.' ' Why, if ever I get
out here again,' said the boy, * I think I shall prize
light and good way, better than ever I did in all
my life.' p Then said the Guide, * We shall be out
by and by.'
So on they went, and JOSEPH said, ' Cannot
we see to the end of this Valley as yet ?' Then
said the Guide, * Look to your feet; for we shall
presently be among snares.' So they looked to
their feet, and went on ; but were troubled much
with the snares. Now when they were come
among the snares, they espied a man cast into the
Ditch on the left hand, with his flesh all rent and
torn. Then said the -Guide, * That is one HEED-
LESS, that was going this way ; he has lain there
a great while. There was one TAKE-HEED with
f Should any one, by hearing the believer say, " The sorrows
" of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon
he tempted to avoid all religious duties, company, and reflections,
lest he shoHild experience similar terrors, let him \\rll wi-i^h this
observation ; ' It is not so bad logo through here, as to abide here
always.' Nothing can be more absurd, than to neglect rclip-ni,
lest the fear of hell should discompose a man's mind, when >uch
neglect exposes him to the eternal endurance of it: \\henvs th<
short taste of distress, which may be experienced by the tempted
believer, will make redemption more precious, and render peace,
comfort, and heaven at la-*t, doubly delightful !
Gg3
130 GIANT MAUL
him when he was taken and slain, but he escaped
their hands. You cannot imagine how many are
killed hereabouts, and yet men are so foolishly
venturous, as to set out lightly on pilgrimage, and
to come without a Guide. Poor CHRISTIAN, it
was a wonder that he here escaped ! but he was
beloved of his GOD ; also he had a good heart of
his own, or else he could never have done it. * q
Now they drew towards the end of the way;
and just there where CHRISTIAN had seen the
Cave when he went by, out thence came forth
MAUL a Giant. This MAUL did use to spoil
young Pilgrims with sophistry ; and he called
GREAT-HEART by his name, and said unto him,
1 How many times have you been forbidden to do
1 P. i. p. 123.
S The discouragement of dark temptations is not so formidable,
in the judgment of experienced Christians, as the snares connected
with them : for, while numbers renounce their profession, to get
rid of their disquietude ; many are seduced into some false doc-
trine that may sanction negligence, and quiet their consciences by
assenting to certain notions, without regarding the state of their
hearts, or what passes in their experience; and others are led to
spend all their time in company, or even to dissipate the gloom
by engaging in worldly amusements, because retirement exposes
them to these suggestions. In short, the enemy endeavours to
terrify the professor, that he may drive him away from GOD,
entangle him in heresy, or draw him into sin; in order to destroy
his soul, or at least ruin his credit and prevent his usefulness.
But circumspection and prayer constitute our best preservative;
through which, they who take heed to their steps escape, while
the heedless are taken and destroyed, for a warning to those that
come after.
ASSAULTS GREAT-HEART. 131
these tiling?' Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART,
' What things?' * What things !' quoth the (iiant;
' You know what tilings : hut I Avill put an end
to your trade/ * But pray,' said Mr. GREAT-
HEART, * hefore we fall to it, let us understand
wherefore we must fight.' (Now the women and
children stood trcinhling and knew not what to
do.) Quoth the Giant, 'You rob the country,
and rob it with the worst of thieves/ ' These are
but generals/ said Mr. GREAT-HEART, ' Come to
particulars, man/
Then said the Giant, ' Thou practises! the craft
of a kidnapper; thou gatherest up women and
children, and earnest them into a strange country,
to the weakening of my Master's kingdom/ But
now GREAT-HEART replied, 'lama servant of the
GOD of heaven; my business is to persuade sin-
ners to repentance; I am commanded to do my
endeavour to turn men, women and children,
u from darkness to light, and from the power
11 >f Satan to GOD;" and if this be indeed the
ground of thy quarrel, let us fall to it as soon as
thou wilt/
Then the Giant came up, and Mr. GREAT-HEART
went to meet him: and as he went he drew his
sword ; but the Giant had a club. So without
more ado, they fell to it, and at the first blow the
Giant struck Mr. GREAT-HEART down upon one
of his knees; with that the women and the chil-
dren cried: so Mr. GREAT-HEART, recovering
Gg*
GREAT-HEART KILLS THE GIANT;
himself, laid about him in a full lusty manner, and
gave the Giant a wound in his arm ; that he fought
for the space of an hour, to that height of heat,
that the breath came out of the Giant's nostrils, as
the heat doth out of a boiling caldron.
Then they sat down to rest them, but Mr. G REAT-
HEART betook himself to prayer ; also the women
and children did nothing but sigh and cry all the
time that the battle did last.
When they had rested them, and taken breath,
they both fell to it again ; and Mr. GREAT-HEART
with a full blow fetched the Giant clown to the
ground. Nay, hold, let me recover, ' quoth he :
so Mr. GREAT-HEART let him fairly get up. So
to it they went again, and the Giant missed but
little of breaking Mr. GREAT-HEART'S scull with
his club.
Mr. GREAT-HEART seeing that, runs to him in
the full heat of his spirit, 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 seconded his blow, and smote the
head of the Giant from his shoulders. Then the
women and children rejoiced, and Mr. GREAT-
HEART also praised GOD for the deliverance he
had wrought.
When this was done, they among them erected
a pillar, and fastened the Giant's head thereon,
and wrote under it in letters that passengers might
read ;
AND THEY ERECT A PILLAR. 133
4 He that <lid wear this head, was one
That Pilgrims did lui^u
He stopp'd their way, he spared none,
But did them all abuse :
Until that I GREAT-HEART arose,
Tin 1 Pilgrim's Guide to be:
Until that I did him oppose,
That was their enemy.' r
Now I saw that they went to the ascent, that
was a little way oft' cast up to he a prospect for
T This giant came out of t/ie core, where POPE and PAGAN
Lad resided. He is therefore the emblem of those formal SUJX.T-
stitious teacher.-*, and those speculating moralists, who in protostant
countries hu\e too generally succeeded the Romish priests and the
heathen philosopher*, in keeping men ignorant of the way of sal-
\ation, and in spoiling by their soph N try such as seem to be seri-
ously disposed. These persons often represent faithful ministers,
who draw olV their auditors, by preaching " repentance towards
" GOD, and faith towards our Lord JESUS CHRIST," as rob-
bers ami kidnappers; they terrify many, (especially when they
ie p-.u.-r of enforcing penal statutes,) from protiv^mg or
li earing the gospel, and acting according to their conscience*;
and they put the faith of Goo's servants to a severe trial. Vet
ram-, patience, and pnver willobtain the victory; and
they that are strong will be instrumental in animating the
to go on their way, rejoicing and praising GOD. Hut though these
enemies may be baffled, disabled, or apparently slain, it will aj>-
pear that they have left a posterity on earth to re\ile, injure, and
oppose the spiritual worshippers of GOD ine\ ..tion. The
Club with which the Giant was armed, may mean tl.e -ci uUn urm
or power, by which opposcrs of the ; --| .. i .ne urj 1( rall\ ilesin-u. of
enforcing their arguments and persuasions. " \\ e l.a\e a law, and
" by our law he ought to die:" this decision, like a heavy ciub,
seems capable of bearing all down before it ; nor can any withstand
its force, but those who rely on Him that is stronger than all.
134 THEY DISCOURSE ABOUT THE BATTLE.
Pilgrims, (that was the place from whence CHRIS-
TIAN had the first sight of FAITHFUL, his bro-
ther T ). Wherefore here they sat down and rested ;
they also here did eat and drink, and make merry,
for that they had gotten deliverance from this so
dangerous an enemy. As they sat thus and did
eat, CHRISTIANA asked the Guide if he had got
no hurt in the battle? Then said Mr. GREAT-
HEART, ' No, save a little on my flesh; yet that
also shall be so far from being to my detriment,
that it is at present a proof of my love to my
M ASTER and you, and shall be a means, by grace,
to increase my reward at last. '
CHR. But was you not afraid, good Sir, when
you saw him come with his club.
' It is my duty,' said he, ' to distrust my own
ability, that I may have reliance on Him that is
Stronger than all V
CHR. But what did you think, when he fetched
you down to the ground at the first blow?
' Why, I thought,' quoth he, ' that so my MAS-
TER himself was served, and yet he it was that
conquered at last.'
MAT. When you all have thought what you
please, I think GOD has been wonderful good unto
us, both in bringing us out of this Valley, and in
delivering us out of the hand of this enemy; for
my part, I see no reason why we should distrust
our GOD any more, since he has now, and in such
1 P. i. p t 125. * 2 Cor. iv.
THEY MELT WITH AX OLD PILGRIM. 1 ">.~>
a place as this, given us such testimony of his love
as this.
Then they got up and went forward. Now a
little before them stood an oak: and under it,
when they came to it, they found an old Pilgrim
fast asleep: they knew that he was a Pilgrim by
his clothes, and his staiV, 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 business here?'
( J n. -ii. Come, man, be not so hot, here is none
but friends. Yet the old man gets up, and stands
upon his guard, and will know of them what they
were. Then said the Guide, ' My name is GREAT-
HEART; I am the Guide of these Pilgrims, which
are going to the celestial Country.'
Then said Mr. HOXKST, ' I cry your mercy; I
feared that you had been of the company of those
that sometime ago did rob LITTLE-FAITH of his
money ; but now I look better about me, I per-
ceive you are honester people.' *
* The allegory requires us to suppose, that there were
places in which the Pilgrims might safely sleep; v> that nothing
disadvantageous to the character of this old disciple -reins to have
been intended. An avowed dependence on CHRIST for rijitf-
o us ness, a regard to the word of GOD, and an apparent sincerity
in word and deed, mark a man to be a Pilgrim, or constitute a
professor of the Dispel: but we should not too readily conclude
ever)- professor to be a true believer. The c.xperienced clui-tiau
136 HONEST, FROM THE TOWN OF STUPIDITY,
GR.-H. Why, what would or could you have
done, or helped yourself, if we indeed had been of
that company.
HON. Done ! why I would have fought as long
as" breath had been in me; and had I so done, I
am sure you could never have given me the worst
on't; for a Christian can never be overcome, un-
less he should yield himself.
1 Well said, father HONEST,' quoth the Guide;
1 for by this I know thou art a cock of the right
kind, for thou hast said the truth.'
HON. And by this also I know that thou kno west
what true pilgrimage is : for all others "do think,
that we are the soonest overcome of any.
GR.-H. Well, now we are happily met, let me
crave your name, and the name of the place 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 guess of you: your name is
old HONESTY, is it not? So the old gentleman
blush'd, and said, ' Not HONESTY in the abstract:
but HONEST is my name, and I wish that my na-
ture may agree to what I am called. '
will be afraid of new acquaintance; in liis most umvatchful sea-
sons, he will be readily excited to look about him ; and will be
fully convinced that no enemy can hurt him, unless he is induced
to yield to temptation and commit sin.
PAR BEYOND THE CITY OF DESTRUCTION. 137
1 But, Sir,' said the old gentleman, ' how could
you guess that I am such a man, since I came from
such a place.' '
GR.-H. I have heard of you before, by my MAS-
TER; for he knows all things that arc done on the
earth : but I have often wondered that any should
come from your place, for your Town is worse
than is the City of DESTRUCTION itself..
HON. Yes, we lie more off from the sun, and so
arc more cold and senseless; but was a man in a
mountain of ice, yet if the Sun of Righteousness
will arise upon him, his frozen heart shall feel a
thaw. And thus it has been with me. u
GR.-H. I believe it, father HONEST, I believe
it; for I know the thing is true.
Then the old gentleman saluted all the Pilgrims
with a holy kiss of charity; and asked them of
* Honesty in the abstract seems to mean sinless perfection.
The Pilgrim was a sound character, but conscious of many imper-
Irrti'uis, of which he was ashamed, and from which he sought de-
liverance. The nature of faith, hope, love, patience, and other
holy dispositions is described in Scripture, as a man would define
gold, by its essential properties. This shews what they are in the
abstract : but as exercised by us, they arc alwayg mixed with con-
siderable alloy ; and we are richer or poorer in this respect, in
proportion to the degree of the gold or of the alloy which is found
in our characters.
The LORD sometimes calls those sinners, whose character,
connexions, and situation, seem to phire them at the greatest dis-
tance from him ; that the riches of his mercy and the power of his
grace may be thus rendered the more conspicuous and illustrious.
138 HONEST'S BEHAVIOUR TO THE PILGRIMS.
their names, and how they had fared since they
had set out on their pilgrimage.
Then said CHRISTIANA, ' My name I suppose,
you have heard of; good CHRISTIAN was my hus-
band, and these four were his children.' But can
you think how the old gentlemen was taken, when
she told him who she was ! He skipped, he smiled,
and blessed them with a thousand good wishes ;
saying, 1 1 have heard much of your husband, and
of his travels and wars, which he underwent in his
days. Be it spoken to your comfort, the name of
your husband rings all over these parts of the
world ; his faith, his courage, his enduring, and
his sincerity under all, has made his name famous.'
Then he turned him to the boys, and asked of
them their names, which they told him. And then
said he unto them, 'MATTHEW, bethoulike MAT-
THEW the publican, not in vice but in virtue.
SAMUEL,' saith he, ' be thou like SAMUEL the pro-
phet, a man of faith and prayer. JOSEPH,' saith
he, ' be thou like JOSEPH in POTIPHAR'S house,
chaste, and one that flees from temptation. And
JAMES, be thou like JAMES the JUST, and like
JAMES the brother of our Lord 1 .' Then they
told him of MERCY, and how she had left her
Town and her kindred to come along with CHRIS-
TIANA and with her sons. At that the old honest
man said, * MERCY is thy name: by mercy shalt
thou be sustained, and carried through all those
1 Matt. x. 3. Ps. xcix. 6. Gen, xxxix. Acts i. 13, 14.
FEARING, A TROUBLESOME PILGRIM. 139
difficulties that shall assault thrc in thy way, till
tliou shalt come thither, where thou shalt look the
Fountain of mercy in the face with comfort.'
All this while the Guide, Mr. GREAT-HEART,
was very well pleased, and smiled upon his com-
panions.
Now, as they walked together, the G uide asked
the old gentleman * If he did not know one Mr.
FEARING, that came on pilgrimage out of his
parts ?'
' Yes, very well,' said he. ' He was a man that
had the root of the matter in him ; but he was one
of the most troublesome 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 most an end; when he first
began to think of what would come upon us heir-
after, I was with him.
GR.-H. I was his Guide from my MASTER'S
house to the Gate of the celestial City.
HON. Then you knew him to be a troublesome
one.
GR.-H. I did so; but I could very well bear it;
for men of my culling are oftentimes intrusted
with the conduct of such as he was. w
r The character and narrative of FEAKINC has been encrully
admired by experienced readers, as drawn and arranged with
140 HIS CONDUCT AT FIRST SETTING OtTT.
HON. Well then, pray let us hear a little of him,
and how he managed himself under your conduct.
GR.-H. Why, he was always afraid that he should
come short whither he had a desire to go. Every
thing frighted him that he heard any body speak
of, that had but the least appearance of opposition
in it. I hear that he lay roaring at the Slough of
DESPOND, for above a month together ; nor durst
he, for all he saw several go over before him, ven-
ture, though they many of them offered to lend
him their hand ! He would not go back again
neither ! The celestial City ! he said, he should
die if he came not to it ; and yet was dejected
at every difficulty, and stumbled at every straw
that any body cast in his way. Well, after he
great judgment, and in a very affecting manner, LITTLE-FAITH,
mentioned in the first part, was faint-hearted, and distrustful; and
thus he contracted guilt, and lost his comfort: but FEARING
dreaded sin, and coming short of heaven, more than all that flesh
could do unto him. He was alarmed at the least appearance or
report of opposition; but this arose more from conscious weak-
ness, and the fear of being overcome by temptation, than from a
reluctance to undergo derision or persecution. The peculiarity
of this description of Christians must be traced back to constitu-
tion, habit, first impressions, disproportionate and partial views of
truth, and improper instructions : these, concurring with weakness
of faith, and the common infirmities of human nature, give a cast
to their experience and character, which renders them uncomfort-
able to themselves, and troublesome to others. Yet no competent
judges doubt but they have the root of the matter in them ; and
none are more entitled to the patient, sympathizing, and tender
attention of ministers and Christians.
AT THE GATE, 141
had lain at the Slough of DESPOND a great
while, as I have told you, one sun-shine morning,
I don't know how, he ventured, and so got over:
but when he was over he would scarce believe it.
lie had, I think, a. Slough of Despond in his mind,
a slough that he carried every M'herc with him, or
else he could never have been as he was. So he
came up to the Gate (you know what I mean,)
that stands at the head of this way ; and there also
lie stood a good while, before he would venture to
knock. When the Gate was opened, he would
give back, and give place to others, and say, that
he was not worthy : for all he got before, some to
the Gate, yet many of them went in before him.
There the poor man would stand shaking and
shrinking; I dare say it would have pitied one's
heart to have seen him: nor would he go back
again. At hist he took the hammer that hanged
at the Gate in his hand, and gave a small rap or
two; then one opened to him, but he shrunk back
a-, before. He that opened, stepped out after him,
and said, ' Thou trembling one, what wantest
thou?' With that he iell down to the ground.
JIc that spake to him, wondered to see him so
faint. lie said to him, ' Peace to thee ; up, for I
have set open the door to thee; eoine in, for thou
art blc.sscd.' \Vith that he got up, and went in
trembling; and when that he was in, he was
ashamed to shew his face. Well, after he had been
entertained there awhile, (as you kno\v how the
PART II. II h
142 AT THE HOUSE OF THE INTERPRETER,
manner is,) he was bid go on his way, and also
told the way he should take. So he went till he
came to our house: but as he behaved himself at
the Gate, so he did at my MASTER the INTER-
PRETER'S door. He lay thereabout in the cold a
good while, before he would adventure to call;
vet he would not 2:0 back: and the nights were
%/ \j o
long and cold then. Nay he had a note of neces-
sity in his bosom to my MASTER, to receive him,
and grant him the comfort of his house, and also
to allow him a stout and valiant Conductor, be-
cause he was himself so chicken-hearted a man;
and yet for all that, he was afraid to call at the
door. So he lay up and down thereabouts, till
poor man ! he was almost starved : yea, so great
was his dejection, that, though he saw several
others for knocking got in, yet he was afraid to
venture. At last, 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 asked what
he was ; but poor man ! the water stood in his
eyes: so I perceived what he wanted. I went
therefore in, and told it in the house, and we shew-
ed the things to our LORD: so he sent me out
again to intreat him to come in ; but, I dare say,
I had hard work to do it. At last he came in ;
and, I will say that for my LORD, he carried it
wonderfully loving to him. There were but a few
good bits at the table, but some of it was laid upon
his trencher. Then he presented the note ; and'
AT THE CROSS, AXD THE HILL DIFFICULTY, 143
my LORD looked thereon, and said his desire
should Ire granted. / So when he had been there a
good while, he seemed to get some heart, and to
be a little more comforted. For my MASTER, you
must know, is one of very tender bowels, especially
to them that are afraid: wherefore he carried it so
towards him, as might tend most to his encourage-
ment. Well, when he had a sight 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 spirits, and some com-
fortable things to eat. Thus we set forward, and
I went before him; but the man was but of few
words, 'only he would sigh aloud.
When we- were come to where the three fellows
were hanged, he said, that In- doubted that that
would be his end also. Only he seemed glad
when he saw the C'ro.vs and the Sepulchre. There
I confer he desired to stay a little to look, and he
seemed for a while after to be a little comforted.
When we came at the Hill DIFFICULTY, he made
no ^tick at that, nor did he much fear the Lions:
for you must know, that his trouble was not about
such things as these; his fear was about his ac-
eeptanee at Ia*t.
I got him in at the House BEAUTIFUL, I think,
before he was willing; aNo when he Was in. 1
brought him acquainted with the Damsels that
were of the place, but he wa* ashamed to make
himself much for company: he k>ired nuigli to
Hh*
144 AT THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL,
\
be alone, yet he always loved good talk, and often
would get behind the screen to hear it : he also
loved much to see ancient things, and to be pon-
dering them in his mind. He told me afterward,
that he loved to be in those two houses from which
he came last, to wit, at the Gate, and that of the
IXTERPRETER, but that he durst not be so bold
as to ask. *
* Christians, who resemble FEARING, are greatly retarded in
their progress by discouraging apprehensions ; they are apt to spend
too much time in unavailing complaints ; they do not duly profit
by the counsel and assistance 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 forsaken worldly pursuits and pleasures. They are, indeed,
helped forward, through the mency of GOD, in a very extraor-
dinary manner: yet they still remain exposed to alarms, and dis-
couragements, in every stage of their pilgrimage: nor can they
ever habitually rise superior to them. They are afraid even of
relying on CHRIST for salvation; because they have not distinct
views of his love, and he methods of his grace; and imagine some
other qualification to be necessary, besides the willingness to seek,
knock, and ask for the promised blessings, with a real desire of
obtaining them. They imagine, that there has been something in
their past life, or that there is some peculiarity in their present
habits and propensities, and way of applying to CHRIST, which
may exclude them from the general benefit: so that they pray
with diffidence ; and being consciously unworthy, can hardly be-
lieve that the LORD regards them, or will grand their requests.
They are also prone to overlook the most decisive evidences of
their reconciliation to Gob; and to persevere in arguing with
perverse ingenuity against their own manifest happiness. The
same mixture of humility and unbelief renders persons of this
description backward in associating with their brethren, and in
IN THE VALLEY OF HUMILIATION, 145
\Vhen we went also from the House BEAUTIFUL,
down the hill, into the Valley of Hi MI I.IATION,
lie went down as well as ever I s:iw a man in my
life; for he cared not how mean he was, so he
might be happy at last. Yea, I think there was :i
kind of sympathy betwixt that Valley and him :
lor I never saw him better in all his pilgrimage,
than he was in that Valley.
Here he would lie down, embrace the ground,
and kiss the very flowers that grew in this Valley '.
1 Lam. iii. 27 29.
frequenting those companies in which they might obtain further
instruction: for they arc afraid of being considered as believer-,
or even serious enquirers ; so that affectionate and earnest per-
suasion is requisite to prevail with them to join in those religious
exercises by which Christians especially receive the teaching of
the IIi>lv Spirit. Yet this arises not from disinclination, but difli-
dence; and though they are often peculiarly favoured with sea-
sons of great comfort, to counterbalance their dejections; yet they
never hear or read of those who " have drawn back to perdition,"
but they an- terrified with the idea, that they shall shortly n-em-
ble them: so that every warning given against hypocrisy or sell-
deception scciii^ to point them out by name, and every new dis-
( <>\ei v of any fault or mistake in their views, temper, or conduct,
seems to decide their doom. At the same time, they arc often
remarkably melted into humble admiring gratitude, by contem-
plating the li\eand MilVerings of (.'n HIST, and >eem to delight in
hearing of that subject above all others. Tin \ {> n <i j -culiarly
fear difficulties, self-denial, reproaches, or jK-nx-i ution, wlu'ch
deter numbers from making an i-pen profession of religion : and
\ct they are more backward in this respect than others; b<
they deem themseUex flmvorthy to be admitted to such pri\ .
and into such s-ociety ; or el-e ar- apprehensive of being linully
separated from them, or becoming a disgrace to religion,
11 hj
146 IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
He would now be up every morning by break of
day, tracing and walking to and fro in the Valley.
But when he was come to the entrance of the
Valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH, I thought I
should have lost my man ; not for that he had in-
clination to go back, (that he always abhorred,)
but he was ready to die for fear. ' Oh the hob-
goblins will have me, the hobgoblins will have
me !' cried he ; and I could not beat him out on't.
He made such a noise, and such an outcry here,
that had they but heard him, it was enough to en-
courage 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 since. I suppos_e those enemies here
had. now a special check from our, LORD, and a
command not to meddle until Mr. FEARING
was passed over it. y
y A low and obscure situation suits the disposition of the per-
sons here described : they do not object to the most humiliating
views of their own hearts, of human nature, or of the way of sal-
vation; they are little tempted to covet eminence among their
brethren, and find it easier " to esteem others better than them-
" selves," than persons of a different frame of mind can well con-
ceive. On the other hand, their imaginations are peculiarly sus-
ceptible of impressions, and of the temptations represented by th
Valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH : so that in this respect they
need more than others the tender and patient instructions of faith-
ful ministers : while they repeat the same complaints, and urge
the same objections against themselves, that have already been
obviated again and again. But the tender compassion of the
LORD to them should suggest an useful instruction to his servants,
on this part of their work.
AT VANITY FAIR, AND AT TUT RIVER. 1-i?
It would be too tedious to tell yo_u of all; we
will therefore only mention a passage or two more.
When^he wa* come to V.\\i I-Y-FAIR, I thought
lie would have fought with all the men in the fair :
I feared there we should both have heen knocked
on the head, so hot was he against their fooli
I "pon the enchanted ground, he also was very
wakeful, lint, \\hen he was come at the River
where was no bridge, there again he was in a heavy
: * Xow, now,* he said, l he should be drowned
for ever, and so never see that lace with coraffas^
that he had come so many miles to behold.' And
here also I took notice of what was very rei.
V
able ; the water of that Uivcr was lower at this
time, than ever I saw it in all my life : so he went
o\\-r at last, not much above wet-shod. When he
was going up to the (iatc, I began to take my leave
of him, and to wish him a good reception aboxe;
so lit 1 said, ' I shall, I shall :' then parted we asun-
der, and I saw him no more.
I Io\. Then, it seems, he was well at last ?
(.;;.-n. V had doubt about him ;
he was a man of a choice spirit : only he was al-
^ kept very low, and that made his life so bur-
den-some to himself, and so very troublesome to
others'. lie was, above many, tender of sin; he
1 of doing injuries to others, that he
would often deny hiins;!f of that which was law-
ful, IxvaiiNC he would not otfend *.
1 Ps. Ixxxviii. * Rom. xiv. 21. i Cor. viii. 13.
148 REMARKS ON FEARING's CHARACTER,
HON. But what should be the reason that such
a good man should be all his days so much in the
dark ?
GR.-H. There are two sorts of reasons for it;
one is, The wise GOD will have it so ; some must
pipe, and some must weep 1 : now Mr. FEARING
was one that played upon the bass. He and his
fellows sound the sackbut, whose notes are more
-doleful than notes of other musick are : though
indeed, some say, the bass is the ground of musick.
And, for my part, I care not at all for that pro-
fession, that begins not in heaviness of mind.
The first string that the musician usually touches,
is the bass, when he intends to put all in tune :
GOD also plays upon this string first, when he sets
the soul in tune for himself. Only there was the
imperfection of Mr. FEARING, he could play upon
no other musick but this, till towards his latter
end.
[I make bold to talk thus metaphorically, for
the ripening of the wits of young readers ; and
because, in the book of REVELATION, the saved
are compared to a company of musicians, that play
upon their trumpets and harps, and sing their
songs before the throne 1 .]
HON. He was a very zealous man, as one may
see by what relation you have given of him. Dif-
ficulties, lions, or VANITT-FAIR, he feared not at
all : it was only sin, death and hell, that were to
1 Mat. xi. 16 18. 2 Rev. vii. xiv. 2, 3.
BY GREAT-HEART, AN'P THE PILGRIMS. 149
him a terror; because lie had some doubts about
his interest in that celestial Country.
(iit.-ii. You say right ; those were the "things
that were his troubles : and they, as you have well
observed, arose from the weakness of his mind
thereabout, not from weakness of spirit, as to the
practical part of a Pilgrim's life. I dare believe,
that, as the proverb is, ' lie could have bit a fire-
brand, had it stood in his way:' but those things,
with which he was oppressed, no man ever yet could
shake off with case.
Then said CHRISTIANA, ' This relation of Mr.
FEARING has done me good: I thought nobody
had been like me; but I sec there was some sem-
blance betwixt this good man and I. Only we
differ in two things : his troubles were so great,
that they brake out ; but mine I kept within. His
iiKo lay so hard upon him, they made him that he
could not knock at the houses provided for enter-
tainment; but my troubles were always such as
made me knock the louder/
MER. If I might also speak my mind, I must
say, that something of him has also dwelt in me;
for I have ever been more afraid of the Lake, and
the loss of a place in Paradise, than I have been at
the loss of other things. O ! thought I, May I have
the happiness to have a habitation there, it is
enough, though I part with all the world to win it.
Then said MATTIIF.W, ' Fear was one thing that
made me think that I- was far from having that
150 A COMMENDATION OF GODLY-FEAR.
within me that accompanies salvation ; but if it
was so with such a good man as he, why may it
not also go well with me ?'
' No fears, no grace, ' said JAMES. ' Though there
is not alwavs grace where there is the fear of hell ;
*- *-
yet, to he sure there is no grace where there is no
fear of GOD.'
GR.-II. Well said, JAMES; thou hast hit the
mark : for " the fear of GOD is the beginning of
"wisdom;" and, to be sure, they that want the
beginning have neither middle nor end. But we
will here conclude our discourse of Mr.
after we have sent after, him his farewel.
' Whilst Master FEARIXG, thou didst fear
Thy GOD, and wast afraid
Of doing any thing, while here,
That would have thee betrayed:
And didst thou fear the lake and pit ?
Would others did so too!
For as for them, that want thy wit,
They do themselves undo/ z
z No Christians are more careless about the opinion of the
world, or more zealous against its vanities, than persons of this
description; or more watchful in times of ease'and prosperity; but
the prospect of death is often a terror to them ; especially when
they suppose it to be at hand; yet they often die with remarkable
composite and comfort. Few ministers, who have had an oppor-
tunity of carefully observing the people entrusted to>their pastoral
care, can help thinking of some individual, who might seem to have
been the original of this admirable portrait; which is full of in-
struction both to them, and the timid, but conscientious, part of
their congregations. Indeed numbers, who are not character!*-
CHARACTER OF SELF-WILL. 1J1
Now I saw that they all went on in their talk ;
for, after Mr. GREAT-HEART had made an end
with Mr. FEAUINC, Mr. HONEST began to tell
them of another, hut his name was Mr. SELF-WILL.
' lie pretended himself to be a Pilgrim,' said Mr.
HONEST; ' but, I persuade myself, lie never came
in at the Gate that stands at the head of the way.'
(iu.-H. Had you ever any talk with him about
it?
HON. Yes, more than once or twice: but he
would always he like himself, xelj'-idlled. Henci*
ther cared for man, nor argument, nor example;
\\hat his mind prompted him to, that would he do;
and nothing else could he he got to.
( i 11. -H. Pray what principles did he hold ? for I
suppose you can tell.
HON. He held, that a man might follow the
vices as well as the virtues of the Pilgrims; and
that if he did both lie should be certainly saved.
tically FEAUFULS, have pometaiog of the same <!ip<> ition in
many particulars. Hut Mich a< fear reproach and self-denhil more
tlian those tiling which thi* ^<>od man dreaded, bear a contrary
character, and an- travelling tin- rad to an nj positi- placi-: and
fvi-n tlu-v wln^c O'nf'uU'Mcr of an intfir'-t in CHRIST far rxciu-ils
the dcproc of their humiliation, conscientiousness, ablicnvnce of
sin, and victory ovrr the \vorll, niny ju-tly IK- Mispt-ctcd .(' li.u ir
lii'Hiin tlirir religion in a \\roni: inunnrr; as tlu-y imuv irscmble
the stony-ground hfarrr.-, v.h-i " uunc ti.e \\< id \\itli jo\ , l-ut
" had no root in thrin--l>--,"- -t'aan ti, ; i tr;ir-,
" to reap injo\. i ; .'.ante unto
" Mlvatiun, not to be repented of."
152 SELF-WILL'S PRINCIPLES
GR.-H. How! if he had said, it is possible for
the best to be . guilty of the vices, as well as par-
take of the virtues, of the Pilgrims, he could not
much have been blamed. For indeed we are ex-
empted from no vice absolutely, but on condition
that we watch and strive. But this, I perceive, is
not the thing : but, if I understand you right,
your meaning is, that he was of that opinion, that
it was allowable so to be.
HON. Ay, ay, sol mean; and so he believed
and practised.
GR.-H. But what grounds had he for so saying ?
HON. Why, he said he had the Scripture for his
warrant.
GR.-H. Pr'ythee, Mr. P!ONEST, present us with
a few particulars.
HON. So I will. He said, to have to do with
other men's wives, had been practised by DAVID,
GOD'S beloved; and therefore he could do it. lie
_said, to have more women than one, was a thing
th^t SOLOMON practised; and therefore he could do
it. He said, that SARAH and the godly midwives
of EGYPT lied, and so did RAHAB ; and therefore
he could do it. He said, that the disciples went,
at the bidding of their MASTER, and took away
the owner's ass ; and therefore he could do so too.
He said, that JACOB got the inheritance of his
father in a way of guile and dissimulation ; and
therefore he could do so too.
CONFUTED BY GREAT-HEART. 153
GII.-H. High base, indeed! and arc you sure
lie was of this opinion ?
IIox. I have heard him plead for it, bring
Scripture tor it, bring arguments for it, &c.
GR.-II. An opinion that is not fit to be with any
allowance in the world !
IIox. You must understand me rightly : lie did
not say that any man might do this ; but that
those, that had the virtues of those that did such
things, might also do the same.
(lit. -ii. But what more false than such a con-
clusion ? for this is as much as to say, that, be-
cause good men heretofore have sinned of infir-
mity, therefore he had allowance to do it of a pre-
sumptuous mind : or if, because a child, by the
blast of wind, or for that it stumbled at a stone,
fell down, and defiled itself in mire; therefore he
might wilfully lie down and wallow like a boar
therein ! Who could have thought that any one
could so far have been blinded by the power of
lust? Hut what is written must be true : "They
" stumbled at the word, being disobedient ; where-
" unto also they Mere appointed '." His supposing
that such may have the godh man's virtues, who
addict themselves to his vie N is also a delusion as
strong as the other. It is just as if the dog should
>av. * 1 have, or may ha\c, the qualities of a child,
because I lick up it* stinking i \cremcnts.' " To
"eat up the sin of (inns people 1 ," is no sign of
Pel. ii. 8. IIo<. iv. 8.
154 SELF-WILL'S PLEA FOR HIS PRINCIPLES,
one that is possessed with their virtues. Nor can
I believfe, that one that is of this opinion, can at
present have faith or love in him. But I know
you have made strong objections against him ;
pr'ythee what can he say for himself?
HON. Why, he says, to do this byway of opinion,
seems abundantly more honest than to do it and
yet hold contrary to it in opinion.
GR.-II. A very wicked answer ; for, though to
let loose the bridle to lusts, while our opinions are
against such things, is bad ; yet to sin, and plead
a toleration so to do, is worse : tjie one stumbles
beholders accidentally, the other leads them into
the snare.
HON. There are many of this man's mind, that
have not this man's mouth ; and that makes going
on pilgrimage of so little esteem as it is. *
a The author peculiarly excels in contrasting his characters, of
which a striking instance here occurs. The preceding episode
relates to a very conscientious Christian, who through weak faith
and misapprehension carried his self-suspicion to a troublesome
and injurious extreme: and we have next introduced a false pro-
fessor, who, pretending to strong faith, made his own obstinate
self-will the only rule of his conduct. Yet in reality this arises
from total unbelief: for the word of GOD declares such persons to
be unregcnerate, under the wrath of GOD, " in the gall of bitter-
" ness and the bond of iniquity." It would hardly be imagined,
that men could be found maintaining such detestable sentiments
as arc here stated, did not facts most awfully prove it ! We need
not, however, spend time in exposing such a character: a general
expression of the de'cpest detestation may suffice ; for none who
have been given up to such strong delusion, can reasonably be
OTHER STRANGE OPINIONS. \53
GR.-II. You have said the truth, and it is to he
lamented ; but he that fearcth the Ki NO of PA RA-
DISH shall come out of them all.
CHK. There arc strange opinions in the world;
I know one that said it was time enough to repent
when he came to die.
(in. -ii. Such are not over-wise: that man would
have been loath, might he have had a week to run
twenty miles tor his life, to have deferred that
journey to the last hour of that week.
Ho v. You say right ; and yet the generality of
them that count themselves Pilgrims do indeed do
thus. I am, as you sec, an old man, and have
been a traveller in this road many a day; and I
have taken notice of many th:
1 have seen some, that set out as if they would
drive all the world af>rc them, who vet have, in
to the word* of truth and -oberne^.
can the\ Miccred in rcr\i rting others to such palpable umi
;ib>im!ities :md abominable tenet*; except they meet with tln>*e,
tlint have loir.; jiroMiI.ol (ioo, In endeavouring to reconcile a
\\ukedlife with the hope of salvation* Hut it may properly ho
observed, th;it ^e\era! i:\prc-iion-, which vein to represent ^/bi/A
a\ an astvrancc of a personal inltrt \l in Cii HIST; or to intimate,
that believers h:i\e ;;'//,///;. / > <fa icith tin n a* the rule of
t/nir conduct ; with many un^uarilid :i'->erlionN ivnrernms; the
liberty of tlie ^osprl, and indi-criminaU' declamations n.
douhl-i, fe-.irs, and a le^al spirit, ha\e a lircct tendiMicy to pre-
pare the juiiul of iinj)' nhent >inrtcrs, to rcctive the jxi-.onoti
principles < t a\-. e.l . \ntinomi ui>. Much harm has been don*
in thU way, and :;re;-.t ili- iit upon tlie ^.^j'el : for ' tiierc
are many of tbis HKIU'N mind, \\ho ha\c not tlnN man\ mouth.'
Io6* A FALSE ALARM.
few days, died as they in the wilderness, and so
never got sight of the.promised land. I have seen
some, that have promised nothing, at first setting
out to be Pilgrims, and that one would have thought
could not have lived a day, that have yet proved
very good Pilgrims. I have seen some who have
run hastily forward, that again have, after a little
time, run as fast just hack again. I have seen
some who have spoken very well of a Pilgrim's life
at first, that after a while, have spoken as much
against it. I have heard some, when they first set
out for PARADISE, say positively, ' There is such
a place ;' who, when they have been almost there,
have come back again, and said, ' There is none. '
I have heard some vaunt what they would do,
in case they should be opposed, that have, even at
a false alarm, fled faith, the Pilgrim's way, and all.
Now as tliey were thus in their way, there came
one running to meet them, and said, ' Gentlemen,
and you of the weaker sort, if you love life, shift
for yourselves, f6r the robbers are before you.'
Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART, * They be the
three that set upon LITTLE- FAITH heretofore.
' Well,' said he, ' we are ready for them.' So they
went on their way. Now they looked at every
turning, when they should have met with the vil-
lains; but, whether they heard of Mr. GREAT-
HEART, or whether they had some other game,
they came not up to the Pilgrims..
CHRISTIANA then wished for an Inn for herself
THEY ENTER AN IXN KEPT BY GAIUS. 157
and her children, because they were weary. Then
said Mr. HONEST, 'There is one a little before
us, Mheivn very honourable disciple, one GAIUS,
du-clls 1 .' So they all concluded to turn in thither;
and the rather, because the old gentleman gave him
so good a report. So when they came to the door,
they went in, not knocking ; for folks use not to
knock at the door of an Inn. Then they called for
the Master of the house, and he came to them.
So they asked if they might lie there that night?
GAI. Yes, Gentlemen, if you be true men, for
my house is for none but Pilgrims. b Then was
CHRISTIANA, MERCY, and the boys, more glad,
for that the Inn-keeper was a lover of Pilgrims.
So they called for rooms, and he shewed them one
for CHRISTIANA and her children, and MERCY,
and another for Mr. GREAT-HEART and the old
gentleman.
Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART, * Good GAIUS,
what hast thou for supper ? for these Pilgrims have
come far to-day, and are weary.'
4 It is late,' said GAIUS, * so we Cannot conve-
1 Rom. xvi. 83.
b The spiritual refreshment arising from experimental and
affectionate conversation \\itli Christian friends, seems to be here
more especially intended: yet the name of GAIUS suggests also
the importance of the apostle's exhortation, " Use hospitality
" without srudjjing." This ought to be attended to. .-\en in re-
spect of those with whom we have hitherto had no acquaintance,
provided their characters are properly certified to us: for we are
all brethren in CM RIST.
PART II. 11
158 GREAT-HEART INTRODUCES THEM TO GAIUS,
niently go out to seek food, but such as I have you
shall be welcome to, if that will content you/
GR.-H. We will be content with what thou hast
in the house; forasmuch as I have proved thee,
thou art never destitute of that which is conveni-
ent.
Then he went down and spake to the cook, whose
name was TASTE-THAT-WHICH-IS-GOOD, to get
ready supper for so many Pilgrims. This done,
he comes up again, saying, * Come, my good
friends, you are welcome to me, and I am glad
that I have a house to entertain you ; and while
supper is making ready, if you please, let us enter-
tain one another with some good discourse.' So
they all said, Content.
Then said GAIUS, ' Whose wife is this aged ma-
tron ? and whose daughter is this young damsel ?'
GR.-H. The woman is the wife of one CHRIS-
TIAN, a Pilgrim in former times ; and these are his
four children. The maid is one of her acquaint-
ance ; one that she hath persuaded to come with
her on pilgrimage. The boys take all after their
father, and covet to tread in his steps : yea, if they
do but see any place where the old Pilgrim hath
lain, or any print of his foot, it ministereth joy to
their hearts, and they covet to lie or tread in the
same.
Then said GAIUS, * Is this CHRISTIAN'S wife,
and are these CHRISTIAN'S children? I knew
your husband's father, yea, also his father's father.
tVHO CELEBRATES CHRISTIAN'S ANCESTORS. 159
Many IKIVC been good of this stock; their ances-
tors first dwelt at ANTIOCH '. CHRISTIAN'S pro-
genitors (I suppose you have heard your husband
talk of them,) were very worthy men. They have,
above any that I know, shewed themselves men of
great virtue and courage, for the LORD of the
Pilgrims, his ways, and them that loved him. I
IKIVC heard of many of your husband's relations,
that have stood all trials tor the sake of the truth.
STEPHEN, that was one of the first of the family
from whence your husband sprang, was knocked
on the head with stones*. JAMES, another of this
generation, was slain with the edge of the sword '.
To say nothing of PAUL and PETER, men anciently
of the family from whence your husband came,
there was IGNATIUS, who was cast to the lions;
ROM AN us, whose flesh 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
basket in the sun, for the wasps to cat; and he
whom they put into a sack, and cast him into the
sea to be drowned. It \vould be impossible utterly
to count up all that family, that have suffered in-
juries and death for the love of a Pilgrim's life.
Nor can I but be glad, to see that thy husband
has left behind him four such boys as these. I
hope they will bar up their father's name, and
tread in their father's steps, and come to their
father's end.'
* Acts, xi. 26. * Acts, vii, 59. 60. Acts. xil. a.
Ji2
160 AGREED FOR MATTHEW f O MARRY MERCf,
GR.-H. Indeed, Sir, they are likely lads: they
seem to choose heartily their father's ways.
GAI. That is what I said; wherefore CHRIS-
TIAN'S family is like still to spread abroad upon
the face of the ground, and yet to be numerous
upon the face of the earth : wherefore let CHRIS-
TIANA look out some damsels for her sons, to
whom they may be betrothed, that the name of .
their father and the house of his progenitors may
never be forgotten in the world.
HON. It is pity his family should fall and be
extinct.
GAI. Fall it cannot, but be diminished it may :
but let CHRISTIANA take my advice, and that's
the way to uphold it.
* And, CHRISTIANA,' said this Innkeeper, ' I am
glad to see thee and thy friend MERCY together
here, a lovely couple. And may I advise, Take
MERCY into a nearer relation to thee : if she will,
let her be given to MATTHEW, thy eldest son ; it
is the way to preserve a posterity in the earth.'
So this match was concluded, and in process of
time they were married : but more of that here-
after. c
c The author availed himself of the opportunity, here presented
him, of giving his opinion on a very important subject, about which
religious persons often hold different sentiments. He evidently in-
tended to say, that he deemed it generally most safe and advanta-
geous to the parties themselves, and most conducive to the spread
and permanency of true religion, for young Christians to marry ;
A COMMENDATION' OF WOMEX.
GAIUS also proceeded, and said, * I will now
speak on the behalf of women, to take away their
reproach. For as death and the curse came into
the world by a woman, so also did life and health :
" GOD sent forth his SON made of a woman 1 ."
Yea, to shew how much those that came after did
abhor the act of the mother, this sex in the Old
Testament coveted children, if happily this or that
woman might be the mother of the SAVIOUR of
the world. I will say again, that when the SAVIOU R
was come, women rejoiced in him, before either
man or Angel *. I read not, ever man did give
unto CHRIST so much as one groat: but the wo-
1 Gen. iii. Gal. iv. 4. * Luke, ii.
provided it be done in the fear of GOD, and according to the rules
of his word. Vet we cannot suppose but he would readily huvu
allowed oi exceptions to this rule: for there arc individuals, who,
cunt i nu in;* single, employ that time and those talents in assidu-
ously doing good, which in the married state must have been
greatly abridged or pre-occupied ; and thus they are more exten-
sively useful than their brethren. Yet, in common cases, the
training up of a family, by the combined efforts of pious parents,
in hum-sty, sobriety, industry, and the principles of true religion:
when united with fervent prayer, and the persuasive eloquence of
a good example, is so important a service to the church and to
i In- 4 (immunity, that few persons are capable of doiug greater
or mem- permanent good in any other way. Hut this requires
strict attention to the rules of Scripture, in every step of these
grand concern*: for children, brought up in ungodliness and ig-
norance, among those who are strangers to the gospel, are far moie
hopeful, than such as have received a bad education, witnessed
bad examples, and imbibed worldly principles, in the families of
/\ angelical professors.
lift
1(52 THE CLOTH LAID FOR SUPPER.
men " followed him, and ministered to him of their
" substance." It was a woman that washed his feet
with tears, and a woman that anointed his hody to
the burial. They were women that wept, when he
was going to the Cross ; and women that followed
him from the Cross, and that sat by his Sepulchre
when he was buried. They were women that were
first with him at his resurrection morn ; and women
that brought tidings first to his disciples, that he
was risen from the dead 1 . Women therefore are
highly favoured, and shew by these things, that
they are sharers with us in the grace of life.'
Now the Cook sent up to signify that supper
was almost ready : and sent one to lay the cloth,
and the trenchers, and to set the salt and bread
in order.
Then said MATTHEW, ' The sight of this cloth,
and of this fore-runner of the supper, begetteth in
me a greater appetite to my food than I had b~e-
fore.'
GAI. So let all ministering doctrines to thee, in
this life, beget in thee a greater desire to sit at the
supper of the great KING in his kingdom ; for all
preaching, books, and ordinances here, are but as
the laying of the trenchers, and as setting of salt
upon the board, when compared with the feast
that our LORD will make us when we come to his
house.
* Luke, vii. 37 50. viii. 2, 3. xxiii. 27. xxiv. 22, 23.
John, ii. 3. xi. 2. Matt, xxvii. 55, 5661.
WHAT THE SUPPER CONSISTED OF. \63
So supper came up ; and first a heave- shoulder
and a \cu-ce-breast were set on the table before them ;
to shew that they must begin the meal with prayer
and praise to GOD '. The heave- shoulder, DAVID
lifted his heart up to GOD with; and with the
wave-breast, where his heart lay, with that he used
to lean upon his harp when he played. These two
dishes were very fresh and good, and they all eat
heartily thereof.
The next they brought up was a bottle of wine,
as red as blood. So GAIUS said 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 dish of milk
well crumbled : but GAIUS said, 'Let the boys
have that, that they may " grow thereby V- -Then
they brought up in course a dish of butter and
honey. Then said GAIUS, * Eat freely of this, for
thK is good to cheer up and strengthen your judg-
ments and understandings.' This was our LORD'S
dish when he was a child : " Butter and honey
" shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil,
" and choose the good" 4 . Then they brought him
uj) a dish of apples, and they were very good tasted
fruit. Then said MATTHEW, ' May we eat apples,
since they were such, by and with which the ser-
pent beguiled our first mother?'
1 Lev. vii. 32 34. x. 14. 15. Ps. xxv. i. Hcb. xiii. 15.
* Deut. xxxii. 14. Judg. ix. 13. John, xv. 5. J t Pet. ii. i , a.
* Isaiah, vii. 15.
164 THE APPLES AND NUTS.
Then said GAIUS,
* Apples were they with which we were beguil'd,
Yet sin, not apples, hath our souls defil'd :
Apples forbid, if eat, corrupt the blood,
To eat such, when commanded, does us good:
Prink of his flaggons, then, thou Church his Dove,
And eat his apples, who are sick of love.'
Then said MATTHEW, ' I made the scruple, be^
cause a while since, I was sick with eating of fruit.'
GAI. Forbidden fruit will make you sick, but
not what our LORD has tolerated.
While they were thus talking, they were pre-
sented with another dish, and it was a ' dish of
nuts l . Then said some at the table, ' Nuts spoil
tender teeth, especially the teeth of the children.'
Which when GAIUS heard, he said :
* Hard texts are nuts, (I will not call them cheaters,)
Whose shells do keep their kernels from the eaters:
Open then the shells, and you shall have the meat;
They here are brought for you to crack and eat.' d
1 Sol. Song, vi. 11.
d The different parts of social worship and Christian fellowship
are here allegorically described. The heave-shoulder and wave-
breast, prescribed in the ceremonial law, seem to have typified the
power and love of our great HIGH PRIEST; and to have con-
veyed an instruction to the priests to do their work with all their
might, and with their whole heart: but they are here supposed
to be also emblems of fervent prayer and grateful praise. The
wine represents the exhilarating remembrance of the love of
CHRIST in shedding his blood for us, and the application of the
blessing to ourselves by living faith. The milk is the emblem of
the plain, simple, and important instructions of Scripture, as
A RIDDLE ANSWERED BY GAIU3.
Then they were very merry, and sat at the table
a long time, talking of many things. Then said
the old gentleman, ' My good landlord, while ye
are cracking your nuts, if you please, do you open
this riddle :'
' A man there was, (though some did count him mad,)
The more he cast away, the more he had.'
Then they all gave good heed, wondering what
good GAIUS would say; so he sat still awhile, and
then thus replied :
' lie who thus bestows his goods upon the poor,
Shall have as much again, and ton times more/
Then said JOSEPH, 'I dare say, Sir, I did not
think you could have found it out.'
brought forward by believers, when they meet together, for their
edification. The butter and honey may denote those animating
\iews of GOD, and realizing anticipations of heavenly joy, which
trml greatly to establish the judgment, instruct the understanding,
and determine the affections in cleaving to the good part that the
believer h:ith chosen. The apples represent the promises and pri-
-, which believers pos*r,s l.\ communion with CHRIST, in
his ordinance's '; and the nuts signify such difficult subjects as
experience and observation enable mature Christians to under-
stand ; and which amply repay the pains of endeavouring to pene-
trate their meaning, though they are not proper for the dUcussion
of young converts. Whatever unbelievers may think, a company
of Christian*-, employing themselves in the manner here described,
Mr sweeter enjoyments, than they ever experienced when
engaged in the mirth, di\rr-ions and pleasures of the world: for
these are merely the shadow of joy, but religion puts us in
pion of the substance.
i Sol. Song, ii. 3.
166 MERCY WORKS FOR THE POOR.
' Oh,' said GAIUS, ' I have been trained up in
this way a great while : nothing teaches like expe-
rience: I have learned of my LORD to be kind;
and have found by experience, that I have gained
thereby. " There is that scattereth, and yet in-
" creaseth ; and there is that with-holdeth more
** than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty :" " There
*' is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing :
" there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great
"riches 1 ."
Then SAMUEL whispered to CHRISTIANA, his
mother, and said, * Mother, this is a very good
man's house ; let us stay here a good while, and
let my brother MATTHEW be married here to
MERCY before we go any further.'
The which GAIUS the host overhearing, said,
* With a very good will, my child.'
So they staid here more than a month, and
MERCY was given to MATTHEW to wife.
While they staid here, MERCY, as her custom
was, would be making coats and garments to give
to the poor, by which she brought up a very good
report upon Pilgrims. *
1 Prov. xi. 24. xiii. 7.
* If our love to sinners be only shewn by seeking their spiritual
good, it will be considered as a mere bigotted desire to proselyte
them to our sect or party: but uniform, diligent, and expensive
endeavours to relieve their temporal wants are intelligible to every
man, and bring a good report on the profession of the gospel '
i Matt. v. 16.
A RIDDLE ANSWERED BY HONEST. 16*7
But to return again to our story. After supper
the lads drsircd a bed, for they were weary with
travelling : then GAIUS called, to shew them their
chamber; but said MERCY, * I will have them to
bed.' So she had them to bed, and they slept well:
but the rest sat up all night ; for GAIUS and they
were such suitable company, that they could not.
tell how to part. Then after much talk of their
LORD, themselves, and their journey, old Mr.
HONEST, (he that put forth the riddle to GAIUS,)
began to nod. Then said GREAT-HEART, ' What,
Sir, you begin to be drowsy ! come, rub up, now
here is a riddle for you.' Then said Mr. HONEST,
' Let us hear it.'
Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART,
' He that will kill, must first be overcome :
Who live abroad would, first must die at home.
' Ha !' said Mr. HONEST, ' it is a hard one, hard
to expound, and harder to practise. But come,
landlord,' said he, * I will if you please, leave my
part to you; do you expound it, and I will hear
\\ hat you say.'
'No,' said GAIUS, 'it was put to you, and it is
expected you .should answer it.'
Then said the old gentleman,
1 He first by grace must conquerM be,
That sin would mortify :
Who, thai he lives, would convince me,
I'r.to himself must die.'
A QUESTION PROPOSED:
' It is right,' said GAIUS; ' good doctrine and
experience teaches this. For, until grace displays
itself, and overcomes the soul with its glory, it is
altogether without heart to oppose sin : besides, if
sin is Satan's cords, by which the soul lies bound,
how should it make resistance, before it is loosed
from that infirmity? f Nor will any, that knows
either reason or grace, believe that such a man can
be a living monument of grace, that is a slave to
his own corruption. And now it comes in my
inind I will tell you a story 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 strong corruptions
to grapple with, the old man's were weak with the
decays of nature : the young man trode his steps
as even as did the old one, and was every way as
light as he : who now, or which of them, had their
graces shining clearest, since both seemed to be
alike?'
HON. The young man's, doubtless. For that
which heads it against the greatest opposition gives
best demonstration that it is strongest; especially
when it also holdeth pace with that that meets
not with half so much ; as to be sure old-age does
f The gracious operations of the Holy SPIRIT are here meant.
These overcome our natural pride, love of sin, and aversion from
GOD and religion ; and then we repent, believe in CHRIST, are
justified by faith, mortify sin, die to ourselves, and live to Go'p
4 righteousness and true holiness.
AND ANSWERED BY HONEST. l6"9
not. Besides, I have observed, that old men have
blessed themselves with this mistake; namely,
taking the decays of nature for agracious conquest
over corruptions, and so have been apt to beguile
themselves. Indeed, old men, that are gracious,
are best able to give advice to them that are young,
because they have seen most of the emptiness of
things : but yet, for an old and a young man to set
out both together, the young one has the advantage
of the fairest discovery of a work of grace within
him, though the old man's corruptions are naturally
the weakest. *
t Old age affords great advantages in overcoming some corrupt
propensitii ~: yet habits of indulgence often more than counter-
balance the decays of nature; and avarice, suspicion, and peevish-
\\ith other evils, gather strength as men advance in years.
It is therefore in some particulars only, that age has the advantage
i>u T youth : and as some old men imagine that they have renoun-
ced sj n , because they are no longer capable of committing the
crimes in which they once lived; so there arc young men, who
presume that they shall live to be old, atid imagine that repentance
\\ill then IK; comparatively easy to them: whereas sin, in one
form or other, gather> strength and establishes its dominion, as
long as it is permitted to reign in the soul. The instruction, how-
e\er. that is here conveyed, is very important; provided it be
properly understood ; for if we do not estimate the advantages of
our situation, we cannot determine how far external amend mem
results from internal renovation. During tedious rtitftft, or in
tin- immediate prospect of death, men often feel very indifferent to
the world, set against sin, disinclined to former indulgences, and
earnest about salvation: \et returning lualth, business, company,
and temptation terminate sin h promising appearances. Many
suppose themselves to be very good tempered, while every on
170 ANOTHER QUESTION PUT AND ANSWERED.
Thus they sat talking till break of day. Now
when the family was up, CHRISTIANA bid her son
JAMES that he should read a chapter; so he read
the fifty-third of ISAIAH. When he had done,
Mr. HONEST asked, Why it was said that the
Saviour is said to come " out of a dry ground;"
and also that he had " no form or comeliness in
"him?"
Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART, To the first, I
answer, because the church of the JEWS, of which
CHRIST came, had then lost almost all the sap and
spirit of religion. To the second, I say, the words
are spoken in the person of the unbeliever, who,
because they want the eye that can see into our
PRINCE'S heart, therefore they judge of him by
the meanness of his outside. Just like those that
know not that precious stones are covered over
with a homely crust ; who when they have found
one, because they know not what they have found,
cast it again away, as men do a common stone.
* Well,' said GAIUS, 'now you are here, and
since, as I know, Mr. GREAT-HEART is good at
his weapons, if you please, after we have refreshed
ourselves, we will walk into the fields, to see if we
studies to oblige them; yet provocation excites vehement anger
and resentment in their breast: nay, riches and honour while at a
great distance seem to have no charms for those, who are power-
fully attracted by their magnetical influence, when placed within
their reach !
THE PILGRIMS ATTACK GIANT SLAT-GOOD I 171
can do any good. About a mile from hence, there
is one SLAY-GOOD, a Giant, that docs much annoy
the KING'S highway in these parts: and I know
thereabout his haunt is: he is master of a number
of thieves : it would be well if we could clear these
parts of him.'
So they consented, and went, Mr. GREAT-HEART
witli his sword, helmet, and shield, and the rest
with spears and staves.
When they came to the place where he was, they
found him with one FEEBLE-MIND in his hand,
whom his servants had brought unto him, having
taken him in the way : now the Giant was rifling
him, with a purpose, after that, to pick his bones;
for he was of the nature of flesh-eaters.
Well, so soon as he saw Mr. GREAT-HEART and
his friends at the mouth of his cave, with their
weapons, he demanded what they wanted.
(in. -H. \\Y want thce, for we arc come to re-
viMige the quarrels of the many that thou hast slain
of the Pilgrims, when thou hast dragged them out
of the K i x G'S highway ; wherefore come out of thy
cave. So he armed himself, and came out ; and
to the battle they went, and fought for above an
hour, and then stood still to take wind.
Then said the Giant, ' Why are you here on my
ground ?'
GR.-H. To revenge the blood of Pilgrims, as I
also told thee before. So they went to it again,
and the Giant made Mr. GREAT-HEART give back;
172 GREAT-HEART KILLS HIM.
but he came up again, and in the greatness of his
mind he let fly with such stoutness at the Giant's
head and sides, that he made him let his weapon
fall out of his hand ; so he smote and slew him, and
cut off his head, and brought it away to the Inn.
He also took FEEBLE-MIND the Pilgrim, and
brought him with him to his lodgings. When
they were come home, they shewed his head to the
family, and set it up, as they had done others be-
fore, for a terror to those that shall attempt so do
as he, hereafter. b
* The refreshment of divine consolations, and Christian fellow-
ship, is intended to prepare us for vigorously maintaining the good
fight of faith ; not only against the enemies of our own souls, but also
against the opposers of our holy religion, according to the talents
entrusted to us, and the duties of our several stations. We are
soldiers belonging to one great army under the command of the
CAPTAIN of our salvation; and we ought to strive against sin,
and " contend for the faith once delivered to the saints," by our
profession, example, prayers, converse, and every other method
authorised by the word of GOD. All that love the LOUD are our
brethren; and every thing that can mislead, dismay, or hinder
any of them, should be considered as an adversary to the common
cause ; and we should counteract with meekness, but with firm-
ness and decision, all the endeavours of those, who obstruct men
in the ways of the LORD, or turn them aside into by-paths. It
does not however clearly appear what particular description of
opposers were represented by SLAY-GOOD : whether the author
had in view certain selfish and malignant persecutors, who inti-
midated professors by fines and imprisonment, to the hazard of
their lives, or of their souls; or some plausible hereticks, who
" taught things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake," to
Jhe total ruin of many that seemed hopeful, and the great detri-
FEEBLE-MIND'S ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF; 173
Then they asked Mr. FEEBLE-MIND, how he
fell into his hamN ?
Then said the poor man, ' I am a sickly man, as
you sir, and because death did usually once a day
k at my door, I thought I should never be
well at home: so I betook myself to a Pilgrim's
life; and have travelled hither from the town
of UNCERTAIN, where I and my father were
born. I am a man of no strength at all of body,
nor yet of mind ; but would, if I could, though I
can but crawl, spend 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 against my weakly
looks, nor against my feeble mind ; but gave me
such things as were necessary for my journey, and
bid me hope to the end. When I came to the
house of the INTERPRETER, I received much
kindness there; and because the Hill of DIFFI-
CULTY was judged too hard for me, I was carried
up that by one of his servants.- Indeed I have
found mueh relief from 1'ilgrims, though none
was willing to go softly as I am forced to do : yd
ment of others who were \\-;ik in faith and unestablMied in judg-
ment. The conflict seems merely to denote the efforts which
Christians should make, to prevent the effect of such opposition
and delusion, and to remove such occasions nf mischief out of the
way; as also to shew, that the strong in faith are peculiarly called
to tlu-M- services, and ought not to shrink from hardship, dl
and suffering in so good a cans--.
PART II. K L
' -\
174 AND OF HIS PILGRIMAGE:
still as they came on, they bid me he of good cheer,
and said, that it was the will of their LORD, that
" comfort" should be given " to the feeble-mind-
" ed;" r and so 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 cordial : so he came up and took me. I con-
ceived he should not kill me : also when he had
got me into his den, since I went not with him
o
willingly, I believed I should come out alive again;
for I have heard, that v ' not any Pilgrim, that is
taken captive by violent hands, if he keeps heart-
whole towards his MASTER, is, by the laws of
Providence, to die by the hand of the enemy.
Robbed I looked to be, and robbed to be sure I
am ; but I am, as yon see, escaped with life, for
the which I thank my KING as author, and you as
the means. Other brunts I also look for ; but this
I have resolved on, to wit, to run when I can, to
go when 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 be-
yond the RIVER that has no bridge ; though I am,
as you see, but of a feeble mind. ' *
1 i Thess. v. 14.
1 The character of FEEBLE-MIND seems to coincide in some
things with that of FEAUING j and in others with the description
ot'LiTTLE-FAiTii. Constitutional timidity and lowness of spirits,
arising from a feeble frame and frequent sickness, while they are
UK WAS A RELATION OF FEARING. 175
Then said old Mr. HONEST, 'Have not you some
time ai;'f) been acquainted with one Mr. FEARING,
a Pi I.GHI.M : "
FttBL. Acquainted \\itli him! yes: he came
from the town of STUPIDITY, which lies four de-
> north ward of the city of DESTRUCTION, and
as, nuiny ott'nl where I was horn; yet we were well
acquainted, tor indeed he was my uncle, my fa-
ther '.<> brother ; he and I have been much of a tem-
per : lie was a little shorter than I, but yet we
were much of a complexion.
HON. I perceive you know him ; and I am apt
to believe also, that you were related one to ano-
ther, for you have hU whitely look, a cast like his
with vour eye, and your speech is much alike.
I r.EBL. Most liave said so, that have known us
both ; and, besides, what I have read in him, I
have for the most part found in myself.
frequently tin- means of exciting men to religion, give also a pe-
culiar fast to their views and the nature of their profession; tend
to hold them under perpetual discouragements; and unfit them
for hard and perilous services. This seems implied in the name
given to the nati\e place of FEEBLE-MI \ D : his uncertainty or
hesitation in his religious profession was the effect of his natural
turn of mind, which was opposite to the sanguine and confident.
Yrt this timid ami discouraged irresolution is often connected with
evident sinceriu and remarkable perseverance in the- \va\s ot'GoD.
The principal difference l>etu.,:i 1 1.1 n i i -M i \ t> and I"i \
seems to IK- this; that the former \\a* more afraid of opposition,
and the latter more doubtful about the event; \\hichperhaps may
intimate, that SLA\-I-OOD rather represents persecutors thaa
deceivers.
KkS
176 NOT-RIGHT STRUCK DEAD BY LIGHTNING.
'Come Sir,' said good GAIUS, 'be of good
cheer ; you are welcome to me, and to my house,
and what thou hast a mind to, call for freely ; and
what thou \vouldest have my servants do for thee,
they will do it with a ready mind.
Then said Mr. FEEBLE-MIND, ' This is an un-
expected favour, and as the sun shining out of a
very dark cloud. Did Giant SLAY-GOOD intend
me this favour when he stopt me, and resolved to
let me go no further ? Did he intend, that after
he/ had rifled my pocket, I should go to " GAIUS
" mine host ? " Yet so it is. '
Now just as Mr. FEEBLE-MIXD 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 Pil-
grim, struck dead upon the place where he was,
with a thunderbolt.
'Alas!' said Mr. FEEBLE-MIND, 'is he slain?
He overtook me some days before I came so far as
hither, and would be my company-keeper : he also
was with me when SLAY-GOOD the Giant took me,
but he was nimble of his heels, and escaped : but, it
seems, he escaped to die, and I was took to live. ' k
k Here again we meet with a contrast between a feeble believer
and a specious hypocrite. The latter eludes persecution by time-
serving, yet perishes in his sins: the former suffers and trembles,
yet hopes ; is delivered and comforted, and finds his trials terminate
in his greater advantage. The frequency with which this difference
is introduced, and the variety of character by which it is illus-
MATTHEW AND MERCY ARE MARRIED. 177
' What, OIK* would think, doth seek to slay outright,
(>H ti.i.rs (! 'li\c[N from the. saddest plight.
Thut very Providence, whoso face i* death,
Doth <>it t:ui">, to thcloxviv, life bequeath.
I taken \va-, lie did escape and Hee:
Hands cio.^M ;i\e death to him, and life to inc.'
Now about this time MATTHEW and MERCY
were married: also GAIUS gave his daughter
Tn KIM. to JAMES, MATTHEW'S brother, to wife.
After which time they staid about ten clays at
GAFUS'S house; spending tlicir time, and the sea-
Mins. likv- as Pilgrims used to do.
Wlk-u they were* to depart, GAIUS made them a
feast, and they did cat and drink, and were merry.
Now the hour was come that they must be gone;
wherefore Mr. G HEAT-HEART called for a reckon-
ing. Hut GAITS told him, that at his house it
not the custom of Pilgrims to pay for their enter-
tainment. He boarded them by the year, but
looked for his pay from the GOOD SAMARITAN,
who had promised him, at his return, whatsoever
charge he was at with them, faithfully to repay
him 1 . Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART to him,
M 1'clovecl, thou docst faithfully, whatsoever tliou
" doest to the brethren and to strangers, which have
1 Luke, x. 34, 35.
(rated, shews us, how important the author deemed it. to warn
fuNe professors at the same time, that \\e comfort the feeble-mind-
ed, and to mark as exactly as we can the di>ctii>iinatm<: peculiui-
ties of their aim and experience.
Kk J
178 THE PILGRIMS LEAVE GAIUS's HOUSE.
" born witness of thy charity before the church ;
" whom if thou yet bring forward on their jour-
" ney, after a godly sort, thou shalt do well V
Then GAIUS took his leave of them all, and his
children, and particularly of Mr. FEEBLE-MIND:
he also gave him something to drink by the way.
Now Mr. FEEBLE-MIND, when they were going-
out at the door, made as if he intended to linger.
The which when Mr. GREAT-HEART espied, he
said, ' Come Mr. FEEBLE-MIND, pray do you go
along with us, I will be your Conductor, and you
shall fare as the rest. '
FEEBL. Alas! I want a suitable companion;
you are all lusty and strong : but I, as you see, am
weak; I choose therefore rather to come behind,
lest by reason of my many infirmities, I should be
both a burden to myself and to you. I am, as I
said, a man of a weak and a feeble mind, and shall
be offended and made weak at that which others
can bear. I shall like no laughing : I shall like
no gay attire : I shall like no unprofitable ques-
tions. Nay, I am so 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
Christian man : sometimes, if I hear some rejoice
in the LORD, it troubles me, because I cannot do
so too. It is with me, as it is with a weak man
among the strong, or as a lamp despised. " He
"that is ready to slip with his feet, is as a lamp
1 3 J ohn J 5' 6
GREAT-HEART ENCOURAGES FEEBLE-MIND. 179
" despised in the thought of him that is at case ; '"
so that I know not what to do.
'But, brother,' said Mr. GREAT-HEART, ' I have
it in commission to " comfort the feeble-minded, '
and to support the weak. Von must needs go
along with us: we will wait for you, we will
lend you our help; we will deny ourselves of
some things, both opinionative and practical, for
your sake; MC will not enter into "doubtful
'' disputations" before you; we \\ill be made
all things to you, rather than you shall be left
behind 1 .' 1
1 Job, xii. 5. * Rom. xiv. i Cor. viii. ix. 22.
k believers arc conscientious even to scrupulosity: so fur
from allowing themselves in the practice of known sin, or the
omission of evident duty; they are prone t<> abridge themselves
in things which arc itulitfurcnt ; thev often impose rules on them-
selves which they do not expect others to ol,-er\e; and sometimes
arc sensible that their uneasiness, at the liberty used In their bre-
tliii-n, arises 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 obser\ation. Hut there are persons, that expect to be t-n-
.couraged as weak believer*, who are far removed from sueh scru-
pulousness; and whose ucakness consists merelv in an inability to
maintain an unwavering confidence, while they live in a loose and
m-^li^i-nt manner. These seem IIMK- t. re-emMe \OT-RIOHT
than rKF.ni.K-MlNn. The\ that are imleed weak believers shonld
learn from this passage, to beware )l eensuriousiK^s, uiid of mak-
ing themselves a standard for others: and their stn-n^er lueihien
should be reminded not to despise m grieve them, b\ an i .
dient use of their liberty. (The author, in a marginal note, has
marked GREAT-HEART'S answer as a
Kk 4
180 READY-TO-HALT JOINS THEM.
Now all this while they were at GAIUS'S door;
and behold, as they were thus in the heat of their
discourse, Mr. READY-TO-HALT came by, with
his crutches in his hand, and he also was going on
pilgrimage '.
Then said Mr. FEEBLE-MIND to him, ' How
earnest thou hither ? I was but now complaining
that I had not a suitable companion ; but thou
art according to my wish. Welcome, welcome,
good Mr. READY-TO-HALT, I hope thou and I
may be some help.'
' I shall be glad of thy company,' said the other;
' and good Mr. FEEBLE-MIND, rather than we
will part, since we are thus happily met, I will
lend thee one of my crutches. '
'Nay,' said he, 'though I thank thee for thy
good-will, I am not inclined to halt before I am
lame. Howbeit, I think, when occasion is, it may
help me against a dog.'
READY-TO-HALT. If either myself or my
crutches can do thee a pleasure, we are both at thy
command, good Mr. FEEBLE-MIND.
Thus therefore they went on. Mr. GREAT-
HEART and Mr. HONEST went before, CHRIS-
TIANA and her children went next, and Mr. FEE-
BLE-MIND and Mr. READY-TO-HALT came behind
1 Ps. xxxviii. 17.
will, however, commonly find associates, in some measure of their
own turn, who are often more useful to them, than such as cannot^
entirely sympathize with their feelings.
THE PILGRIMS CONVERSE TOGETHER. 181
with his crutches. Then said Mr. HONEST, ' Pray,
Sir, now we are upon the road, tell us some pro-*
iitablc things of some that have gone on pilgri-
mage before us.'
(i R.-H. With a good will. I suppose you have
heard how CHRISTIAN of old did meet with APOL-
i.Yox in the Valley of HUMILIATION, and also
what hard work he had to go through the Valley
of the SHADOW OF DEATH. Also I think you,
cannot but have heard how FAITHFUL was put to
it by Madam WAX TON, with ADAM the First, with
one DISCONTENT, and SHAME : four as deceitful
villains as a man can meet with upon the road.
HON. Yes, I believe I heard of all this: but
indeed good FAITHFUL was hardest put to it with
SHAME: lie was an unwearied one.
(iu.-n. Ay: for, as the Pilgrim well said, * He
of all men had the wrong name.'
HON. lint pray, Sir, where was it that CHRIS-
TIAN and FAITHFUL met TALKATIVE? that same
wa-s a notable one.
GR.-H. He was a confident fool; yet many fol-
low 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 I.N -.\\GELIST met with CHRISTIAN and
FAITHFUL, and prophesied to them what they
should meet with at VA MTV- FAIR.
182 FAITHFUL'S SUFFERINGS. BY-ENDS.
Then said their Guide, ' Hereabouts did CHRIS-
TIAN and FAITHFUL meet with EVANGELIST,
who prophesied to them of what troubles they
should meet with at VANITY-FAIR.'
HON. Say you so? I dare say it was a hard
chapter that then he did read unto them. m
GR.-H. It was so, but then he gave them encou-
ragement withal. . But what do we talk of them ?
they were a couple of lion-like men ; they had set
their faces like flints. Do not you remember how
undaunted they were when they stood before the
judge?
HON. Well, FAITHFUL bravely suffered.
GR.-H. So he did, and as brave things cameon't :
for HOPEFUL and some others, as the story relates,
were converted by his death ".
HON. Well, but pray goon; for you are well
acquainted with things.
GR.-H. Above all that CHRISTIAN met with
after he had passed through VANITY-FAIR, one
BY-ENDS was the arch one.
1 P.i- P- 137 19 1 -
m The near prospect of persecution is formidable even to trqe
believers, notwithstanding all the encouragements of GOD'S word.
It is therefore very useful to realize such scenes to our minds,
and to consider how we should feel were they actually present ;
that we may be preserved from self-confidence ; excited to diligence
in every thing connected with the assurance of hope ; put on our
guard against every action or engagement which might weaken our
confidence in GOD; and pray without ceasing, for that measure
of wisdom, fortitude, patience, meekness, faith, and love, which
might be sufficient for us should matters come to the wont.
THKV CO!\fE TO THE TOWX OF VAXITT. 1 S;j
HON. Uv-K\n.s! What was he ?
(Jk.-n. A very arch fellow, a down right hypo-
crite; one that would hi- religious, which way ever
the world went : Imt so cunning, that he would he
sure never to lose or to sutler lor it. He had his
mode of religion tor every fresh occasion, and his,
wife was as good at it as he. He would turn and
change from opinion to opinion ; yea, and plead for
so doing too. l>ut as far as I could learn, he came
to an ill-cud with his Inj-cudx : nor did I ever hear,
that any of his children were ever of any esteem
with any that truly fear GOD '.
Now by this time they were come within sight
of the Town of VANITY, where VANITY-FAIR is
kept. So when they saw that they M'cre so near
the Town, they consulted with one another how
they should pass through the Town : and some
said one thing, and some another. At last Mr.
\T-iiK.\iiT said, * I have, as \ on may under-
stand, often heen a Conductor of Pilgrims through
this town: now I am acquainted with one Mr.
M\AV>\. a CYIMUM\\ by nation, and an old
il'iM-iple, at whose house we may lodge. If you
think good/ said lie, ' we will turn in there/
' Content-,' said old HONEST;' ' Content/ laid
CHRISTIANA ;* 'Content/ said Mr. FF.FBLE-
>ii\n; and .so thev said all. Now vou must
t> j
think it was even-tidt by that they uot to the out-
side of the Town ; hut Mr. (r*1 \r-in..\uT knew
1 I', i. p. 192214.
184 THEY ARE ENTERTAINED BY MNASOXJ
the way to the old man's house. So thither they
came ; and he called at the door, and the old man
within knew his tongue so soon as ever he heard
it ; so he opened, and they all came in. Then said
AINASOX, their host, ' How far have ye come to-
day?' So they said 'From the house of GAIUS
our friend.' ' I promise you,' said he, ' you have
gone a good stitch ; you may well be weary ; sit
down.' So they sat down.
Then said their Guide, ' Come, what cheer, good
Sirs, I dare say you are welcome to my friend.'
* I also,' said Mr. MX AS ox, 'do hid you wel-
come ; and whatever you want, do hut say, and .
we will do what we can to get it for you/
HON. Our great want, a while since, was har-
bour and good company, and now I hope we have
both.
AIxAS. For harbour, you see what it is ; but for
good company, that will appear in the trial.
' Well,' said Mr. GREAT-HEART, 'will you have
the Pilgrims into their lodging ?'
' I will,' said Mr. MNASON. So he had them
to their respective places ; and also shewed them a
very fair dining room, where they might be, and
sup together, until time was come to go to rest.
Now when, they were set in their places, and
were a little cheery after their journey. Mr.
HONEST asked his landlord, if there were any store
of good people in the town ?
MX AS. We have a few; for indeed they are
AND VISITED BY HIS FRIENDS. 185
but a few, when compared with them on the other
side.
HON. But how shall we do to see some of them?
for the sight of good men, to them that are going
on pilgrimage, is like to the appearing of the moon
and stars to them that are going a journey. "
Then Mr. MNASON stamped with his foot, and
his daughter CIHACE came up: so he said unto
her, * GRACE, go you, tell my friends, Mr. COX-
TRITE, Mr. HOLY-MAN, Mr. LOVE-SAINTS, Mr.
DARE-NOT-LIE, and Mr. PENITENT, that I have
a friend or two at my house, that have a mind this
evening to see them.'
So GRACE went to call them, and they came;
and, after salutation made, they sat down together
at the tahle.
Then >aid Mr. MNASON, their landlord, ' Mj'
nei'vhbours, I have, as you sec, a company of sti au-
ous come to my house: they are Pilgrims: they
come from afar, and are going to Mount Zion.
But who,' quoth he, 'do you think this is?' (point-
ing hK lingers at CHRISTIANA.) * It is CHRIS-
TIANA, the wife of CHRISTIAN, that famous Pil-
grim, who with FAITHFUL Jiis brother, were so
shamefully handled in our Town.' At that they
n KVMI in those populous cities, where vanity most prevails,
ami where persecution at some seasons has most raged, a remnant
of real chn-ti MI- p-ncmlly reside : ami believers will in every
place enquire after such prisons and asodnte with them *
i P. txi\. 6j. | John, iii 14.
186 THE STATE OF THE TOWN OF VANITY.
stood amazed, saying, ' We little thought to see
CHRISTIANA, when GRACE came to call us :
wherefore this is a very comfortable surprise.'
Then they asked her about her welfare, and if these
young men were her husband's sons. And when
she had told them they were, they said, ' The
KING, whom you love and serve, make you as
your father, and bring you where he is in peace?'
Then Mr. HONEST, when they were all sat
down, asked Mr. CONTRITE, and the rest, in
what posture their Town was at present.
CONTR. You may be sure we are full of hurry
in fair-time. It is hard keeping our hearts and
spirits in good order, when we are in a cumbered
condition. He that lives in such a place as this,
and that has to do with such as we have, has need
of an if cm, to caution him to take heed every mo-
ment of the day.
HON. But how are your neighbours now for
quietness ?
CONTR. They are much more moderate now
than formerly. You know how CHRISTIAN and
FAITHFUL were used at our town : but of late, I
say, they have been far more moderate. I think
the blood of FAITHFUL lieth with load upon them
till now: for since they burned him, they have
been ashamed to burn any more : in those days
AVC were afraid to walk the streets, but now we can
show our heads. Then the name of a professor
was odious ; now, especially, in some parts of our
WHAT THE PILGRIMS HAD MET WITH. 187
Town, (tor you know our Town is large,) religion
is counted honourable.
Then said Mr. Co NT RITE. to them, ' Pray how
faretli it with you in your pilgrimage ? How .stands
the country affected towards you ?'
II ox. It happens to us, as it hap{>eneth to way-
taring men: sometimes our way is dean, some-
times foul, sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill;
we arc seldom at a. certainty: the wind is not
always on our hacks, nor is every one a friend that
we meet with in the way. We have met with some
notable rubs already : and what are yet behind we
know not; but, for the most part, we find it true
that has been talked of old, * A good man must
suffer trouble.'
COXTR. You talk of rubs: what rubs have you
met withal ?
HON. Nay, ask Mr. GREAT-HEART, our Guide,
for he can give the hi"t account of that.
(in. -ii. \Vc have been bc>ct three or four times
already. I'irst, CHRISTIANA and her children
were beset with two rutfians, that they feared
\\ould take away their lives. We were beset with
Giant BLOODY-MAX, Giant MAUL, and Giant
SLAY-GOOD. Indeed we did rather beset the last,
than were he^et of him. And thus it was: after
we had been .some time at the house of " G.\ i rs
14 mine host, and of the whole church/' we were
minded upon a time to take our weapons with us,
and so go see if we could light upon any of those
188 THE DELIVERANCE OF FEEBLE-MIND.
that were enemies to Pilgrims ; for we heard that
there was a notable one thereabouts. Now GAIUS
knew his haunt better than I, because he dwelt
thereabouts ; so we looked and looked, till at last
we discerned the mouth of his cave ; then were we
glad, and plucked up our spirits. So we ap-
proached 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 saw us,
supposing, as we thought, he had another prey ; he
left the poor man in his house, and came out. So
we fell to it full sore, and he lustily laid about him ;
but in conclusion, he was brought down to the
ground, and his head cut off, and set up by the
way-side, for a terror to such as should after prac-
tise such ungodliness. That I tell you the truth,
here is the man himself to affirm it, who was as a
lamb taken out of the mouth of the lion.
Then said Mr. FEEBLE-MIND, ' I found this
true, to my cost and comfort : to my cost, when
he threatened to pick my bones every moment ;
and to my comfort, when I saw Mr. GREAT-
HEART and his friends, with their weapons, ap-
proach so near for my deliverance.'
Then said Mr. HOLY-MAN, ' There are two
things that they have need to be possessed of, that
go on pilgrimage ; courage, and an unspotted life.
If they have not courage, they can never hold on
their way : and if their lives be loose, they will
make the very name of a Pilgrim stink.'
OCCURRENCES IN THE TOWN OF VANITY. 189
Then said Mr. LOVE-SAINT, ' I hope this cau-
tion is not needful among you : but truly there
are many that go upon the road, that rather de-
clare themselves strangers to pilgrimage, than
strangers and Pilgrims in the earth.'
Then said Mr. DARE-XOT-LIE, ' It is true, they
neither have the Pilgrim's weed, nor the Pilgrim's
courage : they go not uprightly, hut all awry, with
their feet: one shoe goeth inward, another out-
Ma id, and their hosen out behind ; here a rag, and
there a rent, to the disparagement of their LORD/
* These things, 'said Mr. PENITENT, 'they ought
to be troubled for; nor arc the Pilgrims like to
have that grace upon them and their Pilgrim's
progress as they desire, until the way is cleared of
such spots and blemishes.'
Thus they sat talking and spending the time
until supper was set upon the table. Unto whieh
they went, and refreshed their weary bodies; so
they went to rest Now they staid in the Fair a
great while, at the house of Mr. MXASON, who,
in process of time, gave his daughter GRACE unto
SAMUEL, CHRISTIANA'S son, and his daughter
MARTHA to JOSEPH.
The time, as I said, 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 ser-
vice they could. MERCY, as she was wont, la-
boured much for the poor ; wherefore their bellies
PART II. Ll
190 A MOBSTER DOES GREAT MISCHIEF,
and backs blessed her, and she was there an orna-
ment to her profession. And, to say the truth for
GRACE, PHEBE, and MARTHA, they were all of a
very good nature, and did much good in their
places. They were also all of them very fruitful;
so that CHRISTIAN'S name, as was said before,
was like to live in the world.
While they lay here, there came a Monster out
of the woods, and slew many of the people of the
town. It would also carry away their children, and
teach them to suck its whelps. Now no man in
the town durst so much as face this Monster ; but
all men fled when they heard of the noise of his
coming. The Monster was like unto no one beast
upon the earth ; its body was " like a dragon, and
" it had seven heads and ten horns V It made
great havock of children, and yet it Avas governed
by a woman. This Monster propounded condi-
tions to men; and such men as loved their lives
more than their souls accepted of those conditions.
Now Mr. GREAT-HEART, together with these
who came to visit the Pilgrims at Mr. MNASON'S
house, entered into a covenant to go and engage
this beast, if perhaps they might deliver the people
of this town from the paws and mouth of this so
devouring a serpent.
Then did Mr. GREAT-HEART, Mr. CONTRITE,
Mr. HOLY-MAN, Mr. DARE-NOT-LIE, and Mr.
PENITENT, with their weapons go forth to meet
1 Rev. xii. 3.
WHICH THE PILGRIMS ASSAULT AXD MAIM.
him. Now the Monster, at first, was very ram-
pant, and looked upon these enemies with great
disdain ; but they so belaboured him, being sturdy
men at aims, that they made him make a re-
treat : so they came home to Mr. MXASON'S
house again.
The Monster, you must know, had his certain
seasons to come out in, and to make his attempts
upon the children of the people of the town : also
these seasons did these valiant worthies watch him
in, and did continually assault him ; insomuch
that in process of time he became not only wound-
ed, but lame ; also he had not made the havock of
the townsmen's children as formerly he has done.
And it is verily believed by some, that this beast
will certainly die of his wounds. This therefore
made Mr. GREAT-HEART and his fellows of great
fame in this Town ; so that many of the people,
that wanted their taste of things, yet had a reverent
esteem and respect for them. Upon this account
therefore it was, that these Pilgrims got not much
hurt here. True, there were some of the baser sort,
that could see no more than a mole, nor understand
more than a beast ; these had no reverence for these
nun, nor took thqy notice of their valour and ad-
ventures.
This seems to refer to the prevalence of popery for some time
before the revolution in 1688 ; by which many nominal protestants
were drawn aside, and numbers of children educated in the prin-
ciples of that dark superstition. The favour or frown of th
L12
THEY LEAVE THE TOWN" OF* VANITY.
Well, the time drew on that the Pilgrims must
go on their way ; therefore they prepared for their
journey. They sent for their friends ; they con-
ferred with them ; they had some time set apart
therein, to commit each other to the protection of
their PRINCE. There were again that brought
them of such things as they had, that were fit for
the weak and the strong, for the women and the
men, and so laded them with such things as were
3 o
necessary '. Then they set forward on their way ;
and their friends accompanying them so far as was
convenient, they again committed each other to
the protection of their KING, and departed.
They, therefore, that were of the Pilgrims' com-
pany, went on, and Mr. GREAT-HEART went he-
fore 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. FEE-
1 Acts, xxviii. 10.
Prince and his party operated so powerfully, that worldly men in
general yielded to the imposition: but several persons among the
non-conformists, as well as in the established church, did eminent
service at that crisis by their preaching and writings, in exposing
the delusions and abominations of that monstrous religion ; and
these endeavours were eventually the means of overturning the
plan formed for the re-establishment of popery in BRITAIN. The
disinterested and bold decided conduct of many dissenters, on this
occasion, procured considerable favour both to them and their
brethren, with the best friends of the nation : but the prejudices
of others prevented them from reaping all the advantage from it
that they ought to have done.
THE HILL LUCRE, AND PILLAR OF SALT. 193
BLE-MIND had more to sympathize with their
condition.
When they were gone from the townsmen, and
when their friends IKK! bid them farcwel, they
quickly came to the plaee M'here FAITHFUL was
put U> deatli : therefore they made a stand, and
thanked Him that had enabled him to bear his
so well; and the rather, because they now
found that they had a benelit by such a man's
sufferings as he \vas. They went on, therefore,
after thU a good way further, talking of CHRIS-
TIAN' and FAITHFUL; and how HOPEFUL joined
himself to CHRISTIAN, after that FAITHFUL Mas
dead '.
Now they were come up with the hill LUCRE,
where the silver mine was, which took DEMAS off
from his pilgrimage, and into which, as some think,
llv-j-.\i)s fell and perished: wherefore they con-
sidered that. But when they were come to the
old monument that stood over against the Hill
l.t i u j , to wit, to the pillar of salt, that stood also
within view of SODOM, and its stinking lake*,
they marvelled, as did CHRISTIAN before, that
men of that knowledge and ripeness of wit, as they
were, should be so blind as to turn aside here.
Only they considered again, that nature is not
affected with the harms that others have met with,
especially if that thing, upon which they look,
has an attracting virtue upon the foolish eye,
' P. i. p. 191. * P. i. p. 215,
Lifl
194 THE PROVISION MADE
I saw now that they went on till they came to
the River that was on this side of the DE LECTABLE
MOUNTALNS '. To the River where the fine trees
grow on both sides; and whose leaves, if taken
inwardly, are good against surfeits *, where the
meadows are green all the year long, and where
they might lie down safely.
By this river-side, in the meadows, there were
cotes and folds for sheep, a house built for the
nourishing and bringing up of those lambs, the
babes of those women that go on pilgrimage. Also
there was here One that was entrusted with them,
who could have compassion, and that could gather
these lambs with his arm, and carry them in his
bosom, and that could gentty lead those that were
with young 3 . Now to the care of this Man
CHRISTIANA admonished her four daughters to
commit their little ones, that by these waters they
might be housed, harboured, succoured, and nou-
rished, and that none of them might be lacking in
time to come. This Man, if any of them go astray,
or be lost, he will bring them again ; he will also
bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen
them that are sick 4 . Here they will never want
meat, drink, and clothing; here they will be kept
from thieves and robbers; for this Man will die
before one of those committed to his trust shall be
lost. Besides, here they shall be sure to have good
1 F. i. p. 218. * Ps. xxiii. 3 Heb. v. 2. Isa. Ixiii.
* Jer. xxiii. 4. Ezek. xxxiv. n 16.
FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE PILGRIMS. 1<).5
nurture and .admonition ; and slnll he taught to
walk in right paths, and that you know is a f.ivour
of no sjnall account. p Also hero, as you .sec, arc
<k -licate waters, pleasant meadows, dainty flowers,
variety of trees, and such a.s hear wholesome fruit:
fruit not like that which MATTHKW cat of, that fell
over the wall out of BEELZEBUB'S garden; but
fruit that procureth health where there is none, and
that continueth and iucreascth where it is.
So they were content to commit their little ones
to him ; and that which was also an encourage-
ment to them so to do was, for that all this wa^ to
be at the charge of the K i vc; ; and so was an hos-
pital to young children and orphans.
P Under this emblem we are taught tho importance of carl) '.c-
commending our children to tin* faithful ran? of the LORD Ji.-r-s
In fervent prayer, uitli carnet desires of their eternal good, above
all -ccular advantage whatsoever: consequently wrought to keep
thvin at u distance from such places connexion^, bunk-*, anl coni-
panifN, as may corrupt their principle* and moral-.; t iiihtil Mich
MiM'ructioijs as they are capable of receiving; to bring them
-ar!\ under the preaching of the gospel cmJ to tin? ordinances of
. and i-> a\ail ourselves of every help, in thus " training
" them up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD." Fur
\ ed natural propensities, the course of the world, the artili-.es
an, the inexperience, credulity, and -.anguine expectations
:th, the importance of the case, and the precepts of Scrip-
ture, concur in requiring this conduct of us. Vet, after all, <>ur
minds uni-t be anxious about the event, in proportion as we value
Iheir soul-, except as we find relief, by commending them to the
faithful care of that tender Sn KPIIRRD, who " gathers the Uuub*
" with his arm, and carries them in his bosom."
L14
THE PILGRIMS GO TO DOUBTING-CASTLE,
Now they went on ; and when they were come
to BY-PATH meadow, to the Stile over Avhich
CHRISTIAN went with his fellow HOPEFUL, when
they were taken by Giant DESPAIR, and put into
DOUBTING-CASTLE; they sat down, and consulted
what was best to be done; to wit, now they Avere so
strong, and had got such. a man as Mr. GREAT-
HEART for their Conductor,- whether they had not
best to make an attempt upon the Giant, demolish
his castle, and if there were any Pilgrims in it, to
set them at liberty, before they went any further ".
So one said one thing, and another said to the con-
trary. One questioned if it was lawful to go upon
unconsecrated ground; another said they might,
provided their end was good. But Mr. GREAT-
HEART said, ' Though that assertion offered last
cannot be universally true, yet I have a command-
ment to resist sin, to overcome evil, to fight the
good fight of faith : and, I pray, with whom should
I fight this good fight, if not with Giant DESPAIR ?
I will therefore attempt the taking away of his
life, and the demolishing of DOUBTING-CASTLE.'
Then said he, ' Who will go with me ?' Then said
old HONEST, '/ will.' ' And so we will too,' said
CHRISTIANA'S four sons, MATTHEW, SAMUEL,
JAMES, and JOSEPH: for they were young men
and strong *.
So they left the women on the road, and with
them Mr. FEEBLE-MIND and Mr. READY-TO-
1 ?. i. p. 225 238. i John, ii. 13, 14.
TO ASSAULT GIANT DESPAIR. 197
HALT, with his crutches, to be their guard, until
they came hack ; for in that place, though Giant
DESPAI R dwells so near, they keeping in the road,
" a little ehilil might lead them '."
So Mr. GREAT-HEART, old HONEST, and the
four young men went to go up to DOUBTING-
CASTLE, to look for Giant DESPAIR. When they
came at the Castle-gate, they knocked for entrance
with an unusual noise. With that the Old Giant
comes to the gate, and DIFFIDENCE his wife fol-
lows. Then said he, ' Who and what is he that is
so hardy, as after this manner to molest the Giant
DESPAIR?' Mr. GREAT-HEART replied, 'It is I,
GREAT-HEART, one of the KING of the celestial
Country's Conductors of Pilgrims to their place:
and I demand ofthee, that tliou open thy gates for
my entrance; prepare thyself also to fight, for I am
come to take away thy head, and to demolish
DOUBTING-CASTLE.*
jKow Giant DESPAIR, hccause he was a Giant,
thought no man could overcome him; and again,
tin night he, ' Since heretofore I have made a con-
quest of Angels, shall GREAT-HEART make me
afraid:' So he harnessed himself, and went out:
he had a rap of steel upon his head, a breast-plate
of lire girded to him, and he came out in iron shoes
with a great club in his hand. Then these six
men made up to him, and beset him behind and
before: also when DIFFIDENCE, the Giantess,
* Ijauh, xi. 6.
198 THEY DESTROY THE GIANT AND CASTLE,
came up to help him, old Mr. HONEST cut her
down at one blow. Then they fought for their
lives, and Giant DESPAIR was brought down to
the ground, but was very loth to die: he struggled
hard, and had, as they say, as many lives as a cat ;
but GREAT-HEART was his death; for he left
him not till he had severed his head from his
shoulders.
Then they fell to demolishing DOUBTING-CAS-
TLE, and that you know might with ease be done,
since Giant DESPAIR was dead. They were seven
days in destroying of that : and in it, of Pilgrims,
they found one Mr. DESPONDENCY, almost star-
ved to death, and one MUCH-AFRAID his daughter;
these two they saved alive. But it would have
made you have wondered to have seen the dead
bodies that lay here and there in the castle-yard,
and how full of dead men's bones the dungeon
was.
When Mr. GREAT-HEART and his companions
had performed this exploit, they took Mr. DESPON-
DENCY, and his daughter MUCH-AFRAID, into
their protection ; for they were honest people,
though they were prisoners in DOUBTING-CASTLE,
to that Giant DESPAIR. They therefore, I say,
took with them the head of the Giant, (for his
body they had buried under a heap of stones ;)
and down to the road and to their companions
they came, and shewed them what they had done.
Now when FEEBLE-MIND and UEADY-TO-HALT
RELEASE TWO PILGRIMS, AND REJOICE. 199
auw that it was the head of Giant DESPAIR indeed,
they were very jocund and merry. Xow CHRIS-
TIANA, it* need was, could play upon the viol, and
her daughter MERCY upon the lute: so since they
v ere so merrily disposed, she played them a lesson,
and READY-TO-HALT would dance. So he took
DESPONDENCY'S daughter, 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 promise you, lie footed it well:
also the irirl was to be commended, for she an-
O '
swcrecl the musick handsomely.
As for Mr. DESPONDENCY the musick was not
much to him : he was for feeding rather than
dancing; for that he was almost starved. So
CiiiusTiANAgavehim some of her bottle of spirits,
for present relief, and then prepared him something
to eat ; and in a little time the old gentleman came
to himself, and began to be iinely revived.
Now I saw in my dream, when all these things
were finished, Mr. GREAT-HEART took the head
of Giant DESPAIR, and set it upon a pole by the
highway-side, right over against the pillar that
CHRISTIAN erected for a caution to Pilgrims that
O
rame after, to take heed of entering into his
grounds. *
< The following lines-arc bore added, as in other places,
Though PouBTitfG-CAUTi.F. he demolished,
And Giant DESPAIR too has lost his head;
200 A MONUMENT AND INSCRIPTION.
Then he writ under it, upon a marble stone*
these verses following :
*
' This is the head of him, whose name only,
In former time, did Pilgrims terrify.
His Castle's down, and DIFFIDENCE, his wife,
Brave Master GREAT-HEART has bereft of life.
DESPONDENCY, his daughter MUCH-AFRAID,
GREAT-HEART for them also the man has play'd.
Who hereof doubts, if he'll but cast his eye
Up hither, may his scruples satisfy.
This head also, when doubting cripples dance,
Doth shew from fears they have deliverance/
When those men had thus bravely shewed them-
selves against DOUBTING-CASTLE, and had slain
Sin can rebuild the Castle, make't remain,
And make DESPAIR the Giant live again/ -
Indeed they seem to be much wanted ; for the exploit of destroy-
ing DOUBTING-CASTLE, and killing Giant DESPAIR, is more
liable to exception, than any incident in the whole work. To re-
lieve the minds of such as arc discouraged in the path of duty, or
when enquiring the way of salvation, is doubtless a most important
service in the cause of CHRIST. This is represented by the at-
tempts made to mend the road over the Slough of DESPOND: but
By-PATH-meadow ought to lead to DOUBTING-CASTLE; such
inward distresses are as useful to Christians as any other rebukes
and corrections, by which their loving FRIEND renders them
watchful and circumspect. Could this order be reversed ; it
would give strength to temptation, and tend to embolden men to
seek relief from difficulties by transgression; for the apprehension
of subsequent distress is one grand prcvcntative, even to the be-
liever, when such measures are suggested to his mind. Indeed,
this is the LORD'S method of performing his covenant to his peo-
ple; " I will," says he, " put my fear in their hearts, that they
THE DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS. 201
(liant DESPAIR, they went forward, and went on
till they came to the DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS,
where CHRISTIAN and HOPEFUL refreshed them-
selves with the varieties of the place. They also
acquainted themselves with the Shepherds there,
who welcomed them, as they had done CHRISTIAN
before, unto the DELECTABLE MOUNTAIN -.
Now uhe Shepherds seeing so great a train follow
Mr. ( i jn AT-HEART, (for with him they were well
acquainted,) they said unto him, ' Good Sir, you
have got a goodly company here; pray where ilicl
you find all these?'
" shall not depart front me '." If therefore lore be not in lively
exercise, ho has so ordered it, that fear should intervene, to prc-
\ent \\orse consequences. So that, \vlicii believers have not only
departed from the way, but have also fallen a-Uvp on forbidden
"round, their alarms and doubts arc salutary, though often ground-
less and extreme: and should any man, by preaching or writing,
be able to prevent all the desponding! of such persons, previous lo
their repentance and its happy elfect-, he would subserve the de-
sign of the tempter, and counteract the LORD'S plan. We can,
with propriety, do no more in this case, than encourage the fallen
ti repent and seek forgiveness, by the general truths, invitations,
and promises of Scripture ; and comfort them when penitent, by
uitahle topirks, " that they may not be swallowed up of ovcr-
" much sorrow." liut though this part of the allegory is liable
to some objection, or capable of being abused : yet it is probable,
that the author only intended to shew, that the labours of faithful
ministers, with the converse and prayers of such believers as arc
strong in faith, may be very useful in recovering the fallen, and
relieving them that arc ready to despond; and of thus preventing
the more durable and dreadful effects of the weak believer's trans-
gressions.
i Jer. ixxii. 40.
202 THEY ARE WELCOMED BY THE SHEPHERDS,
GR.-H. ' First, here is CHRISTIANA and her train,
Her sons, anil her son's wives, who, like the wain,
Keep by the pole, and do by compass steer
From sin to grace, else they had not been here*
Next, here's old HONEST come on pilgrimage 4
READY-TO-HALT too, who, I dare engage,
True hearted is, and so is FEEBLE-MIND,
Who willing was not to be left behind.
DESPONDENCY, good man, is coming after,
And so also is MUCH -AFRAID his daughtimr
May we have entertainment here, or must
\Vc further go ? Let's know whereon to trust."
*
Then said the Shepherds, ' This is a comfortable
company ; you are welcome to us, for we have for
the feeble, as for the strong : our PRINCE has an
eye to what is done to the least of these ' : there-
fore infirmity must not be a block to our enter-
tainment. ' . So they had them to the Palace-doors,,
and then said unto them, ' Come in, Mr. FEEBLE-
MIND: come in, Mr. READY-TO-HALT; come in,
Mr. DESPONDENCY, and Mrs. MUCH-AFRAID his-
daughter.' 'These, Mr. GREAT-HEART,' said the
Shepherds to the Guide, ' we call in by name, for
that they are most subject to draw back ; but as
for you, and the rest that are strong, we leave you
to your wonted liberty.' Then said Mr. GREAT-
HEART, ' This day I see that grace doth shine in
your faces, and that you are my LORD'S Shepherds
indeed ; for that you have not pushed these dis-
eased neither with side nor shoulder, but have
rather strewed their way into the palace with flow-
ers as you should V
* Matt. xxv. 40. * Ezck. xxxiv. 21.
MOUNT MARVEL. 203"
thc feeble and weak went in, and Mr. GREAT-
HEAUT and the rest did follow. When they were
also sat down, the Shepherds said to those of the
weakest sort, ' What is that you would have ? For,*
said they, 'all things must he managed here to the
.supporting of the weak, as well as the warning of
the unruly."
So they made them a least of tilings easy of di-
; >n, and that were pleasant to the palate and
nourishing : the whieh when they had reeeived,
they went to their rest, each one re.speetively unto
his proper plaee. When morning M'as come, be-
cause the mountains were high, and the day clear;
and because it was the custom of the Shepherds to
shew the Pilgrims before their departure, some
rarities ; therefore, after they were ready, and had
refreshed themselves, the Shepherds took them out
into the fields, and shewed them first what thev
had shewed to CHRISTIAN before 1 .
Then they had them to some new places. The
fust Mas mount MARVEL, where they looked, and
behold a man at a distance, that tumbled the hill*
about with words. Then they asked the Shepherds
what that should mean? So they told them, that
that man was the son of one Mr. GREAT-GRACE,
{of \\ hom you read in the first part of the records
of the Pilgrim* Progress:] and he is set there to
teach Pilgrims how to believe clown, or to tumble
out of their ways, what difficulties they should
P. i. p. 39 49-
204- MOUNT INNOCENCE.
meet with, by faith '. 'Then,' said 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 saw a man
clothed all in white; and two men, PREJUDICE
and ILL-WILL, continually casting dirt upon him.
Now behold, the dirt, whatsoever they cast at him,
would in a little time fall off again, and his gar-
ment would look as clear as if no dirt had been
cast thereat. Then said the Pilgrims, * What
means this?' The Shepherds answered, 'This man
is named GODLY-MAN, and the garment is to shew
the innocency of his life. Now those that throw
dirt at him, are such as hate his well-doing ; but
1 Mark, xi. 23, 24.
1 Faith exercised on the promises, and according to the war-
rant, of Scripture, engages the arm of omnipotence on our side,
as far as our duty or advantage, and the glory of GOD, are con-
cerned: so that strong faith will remove out of our way every ob-
stacle which prevents our progress. But many things seem to us
to be insurmountable obstacles which are merely trials of our pa-
tience, or " thorns in the flesh " to keep us humble : no degree
of faith therefore will remove them ; but believing prayer will be
answered by inward strength communicated to our souls. " The
" grace of the LORD JESUS will besufficient for us :" " his strength,
" will be perfected in our weakness:" the burning bush shall not
be consumed: and we shall be enabled to proceed, though in
great weakness, and with many trembling apprehensions. On the
other hand, real hindrances frequently obstruct our path, " be-
" cause of our unbelief," and because we neglect the proper means
ef increasing our faith *.
i Matt. xvii. 1921.
MOUNT CHARITY. 205
as you see the dirt will not stick upon his clothes,
so it shall be with him that lives truly innocently
in the world. Whoever they be that would make
such men dirty, they labour all in vain ; for GOD,
by that a little time is spent, will cause that their
innocence shall break forth as the light, and their
righteousness as the noon-day.' *
Then they took them, and had them to Mount
CHARITY, where they shewed them a man that
had a bundle of cloth lying before him, out of
which he cut coats and garments for the poor that
stood about him ; yet his bundle or roll of cloth
was never the less. Then said they, * What should
this be ? ' * This is,* said the Shepherds, to shew
you, that he that has a heart to give of his labour
to the poor, shall never want wherewithal. " He
" that watcrcth, shall be watered himself." And
the cake, that the widow gave to the prophet, did
not cause that she had ever the less in her barrel.'
This and the subsequent emblems arc sufficiently explained,
and only require to be duly coiiaiiltrcd \\ith reference to their prac-
tical import. It may however be observed, that Mme godly men
have been durably suspected of crimes charged upon them by preju-
diced persons, of which they are entirely innocent : y't, perhaps,
tin* \\ill be found to have originate.! from some misconduct in
other respects, or from want of circumspection in "avoiding the
" appearance of evil:" so that the general rule may be allowed to be
valid ; and they who feel them-i-Ui^ to IK' exception to it will do
well to examine, whether they have not by inli>rretions, at lea-t,
exposed theniM'l\es to this painful trial. 1 apprehend most of us
have cause enough in this respect for humiliation and paticncr.
PART II. M
206 FOOL AND WANT- WIT, AND THE BY- WAV.
They had them also to the place, where they saw
one FOOL, and one WANT- WIT, washing of an
ETHIOPIAN, with an intention to make him white;
but the more they washed him, the blacker he was.
Then they asked the Shepherds, what that should
mean ? So they told them, saying, ' Thus shall it
be with the vile person ; all means used to get such
a one a good name, shall in conclusion tend but
to make him more abominable. Thus it was with
the Pharisees, and so it shall be with all hypocrites.'
Then said MERCY, the wife of MATTHEW, to
CHRISTIANA her mother, ' I would, if it might
be, see the Hole in the hill, or that commonly called
the BY-WAY to hell.' So her mother brake her
mind to the Shepherds T . Then they went to the
door; (it was on the side of an hill;) and they
opened it, and bid MERCY hearken awhile. So
she hearkened, and heard one saying, ' Cursed be
my father, for holding of my feet back from the
way of peace and life :' And another said, ' O that
I had been torn in pieces, before I had, to save my
life, lost my soul !' And another said, ' If I were
to live again, how would I deny myself, 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 ; so she looked white,
and v came trembling away, saying, ' Blessed be he
and she that is delivered from this place.'
Now when the Shepherds had shewn them aH
1 P. i. p. 247.
MEA (' Y looking into the J*YJ>: It I Y
1 /W*-W byf.JISrrln
THE M'ONDERFUL LOOKI N'G-GLASS.
these tilings, then they had them back to the Pal-
ace, and entertained them with what the house
would afford: hut MERCY, being a young and
breeding woman, longed for something that she
saw tli 'ic, but was ashamed toa.sk. Her mother-
in-law then asked her what she ailed, for she looked
as one not well "r Then .said MERCY, ' There is a
lookmg-glasfl hangs up in the dining room, off
which I cannot take my mind ; if therefore I have
it not, I think I shall miscarry/ Then said her
mother, * I will mention thy wants to the Shep-
herd-, and they will not deny it thee/ But she
said, k I am ashamed that these men should know
that I longed/ ' Nay, my daughter,' said she, ' it is
no shame, but a virtue, to long for such a thing
as that/ So MERCY said, ' Then, mother, if you
please, ask the Shepherds if they are -willing to
sell it/
Xow the glass was one of a thousand. It would
present a man, one way, witli his own features ex-
actly ; and turn it but another way, and it would
shew one the very face and similitude of the PRINCE
of the Pilgrims himself. Yes, I have- talked with
them that can tell, and they have said, that they
have seen the very crown of thorns upon his head,
by looking in that gla^> ; they have therein also
n the holes in his hands, in his feet, and his
.side. Yea, such an excellency is there in that
glass, that it will shew him to one where they ha\ <
a mind to see him; whether living or dead, vhcther
M m 2
208 PRESENTS MADE TO THE PILGRIMS:
in earth or in heaven ; whether in a state of hu-
miliation, or in his exaltation ; whether coming t&
suffer, or coming to reign T .
CHRISTIANA therefore went to the Shepherd*
apart, (now the names of the Shepherds, were
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, WATCHFUL, and
SINCERE*,) and said unto them, ' There is one of
my daughters, a hreeding woman, that, I think,
doth long for something that she hath seen in this
house, and she thinks she shall miscarry, if she
should by you be denied.'
EXPER. Call her, call her; she shall assuredly
have what we can help her to. So they called her,
and said to her, ' MERCY, What is that thing thou
wouldest have?' Then she blushed, and said,
* The great glass that hangs up in the dining-
room.' 3o SINCERE ran and fetched it, and with
a joyful consent it was given her. Then she bowed
her head, and gave thanks, and said, ' By this I
know that I have obtained favour in your eyes.' 1
They also gave to the other young women such
things as they desired, and to their husbands great
1 James, i. 23 25. 1 Cor. xiii. 12. 2 Cor. iii. 18.
* P. i. p. 242.
1 The holy Scriptures, revealing to us the mysteries and per-
fections of GOD, shewing us our own real character and condition,
and discovering CHRIST and his salvation to our souls, are repre-
sented under this emblem. Every true believer longs to be more
completely acquainted with them from day to day, and to look
into them continually*
.
THEY PROCEED ON THEIR JOURNEY. 209
commendations, for that they had joined with Mr.
GREAT-HEART, to the slaying of Giant DESPAIR,
and the demolishing of DOUBTING-CASTLE.
About CHRISTIANA'S neck the Shepherds put a
bracelet, and so they did about the necks of her
four daughters ; also they put ear-rings in their
rars, and jewels on their foreheads.
When they were minded to go hence, they let
them go in peace, hut gave not to them those cer-
tain cautions which before were sriven to CHRIS-
O
TIAN, and his companion. The reason was, for
that these had GREAT-HEART to be their Guide,
who was one that was well acquainted with things,
and so could give them their cautions more sea-
sonable ; to wit, even then when the danger was
nigh the approaching. What cautions CHRISTIAN
and his companion had received of the Shepherds',
they had also lost by that the time was come that
they had need to put them in practice. Where-
fore, here was the advantage that this company
had over the other. "
1 P. i. p. 249.
The author embraces every opportunity of pointing out tin-
important advantages of the pastoral office, when faithfully -v-
cuted ; by which hi' meant, the regular care of a vtutrd minister
over a company of professed Christians, who arc his peculiar charge,
have voluntarily placed themselves under his instruction-.
counsel from him in all their difficulties, and pay regard to his
private admonitions ; being convinced that he uprightly seeks their
spiritual welfare, and i- capable of promoting it. Nothing ->
much tends to the establishment and consistent conduct of beL
Mm3
210 TURN-AWAY, OF APOSTACY :
From hence they went on singing, and they said,
' Behold, how fitly are the Tables set
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, sucli things bestow,
That shew 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
or the permanent success of the gospel, as a proper reciprocal at-
tention of pastors and their flocks to each other. A general way
of preaching and hearing, with little or no connexion, cordial un-
reserved intercourse, or even acquaintance, between ministers and
their congregations; with continual changes from one place to
another, may tend to spread a superficial knowledge of evangelical
truth more widely : but, through the want of seasonable reproof,
counsel, encouragement, or admonition, the general directions
delivered from the pulpit will seldom be recollected when they are
most wanted. Hence it is, that professors so often miss their
way, are taken in the FLATTERER'S net, and fall asleep on the
ENCHANTED GROUND: and a faithful Guide, ever at hand, to
give the caution or direction at the time, is the proper remedy, for
which no adequate substitute can be found. But, as it is much
easier to preach at large on general topicks, and, after a few sermons
delivered in one congregation, to go over the same ground again
in another place; than to perform duly the several parts of the
> arduous oilice, which is sustained by the stated Pastor of a regular
congregation : and as it is far more agreeable to nature, to be ex-
empted from private admonitions, than to be troubled with them,
it may be feared, that this important subject will not at present be
duly attended to.
UI. MARKS ON HIS CHARACTER. LM 1
APOSTACY'. Whcrdbre of him Mr. GREAT-
HEART, their Guide, did now put them in mind,
saving, ' This is the place where CHRISTIAN met
with one TURX-AWAV, who curried with him the
character of his rchellion at his hack. And this
I h;i\ e to siiy concerning this man ; he would
hearken to no counsel, but, once a falling, persua-
sion could not stop him. When he came to the
place where the Cross and the Sepulchre was, he
did meet with one that did hid him look there, but
he gnashed with his teeth, and stamped, and said,
he was resolved to go back to his own Town.
Before he came to the (late, he met with EVAN-
GELIST, who offered to lay hands on him to turn
him into the way again. IJut this Ti KN-AWAY
resisted him, and having done much despite unto
him, he got away over the wall, and so c.scapcd his
hand.'
Then they went on : and, just at the place where
Li j T i i -i A ri n formerly was roblr.-d, there stood
a man with his sword drawn, and his face all bloody.
Then said Air. (i KEAT-HKAHT, 'What art thou?'
The man made answer, saying, " I am one whose
name is VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH, I am a Pilgrim,
and am going to the celestial City. Now, a-. I
was in my way, then- were three men that did he-
set me, and propounded unto me these three tiling ;
Whether I Mould become one of them ? ()rg<
back from whence I came? Or die upon the place?
1 P. i. p. 253.
M 4
212 VALIANT^FOR-TRUTH'S BATTLE,
To the first I answered, I had been a true man a
long season, and therefore it could not he expected
that I now should cast in my lot with thieves *.
Then they demanded what I would say to the
second. So I told them the place from whence I
came, had I not found incommodity there, I had
not forsaken it at all ; but finding it altogether
unsuitable to me, and very unprofitable for me, I
forsook it for this way. Then they asked me
what I said to the third ? And I told them, My
life cost more dear far, than that I should lightly
give it away : Besides, you have nothing to do to
put things to my choice ; wherefore at your peril
be it if you meddle. Then these three, to wit,
WILD-HEAD, INCONSIDERATE, and PRAGMAT-
IC K, drew upon me, and I also drew upon them.
So we fell to it, one against three, for the space of
three hours. They have left upon me, as you see,
some of the marks of their valour, and have also
carried away with them some of mine. They are
but just now gone : I suppose they might, as the
saying is, hear your horse dash, and so they ber
took themselves to flight. w
* Prov. i. 10 19.
w From the names given to the opponents, with whom this Pil-
grim fought, we may infer, that the author meant to represent by
them certain wild enthusiasts, who, not having ever duly considered
any religious subject, officiously intrude themselves in the way of
professors ; to perplex their minds, and persuade them, that unless
they adopt their reveries or superstitions, they cannot be saved.
AND VICTORY OVER THREE ASSAILANTS. 213
GR.-H. But here was great odds, three against
one.
VAL. Tistruc; but little or more are nothing
to him that has the truth on his side : " Though
" an host should encamp against me," said one,
"my heart shall not fear: though war shall rise
" against me, in this will I he confident." ' Be-
sides,' said he, ' I have read in some records, that
one man has fought an army : and how many did
SAMPSOX slay with the jaw-bone of an ass?'
Then said the Guide, ' Why did not you cry
out, that some might have come in for your suc-
cour. '
VAL. So I did to my KING, who I knew could
hear me, and afford invisible help, and that was
enough for inc.
An ungovernable imagination, a mind incapable of sober reflection,
and a dogmatizing spirit, characterize these enemies of the truth:
tin \ u-si'ilt n-li^nms JHT->M-< \\itli s|H>dou> rca^'iino, r.i\illi:>..;
objections, confident assertions, bitter reproaches, proud Ixm-t-
ings, sarcastical censures, and rash judgments: they endeavour
to draw them over to their party, or to drive them from attending
to religion at all; or to terrify them with the fears of damnation,
in tluir present endeavours to serve GOD, and find his salvation.
Whatever company of persons \ve suppose that the author hud in
view, we may learn from the passage what our strength, hope, and
conduct ought to be, when we arc thus assaulted. The word of
GOD, used in faith, and with fervent and persevering prayer, will
at length enable us to silence such dangerous assailants: and it \\c
be -mliunt fur the truth, and meekly contend for it, amidst roll-
ings, menaces, and contempt, we may hope to confirm others also,
and to promote the common cause.
HE JOINS THE PILGRIMS;
Then said GREAT-HEART to Mr. VALIANT-
FOB-TRUTH, ' Thou hast worthily behaved thyself;
let me see thy sword.' So he shewed it him.
When he had taken it into his hand, and looked
thereon a while, he said, ' Ha ! it is a right JERU-
SALEM blade,'
VAL. It is so. Let a man have one of these
blades, with a hand to wield it, and skill to use it,
and he may venture upon an angel with it. lie
need not fear its holding, if he can but tell how to
lay on. Its edge will never blunt. It will cut
fie&h and bones, and soul and vSpirit and all.
GR.-H. But you fought a great while ; I wonder
you was not weary.
VA L. I fought till my sword did cleave to my
hand, and then they were joined together, as if a
sword grew out of my arm; and when the blood
run through my fingers, then I fought with most
courage.
GR.-H. Thou hast done well; thou hast " re-
" sisted unto blood, striving against sin ;" thou
shalt abide by us, come in and go out with us, for
we are thy companions.
Then they took him, and washed his wounds,
and gave him of what they had to refresh him ;
and so they went together. Now as they went on,
because Mr. GREAT-HEART was delighted in him,
(for he loved one greatly that he found to be a
man of his hands ;) and because there were in com-
pany them that were feeble and weak, therefore hft
AND SHEWS HOW HE LEFT DARK-LAND. 215
questioned with him about many things; as first,
what countryman In- was?
w
VAL. I am of DARK- LAND, for there I was
born, and there my father and mother are still.
' DAUK-I AN n !' said the Guide: * doth not
that lie- on the same coast with the City of DE-
STRUCTION ?'
VAL. Yes, it doth. Now that which caused
me to come on pilgrimage, was this : we had Mr.
TM.L-T RUE came into our parts, and he told it
about what CHRISTIAN had done, that went from
the City of DESTRUCTION ; namely, how he had
!vcn his wife and children, and had betaken
himself to a Pilgrim's life. It \vas also confidently
reported, how he had killed a serpent, that did
come out to resist him in his journey ; and how he
got through to whither he intended. It was also
told, what welcome he had to all his LORD'S
l<xlgings. especially when he came to the Gates of
the celestial City; for there, said the man, he was
received with sound of trumpet, by a company of
shining ones. He told it also, how all the bells in
the City did ring for joy at his reception, and what
golden garments he was clothed with ; with many
other things that now I shall forbear to relate. In
a word, that man so told the story of C'n i; i s TIAW
and his travels, that my heart fell into a burning
to begone after him: nor could lather or
mother stay me. So I got from them, and ani
come thus far on my v
S16* HE REJOICES OVER CHRISTIANA, &C.
GR.-H. You came in at the Gate, did you not?
VAL. Yes, yes; for the same man also told us,
that all would be nothing, if we did not begin to
enter this way at the Gate.
'Look you,' said the Guide to CHRISTIANA,
' the pilgrimage of your husband, and what he has
gotten thereby, is spread abroad far and near.'
VAL. Why, is this CHRISTIAN'S wife?
GR.-H. Yes, that it is; and these are also her
four sons.
VAL. -What ! and going on pilgrimage too ?
GR.-H. Yes, verily, they are following after.
VAL. It glads me at heart; good man, how
joyful will he be, when he shall see them, that
would not go with him, to enter before him in at
the Gates into the celestial City !
GR.-H. Without doubt it will be a comfort to
him; for, next to the joy of seeing himself there,
it will be a joy to meet there his wife and children.
VAL. But, now you are upon that, pray let me
hear your opinion about it. Some make a question,
whether we shall know one another when we are
there. '
GR.-H. Do they think they shall know them-
selves then, or that they shall rejoice to see them-
selves in that bliss? and if they think they shall
know and do these, why not know others, and re-
joice in their welfare also ? Again, since relations
are our second self, though that state will be dis-
solved, yet why may it not be rationally conclude^
HIS PILGRIMAGE ASCRIBED TO IDLENESS.
that we shall be more glad to see them there, than
to see they are wanting?
V.M.. Well, I perceive whereabouts you are as
to this. Have you any more things to ask me
about my beginning to come on pilgrimage?
(MI.-II. Yes; was your father and mother wil-
ling that you should become a Pilgrim?
VAL. Oh no ! they used all means imaginable
to persuade me to stay at home.
( J K.-II. What could they say against it?
VAL. They said, it was an idle life; and, if I
myself were not inclined to sloth and laziness, I
\\ould never countenance a Pilgrim's condition. *
* This hath been the reproach cast on religion in even,' agtv
PUAKAOH said to MOSES and the ISRAELITES, " Ye. are idle,
" ye are idle; then-lore ye say, let us go and do sacrifice to the
" LORD." Men naturally imagine, that time spent in the imme-
diate service of GOD is wasted : should a Christian therefore ctn-
ploy as many hours every week, in reading the Scriptures, in secret
and social prayer, in pious discourse, and in attending on publick
ordinance*, as ln^ neighbour devotes to amusement and sensual in-
dulgence; an outcry would spcrdily.bc made, about his idling
away his time, ami Uin^ in the way to beggar his family ! As this
must be expected, it behoves all believers to avoid every apj>car-
anceof evil, and by exemplary diligence i" their proper cmplo\-
incnts a careful redemption of time, a prudent frugality in their
cxpcnces and a good management of all their affairs, to " put to
" silence the ignorance of foolish men." For there are t'>.i many
favourers of the gospel, who give plausibility to these slanders, by
running from place to place, that they may heaikcverv new
preacher; while the duts < I the family, and of their station in the
(.ommunity is miserably neglected. They " walk disonleih . work-
u ing not at all, but are busy -bodies:" from these \\c ought to
218 VARIOUS OTHER CARNAL OBJECTIONS
GR.-H. And what did they say else ?
VA L. Why, they told me that it was a danger-
ous way : Yea, the most dangerous way in the
world, say they, is that which the Pilgrims go.
GR.-H. Did they shew you wherein this way is
dangerous ?
VA L. Yes ; and that in many particulars.
GR.-H. Name some of them.
VAL. They told me of the Slough of DESPOND,
where CHRISTIAN was well nigh smothered. They
told me, that there were archers standing ready in
BEELZEBUB-CASTLE, to shoot them who should
knock at the WICKET-GATE for entrance. They
told me also of the Wood and dark Mountains, of
.the hill DIFFICULTY, of the Lions: and also of
the three Giants, BLOODY-MAN, MAUL, and SLAY-
GOOD : they said, moreover, that there was a foul
Fiend haunted the Valley of HUMILIATION ; and
that CHRISTIAN was by him almost bereft of life.
Besides, said they, you must go over the Valley of
the SHADOW OF'DEATH, where the hobgoblins are,
where the light is darkness, where the way is full of
snares, pits, traps, and gins. They told me also of
Giant DESPAIR, of DOUBTING-CASTLE, and of
the ruin that the Pilgrims met with there. Fur-
ther, they said I must go over the ENCHANTED
withdraw, and against such professors we should protest ; for they
are " ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of
" the truth."
TO THE LIFE OF A PILGRIM. 219
GROUND, which was dangerous. And that after
all this I should find a River over which I should
find no bridge ; and that that River did lie betwixt
me and the celestial Country.
/
GR.-II. And was this all?
VAL. No; they also told me, that tin's way was
full of deceivers ; and of persons that lay in wait
there, to turn good men out of their path.
GR.-H. But how did they make that out?
Y.M.. They told me that Mr. WORLDLY-WISE-
MAN did lie there in wait to deceive. They also
said, that there was FORMALITY and HYPOCRISY
continually on the road. They said also, that BY-
i \ ns, TALKATIVE, or DEMAS, would go near to
gather me up : that the FLATTERER would catch
me in his net ; or that, with green-headed IGNO-
n \\CF, I would presume to go on to the Gate,
from whence he was sent back to the Hole, that
was in the side of the hill, and made to go the
15 Y- way to hell.
(Ju.-n. I promise yon, this was enough to dis-
courage thee. But did they make an end there.
VAL. No, stay. They told me also of many
that tried that way of old, and that had gone i
great way therein, to see if they could find some-
thing of the glory then, that so many had so much
talked of from time to time; and how they came
back again, and befooled themselves for setting a
foot out of door* in thai path ; to the Natisi'.u lion
of the country. And they named several that did
20 MORE OBJECTIONS STILL.
so, as OBSTINATE and PLIABLE, MISTRUST and
TIMOROUS, TURN-AWAY and old ATHEIST, with
several more ; who, they said, had some of them
gone far to see what they could find ; but not one
of them found so much advantage by going, as
amounted to the weight of a feather. y
GR.-H. Said they any thing more to discourage
you? /
VAL. Yes; they told me of one Mr. FEARING,
who was a Pilgrim ; and how he found his way so
solitary, that he never had a comfortable hour
therein : also that Mr. DESPONDENCY had like to
have been starved therein : yea, and also (which I
had almost forgot,) CHRISTIAN himself, about
* Worldly people, in opposing the gospel, descant abundantly
on the folly and hypocrisy of religious persons; they pick up
every vague report that they hear to their disadvantage, and nar-
rowly watch for the halting of such as they are acquainted with;
and then they form general conclusions, from a few particular,
distorted, and uncertain stories ! Thus they endeavour to prove,
that there is no reality in religion, that it is impossible to find
the way to heaven, and that it is better to be quiet than to be-
stow pains to no purpose. This frivolous sophistry is frequently
employed, after all other arguments have been silenced. But it is
vain to deny the existence of hypocrites and deceivers ; or to ex-
cuse the evils to which they object: on the contrary, we should
allow these representations, as far as there is any appearance of
truth in them ; and then shew that this teaches us to beware lest we
be deceived, and to try every doctrine by the touchstone of GOD'S
word ; that counterfeits prove the value of the thing counterfeited;
that we should learn to distinguish between the precious and the
vile; and, finally, that while danger may attend a religious pro-
fession, irreligion ensures destruction.
BUT ALL ANSWERED BY FAITH. 221
whom there has been such a noise, after all his ven-
tures for a celestial Crown, was certainly drowned
in the black River, and never went a foot further,
however it was smothered up.
GR.-H. And did none of these things discourage
you?
VA L. No ; they seemed as so many nothings to
me.
GR.-H. How came that about?
VAL. Why, I still believed what Mr. TELL-TRUE
had said, and that carried me beyond them all.
GR.-H. Then this was your victory, even your
faith?
VA L. It was so : I believed, and therefore came
out, got into the way, fought all that set them-
selves against me, and, by believing, am come to
this place.
4 Who would true valour sec
Let him come hither;
One here will constant be,
Come wind, come weather ;
There's no discouragement
Shall make him once relent
His first ;i\ on M intent,
To be a Pilgrim.
Who so beset him round
With dismal stories,
Do but themselves confound,
.His strength the more is.
No lion can him fright ;
He'll with a giant fight
But he will have a right
To be a Pilgrim.
i A UT II. N n
THEY COME TO THE ENCHANTED GAOUND.
Hobgoblin nor foul fiend
Can daunt his spirit ;
He knows, he at the end
Shall life inherit.
Then fancies fly away,
He'll not fear what men say,
He'll labour night and day
To be a Pilgrim.*
By this time, they were got to the ENCHANTED
GROUND, where the air naturally tended to make
one drowsy f : and that place was all grown over
with briers and thorns, excepting here and there,
where was an enchanted Arbour, upon which if a
man sits, or in which if a man sleeps, 'tis a ques-
tion, say some, whether ever he shall rise or wake
again in this world. Over this forest therefore
they went, both one and another ; and Mr. G REAT-
HEART went before, for that he was the Guide,
and Mr. VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH came behind, be-
ing Rear-guard ; for fear lest perad venture some
Fiend, or Dragon, or Giant, or Thief, should fall
upo v n their rear, and so do mischief. They went
on here, each man with his sword drawn in his
hand, for they knew it was a dangerous place.
Also they cheered up one another, as well as they
could; FEEBLE-MIND, Mr. GREAT-HEART com-
manded, should come up after him, and Mr. DES-
PONDENCY was under the eye of Mr. VALIANT.
Now they had not gone far, but a great mist
and darkness fell upon them all; so that they
P. i. p. ^7^
THE TJAN'GERS THERE MET WITH.
could scarce, tor a. great while, one see the other:
whcivfoiv they were rbrced, tor some time, to feel
ue another In words, tor they walked not by
sight. Mut any one must think, that here was but
sony going tor the best of them all; but how
much th -A-as it tor the women and children,
who both of feet and heart also were but tender !
Yet nevertheless so it was, that through the en-
couiMging words of him that led in the front, and
of him that brought them up behind, they made a
pretty good .shift to wag along.
The way was also here very wearisome, through
dirt and slabbiness. Nor was there, on all this
ground, so much as one inn or victualling-house,
tluicin to rcfnsli the feebler sort. Here there-
fore was grunting, and puffing, and sighing; while
one tumbleth over a bush, another sticks fast in
the dirt ; and the children, some of them lost their
shots in the mire: while one cries out 'I am down;'
and another, ' Ho, where are you?' And a third,
' The bushes have got such fast hold on me, I think
I cannot get away from them.'
Then they came to an Arbour, warm, and pro-
mising much refreshing to the Pilgrims: for it waft
finely wrought above-head, beautified with greens,
furnished with benches and settles. It had in it
a soft couch, where the weary might lean. This,
you must think, all things couriered, was tempt-
ing; for the Pilgrims already began to be foiled
with the badness of the way; but there was not
Nn2
224- ARBOUR CALLED THE SLOTHFUL's FRIEND,
one of them that made so much as a motion to stop
there. Yea, for ought I could perceive, they con-
tinually gave so good heed to the advice of their
Guide; and he did so faithfully tell them of dan-
gers, and of the nature of dangers, when they were
at them, that usually, when they were nearest to
them, they did most pluck up their spirits, and
hearten one another to deny the flesh. The Arbour
was called the SLOTHFUL'S FRIEND, on purpose
to allure, if it might be, some of the Pilgrims there
to take up their rest when weary. z
z This view of the ENCHAXTED-GROUND seems to vary from
that which has been considered in the first part. The circum-
stances of believers who are deeply engaged in business, and con-
strained to spend much time among worldly people, may here be
particularly intended. This may sometimes be unavoidable ; but
it is enchanted ground: many professors, fascinated by the advan-
tages and connexions thus presented to them, fall asleep, and wake
no more: and others are entangled by those thorns and briers, which
" choke the word, and render it unfruitful." The more soothing
the scene the greater the danger, and the more urgent need is there
for watchfulness and circumspection: the more vigilant believers
are, the greater uneasiness will such scenes occasion them ; as
they will be so long out of their proper element: and the weaker
and more uriestablished men are, the more apt will they be, in
such circumstances, to yield to discouragement. The society and
Counsel of faithful ministers and Christian friends may help them
to get on: but they will often feel that their path is miry and
slippery, entangling and perplexing, dark and wearisome to their
souls. Yet if this be the case, their sighs, complaints, and prayers,
are hopeful symptoms: but when worldly employments and con-
nexions, which perhaps at first were in a sense unavoidable, in-
duce prosperity; and men seek comfort from this prosperity,
instead of considering it as A snare or burden, or improving it as a
GREAT-HEART CONSULTS HIS MAT. 225
I snw then in my dream, that they went on in
this their solitary ground, till they came to a place
at which a man is apt to lose his way. Now, though
when it was light, their Guide could well enough
tell how to miss those ways that led wrong, yet in
the dark lie was put to a stand: but he had in his
pocket a map of all ways leading to or from the
celestial City ; wherefore he .struck a light (for lie
never goes also without his tindcr-hox,) and takes
a view of his book or map, which bids him be care-
ful, in that place to turn to the right-hand. And
had he not here been careful to look in his map, they
had in all probability been smothered in the mud;
for ju-,t 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 pur-
pose to destroy the Pilgrims in.
Then thought I with myself, who, that goeth on
pilgrimage, but would have one of these maps
about him, that he may look when he is at a stand,
which is the way he must take. *
talent; then the professor fulls asleep in the enchanted arbour.
It behoves, however, all who love their souls, to shun that hurry
of business, and multiplicity of affairs and projects, into which
many are betrayed by degrees, in order t< supply increasing ex-
pences, that might be avoided by strict frugality and more moderate
desires: for these things lade the *oul with thick clav; arc a heavy
u< ijit to the most upright ; render a man'- \\;iv doubtful and
joyless; and " drown many in destruction and |>erdition."
a This emblem inculcates the duty of constant attention to the
preceptt and counted of Scripture, as well as reliance on its pn>-
Nn3 '
226 TWO MEN ASLEEP IN AN ARBOUR:
They went on, then, in this ENCHANTED
GROUND, till they came to where there was ano-
ther Arbour, and it was built by the highway-side.
And in that Arbour there lay two men, whose
names were HEEDLESS and TOO-BOLD. These
two went thus far on pilgrimage; but here, being
wearied with their journey, sat down to rest them-
selves, and so fell fast a.sleep. When the Pilgrims
saw them, they stood still, and shook their heads ;
for they knew that the sleepers were in a pitiful
case. Then they consulted what to do, whether
to go on, -and leave them in their sleep, or step 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 themselves did not sit down, nor embrace the
offered benefit of that Arbour.
So they went in, and spake to the men, and
called each by his name, (for the Guide, it seems,
did know them,) but there was no voice, nor an-
swer. Then the Guide did shake them, and do
what he could to disturb them. Then said one
of them, ' I will pay you when I take my money.'
At which the Guide shook his head. ' I will fight
mises; and of an habitual application to the LORD by prayer, to
teach us the true meaning of his word, that we may learn the way,
of peace and safety, in the most difficult and doubtful cases j
and the advantage of consulting such ministers, as are most ex-
perienced in the ways of GOD, and most conversant with his sacred
oracles.
A WARNING TO THE PILGRIMS.
so Ions: as J can hold my sword in my band,' said
thr other. At that one of the children laughed.
Then said CHRISTIANA, ' What is the meaning
of this?' Then the Guide said, 'They talk in
their sleep; if you do strike them, or beat them, or
whatever else you do unto them, they will an
you after this fashion; or, as one of them said in
old time, when the waves of the sea did beat upon
him, and he slept as one upon the mast of a ship,
" When I do awake, I will seek it yet again V
You know, when men talk in their sleep, they say
any tiling, hut their words are not governed either
by faith or reason. There is an incoherency in
their words now; even as there was before, betwixt
their going on pilgrimage and their sitting down
here. This then is the mischief on't, when heedless
goon pilgrimage; twenty to one but they are
bcrvcd thus. For this ENCHANTED GROUND is
one of the hist refuges that the enemy to Pilgrims
h.i> ; wherefore it is, as you see, placed almost at
the end ot the way, and so it staudeth against us
with the more advantage. * For when, 1 thinks the
enemy, * will these fools be so desirous to sit down,
a when they are weary? And at what time so
likely for to be weary, as when they are almost at
their journey's end ?' Therefore it is, I say, that
the K.\ CHANTED GROUND is placed so nigh to
the Land HFULAH, and so near the end of their
race. Wherefore let Pilgrims look to themselves,
Prov. xxiii. 34, 35.
228 THE PILGRIMS PRESS FORWARD.
lest it happens to them as it has done to these, that
as you see, are fallen asleep, and none can awake
them.' b
Then the Pilgrims desired, with trembling, to go
forward; only they prayed their Guide to strike a
light, that they might go the rest of their way by the
help of the light of a lantern. So he struck a light,
and they went by the help of that through the rest
of this way, though the darkness was very great '.
But the children began to be sorely weary ; and
they cried out unto him that loveth Pilgrims, to
make their way more comfortable. So by that they
had gone a little further, a wind arose, that drove
away the fog; so the air became more clear. Yet
they were not off, by much, of the ENCHANTED
1 2 Pet. i. 19.
b Such men as take up a profession of the gospel, in a heedless
manner, and proceed with an over-bearing confidence, the result
of pride and ignorance, may long maintain a form of godliness,
though it be a weariness to them : but after a time, they will gra-
dually be drawn back into the world, retaining nothing of theii-
religion, except certain distorted doctrinal notions. They find
excuses for their conduct from false maxims, and bad examples :
they fall asleep in the arms of worldly prosperity ; nothing can.
awaken them to fear, or self-suspicion; but they will, as it were,
talk in their sleep about religion, in so incoherent a manner, as to
excite the laughter of children ; while they who understand the
case will bewail their deplorable delusion. Such awful examples
should excite us to redoubled diligence, in searching the Scriptures,
and in prayer; lest we too should be overcome with a destructive
sleep, and perish in this fascinating way. For scenes of worldly
prosperity have detected the hypocrisy of many, who have long per-
severed in an unsuspected profession, amidst difficulties and trials.
THEY FIN'D STANDFAST ON HIS KNEES. 229
G RO L* \ i), but only now they could see one another
better, and also the way wherein they should walk.
Now when they were almost at the end of this
Ground, they perceived, that a little before them
a solemn noise of one that was much concerned.
So they went on, and looked before them: and be-
hold they saw, as they thought, a man upon his
knees, with hands and eyes lifted up, and speaking,
as they thought, earnestly to one that was above.
They drew nigh, but could not tell what he said;
so they went softly till he had done. When he
had done, he got up, and began to run towards the
celestial City. Then Mr. GREAT-HEART called
after him, saying, ' Soho, friend, let us have your
company, if you go, as I suppose you do, to the
celestial City.' So the man stopped, and they
came up to him: but so soon as Mr. HONEST saw
him, he said, ' I know this man.' Then said Mr.
VAI i A \T-FOR-TRUTH, 'Pr'ythce, who isit?' 'Tis
one,' said he, ' that comes from whereabouts I
dwelt: his name is STANDFAST; he is certainly a
right good Pilgrim.'
So they came up to one another ; and presently
STANDFAST said to old HONEST, 'Ho! father
Ho\EST, are you there?' ' Ay,' said he, * that I
am, as sure as you are there.' ' Right glad am I, f
said Mr. STANDFAST, ' that I have found you on
thi-> road.' 'And as glad am I,' said the other,
' that I espied you on your knees.' Then Mr.
> i A N DFAST blushed, and said, ' But why, did you
230 STANDFAST'S ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF,
see me?' ' Yes, that I did,' quoth the other, * and
with my heart was glad at the sight.' * Why, what
did you think?' said STANDFAST. 'Think!' said
old HONEST, 'what should I think? I thought
we had an honest man upon the road, therefore
should have his company by-and-by.' ' If you
thought not amiss, how happy am I ; but, if I be
not as I should, 'tis I alone must bear it.' ' That
is true,' said the other ; ' but your fear cloth further
confirm me, that things are right betwixt the
PRINCE of Pilgrims and your soul: for he saith,
" Blessed is the man that feareth always."
, VAL. Well, but brother, I pray thee tell us, what
was it that was the cause of thy being upon thy
knees even now? Was it for some obligations laid
by special mercies upon thee, or how?
ST. Why, we are, as you see, upon the EN-
CHANTLD GROUND; and as I was coming along,
I was musing with myself of what a dangerous
nature the road in this place was ; and how many,
that had come even thus far on pilgrimage, had
here been stopt and been destroyed. I thought
also of the manner of death, with which this place
destroyeth men. Those that die here, die of no
violent distemper: the death which such do die, is
not grievous to them ; for he that goeth away in
a sleep, begins that journey with desire and plea-
sure: yea, such acquiesce in the will of that disease.
Then Mr. HONEST interrupting of him, said,
' Did you see the two men asleep in the Arbour ? ' jr
AND HIS DANGERS FROM MADAM BUBBLE. 23!
-
ST. Ay, ay, I saw HEEDLESS and also TOO-BOLD
there; ami, lor ought I know, there they will lie
until they rot ': hut let me go on with my tale.
As I was thus musing, as I said, there was one in
pleasant attire, hut old, who presented herself unto
me, and offered me three th'iMgs; to wit, her body,
her purse, and her bed. Now the truth is, I was
both weary and sleepy: I am also as poor as an
owlet, and that perhaps the witch knew. Well, I
repulsed her once and .twice; but she put by my
repulses and smiled. Then I began to be angry;
but she mattered that nothing at all. Then she
made offers again, and said, ' If I would be ruled
by her, she \vould make me great and happy; for,'
said she, * I am the mistress of the world, and men
are made happy by me.' Then I asked her name,
and she told me it was Madam BUBBLE. This set
me further from her; but she still followed me
with inticements. Then 1 betook me, as you
to my knees, and with hands lifted up, and cries,
I prayed to him that had said he would help So
ju>.t as you came up, the gentlewoman went her
way. Then I continued to give thanks for this
great deliverance; for I verily believe she intended
no good, hut rather sought to make a stop of 1110
iu my journey. c
1 Prpv. x. 7.
1 lie case of STANDFAST kbews us, Unit, when believers feel
the propensity of their hearta to yield to world!) proposals, it reu*
232 HONEST'S DESCRIPTION,
Hon. Without doubt her designs were bad. But
stay, now you talk of her, methinks I either have
seen her, or have read some story of her.
ST. Perhaps you have done both.
HON. Madam BUBBLE ! Is she not a tall, come-
ly dame, something of a swarthy complexion?
ST. Right, you hit it, she is just such an one.
HON. Doth she not speak very smoothly, and
give you a smile at the end of every sentence.
ST. You fall right upon it again, for these are
her very actions.
HON. Doth she not wear a great purse by her
fcide? and is not her hand often in it fingering her
money, as if that was her heart's delight ?
ST^ Tis just so : had she stood by all this while,
you could not more amply have set her forth before
me, and have better described her features.
HON. Then he that drew her picture was a good
limner, and he that wrote of her said true.
GR.-H. This woman is a witch; and it is by
virtue of her sorceries, that this ground is enchant-
ed : 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 whoever lays their eyes
upon her beauty, are counted the enemies of GOD *.
This is she that maintaineth in their splendour all
1 James, iv. 4. i John, ii. 14, 15.
ders them jealous of themselves, excites them to earnest prayer,
and thus eventually tends to preserve them from the fatal delusions.
AND GREAT-HEAUT'S ACCOUNT, OF HER. 333
those that are the enemies of Pilgrims. Yea, this
i.s >lie that hath brought off many a man from a
Pilgrim's life. She is a great gossipper; she is al-
ways, hoth she and her daughters, at one Pilgrim's
heels or another, now commending, and then pre-
ferring, the excellencies of this life. She is a bold
and impudent slut; she will talk with any man.
She always luugheth poor Pilgrims to scorn ; but
highly commends the rich. If there be one cun-
*
ning to get money in a place, she M ill speak well
of him from house to house; she loveth banqueting
and feasting mainly well; she is always at one full
table or another. She has given it out in some
pi. ices that she is a goddess, and therefore some do
worship her. She has her time and open places of
cheating; and she will say, and avow it, that none
can shew a good comparable to her's. She pro-
miseth to dwell with children's children, if they
would but love and make much of her. She will
east out of her purse gold like dust, in some places,
and to some persons. She loves to be sought after,
spoken well of, and to lie in the bosoms of men.
She is never weary of commending her commodi-
ties, and she loves them most that think best of her.
She will promise crowns and kingdoms, if they will
but take her advice: yet many hath she brought to
the halter, and ten thousand times more to hell.
' Oh!' said STANDFAST, ' what a mercy it is that
I did resist her! for whither might she have drawn
me?'
234 THEY COME TO THE LAtfB Of 8EULAH,
GR.-H. Whither! nay, none but GOD knows.
But, in general, to be sure she would have drawn
thee into " many foolish and hurtful lusts, which
"drown men in destruction and perdition V It
was she that set ABSALOM against his father, and
JEROBOAM against his master. It was she that'
persuaded JUDAS to sell his LORD, and that pre-
vailed with DtAi AS to forsake the godly Pilgrim's
life: none can tell of the mischief that she doth.
She makes variance betwixt rulers and subjects, be-
twixt parents and children, betwixt neighbour and
neighbour, betwixt a man and his wife, between a
man and himself, betwixt the flesh and the spirit. -
Wherefore, good master STANDFAST, be as your
name is ; and " when you have done all, stand."
At this discourse there was, among the Pilgrims,
a mixture of joy and trembling, but at length they
brake out, and sang
' What danger is the Pilgrim in !
How many are his foes !
How many ways there are to sin
No living mortal knows.
Some in the ditch spoil'd are, yea can
Lie tumbling in the mire :
Some, th<.ugh they shun the frying-pan,
Do leap into the fire.'
After this, I beheld, until they were come unto
the land of BE u LA H, where the Sun shineth night
and day 4 . Here, because they were weary, they
betook themselves awhile to rest ; and because this
1 i Tim. vi. 9. P. i. p. 304.
AND ARE GREATLY DELIGHTED. 235
country was common for Pilgrims, and because
these orchards and vineyards that were here be-
longed to the KING of the celestial Country, there-
fore they were licensed to m.ike bold with any of
his things. But a little while soon refreshed them
here; for the bells did so ring, and the trumpets
continually sounding so melodiously, that they
could not sleep; and yet they received as much
refreshing, as if they slept their sleep never so
soundly. Here also all the noise of them that
walked in the streets, was, ' More Pilgrims are
come to town.' And another would answer, say-
ing, * And so many went over the water and were
let in at the golden gates to-day.' They would
cry again, * There is now a legion of shining ones
just 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 sorrow.' Thcii the Pilgrims got up, and
walked to and fro : but how were their eyes now
filled with celestial visions? In this land, they
heard nothing, saw nothing, felt nothing, smelt
nothing, tasted nothing, that was offensive to their
stomach or mind; only, when they tasted of the
Avater of the River, over which they were to go,
they thought that tasted a little bitterish to the
palate, hut it proved sweet when it \\as down. *
* The lively exi-irisc <>f faith and hope, the anticipation of hea-
venly felicity, and the consolations of the Holy SPIRIT, noon
5236 THEY PREPARE FOR PASSING THE RIVER.
In this place there was a record kept of the names
of them that had been Pilgrims of old, and a his-
tory of all the famous acts that they had done. It
was here also much discoursed, how the River to
some has its flowings, and what ebbings it has had
while others have gone over. It has been in a
manner dry for some, while it has overflowed its
banks for others.
In this place, the children of the town would go
into the KING'S gardens and gather nosegays for
the Pilgrims, and bring them to them with affec-
tion. Here also grew camphire, and spikenard,
saffron, calamus, and cinnamon, with all the trees
of frankincense, myrrh, and aloes, with all chief
spices. With these the Pilgrims' chambers were
perfumed while they staid here; and with these
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 noise in the Town, that
make the believer forget his conflicts and sorrows, or only remem-
ber them to enhance his grateful joy. This description represents
the happy state of those that live in places, favoured with many
lively Christians, united in heart and judgment; and where in-
stances of persons dying triumphantly are often reported or wit-
nessed. It has frequently been observed, that aged believers, in
such circumstances, have been remarkably delivered from fears
and temptations, and animated by the hopes and earnests of hea-
ven ; so that while death seemed bitter to nature, it became plea-
sant to the soul, to think of the joy and glory that would imme-
diately follow it.
CHRISTIANA CALLED TO PASS THE RIVER. 237
*
there was a post come from the celestial City, with
matters of great importance to one CHRISTIANA,
the wife of CHRISTIAN, the Pilgrim. So enquiry
was made for her, and the house was found out
where she was, so the post presented her with a
letter : the contents were : ' Hail, good woman !
I bring thee tidings, that the MASTER calleth for
thee, and expecteth that thou shouldest stand in
his presence, in clothes of immortality, within these
ten days.*
AVhen he had read this letter to her, he gave her
therewith a sure token that he was a true messenger,
and was come to bid her make haste to be gone.
The token was, An arrow sharpened with love, let
easily into her heart, which, by degrees, M rought
so effectually with her, that at the time appointed
she must be gone. *
When CHRISTIANA saw that her time was come,
and that she was the first of this company that was
to go over, she called for Mr. GREAT-HEART, her
Guide, and told him how matters were. So he told
Those nio*sou<;ors seem to be merely emblems of the different
diseases or decays, by which the LORD takes down the earthly
tabernacle, when he sees good to receive the souls of his people
into his immediate presence. In plain language, it was reported
that CHRISTIANA was sick and near death, uwl she herself be*
came seiu>iWe of her situation. ' The arrow sharpened by love*
implies, that the time, manner, and circumstances ot the bcliexer's
death are appointed by him " who loved us, and gave himx'lt for
" us :" Ik, as it were, says to the dying saint, " It is I, be not
" afraid."
ART u. Oo
23S SHE EXHORTS HEtt
her, ' He was heartily glad of the news, and could
have been glad had the post come for him.' Then
she bid that he should give advice how all things
should be prepared for her journey. So he told her,
saying, ' Thus and thus it must be ; and we that
survive, will accompany you to the River-side.'
Then she called for her children, and gave them
her blessing ; and told them that she had read with
comfort the mark that was set in their foreheads,
and was glad to see them with her there, and that
they had kept their garments so white. Lastly,
she bequeathed to the poor that little she had, and
commanded her sons and daughters to be ready
against the messenger should come for them.
When she had spoken these words to her Guide
and to her children, she called for Mr. VALIANT-
FOR-TRUTH, and said unto him, ' Sir, you have in
all places showed yourself true-hearted ; be faithful
unto death, and my KING will give you a crown
of life. I would also intreat you to have an eye
to my children : and if at any time you see them
faint, speak comfortably to them. For my daugh-
ters, my sons' wives, they have been faithful, and
a fulfilling of the promise upon them will be their
end.' But she gave Mr. STANDFAST a ring.
Then she called for old Mr. HONEST, and said
of him, " Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is
" no guile." Then said he, * I wish you a fair day,
when you set out for mount ZION, and shall be
glad to see that you go over the River dry-shod.'
A\D COMPANION^. 239
But she answered, ' Come wet, come dry, I long to
begone, for, however tlie weather is in my journey,
1 shall have time enough, wlien I come there, to
.sit down and rest me, and dry me.'
Then came in that good man Mr. READY-TO-
u A I.T, to see her. So she said to him, ' Thy travel
hitherto has been with difficulty ; but that will
make thy rest the sweeter. But watch and be
ready ; for at an hour when you think not, the
messenger may come.'
After him came in Mr. DESPONDENCY, and his
daughter MUCH-AFRAID ; to whom she saicH 'You
ought with thankfulness, for ever to remember
your deli veranee from the hand of GiantDEspA i u,
and out of DOUBTING-CASTLE. The effect of that
mercy is, that you are brought with safety hither.
Be yet watchful, and cast away fear ; be sober, and
hope to the end.'
Then she said to Mr. FEEBLE-MIND, 'Thou
wast delivered from the mouth of Giant SLAY-
GOOD, that thou mightcst live in the light of the
living for ever, and see the KING with comfort:
only 1 advise thee to repent thee of thy aptness to
fear, and doubt of his goodness, In-fore he sends
for thec ; lest thou shouldst, when he comes, be
forced to stand before him, for that fault, Mith
blushing.' f
1 Tbe address made by CHRISTIANA to each of the company,
and the circumstances of her puling the River, arc well
OoS
240 SHE PASSES THE RIVER TRIUMPHANTLY.
Now the day drew on, that CHRISTIANA must
be gone. So the road was full of people, to see her
take her journey. But behold, all the banks be-
yond the River were full of horses and chariots,
which were come down from above to accompany
her to the City-gate. So she came forth, and en-
tered the River, with a beckon of farewel to those
that followed her to the River-side. The last words
that she was heard to say, were, ' I come, LORD, to
be with thee, and bless thee.'
So her children and friends returned to their
place, for that those that waited for CHRISTIANA
had carried her out of their sight. So she went
and called, and entered in at the Gate, with all the
ceremonies of joy that her husband CHRISTIAN
had entered with before her.
At her departure the children wept. But Mr.
GREAT-HEART and Mr. VALIANT played upo&
of attention ; but require no comment. When such believers ashave
long walked honourably, are enabled to bear a dying testimony to
the truth, and to recommend the ways of the LOUD with the last
remains of their breath, a great effect will often be produced : but
the confidence of some professors, in these circumstances, has a
very different tendency. Many excellent persons, however, are
incapacitated from speaking much in their last hours; and we
ought by no means to judge of men's characters on these grounds:
for it is remarkable, that the Scripture is generally silent about the
manner in which its worthies terminated their lives ; and a very
few exceptions arc found o this rule. We are particularly in-
structed in the nature of their faith and its effects upon their con-
duct during life; and thence we may assuredly infer, that they
died in the LORD, and entered into rest.
READY-TO-UALT IS SUMMONED. 241
the well-tuned cymbal and harp for joy. So all
departed to their respective places. f
In process of time, there came a post to the
Town again, and his business was with Mr. KEADY-
TO-HALT. X So he enquired liim out, and said, * I
am come to thee in the name of him whom thou
hast loved and followed, though upon crutches:
and my message is, to tell thee, that he expects
thee at his table, to sup with him in his kingdom,
the next day after Easter : wherefore prepare thy-
self for thy journey.' b Then he also gave him a
token that he was a true messenger, saying, " I
" have broken the golden bowl, and loosed the
"silver cord 1 ." 1
1 Eccles. xii. i 7.
* The happy death of an eminent Christian is a loss to relatives
and connexions, to the church and the community; and in this
view may be lamented : but it often yields great encouragement to
mi UN tors and other spectators of the interesting scene, and excites
their adoring praises and thanksgivings.
k Evident decays of natural powers as effectually convince the
observing person, that death approaches, as if a messenger had been
sent to inform him. But men in general din;* to life, wilfully
overlook such tokens, and try to keep up to the last the vain hope,
of recovering; and others, by a kind of cruel compassion, soothe
them in the delusion: so that numbers die suddenly of chronical
disorders even as if they had been shot through the heart. Per-
haps however, the author had some reference to those inexplicable
presages of death, which some persons trident ly experience.
1 These tokens arc taken from a well-known portion of Scrip-
Oo3
42 HE PASSES OVER COMFORTABLY.
After this, Mr. READY-TO-HALT called for his
fellow Pilgrims, and told them, saying, ' I am sent
for, and GOD shall surely visit you also.' So he
desired Mr. VALIANT to make his will ; and be-
cause he had nothing to bequeath to them that
should survive him, but his crutches and his good
wishes, therefore thus he said, ' These crutches I
bequeath to my son that shall tread in my steps,
with an hundred warm wishes that he may prove
better than I have been.'
Then he thanked Mr. GREAT-HEART for his
conduct and kindness, and so addressed himself to
his journey. When he came to the brink of the
River, he said, ' Now I shall have no more need
of these crutches, since yonder are. chariots and
horses for me to ride on.' The last words he was
heard to say were, ' Welcome, life !' So he went
his way.
After this, Mr. FEEBLE-MIND had tidings
brought him, that the post sounded his horn at his
chamber-door. Then he came in, and told him,
saying, ' I am come to tell thee, that thy MASTER
hath need of thee ; and that in a very little time
turc * ; but it would be inconsistent with tho plan of this work, to
enter on a particular explanation of them. The dealings of the
LORD arc here represented, as uniformly gentle to the feeble,
trembling, humble believers, and the circumstances of their deaths
Comparatively encouraging and easy.
* Eccles. xii. 17*
FEEBLE-MIXD PASSES NEXT. 243
thou must behold his face in brightness. And
take- this as a token of the truth of my message:
" Those that look out at the windows, shall 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 message. Then he said, * Since I have no-
thing to bequeath to any, to what purpose should
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 worth bestowing upoa
the poorest Pilgrims : wherefore, when I am gone,
I desire that you, Mr. VALIANT, would bury it in a
dung-hill.' This done, and the day being come
in which he was to depart, he entered the River as
the rest: his last words were, * Hold out, faith and
patience.' So he went over to the other side.
"When days had many of them passed away, Mr.
DESPONDENCY was sent for ; for a post was come,
and brought this message to him : ' Trembling
man, these are to summon thcc to be ready with
the KING 5y the next LORD'S day, to shout for
joy, for thy deliverance from all thy doublings.
And,' said the messenger, * that my message is true,
take this for a proof:' so he gave " a grass-hopper
" to be a burden unto him." Now Mr. DES-
PONDENCY'S daughter, whose name was MUCH-
AFRAID, said, when she had heard what was dune,
44 THEN DESPONDENCY AND MUCH-AFRAID,
'that she should go with her father.' Then Mr.
DESPONDENCY said to his friends, l Myself and
my daughter, you know what we hav.e been, and
how troublesomely we have behaved ourselves in
every company ; my will, and my daughter's is
that our desponds and slavish fears be by no man
ever received, from the day of our departure, for
ever: for I know that after my death, they will
offer themselves to others. For, to be plain with
you, they are guests which we entertained when
we first began to be Pilgrims, and could never
shake them off after : and they will walk about
and seek entertainment of the Pilgrims; but, for
oursakes, shut the doors upon them.'
When the time was come for them to depart,
they went up to the brink of the River. The last
words of Mr. DESPONDENCY were, < Farewel,
night! Welcome day!' His daughter went
through the River singing, but none could under-
stand what she said.
Then it came to pass a while after, that there
was a post in the Town, that enquired for Mr^
HONEST. So he came to his house, where he was,
and delivered to his hands these lines: ' Thou art
commanded to be ready against this day se'nnight,
to present thyself before thy LORD, at his FATHER'S
house. And, for a token that my message is true,
" All the daughters of musick shall be brought
" low." Then Mr. HONEST called for his friends*
AND HONEST, AND VALIANT-FOR-TRUTII. 245
and said unto them, ' I die, but shall make no will.
As for my honcxty, it shall go with me ; let him
that conies after be told of this.'
When the day that he was to be gone was come,
he addressed himself to go over the River. Now
the River at that time overflowed the banks in some
places; but Mr. HONEST, in his life-time, had
spoken to one GOOD-CONSCIENCE to meet him
there; the which he also did, and lent him his
li:ind and so helped him over. The last words of
Mr. HONEST were, " Grace reigns !" So he left
the world.
After this, it was noised about that Mr. VA-
LIANT-FOR-TRUTH was taken with a summons by
the same post as the other : and had this for a
token, that the summons was true, that " his pit-
*' clicr was broken at the fountain." When he
understood it, he called for his friends, and told
them of it. Then said he, ' I am going to my
FATHER'S ; and though with great difficulty I got
hither, yet now I do not repent me of all the trouble
I have been at to arrive where I am. My sword
I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrim-
age, and my courage and skill to him that can get
it. My marks and scars I carry with me, to be a
witness for me, that I have fought his battle, \vho
now will be my RewardtT.'
Wlien the day that he must go hence was come,
many accompanied him to the River-side, into
246 STANDFAST IS SUMMONED.
which as he went he said, " Death where is thy
" sting ?" and as he went down deeper, he said,
" Grave, where is thy victory?" So he passed
over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the
other side.
Then there came forth a summons for Mr.
STANDFAST. This Mr. STANDFAST was he that
the Pilgrims found upon his knees in the EN-
CHANTED GROUND, and the post brought it him
open in his hands. The contents whereof were,
that he must prepare for a change of life, for his
MASTER was not willing that he should be so far
from him any longer. At this Mr. STANDFAST
was put into a muse. 'Nay,' said the messenger,
' you need not doubt of the truth of my message ;
for here is a token of the truth thereof,' " Thy
" wheel is broken at the cistern." Then he called to
him Mr. GREAT-HEART, who was their Guide, and
said unto him, l Sir, although it was not my hap
to be much in your good company in the days of
my pilgrimage, yet, since the time I knew you, you
have been profitable to me. When I came from
home, I left behind me a wife and five small chil-
dren; let me intreat you, at your return, (for I
know that you go and return to your MASTER'S
house, in hopes that you may be a Conductor to
more of the holy Pilgrims;) that you send to my
family, and let them be acquainted with all that
hath and shall happen unto me. Tell them, more'
HIS CONDUCT AND SPEECH IN THE RIVER.
over, of my happy arrival at this place, and of the
present and late blessed condition that I am in,
Tell them also of CHRISTIAN and CHRISTIANA
his wife, and how she and her children came after
her husband. Tell them also of what a happy end
she made, and whither she is gone. I have little
or nothing to send to my family, except it be my
prayers and tears for them ; of which it will suffice
if you acquaint them, if peradventure they may
prevail.'
When Mr. STANDFAST had thus set things in
order, and the time being come for him to haste
him away, he also went down to the River. Now
there was a great calm at that time in the River;
wherefore Mr. STANDFAST when he was about
halfway in, stood awhile and talked to his com-
panions that had waited upon him thither: and he
said, ' This River has been a terror to many : yea,
the thoughts of it also have often frightened me:
now, methinks, I stand easy ; my foot is fixed
upon that on which the feet of the priests that hare
the ark of the covenant stood, while ISRAEL went
over this JORDAN '. The waters, indeed, are to
the palate bitter, and to the stomach cold ; yet the
thoughts of what I am going to, and of the con-
duct that waits for me on the other side, doth lie
as a glowing coal at my heart. I see myself now
at the end of my journey ; my toilsome days are
ended. I am going to see that head that was
Joih, iii. 17.
248 HIS SPEECH CONTINUED:
crowned with thorns, and that face that was spit
upon for me. I have formerly lived by hear-say
and faith; but now I go where I shall live by
sight, and shall be with him in whose company I
delight myself. I have loved to hear my LORD
spoken of; and wherever I have seen the print of
his shoe in the earth, there I have coveted to set
my foot too. His name has been to me as a civet-
box ; yea, sweeter than all perfumes. His voice
to me has been most sweet ; and his countenance
I have more desired than they that have most de-
sired the light of the sun. His words I did use to
gather for my food, and for antidotes against my
faintings. He has held me, and has kept me from
mine iniquities; yea, my steps have been strength-
ened in his way.' k
k This speech has been justly admired, as one of the most
striking passages in the whole work: but it is so plain, that it only
requires an attentive reader. It may, however, be worthy of our
observation, that in all the instances before us the Pilgrims are
represented as resting their only dependence, at the closing scene,
on the mercy of GOD, through the righteousness and atonement of
his SON : and yet recollecting their conscious integrity, boldness
in professing and contending for the truth, love to the cause, ex-
ample, and words of CHRIST, obedience to his precepts, delight
in his ways, preservation from their own iniquities, and consistent
behaviour, as evidences that their faith was living, and their hope
warranted ; and in this way the retrospect conduced to their en-
couragement. Moreover they all concur in declaring, that while
they left their infirmities behind them, they should take their grace*
along with them, and that " their works would follow them."
Thus the scriptural mean is exactly maintained, between those wh
HE ENTERS THE CITY Iff TRIUMPH. 249
Now, while In- was thus in discourse, his coun-
tenance changed; his " strong man bowed under
" him:'' and, after he had said, * Take me, tor I
come unto thce.' he ceased to be seen of them.
I Jut glorious it was to see, how the open region
Mas filled with horses and chariots, with trumpeters
and pipers, with singers and players on stringed
instruments, to welcome the Pilgrims as they went
up, and followed one another in at the beautiful
Gate of the City. '
place thoir supposed good works as the foundation of their hope;
and those, who would exclude even real good works from being so
mil' h as looked upon, as evidential of saving faith, <>r UN in any
way giving encouragement to the believer in his dying hour '.
1 The view niven in this place, of the peaceful and joyful death
of the Pilgrims, cannot but affect every reader in some decree ;
and many j>erhaps may be ready to say, " Let me die the death
" of the righteous, and let my last end be like his :" but, exrept
they make it their principal concern to live tin- life of the righte-
ous, such a \\\-h will most probably be frustrated ; and every hope
grounded on it is evidently presumptumi-, us the example of BA-
LAAM sufficiently proves. If any man, therefore, doubt whether
this allegory do indeed describe the Rise and progress of religion
in the soul; the beginning, continuance, and termination of the
godly man's course to heaven; let him diligently search the Scrip-
tures, and fen ently pray to GOD, from whom alone " cornet li
" e\ery good and perfect gift," to enable him to determine thii
(|uestion. But let such as own themselves to be satisfied that it
does, beware lest they rest on this aent and notion, in the plea-
sure of reading an ingenious work on the subject, or in the ability
of developing many of the author's emblem's. Let them beware,
Irst they be fascinated, as it were, into a persuasion, that they
actually accompany the Pilgrims in the life of faith, and walking
t Tim. IT. 6-8.
PART II. P p
THE CONCLUSION.
As for CHRISTIANA'S children, the four boys
that CHRISTIANA brought, with their wives and
children, I did not stay where I was till they were
gone over. Also since I came away, I heard one
say, they were yet alive, and so would be for the
increase 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 those that desire it, an account of what I here
am silent about; mean time, I bid my reader
FAREWEL.
with GOD, in the same measure; as they keep pace with the author,
in discovering and approving the grand outlines of his plan. And
let every one carefully examine his state, sentiments, experience,
motives, tempers, affections, and conduct, by the various charac-
ters, incidents, and observations, that pass under his review j
assured that this is a matter of the greatest consequence. We
ought not indeed to call any man master, or subscribe absolutely
to all his sentiments; yet the diligent practical student of Scripture
can scarcely doubt, but that the warnings, counsels, and instruc-
tions of this singular work, agree in general with that sacred touch-
stone ; or that characters and actions will at last be approved or
condemned by the JUDGE of the world, in a great degree accord-
ing to the sentence passed on them in this wise and faithful book.
The LORD grant that both the writer and readers of these observa-
tions " may find mercy in that day," and be addressed in these
gracious words, " Come, ye blessed of my FATHER, inherit the
" kingdom prepared for you, from the foundation of the world."
END,
INDEX.
The, Italick numeral* denote the Preface ami Life ; i. ii. refer to the Parti J
and thejiguret to the Page.
Accommodation, of scripture, dangerous,
ii. 48. ,
Adam the ftM, i. 132, 133.
Ailectiuns, talse, i. 12 14. ii. 72. carnal,
their prevalence over reason, i. 50
52.
Age and youth, their different advan-
tages, ii. 168 170.
Aged Christians, often experience much
peace and comfort, i. 240, 241.
Anchor, golden, ii. 111.
An-. Is, guardian, i. 309, 314.
Antinoiuianism, ii. 151154.
Apollyon, in. -it, Christian, i. 101. ii. 115.
tempts, reproaches, and threatens him,
i. 102106. assaults him, 107. is put
to flight, 108 110.
Apostates, i. 57 ,'>9, 129, 246,247, 321.
d\in^ in despair, 235, 236.
Apples, Eve's, ii. 109.
Appropriation, erroneous notion respect-
1 ing, ii. 71, 72.
Arbour, on the hill Difficulty, i. 74, 75.
ii. 78, 79. on the Enchantcd-ground,
223, 224, I
Armoury, at the house Beautiful, i. 96,
97.
Assurance, not the essence of faith, i.
114. ii. 155. genuine, always accom-
panied by holy obedience, i. 239.
Atheism, long hypocritical profession
the gospel not unlikely to issue in, i.
AthciM, deride* Christian and Hopeful,
i. 272, 273. character of, probably ta-
ken from a particular person, n'i.
n
Backsliders, i. 118, 119.
Bath, the Interpreter's, ii. 60 if.
Beautiful, palace, i. 80, 81. Christian
entertained there, 3598. Christiana
i. M.mird there, ii. 85108.
Brel/ebul), his castle, i. 39. his dog, ii
- -
Believers, vvc.ik. ii. 178180.
JVulah, country of, i. 3O4 307. ii. 234
236.
'%. i. 244,245.
Bloody-roan, (sec Grim).
Bn*k, Mr. visits Mercy, ii. 97 9.
Bubble, Madam, Mwils Standfast, ii. 231
description and character of, 234434
Bunyan, Mr. his parents and occupation
is. his early profligacy, u, i. his lift
remarkably preserved, U. his deep cou
Pp*
victions. and impressions, if ri. refor-
mations, ii. and conversion, xii. as-
sailed In the Kantert, i ii, jiii. his per-
plexitn-s and temptations, riii. i. 114.
joins a baptist church, .riii. set apart to
the ministry, jii'i, lir. apprehended ;uid
tried for preaching, contrary to law,
lip, xv. confined in Bedford jail t . U e
years, n. i. 1. chosen pator of the
baptist church at Bedford, ni. liberat-
ed, ib. settles at Bedford, ib. his
death, 1 1 ii. his family, il>. and cha-
racter, Ji/i, tiiii.
Burden, Christian's, i. 2, 14, 16. not taken
off at the Wicket-gate, 43, 44. falls off
at the cross, 63, 64.
business, danger of too much, ii. 2S4, 235.
!lv-onds, Mr. overtaken hv Christian and
Hopeful, i. 192. his kindred, 193. his
religious principles, li4, I9. r >, 221. ii.
183. left by Christian and Hopeful, i.
195197. overtaken by Hold-the-
wurld, Money-love, and Save-all, 198.
gives them an account ot Christian and
ll.ipctul. 199, 20O. |)ro|K)imds a <pic*-
tion to them, which is answered by
Money -love, 201205. they propose
it to Christian and Hopeful, 205. are
silenced and put to shame by Chris-
tian, 206, 207. arc fatally seduced, 214.
By-path-meadow, i. 220, 221. ii. 196.
" y-way to Hell, i. 247, 320. ii. 2O6.
c
Candour, false, i. 244, 945,
Daution, Mount, 245.
Certificate, i. 65. given in by Christian
and Hopeful at the celestial Gate. :UK.
Christiana reeeive-ouc from Secn-t, ii.
l.i. (see Roll).
Charity, her conversation with Christian,
i. 9O '.-.'. without judgment leads into
errors. 1 l<~>. Mount, n. 205.
Chrit, how rrrrnlrd to tht KntL, i. 157,
158, 284286. what meant In the cx-
prewion, 295. effects of such a r<- -
tion, S86. passed through Vanity-fair,
171. In* mcriti utncicnt for all though
citcrtnal only for Mime. ii. .*>4. his four
kinds ot righteousness 6468.
Children arc to In- early coniinenclrd to
the Ird by prayer, n. l'4. 1 <>.'. duty
ot instructing them in religion, rtt 68.
Ctin-ti.in. Ins distress on account of his
burden, i. 14. dirertrd hy Kvaiiu-eli-t
to the Wickct-gatr, 5 7. fall.* into the
Slough of Dctpond, 14. meets Worldly-
INDEX.
wise-man, 20, 21. turns aside to go to
Legality, '27. met by Evangelist, 28
36. admitted at the' Wicket-gate, 38,
39. entertained by the Interpreter, 45
62. loses his burden at the cross, 63.
goes up the hill Difficulty, 73. sleeps
in the Arbour, and loses his roll, 75.
returns and finds his roll, 77 79. en-
tertained at the house Beautiful, 80
97. is armed, 98. goes down into the
Valley of Humiliation, 100. meets Apol-
lyon, 101. his combat with him, 102
107. ii. 115, 116. his victory, i. 108.
passesthrough the Valley of the Shadow
of Death, 112, 122. ove'rtakes Faithful,
126. exposes Talkative, 147 151. he
and Faithful overtaken by Evangelist.
163. arrive at Vanity, 172. persecuted
there, 172191. is joined by Hope-
ful, 192. invited by Demas to a silver
mine, 209 212. He and Hopeful turn
aside into By-path-meadow, 220. are
taken by giant Despair, and confined
in Doubting-castle, 226236. They
escape, 238. are entertained at the
Delectable Mountains, 239 249.
drawn into a net -by the Flatterer, 267.
are liberated and chastized by a shin-
ing one, 268, 269. pass over the En-
chanted-ground, 275 304. arrive in
the country of Beulah, 304. come, to the
black River, 309. cross it, and enter
the celestial City triumphantly 310
319. reports of, after his death, ii. 4,
220., 221, his ancestors, 159. (see
Faithful and Hopeful).
Christiana, Sagacity's account of her and
her sons, ii. 626. her distress, 7, 8.
her dream, 8, 9. visited by Secret, 10.
by Timorous and Mercy, 14 18. Sets
out on Pilgrimage with her four sons
and Mercy, 21. passes the Slough of
Despond, 24, 25. admitted at the
Wicket-gate, 28. assaulted by two
men, S7-39. entertained by the In-
terpreter, 4362. attended on her
journey by Great-heart, 63. arrives at
the cross, 64. goes up the hill Difficul-
ty, 78, 79. entertained at the house
Beautiful, 85113. passes thro' the
Valley of Humiliation, 117 123. and
the Valley of the Shadow of Death,
124 134. entertained by Gaius, 157
178. arrives at Vanity, 183. enter-
tained there by Mnason, 184 192.
comes to the River of the Water of
Life, 194. entertained at the Delecta-
ble Mountains, 201 209. crosses the
Enchanted Ground, 222 229. arrives
in the country of Beulah, 234. receives
a summons to go to the celestial City,
237. prepares to obey it, 237. her ad-
dress to her children and companion"!,
238, 239. passes the black River, and
is received at the celestial City, 240.
Civility, son of Legality, i. 26 -<34.
Clergy, that they are gentlemen by pro-
fession, a dangerous idea, i. 209 212
Clear, mount, i. 248.
Comfort, not to be too hastily administer-
ed, i. 30, 31. ii. 103. in what manner,
i. 37. ii. 31. difference between a
young convert's, and an established
Christian's, i. 44. source of genuine,
36, 37, 66, 105. genuine, distinguished
from false, 66. not, in itself, a ground
of confidence, 289.
Communion of saints, i. 80, 85, admis-
sion to, 82, 83.
Conflict, the Christian's inward, i. 53, 54.
outward, 55, 56.
Conviction of sin, i. 15. 277.
Conversion, circumstances attending it,
are of little moment, ii. 22.
Corn-field, an emblem, ii. 51.
Covetousness, i. 199, 200.
Cross, the, i. 63. ii. 64.
D
Death, represented by a river -without a
bridge, i. 309 314. ii. 235250. tear
of, how overcome, i. 311. meeting it,
with composure, no proof of a sat*;
state, 321. often most peaceful to the
most timid, ii. 242, 246, 247.
Debts, unjust to contract them by false
appearances of affluence, i. 210. ill
effects of ministers contracting them,
211.
Deceivers, folly of neglecting religion,
for fear of being led away by them, ii.
220.
Delectable Mountains, i. 98, 239249.
ii. 201 209.
Demas, invites Christian and Hopeful to
turn aside to a silver mine, i. 209
212. his pedigree, 214. seduces By-
ends. &c. ib.
Desire of grace is grace, an ambiguous
and improper expression, i. 288.
Despair represented by an iron cage) i.
57. how far a believer may fall under
it's power, 229. Giant, takes Christian
and Hopeful prisoners, 226, his cruelty
to them, 227 229. his fits, 230. Men
whose eyes had been put out by him,
246. slain by Great-heart and his com-
panions, ii. 198.
Despond, slough of, i. 14 18. ii. 24, 25.
steps over, i. 19. all pass it, 1820.
grew worse after Christian passed it,
ii. 24.
Despondency, whence it arises, i. 7, 15,
19. how to be removed, 36. represent-
INDEX.
td l.y a quap, 1 1T., 118, 119. Mr. and
his daughter Much-Htr.iid, rescued
from Doiilitmii-cahlle, ii. iya. pa-.* the
Mack liner, 844.
Ii MI iii-tinn. (ii > <>\, i. H, 1*7. ii. 2, .1.
Pitti. -ult\ , the hill, i. 7'.', ii. 7679.
J) ni < IK.-, giant Despair's wife, i. $t9.
-Iain hv Honest, ii. 197, 198.
Discontent. i. l.Jti.
l>i" u-iKin, her discourse with Christian, i.
84.
Disloyalty, charged ii|>on professors ol
tin-' KI.-'JU-I. i. 1U1, 1U','. ill etlects ol,
in tin-in, il>.
J)i-M-.iirr, th'ir successful opjx>sitioii ti>
popery in the last conturv, jrii. ii.
19O H''J. persecution ot tlii-iii in the
I i-t ci :>!. \ . tir, ii. n.'lu;. < ncc grant-
ed tliriu I iy Juntos II. .UK.
DiMross, needless, ii. 25. often follows
Inn-.; alter the commission ot' kin, 10^,
!<>.;. ho\\ to be removed, lol. tolly ot
neglecting religion fur fear of tcuipo-
r.i.i
1 ' tli.- Wicket-gate, ii. S7.
JJ-nl-tinL'-taMliM. *-'-> *W, demolished
l>\ (.n-itt-hi-art, &c. ii. 198.
Dreani, ot the day ot'judpnmt, it. i. 60,
(ii ( linMi m.i'i n. .".'.'.. It. )-.'. N!'
IK), 91. how far to be regarded, 9, 91
E
Eae, thr plain, j. w\\.
Kiifli.inu-d ground, i. !i75 .'JO-l. ii. Cvf'.'
FntlniN.sin, i. 66. 158, -.'86. ii. 8, 9, .SO.
Ln\v. his testimony auainst Faithtul, i.
I'-rmr. mount, i. .' I.S, '.'*. none
or iiiiitK-cn 1
Evangelist, iueet Christian, i. 5, again,
"M-rtakes him and Faithlul, 163.
F.\ uli'iiees, (ee Grace.)
I .nation. M-!I", iinportance of, ii. 95O.
I i.-iii-c, CliriMi.ni relates his, i. 86
90. I lop. ful\, -.??_ ^J87. of believers,
an useful tudy, ii. 249.
F
Faint-heart, Miatnnt, and Guilt, rob
Little-faith, i. f54, S5S. rnnversation
niiK'-niiup them between Christian and
Hopeful, ^56 266.
Fain, their |N-rnicious effects, i. 169, 170.
(see Vanity).
Faith, human and divine, 180. nature of,
S85| 294. ii. 58. 59. Igooran<
993. dead and living, 15f. ern>
statement of, ii. 1*, *5, 59, 71, 7S.
Faithful, joined by Christian, i. 1?t>
an account ot'tm pilcriiuacr, 1:7 1 1 1.
beguiled by Talkative, 1<>* 1 16. un-
dcccm-d by Christiau, 1 17 1 jj, pro-
poses a f]ietion to Tancat'nre and re*
tiid-s hi^ hiioMi-rs, 154 1J6. amwert
it himself, and makes an application to
Talk.itu>-' ."uvience, 157161. !la
and Christian overtaken by vangfli>r,
16.5- arrive at the tmvn ol Vanity ,
are persecuted there, 17i?, Ccc. re|.hea
to !,> indictment, 179. answers tlifl
charge* brought again! him, 1H6. con-
demiv I tuiil (jut to death, 189, 190.
(sec C'hriNtiiia).
Fear, nature and advar.tuprs of right, i.
'?, 9, ii
nnMakes conceniuiv:, i. ti'.', 78, '.'39,
'."., v l >.'. ii. 149, ISO, voo, -.'Oi. of
men, i. .'}<>..'. ditl'i-rciit kind* of, 15,
i?'.'^, i.'-J7. habitual, reiuo\ed by a clear
view of the go*|H-l, i. 64, of death,
overcome, JH,
Fearing, Air. account of, ii. 139147.
1'rt lili'-liiiud, ripened lioiu :
good, ii. 171,17'.'. his account nl liim-
elf, 173, 174. riitert::ini-d t>y <
176. proceeds 0:1 his pilcrimage with
Christiana, \r. 17U 180, &c. pasv
the black River.
Kirr, .111 eiiilil'T.iii.
Flatterer, the, draws Christian and Hope-
ful, into a net, i. '.'<i7.
Flower Garden, an ein'.ilem, ii. 51.
Formalist and Hyjiocrisy climb over tfa4
wall, i. 68. tur'i aside, 73. ii. 77.
(i
Gain* eutcrtaiiu Christiana, fee. ii. \bf
178.
(,, i.tii iimn-likr, the expression, i. 909.
% ChnMinn nt thn
\\ i< kei--aii-, i. :J9. in>triict> l.ioi in tl>
( llll-ll.lll ., v\l. II.
V,'a.,d \I, i. \.
Grace, how iiMintained in the heart, u
54. evidence* of, 154 )59. ii.'.'41,^4*.
Mnaton's daughter, ui irru-d to Samuel,
!'.>. f
tire it-h-;ir1,n(>|>oinl<-d by the Lilrrprrtef
to gtndi- Clni-ti ma as fnr * tin- hon-^
Beautili.l > punt <>n .
84. returns homr, 86, 87. a|>poiiiti-<l
to coii'luct ii.-r all the way, IK', kill*
giant Maul, \$t. and ginni '
171, 17$. he and hi* companion* at*
txrk a uioiiM. r at the town of \ itr.-iy ,
190, 191. lay giant Drupnir, and d'c-
IIMillth DouhtlHU-CllMlr, 16 ^OO.
(nun. iriant, oppose* Great-heart and the
pilgrim*, ii. 8*t U slain by him. U4.
H
od, judge, i. 179. hi* addrrss t0
Faithful, 11O. hi> charge to tin- jury,
187, 188.
Hearing, vain without dvivg, i. 150, 151.
INDEX.
Heart, of man, represented by a dusty I Intolerancy, evil of, i. 184.
parlour, i. 48. its deceitfulness, 289
291. a good one, 290. its natural en-
mity against God, ii. 71, 72.
Heaven, employments of, i. 315, 316.
friends will be kuowu there, ii. 216,
217.
Help, i. 17.
Hen ami chickens, an emblem, ii. 49.
Honest, Mr. found asleep by Christiana,
&c. ii. 135. accompanies them the rest
of their pilgrimage, 139, cc. passes
the black River, 245.
Hope, and fear duly proportioned, i. 62.
represented by a golden anchor ii. 111.
Hopeful, joins Christian, i. 192. inclines
to turn aside to the hill Lucre, 212. is
prevented by Christian, 213. warns
and encourages Christian against sui-
cide in Doubting-castle, 231, 232. re-
lates his experience, 77 287. com-
forts Christian while passing the black
River with him, 310 -313. is received
into the celestial City, 319. (see Chris-
tian).
Hospital for children and orphans, ii. 195.
Humiliation, Valley of, i. 100. Chris-
tian's conflict there, 101 109. ii. 115,
116, 121 124. a pleasant and health-
ful place in summer time, 117. Christ
had a country house there, 119, 120.
not necessarily connected with terror,
115, 117. cucreased by clear views of
the gospel, i. 65, 287.
Hypocrisy, see Formality, a specious
kind of, i. 195.
Idleness, objected to religious persons, ii.
217.
Ignorance, i. 250. his conversation with
Christian and Hopeful, 251, 287
296. conversation about him, between
Christian and Hopeful, 252, 287, 29C
299. his hopes, 251, 288. his good
motions, ib. his good heart, 290. his
faith, 293, 294. is ferried over the
River by Vain-hope, 320. has no Cer
tificate, ib. is carried back the By-wa^
to hell, ib.
Imagination, accessible to Satan, i. 101
109, 110.
Indictment of Mr. Bunyan, xiv. of Chris-
tian and Faithful, i. 179.
Indifference, in regard to theologica
truth, prevalence of, i. 244.
Innocence, Mount, ii. 204, 205.
Innocent, ii. 43.
Insanity, very seldom occasioned by re
ligiou, i. 231.
Interpreter, entertains Christian, i. 44
63. and Ciimstiuaa, &c. ii. 42 6J.
nvitations to sinners, mistakes about, ii.
22, 32.
J
ames, Christiana's son, marries Phcebe,
ii. 177.
ohnson, Dr. a great admirer of the Pil-
grim's Progress, xviii.
oseph, Christiana's son, marries Martha,
ii. 189.
ury, on the trial of Christian and Faith-
ful, their names, i. 189. their verdict, ib.
ustification, not by works, i. 2, 28, 32
34,279 281. by faith, way of, i. 282, v
283, 285. ii. 6469. objections against
it answered, i. 294, 295.
K
knowledge, vain without practice, 5. 156.
two kinds of, ib.
Cey, of promise, i. 237.
.adder, Jacob's, ii. 110.
-aw, the, cannot sanctify, i, 48, 49. knows
nothing of mercy, 133, 134. explained
away by those who expect justification
by it, 26, 27. man's natural enmity
against it, 133, 134. the rule of duty,
ii. 155.
liCgality, Mr. recommended to Christian
by Worldly-wiseman, i. 25. exposed,
by Evangelist, 34.
Lions, before the house Beautiful, i. 81.
backed by giant Grim, ii. 82.
Little-faith, robbery of, i. 254, 255. ob-
servations on it, 256 266. difference
between, and Esau, 259, 260.
Looking-glass, given tp Mercy, ii. 207,
208.
Lord of the hill, discourse concerning
him, i. 93.
Lot's wife, (see Monument.)
Lucre, hill, i. 208.
M
Map, Great-heart's, ii. 225.
Marriage, ii. 98101, 160, 161.
Martha, Mnason's daughter, married to
Joseph, ii. 189.
Marvel, Mount, ii. 203.
Matthew, Christiana's son, taken ill, ii.
101. cured by Mr. Skill, 101, 105.
marries Mercy, 177.
Maul, Giant, slain by Great-heart, ii.
130 132.
Mercy, visits Christiana, ii. 14. is per-
suaded to accompany her on pilgrim-
'age, 21, 22. admitted at the Wicket-
gate, 29, 30. her dream, 90, 91. vis-
ited by Mr. Brisk, 97, 98. married to
Matthew, 177. lougs for the looking-
INDEX.
glass at the Delectable Mountain-.
tiiuiflcr, picture ul", i. 46. exposed to
great danger W|ILU situated HIIIUUL: the
affluent, -J11, '.'I'.', duty of prating
lor, ii. 86, 87.
Ministry, stated, advantage- ol', ii. 63>
i.'0<.. '.'10.
Mi-tru-t and TiTuorous, i. 7.S, 76. pun-
i-h. .1 lor udr.r. .mn.i.: lo l.mdei t'iiu-
lian. II- HI.
Mi i.i -.11, entertains Christiana, inc. ii
Monster, n, attacked l>\ (ircat-liuurt, &.c
I at Vamu, ii. l*i.
Monument, .
JVIoraliU, village of, i. '25. a faulty and
deled i\e kind f, put in the place of
li- j<o>|>cl, v.'6, '^7, 3'.', 49.
IJitr-1. i. 134.
Much-afraid, (see Despondency).
Muck-lake, au emblem, n. 4 j, 46.
N
Negligence, darkens the believer's evi-
.1. nees, i. 77, 78.
I Not-right, killed by lightning, ii. 176
o
Obstinate, pursues Christian, i.
returns home, ib.
Pagan, giant, i. 124. persecution may
possibly bo rcvi\ed, i
larded by armed men, i. 55
M
Pardon, l>y trorrf and by deed, ii. 64
69.
Parlour, du-ty, an emblem, i. 48, 49.
Pauion and Patience, i. 5O 53.
Persecution, i 16.* 11>1. caux-s of, 17J
l?(i. 181. (>< Pa.-
rraiu c, final, doflrinr ol. i-
'.'II. .ilxiM-d, I !'. guarded Uoui abux 1 ,
-:. im-aij. ol. -J 13.
Plurlx-, Gaius's daughter, married to
Jann -. n i;r
Pnktli.ink, ]>!'. r\idcnce against Faithful,
i. 184, 185. an-.-
Picture oltln- 1'ilcriinMMii.l.-. i. -16,47.
Piety, her conversation with Christian, i.
H6 88.
Pilgrimage, objection* agaimt it, i. 83.
n. '.'17 *.SI. two Uiiiii.
ihov who undi-rtakc it, n. 16b.
PilK Mr. Skill's, ii I'"
Plca-iirc. nurldly, i. 170.
Pliable, pursues Cliri-tmn, i. 8. is persua-
ded to acrompanj him, 10, 11. falls
iiito the Plough of Dopoud, 14. re-
turns home, 15. further account of
him, Lt8, l.".'.
.int, i. 11-1.
declines at present, i. 168,
169, '.'.'), 171. repre-i;ild l'\ a mon-
ster, ii. 190, r.U. prevalence
England before the revolution, mi.
ii. 191.
Pr.i\er, pcr.-evcrance in. uic<--.ir\, i.
J8& 284. why required, ii. 41.
',-.1 to religious per-
sons, i. 17. i, 171.
Prejudice and Ill-will throwing dirt on
Godly-man; ii. '.'04, ?05.
Presumption, (see Simple,) represented
by a ditch, i. 116, 118.
Profession, worthless without fruit, ii. .'it,
Prote-sors, loose, bring a scandal <>;,
li-ion, i. 147150, 160 1 (,-'. how
such are to be dealt with, l.V..' 163,
emblem of hypocritical, ii. .*
Prosperity, i. '.'76, 277. ii. .'.I
Providence, opining* flf, abuse of the
term, i. -J0:5, '.'08.
Prudence-, her conversation with Chris-
tian, i. oil '.'(i caiechiics Christiana's
children, it. i>3 97.
Q
Quag, in the Valley of the Shadow of
Deatb.i. 116, HM.
R
Raiment, given to Christiana, &c- at the
Interpietcr's, ii. 62.
Ranters, the, as-ail Mr. Hunsan by ono
of their Parly, who seems to liave lur-
uished the character of AtLri-t. lit.
probably intended by Sell-will, Jl'i.
i and
aceompame- them in their p^ruuage,
n 1IKI. passes t,he bUck Kuer. '.'-W.
K ration, precedes riiiht \ lews ul the
glory nt the gospel, n. 71.
.'llglOII, it '- pl.nliial nature. I. l.V>
IH ,il. dec bneil .utcr the
publication ..t the tiri purl "I the Pil-
grim's Pro^ic . n :. J J5, 76.
U>. necessity of, ii.
delerruig it to a dcalh-
bei
lle-titution, iiii.il. ii r 1
Iviglitcousnos ui Clirist, four-foil^ ii. 64
68.
Kncr.nl the >Vaer of Life.i. 218. ii. 194.
the blnck. I .ill .'.! - -JJO.
Robin, the, an emblem, ii. /'.', .VI.
>lll, L-^en to Christmn. i. fi.i. lot in
the arbour on the hill Difficult v
touud agaio, 79. (seeCt-rtific
INDEX.
S
Sacrament the, i. 93, 94. ii. 88, 89.
Sagacity, Mr. his account of Christian, ii.
3 5. of Christiana and her family, 6
26.
Sanctification, i. 49. 50.
Samuel, Christiana's son, married to
Grace, ii. 189.
Saying and doing, i. 150, 151.
Scripture, represented by a study, i. 95.
by a looking-glass, ii. 'JOT", 208. by a
map, 225. how to be read, 96, 97.
Seal, a, set on Christian's forehead, i. 65.
on Christiana's, ii. 61.
Secret, ii. 10 13.
Security, danger of, i. 74, 75.
Self-will, ii. 151 155. the ranters pro-
bablv intended by him, xii.
Shadow of Death, Valley of, i. 114125.
ii. 124130.
Shame, i. 137140.
Shepherds, at the Delectable Mountains,
i. 239249. ii. 201209.
Sheep, an emblem, ii. 50.
Silver, mine of, (see Lucre).
Simple, Sloth, and Presumption asleep, i.
6668. hanged, ii. 73. drew many
aside, 74.
Sin, in-dwelling, i. 72. deliberate must
bring guilt on the conscience, 225. al-
lowed a proof of hypocrisy, ii. 53.
Sinai, mount, i. 27, 28, 34, 35, 42.
Skill, Mr. ii. 101. his pills, 105.
Slander, (see Prejudice).
Slay-good, giant, killed by Great-heart,
ii. 171, 172.
Spider, an emblem, ii. 47.
Spies, two, i. 114, 115.
Spirit, the Holy, his comforting influ-
ences, i. 218-^-220. ii. 194. his teach-
ing, i. 45. ii. 10 12. his inward wit-
ness, i. 66.
Spring, at the foot of the hill Difficulty,
i. 72, 73. ii. 76.
Stand-fast, overtaken by Christiana, &c.
ii. 229. accompanies them the remain-
der of their pilgrimage, 230, &c. his
account of Madam Bubble, 231, 232.
passes the black River, 249.
Suggestions, satanical, i. 39, 4O, 101, 118,
121. occasion of good to believers,
ii. 36, 37. deterring persons from the
use of the means of grace, 129.
Suicide,!. 230232.
- Superstition, his evidence against Faith-
ful, i. 183. answered, 186.
T
Talkative, description of him, i. 143. be-
guilesFaithfuIbyhis plausible disconrsr,
143 146. exposed by Christian, 147
154. his answers to Faithful's ques-
tions refuted, 155160. leaves Faith-
ful, 161.
Tell-truth, ii. 215.
Temporary, once very religious, i. 300.
reasons of such men's drawing back,
301 303. manner of it, 58, 303, 304.
Temptations, peculiar often succeed pe-
culiar consolations, i. 99. (see Apol-
lyon) vice versa, 112. are no proof of
spiritual advancement, ii. 125. believers
drawn aside by, i. 222. means to be
used for their removal, ii. 1^9, 130.
Terror, vain without humiliation, i. 279.
Timorous, i. 75, 76. his daughter endea-
vours to dissuade Christiana from going
on pilgrimage, ii. 14 17. her conver-
sation with her neighbours about her,
1820.
Tree, rotten, an emblem, ii. 55.
Trial, of Mr. Bunyan, xiv. of Christian
and Faithful at Vanity, i. 179 189.
Turn-away, i. 253. ii. 210, 211.
Vain-confidence, i. 221, 222.
Valiant-for-truth, overtaken by Chris-
tiana, &c. ii. 211. accompanies them
the rest of their pilgrimage, 211, .\c.
relates his conflict with three robbers,
211214. gives an account of his set-
ting out on pilgrimage, 217221.
passes the black River, 246.
Vanity, town of, i. 167. the fair kept
there, 167 169. Christ passed through
it, 171. persecution of Christian and
Faithful there, 172 190. state of, when
.Christiana passed through it, ii.
w
Wanton, Madam, i. 130. ii. 20.
Watchful, the porter at the house Beau-
tiful, i. 84. ii. 87.
Wicket-gate, i. 7, 33, 3739. it. 2730.
Women, a commendation of, ii. 161,
162.
Works, men will be judged according to
their, i. 151. ii. 5.
Worldly-wiseman, i. 2127. exposed by
Evangelist, 32.
Y
Young persons, cautions to, i. 210. ii. 37.
Youth and age, their different advantages,
ii. 168170.
z
Zeal, rash, ill effects of, i. 178.
[Printed by J. Seeley, Buckingham.]
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