part ir.

f Courteous Companions,
SOME timefince, to tell you a Dream that I had of Chtfiftian the Pilgrim, and of his dangerous journey to- wards the Celeftial Country, was pleafant to me and profitable to you. I told you then alfo, what I faw concerning his wife and children, and how unwilling they were to go with him on pilgrimage; infomuch that he was forced to go on his progrefs without them ; for hedurft not run the danger of that deMrudion which he feared would come by Haying with them in the City of Destruction : wherefore, as I then mowed you he left them, and departed.
* This address prepares the Reader for a greater variety of experiences and adventures than he meets with in the first part ; all of which are different : and the behaviour of the several pilgrims under their various calamities are beautifully described — their conflicts and their consolations, being mani- fold, convince us that the exercises of every experienced sonJ are for the most part dissimilar, notwithstanding if they pr©. ceed from the operation of the Spirit, they have the same hap. py tendency.
THE PILGRIM S PR0GRES*S» 20O
Now it hath (o happened, through the multiplicity of bufinefs, that I have been much hindered and kept back from my wonted travels into thofe parts where he went, and fo could'not, till now, obtain an opportuni- ty to make further enquiry after whom he left behind, that I might give an account of them. But having had fome concerns that way of late, I went down again thi- therward. Now having taken up my lodgings in a wood, about a mile off the place, as I flept, I dreamed again.
And as I was in my dream, behold an aged gentle- man came by where I lay j and becaufe he was to go to fome part of the way that I was travelling methoughc 1 got up and went with him. So as we walked and as travellers ufually do, I was as if we fell into a difcourfe, and our talk happened to be about Chriftian and his travels : for thus I began with the old man :
Sir, faid I, what town is that there below, that lieth on the left hand of our way ?
Then faid Mr. Sagacity, (for that was his name) It is the City ofDeftruclion, a populous place, but poffeffed with a very ill-conditioned and idle foit of people.
I thought that was that city, quoth I j I went once myfelf, through that town : and therefore I know that this report you give of it is true.
Sag. Too true j I wifh I could fpeak truth in fpeak- ing better of them that dwell therein.
Well, fir, quoth I, then I perceive you to be a well meaning man, and fo one that takes pleafure to hear and tell of that which is good : Pray did you never hear what happened to a man fome time ago in this town (whofe name wa; Chriftian) that went on a pilgrimage up towards the higher regions ?
Sag. Hear of him ? Aye, and I alfo heard of the rao, legations, troubles, wars, captivities, cries, groans, frights, and fears that he met with, and had on his journey -,. befides, I mud tell you, all our country rings with him ; there are but few houlesthat have heard of hirn and his doings, but have fought after and got the records of his pilgrimage ; yea, I think I may fay, that his hazardous journey has got his well-vvifhers to many
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 201
wavs : for though when he was here he was fool in every man's mouth, yet now he is gone, he is highly com- mended of all. For in is faid, he lives bravely where he is : yea, many of them that are resolved never to run his hazards, yet have their mouths water at his gains (a).
They may, quoth I, well think, if they think any thing that is true, that he liveth well where he is ; for he now lives at and in the Fountain of Life, and has what he has without labour or forrow, for there is no grief mixed therewith. But pray what talk have the people about him ?
Sag. Talk ! the people talk strangely about him ; fome fav, that he now walks in white; that he wears a chain of gold about his rveck* j that he has a crown of gold, beset with pearls, upon his head : others fay, that the mining ones, that lbmetimes fhewed themfelves to him in his journey, are become his companions, and that he is as familiar with them in the place where he is, as here one neighbour is with another. Besides, it is confi- dently affirmed concerning him, that the King of the place where he is f> has bestowed upon him already a very rich and pleasant dwelling at court, and that he every day eateth and drinketh, and walketh and talk- eth with him, and receiveth the smiles and favours of him that is Judge of all there. Moreover it is expected of some, that this Prince, the Lord of that country will fhortly come into these parts, and wi!i know the reafon, if they can give any, why his neighbours set so
* Rev. iii 4. Ch. vi. 11. f Ze'ch. iii. 7. Luke xiv.
(a) Very striking and natural this. The men of this world will cannonize those for saints, when dead, whom they stigmatized with the vilest names when living. Besides many others I could mention, this I have peculiarly remarked in respect to that man of God, that faithful minister of Christ, the late Rev. Mr. Whitciield. Scarce any one went through more public reproach than he did ; yet, how often have I been amazed to hear persons who held him, his character and conduct, in the vilest contempt when living, but now he is dead, speak in the most respectful mai nor of him ! O let us have our characters to him, who dieu for our sins, and to Svl om we cats commit our soitis.
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202 the pilgrim's progress,
little by him*, and had him so much in derision, when they perceived that he would be a pilgrim.
(b) For they say, that now he is fo in the affections of his Prince, and his Sovereign is fo much concerned with the indignities that were caft upon Chriftian, when he became a pilgrim, that he will look upon all as done to himself; and no marvel, for it was for the love that he had to his Prince, that he ventured as he did (c).
I dare fay, quoth I, I am glad of it ; I am glad for the poor man's fake, for that now he has rest from his labour j-, and for that he now reaps the benefit of his tears with joy ; and for that he has got beyond the gun shot of his enemies, and is out of the reach of them that hate him. I alfo am glad, for that a rumour of these things is noised abroad in this country ; who can tell but that it may work fome good effect on some that are left behind ? But pray, Sir, while it isfreih in my mine do your hear any thing of his wife and children ? Poor hearts, I v/onder in my mind what they do.
Sag. Who ? Christiana and her sons ? They are like to do well, as Chriftian himfelf; for though they all played the fool at first, and would by no means beper- fuaded either by the tears or entreaties of Chriftian yet fecond thoughts have wrought wonderfully with them j so they have packed up,and are alfo gone after him (d).
* Judg. xiv. 15. f Luke x« 16- ftev- ***• 13« P*' exxvi. 5, 6.
(b) Christian's King will take Christian's part. O pil- grim, write this upon the table of thine heart, and read it every step of thy journey.
(c) Mark this well. No matter what profession we make if the love of Christ be not its foundation. All is nothing with out this love. It is this love in the heart, that, like oil in the lamp, keeps the profession of Christ burning bright. The more this love is felt, the more ardent the fire of zeal burns, and the more steady we shall follow on to know the Lord ; and never leave off, nor give over till we see and enjoy the Lord in his kingdom. The Lord inflame our love to himself, bis truth, and his ways !
(d) Though moral suasions, and all the affectionate argu- ments from a tender husband, or an affectionate parent, may prove ineffectual for the present ; yet, when the Lord works by his mighty power, then only they prove effectual to saving
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 203
Better and better quoth I j 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 inftant, and was thoroughly acquainted with the whole affair.
Then, said I, a man may 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 as we are, as I perceive, going fome confiderable way together, I will give you an account of the whole matter.
This Chriftiana (for that was her name) for the day that (he with her children betook themfelves to a pil- grim's life, after her husband was gone over the river, and me could hear of him no more, her thoughts began to work in her mind. Firft, for that fhe had lost her husband, and for that the loving bond of that relation was utterly broken betwixt them. For you know, faid he to me, nature can do no less but entertain the living with many a heavy cogitation in the remembrance of the lofs of loving relations. This therefore of her husband did cost her many a tear. But this, was not all, for Chriftiana did alfo begin to confider with herfelf, Whe- ther her unbecoming behaviour towards her husband was not one caufe that ihe iaw him no more : and that in fuch fort he was taken away from her. And upon this, came into her mind, by fwarms, all her un- kind, unnatural, and ungodly carriage to her dear friend: which alfo clogged her confeience, and did load her with guilt. She was moreover much broken with calling to remembrance the restless groans, the brinifh tears, and felf-bemoaning of her husband, and how lhe did harden her heart againft all his entreaties, and loving perfuasions (of her and her fons) to go with him j yea, there was not any thing that Chrittian either faid 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 iightning, and rent the caul of her heart infunder; especially that bitter out-cry of his, What
purposes. Yet, let us not neglect our duty, but be earnest in it, and leave the event to sovereign grace.
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shall I do to be saved r did ring in ber ears most dreadfully (e).
Then laid fhe to her children, Sons, we are all undone. I have sinned away your father, and he is gone : he would have had us go with hirn, but I would not go myfelf. I alfo hindered you of life. With that the boys fell into tears, and cried to go after their father. Oh ! faid Chriftiana, 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 fool- ifhly imagined concerning the troubles of your father, that they proceeded of a foolifh fancy that he had, or for that he was over-run with melancholy humours j yet now it will not out of my mind, but that they fprang from another caufe, to wit, for that the light of life was given him* j by the help of which, as 1 perceive, he has escaped the fnares of death (f). Then they wept all again, and cried, Oh ! wo worth the day 1
The next night Chriftiana had a dream : and behold fhe faw as if a broad parchmentwas open'd before herf in which were recorded the sum of her ways, and the crimes, as she thought, looked very black upon her. Then fhe cried out aloud in her sleep, Lord have mercy upon me a [inner (g); aatd the little children heard her*
* James i. 23, 21, 25. f Luke xviii. 30.
(e) Here see what those who cruelly and unkindly treat their godly relations -and friends on account of their religion, must come to feel in the bitterness of their spirit, and groan under in the sorrow of their soul, if ever the Lord grants them repentance unto life.
" (f) Is it any marvel, that a quickened, enlightened sinner should be judged by those around him, who are yet dead in their sins, to be full of whims and melancholy ; No : It is very natural for them to think us fools and mad ; but we know that they real! v are so. For when it pleases the Lord to take the veil of unbelief off the heart, and to remove the scales of igno- rance from the eyes, then they will confess with Christians, that the light of life is given to us.
(g) Tnis is the very first cry of an awakened sinner, mer- cy for the iost and miserable ; and no sooner are the sinner's eye's opened to see his ruined, desperate state, and to cry for mercy, but the god of this world, who hitherto had blinded the eyes,aud kept the heart secure by presu inption,riow pposes the
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 2O5
After this, (he thought (he faw two very ill-favoured one* standing by her bed-side, and laying, " What fhali we do with this woman ? For she cries out for mercy waking and fleeping ; if fhe be fuffered to go on as fhe begins, we ihall lofe her as we have loft her hufband. Wherefore we mus.t, by fome way, feck to tr.ke her off from the thoughts of what shall be here- after, else ali the world cannot help but me will be- come a pilgrim".
Now {he awoke in a great fweat, alfo a trembling was upon her ; but after a while (he fell to fleeping again. And then fhe thought fhe faw Chriftian her husband in a place of bliss among many immortals, with a harp in his hand, standing and playing upon it before one that fat on a throne, with a rainbow about his head, She saw alfo as if he bowed his head with his face to the paved work that was under his Prince's feer, faying, I heartily thank my Lord and King for bringing me into this place. Then shouted a company of them that Mood round about and harped with their harps: but no man living could tell what they said, except Chriftian and his companions.
Next morning, when she was up, had p-ayed to God, and talked with her children a while, or,e knock- ed hard at the door : to whom fhe fpake out faying, If thou corned in God's name, come in. So he faid, Amen; and opened the door, and faluted her with Peace on this house. The which when he had done, he faid Cnriftiana, knoweft thou wherefore I am come ? Then fhe blulhed, and trembled, also her heart began to wax warm with defires to know from whence he came, and what his errand was to her. So he faid unto her, My name is Secret (h), I dwell with thofe
sinner's progress to a throne of grace, to a God of mercy, and to the Saviour of the lost. Satan does not easily part with his prey. -But Jesus the strong man armed with almighty power and everlasting love, will conquer and cast him out. That is the sinner's rnerey, or "one could ever be saved.
(h) " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Psalm cxi. !0. and " the secret of the ford is with them who fear hint-" Psalm ^xv, 14. The Spirit, the Comforter,
£06 the pilgrim's progress.
that are high. It is talked of where I dwell, as if thou hadst a defire to go thither ; alfo there is a report that thou art aware of the evil thou haft formerly done to thy hufband,in hardening of thy heart againft his way, and in keeping of thefe babes in their ignorance. — Chriftiana, the Merciful One has fent me to tell thee, that he is a God ready to forgive, and that he talketh delight to multiply the pardon of offences. He alfo would have thee to know, That he inviteth thee to come into his prefence, to his table, and that he will feed thee with the fat of his houfe,and with the heri- tage of Jacob thy father.
There is Chriftian thy husband, that was, with legi- ons more, his companions, ever beholding that face that doth minister life to beholders : and they will all be glad, when they fhall hear the found of thy feet ftep over thy Father's threfhold.
Chriftiana at this was greatly abafhed in herfelf, and bowed her head to the ground. This Vifion proceeded andfaid Chriftiana, here is alfo a letter for thee, which I have brought from thy husband's King j fo me took it and opened it, but it froelt after the manner of the beft perfume*. Alfo it was written in letters of Gold. The contents of the letter were thefe j that the King would have her to do as did Chriftian her hufband, for that he was the way to come to this city, and to dwell in bis prefence with joy for ever. At this the good woman was quite overcome : fo fhe cried out to her vifitor, Sir, will you carry me and -my children with }ou, that we may alfo go and worihip the King?
Then faid the visitor, Chriftiana ! the bitter is before zhy fweet. Thou mutt through troubles, as he did that went before thee, enter the Celeftial City. Wherefore I advlfe thee to do as did Chriftian thy hufband : Go to the Wjcketgate yonder over the plain, for that ftands in the head of the way up which thou mult go, and I wtib thee all good fpeed. Alfo 1 advife thee, that thou
* Sang. |. 2. Vsever convinces the soul of sin, but he also revives and com- forts the heart with glad tidings of free and full pardon of
*itl, through the blood of the Lamb.
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. SOT
put this letter in thy bofom : that thou read therein to thyfelf, and to thy children, until they have got it by heart i for it is one of the fongs that thou mult fing while thou art in this houie of thy pilgrimage* : alfo this thou mud deliver in at the farther gate (i).
New I faw in my dream, that this old gentleman, as he told me this ftory, did himself feem to be greatly affected therewith He moreover proceeded, and faid: So Chriftiana called her fons together, and begun to addrefs herfelf unto them : My fons, I have, as you may perceive, been of late under much exercife in my foul about the death of your father; not for that I doubt at all of his happinefs ; for I am fatisfied now that he is well. I have been alfo much affected with due thoughts of mine own (late and yours, which I verily believe is by nature miserable. My carriage alfo to your father in his diftrefs, is a great load to my conlcience : for I hardened both my heart and yours againft him, and refufed to go with him on pilgrimage.
The thoughts of these things would now kill me out- right, but that for a dream which I had laft night, and but that for the encouragement that this ftranger has given me this morning. Come, my little children, let us pack up and begone to the Gate that leads to that celeftial country, that we may fee your father, and be with him and his companions in peace, according to the laws of that land.
Then did her children burn: out into tears, for joy that the heart of their mother was so inclined. So that the vifitorbade them farewell rand they began to pre- pare to set out for their journey.
But while they were thus about to be gone, two of the women that were Chriftiana's neighbours, came up
to her houle, and knocked at the door. To whomlhe
(i) Says our Lord, "When the Spirit is come, be shall tcstif'v of me — he shall loud you into all truth — he slia.il sbf w you tilings to come." All this the convinced sinner tjnds true. fn experience. As the Spirit testifies of Christ, so he leads the. sou! to Christ, that he m;iv be the sinner's oulv hope, rig'hte- ousness, and strength. Thus fie g'orifieS Christ,
208 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS,
faid as before. At this the women were ftunned ; for this kind of language they ufed not to hear, or to perceive to drop from the lips of Chriftiana (k). Yet they came in : but behold, they found the good woman prepar- ing to be gone from her houfe.
So they began and faid, Neighbour, pray what is your meaning by this ?
Chriftiana anfwered, and faid to the eldeft of them whofe name was Mrs. Timorous, I am prepared for a journey. (This Timorous was daughter to him that met Chriftian upon the hill of difficulty, aud would have had him gone back for fear of the lions).
Tim. For what journey, I pray you ?
Chrift. Even to go after my old hufband ; and with that fhe fell a weeping !
Tim. I hope not fo, good neighbour; pray, for your children's fake, do not fo unwomanly call away yourfelf.
Chr. Nay, my children mail go with me, not one of them is willing to flay behind.
Tim. I wonder, in my heart, what or who has brought you into this mind.
Chr. Oh, neighbour, knew you but as much as I do, I doubt not but that you would go along with me.
Tim. Pr'ythee, what new knowledge haft thou got, that fo worketh offthy mind from thy friends, and that tempteth thee to go nobody knows where ?
Chrift. Then Chriftiana replied, 1 have been forely afflicted lince my hufband's departure from me; but especially fince he went over the river. But that which troublcth me moit, is my churlish carriage to him when he was under his diftrefs. Befides, I am now as he
(k) Header stop, and examine, did never any of your former friends and carnal acquaintance take knowledge of a difference of your language and conduct ? Do they still like and approve of you as well as ever ? What reason, then have you to think yourself a pilgrim ? For no sooner does any one com- mence a pjlgrim, but that word is fulfilled, " For then I will turn to the people a pure language," Zeph. iii. 2. If the heart be ever so little acquainted with the Lord, the tongue will dis- cover it, and the carnal and profane will ridicule and despise you for it. This will ever le found true.
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was then; nothing will ferve me, but going on pil- grimage. I was dreaming laft night, that I faw him. O that my foul was with him, He dwelleth in the pre- fence of the king of the country ; he fits and eats with him at his table ; he is become a companion of immor- tals*, and has a houfe, now given him to dwell in, to which the beft palace on earth, if compared, feems to me but as a dunghill. The Prince of the palace has alfo fent for me, with promifes of entertainment, if I lhall come to him -, his meffenger was here even now, and brought me a letter, which invites me to come, — And with that fhe plucked out her letter, and read it, and faid to them (1). What now will you fay to this ?
Tim, Oh ! the madnefs that lias poffeffed thee and thy hufband ! to run yourfelf upon fuch difficulties ! You have heard, I am fure, what your huiband did meet with, even in a manner, at the firft ftep that he took on his way, as our neighbour Obftinafe can yet teftify, for he went along with himj yea, and Pliable too, until they, like wife men, were afraid to go any farther. "We alfo 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 fo hard put to it, what canft thou being but a poor woman, do ? Confider alfo, that thefe four fweet babes are thy children, thy flefh, and. thy bones. Therefore though thou Ihouldft be fo rafh as to caft away thyfelf; yet for the fake of the fruit of thy body, keep thou at home (m).
*Cor. v. l— *.
(1) This was a love-letter , full of the love of Jesus, and the precious invitation of his loving heart to sinners to come unto him, as recorded in his blessed word. Happy sinners whose eyes are opened to read them ! But this the world calls madness.
(m) The Lord, who quickens us by his Spirit, and calls ms by his word, well knows the carnal enemies who will op- pose our progress in the divine life : therefore he tells us, " If thy brother, or the wife of thy bosom, orthv friend, which is w> thine own soul, enrice thee secretly from the Lord, thou. •diait not hearken unto -him,"- &c. Dent, siii- G- Let the wont
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But Chriftiana faid unto her, Tempt me not, my neighbour: I have now a prize put into my hand to get again, and I (hould be a fool of the greateft iort if I mould have no heart to ftrike in with the opportu- nity. And for that you^tell me of all thefe troubles that I am like to meet with in the way, they are io far from being to me a difcouragement, that they mew I am in the right. "The bitter mufi: come before the Tweet,'* and that alto will make the fweet the fweeter. Wherefore fince you came not to my houfe in God's name, as I faid, I pray you begone, and do not dif- quiet me farther (n).
Then Timorous alfo reviled her, and faid to her fellow, Come, neighbour Mercy, let us leave her in her own hands, fhe fcorns our council and company, But Mercy was at a ftand, and that for a two- fold reafon, ift, Her bowels yearned over Chriftiana. So Ihe faid within herfelf, If my neighbour will be gone I will go a little way with her, and help her. idly, Her bowels yearned over her own foul (for what Chris- tiana had faid, had taken fome hold upon her mind ). - Wherefore (he fa'd within herfelf again, I will yet have more talk with this Chriftiana, and if I find truth and life in what (he fhali fay, myfelf with my heart mall alio go with her. Wherefore Mercy began thus to reply to her neighbour Timorous.
Mercy. Neighbour, I did indeed come with you to fee Chriftiana this morning ; and fince fhe is, as you fee a taking her laft farewell of the country, I think to walk this fun-fhiny morning a little with her, to help her on
of God be the rule, and Christiana's- conduct an example to all who are setting their face Zion-ward. O beware of the reasoning of the flesh. Dread to look back. Tremble at the thought of going back ; for the Lord hath no pleasure in such Heb. x. 38.
(u) That is rjght. It is well to heboid in the name of the Lord, and blunt with those who seek to turn us away from fol- lowing on to know the Lord ; lor nothing less than life and sal- tation, or death and damnation, will be the is ue of it. O pil- grims, beware, beware of parleying with the carnal. Ever re- member, you have a nature prone to catch the falling spark from their flint and steel, and tinder about yen ever ready to •fake the fire.
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that way. But she told her not of the fecond reafon, but kept it to herfelf.
Tim. Well, I fee you have a mind to go a fooling too ; but take heed in time, and be wife j while we are out of danger we are out j but when we are in, we are in. So Mrs. Timorous returned to her houfe, and Chris- tiana betook herfelf to her journey (o). Euc when Timorous was got home to her houfe, fhe fends for fome of her neighbours, to wit, Mrs. Bat's Eyes, Mrs. Inconsiderate, Mrs. Light-mind, and Mr. Know- nolhing. So when they were come to her houfe fhe falls to telling cf the ftory of Chriltiana, and of her intend- ed journey. And thus she began her tale.
Tim. Neighbours, having but little to do this morn- ing I went to give Chriftiana a visit j and when I came at the door, I knocked as you know it is our cuftom : And (lie anfwered, If you come in God's name, come in. So in I went, thinking all was well : But when I came in, I found her preparing herfelf to depart the town, me and alfo her children. So I asked her what was her meaning by that? And fhe told me in short that (he was now of a mind to go on pilgrimage as did her husband. She told me alfo a dream that (lie had and how the King of the country where her husband was, had fent her an inviting letter to come thither.
Then faid Mrs. Know-nothing, And what ! do you think (he will go ?
Tim. Ay, go she will, whatever comes on't; and methinks J know it by this ; for that which was my great argument toperfuade her to flay at home to wit, the troubles she was like to meet with in the way is one
(o) Here we see our Lord's word verified, i( The one shall betaken, and the other left," Matt xxiv. 41. Mercy is called, and Timorous left. All to appearance seems chance and accident, that any come to the knowledge of the truth but electing love directs all things, and sovereign grace over- rules ail things : and " all dungs are of God, who hath recon- ciled us to himself by Jesus Christ " 2 Cor. v. IS. O ever bow to divine sovereignty : ever adore diserimminating grace what shall we say to these things ? "If God be for us, who hall be against us?" Koin. viii. 31.
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great argument with her, to put her forward on her journey. For fhe told me in fo many words, bitter goes before the iweet :" yea and forafmuch as it doth, it makes the fvveet the fweeter.
Mrs. Bat's-eyes. Oh this blind and foolifh woman said she: and will fhe not take warning by her hus- band's afflictions ? For my pan, I fee, if he were here again, he would reft him content in a whole fkin, and never run fo many hazards for nothing.
Mrs. Inconsiderate also replied, faying, Away with fuch fantastical fools from the town : a good riddance for my part I say of her : fhould fhe ftay where fhe dwells, and retain this mind, who could live quietly by her? for fhe will either be dumpifli or unneighbourly to talk of fuch matters as no wise body can abide : where fore, for my part, I fhall never be forry for her depar- ture : let her go, and let better come in her room i it was never a good world fince these whimfical fools dwelt in it (p).
Then Mrs. Light-mind added as followeth ; Come, put this kind of talk away. I was yesterday at Madam Wanton's where we were as merry as the maids. For who do you think should be there, butl and Mrs. Love the-flefii, and three or four more, with Mrs. Lechery, Mrs. Filth, and fome others; fo there we had mufic, and dancing, and what else was meet to fill up the plea- fure. And I dare fay, my lady herfelf is an admirable well-bred gentle woman, and Mr. Lechery is as pretty a fellow. By this time Christiana was got on her way and Mercy went along with her; so as they went, her children being there alfo, Chriftiana began to discourfe. And, Mercy, laid Chriltiana, 1 take this, as an unex- pected favour, that thou shouldest fet foot out of doors to accompany me a little in my way.
(p) O how do such carnal wretches sport with their own damnation, while t! ey despise the precious truths of God, and ridicule hs beloved chosen and called people! But as it was in the beginning, he who was born after the flesh persecuted him who- was born after the Spirit, so it is now, and will be for ever ; us long as the seed of the woman, and the seed of the serpent, are upon the earth.
THE PILCRIM's PPCGRESS. ^ I 3
Mercv. Then fa;d young Mercy (for fhe was but young) If I thought it would be to propofe to go with you, I would never go near the town.
Christ. Well, Mercy, (aid Christiana, cast in thy lot with nie, I well know what will be the end of our pil- grimage ; my hufband is where he would not but be for all ihe gold in the Spanish mines. Nor shalt thou be rejected, though thou goest but upon my invitation. The King who hath Tent forme and my children, is one that deiighteth in Mercy. Befides, if thou wile I will hire thee, and thou (halt go along with me as mv fer- vanr. Yet we will have all things in common betwixt thee, and me, only go along with me (q)
Mercy. But how shall I be afcertained that I also mould be entertained ; had I this hope from one that can tell, I would make no ftick at ail, but would go, being helped by him that can help, though the way was never fo tedious (r).
Chrid. Well, loving Mercy I will tell thee what thou fhalt do; go with me to the Wicket-gate, and there I will further enquire for thee; and if there thou fhalt not meet with encouragement, 1 will be content that thou return to thy place; I alio will pay thee for thy kindness which thou (hewed to me and my children in the accompanying of us in our way as thou dolt.
Mercy. Then will [ go thither, and will take what mall foilow : and the Lord grant that my lot may there
(q) Such is the true spirit of real pilgr';nls,that do not lore to eat their precious morsel alone. They wish others to know prec'pus Christ, and to become followers of him with them- selves. O how happy ate they, when the Lord is pleased to draw the hearts of any of their feliow-sinners to himself!
(r) Though Christiana clearly saw and knew her calling of God, vet Mercy did not : therefore she is in doubt about it. Jest so it is with many at their first setting out. Hence they are ready to say (and I have met with many who have said) that they could even wish to have had the most violent convic- tions of sin, and to have been as it were shook over the It outii of hell, that they might have had a greater certainty of their beino- called of God. Hut this is speaking unadvisedly- Better to take the apostle's advice : "Give all diligence to make your calling sure."
2i*4 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS/
fall even as the King of heaven shall have his heart upon me (s).
Chriftiana was then glad at her heart, not only that she had a companion, but alfo for that the had prevail- ed with this poor maid to fall in love with her own salvation. So they went on together, and Mercy began to weep. Then laid Chriftiana, Wherefore weepeth my foster so ?
Mercy. Alas ! said fhe, who can but lament, that' sr-fall but rightly confider what a ftate and condition my poor relations are in, that yet remain in our finful town : and that which makes my grief the more, is becaufe they have no inftrucsion, nor any to tell them what is to come (t)
ChrilL Bowels become pilgrims; and thou doft for thy friends, as my good Cnriftian did for me when he kft me : he mourned for that I would not heed nor regard him, but his Lord and our did gather up his tears, and put them into his bottle ; and now both I and thou, and theie my fweet babes, are reaping the fruit and benefit of them. I hope, Mercy, that thefe tears of thine will not be loft: for the Truth hath faid, that " they that fow in tears, mall reap in joy and froging*". And " he (hat goeth forth and weepethr tearing precious fezd, fhail doubtless come again with lejoic'mg, bringing his flieaves with him."
Then laid Mercy,
* Ps. exxvi. 5.
|s) Here is a precious discovery of a heart divinely in- strncted. Muni, here is no looking to any thing Mercy was M htrrseif, e*f to any thing she could do for herself fur hope ; festali is resolved into this all is cast upon this, even the love exf the he-art of the King of heaven, Readers can you be con- Sent with, this lot r Can you cast all, and rest all, upon the few of Chr.st ? Then bless his loving name for giving you a 2>ilgriiiis heart.
(t) This is natural ; when we know the worth of our souls and the • prcciousness of Christ's salvation, and weep over our selves, and for our sins, to mourn and weep for our dear car- nal relatives, lest they should be lost, and to wish for their sal- vation, also.
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 2l5
11 Let the most blessedbe my guide,
" Unto his gate, into his fold,
" Up to his holv Iiiti :
" To swerve or turn asido f* From his free- grace and holy ways,
" Whate'er shall me betide. e
" ThatI have left behind ; " Lord, make them pray they mav be thine,
"With all their heart and mind."
Now my oM friend proceeded, and faid — But when Chriftiana came to the Slough of Lefpond, fhe began to be at a (land ; for faid (he, this is the place in which my dear hufband had like to have been fmothered with mud. She perceived alfo, that notwithstanding the command of the King to make this place for pil- grim's good, yet it was rather worfe than formerly. So I afked if that was true ? Yes, faid the old gentle- man, too true ; for many there be, that pretend to be the King's labourers, and fay they are for mending the King's highway, that bring dirt and dung instead of ftones, and fo mar inftead of mending (u). Here Chris- liana, therefore, and her boys, did make a Hand : but
6
(u) But instead of being what they profess, the King's labourers. Paul calls the m go?pel-preveuters, and soul trou- blers, Gal. v. If). For instead of preaching a free, full, and finished salvation, graciously bestowed as of free gift and bv rich grace, upon poor sinners who can do nothing to intitle themselves to it, or to gain ;m interest in it; behold, these wretched daubers set forth salvation to sale upon certain terms and conditions which sinners are to perform and fulfil. Thus they distress the upright and sincere, and deceive the self-righteous and unwary into pride and delusion. Thus thev mar, instead of mending the way ; and bring dirt and dung, instead of stones, to make the way sound and safe for pilgrim-. Beware of the sophistry of free-will, st lf-righteous preachers ; for thev only perplex the mind, puzzle the conscience, hue ne'eer make go ul the ground of hope in the sinners hear,, u[o-. tit: Saviour of the lost-
21.6 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS,
faici Mercy, Come, let us venture, only let us hi wary. Then they looked well to their fteps, and made a fhift to get daggering over.
Yet Chriftiana had like to have been in, and that not once or twice. Now they had no fooner got over, but they thought they heard words that faid unto them, *' Bleffed is fhe that believeth, for there lhall be a per- formance of what has been told her from the Lord* ". Then they went on again ; and faid Mercy to Chrif- tiana, Had I as good ground to hope for a loving re- ception at the Wicket-gate, as you, I think no Slough of Defpor.d could difcourage me.
Well, faid the other, you know your fore, and I know mine; and good friend, we fhaU all have enough evil before we come to our journey's end.
For it cannot be imagined, that the people that de- fign to attain fuch excellent glories as we do, and that are fo envied that happinefs as we are; but that we ihall meet with what fears and fnares, with what trou- bles and afflictions, they can poffibly affauk us with, that bate us.
And now Mr. Sagacity left me to dream out my dream by myfelf. Wherefore, methought I faw Chrif- tiana and Mercy, and the boys, go all of them up to the Gate : to which, when they came, they took themfelves to a fhort debate, about how they mud manage their calling at the Gate : and what mould be faid unto him that did open unto them. So it was concluded fince Chriftiana was the eldeft, that fhe fhould knock for en- trance, and that (he fhould fpeak to him that did open for the reft. So Chriftiana began to knock, and, as her poor hufband did, (be knocked and knocked again* But inftead of any that anfwered, 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 chil- dren afraid Nor durftthey for a while to knock any more, for fear the maftifT fhould fly upon them. Now therefore they were greatly tumbled up and down in their minds, and knew not what to do: knock they durft not for fear of the dog ; go back they durft !
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 2I7
nor, for fear the keeper of that gate fhould efpy them as thev i'o went, and be offended with them : at laft they thought of knocking again, and knocking more Vehemently than they did at firft. Then faid the Keeper of the Gate, who is there ? So the dog left off to bark, and he opened upon them (x).
Then Chriftiana made low obeifance, and laid, Let not our fcord be offended with his handmaidens, for that we haye knocked at his princely Gate. Then faid the keeper, Whence came ye ? And what is that you would have ?
Chriftiana anfwered, We are come from whence Chriftian did come, and upon the fame errand as he ; to wit, to be, if it {hall pleafe you, gracioufly ad- mitted by this Gate, into the way that leads unto the Celeftial City. And I anfwer my Lord, in the next place, that I am Chriftiana, once the wife of Chriftian, that now is gotten above.
With that the keeper of the Gate did marvel, faying, what is fhe now become a pilgrim, that but awhile ago abhorred that life ? Then (he bowed her head and faid, Yea, and fo are thefe my fweet babes alfo.
Then he took her by the hand, and let her in, and faid alfo, " Suffer the little children to come unto me ;" with that fhe fhut up the Gate. This done, he called to a trumpeter that was above, over the Gate to enter- tain Chriftiana with fhouting and found of trumpet, for joy. So he obeyed, and founded, and filled the air with his melodious notes.
Now all this while poor Mercy did ftand without, trembling and crying for fear that ihe was rejected. But when Chriftiana had got admittance for herfelf and her boys, then fhe began to make interceflion for Mercy.
(x) No sooner does a poor sinner open his lips in prayer to Jesus, but the Devil will bark and roar at him, and by all means try to terrify aud discourage him. Do you find this? What is our remedy against tliis ? Resist the devil, and he will fly from you, James iv. 7. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, James iv. 8. O ever remember our dear Lord's word, men should pray always, and not faint, Lukexriii. I.
2E
SiS. the pilgrim's progress.
Chrift. And (he faid, My Lord, I have a coraM panion of mir.e that ftands yet without, that is come hither upon the Tame account as myfelf j one that iy much dejecled in her mind, for (he comes as (he thinks,, without fending for : whereas I was fent to by my hufband's King to come.
Now Mercy began to be very impatient, and each minute to her was as Jong as an hoar, wherefore (he' prevented Ghr ftiana from a fuller interceding for herr by knocking at the Gate her I elf. And fhe knocked then fb loud, that (he made Chriftiana to (tart. Then? faid the Keeper of the Gate, Who is there ? And Chriftiana faid, it is my friend.
So he opened the gate ahd looked om, but Mercy was fallea down without in a fwoon, for fhe fainted, and was afraid that no gate would be opened to her, -
Then he took her by she hand, and (aid, Darnfcl, 1 bid thee arife.
O Sir, faid (he, I am faint, there is fearce life left in me. But he anfwered, that one * faid, " When my* ibul fainted within me, 1 remembered the Lord, and my prayer came unto thee, into thy holy temple. "— » Fear noty ftand upo»n thy fctf, and till me wherefore thou art come.
Mercy. 1 an* come for that unto which 1 was never invited as my friend Chriftiana was. Her's was from the King, and mine was but from her. Wherefore I pre fume (y)*.
* Jonah K-.r..
(y)' Sfefcy's case' is not singular. Klany have set ©h« Justus she did, and haye been discoura-red by the same reason as she was. Some are wrought on by one means, and some by another. Site, as many have been, was encouraged to set out
i*i the ways ©f the Lord !>y her neighbour and friend
Hence she, as* many ofehers also have thought there was no- eause t©. conclude that she was effectually called by the Lord, but it w,as only the effect of human power, or moral suasion, and therefore doubted and fainted lest she should not mcefc TAith acceptance. But her very doubts7 fea*s and distress, proved the earnestness of her heart, and the desire of her soul alter the Saviour; aftd also, that his attracting lovq and gracious power had a hand in the work. Well therefore
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 11 $
£):d fhe dcfire thee to come with her to this place? Mercy. Yes; and as my Lord fees, I am come. — And if there is any grace or forgivenefs of fins to fpare, I befeech that thy poor handmaid be partaker thereof.
Then he took her again by the hand, and led her gently »"> a°d faid I pray for ail rhem that believe on me, by what means foever they come unto me. Then faid he to thofe that ftood by/Fetch fomething, and give it Mercy to fmell on, thereby to (lay her fail- ings; So they fetched her a bundle of myrrh; awhile after the was revived.
• And now were Chriftiana and her boys, and Mercy, received of the Lord at the head of the way, and fpoke kindly unto by him. Then faid they yet farther unto him, We are forrv for our fins, and beg of our Lord his pardon, and farther information what we mutt do.
I grant pardon laid he, by word and deed * ; by word rathe promife of forgivenefs; by deed, in the way I obtained it. Take the firft from my lips with a, kifs, and the other as it (hall be revealed.
Now I faw in my dream that he fpake many good words unto them whereby they were gladded. He alfo had them up to the top of the Gate, and fhewed them by what deed they were faved ; and told them withal, that that fight they would have again as they went along in the way to their comfort.
So he leff them awhile in a fummer parlour below, where they entered into talk by themfelves ; and thus Chriftiana began : O Lord ! how glad am I that we got in hither !
Mercy. So you well may; but I of all have caufe to leap for joy.
Chrift. i thought one time as I flood at the Gate (becaufe I ha4 knocked, and none did anfwer), that
* Soqg 1. 2. John xx. 20.
might Mr. Bunyan call upon his readers, at her gracious re- ception by Christ : Mark this, ye poor doubting, fearing, trembling souls, who are halting every step, and fearing you have not set out aright, hfar what Christ's angel said, and be pot discouraged. Fear not, for ye seek Jesus, Matt, xxviii. 5.
120 the pilgrim's progress.
all our labour had been loft, especially when that ugly cur made fuch a heavy barking at us (z).
Mercy. But my worft fear was, alter I Taw that you ■were taken into his favour, and that I was left behind,
Now, thought I, it is fulfilled which is written* *e Two women mall be grinding together, the one. (hall be taken and the other left*" i had much ado to for- bear crying out, Undone, (a)
And afraid I was to knock any more; bpt when I looked up to what was written over the Gate, 1 took courage. I alfo thought that I muft either knock again, or die : fo I knocked, but cannot tell how $ for my fpirit now ftruggled between life and death.
Cnrift. Can you not tell how you knocked ? I am fure your knocks were fo earneft that the very founcf made me ftart ; I thought I never heard fuch knock- ing in all my life ; I thought you would come in by a violent hand, or take the kingdom by dorm.
Mercy. Alas : to be in my cafe, who that fo wa$ could but have done fo ? You faw that the door was fhut upon me, and there was a mod cruel dog there- about. Who, I fay, that was fo faint-hearted as I, would not have knocked with all their might ? But
* Matt. xxiv. 4 \ .
(z) The devil often barks most at us, and brings bis heaviest accusations against us when mercy, peace, comfort, and salvation are nearest to us,
' " Press on, nor fear to»win the day. " Tho' earth and hell obstruct the way," (a) See what proper use a gracious soul makes of the doctrine of election. Here is no replying against God: no calling in question his sovereign right to receive or to reject.. No : all that this poor humble heart thought Now is fulfilled *hat is written, " One slntll be t« ken, and the other "left.'* If so, what had she to say ? No impeachment of the Lord's" dealings ; but only, I am undone. But yet, on seeing what was written over the gate, " Knocks and it shall be opened ;" from that, and not from any sight of worth or worthiness in herself, but ruined as she found herself, lost as she felt her- self, she was encouraged to knock again, or to cry and pray more vehemently than ever. Here is a blessed example of deep humility ; and of holy boldness : excited by the divine word (Jo thou ruined sinner, and do likewise.
the pilgrim's progress. 2J2
pray, What faid my Lord unto my rudeness ? Was he not an?ry with me ?
Chrift. When he heard your lumbering noife, he gave a wonderful innocent smile: 1 believe what you did pleafed him well, fwr he fhewed no fign of the contrary. But I marvel in my heart, why he keeps such a dog ; had I known that before, I mould not have had heart enough to have ventured myfe'f in this manner. But now we are in, we are in, and I am glad with all my heart.
Mercy. 1 will afk, if you pleafe, next time he comes down why he keeps such a filthy cur in his yard; I hope he will not take it amifs.
Do fo faid the children, and perfuade him to hang him, for we are afraid he will bite us when we go hence.
So at laft he came down to them again, and Mercy fell to the ground on her face, before him, and worfhip- ped, and faid, Let my Lord accept the facrifice of praife which I now offer unto him with the calves of my lips.
So he faid unto her, (t Peace be to thee, (land up* " But me continued on her face and faid, art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee, let me taiic with thee of thy judgments : Wherefore doft thou keep fo cruel a Hog in the yard, at the fight of which, fuch women and children, as we, are ready to fly from the gate for fear ? "
He anfwered and faid, «f That dog has another owner, he is alfo kept clofe in another man's ground, only my pilgrims hear his barking : he belongs to the caftle which you fee there at a diftance, but can come up to the walls of this place. He has frighted many an honeft pilgrim from worfe to better, by the great voice of his roaring. Indeed, he that owneth him, doth not keep him out of any good-will to me or mine, but with intent to keep the pilgrims from com- ing to me, and that they may be afraid to came an4 knock at the gate of entrance.
Sometimes alfo he has broken out and has worried fome that 1 loved -, but I take all at prefent patiently.
* Jer. xii- 1, 2.
22,2 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
I ^Ifo give my pilgrims timely help, fo that they are not deliverr d up to his power, to do to them what his doggifh nature would prompt him to. But what ! my purchafrd one, I trow hadjl. thou known never fo much beforehand, thou wouldeft not have been afraid, of a dog.
t ther than they will lGfe a fuppofed alms, run the haz- ard of the bawling, barking, and biting too of a dog : and mail a dog in another man's yard, a dog whofe barking I turn to profit of pilgrims, keep any from coming to me ? I deliver them from the lions, and my darling irom the power of the dog."
Mercy. Then faid Mercy, I confefs my ignor- ance : I fpeak what I underftand not ; I acknowledge that thou doft all things well.
Chrift. Then Chriftiana began to talk of their journey, and to enquire after the way. So he fed them and walhed their feet, and fet them in the way of his fteps, according as he had dealt with her husband before. So I faw in my dream, that they went on then? way, and the weather was comfortable to them.
Then Chriftiana began to fing, faying,
" Bless'd be the day that I began > " A pilorim for to be ;
Wf And bless'd also be the man ff That thereunto mov'd me.
a "yjs true, 'twas long ere I began ;
., ... " To seek to live for ever : " But now 1 run fast as I can ; " Tis better late than never.
* Our tears to joy, our fears to faith,
" Are turned as we see ; eJ That our beginning (as one saith) * '" Shews what our end will be."
Now there was. on the other side of the wall, that fencecf in the way up which Chriftiana and her compa«
THE PJLCRIM's PROGRESS. 2^3
nions wereo go, a garden, and that belonged to him, whofe was that barking dog, of whom mention wa9 madr before. And fome of the fruit-trees that grew in the garden (hot their branches upon the wall ; arid being mellow, they that found them did gather them up and eat of them to their hurt. So Chriftiana's boys as boys are apt to do, being pleafed with the trees, and with the fruit that did rung thereon, did pluck them, and began to eat. Their mother did alfo chide them for fo doing, but ftill the boys weni on (d).
Well, faid fhe, my fons, you tranfgrefs, for that fruit is none of ours j but fhe did not know that they did. belong to the enemy : I'll warrant you, if fhe had, fhe would have been ready to die for fear. But that paiTed, and they went on their way. Now, by that they were gone about two bow fhots from the place that led theminto theway, they efpied two very ill-favoured ones coming down apace to meet them (c). With that Chriftiana, and Mercy her friend covered themfelvca, with their veils, and kept alfo on their journey : the children alfo went on before j fo that at laft they met together. Then they that came down to meet them, came juft up to the woman, as if they would embrace
(b) What is this garden, but the world ? What is the fruit they here found ? The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, iJohn ii. ie. Of this, the boys ate. The mother chides them, for taking that which did not belong to them ; but she did not know that it grew in this devil's gar- den. Parents, mind this, Suffer not your children in the least eyil. Reprove them for the smallest fault. Sin is both deceitful and hardening. If no notice is taken of a small fault, it naturally will harden them, so as to commit a greater. Mark the consequence of their eating of this- fruit hereafter.
(c) What are these ill-favoured ones ? Such as you will be sure to meet with in your pilgrimage, some vile lusts, or cursed corruptions, which are suited to your carnal nature. These will attack you, strive to prevail against you, and overcome you. Mind how these pilgrims acted, and follow their example. If one was to fix names to these ill-favoured ones, they might be called unbelief and licentiousness, which aim to rob Christ's virgin's of tbeir chastity to him.
2if THE PILGBLIM'S PROGRESS*
them 5 but Chriftiana faid* Stand back; or go peaceaolv as yoa Ihould. Yet thefe two, as men that are deaf, regarded not Chfiftiana's words but began to lay hands upon them j at that Chriftiana waxed very wroth, and fpurned at them with her feet* Mercy alfo, as well as f}*e could, did what fhe could to fhifc them. Chfif- ti&na again faid to them, Stand back, and be gone, for we have no money to lofe, being pilgrims as you fee* and fuch too as live upon the charity of our friends.
Ill-fav. Then faid one of the two men* We make no affault Upon you for money, but are come out to tell you, that if you will but grant one fmal] requeft which We fh all. ask, we will make women of you forever.
Chrift* Now Chriftiana imagining what they fhould mean, made anfwer again, ■■« We will neither hear* nor regard, nor yield to what you mall ask, We are in hafte, and cannot ftay, our bufinefs is of life and death "' So again (he and her companions made a frefh efTay to go pad them : but they letted them in their way.
Ill-fav. And they faid, we intend no hurt to your lives j it is another thing we would have.
Chrift. Ah, quoth Chriftiana* you would have us body and foul, for I know 'tis for that you are come ; but we will die rather upon the fpot,> than to fuffer ourfelves to be brought into fuch fnares, as fhall haz- zard our well-being hereafter. And with that they both ihrieked out and cried Murder, Murder. And fo put themfelves under thofe laws that are provided for the protection of women*. But the men (till made their approach upon them, with a defign to prevail againft them. They therefore cried out again (d).
* Deut. xvii. 2.1—26—37.
(tl) Here we see that the most violent temptation to the greatest evil is not sin, if resisted and not complied with. Our dear Lord himself was tempted in all things like as we are, yet without sin. Therefore ye dear followers of him, don't be dejected and cast down, though you should be exercised with temptations to the blackest crimes, and the most henious sins* You cannot be assaulted with worse than your Lord was ; he was tempted to hellish unbelief, abominable idolatry, and cruel self-murder, by the devil, out he resisted Satan3
the pilgrim's progress. 225
Now they being, as I faid, not far from the Gate, in at which they came, their voice was heard from where they were, thither : wherefore fome of the houfe came out and knowing that it was Christiana's tongue, they made hafte to her relief. But by that time they were got within fight of them, the women were in a very great fcuffle, the children alfo flood crying by. Then did he that came in for their relief call out to the ruffians, laying, What is that thing you do ? — Would you make my Lord's people to tranfgrefs ? He aifo attempted to take them, but they did make their efcape over the wall, into the garden of the man to whom the great dog belonged ; fo the dog became their protector. This Reliever then came up to the women, and afked them how they did. So they an- fwered,« We thank thy Prince, pretty well, only we have been fomewhat affrighted ; we thank thee alfo, for that thou comeft into our help, for other- wife we had been overcome.
Reliever. So after a few more words, this Reliever faid as followeth : I marvelled much, when you were entertained at the Gate above, feeing ye know that ye were but weak women, that you petitioned not the Lord for a conductor : then might you have avoided thefe troubles and dangers: he would have granted you one (e).
Chrift. Alas ! faid Chriftiana, we were fo taken with our prefent blefiing, that dangers to come were for- gotten by us : befide, who could have thought, that fo near the King's palace, there fhould have lurked fuch
and overcome all in our nature. And he h faithful, and he will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able; but will, with the temptation also, make a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it, l Cor. x. 13. O then cry to him, He is the precious Reliever, who will come in the hour of dis- tress.
(e) Let this convince us of our backwardness to prayer, and make us ashamed of ourselves, that our conduct brings that cutting word against us," Ye hare not because ye ask not". James iv. 2. 2 ¥
226 TH£ PILGRIM'^ PROGRESS*
naughty ones ! Indeed it had been well for us, had we, afked our Lord for one -r but fince our Lord knew ic would be for our profit, I wonder he fent not one along with us ! (f).
Rel. It is not always neceffary to grant things not aiked for, left by fo doing they become of little ef- teem ; but when the want of a. thing is felt,, it then comes under, in the eyes of him that feels it, that efti- mate which is its due, and foconfequently will be here- after ufed. Had my Lord granted you a conductor, you wouJdnot neither fohave bewailed that overfight of yours, in not asking for one as now you have occa- fion to do. So all things work for good, and tend to- make you more wary (g).
Chrilt.. Shall we go back again to my Lord, and, confefs our folly, and ask one ?
Rel. Your confefiion of your folly will I prefent him with : t®. go back again you need not \ for in all places where you fhali 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 pilgnms, there isfuf- ncient to furnifh them againft all attempts whatfoever. But as I faida he will be inquired of by them, to do it for them*. And it is a poor thing that is not worth asking foi: — -When he had thus faid^ he went back to his place, and the pilgrims went on their way.
r
* £zek. xxxvi. 37.
(f) It is well to be taken with present blessings, to be joyful in them, and thankful for them ; but it is wrong to for- get our dangers, and grow secure. Though the Lord loves us so well as to withhold no good things from us, yet what he does withhold he makes to work for good unto us j even to convict us of our remissness.
(g) What loving, what precious reasoning is this ? With what tender affection does our Lord reprove his dear people ! See how kindly it works upon a pilgrim's soul. Poor Chris- tiana was for going back to confess her folly, and make hei request to her Lord. But she is. forbidden, and encouraged and comforted to go on. O how does our Lord bear, and what pains does he take with us, poor awkward creatures, who are ever prone to act amiss : Let us ever think most lowly of. ourselves, and most highly of Him,
THB PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 227
Mercy. Then faid Mercy, what fudden blank is here ! I made account we had been paft all danger, and that we mould never forrow more.
Chrift. Thy innocency, my filter, faid Chriftiana to Mercy, may cxcufe thee much j but as for me, my fault is fo much the greater, for that I faw this dan- ger before I came out of the doors, and yet did not provide for it where provifion might have been had. I am much to be blamed (h).
Mercy. Then faid Mercy, How knew you this before you came from home ? Pray open to me this riddle.
Chrift. Why, I will tell you: Before I fet foot out of doors, one night, as I lay in my bed I had a dream about this ; for methought I faw two men, as like thefe as ever the world they could look,ftand at my bed's feet, plotting how they might prevent my falra- tion. I will teli you their very words: They faid (it was when I was in my troubles), What mail we do with this woman ? For Ihe cries out waking and deep- ing for forgivenefs ; if Ihe be fuffered to go on as Ihe begins, we mall lofe her ps we have loft her hufband.
This you know might have made me take heed, and have provided when provifion might have been laid.
Mercy. Weil, faid Mercy, as by this neglect we have an occafion miniftered unto us, to behold our imper- fections : So our Lord has taken occafion thereby to make manifeft the riches of his grace •, for he as we fee, has followed us with unafked kindnefs, and has delivered us from their hands that were ftronger than we, of his mere good pleafure (i).
(h) Ffere is a display of a truly christian spirit in that open and igenuous confession of her fault, taking all the blame upon herself, exaggerating it, and accusing Mercy. This is . not natural to us ; for we are all prone to self-justification, and self-yindication. This is the real mark of our high spirit. — But the grace of Christ humbles the heart, and silences the tongue to self-justifying pleas. O for more of this precious grace !
• (i) Mark these phrases, The riches of his grace, and His mere good pleasure. You cannot entertain too exalted ideas of these, nor speak too highly of them. While, on the
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£28 the pilgrim's progress.
Thus now when they had talked away a little more time, they drew near to a houfe that flood in the way, which houfe was built for the relief of pilgrims, as you will find more fully related in the Firft Part of the Records of the Pilgrim's Progrefs j fo they drew on towards (the houfe of the Interpreter) and when they came to the door, they heard a great talk in the houfe j then they gave ear, and heard as they thought, Chrif- tiana mentioned by my name. For you mutt know, that there went along even before her a talk of her and her children going on pilgrimage. And this was the more pleafing to them, becaufe they had heard that fhe was Chriftian's wife, that woman who was forne time ago fo unwilling to hear of going on pilgrimage. Thus, therefore, they flood (till, and heard the good people within commending her, who they little thought itood at the door. At laft Chriftiana knocked, as fhe done at the gate before. Now when (he had knocked there came to the door a young damfti, named Inno- cent, and opened the door, and looked, and behold, two women were there*
Damfel. Then faid thedamfel to them, With whom would you fpeak in this place ?
Chrid. Chriftiana anfwered, We underft: nd that this
a privileged place for thofe that are becomepilgriin.% and we now at this door are fuch : wherefore we pray that we may be partakers of that for which we at this time are come j for the day as thou feeft, is very far, ipent, and we are loth to-night to go any farther.
Damfel. Pray what may I call your name, that I may tell it to my Lord within ?
Chrift. Mv name is Chriftiana ; I was the wife of that pilgrim that fome years ago did travel this way,
other hand, you can never see too much, nor speak too much of your own imperfections. Pilgrims should be known by their language as well as their walk. Those who talk highly of their own perfection, speak little, if at all, of ihi riches of God's grace, and the good pleasure of his will. But if they do, they talk so confusedly about them, that real pilgrims can- not understand them. Beware of the infection of the pride jind self-righteous leaven of such.
THE PILGRIMS PROCRISS. 229
and these be his four children. This maiden is aifo rny companion, and is going on pilgrimage toj.
Innocent. Then ran Innocent in (for that was her name) and said to thofe within, Can you think who is at the door ? There is Christiana and her childten, and her companion, alt waiting for entertainment here- — Then they leaped for joy, and went and told their mas- ter. So he came to the door, and looking upon her, he faid, Art'thou that Chriftiana whom Chriltian the good man left behind him, when he look himielfto a pil- grim's life ?
Christ. 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 thefe are his four chil- dren ; but now I alfo am cotne, for I am convinced that no way is right but this (k).
Inter. Then is fulfilled that which is written of the man that said to his fon, Go work to-day in my vine- yard* : and he faid to his lather i will not ; but after- wards repented and went.
Christ! Then said Christiana, So be it, Amen. God make it a true faying upon mr, and grant that I may be found at the laftcf him in peace, without fpor, and blamelefs !
Inter. ABut why standest thou at the door? Come in
thou daughter of Abraham : we were talking of thee
"bur now, for tidings have come to us before, how thou
art become a pilgrim. Come*, Children, come in;
* Matt. xxi. 29,
(k) Here see how the experience of true grace works in the heart : by keeping the subjects of it low in their own eves, and cutting offall self-exalting.;. " I am that haru-hearted woman, &e." Tins ever dwelt uppermost in Christiana's heart. Oh sou!, if thou truly ki.owcst thyself, thou wilt ever he sinking into nothing, yea, worse than nothing, because a sinner before the Lord, and confess thy vileness unto him, and acknowledge, if he had left thee to thyself, destruction must have been thy inevitable doom. And see how confi- dent divine teaching makes us. Under its power and influ- ence, we can say with Christiana, I am convinced that no way is right but this, even to be a pilgrim of the Lord, and so» journer upon the earth.
230 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
come maiden, come ; fo he had them all into the houfe.
So when they were within, they were bidden to fit down and rest them ; the which when they had done, thofe that attended upon the pilgrims in the houfe, carae into the room to fee them. And one fmiled, and another fmiled, and another fmiled, and they all fmiled, for joy that Chriltiana was become a pilgrim j they alfo looked upon the boys; they ftroked them over their faces with their hands, in token of their kind reception of them ; they alfo carried it lovingly to Mercy, and bid them all welcome into their Matter's houfe (1).
After a while, becaufe iupper was not ready, the In^ terpreter took them into his Significant Rooms, and fhewed them whatChrifl-an, Chriftiana's husband,had feen fometime before. Here therefore they faw the man in the cage, the man and his dream, the man that cut his way through his enemies, and the picture of the biggeft of all, together with the reft of thofe things that were then fo profitable to Chriftian.
This done, and after thofe things had been fomewhar digefted by Chriltiana and her company, the interpre- ter takes them apart again, and has them firft into a room where was a man that could look no way but downwards, with a muck-rake in his hand; there ftood alfo one over his head with- a Celeftial 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 himfelf the ftraws, the fmall flicks and duft of the floor.
(1) Here is joy indeed, which strangers to the love of Christ intermeddle not with. Believer, did yoa never partake of this pleasing, this delightful sensation, on seeing other poor sinners like thyself call to know Jesus and follow him ! Sure- ly this is the jov of heaven : and if thou hast this joy, thou hast the love that reigns in heaven. Glory to Jesus, I think I can truly say, 1 have this blessed evidence in my heart, that I know somewhat of this joy, arising from seeing poor lost sinners converted, no; merely to an opinion, or to a party of christians, but their hearts converted, to Jesus, so as to love him and follow him. O for a spread and increase of this spirit among christians oLall denominations.
THK PILGRIM'S PROGRESS 23l
Then faid Chriftiana, I perfuade myfelf that I know somewhat the meaning of this : for this is the figure of a man in this world ; is it not, good Sir?
Inter. Thou haft faid right,said he, and his muck- rake doth fhew his carnal mind. And whereas thou feeft him rather give heed to rake up ftraws and flicks, and the duft of the floor, than do what he fays that calls to him from above, with the Celeftial crown in his hand j it is to fhew, that heaven is but as a fable to fome, and that things here are counted the only things fubftantial. Now, whereas, it was also fhewed thee, 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,
Chrift. Then said Chriftiana, Oh! deliver me from the muck-rake.
Inter. That prayer faid the Interpreter, has lain by till it is almoft ruftyj Give me not riches, is fcarce the payer of one in tenthoufand. Straws and flicks, and ruft, with rnoft, are the great things now looked after.
With that Mercy and Chriftiana wept, and faid, is, alas ! too true (m).
When the Interpreter had fhewed them this, he had -ihem into the very bed room in the houfe (a very brave room it was) ; fo he bid them look round about, and fee if they could find any thing profitable there. Then they looked round and round : for there was nothing- to be feen but a very great spider on the wall : and that they overlooked.
Mercy. Then faid Mercy, Sir, I fee nbthng': but Chriftiana held her peace.
(m) Reader, didst thou, like these pious pilgrims, never shed a generous tear, for thy base and disingeneo.us conduct towards thy Lord, in preferring the sticks and straws of this world, to the unsearchable riches of Christ, and the salvation of thy immortal soul ? O this is natural to us ali ! and though made wise unto salvation, yet, this folly cleaves to our old nature still. Let the thought humble lis, and make us weep before the Lord.
252 THE PILGRIM^ PROGRESS.
Inter. Bur, faid the Interpret ;r, look again : fhe therefore looked again, and faid, here is not anything but an ugly fpider, who hangs by his hands upon the wall. Then, faid he, is there but one fpider in all this fpacious room ? Then the water ftood in Chrftiana's eyes, for fhe was a woman of quick apprehenfion ; and fhe faid, Yea, Lord, rhere is more here than one. Yea, and fpiders, whofc venom is far more deftructive than that which is in her. The Interpreter then looked pleafantly on her, and faid, Thou haft faid the truth* This made Mercy blufh, and their boys to cover their faces, for they all began now to underltand the rid- dle (n).
Then faid the Interpreter again, "The fpider taketh hold with her hands as you lee and is in king's palaces." And wherefore is this recorded, but to (hew you, that how full of the venom of fin foever you be, yet you mny, by the hand of faith, lay hold of, and dwell in the belt room chat belongs to the king's noufe above(o)
Chrift. I thought, faid Chriftiana, of fomething of
(n) There was not one dreaming perfectionest among them, No, they alt knew the venom of sin which was iir their fallen nature. This m.ide them eovcr their faces with shame, and sink into deep humility of heart. Every true interpreter, of God's word, yea, the blessed interpreter of God's heart/ Jesus, will look pleasantly upon such who confess the truth : while lie beholds the proud, self-righteous sinner afar off.
(o) Here is the mystery of God's grace, the mystery of precious faith ; that however hateful sin is in the sight of a holv God, however full of sin the sinner is, yet he can love the sirmev, as much as lie loaths his sin- Why ? because he views his elect sinners, in Christ the Son of his love, by whom a perfect atonement is made for sin, his precious blood cleanses their souls from sin, and presents, them without spot of sin before God. This, faith appre- hends ; and then the soul dwells in the best room indeed, even in the v ery heart of God in Ciivist. The Lord increase our faith in this precious truth, that we may the more love and glorify the Go 1 of Grace and truth ! O let not our venom of sin deject us, while there is the blood of Christ to clean hatred of sin I Both spring from believing.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 233
this i but I could not imagine it all. I thought, that we were like fpiders, and that we looked like ugly creatures, in what fine rooms loever we were j but that by this fpider, this venomous and ill-favoured creature, we were to learn how to act faith, that (he worketh with hands, and as I fee, dwells in the bed room in the houfe. God has made nothing in vain. Then they feemed all to be glad ; but the water ftood in their eyes : yet they looked one upon another, and alfo bowed before the Interpreter.
He had them then into another room, where was a hen and chickens, and bid them obferve a while. So one of rhe chickens went to the trough to drink, and every time fhe drank, fine lifted up her head, and her eyes towards heaven. See, faid he, what this little chick doth and learn of her to acknowledge whence your mercies come, by receiving them with looking up. Yet again, faid he, obferve and look; fo they gave heed, and perceived that the hen did walk in a fourfold method towards her chickens. 1. She had a common call, and that fhe hath all the day long. — 2. She had a special call, and that fhe had but fome- times. 3. She had a brooding-note. And 4. She had an out-cry*.
Now, faid he, compare this hen to your King, and thefe chickens to his obedient ones. For, anfwerable to her, himfelf has his methods, which he walketh in towards his people : by his common call, he gives nothing ; by his fpecial call, he always has fomething to give ; he has also a brooding voice, for they that are under his wing ; and he has an out-cry, to give the alarm when he feeth the enemy come. I choofe, my darlings, to lead you into the room where fuch things are, becaufe you are women, and they are easy for you (p).
* Mat. xxiii. 27.
(p) Observation and experience justify this excellent simile, God's common call is, to all his creatures, who live within the sound of his gospel. His special call is, when he bestows the grace, peace, and pardon of the gospel of Christ upon his people. The brooding note is, when he gathers them
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234 THE pilgrim's progress.
Chrift. And, Sir, faid Chriftiana, pray let us fee fome more : fo be had them into the ilaughter_houfe where was a butcher killing a fheep : and behold the fheep was quiet, and took her death patiently. Then faid the Interpreter, you mud learn of this iheep to fuffer, and to put up wrongs without murmurings and complaints. Behold how quietly fhe takes her death, and, without objecting, fhe fuffereth her fkiri to be pulled over her ears. Your king doth call you his fheep (q).
After this he led them into his garden, where was great variety of flowers : and he faid, Do you fee all thefe ? So Chriftiana faid, Yes. Then faid he again. Behold theilowers are divers in ftature, in quality, and colour, and fmell, and virtue : and fome are better than fome ; also where the gardener hath fet them there they (land, and quarrel not with one another (r)
Again, he had them into his field, which he had
under his wings, warms then* hearts with the comforts of his love, nourishes their souls with close fellowship with himself, and refreshes their spirits with the overflowings of joy in the Holy Ghost. " In the shadow of thy wingsi will 1 rejoice," says David, Ps. Ixii. 1. "I sat down under his shadow with, great delight,' and his fruit was sweet unto my taste," Song ii. 3. O for more of these precious brooding-notes, to be gathered under the wing of our Tmmanuel I But be our frames and experiences what they may, still we are ever in danger ; for our enemies surround us on every side-, and our worst are within us Therefore our Lord has an outcry ; he gives the alarm, calls upon us, and warns us of danger. Why ? "that we should flee to him, and run into him. For " the name of the Lord is a strong tower ; the righteous runneth into it, and js safe,5' Prov. xviih 10.
(q) Were we as sheep going astray ? Are we now return'1 eel to thee, O Christ, the great shepherd and bishop of our souls? Lord give us more and more of thy meek and lowly sprit !
(f) Christ's church in his garden ? his people are planted an it, by the power of his grace, itnd they shall soon be trans- planted into his kingdom of glory. Though there may be little inessential differences of "judgment, yet why should they fall out? O for more love and peace from Jesus; and theji ihere will be more agiortg each other,
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 2J5
fown with wheat and corn : but when they beheld the tops of it were cut off, only the ftraw remained, he laid again, This ground was dunged, aud lowed; but what inall we do with the crop ? Then faid Chriftiana Burn fome, and make muck of the reft. Then faid the Interpreter again, Fruit, you fee, is that thing you look for, and for want of that you condemn it to the fire, and to be trodden under foot of men : beware this in that you condemn not yourfelves (s).
Then as they were coming in from abroad, they efpied a robin with'a great fpider in his mouth : fo the Interpreter faid, Look here. So they looked, and Mercy wondered : but Chriftiana faid, What a dis- paragement is it to fuch a little pretty bird as the Robin- red-breaft is, he being alfo a bird above many, that loveth to maintain a kind of fociablenefs with men : I had thought they had lived upon crumbs of bread, or upon other fuch harmlefs matter; I like him worfe than [ did.
The Interpreter then replied, This robin is an emblem very apt to fet forth fome profeffbrs by; for fight they are, as this robin, pretty of note, colour and carriage : they feem alfo to have a very great love for profeflbrs that are fmcere ; and above all other to defire to fociate with them, and to be in their com- pany, as if they could live upon the good man's crumbs. They pretend alfo, that therefore it is that they frequent the houle of the godly, and the appointment of the Lord : but when they are by them felves, as the robin they catch and gobble up fpiders, they can change their diet, drink, and fwallow down fin like water (t).
So when they were come again into the houfe, be-
_ (s) A precious caution. See to it, christian, that you avoid those things which caase deadness and unfruitfulness, and follow those things which tend to quicken and make your souU fruitful in good works, to the glory of God.
(t) A very striking emblem this, and most pertinently ap- plied ; and if your soul is sincere, it will cause a holy fear, create a godly jealousy, put you upon self-examnino-, and make you sigh out io some such words as David, " Search »ie, O God, and know my heart ; try me, and know my thought-;; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and
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236 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS*
caufe fupper as yet was not ready, Chriftiana again defired that the Interpreter would either fhew or teli of fome other things that are profitable.
Then the Interpreter began and faid : "The fatter the sow is, the morefhe defires the mire j the"fatter the ox is, the more gamefome he goes to the flaughter ; and the more healthy and lufty man is, the more prone he is unto evil.
There is a defire in woman to go neat and fine, and it is a comely thing to be adorned with that, which in God's fight is of great price.
'Tis eafier watching a night or two* than to fit up a whole year together : fo, * tis eafier for one to begin to profefs well, than to hold on as he fhould to the end.
Every fhip-mafter, when in a ftorm, will willingly cad that overboard that is of the smaller!: value in the vefifel : but who will throw the beft out firft ? None but he that feareth not God.
One leak will fink a ihip j and one fin will deftroy a finner.
He that forgets a friend, is ungrateful unto him j but he that forgets his Saviour, is unmerciful to himself.
He that lives in fin, and looks for happinefs hereafter, is like him that foweth cockle, and thinks to fill his barn with wheat of barley.
If a man would live well, let him fetch his lafi: day to him, and make it always his company-keeper.
Whispering and change of thoughts prove that fin is in the world.
If the world, which God fets light by, is counted a thing of that worth with men j what is heaven, that God commendeth ?
If the life that is attended with fo many troubles, is fo loth to be let go by us, what is the life above ?
Every body will cry up the goodnefs of men ; but
lead me in the way everlasting," Ps. exxxix. 23. 24. O what will it avail in a dying hour, -or in the judgment-day, that we have worn the mark of profession, and seemed to man what we were not in heart and reality of life before God !— 1 From all self-deceiving^ good Lord deliver us ! for we are na- turally prone to it.
THE PrLCRIM's PROGRESS. 2$l
who is there, that is, as he fhould be, affected with the goodness of God ?
Wefeldom sit down to meat, but we eat and leave. So there is in Jesus Chrift more merit and righteousnes than the whole world has need of."
When the Interpreter had done, he takes them out into his garden again, and had them to a tree, whofe inside was all rotten and gone, and yet it grew and had leaves. Then faid Mercy, What means this ! This tree faid he, whofe outfide is fair, and whofe inside is rot- ten, it is, to which many may be compared that are in the garden of God : who with their mouths speak high in behalf of God, but indeed will do nothing for him ; whofe leaves are fair, but their heart good for nothing but to be tinder for the Devil's tinder box (u.)
Now fupper was ready, the table fpread, and all things fet on board ; io they fat down and did eat, when one had given thanks. And the Interpreter did usually entertain thofe that lodged with him, with music at meals : fo the miniftrels played. There was alfo one that did sing, and a very fine voice he had. His fong was this :
" The Lord is only my support,
" And he that doth me feed ; " How can I then want any thing
" Whereof I stand in need r"
When the fong and music were ended, the Inter- preter asked Chriftiana, What it was that at first did move her thus to betake herfelf to a pilgrim's life ? Chriftiana anfwered j Firft, the lofs of my husband came into my mind, at which I was heartily grieved:
(u) Tkit is my very character, says many a doubting, broken-hearted sinner. Well, thank God, says many a self- eonfident, whole-hearted Pharisee, it is far from beino- mine. We can only say this, he that knows most of his own super- lative deceitful and desperately wicked heart, suspects himself most, and exercises most godly jealously over himself; while persons who see least of tbemselvess are most self-confident and daring. Even Judas could as boldly ask, Master, Is it I, who shall betray thee ? as any of the rest of his disciples.
&33 the pilgrim's progress,
but all that was 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 tp him as to that. So guilt took hold of my mind, and would have drawn me into the pond j but that oppor- tunely I had a dream of the well-being of my husband and a letter sent by the King of that country where my husband dwells, to come to him. The dream and the letter together fo wrought upon my mind, that they forced me to this way.
Inter. But met you with no opposition before you set out of doors ?
Christ. Yes, a neighbour of mine, one Mrs. Timo» rous(she was a-kin to him that would have persuaded my husband t© go back, for fear of the lions). She alfo so befooled me, for as she called it, my intend despe- rate adventure ; (he alfo urged what (he could to difhearten me from it, the.hardlhip and troubles that my bufband met with in the way : but all this I got over pretty well. But a dream that I had of two ill-look'd ones, that I thought did plot how to make me miscarry in my journey, that hath troubled me : yea, it still runs in my mind, and makes me afraid of every one that I meet, least they should meet me to do me mischief, and turn me out of my way (w). Yea, I may tell my Lord though I would not have every body know it that be- tween this and the Gate by which we got into the way, we were both fo forely affaulted, that we were made to cry out Murder ; and the two that made this affault upon us, were, like the two that I faw in my dream.
Then said the Inferpreter, Thy beginning is good thy latter end (hall greatly increaie. So he addrefltd
(w) Ah, Mrs. Timorous ! how many professed pilgrims hast thou befooled and turned back '• How often does she at- tack and affright many real pilgrims! I am sure, she has often made my poor^heart ache with her ghastly looks and terrifying speeches. She always accosts us in the Arminiau dialect, Save thyself ; or, like Satan, when he borrowed Peter's tongue, to oppose our Lord's words, " Get thee behind me, Satan ; thou savonrest not the things that be of God, bu*s those that be of men," Matt. xvi. 23*
THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS. 239
h;mfelf to Mercy, and faid unto her, And what moved thee to come hither, fweetheart ?
Mercy. Then Mercy blufhed and trembled, and for a whi'e continued filent.
Inter. Then faid he, Be not afraid, only believe, and {peak thy mind.
Mercy. Then fhe began, and faid, Truly, Sir, my want of experience is that which mnkes me covet to be in filence, and that alfo that fills me with fears of com- ing fhorc at laft. I cannot tell of visions and dreams, as my friend Chriftiana can : nor know I what it is to mourn for my refufing of the counfel of thofe that were good relations (x).
Inter. What was it then, dear heart, that hath pre- vailed with thee to do as thou haft done ?
Mercy. Why. when our friend here was packing up to be gone from our town, I and another went acciden- tally to fee her. So we knocked at the doer, and went: in. When we were within, and feeing what fhe was doing, we asked her what was her meaning ? (lie faid, Ihe was fent for to go to her husband ; and then fhe up and told us how me had feen him in a dream, dwell- ing in a curious place, among immortals, wearing a crown, playing upon a harp, eating and drinking at his Prince's table, and finging praifes to him for bringing him thither, &c. Now methought while (lie was telling thefe things unto us, my heart burned within me. And I faid in my heart, If this be true, I will leave my fa- ther and my mother, and the land of my nativity, and will, if I may, go along with Chriftiana.
(x) A very simple and artless confession. The Lord works very differently upon his elect ; but always to one and the sime end, namely, to make es prize Christ, his salvation, and his ways, and to abhor ourselves, the paths of sin, and to cast off all self-iighteous hopes. If this is effected in thy heart, reader, no matter whether thou eanst tell of visions and dreams, and talk high of experiences. Many are and have been deceived by tlie^e things, and come to nothing. But where the soul is rooted and grounded in the knowledge of precious Christ, and love to his \va\ s, though there may be many fears, yet this is an indubitable preof of a real ani sin- cere pilgrim.
24*> THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS,
So I asked her farther of the truth of thefe things, and if fhe would let me go with her ; for I faw 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 fo many of my relations were left behind.
And I come with all the defireof my heart, and will go if I may with Chriftiana, unto her husband, and his King.
Inter. Thy fetting out is good, for thou haft given credit to the truth (y) ; thou art a Ruth, who did, for she love fhe bare to Naomi, and to the Lord her God, Jeave father and mother, and the land of her nativity, to come out and go with a people that fhe knew not be- fore, Ruth ii. 1 ]f 12. 4 work, and full reward be given thee of the Lord God ©f Ifrael, under whole wings thou art come to truft."
(y) Thou hast given credit to the truth. What is this but faith, the faith of God's elect ; the faith of the operation of God? But some may ask, What is justifying, saving faith, nothing more than a belief of the truth ? If so, the very devils believe, yea more, they tremble also. True : but mind how Mercy's faith wrought by her works. True, she «lid not tremble, like a devil, without hope, but she fled for refuge to the hope set before her in the gospel. She fled from sin, from the city of destruction, to Ciirist for salvation. Though she had not the joy of faith ; yet she followed on to know the Lord, walking in his way, and hoping for comfort from the Lord in his due time. O how are many poor pilgrims' hearts dejected and distressed about the faith of the gospel, by the strange, perplexing, unscriptural definitions which hare been given of it ! Whereas faith is the most sim- ple thing in the world, it is the belief of the truth as it is in Jesus ; that we are lost sinners in ourselves, and that there is solvation for us in him Where this is believed in the heart, it causes a sinner to become a pilgrim ; believing the exceeding sinfulness of sin, the perfect purity of God's law, his own salvation, the necessity of holiness and the hope of glory; this faith will influence the conduct, bring love into the heart, and cause the soul to persevere, looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. O ! if thou hast, a grain of this precious faith in thy heart, bless Jesus for it and go on thy way rejoicing.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 211
Now fupper was ended, and preparation was made for bed ; the women were laid fingly alone, and the boys by themfelves. Now when Mercy was in bed, fhe could not fleep for joy, for that now her doubts of miffing at laft were removed farther from her than ever they were before. So fhe lay blefllng and praifing God, who had fuch favour for her (z).
In the morning they arofe with the fun, and prepared themfelves for their departure ; but the Interpreter would have them tarry awhile ; for, faid h?, you mud orderly go from hence. Then faid he to the damfel that firft op ned unto them, Take them and have them into the gar ten to the Bath, and there warn them and make them clean from the foil which they have gathered by travelling. Then Innocent the damfel took them, and led them into the garden, and brought th the Bath ; fo fhe told them, that there they muft vvafli and be clean, for fo her Matter would have the women to do, that called at his houfe as they were going on pilgrimage. Then they went in and wafhed, yea, they and the boys and all 5 and they came out of that Bath, not only fweet and clean, but alfo much enlivened and ftrengthened in their joints. So when they came in, they looked fairer a deal than when they came out to the warning (a).
(z) Here now is the comfort of faith. As our faith grows strong, it expels our doubts, enlivens our hearts, and sets our souls a blessing and praising our Immanuel. This praver, " Lord increase our faith 1" is ever needful for God's glory, and to our soul's comfort.
(a) There is no travelling on pilgrimage without gathering soil. There are no pilgrims but daily need to have recourse to this bath of sanctification. What may Ave understand by it? The blood of Jesus, which cleanses us from all sin, 1 John i. 7. — Christ is the fountain opened for sin, and for uncleanness. Zcch. xiii. j. Christ is the soul's only bath As all bathe are for the health and purification of the body : such is this bath to our soul. But, unless a bath be used, and water applied, this cannot be effected. So unless we have recourse to Christ, we cannot enjoy the comfort of health and purifica- tion of soul. But the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, convinces us of sin, shews us our fresh contracted spots and defilements, and leads us to the blood of the Lamb. The Spirit bears 2 H
242 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
When they were returned out of the garden from the Bath, the Interpreter took them, and looked upon them, and laid unto them, Fair as the moon. Then he called for the Sea], wherein they ufed to be fealed that are warned in this Bath. So the Seal was brought, and he fet his mark upon them, that they might be known in the places whither they were yet to go. Now the Sea! was the contents and fum of the paiTover which the children of Ifrael did eat, Exod. xiii. 8, 9, 10, when they came out of the land of Egypt; and the mark was fet between their eyes. This Seal greatly added to their beauty, for it was an ornament to their faces. It alfo added to their gravity, and made their countenance like thofe of angels (b).
witness to this blood, and purifies and comforts by the appli- cation of this blood only. O hew does this enliven and strengthen our souls, by filling our consciences with joy and peace in believing ! Let us bless our dear Saviour for such a bath. Let us pray him to keep us from being so hardened through the deceitful ness of sin, as not to feel our want of it ; or so blinded by a false notion of our own perfection, as not to see our constant need of this fountain.
The fountain of Christ
i ever will sing; The blood of our Priest,
Our crucified King; Which perfectly cleanses
From sin and' from tilth ; And richlv dispenses
This fountain from guilt Not only makes pure,
And gives soon as felt, Infallible cure;
But if guilt removed Return and remain ;
It's pow'r may be proved
Salvation and health. | Again and again.
(b) This means the sealing of the Spirit, whereby they were sealed unto the day of l'edemption, Eph iv. 30. O this is blessed sealing ! None know the comfort and joy of it but those who have experienced it. It confirms our faith, establishes our hope, and inflames our affections to God the Father for his everlasting love, to God the Son for his ever- lasting atonement, and righteousness, and to God the Spirit for his enlightening mercy, regenerating grace, quickening, sanctifying, testifying, and assuring influences, wherebv we know that we are the children of God, for " the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God," Rom. vii. 26. All the comfort of our souls lies in
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 243
Then faid (he Interpreter again to the dambU that Waited upon the women, Go into the \ eftry, and fetch out garments for thefe people : lo fbe went and fetched out white raiment, and laid it down before him ; fo he commanded them to put it on (c)j white and clean." When the women were thus adorned, they feemed to be a terror one to the other ; for thatthey could not fee that glory each one in herfelf, which they could fee in each other. Now, therefore, they began to elteem each other better than themfelves. " For you- are fairer than 1 am," faid one; and, "You aie more comely than I am," faid another. The children alfo flood amazed, to fee into what fafnion they were brought (d).
The Interpreter then called for a rnan-Tervant of his, one Great-heart, and bade him take fword and helmet, and fhield ; and take thefe my daughters, faid he, conduct them to the houfe called Beautiful, at which place they will next reft. So he took his weapons, and went before them ; and the Interpreter faid, God fpeed. Thofe alfo that belonged to the family, fent them away- keeping this seal clear in view, and constant in our light. Therefore grieve not the Holy Spirit.
(c) Mind, they are commauded to put it on. Though God imputes the righteousness of his belored Son to sinners, yet it is received and put on by faith. Hence it is called the righteousness of God, 2 Cor. v. 21. and the righteousness of faith, Rom. i. 6. Christ the God-man wrought it out, God the Father imputes it, and faith receives it, under the influ- ence of God the Spirit. God's imputation does not supersede faith's acceptation of his Son's righteousness.
(d) This is always the case, when souls are clothed in the robe of Christ's righteousness. They are little, low, and mean in their own eves, and they esteem each other better than themselves : whereas they, who at all look to, trust in, or depend upon their own righteousness, in any degree, for their clothing and justification before God, always look down with an air of supercilious contempt upon others, who they think are not so righteous as themselves. This is contrary to living by faith upon, and looking wholly to Jesus. — Lord, hide self-righteous pride from my heart, and sink me into the depth of deepest humility, that I may ever glory of thee, and in the$ jn whom I am perfectly righteous!
244 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.
with manv a good wifh. So they went on their way, ana fan^: —
ii This place has been our second stage, " Here we have heard, and seen,
*e Those good tilings that from age to age1, ** To others hid have been.
*? The dung-hill; rake, spider, hen,
" The cnicken too, to me, " Hath taught a lesson, let me then
" Comforted to it be.
" The batcher, garden, and the field,
'* The robin, and his bait, ?' Also the rotten tree doth yield
" Me argument of weight ;
f
" To strive to be sincere; f ' To take mv cross from day to day,
" And Berve the Lord with fear.
Now I faw in my dream, that thofe went on, and Great- heart before them; fo they went and came to the place where Chriftian's burden fell off his back, and tumbled into a fepulchre. Here then they made a paufe; here alfo they bleffed God. Now laid Chris- tiana, it comes to my mind, what was faid to us at the Gate, to wit, that we mould have pardon by word and deed, to wit, in the way it was obtained. What the promife is, of that I know fomething: but what it is to have pardon by deed, or in the way that it was ob- tained, Mr. G'eat-heart, I fuppofe you know; which if vou pleafe, let us hear your difcourfe thereof
G eat Heart. Pardon by the deed done, is pardon obtained by fome one, for another that hath need thereof: not by the perfon pardoned, but in the way, faith another, in which I have obtained it. So then to fpeak to the queftion more at large, the pardon that you and Mercy, and thefe boys?have attained by another ; to
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 2-1-5
wit, hv him that led you in at the Gale: and he hath ed it in this double way. He hath performed righteoufnefs to cover you, and fpilc blood to wafh you in (e).
Chrift. But if he parts with his righteoufneis to us, what will he have for himfelf ?
Great-heart. He hath more nghteoufnefs than you have need of, or than he needeth himfelf.
Chrift. Pray make that appear.
Great-heart. With all my heart; but firft I mud promife, that he of whom we are now to fpeak, is one that has not his fellow. He has two natures in one perfon, plain to be diftin guifhed, impoflible to be divided. Unto each of rhefe natures a righteoufnefs -belongeth, and each righteoufnefs is effeticial to that nature. So that one may as eafily caufe the natures to be extinct, as to feparate its juftice or righteoufnefs from it. Of thefe righteoufneffes, therefore, we are made partakers, fo that they, or any of them, mould be put upon us, that we might be made juft, and live thereby. Befides thefe there is a righteoufnefs which this Perfon has as thefe two natures are joined in one. And this is not the righteousnefs of the Godhead, as diftinguifhed from the manhood; nor the righteoufnefs of the manhood, as diftinguifhed from the Godhead -3
(e) This, this is the comfort, joy, and glorying of a
pilgrim's heart. Hath Jesus performed righteousness to cover hs, and spilt hlood to wash us? Have we the faith of this I O how ought we to love him, glory of him, rejoice in him, and study to glorify him in every step of our pilgrimage ! But satan will envy us the comfort of this, and strive to spoil cur rejoicing in it. And corrupt teachers will separate, here. Many will speak highly of the blood of Christ being' shed I ir our redemption, but opp.se his righteonsness being imputed
, to us, to cover, adorn and justify us; and, instead of this, they will set up an inherent righteousness of their own, in
. opposition to the righteousness of Christ. As we love our souls, value our peace, comfort, and joy springing from tlje
. belief of the truth; and as we regard the Honour and glory of our dear Lord, let us be on our guard against such proud, self-righteous, self-justifying, soul-deceiving teachers ; for they err, not knowing the scriptures.
246 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
but a righteoufnefs which flandeth in the union of both natures, and may properly be called the righteoufnefs that is eHential to his being prepared of God to the capacity of the mediatory office which he was entrufted with (f). If he parts with his righteoufnefs, he parts with his Godhead, if he parts with his fecond righteoufnefs, he parts with the purity of his manhood : ifhe parts with his third, he parts with that perfection which capacitates him to the office of mediation. He has therefore another righteoufnefs, which ftandeth in performance, or obedience to a revealed will : and that is that he puts upon finners, and that by which their fins are covered. Wherefore he faith, ft As by one man's difobedience, many where made finners: fo by the obedience of one, fhall many be made righte- ous-(g)." Rom. v. 19.
(f) Pray attend closely to this scriptural distinction and -definition of Christ's righteousness.
(g) Here Mr. Banyan gives a clear and distinct account of that righteousness of Christ, as mediator, which he wrought out by his perfect obedience to the law of God, for, and in behalf of all his seed : and which righteousness is imputed to them by God the Father, through faith: and in this one righteousness, and in no other, believers in Christ are made perfectly righteous before God. And by this righteousness, and no other, are they fully justified from all condemnation in the sight of God. Of this righteousness, therefore, they glory, and their souls make their boast of it, saying, IN the Lord Jehovah Jesus, have I righteousness, Isa. xlv. 24. Header, study this point deeply, so as to be. established in it. It is not of a speculative nature, but is of the essence of the gospel', enters into the life and joy of faith, brings relief to the conscience, and influence to, the love of the Lord our Righteousness, and to bring forth the fruit of righteous- ness which are by him to the praise and glory of God. Nothing can be of greater importance to our souls, than to be fully informed, and spiritually assured, how we who are sinners before God, are made perfectly righteous and ever- lasting justified in his sight. This will bring comfort to our souls in the day of life, and administer divine, consolation in the hour of death. Therefore, be strong in the faith of thy .Lord's righteousness being thine, and thou shalt be joyful in hope, comfortable in love, and steady in all holy obedience.
THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS. 217
Chrift. But are the other righteoufnefs of no ufe to us?
Great-heart. Yes: for though they are effential to his natures and offices, and cannot be communicated unto another, yet it is by virtue of them that the righte- oufnefs that jultifies is, for that purpofe, efficacious. The righteoufnefs of his Godhead gives virtue giveth capability to his obedience to juftify ; and righteoufnefs that ftandeth in the union of thefe two natures to his office, giveth authority to that righteoufnefs to do the work for which it was ordained.
So then here is a righteoufnefs that Chrift, as God, has no need of; for he is God without it : here is a righteoufnefs that Chrift, as man, has no need of to make him fo, for he is perfecl man without it: again, here is a righteoufnefs that Chrift as God-man, has no need of, for he is perfectly fo without it. Here then is a righteoufnefs that Chriit, as a God, and as God- man, has no need of, with reference to himfelfand, therefore he can fpare it; a justifying righteoufnefs,, that he for himfelf wanted not, and therefore giveth it away. Hence it is called the gifc of righteoufnefs. This righteoufnefs, fince Chrift Jefus the Lord was made himfelf under the law, muft be given away; for the law doth not onlv bind that is under it, to do juftlv, but to ufe charity, Rom. v. 17. Wherefore he muft, or ougfv by the law, if he hath two coats, to give one to him that hath none. Now our Lord indeed hath two coats, one for himfelf, and one to fpare; where- fore he frerly beftows one upon thofe that have none. And thus CHriftiana and Mercy, and the reft of you that are here, doth your pardon come by deed, or by the work of another man. Your Lord Chrift is he that worked, and hath given away what he wrought for, to the next poor beggar he meets.
But again, in order to pardon bv deed, there muft fomething be paid to God as a price, as well as feme- thing prepared to cover us wirhal. Sin has delivered us up to the j ift courfe of righteous law; now from thiscourfe we muft be juftified by way of redemption.
248 THE PILGRlM*S PROGRESS.
a price being paid for the harms we have done; and this is by rhe blood of your Lord, who came and ftood in your place and ftead, and died your death for your tranfgreflions. Thus as he ranfomed vou from your tranfgreflions, by blood and covered your polluted and deformed fouls with righteoufnefs, Rom. viii, 34. For the fake of which, God pafTeth by youv and will not hurt you, when he comes to judge the world (g), Gahiii. 13.
Chrift. This is brave : Now I fee that there was fomething to be learned by our being pardoned by word and deed. Good Meicy, let us labour to keep this in mind ; and my children, do you remember it alfo. But, Sir, was not this it that made my good Chriftian's burden fall from off his moulder, and that made him give three leaps for joy ?
Great-heart. Yes, it was the belief of this that cut off thofe firings, that could not be cut by other means j and it was to giye him a proof of the virtue of this, that he was fuffered to carry his burden to the crois.
Chrift I thought foj for though my heart was light- fome and joyous before, yet it is ten times more Jighr- fome and joyous now. And I am perfuaded by what I have felt (chough I have felt but little as yet), that if the mofr burdened man in the world was here and did fee and believe as I now do, it would make his heart the more merry and bhthe.
Great-heart. There is not only comfort, and the eafe of a burden brought to us, by the fight and confideration of thele, but an endeared affection begot in us by it: but who can (if he does but once think that pardon comes not only by promife, but thus) but be affected
(g) .Thus we see what God hath joined together, the life and death, the atonement and righteousness of his beloved Son, for the salvation of our souls. Both enter into the essence of the faith of the gospel. Let us beware never to separate them in our views. We want both his blood to atone for our sins and his righteousness to justify our souls. O give glory to Jesus for both, and triumph in both from day to day on earth,. till you .come. to. cast down your crown at his feet, and to crown Christ with all his glory in heaven.
the pilgrim's procress. 219
with rue way and means of redemption, and fo with the mm that hath wrought it for him (h) ?
Child. True; methinks it makes .my heart bleed to r u. at he fhould bleed for me. Oh ! thou loving One: Oh! thou bk-flVd One! Thou deferveft to have me; tin u haft bought me; thou deferveft to have me all; thou haft paid for me ten thoufand times more than 1 am worth ! No marvel that this made the water ftand in my hufband's eyes, and that it made him trudge fo nimbly on ; I am perluadad he wifhed me with him; "but, vile wretch that I was, I let FiirrJ come all alone. O Mercy, that thy father and mother were here; yea, and Mrs. Timorous alio : nay, I wifii now with all my heart, that here was Madam Wanton too. Surely, furely, their hearts would be affected ; nor could the fear of the one, nor the powerful lufts of the other, prevail with them to go home again, and refufe to become good pilgrims (t).
(b) Come hither, ye sons of the sorceress, who make a sport of holy raptures and heavenly extacies, begotten in the soul by the knowledge of redemption in the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of our sins. Laugh on till ye howl in destruction, for despising- salvation by the blood of the Lamb : but we will exalt and triumph, sing of, and rejoice in, Jesus the God of our salvation, in spite of your sport at us ; and notwithstanding also the frowns of contempt of vou too, who are dead formalist, and know nothing of having your hearts warmed, and your affections inflamed, -by the love or" a redee. ing God and Saviour, and finding yourselves broken- hearted sinners before him, and pardoned and justified sinners by him. O for more warm affections for our Beloved !
(i) O brave Christiana ! See what it is to have one's heart inflamed with a sense of the love of Christ Here observe two things. 1st, that when the affections are thus powerfully carried out, it is no common thing vfor the tongue to ?peak unguarde. ily. • bus Peter upon the mount said, " It is good to be here; let us make three tabernacles. But he knew not what he said." Mark ix. 6. So Christiana thinks every one would natura'lv be ufTceUd as She was if they were present? but she forgets that what she sees, and feels, is of special, peculiar, distinguishing grace. 2clly, Beware of thinking slightly, of having the affections' tnus divinely inflamed. Many poor, dry, formal professors go on year after vear, 2 I
250 THE PILGRIM 3 PROGRESS.,
Great-heart. You fpeak. now in the warmth of your affections : will it, think you, be always thus with you ? Befides, this is not communicated to every one, nor to ever^ one that did fee your jefus bleed. There were that ftood by, and that faw the blood run from the heart to the ground ; and yet were fo far off this, that, inftead of lamenting, they laughed at him; and, tnftead of becoming his difciples, did harden their hearts agai nft him. So that all that you have, my- daughters, you have by peculiar impreffion made by a divine contemplating upon what I have fpoken to you. Remember that it was told you, that the hen, by her common call, gives no meat to her chinkens. This you have therefore by a fpecial grace (k).
Now I faw ft ill in my dreamy that they went on un- til they were come to the place that Simple and Sloth, and Prefumption, lay and flept in, when Chriftian went by on pilgrimage: and behold they were hanged up in irons a little way off on the other fide.
Mercy. Then faid Mercy to him that was their guide and conductor, What are thefe three men ? and for what are they hanged there ?
Great- heart. Thefe three men were men of bad qua- lities ; they had no mind to be pilgrims themlelvcs, and
quite easy and contented, without any incomes of ravishing love, and spiritual joy. They are content with the cold light of" the moon, without the genial warmth of the sun ; with clear notions of truth in their heads, without their hearts Being warmed, and their affections carried out bv the power- ful influence of the love of Jesus ; for he says, " Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full," John xvi. 24.
(k) Mind how tenderlv Great-heart deals with "warm- i>earted Christiana. He does not attempt to damp her joy „ and throw cold water upon the fire of her affections; but gently insinuates, first, the peculiar frame of mind she speaks from. 2dly, by a gentle hint, suggests, that she must not always expect to be in such raptures; and, 3dly, reminds her, that her indulgences were of a peculiar nature, not common to all ; but bestowed upon the faithful in Christ only- And that, therefore, amidst all her joyful feelings, she should know to whom she was indebted for them, and give all ^ie glory to the God of all grace.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 251
whomfoever they could, thev hindered; they were for floth and folly themfelves, and whomfoever they could perluaiie, they made fo too; and withal taught them to prefume that they fhould do well at laft. They were afkep when Chriftian went by i and now you go by, they are hanged (1).
Mercy. But could they perfuade any one to be of their opinion ?
Great-heart. Yes, they turned feveral out of che way. There was Slow-pace that they perfuaded to do as they. They a!fo prevailed with one Short-wind, with one No^ heart, with one Linger-after-luft, and with one Sleepy- head, and with a young woman whofe name was Dull, to turn out of the way and become as they. Befides, they brought up an ill report of your Lord, perfuading others that he was a hard talk-matter. They alfo brought up an evil report of the good land, faying, It was not half fo good as fome pretended it was. They alfo began to vilify his fervants, and to count the beft of them meddlefome, troublefome, bufy-bodies; farther they would call the bread of God, hulks ; the comforts of his children, fancies; the travail and labour, of pil- grims, things to no purpofe (m).
(1) God, as if. were, gibbets some professors ; and causes their names and characters to be publicly exhibited, as a terror to others, and as a warning to his own people.
(m) Let us consider die characters of these three profes- sors: 1st, here is Simple, who, as Solomon says, believcth every word, Prov. xiv 15. a foolish credulous professor, who is easily led away and beguiled by smooth words and fair pre- tences of others ; ever learning, but never coming to the knowledge of the truth, so as to believe it, love it, and be esta- blished on it ; hence liable to be carried away by every wind of doctrine. 2d, Sloth, a quiet, easy professor, who never disturbs any one, by his diligence in the word of God, nor his zeal for the trutiis and glory of God. Hence all men speak well of him ; but Christ denounces a woe against all such, Luke vi. 6. 3dly, Presumption, one who presumes to find favour with God, in a way whiclt his word does not promise, or expects salvation in the end, without.the means perscribed by God for attaining it- Such are your licentious Antinooiian spirits, who boldly presume to hope for salvatioa
2 I %
252 THE pilgrim's progress.
Chrifl:..-Nay, faid Chriftiana, if they vverefncb, they fhould never be bewailed by me: they have but what theydeferve; ana1 I think it well that they (land fo near the highway, that others may fee and take warn- ing. But had it not been well if their crimes had been engraven on fome pillar of iron or brafs, and left here, where they did their mifchiefs, for a caution to other bad men ?
Great-heart. So it is, as you may well perceive, if you will go a little to the wall.
Mercy. No, no -, let them hang, their names rot, and their crimes lie for ever a^ainft them: I think it is a high favour that they are hanged before we came hither; who knows elfe what they might have done to fuch £oor women as we are ? Then ihe turned it into a fong, %ing,
" Now then you three hang there, and be a sign. fj To all that shall against the truth combine. " And let him that comes after fear this end, '* If unto pilgrims he is not a friend. f And thou, my soul, of all such men beware, e' That unto holiness opposers are."
Thus they went on, till they came at the foot of the hill Difficulty (n), where again their good friend Mr. Great-heart took occafion to tell them what happened there when Chriftian himfelf went by. So he had them
}iy Christ, without being conformed to the image of Christ, and ridicule the 'Work of ths Spirit, as renewing his people in the spirit of their minds in righteousness and true holiness, for without this real, personal holiness, no man shall see the Lord, Heb. xii. 14. O beware of these three sorts of professors, for thev turn many asi !e. Real christians are in danger of being seduced by them, if not of total destruction from them.
( i) This hill Difficulty mav signify how hard it is to abide. by Christ, cleave to him, and continue to hold fast the truth as it is in him, when surrounded by errors and heresies on everv side, and temptations and lusts are continually spring- ing up from within us. But, looking to Jesus, and praying him to keep us, is the way of safety, though the hjll be ever so difficult to us.
THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS.
firO: to the fpring; Lo, faid he0 this is the fpring tine Chriftian drank of before Ire went up this hill; then it was clear and good, but now in is dirty with the feet of fame that are not defirous that pilgrims here fnouid quench their thirft. Thereat Mercy laid, And why fo envious, trow ? But faid the guide, it will do, if taken up and put into a veffel that is fweet and good; for then the dirt will fink to the bottom, and the water come out by itfelf more clear. Thus therefore Chrif- •tiana and her companions were compelled 'o do, — They took it up and put into an earthen pot, and fo let it (land till the dirt was gone to the bottom, and then they drank thereof (o)
Next he {hewed them the two By-ways that were at the foot of the hill, where Formality and Hypocrify Joft themfelves. . And, faid he, thefe are dangerous paths: two were here caft away when Chriftian came by. And although you fee thefe ways are fmce flopped up with chains, polls, and a ditch, yet there are them that will chufe to adventure here, rather than take the pains to go up this hill,
Chrift. tc The way of tranfgrefTors is hard." Prov. xiii. 10. It is a wonder that they can get into thofe ways without danger of breaking their necks.
Great-heart. They will venture ; yea, if at any time any of the King's fervants do happen to fee them, and teil them, that they are in the wrong way, and do bid them beware of the danger, then they will railingly rei.urn them anfwer, and fay, " As for the word that thou has fpoken to us-in the name of the King, we will
(o) This represents to us, that some preachers, as the -prophets says, foul the water with their feet, Ezck. xxiv. iS. that this, though they preaeh somewhat about Christ, and salvation, by him ; yet they so clog, mire, and polluted the stream of free grace, with pre requisites, terms, and con- ditions, .Sec. that the poor, thirsty soul cannot drink the water, nor allay his thirst wifcn it; but is forced to let it stand, till these gross dregs sink to the bottom. \ea, we ought to beware of drinking such filthy dregs, for they will certainly swell us up with the sympathy of pride otour tree will, human merit, and self-righteousness, which oppose the glory of Jesus, and comfort of our souls.
254 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS*
not hearken unto thee; but we will certainly do what- foever thing goeth out of our mouths," &c. Jer. xliv. 36, i7. Nay, if you look a little farther, you (hall fee that thefe ways are made cautionary enough, not only by thefe pofts, and ditch, and chain; but alfo by being hedged up, yet they will chufe to go there (p).
Chrift. They are idle; they love not to take pains ; up-hill way is unpleafant to them. So it is fulfiled unto them as it is written ; " The way of the (lothful man is a hedge of thorns*." Yea, they will rather chufe to walk upon a fnare, than to go up this hill, and the reft of this way to the city..
Then they fet forward, and began to go up the hill, and up the hill they went; but before they got up to the top, Chriftiana began to pant, and faid, I dare fay, this is a breathing hill; no marvel if they that love their eafe more than their fouls, chufe to them- felves a fmoother way. Then faid Mercy, I muft fit down; alfo the leaft of the children began to cry: Come, come, faid Great-heart, fit not down here, for a little above is the Prince's Arbour. Then he took the little boy by the hand, and led him up thereto (q).
When they were come to the arbour, they were very willing to lit down, for they were all in a pelting hear. Then faid Mercy, how fweet is the reft of them that labourf ! And how good is the Prince of pilgrims, £o provide fuch reding places for them! Of this arbour
* Prov. xv. 19. f Matt. xi. 23.
(p) Examine, which do you like best, self-soothing or soul-searching doctrine? Formalists and hypocrites love the former, and hate the latter. But the sincere and upright are discovered by desiring to have their hearts searching to the quick, and their ways tried to the utmost, and therefore with David will cry, " Search me, O God, and know my heart; try rne, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24.
(q) He who is a stranger to the hard work of self-denial, and how difficult it is to the flesh, knows not what this hill Difficulty means ; for the nearer to the arbour of Jesus' s rest, the more difficulties in the way; but the sweeter it is when attained.
the hlgrim's procress. 255
I have heard much; but I never faw ic before. But let us beware of deeping: for, as I have heard, that ic coft poor Christian (.ear.
Then faid Mr. Great-heart to the little ones, Come, my pretty boys, how do you do ? What think you now of going on pilgrimage ? Sir, faid the Jeafl, I was almoft beat out of heart j but I thank you for lending me a hand at my need. And I remember now what my mother ha'h told me, namely, that the way to heaven is as a ladder, and the way to hell is as down a hill. But I had rather go up the ladder to life, than down the hill to death.
Then faid Mercy, But the Proverb is, To go down the hill is eafier ; But James faid (for that was his name), The day is coming when, in my opinion, going down the hill will be the harden: of all, 'Tis a good boy, faid his matter, thou haft given a righc anfvver. Then Mercy fmiJed, but the little boy did blufh (r).
Chrill. Come, faid Chriftiana, will you eat a bit, to fweeten your mouths, while you fit here to reft your legs ?
For I have here a piece of pomegranate, which Mr. Interpreter put into :nv hand juft when I came out of his doors; he gave me alfo a piece of an honeycomb, and a little bottle of ipirits. I thought he gave you fomething, faid Mercy, becaufe he called \ou afiae. Yes, fo he did, faid the other. Bui, faid Chriftiana, it fhall be (UU as 1 faid it fhould, when at fiift we came from home ; thou ilia.lt be a fharer in ail the good that I have, becaufe thou fo willing! */ didlt become my companion. Then fhe gave to them, and they did eat,
(r) This is right; when we are praised, to have a con- scious blush, weil knowing how much we have to bo ashan« d of. Bu -.ome have g Jt such a vain confidence in, and high opinion of, their own inherent righteousness, merits, and. perfection, that they have hereby got, what the scripture calls a whore's forehead, and refuse to be ashamed, Jer- iii. 3. () cry to the Lord continually against spiritual, pride, and for an humble heart, knowing thyself to !pe a poor inner
256 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
both Mercy and the boys. And faid Chriftiana to Mr. Great-heart, Sir, will you do as we do ? But he anfwer- ed, you are going on pilgrimage, and prefently I ihall return : Much good may what you have do to you. Ac home 1 eat the lame every day. Now when they had eaten and drank, and had chattered a little longer, their guide faid to them, The day wears away] if you think good, let us prepare to be going. So they got up to go, and the iittle boys went before : but Chriftiana forgot to take her bottle of fpirits with her; fo fiie fent her little boy back to fetch it. Then faid Mercy, I think this is a lofmg place. Here Chriftian loft his roll: and here Chriftiana left her bottle behind her; Sir, what is the caufe of this ? So their guide made an- fwer, and faid, The caufe is fleep or forgetfulnefs ; fume ileep when they mould keep awake ; and fome forget when they fhould remember: and this is the very caufe, why often at the refting places, fame pilgrims in fomethings, come offloofers. Pilgrims mould warch and remember what they have already received under their greaceft enjoyments : but, for want of doling fo, oftentimes their rejoicings end in tears, and their fun- fhine in a cloud; witnefs the ftory of Chriftian at this place (s).
When they were come to the place where Miftruft and Timorous met Chriftian to perfuade him to go back for fear of the lions, they perceived as it were a itage, and before it, towards the road a broad plate, with a copy of verfes written thereon, and underneath,. the reafon of raifing up of that ftage in that place, ren- dered. The verfes were thcfe :
" Let him that sees this stage, take heed "Upon his heart and tongue :
{5) Header, mind this well : remember it often ; and it will do thee good. I am a witness against mvseif, of how much I have host by indulging the flesh, and how much I have suffered bv ibrgetfuiness. But O what a gracious Lord do we serve; this is no excuse for our folly, but an aggravation of our faults ! ought to sink us lower in shame, and excite us to greater cave, diligence,- and watchfulness ; else we shall surely smart for our •folly j if not in hell, yet in our consciences.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 257
" Lost if he do not, here he speed, " As some have long agone."
The words underneath the verfes were, i This (lage was built to punifh fuch upon, who through Timor- oufnefs or Miftruft, fliould be afraid to go farther ori pilgrimage: alio on this ftage, both Miibruft and Ti- morous were burnt through the tongue with a hot iron, for endeavouring to hinder Chriftian on his jour- ney (t).'
Then faid Mercy, This is much like to the faying of the Beloved, Pfalm cxx. 3, 4, " What mail be given unto thee ; or what fhall be done unto thee, thou falle tongue; Sharp arrows of the Mighty, with coals of juniper."
So they went on, till they came within fight of the lions. Now Mr. Great heart was a ftrong man, fo he was not afraid of a lion: but yet when they werr come up to the place where the lions were, the boys that went before, were glad to cringe behind, for they were afraid of the lions: fo they ftepped back and went be- hind. At this their guide fmiled, and faid, How now, my boys, do you love to go before, when no danger doth approach, and love to come behind fo foon as the lions appear ?
Now as they went on, Mr. Grent-heart drew his fvvord, with intent to make way for the pilgrims in fpite of the lions. Then there appeared one, that it feems had taken upon him to back the lions : and he faid to the pilgrims guide. What is the caufe of your coming hither? Now the name of the man was Grim, or Bloody-man, becaufe of his flaying of pilgrims, and he was of the race of the giants (u). •
(t) Christians, take heed to your tongues. O beware, be- v\ t,r\ lest in anywise you make a report of the good land, through fear or mistrust ! The Lord notes what you boldly speak for his ways, and to his glory ; and he marks your words which in anywise have a contrary tendency. The tongue is an unruly evil. " If any man often d not in word (in speaking contrary to the truth as it is in Jesus) the same is a perfect man," James iii. 2.
(u) Who is this Giant Grim, who backs the lions, and te\~
258 THE PILGRIM 5 PROGRESS.
Great-heart. Then faid the pilgrim's guide, Thefe women and children are going on pilgrimage; and this is the way they muft go, and go it they fhail in fpite of thee and the lions.
Grim. This is not their way, neither mall they fhall go therein. I am come forth to withstand them, and to that end will back the lions.
Now, to fay the truth, by reafon of the fiercenefs of the lions, and of the grim carriage of him that did back them, this way had of late lain much unoccupied, and was almoft all grov*n over with grafs.
Chrifc. Then faid Chriiliana, Though the highways have been unoccupied heretofore, and though the tra- vellers have been made in times paft to walk through by paths, it muft not be fo now 1 am rifen, ** Now I am rifen a mother in Ifrael," Judges v. 6, 7.
Grim. Then he Fwore by che lions, but it mould: and therefore bid them turn afide, for they fhould not .have paffage there.
Great- heart. But their guide made firft his approach Unto Grim, and laid ^o heavy at him wuh his fword,. that he forced him to retreat.
Grim. Then faid he that attempted to back the lions, Will you fiay me upon my own ground ?
Great-heart, it is the King's highway that we are in, and in this way it is that thou haft placed the lions; but thefe women and thefe children, though weak, fhall hold oh' their way in fpifeof thy lions. And with that he gave him again a downright blow, and brought him
jifies the hearts of pilgrims with a sense of danger in the right wav to the kingdom ? It is an evil heart of unbelief. This Great-heart wilt right with, and conquer. O how does unbelief multiply clangers, and magnify difficulties : call up fear, and deject our hearts! Unbelief makes every danger wear a grim and terrible aspect. The only weapon to slay this enemy, is the sword of the Spirit, which is. the word of God, Eph. vi. 17. O pilgrims, when dangers beset you* and fears arise in you, hear what the Lord speaks to you ; and in the belief of his truth, quit yourselves manfully ; fight the good tight of faith ; *>ver remembering, that you are more than conquerors through Christ who bath loved you. Faith will exalt the love and power &k Christ, above the fear of every enemy.
pilgrim's progress, 259
upon his knee?. With this blowhealfo broke his hel- met, and with the next cut off an arm. Then did the giant roar lb hideOufly, that his voice frightened the women, and yet they were glad to fee him lie fprawl- incr upon ihc ground. Now the lions were chained, and lb of them ll-lves could do nothing (w) Where- fore, when old Grim, that intended to back them, was dead, Mr. Grear-heart laid to the pilgrims, Come now, and follow me, and no hurt fhall happen to you from the lions. They therefore went on, but the women trem- bled as they. p2 (Ted by them; the boys alio looked as they would die, but they all got by without further hurt.
Now when they were within fight of the Porter's Lodge, they foon came up unto it; but they made the more hatfe after this to go thither, becaufe it is danger- ous travelling there in the night. So when they were come to the Gate, the guide knocked, and the porter cried, Who is there? But as foon as the guide had faid It is I, he knew his voice, and came down (for the guide had oft before that came thither as a conductor of Pilgrims) -, when he was come down, he opened the Gaie, and feeing the guide (landing juft before it, (for he faw not the women, for they were behind him) he laid unto him, How now, Mr. Great-heart, what is your bufinefs here fo late at night; I have brought, faid he, fome pilgrims hither, where, by my Lord's command- ment, they muff, lodge: I had been here fome time ago, had I not been oppofed by the giam: that did ufe to back the lions. But 1, after a long and tedious combat with
(w) How often, after \vc have fought with the courage of faith, and the resolution of hope, and have overcome a grim enemy, have we seen the fiercest of our enemies chained by the power of God, so as not to have the least power to hurt us? O pilgrim ! it is sweet to reflect, that every lion-like foe is under the controul of thy God, and cannot come one link of their chain nearer to thee than thy Lord will permit, Therefore, when fears and terrors beset thee, think of thy Lord's love to thee, his power engage to preserve thee, and his promises to comfort thee. For u The Lord is nigh unto &11 them who call upon him," Ps. cxlv. 18
2K%
260 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
.him, have cut him oft, and have brought the pilgrims flit her in fafety (x).
Porter. Will not you go in, and ftay till morning?
Great-heart. No, I will return to my Lord to-night.
Cbrift. Oh, Sir, I know not how to be willing you fnould leave us in our pilgrimage, you have been fo faithful and fo loving to us, you have been fo hearty in eounfelling of us, that I fhall never forget your favour tow rds us.
Mercy. Then faid Mercy, O that we might have thy company to our journey's end! How can fuch poor womtn as we, hold out in a way fo full of troubles as this way is, without a friend and defender ?
James. Then faid James, the youngeft of the boys, Pray, Sir, be perfuaded to go with us, and help us, becaufe we are fo weak, and the way fo dangerous as it s(y). /
Gieat-heart. I am at my Lord's commandment ; if he mail allot me to be your guide quite through, I will willingly wait upon you. But here you failed at fir ft ; for when he bid me come thus far with you, then you mould have begged me of him to have gone quite through with you, and he would have granted your requeft. However at prefent I muft withdraw; and fo good Chriftiana, Mercy, and my brave children, Adieu.
Then the porter, Mr. Watchful, afked Chriftiana of her country, and of her kindred : and (he, faid, I come from the City of Deiiruction : I am a widow woman,
(x) Flow mindful is our Lord of us! How gracious is he to us ' What blessed provisions doth he make for us ! If Pil- g ims are attacked by Giant Grim, and terrified with the sight b; ons, they may be sure, that it is only a prelude to some sweet enjoyment of their Lord's love, and that they are near to some sweet asylum, some sanctuarv of rest, peace, and com- fort Some bitter generally proceeds the sweet, and makes the sweet still sweeter.
(v) O it is hard work to part with Great-heart! How many blessings do we lose for want of asking ? Great-heart is at the command of our Lord. O for more power to cry in- cessantly to the Lord, for the presence of Great-heart, that we may o o on more cheerfully, and more joyfully in the ways of the Lord!
THE PILGRIM'S TROCRESS. 261
and my hufband is dead, his name was Chriftian, the m. How ! faid the Porter, was he your hufba/id? laid fhe, and thefe are his children; and tin's (pointing to Mercy) is one of my town's women. Then the Porter rang his bell, as at f\ich times he is wont, and there came to the door one of the damiels, wh^fe name was Humble. mind. And to her the Porter ftid, Go tell it within, that Chriftiana, the wife of Chriftian, and her children are come hither on pilgrimage. She went in, therefore, and told it. But Oh, what noife for gladnefs was there, when the damiel did but drop that out of her mouth !
So they came with hafte to the Porter, for Chriftiana flood ftill at the door. Then iome of the monV^rave faid unto her, Come in, Chriftiana, come i$Mhou wife of that good man; come in thou bleffed woman, come in, with all that are with thee. So fhe went in, and they followed her that were her children and her companions. Now when they were gone in, they were had into a very large room, where they were bidden to fit down : lo they fat down, and the chief of the houle was called to fee and welcome the guefts. Then thev came in, and understanding who they were, did falute each other with a !;ifs, and laid, Welcome, ye veffels of (he grace of Gods welcome to us your faithful friends (z).
Now, becaule it was fomewhat late, and becaufe the pilgrims were weary with their journey, and alfo made faint with the fight of the fight, and of the terrible lions, theiefore they defired, as foon as might be, to prepare to go to reft, Exod. xii. 31. Nay, faid thofe of the family, refrefh yourfelves with a morfel of meat; for they had prepared for them a Lamb, with
(z) Here is a blessed mark of being vessels of the grace of God-, when we delight in the sight of, salute and welcome others in the way to Zion, and mutually have our hearts and affections drawn out to each other in love. O how sweet is the fellowship of pilgrims below! what must it be above! Infinitely above conception. Lord, fire our souls with the thought of ever being with thee and each other in thy kingdom.
262 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
the atcuftcmed fauce belonging thereto, John i. 29. (a). For the Porter had heard before of their coming, and had told it to them within. So when they had fupped, and ended their prayer with a pialm, they defired that they might go to red.
But let us, faid Chriftiana, if we may be fo bold as to choofe, be in that chamber that was my husband's when he was here j fo they had them up thither, and they all lay in a room. When they were at reft, Chriftiana and Mercy entered into difcourfe about things that were convenient'.
Chrift. Little did I think once, when my husband went on pilgrimage, that I should ever have followed him.
Mercy. And you as little thought of lying in his bed and in his chamber to reft, as you do now (b).
Chrift. And much less did I ever think of feeing his face with comfort, and of worfhipping the Lord the King with him j and yet now I believe 1 ftiall.
Mercy. Hark ! Don't you here a ooife ?
Christ, Yes, it is, as I believe, a noife of mufic, for joy that we are here.
Mercy. Wonderful mufic in the houfe, mufic in the heart, and mufic alfo in heaven, for joy that we are here (c).
(a) The Lamb is the food of pilgrims, and the end of their* conversation. Reader, can you feed upon Christ by faith'i Is the Lamb the nourisment of thy soul, and the portion of thy heart ? Canst thou say, from sweet and blessed experience, his flesh is meat indeed, and his blood is drink indeed ? Is it thy delight to think of him, hear of him, speak of him, abide in him, and live upon him? O bless him and praise him for his distinguishing mercy, this spiritual appetite. It is peculiar to his beloved ones only.
(b) Pray, mind the above sweet note, ec Christ's bosom is for all oilgritps." It is there the weary find rest, and the bur- ileued soul ease. O for more reclinings of soul upon the pre- cious bosom o| our dear Lord ! We can be truly happy no where else.
(c) O what precious harmony is this ! how joyful to be the subjects of it, and to join in it 1 The free, sovereign grace •f God is the delightful theme, and glory to God iu the
THE PILGRIM'S PR0CRESJ. 263
Thus they talked awhile, and then betook themfelves to fleep. So in the morning, when they were awaked, Chriibana faid to Mercy :
Chrilt. What was the matter, that you did laugh in your fleep to-night ? I fuppofe you was in a drea^i.
Mcrcv. So I was, and a fvveet dream it was; but are you lure I laughed ?
Chrift. Yes, and you laughed heartily -s but prithee, Me cy tell me thy dream.
Mercy. I was dreaming that I fat all alone in a folitary place, and was bemoaning the hardncfs of my heart.
Now I had not fat there long, but methought many- had gathered about me, to fee me, and to hear what if was that I laid. So they hearkened, and I went on bemoaning the hardnefs of my heart. At this fome of tnem laughed at me, fome called me a fool, and fome began to thruft me about. With that methought I looked up, and faw one coming with wings towarc?s me. So he came directly to me, and faid, Mercy, whai aileth thee ? Now when he heard me make my complaint, he faid, Peace be to thee: he alio whiped mine eyes with his handkerchief, and clad me in filver and gold, Ezck. xvi. 8, to 11. He put a chain upon my neck, and ear-rings in mine ears, and a beautiful crown upon my head. Then he took me by the hand, and faid, Mercy, come after me. So he went up, and I followed till we came at a Golden Gate. Then he knocked : and when they within had opened, the man went in, and I followed him up to a throne, upon which one fat, and he faid to me, Welcome, daughter. The place looked bright and twinkling, like the fears, or rather like the fun, and I thought that I faw your husband there ; fo I awoke from my dream. But did I laugh (d) ?
highest, the universal chorus. It is the wonder and joy of sin- ners on earth, and of argels in heaven.
(d) Pray observe this dream : it is a most precious one indeed. We find it true in the broad day of sweet experience;
264 THE PILGR.IM's PROGREs's
Chrift. Laugh ! ah, and well you might, to fee yourfelf fo well. For you muft give me leave to tell you, that it was a good dream; and that as you have begun to find the firft part true, To you will find the fecond at lait. " God fpeaks once, yea twice yet man perceive th it not; in a dream, in a vifion of the night when deep fleep falleth upon men, in {lumbering upon the bed," Job xxxiii. 14, 15. We need not, when a-bed, to lie awake to talk with God; he can vifit us while we fleep, and caufe us then to hear his voice. Our heart oft-times wakes when we fleep ; and God can fpeak to that, either by words, by proverbs, by figns and fimiiitudes, as well as if one was awake (o).
Mercy. Well, I am glad of my dream, for I hope ere long, to lee it fulfilled, to the making me laugh again.
Chrift. I think, it is now high time to rife, and to know what we muft do.
Mercy. Pray, if they advife us to flay awhile, hi us willingly accept of the proffer. I am the willinger to ftay awhile here, to grow better acquainted with thefe maids; methinks Prudence, Piety, and Charity, have very comely and fober countenances.
for then it is we get the most blessed visits from our dear Lord, when we get by ourselves and bemoan the deadness of our poor hearts. True, Ave may be laughed at, called fools, and despised by the profane and self-righteous, who do not feel the hardness of their hearts, nor bemoan themselves for it ; yfct the loving, compassionate, tender-hearted Saviour, is ever near to us, he feels for us, sympathizes with us, will- manifest himself to us, and revive us with the sense of peace, the joy of hope, and the comforts of lave, and assure us, that where he is, there we shall soon be, where pain of .heart, and sorrow of soul shall be no more for ever. Therefore, so far from thinking yourself not to be a pilgrim, because you feel hardness of heart, and bemoan it, be assured t nat it is a most blessed sign, that Christ's heart of love is set upon
3"ou"
(e) O how blessed are they who are watching and waiting
continually to hear the small, still voice of the Spirit
speaking rest and peace to their souls by. the blood of the
Lamb! O how condescending is our Lord, thus to visit us>
and converse with us in the wav to his kingdom !
THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS. 265
Chrift. T\Ve fhall fee what they will do. So when they were up and ready, they came down, and they afked one another or their reft, and if it was comfortable or not.
Mercy. Very good laid Mercy : it was one of the beft night's lodgings that ever I had in my life.
Then faid Prudence and Piety, if you will be per- fuaded to ftay here awhile, you fhall have what the houfe will afford.
Char. Ay, and that with a very good will, faid Cha- rity. So they confented, and ftaid there about a month or above, and became very profitable one to another. And becaufe Prudence would fee how Chnftiana nad brought up her children, me afked leave of her to catechife them: fo me gave her free confent. Then me began with the youngeft, whofe name was James.
Prudence. And me faid, Come, James, canft thou tell me who made thee ?
James. God the Father, God the Son, and G* d the Holy Ghoft.
Prud. Good boy. And canfl thou tell me who faved thee?
James. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghoft.
Prud. Good boy ftill. But how doth God the Fa- ther fave thee ?
James. By his grace.
Prud. How doth God the Son fave thee ?
James. By his righteoufnefs, and blood, and death, and life.
Piud. And how doth the Holy Ghoft fave thee?
James. By his illumination, by his renovation, and by his prefervation (f).
(f) Icannot prevail on mvselfto let this part pass by, without making observation. Mr Bunyan expresses himself very clear and sound in the faith; but here it is not so ; for what is here ascribed to the Son, is rather the work of the Spirit; and indeed, the work of >Jvation, effected b\ th$ Son of God is entirely left out lam therefore inclined to think, that here is a chasm, though not perhaps in the
2 L
266 THE pilgrim's progress.
Then faid Prudence to Chriftiana, you are to be comrn nded tor thus bringing up your children. I iup- pofe Ineed not afk the reft thefe queftions, fince the youngeft of them can anfvver them fo well. I will therefore now apply myfelf to the next youngeft.
Prud. Then me faid, Come, Jofeph (for his name was Jofeph) will you let me catechife you ? Jofeph. With all my heart. Prud. What i,s man ?
Jofeph. A reafonable creature, made fo by God, as my brother faid.
Prud. What is fuppofed by this word faved ? Jofeph. That man by fin has brought .himfelf into a ftate of captivity and mifery.
Prud. What is fuppofed by his being faved by the Trinity ?
Jofeph. That fin is fo great and mighty a tyrant^ that none can pull us out of its clutches, but God; and that. God is fo good and loving to man, as to pull him indeed out of this miferable ftate.
Prud. What is God's defign in faving poor man ? Jofeph. The glorifying of his name, of his graces and juftice, &c. and the everlafting happinefs of his creature.
Prud. Who are they that muft be faved ? Jofeph. Thofe that accept of his falvation. Prud. Good boy, Jofeph; thy mother hath taught thee well, and thou haft hearkened to what fne has faid unto thee.
Then faid Prudence to Samuel, (who was the eldeft fon but one ?)
Prud. Come, Samuel, are you willing that I ihould catechife you ?
Samuel Yes, forfooth, if you pleafe. Prud. What is heaven ?
Samuel. A place and ftate moft bleffed, becaufe God dwelleth there.
Prud. What is hell ?
author's original work, but by its passing through ktereditions. It really seems defective here, in the explanation of salvation, by the distinct offices of the Holy Trinity.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 267
Sam. A place and Hate mod woeful, bccaufe it is the dwelling place of fin, the devil and deach.
Prud. Why wouldeft thou go to heaven ?
Sam. That I may Tee God, and ferve him without wearinefs; that 1 may fee Chriflr, and love him ever- laltingly; that I may have that fulnefs of the Holy Spirit in me, chat I can by no means here enjoy.
Prud. A very good bov, and one that has learned well.
Then (he ad.dre{kcj herfelf to the elded, whofe name was Matthew ; and (he (aid to him, Come, Matthew; fiiall I alio catechife you?
Matt. With a very good will.
Prud. I afk, then, if there was ever any thing that had a being antecedent to or before God ?
Matt. No; for God is eternal; nor is there any thing, excepting himfeif, that had a being until the beginning of the fir ft day : " For in fix days the Lord made heaven and earth, the fea, and all that in them is."
Prud. What do you think of the Bible?
Matt. It is the holy word of God.
Prud. Is there nothing written therein but what you understand ?
Matt. Yes, a great deal.
Prud. What do you do when you meet with places therein that you do not underftand ?
Matt. I think God is wifer than I. I pray alfo that he will pleafeto let me know all therein that he knows will be for my good (g).
Prud. How believe you as touching the refurre&ion of the dead ?
Matt. I believe they fhall rife, the fame that was buried; the fame in nature, though not in corruption. And I believe this upon a double account. Firft,
(g) Though this is answered with the simplicty of a child ; vet it is, and ever will be, the language of every father in Christ. Happv those whose spirits are cast into this humble, evangelical mould ! O that this spirit may accompany us in ail our researches, in all our ways, and through all our days.
?^3
26*8 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
Becaufe God hath promifed it. Secondly, Becaufe he is able to pe form it (h).
Then faid Prudence to the boys, You muft ftill hearken to your mother, for (he can teach you more* You rnuft alfo diligently give ear to what good talk you fhall hear from others: for your fakes do they fpeak good things. Obferve alfo, and that with carefulnefs, what the heavens and the earth do teach you j but efpecially be much in the me itation of that book that was the caufe of your father's becoming a pilgrim. I, for my part, my children, will teach you what I can while you are here, and fhall be glad if you will aik me queftions that tend to godly edifying.
Now by hat thefe pilgrims had been at this place a week Mercy had a vifiror that pretended fome good- will unto her, and his name was Mr. Brifk, a man of fome breeding, and that pretended to religion, but a man that (luck very clofe 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 there- fore more alluring.
Her mind aifo was, To be alfo bufying of herfelf in doing j for when (lie had nothing to do for hefelf, Ihe would be making of hofe and garments for others, and would beftow them upon thole that had need. And Mr. Brifk not knowing where or how fhe difpofed of what fhe made, feemed to be greatly taken, for that he found her never idle. I will warrant her a good houfe- wife, quoth he to herfelf.
Mercy then revealed the bufinefs to the maidens that were of the houfe, and enquired of them, concerning him, for they did not know him better than fhe. So the- told her, chat he was a very bufy young man, and one that pretended to religion ; but was, as they feared, a ftranger to the power of that which is good.
(h) Here is the foundation of faith, and the triumph of hope, God's faithfulness to'his promise, and his power to per- form. Having these to look to, what should stagger our faith, or deject cur hope? We may, we ought to smile, at all car- nal objections, and trample upon all corrupt reasonings.
THE PILCRIM'S PR0CRESS. 269
Nay, then faid Merc> , I will look no more on him ; for I pu pole never to have a clog to my foul (i).
Purdence then replied, that there needed no great matter of difcouragement to be given to him; for con- tinuing fo as fhe had begun to do for the poor, would quickl cool his courage.
So rhe next time he comes, he finds her at the old work, making of things for the poor. Then faid he, What always at it? Yes, faid fhe, either for mvfelfor for others. And what canft thou earn a day ? quoth he. " I do thefe things." laid fhe, " that I may be rich in good works, laving a good foundation againfl the time to come, that I may lay hold of eternal life," 1 Tim. vi. j7 — (9. Why pr'ythee, what doft thou do with them ? faid he, Clothe the naked, faid fhe. With that his countenance fell. So he mrbore to come at her again And when he was afked the reafon why he faid Tha Mercy was a pretty lafs, but troubled with ill con- ditions (k).
When he had left her, Prudence faid, Did I not tell hee, that Mr. Brifk would foon for fake thee ? yea, he will raife up an ill report of 'hee : for notwithstanding his pretence to religion, and his feeming love to Mercy, yet Mercy and he are of tempers fo different, that I believe they will never come together.
Mercy. I might have had hufbands before now, tho' I fpoke not of it to any ; but they were fuch as did not like my conditions, though never did any of them find fault with my perfon. So they and I could not agree.
(i) Most blessed resolution! Ah, pilgrims, if ye were more wary, lost, by your choice and conduct, ye brought clo^s to your souls, how many troubles would ye escape, and how much more happy would ye be in your pilgrimage ! It is for want of this wisdom and conduct, that many bring evil upon themselves.
(k) How easily are the best of characters traduced, and. false constructions put upon the best of actions ? Reader, is this your lot also ? Mind your duty. Look to your Lord. Persevere in his works and. ways ; and leave your character with him, to whom you can trust your soul. For if God be for us, who shall be against us ? What shall harm us, if we be followers of that which is good.
270 the pilgrim's progress.
Prud. Mercy in our days is little fet by, any further than as to its name : the practice, which is fet forth by the conditions, there are but few that can abide.
Mercy. Well, faid Mercy, if nobody will have me, I will die a maid, or my conditions fhall be to me as a husband. For I cannot change my nature ; and to have one that lies crofs to me in this, that I purpofe never to admit of as long as I live. 1 had a fifter named Bountiful, married to one of thefe churls : but he and fhe could never agree; but becaufe my fifter was refolved.to do as fhe had begun, that is, to (hew kind- nefs to the poor, therefore her husband firft cried her down at the crofs, and then turned her out of doors.
Prud. And yet he was a profeffor, I warrant you !
Mercy. Yes, fuch a one as he was, and of fuch as the world is now full ; but I am for none of them all (1),
Now Matthew, the eldeft fonof Chriftiana, fell fick, and his ficknefs was fore upon him, for he was much pained in his bowels, fo that he .was with it, at times, pulled as it were both ends together (m). There dwelt aifo not far from thence, one Mr,. Skill, an ancient and well approved phyfician. So Chriftiana defired it, and they fent for him, and he came: when he was entered the room, and had a little obferved the boy, he conclude cd he was fick of the gripess Then he faid to his mo- ther, What diet has Matthew of late fed upon ? Diet ? faid Chriftiana ; nothing but what is wholefbme. The phvfician anfwered, this boy has been tampering with fomething that lies in his maw undigefted, and that will not away without means. And I tel| you he muft be purged, or elfe he will die.
(1) Though we are to beware of a censorious spirit in regard to professors, yet when they give sad evidence by their walk, that they are not what. they profess to be, holy followers of the Lamb, we are by no means to be deceived by them. For we have an unerring rule laid down by our Lord, to judge of them, " ye shall know them by their fruits," Matt. vii. 16. yea, and we ought to be faithful to them too, by reproving them in the spirit of humility and love. O that more of this prevailed !
(m) See the effects of sin. It will pinch and gripe the conscience, and make the heart, of a gracious soul sick.
the pilgrim's progress. 27 L
Sam. Then faid Samuel, Mother, what was that which my brother did gather and eat, fo foon as we were come from the gate that is at the head of this way. You know, that there was an orchard on the left hand, on the other fide of the wall, and fome of the trees hung over the wall, and my brother did pluck and eat (n).
Chriftiana. True, my child, faid Chriftiana, 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 fomething that was not wholefome food; and that food, to wit, that fruit, is even the mod hurtful of all. It is the fruit of Belze- bub's orchard, I do marvel that none did warn you of it; many have dred thereof (o).
Chrift. Then Chriftiana began to cry; and me faid O naughty boy! and O carelefs mother! what mail I do for my fon !
Skill. Come, do not be too much dejected ; the boy- may do well again, but he muft purge and vomit.
Chrift. Pray, Sir, try the utmoft of your skill with him, whatever it cofts.
Skill. Nay, I hope I mail be reafonable, Heb. x. 1, 2, 3, 4. So he made him a purge, but it was too weak; it was faid, it was made of the blood of a goat, the allies of a heifer, and with fome of the juice of hylTop, &c. When Mr. Skill had feen that that purge was too weak, he made him one to the purpofe ; it was made Ex Carne & Sanguine Chrifti (p), John vi. 5J-,
(n) See how useful pilgrims are to each other, in faithfully reminding ot' their conduct. Though this sin was committed some time past, and neither Matthew nor his mother thought of it ; yet it must be brought to light, and repented of.
(o) Here is a conviction for the mother, in not warning of sin, and chiding for it. She takes it home, falls under the sense of it, and is grieved for it. A tender conscience is a blessed sign of a gracious heart. Ye parents, who know the love of L. inst, watch over \ our children ; see to it, lest ve smart for your sins, in not warning and teaching them, that the fear of the Lord is to depart from all ev\l ; yea, to abstain from the verv appearance ot it.
(p) Mr. rkifivan-'s great modesty and humility ate truly admirable- though he quotes Latin, yet us he did not under-
27* THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS.
55, 56, 51, Mark ix. 49. Heb. ix. 14. [you know, phyficians give (trance medicines to their patients] ; and it was made into piUs, with a promife or two, and a proportionable quantity of fait Now he was to take them three at a time fading, in half a quarter of a pint of the tears of repentance. When this potion was prepared, and brought to the boy, he was loath to take it, though torn with the gripes, as if he mould be pulled in pieces. Come, come, faid the phyfician, vou muft take it. It goes againft my ftomach faid the boy, mud have yon take it, faid his mother, Zech. xii. 10. I fhall vomit it up again, faid the boy. Pray, Sir, faid Chriftiana to Mr. Skill ; how does it tafte ? It has no ill tafte, faid the doctor; and with that me touched one of the pills with the tip of her tongue. Oh, Matthew, faid {he, this potion is fweeter than honey. If thou Ioveft thy mother, if thou Ioveft thv brothers, if thou loveft Mercy, if thou Ioveft thy life, take it. So with much ado, after a fhort prayer for the bleffing of God upon it, he took it, and it wrought kindly with him. It caufed him to purge, to deep, and reft quietlv; it put him into a fine heac and breathing fweat, and nd him of his gripes (q).
stand it, he tells, "The Latin I borrow." The English is, " Of the flesh and of the blood of Christ." This is the onlv portion for sin-sick souls. Feeding upon Christ's flesh and blood by faith, keeps us from sinning : and when sick or sin, these, and nothing but these, can heal, and restore us. — Yet there is in our nature an unaccountable reluctance toreceive these, through the unbelief which works in us. So Matthew found it.
(q) See the blessed effects of receiving Christ, when under the sense of sin, and distressed for sin. O what a precious Saviour is Jesus ! What efficacy is there in his blessed flesh and precious blood, to purge tne conscience from guilt. Lord, what a mercy is it, that though we sin, yet thou art abundant to pardon vea, multipliest thy pardons ; yea, and also giveth poor, pained, broken-hearted sinners to know and feel thy pardoning love. O it is this sense of Christ's love and pardon grace, which heals, restores, and make our hearts happy in Christ, and joyful in God ! who that know themselves, and their guilt and wretchedness, can rest without this !
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 273
So in a little time he got up, and walked about with a (raff, and would go from room to room, and talk with Prudence, Piety, and Charity, of his diftemper, and how he was healed.
So when the boy was healed, Chriftiana afked Mr. Sk i i i , faying, Sir, what will content you for your pains and care to me, and of my child ? And he fkid, You muftpay the Matter of the College of Phyficians, Heb. xiii. U, 12, 13, 14, 15. according to rules made in that cafe and provided.
Chr. But, Sir, faid fhe, what is this pill good for elfe ?
Skill. It is an univerfal pill; it is good againft all difeafes that pilgrims are incident to; and when it is well prepared, will keep good, time out of mind.
Chrifr. Pray, Sir, make me up twelve boxes of them: for if I can get thefe, I will rrever take other phyfic.
Skill. Thefe pills are good to prevent difeafes, as well as to cure when one is fick (r). Yea, I dare fay it, and ftand to it, that if a man will but ufe this phyfic as he mould, it will make him live for ever, J hn vi. 55. But good Chriftiana, thou mud give thefe pills no other wav, but as I have prefcribed : for if you do, they will do no good. So he gave unto Chriftiana phyfic for herfelf, and her boys, and for Mercv ; and bid Mat- thew take heed how he eat any more green plumbs ; and killed them, and went his way.
It was told you before, that Prudence bid the boys, that if at any time they would, they fhould afk her fome queftions that might be profitable, and die would fay fomething to them.
Matt. Then Matthew, who had been fick, afked her, Why, for the moft part, phyfic mould be bitter to our palates?
(r) I repeat it again: feeding by faith on the flesh and blood of Christ, keeps the soul from sinning, as well as heals and restores the soul when sick of the malady of sin. O pil- grims, let not a clay pass without having recourse to the life and death of the Son of God, and living by faith upon him, ■who shed his blood to save us, and gives his Hesh to nourish us,, and who says, " My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed."
M 2
2'7-i THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS,
Prud. To fhew how unwelcome the word of God, and the effects thereof, are to a carnal heart.
Matt. Why does phytic, if it does good, purge, and caufe to vomit ?
Prud. To Ihew, that the word, when it works effectually, cleanfeth the heart and mind. For look, what the one doth to the body, the other doth to the foul.
Matt. What mould wc learn by feeing the flame of our fire go upwards? And by ieeing the beams and fweet influences of the fun ftrike downwards?
Prud. By the going up of the fire we are taught to afcend ro heaven, by fervent and hot defires. And by the fun's fending his heat, beams, and fweet influences downwards, we are taught that the Saviour of the world, though high, reacheth down with his grace and love to us below.
Matt. Whence have the clouds their water ?
Prud. Out of the fea.
Matt. What may we learn from that?
Prud. That mimfters fhould fetch their doctrine from God.
Matt. Why do they empty themfelves upon the earth.
Prud. To fhevv that mimfters mould give out what they know of God to the world.
Matt. Why is the rainbow caufed by the fun ?
Prud. To fhew, that the covenant of God's grace is Confirmed to us in Chrift.
Matt. Why do the fprings come from the fea to us through the earth?
Prud. To (hew, that the grace of God comes to us through the body of Chrift.
Matt. Why do fome of the fprings rife out of the top of high hills?
Prud. To fhew, that the Spirit of grace fhall fpring up in fome that are great and mighty, as well as in many that are poor and low.
Matt. Why doth the fire fallen upon the candlevvick ?
Prud. To fhew, that unlefs grace doth kindle upon the heart, there will be no true light of life in us.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 275
Matt. Why is the wick and tallow, and all fpent, to maintain t c light of the candle?
Prud. To (hew that the body and foul, and all, fhould be at the fervice of, and fpt nci tbemfelves to maintain in good condition, that grace of God that is in us.
Mart. Why doth the Peiican pierce her own bread with her bill ?
Prud. To nou: fh her you ng ones with her blood, an- thereby, to fhew that Chrift the bleffed fo loveth his young, his people? as to lave them from death by his blood.
M.itt. What may one learn by hearing of the cock crow?
Prud. Learn to remember Peter's fin and Peter's repentance. The cock's crowing (hews alfo that day is coming onj let then the crowing of the cock pur thee in mind of that lad -and terrible day of judgment.
Now about this time their month was out; where- fore they fignified to thofe of the houfe, that it was convenient for them to up and be going. Then laid Jofeph to his mother, It is convenient that you forget not to fend to the houfe of Mr. Interpreter, to pray him to grant that Mr. Great-heart fhould be fent unto us, that he may be our conductor, the reft of our way. Good boy, faid fhe, I, had almoft forgot. So fhe drew up a petition, and prayed Mr. Watchful the porter, to fend it by fome fit man, to her good friend Mr. Interpreter j who, when it was come, and he had' ieen the contents of the petition, faid to the meffenger, Go tell them that I will fend him.
WAhen the family, where Chriftiana was, faw that they had a purpofe to go forward, they called the whole houfe together, to give thanks to their Kingj for fending of them fuch profitable guefts as thefe. Which done, they faid unto Chriftiana, And fhall we not fhew thee fomething according as our cuftom is to pilgrims, on which thou may'ft meditate, when thou art on the way? So they took Chriftiana, her children, and Mercy into the clofet, and fhewed them one of the apples that Eve ate of, and that fhe alfo did give to her hufband, and for the eating of which they were
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276 THE PILGKIm's PROGRESS.
both turned out of P. radife; and afked her, what flie thought that was? Then Chriftiana faid, It is food or poifon, I know not which. So they opened the matter to her, and fhe held up her hands and wondered, (s), Gen. iii. 6 Rocn. vii. 24.
Then they had her to a place, and fhewed her Jacob's Ladder. Now at that time there were fome angels afcending upon it. So Chriftiana looked and looked o fee the angels go upj fo did the reft of the company. Then they were g'( ing into another place, to fhew them fomething ttlfe : but James laid to his mother, Pray ,jid them (lay a little longer, for this is a curious fight. So they turned again, and ftood feeding their eyes with this fo pleafant a profpect. After this, they had them into a place, where did hang up a Golden Anchor, fo they bid Chriftiana take it down ; for, faid they, you (hall have it with you, Gen. xxviii. 12. for it is of abfolute neceffity that you iliouid, that you may lay hold of that within the veil, and ftand ftedfaft in cafe you fhould meet with turbulent weather : fo they were glad thereof, John i. 15. Hebs vi. 19. Gen. xxviii. 1 1. (t) Then they took them, and had them to the mount upon which Abraham our father had offered up Ifaac his fon, and fhewed them the altar, the wood, the fire, and the knife, for they
(s) It is not enough that the HolvT Spirit convinces us of sin, at our first setting out on pilgrimage, and makes us sensible of our want of Christ ; but he also keeps up a sight and sense of the evil of sin, in its original nature, as well as actual transgressions. This often makes us wonder at sin, at ourselves, and at the love of Christ in becoming a sacrifice for our sins. And this also humbles us, makes us hate sin the more, and makes Christ, his atonement and righteous- ness, more and more precious in our eyes and inestimable to our hearts
(t) This is the anchor of hope. This keeps the soul safe, and stead v to Jesus, who is the alone object of our hope. Hope springs from faith. It is an expectation of the fulfil- ment of those things that are promised in the word of truth, by the God of ail grace. Faith receives them, trusts m them, relies upn them, and liope waits for the full accomplishment and enjoyment of them.
the pilgrim's PROGRESS. 277
remain to be feen to this very day. When they had feen it, they held up their hands, and laid, Oh! what a man for love to his Mafter, and for denial to himfelf, was Abraham! After they had (hewed them all thefe things, Prudence took them inco a dining-room, where itood a pair of virginals; fo (he piayed upon them, and turned what (he had (hewed them into this excel- lent Ton g, laying,
(l -Eve's apple we have shew'd to you ;
" Or' that be you aware ; " You have seen Jacob's Ladder too,
" Upon which angel's are, "An Anchor you received have ;
" But let not this suffice, " Until with Abr'am you have gave
" Your best of sacrifice.
Now about this time one knocked at the door; fo the porter opened, and behold Mr. Great heart was there! But when he was come in, what joy was there \ for it came now fre(h again into their minds, how but awhile ago he had (lain old Grim Bloody-man the ^ianr, and had delivered them from the lions.
Then faid Mr. Great-heart to Chrifiiana, and to Mercy, My Lord has fent each of you a bottle of wine, and alfo fome parched corn, together with a couple of pomegranates : he alfo has lent the boys fome figs and raifins, torefrefh you in your wav (u).
Then they addrefTed themfelves to their journey ; and Prudence and Piety went along with them. When they came at the gate, Chriftiana afked the porter, if any of late went by. He faid, No, only one fome time fince, who alfo told me, that of late there had been a great robbery committed of the King's highway,
(u) O how reviving and refreshing are those love-tokens from our Lord ! Great-heart never comes empty-banded. — . He always inspires with courage and confidence. Let us look more into, and more heartily believe, the word of truth and grace ; and try more to our precious Immanuel, and we shall have more of Great-heart's company. It is but sad travelling without him.
2?8 THE PItGRlM's PROGRESS.
as you go: but, laid he, the thieves are taken, and will fhorfly be tried for their lives. Then Chriftiana and Mercy were afraid; but Matthew faid, Mother, fear nothing, as long- as Mr. Great-heart is to go with us, and be our conductor.
Then faid Chriftiana to the Porter, Sir, I am much obliged to you for all the kindnefies that you have fhewn to me fince I came hither; and alfo that you have been fo loving and kind to my children ; I know not how to gratify your kindnefs : wherefore, pray, as a token of my refpe&s to you, accept of this fmail mite; fo fhe put a gold angel in his hand, and he made her a low obedience, and faid, Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head want no ointment. Let Mercy live and not die, and let not her works be few. And to the boys he faid, Do you fly youthful lufts, and follow after godlinefs with them that are grave and wife; fo fhall you put giadnefs into your Mother's heart, and obtain praife of all that are fober-minded ; fo they thanked the porter, and departed.
Now I faw in my dream, that they went forward un- til they were come to the brow of the hill, where Piety bethinking herfelf, cried out, Alas! I have forgot what I intended to beftow upon Chriftiana and her compa- nions; I will go back and fetch it; fo fhe ran and fetched it. When fhe had gone, Chriftiana thought fhe heard in a grove, a little way off on the right-hand, a moft curious melodious note, with words much like thefe :
" Through all my life thy favour is
" So frankly shew'dto me, " That in thy house for evermore
" My dwelling-place shall be,"
And liftening ftill, fhe thought fhe heard another an* fwer, faying,
" For why ? The Lord our God is good,
" His mercy is for ever sure : 11 His truth at all times firmly stood,
c^ And shall from age to age endure."
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 279
So Chriftiana afked Prudence what it was that made thofe curious notes, Song ll, 12. They are, faid fhe, our country birds : They fing thefe notes but fel- dom, except it be at the fpring when the flowers appear, and the fun ihines warm, and then you may hear them ; we alio oft-times keep them tame in our houfe. They are very fine company for us when we are melancholy; alio they make woods and groves, and folitary places, places defirous to be in (x).
By this time Piety was come again; fo fhe laid to Chriftiana, Look here, I have brought thee a fcheme of all thofe things that thou haft feen at our houfe, upon which thou mayeft look when thou findeft thyfelf for- getful, and call thofe things again to remembrance for thy edification and comfort.
Now they began to go down the hill into the Valley of Humiliation. It was a fteep hill, and the way was flippery ; but they were very careful, fo they got down pretty well. When they were down in the valley (y), Piety faid to Chriftiana, this is the place where your
(x) You see these joyful notes spring from a sense of near- ness to the Lord, and a firm confidence in his divine truth and everlasting mercy. 0 when the Son of righteousness shines warmly on tiie soul, and gives it clearly to see these, it makes" the pilgrims sing most sweetly, and shout most joyfully indeed ! These songs approach very nearly to ihe heavenly music in the realm of glory.
(v) After being thus highly favoured with sensible com- forts in the views of faith, the comforts of hope and the joys of love : see the next step these pilgrims are to take ; it is down the hill Difficulty, into the valley of Humility What doth this place signify ? A deep and abiding sight and sense of ourselves: of our ruined state, lost condition, and desperate circumstances, as fallen sinners. This isabsolutel\ necessary, lest we should be exalted above measure, and think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. For, the L can oft favour us with manifestations of his love and the com- forts of his Spirit; but through the corruption of our nature we are prone to be lifted up and exalted in ourselves, and as it were to be intoxicated by them. Hence we are exhorted to think s berly, Rom. xii, 3. This the Valley of Humility causes us to do.
280 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
hufband met wich the foul fiend Apollvon, and where they had the great fi^ht that they had : I know you cannot but have heard thereof. But be of good courage, as long as you have he e Mr. Great heart to be vour guide and conductor -, we hope yuu will fare the better. So when thefe two had committed the pilgrims unto the'conduct of their guide, he went forward, and they ■went after.
Great heart. Then faid Mr. Great-heart, We need nor befo afraid of this valley, for here is nothing to hurt us uniefs we procure it ourfelves. 1c is true, Chriftan did here meet with Ajollvon, with whom he had alfo a fore combat : but that fray was the fruit of thofe flips that he got in his going down the hill : for they that get flips there, muft look for c mbats here. And hence it is that this valley has got fo hard a name. For the common people, when they hear that fome frightful thing has befallen fuch an one in fuch a place, a^c of opinion that that place is haunted with fome foul fiend or evil fpirit j when, alas ! it is for the fruit of their do- ing, that fuch things do befal them there (z).
(z) What a great blessing it is to have Great-heart in the Valley of Humility! How sad is it for Pilgrims to ptocure evils to themselves by their sin and folly! How joyful is it to know, that " like a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them who fear him !" Ps. ciii. 13 Yet, if we slip, we shall be sure to smart. If we do not hold fast faith, hope, love, and obedience, Satan will attach, distress us in some sort, and prevail against us ; and then we shall bring up an evil report of the safe and fruitful Valley of Humili- ation. Are you in this vallev ? Do you see and feel nothing in yourself but what tends to lyy you low, and keep rou low? Beware of murmuring and complaining, though you continue long in it ; yea, all your life through, for your Jesus is proving you and trying you, that he may shew you what is in you, that vou may see that you are wholly and solely indebted to his arm that brought salvation to you, and wrought eyerv deliverance for you, that vou may ever glory in him, and for him, and give all glory to him, for his loving kindness and tender mercy to such a miserable sinner as vou are, and to such an unprofitable servant as you eve? will be.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 28l
This Valley of Humiliation is of itself as fruitful a place as .ny the crows fly over; and I am persuaded, if we could hit upon it, we might find somewhere hereabout something that might give us an account why Christian was so hardly beset in this place
Then James said to his mother, Lo, yonder stands a pi;!ar, and it looks as if somewhat was written thereon; let us go and see what it is. So they went and found there written, "Let Christian's slips, before h come hither, and the burden that he met within this pace, be a warning to those that come after.— Lo, said their guide, did I not te'.l you that there was something hereabouls that would give intimation of the reason wh; Christian was so hard beset in this place* Then, turning to Christiana, he said, No dispargement to Ch istian, more than to many others whose hap and lot it was. For it is easier g Ning up than down this hill, and that can be said bur of few hills in a' i these pa"s of the world. But we will leave the go d rran, he is at rest, he also had a brave victo;y over his enemy: let Him grant that dwelleth above, that we fare not w rse, when we come to be tried, than he.
Bur we wid come again to this Valley of Humiliation! It is the best and most useful piece of ground in all these pars. It is a fat ground, and, as you see con- sist h much in meadows; and if a man was to come here in summer-time, as we do now, if he knew not anv thing before thereof, and if he also delighted hirmelf in the sight ofhis eyes, he might see that which would be delightful to him. Behold how gre?n this val ey is, also, how beautified with lilies, Song ii. 1, Jamc* iv. 6. 1 Pet. v. 5. I have 2lso known many labouring men that have got good estates in this Valley of Humliation (for God resisteth the proud, but giveth more grace to the humble ;) for indeed it is a very fruitful soil, and doth bring forth by handfuls. Some also have wished, that the next way to their Father's house were, here that they might be troubled no more with either hills or mountains to go over : but the way is the way, and there is an end (a).
(a) Though this Valley of Humiliation, or a clear sight No 8 . 2 N
282 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
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 countenances and as he sat by himself, he sung. Hark said Mr. Greatheart, to what the ihepherd's boy" faith i so thejr hearkened, and he said,
'* He that is down, needs fear no fall j * -
" He that is low no pride. " He that is humble, ever shall
(l Have God to be his guide.
" I am content with what I have,
" Little be it or much ; " And, Lord, contentment still I crave3
'• Because thou savest such.
?
" 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 life, and wears more of the heart 's-ease in his bosom, than he that is clad in silk and velvets but we will proceed in our difcourse.
* Phil. iv. 1 1—31. t Heb. viii 5.
and abiding sense of the sinfulness of our nature, and the "wickedness of our hearts, may be very terrifying to pilgrims, after they have been favoured with peace and joy, and com- forted by the views of faith and hope ; yet it is a very safe place, and though at first entering into it, and seeing more of themselves than was ever before shewed them, they may fear and tremble; yet after some time continuing here, they are more reconciled and contented : for here they find the visits of their Lord ; and in the depths of their humility, they behold the heights of his love, and the depths of his mercy, and cry out in joy, Where the sin abounds, grace super- abounds. TLo? sin abound in me, the grace of Jesus su- perabounds towards, me. Though I am emptied of all, yet .1 have an inexhaustible fulness in Jesus, to supply me with all I want, and all, I hope.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 283
In this valley our Lord formerly had his country house, he loved much to be here : he loved also to walk in these meadows, and hr 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 Humili- ation and solitary place. Here a man shall not be let and hindred in his contemplation, as in other places he is apt to be. This is a valley that nobody v*alks in, but those that love a pilgrim's life. And though Christian had the hard hap to meet with Apollyon, and to enter with him in a brisk encounter; yet I must tell you, rhat in former times men have met with angels here, have found pearls here, and have in this place found the words of life. Hos. xii. 4, 5, ( b).
Did I say our Lord had here, informer days, his country house, a nd that he loved here to walk? I will add, in this place, and to the pe<>; le that live and trace these grounds; he has left an v early revenue to be faith- fully paid them at certain seasons for their maintenance by the way, and for their farther encouragement to go on their pilgrimage, xi. 29.
Samut). Now, as they went on, Samuel said to Mr- Great- heart; Sir, I perceive that in this valley my fa- ther and Apollyon had their battle; but whereabout was the right ? for I perceive this valley is large.
(b) Ever remember the word of our dear Lord. " It is enough for the disciple, that he be as his master. " If your . Lord make it his chief delight, to be in this Valley of Humi- liation, iearn f:om his example, to prize this Valley. Though you may meet with an Apollyon, or a destroyer here ; yet you are s^ale in the arms and under the power of your all-con- quering Lord : For though the Lord is high, yet bath he re- spect unto the jowly. Therefore you may add with David *' Though 1 walk in the midst of trouble thou wilt revive me. Thou shalt stretch forth thy hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me : thy mercy, O Lord, en- dureth for ever : forsake not the works of thine own hands," Ps. cxxxviii. 6, 1, 8. Such are the confidence, the reason- ing, and the pleading of humble souls in the power of faith which lead?; them quite out of themselves, to their Lord.
2 N 2
284 The pilgrim's progress.
Great-heart. Your father had the battle with Apoi- lyon, at a place yonder before us in a narrow passage, just beyond Fof getful Green. And indeed that place is the most dangerous place in all these parts. For if at any time pilgrim? meet with any brunt, it is when they forget what favours they have received, and how un- worthy they are of them (c). This is the place also, where others have been hard put to it; but more ©t the place when we are come to it; for I persuade my- self, that to this day there remains either some signal: the battle, or some monuments to testify that such a bat- tle there was fought.
Mercy. Then said Merry, I think I am as well in this valley; as I have been any where else in all my jour- ney s the pace, methinks suits with my spirit. I love to be in such phces where there is no ranling with coaches nor rumbling with wheels: methinks, here one may, without much molestation, 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 ones spirit, until one's eyes become Ps. ixxxiv. 5, 6, 7. Hos li. 1. They that go rightly through this valley of Bacha, make it a well, the rain that God sends down from heaven upon them that are
(c) O pilgrims, attend to this ! Pride and ingratitude go hand in hand. Study, ever study the favours of your Lord : how freely they are bestowed upon you ; and how utterly un- worthy you are for the least of them. Beware of Forgetful Green. Many, after going some way on pilgrimage, get into this green, and continue here ; and talk of their own faithful- ness to grace recieved, the merit of their works, and a second justification by their works, &c. Hence it is plain, that they are fallen isle.'.p on this forgetful green, and talk incohe- rently, as men do in their sleep : for they forget that they are rtill sinners, poor, needy, wretched sinners, and that they want the blood of Christ to cleanse them, the righteousness of Christ to justify them, and the spirit of Christ to keep them humble, and to enable them to iive by faith upon tho fulness of Christ to sanctify them, and as much as they did when they first set put as pilgrims. O, 'tis a most blessed thing to be kept mind- ful of what we are, and of the Lord's free- grace and unmerited goodness to us !
THE PfLGR.M's" PRQGRfiSS. 285
here also," filleth the pools." This valley is that from whence also the King will give to their vine- arJs; and they that go through it shall sing as Christian did, so a.l he met Apollyon.
Great-heart it is true, said their euide, I have g^ne through this valley many a time, and never was better than when here.
I have also bf en a conductor to several pi 'gums, and they have confessed the same/' To this man w 11 I ook (saith theKing) even to him that is poor, and of a •• on- trite spirt, and vhat trembles at my won"(d).
Now thev were come to the p'ace. where the be^re- mentioned ba'.tle was fought. Then s, id the guide to Chritiana, her Children, and Mercy, Th s is th pi ce: on this ground Christian stood and up th re ca e Ap !- lyon against him: And look, d d not I tell y some of your husband's blood upon these stones to this day: behold, also, how here and there are \et to t>e seen upon the plnce sOme of the shivers of Apo 1 on's brok. n Harts : see also, how they di be t the ground with their feet as they fought, to make go d their places against each oiher; how also, with ch-r pv- blows, they did split the verv stones in pice s ; verily Chriftian did here play the man, md (hewed himielf as stout as Hercules could, had he been there, ever he himself. When Apollyon was beat, he made h s re- treat to the next valley, that is tailed, The valle; of
{d) Trembles at God's word, so as not to dare to pick and chuse, which doctrines he will receive, and which reject. I believe, says one, the doctrine of the atonement and salvation of Christ ; but 1 set mv face against the doctrine of his his im- puted righteousness, God's electing love, and the final perse- verance of his saints'. Do vou so ? No wonder, then, that we find an extract from the Pilgrims Progress, with these precious truths left out. Would you dare to act this by God's holy com- mandments ? Would you choose one of these and reject ano- ther ? Are they not all of equal authority ? And are not all his holy doctrines also s tamped with the same divine sanction! Where there is true faith in them ; it will nuke a man tremole to act thus by God's word ! The contrary conduct is oo less than daring licentiousness.
2%6 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
the Shadow of Death, unto which we shall come anon (e).
Lo yonder also stand a monument, on which is en- graven this battle, and Chistian's victory to his fame, throughout all ages: so because.it stood juston the way- side before them, they stepped to it and read the wri- ing, which word for word was this :
" Hard by here a battle was fought, " Most strange, and yet most true j
" Christian and A p oily on sought " Euch other to subdue."
" The mrn 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, and because they had delight, and because Mr. Great-heart was their conductor.
When they were entered upon this Valley, they thought they heard a groaning^ as of dyin? men ; a very great groaning. They thought also they did hear v/ords of lamentation, spoken as of some in extreme torment. Thcfe things made the boys to quake, the'1 women alfo looked pale and wan j but their guide bid them be of good comfort.
So they went on a little farther, and they thought that they felt the ground begin to fhake under them, as if fome hollow place was there ; they heard also a kind
(e) If Satan be driven back from one attack, prepare for another. BJess God for your armour. Never put it off.
(f) Monuments of victory over Satan, are to God's glory and are verv animating, and encouraging to those who come inter. Proclaim, O Christians, your mercies with thankful- ness, and your victories with shouts of humility, to the-honour ©f the Captain of your salvation.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 287
of hiffing, as offerpents, but nothing as yet appeared, Then faid the boys, Are we not yet at the end of this doleful place f" But the guide alio bid them be of good courage, and look well to their feec, left haply, faid he, you be taken in fome fnare. (g)
Now James began to be fick, but I think the caufe thereof was fear ; fo his mother gave him fome of that glafs «f fpirits that fhe had given her at the Interpreter's houfe, and three of the pills that Mr. Skill had prepared and the boy began to revive. Thus they went on, till they came to about the middle of the valley j and then Chriftiana faid, Methinks I fee fomething yonder upon the road before us ; a thing, of fuch a fhape, as I have not feen. Then, faid Jofeph, Mother what is it ? An ugly thing, child ; an ugly thing, faid fhe. But mother what is it like ? said he. 'Tis like I cannot tell what faid lhe. And now it is but a little way off; then faid fhe, It is nigh.
Well, laid Mr. Great-heart, Let them that are mod afraid, keep clofe to me -, fo the fiend came on, and the conductor met it -3 but when it was juft come to iiim, it vanifhed to all their fight : then remembered they, what had been faid fome time ago $ devil, and he will flee from you." (h) • They went therefore on, as being a little refrefhed ; but they had not gone far, before Mercy, looked be- hind her, saw, as fhe thought, fomething almoft like a lion, and it came a areat 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 ach, fave
(g) None know the distress, anguish, and fear, that haunt pilgrims id this valley, but those who have been in it. The hissings, revilings, and injections of that old serpent, with all his infernal malice, seem to be let loose upon pilgrims in this valley. Asaph seems to be walking in this valley, when he says, " As for me, my feet were almost gohe, my step*-; had well nisfh slipt." Ps. lxxiii. 7
(h) Let Satan appear in what shape he will, we ought ever to put on great heart, and good courage. For the faith of what Jesus is to us, will inspire these. Let us ever look t® Christ our conqueror, and ever resist our adversary.
288 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
the heart of him who was their guide, So it came up; and Mr Great-heart went behind, and put the pilgrims all bt tore him. The lion also came on a pace, and Mr. Great-heart addresed himself to give him battle, 1 Pet v, 8% but when he saw that it was determined that resistance should be made, he also drew back, and came £10 farther (i).
Then tr.ey went on again, and their conductor d!d go oefore them till they came to a place where was castup a pit, the whole breadth of the way; and, before they could be preparedto go over that, a great mist and darkness fell upon them, so that they could not see. Then said the piigrimsj Alas! now what shall we do? But their guide made answer; Fear not stand still, and see what an end will be put to this also ; so they staid there because their path was marred. They then also thought they hesrd more apparently the noife and rufh- ing of the enemies ; the fire alfo, and fmoke of the pit, were much eafier to be difcerned (k). Then said Chris- tiana to Mercy, Now] lee what mv p^or hufband went through ; I have heard much of this place, but I never was here before now. Poor man, he went here all alone in the night ; he had night almoft quite through the way : alfo the fiends were bufy about him, as if they would have torn him in pieces. Many have fpoken of it, but none could tell what the Valley of the Shadow of Death mould mean, until they came in themfeives. {: The heart knows its own bitternefsj a
(i) Satan is often most .dreadful at a distance, and courager ously resisted when advanced nearer. This advice is ever needful: " Be sober ; be vigilant." These pilgrims kept up their watch, Satan did come upon them unawares ; they heard his approach, they were prepared for his attack ; lo ! Satan drew back.
(k) Miserable, uncomfortable walking, with a pit before us, and darkness around ; yea, within us, and hell seeming to move from beneath to meet us who have been left to the dark- ness of his nature ; the terrors of a fiery law ■ the sense of guilt and the fear of hell ! O what an unspeakable mercy, in such a distressing season, to have ah Almighty Saviour to look to and call upon for safety and salvation ! " For he will hear our pry, and ssve us.1' Ps. exiv 19,
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 1?>t
flranger intermeddleth not with its joy." To be here is a fearful thing (1).
Great hearr. This is like doing bufmefs in great wa- ters, or like gong down in the deep ; this is like being in the heart of the lea, and like going down to the bot- toms of 'he mountains; now it leems as if the earth, with its bars, were abcut us for ever. tc But let them that walk in dark-riefs, and have no light, truft in the name of the Lord, 'arrd ftay upon their God" (m). For my part, asl have rold you a read/, I have uone often through th>s valley; and have been much harder put to it than I now am ; a :d yet you fee I am a live. I would not boaft, for that I am not my own faviour. But I. truft we fnall have good deliverance. Corre pray for light to Him that can lighten our darknefs, and that can rebuke, not only thete, but al! the iatans in hell.
So tlipy cried and prayed, and God fent light and de- liverance ; for there was now no let in their way, no not there were, but now they were ftopt with a pit. Yet ihe/ are not got through the valley; fo they went on (till, and behold great (links and loath fome fmel's, to the great annoyance to them (n). Then faid Mercy to Chriftiana, There is not fuch pleafant being here as at the gate, or at the interpreter's, or at the houfe where we layilaft.
O but, faid one of the boys, it is not fo bnd to go through here, as it is to abide here always ; and for ought I know, one reafon why we muft go this wajr to the houfe prepared for. us, is that our home might be made the tweeter to us (oj.
(i) To hear of the soul distresses of others, is one thing ; to experience them ourselves is very different.
rjrn) This precious text, Isa.l 10. has been a sheet-anchor to my soul, under darkness and distress. I doubt not, but it has boon so to many others. O there is an amazing depth of grace, and a wonderful height of mercy, in it. Bless God for it stjudy it deeply.
(n) In seasons of distress, the most irksome smell of our vjle lusts, and filthy corruptions, greatly offend and distress real pilgrims.
(o) Precious thought ! under the worst and most distress- ing ehcumstauccs, think of this. Their continuance is short,
2Q
290 the pilgrim's progress.
Well faid, Samuel, quorh the guide, thou haft now fpoke like a man, Why, If ever I get out here again, faid the boy, 1 think I fhall prize light and good way, better than ever I did in all my life. Then said the guide, We fhall be out by and-by.
So on they went, and Jofeph faid, Cannot we fee to the end of this valley as yet ? Then faid the Guide, Look to your feet, for vie fhall prefemly be among fnares : fo they looked to their feet, and went on ; but were troubled much with the fnares. Now when they were come among the fnares, they eipied a man caft into the ditch on the left hand with his flesh all rent and torn. Then faid the guide, That is one Hedlels, that was going this way; he has lain there a great while (p). There was one Takeheed with him when he was taken and flain : but he efcaped their hands. You cannot imagine how many a e killed hereabouts, and* yet men are fo fooliihly venturous, as to fet out ligh ly on pil- grimage, and to come without a guide. PoorChrifti- an! it was a wonder that he here escaped; but hx was beloved of his God: alfo he had a good heart of his own, or elfe he could never have done it Now they drew towards the end of the wav ; and juft there where Chriftian iiad feen the cave when he went by, out . thence came forth Maul a giant. Thi? Maul did ufe to fpoil young pilgrims with sophiflry; -and he called Great- heart by his name, and faid unto him, How many times have you been forbidden to do thefe things? Then faid Mr. Great-heart, What things? What things! quoth the giant ; you know what things ; but I will put an end to your trade (o). But pray faid Mr.Great-
The appointment love. Their end shall be crowned with glory. Our dark and distressing nights, make us prize our light and joyful days the more. ^
(p) Heedless professors be warned. The doctrines of grace were never intended to lull any asleep in carnal security. If tiiey do so by you, it is a sure sign, that what should have been for your health Proves an occasion of your falling.
(q) How many such giants have we in the present day, who deceive aud beguile precious souls into a false and fatal secu- rity, by their smooth lectures on mortality, and their avowed
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 1$l
heart, before we fall to it, let us underftand wherefore we muft fight. (Now the women and children flood trembling, and knew not what to do.) Quoth the giant, You rob the country, and rob it with the word of thieves. Thefe are but generals, faid Mr. Great- heart ; come to particulars, man.
Then faid the giant, Thou practifefl: the dart of a kidnapper, thou gatherer up women and children, and carried them into a ftrange countty, to the weakening of my matter's kingdom, But Great-heart replied, I am a fervant of the God of heaven ; my bufinefs is to* perfuide finners to repentance j I am commanded to do my endeavour to turn men, women, and children from rtarknefs to light, and from the power of fatan to God j and if this indeed be the ground of the quarrel let us fall to it as foon as thou wilt (r).
Then the giant came up, and Mr Great-heart went to meet him : and as he went, he drew his fword, but the giant had a club. So without more ado, they fell to it, and at the flrft blow the giant (truck Mr. Great- heart down upon one of his knees ; with that the wo- men, and children cried: fo Mr. Great-heart, recover- ing himfelf, laid about him in a full lufty manner, and gave the gianta wound in his arm; that he fought for the lpace of an hour, to the height of heat, that the breath came out of the giant's noftrils, as the heat doth out of a boiling cauldron.
Then they fat down to reft them, but Mr. Great- heart betook himself to prayer: alfo the women and children did nothing but figh and cry all the time that the battle did laft (s).
opposition to the gospel of Christ, and the Avay to his king- dom.
(r) To awaken souls, and lead them to Christ for life and salvation, is the blessed work of faithful ministers. In the spirit of love and meekness, they will contend for the faith, however they may be nicknamed, and ill treated for their work.
(s) The greatest heart cannot understand without prayer, nor conquer without the almighty power of God. The belief •f this will excite prayer.
2 O 2
$92 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
When they had reded them, and taken breath, they both fell to it again, and Mr. Great-heart with a full blow fetched the giant down to the ground. May» hold, let me recover, quoth he : fo Mr. Great heart let him fairly get up, So to it they went again, and the giant miffed but little of breaking Mr, Great-heart's (cull with his club.
Mr. Great-heart feeing that, ran to him in the full heat of his fpirit, and pierced him under the fifth rib ; with that the giant began to faint, and could hold up no longer. Then Mr. Great-heart seconded his blow, an j fmit the head of the giant from his moulders. Then the women and children rejoiced, and Mr. QreaVneart alfo praifed God for the deliverance he had wrought ££}
When this was done, they among themselves ere&eg a pillar, and fattened the giant's head thereon, and wrote under it in letters, that paffengers might read :
P Me that did wear this head, was one.
(i That pilgrims did misuse ; " He stopp'd their way, he spared none,
" But did them all abuse :
Until that I Great-heart arose, tc The pilgrims' guide to be ; Until that I did him oppose, " Who was their enemy."
Now I law that they went to the afcent, that was a little way off, caft up to be a profpect for pilgrims, (that was the place from whence Chriftian had the firft fight of Faithful his brother) wherefore here they fat down and reft i they alfo here did eat and drink, and make merry, for that they had gotten deliverance from this fo dangerous an enemy. As they fat thus and did eat, Chriftiana afked the Guide, If he had caught no hurt in the battle?. No, fave a little on my
(t) Maisy such a battle has been fought, and many such a yi tory has been obtained, since the Reformation, oyer th enemies ot our most hoiy faith.
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fte(h ; yet that alfo fhall be fo far from being to my dettiment, that it is an preient a proof of my love to my Matter and you, and (hall be a means, by grace, to increafe my rewards at la ft.
But was you not afraid good Sir, when you faw him come with his club ? (u)
It is my duty, faid he, to miftruft my own ability, that I may have reliance on him that is ftronger than all.*
But what did you think, when he fetched yoi? down to the ground at the firil blow ?
Why, I thought, quoth he, that fo my matter was served, and yet he it was, that conquered at laft.
Matt. When you have all thought what you pleafe, 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 fee no reafon why we fhould diftruft our GdcI any more, fince he has now, and in fuch a place as this, given us fuch a teftimony of his love.
Then he got up and wen-t forward. Now a little before them ftood an oak : and under it, when they came to it they found an old pilgrim fad afleep : they knew that he was pilgrim Dy his clothes, his ftaff, and his girdle.
So the Guide, Mr. Great-heart, awaked him ; and the old Gentleman, as he lifted up his eyes, cried out, What's the matter ? Who are you ? Ana what is your bufinefs here ? (w).
Great-heart. Come, man, be not fo hot, here are none but friends : yet the old man gets up, and ftands
* 2 Cor. iv.
(u) This club We may suppose to mean human power, under which many godly ministers in the last century suffered greatly. Blessed he God we have nothing of this to fear in our day : therefore the more shame for such professors, who desert Christ, when they have nothing to fear but the breath of reproach, a nickname, or a bye-word of contempt.
\w) A blessed sign of a watchful heart, ever alarmed at
the fear of clanger. Though he was found sleeping, yet he
Quid say with the church, " My he'art waketb," Song. v„ 2.
294 THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS.
upon his guard, and will know of them what they were Then faid the Guide, My name is Great- hearc ; I am the guide of thefe pilgrims, which are going to the Celftial Country.
Honeft. Then faid Mr. Honed, I cry you Mercy ; I fear that you had been of the company of thofe thai fome time ago did rob Little Faith of his money ; but now I look better about me, I percieve you are honef- ter people.
Great-heart. Why, what wou'd or could you have done, or have helped yourfelf, if we indeed had been of that company ?
Hon. Done ! why I would have fought as long as breath had been in me j and had I fa done, I am fure you could never have given me the worft on't: for a chriflian can never be overcome, unlefs he mould yield ofhimfelf. (x)
Great-heart. Well faid, Father Honeft, quoth the Guide j for by this 1 know thou art a cock of the right kind, for thou haft faid the truth.
Hon. And by this alfo I know thou knoweft what true pilgrimage is : for all others do think, that we are the looneft overcome of any.
Great heart. Wei!, now we are happily met, pray 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 cf Stupidity ; it lieth about four degrees beyond the Citv of Deftruction.
Great-heart. Oh, are you that country-man ? Then I deem I have half a guefs of you : your name is old Honefty is it not ? So the old gentleman bluihed, and faid, Not Honeft, in the abftracl: : (y) but Honefty is
(x) Mind this. A christian can never be overcome unless he yields of himself. Then be most jealous over yourself and mo,t watchful against giving way to carnal reasonings, natural fears, and fleshly lusts. Look at yourself, and be humble. Lock to Goo s word for courage.
(v) By honesty in the abstract, he means to distinguish between hsmself and a perfect character. Every christian is the subject of honesty or justice, uprightness and sincerity;
THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS. 2$$
my name, and I wifh than my nature may agree to what 1 am called.,
Hon But, Sir, faid the old gentleman, how could you guefs thr.t I am fuch a man, fince i came from fuch a place.
Great heart. I have heard of you before, by my Mailer; For he knows all things that are done on the earth: but I have .often wondered that any mould come from your place, for your town is worfe than the City of Deduction itfelf.
Hon- Yea, we 1 e more off from the fun, and fo are more cold and fenfelefsj but was a man in a mountain of ice, yet if the Sun of Righteoufnefs will arife upon him, his frozen heart mall feel a thaw. And thus it has been with me(z).
Great-heart. I believe it, father Honefty, I believe it 5 for I know the thing is true.
Then the old gentleman saluted all the pilgrims with a holy kifs f charity; and afked them of their names and how they had fared since they had fet out on their pilgrimage.
Chr:ft. Then faid Chrifliana, My name, I fuppofe you have heard of ; good Chriftian was my husband, and thefe four were his children. But can you think how the old gcntlman was taken, when fhe told him
yet when we come to describe these virtues in the abstract, or what they really are in their strict purity, and utmost per- fection, where is the christian but must wear the conscientious blu^h as Honesty did, under a sense of his imperfections ? — There is no perfect character that God can delight in, but his own beloved Son in our nature. God isever well pleased with him ; and with us sinners, only as he views us in him and hath made us accepted in him, to the praise of the glory of his own grace, Eph. i. 6. This is the view of true grace and the glory of precious faith.
(z) This is the confession of an honest heart. It is never afraid of ascribing too much to the sovereignity of grace : nor of giving all the glory to the Son of Righteousness, for shining upon, and melting down its hard frozen soul. Here is no t rimming between grace and nature : no halting between sovereign power and free-will.
2o,6 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
who fh? was ! He fkipped, he frailed, and bleffed them with a thoufand good wilhes, faying:
Hon. I have heard much of your hufbarid, and of "his travels and wars, which he underwent in his days. Be it fpoken to your comfort : the name of your hufband rings over all thefe parts of the world j his faith, his courage, his enduring, and his flncefity under all, has made his name famous. Then he turned to the boys, and afked them of their names, which they told him. And then faid he unto them: Matthew, be thou like unto Matthew the publican, not in vice, but in virtue. Samuel, faid he, be thou like Samuel the prophet, a man of faith and prayer. Jofeph, laid he, be thou like Jofeph in Pot'phar's houfe, chafe, and one that Uses from temptation. James, be thou like James the fuft, and like James the brother of our Lord, Then they told him of Mercy, and how me had Iff her town and her kind rid, to come along with Chriftiam and witn her foiis. Ac that the oid honeft man faid, Mercy is thy name : by Mercy fhalt thou be fultained, and carried through all thefe difficulties that aflault thee in thy way, till thou fhalt come thither, where thou fhaii; look at the Fountain of Mercy in the flee with comfort.
All this while the Guide, Mr. Gfeat-hearc was very %dl pleated, and fmiled upon his companion.
Now as they walked together, the Guide afkde the old gfeittiemahj if he knew one Mr. Fearing, that came en pilgrimage out of his part?.
Hon. Yes, very well, faid he. Fie was a man that iad the root of the matter in him j but he was one of the mod troubleforne pilgrims that I ever met with in all. my days (a).
Great-heart. I perceive you knew him j for you have given a very right character of him.
(a) Fearing pilgrims, tl o:igh perplexed in themselves and troublesome to qtiiers, are yetto'be cherished and encouraged, as the v have the root of the matter in them, faith in Jesus,, hope towards God, fear of offending him. and a desire to walk in his ways, and please him. We m'nst bear the burdens of 'such, and to fulfil the law of Christ, Gal. vi. 2.
2§7
Hon. Knew him ! I was a great companion of his : i was with him moft an end ; when he firft began to 'chink of what would come upon us hereafter, I was wit*i him.
Great-heart. I was his Guide from my Matter's houfe to the gate of the Celeftial City.
Hon. Then you knew him to be a troublefome one.
Great-heart. I did fo ; but 1 could very well bear it ; for men of my calling are oftentimes emrufted with the conduct of fuch as he was.
Hon. Well then, pray let us hear a, little of him, and how he managed himfelf under your conduct.
Great-heart. Why, he was always afraid that he Pnould come (hort whither he had. a defire to go. Every thing frighted him that he heard any body fpeak. of, that had but the leaft appearance of oppofition in it. I hear that he lay roaring at the Slough of Defpond, for above a month together; nor durft he^ for all he law feverai go over before him venture, though they manv of them .ffered to lend him their hands. He would nor go back, neither. The Celeftial City, he faid, he ihould die if he came not to it ; and yet he was dejected at every difficulty, and (tumbled at every ftraw that any body caft in his way. Well, after he had lain at the Slough of Defpond a great while, as I have told you, one fun-fhiny morning, I don't know how he ventured, and fo got over : but when he was over he could fcarce believe it. He had, I think, a Slough of Defpond in his mind, a {lough that he carried every where with him, orelfe he could never have been as it was. So he came up to the Gate (you know what 1 mean) that (lands at the head of the way ; and there aifo he Rood a good while, before he would venture to knock. When the gate was opened, he would give back, and give place to others, and fay that he was not worthy : for all he got before fome to the Gate, yet many of them went in before him. There the poor man would ftand making and fhrinking ; I dare fay it would have pitied one's heart to have feen him : at 1 aft he tookthe hammer that hanged at the gate, in his hand and gave a fmall rap or two •, then one opened to him % :2P
CL$% THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
but he fhrunk back as before. He that opened ftepped out after him, and foid„ cf Thou trembling one, what wanteft thou ? ft With that he fell to the ground. He that fpoke to him wondered to fee him fo faint. He faid to him, " Peace be to thee j up, for I have fet open the door to thee -, come in for thou art bled." With that he got up, and went in trembling ; and when thdt he was in, he was afhamed to fhew his face. Well, after he had been entertained there a while as you know how the manner is, he was bid go on his way, and alfo told the way he mould take. So he went on till he ar- rived at our houfe, but as he behaved himfelf at the gate fo he did at my matter the Interpreter's door. He lay thereabouts in the cold a good while, before he would adventure to call j yet he would not go back : and the nights were long and cold then. Nay he had a note of neceffky in his bofom to my mafter, to recieve him, and grant him the comfort of his houfe, and alfo to allow him a (tout and valiant conductor, becaufe he was himfelf fo 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 almoft flarved : yea, fo great was his dejection, that though he faw feveral others for knocking get in, yet he was Afraid to venture. At laft, I think, I looked out of the window, and, perceiving a man to be up and down about the door;, I went down to him, fand afked what he was ? but poor man 1 the water ftood in his eyes ; fo I perceived what he wanted. I went there- fore in, and told it in the houfe, and we fhewed the things to our Lord : fo he fent me out again to entreat him to come in: but indeed I had hard work to do it. At laft he came in ; and 1 will fay that for my Lord, he carried it wonderful loving to him. There were but a few good bits at the table, but fome of it was laid upon his trencher. Then he prefented the note; and my Lord, looking thereon, faid, Hisdefire fhould be granted. So when he had been there a good while, he leemed to get fome heart, and to be a little more comforted. For my mafter, you muft know, is one of very tender bowels, efpecially to them that are
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. Q$$
afraid ; wherefore he carried it fo towards him, as might tend moftto his encouragement. Well, when he had a fight of the things of the place, and was ready to take his journey to goto the City, my Lord, as he did to Chriftian before, gave him a bottle of fpirits, and forhe comfortable things to ear. Thus we set forward, and I went before him ;, but the man was but of few words, only he would figh aloud.
When we were come to where the three fellows were hanged, he faid, he doubted that that would be his end alfo. Only he feemed glad when he faw the Crofs and the Sepulchre. There I confefs he defired to ftay a little to look, and he feemed for a while after to be a little comforted. When we came at the hill Difficulty he made no flick at that, nor did he much fear the lions : for you mud know, that his troubles were not about fuch things as thefej his fear was about his ac- ceptance at laft. (b)
I got him in at the houfe Beautiful, I think, before he was willing alfoj when he was in, I brought him acquainted with the ^amfels that were of the place, but he was afhamed to make himfelf much for company : he defired much to be alone, yet he always loved good talk and often would get behind the fcreen to hear it: he alfo loved much to fee ancient things, and to be pon- dering them in his mind. He told me afterwards, that he loved to be in thofe two houfes from which he came laft, to wit, at the Gate, and that of the Interpreter but that he durft not be fo bold as to aflc.
When he went alfo from the houfe Beautiful, down the hill, inro the Valley of Humiliation, he went down as well as ever I faw a man in my life 5 for he cared not how mean he was, fo he might be happy at laft. Yea, I think there was a kind ot fympathy betwixt that Val- ley and him : for I never faw him better in all his pil- grimage then he was in that Valley (c).
(b) When persons are deeply sensible of the eyil of sin they are not so much afraid of reproach of poverty, of pain, or per. secution, as of being shut out of heaven at last. All confidence in professors, that is not accompanied with holy fear, is utterly vain ; and where this fear is, and the promises of God are cor- dially recieved, all other fears are needless.
( c) The Valley of Humiliation suits well with contrite hearts
JOO THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS,
Here he would lie down, embrace the ground, and kifs the very flowers that grew in this Valley, Lam. iii„ 27 to 29. He would now be up every morning by- break of day, tracing and walking to and fro in the- Valley (d).
But when he, was come to the entrance of the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I thought I mould have loft my man, nor for that he had any inclination to. go back —that he always abhorred — but was ready to die for fear, f' O the hobgoblins will have me, the hobgoblins will have me !" cried he ; and I could not beat him out on't. He made fuch a noife, and fuch an outcry here, that, had they but heard him, 'twas enough to encour- age them to come and fall upon us.
But this I took very great notice of, that this Valley was as quiet when we went through it, as ever I knew it before ' or fince. I fuppofe thofe enemies here had now a fpecial check from our Lord, and a command not to meddle until Mr. Fearing was palling over.
It would be coo tedious to tell you of all ; we will therefore only mention a paflage or two more. When he was come to Vanity Fair, I thought he would have fought with all the men in the fair 5 T. feared there we fhould both have been knocked on the head fo hot was he againft theirfoolerics.(e)Upon the enchanted ground he was very wakeful But when he was come at the river where was no bridge, there again he was in a hea- vy cafe : Now, now, he faid, he mould be drowned for ever, and fo never (ee that face with comfort, that he had come fo many miles to behold.
Here alfo I took notice of what was very remarkable, the water of that river was lower at this time than ever I law it in all my life: fohe went over at last, not much above wet-shod, (f) When we was going up to the
(d) Fearing souls dwell much, early and late, in the Val- ley ot Meditation.
•'•(e) Here is a glorious display of a fearful heart. Full of courage against evil, fired With zeal for God's glory.
(f) O how gracious is our Lord! as thy day is, O pilgrim, so shall thy strength be, Even the' river of death, though mere can be no bridge to go over, yet faith makes one : and
THE PILGRIM'S .PROGRESS.. .. ^01
£iie, Mr. Great-heart began to take his leave of him, and to \vii"h him a, good recentation above ; fo he laid, " I giall, I dial!, I mall : " then parted we aiun- der, and I fiuv him no more.
Hon. Then, it Items he was well at lall ?
Great-heart. Yes, yes, [never had any doubt abowc him ; he.«v4S a man of a choice ipirit : only he was al- ways kept very low, and that made his life fo burden- fome to himfelf, and fo very troublefome to others, Ps. lxxiii. Rom. xiv. 21.. 1 Cor. vij. 1 3. He was, above many, tender of fin ; he was fo afraid of doin£ i.-.jurie* to others, that he would often deny himfelf of that. which was lawful, becaufe he would not offend. (g)
Hon. But .what fhou'd be the reafori that fuch a good man mould be all his days fo much in the dark?
Great-heart. There are two forts of reafons for it : one is, The wife God will have it fo ; fome mud pipe and fome muft weep .:* Now Mr. Fearing was one that played upon the bafs. He and His feliows found the iack-but, whofe notes are more doleful than notes of other mu fie are : though indeed, fome fay, the bafs is the ground ofmufic. And, for my part, I care not at all for that profeffian which begins hot in heavinefs of mind. The firft firing the mufician ufually touches is the bafs, when he intends to put all in tune: God alio, plays upon the firings firfl, when he fets the loul in tune for himfelf. Only there was the imperfection of Mr, Fearing, he could. play upon no other mufic but this, til! towards his latter end. -
I make bold to talk thus metaphorically, for the ri- pen'ngofthe wits of young readers ; and becaufe in the book of the Revelations, the faved ones are compared to a company of muficians, that play upon their trum- pets and harps, and fing their fongs before the throne, Rev. viii. & xiv. 2, 3.
Hon. He was a very zealous man, as one may fee by
* Mat. xi. 16, 17,18.
the Lord of faith makes the waters low, to suit the state of hi fearing ones.
'(d) O this is a blessed spirit. Yet who are strong in the •Lord, and in the power of his might, study to excel herein.
302 the pilgrim's progress,
what relation you have given of him. Difficulties, lions, or Vanity Fair, he feared not at all j it was only fin death, and hell, that were to him a terror ; becaufe he had fome doubts about his intereft in that celeftial country (h).
Great-heart. You fay right j thofe were the things that were his troubles} and they, as you have well ob- ferved, arofe from the weaknefs of his mind thereabouts not from weaknefs of fpint as to the practical part of a pilgrim's life. I dare beheve, that, as the proverb is, «he could have bit a firebrand, had it flood in his way," but thofe things with which he was oppreffed, no man ever yet could fhake off with eafe.
Chrift. Then faid Chrilliana, This relation of Mr Fearing has done me good ; I thought nobody had been like mc ; but I fee there was fome fembUncc betwixt this s;ocd man and I 3 only we differ in two things ; his troubles were fo great, that they brake outj but mine I kept within. His alfo lay fo hard upon him they made him that he could not knock at the houfes provided for entertainment j but my troubles were always fuch, as made me knock the louder.
Mercy. If I nvght alfo fpeak my mind, I muft fay, that fomething of him has alfo dwelt in me, for I have ever been more afraid of the lake, and the lofs of a place in paradife, than I have been at the lots of other thip"S. O, thought I, may I have the happinefs to have a habitation there, it is enough, though I part with all the world to win it.
Matt. Then faid Matthew, Fear was one thing that made me think that I was far from having that withinme that accompanies falvation ; but if it was fo with fuch a (rood man as he, why may it not alfo go well with me?
(h) Here is a very striking lesson for professors. Talk not of your great knowledge, rich experience, comfortable frames and joyful feelings ; all are vain and delusive if the gospel has not a holy influence on your practice. On the other hand, be not dejected if these should considerably vary ; for if a holy fear of God and a godly jealousy over yourselves, possess your heart, verily you are a partaker of the grace of Christ, at least in a small tkgree.
THE PILGRIM'S PROCESS. 3O3
James. No fears, no grace, faid James. Though there is not always grace where there is the fear of hell yet to be fure there is no grace where there is no fear of God.
Great-heart. Well faid, James; thou haft: hit the mark ; for the fear of God is the beginning of wifdom ; and, to be fure the? that want the beginning, have neither middle nor end. But we will here conclude our difcourfe of Mr. Fearing, after we have lent after him his farewell.
" Whilft, matter Fearing, thou did ft fear
" Thy God, and was afraid " Of doing any thing, while here,
" That would have thee betray 'd. " And didft thou fear the lake and pit ?
"Would others do fo too ! "For as for them that want thy wit, "They do themfelves undo." Now I faw that they all went on it their talk j for after Mr. Greathearr, had made an end with Mr. Fear- ing, Mr. Honest began to tell them of another ? but nis name was Mr. Self-will. He pretended himself to be a pilgrim, faid Mr. Honest; But I perfuade myfelf, he never came in at the gace that stands at the head of the way.
Great-heart. Had you ever any talk with him about it ?
Hon. Yes more than once or twice j but he would always be like himfelf, felf willed. He neither cared for man, nor argument, nor example; what his mind prompted him to do that he would do and nothing elfe could he be got to do. (i)
Great-heart. Pray, what principles did he hold? for I suppofe you can tell.
Hon. He held, that man might follow the vices as well as the virtues of the pilgrims, and that if he did both, he mould be certainly faved.
I (i) Self-will e^er accompanies ignorance of.ourselves'and of tlve truth, and is generally attended with licentious inclinations and practises.
304. THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.
Great-heart. How ! if he had faid it is poll ible for the befc to be guiliy of the vices, as well as partake of the virtues of pilgrims, he could not much have been blamed. For indeed we are exempted from no vice ab- solutely, but on. condition that we watch and iirive. (k) But this I perceive, is not the thing; but if I under- stand you right, your meaning is, that he was of that opinion, that it was allowable lb to be.
Hon. Aye, aye> fo I mean ; and fo he believed and practifed,
Great-heart, But what grounds had he for fo faying ?
Hon. Why, he faid he had the scripture for his .warrant. ..■".:'
Great-heart. Pry' thee5 Mr. Hcneft, prefent us with a few particulars,
Hon, Sol will. He faid, To have to do with other men's wives, had been practifed by David, God's be- loved s and therefore he could do it. He laid, to have more wives than one., was a; thing that Solomon prac- tifed; and therefore he could do it. He faid, that Sa- rah and the ungodly midwivesof Egypt lied, and did fo Rahabj and therefore he could do it. He faid, thatthe difei pies went at the bidding of their Mafrer, a,nd took away the owner's ass; and therefore he could do fo too,. He laid, that Jacob got the inheritance of-his father in a way of nwk and difsimulation ; and therefore he could do fo too. (1)
Great-heart. Highly bafe, indeed] And are you fure he was o f this opinion •?
Hon. I h ve heard him plead for it, bring fcripture for it, bring argument for it, oza:
Great- heart. An opinion that is not fit to be with any allowance in the world,
(k) This is a solid spiritual observation ? prav mind it. The soul is do longer safe than ,the heart is kept with diligence; antihappv 'is the christian who keeps close to God in prayer, in order to enjoy peace of conscience, a-nd a joy of heart in Christ.
(i) That heart* winch is under the teaching and influence of the -o-race ot'God, will detest such horrid notions, and cry oiit against them, " God. forbid that ever I should listen one moment to such diabolical sentiments! for they are conceived ■ hrli, and propagated on earth, by the fathers of lies,;"
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 305
Hon. You mu ft underftand me rightly: he did rot say that any man might do this; but thofe who^ad the virtues of them that did fuch things, might a fodo the fame.
Great-heart. But what more falfe than fuch a conclu- sion ? for this is as much as to fay, that becaufe good men heretofore have finned of infirmity, therefore he had allowance to do it of a prefumptuous mind : or if becaufe a child, by the blaft of wind, or for that it (tumbled at a ftone, fell down, and defiled itfelfin mire, therefore he might wilfully lie down and wallow like a boar therein. Who would have thought that any one could fo far have been blinded by the power of luft ? But what is written muft be true : they the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed," 1 Pet. ii. 8.
He supposing that fuch may have the godly man's virtues, who addict themfelves to their vices, is alfo a delufion as ftrong as the other. It is juft as if the dog mould sa 'j I have, or may have, the qualities of the child, becaufe I lick up its excrements. To eat up the fin of God's people, Hof. iv. 8. is no fign of one that is pofsefsed of their virtues. Nor can I believe, that one who is of this opinion, can at prefent have faith or love in him. But I know you have made fome ftrong objections againft him, pr'ythee what can he fay for himfelf?
Hon. Why, he fays to do this by way of opinion, feem* abundantly more honeft than to do it, and yet hold contrary to it in opinion.
Great-heart. Avery wicked anfwer; for though to let loofe the bridle to lulls, while our opinions are againft fuch things, is bad ; yet to fin, and plead a tole- ration fo to do, is worfe : the one (tumbles beholders accidentally, the other leads them into the fnare.
Hon. There are many of this man's mind, that have got this man's mouth; and that makes going on pil- grimage of fo little efteem as it it.
Great heart, You have faid the truth, and it is to be lamented; but he that feareth the king of Paradife> mail come out of them all.
306 the pilgrim's progress.
C'rift. There are ftrange opinions in the world: I know one that faid, It was time enough to repent when we come to die.
Great heart. Such a^e not over wife: that mnn would haw been loth, might he have had a week to run twenty miles in his life, to have deferred that journey to the laft hour of that week. «
Hon. You fay right j and vet the generality of them, that count thcmfslves pilgrims, do indeed do thus. I am, as you fee, an old man, and have been a traveller in this road many a day ; and 1 have taken notice of many things (m).
I have Teen fome, that have fet out as if they would drive all the world before them, who yet have, in few days died, as they in the wildernefs, and fo never ^ot fight of the prom :fed land.
I have feen.fibme thai have promifed nothing, at first fetting out to be pilgrims, and that one would have th ught could not have lived a day, that have yet proved very g
I have ken fome, who have run haftily forward, that again have, after a little time, runjuft as faff, back ag in
I have fecn fome, who have fpoken very we 1 of a pilgrim's life a first, that, at fter awhile, have fpAen as much againfr. h.
I have heard Tome, when they first fet out for Para- dife, fay pofitively, There is fuch a place; who, when r ey have been almoft there, have come back again, and faid There is none.
1 have heard fome vaunt what they would do, in cafe they fhould be oppofed, that have, even at a ialfe alarm, fled faith, the pilgrim's way, and ail
Now as they were thus in their way, there came one running to meet them, and faid," Gentlemen, and you of the weaker fort, if you love life, Ihift for yourfelves,
for the robbers are before vou."
*
(m) Pray attentively, mind, and deeply consider, the six following abservations : they are just ; they are daily con- firmed to our .observations, in the different conduct of pro- fessors. Study, and pray to improve them, to your soul's profit.
?HZ PILCRIAl's PROGRESS. 307
Great-heart. Then fad Mr. Gret heart, Thev be the three that fer upon Little-fa th eretufoie Well, fa.d he, we are readv for them; (o t*»ey went on their via. Now they looked at every turning, when rhey ihould have met with the villains; but whether they he rd of Mr. Great heart, or whether they had fome ot er game, they came not up to the pilgrims (n).
Cl;rift. Chrilliana then wifhed for an inn for herfelf and herchiidren, became they were weary. Then faid Mr Honefl, There is one a little before us where a Tery hor,o :rab e difciple, one Gaius dweT. So they all concluded to turn in thither (Rom. xxi/23.) and the rather, becaufe the old eentleman gave him {o goo J a report So whe.: the came to the c oor, they went in, not knocking, for folk u>e nor to knock at the door of an inn. Then .hey cailed for the mafter of the houfe, and he came ro them. So they afked if they might lie there that night?
Ga us. Yes, Gentlemen, if you be true men, for my houfe is for non- but pilgrims. Then were Chrifbana, M-rcy and the bovs, the more glad, for ihat the u n- keeper was a lover of pi gnms. So they cal'e^ for rooms, and he fhowed them one for Chrift ana and her children, and M' r- y, and another for Mr. Great heart an.i the old Gentleman.
Gear-heart. Then faid Mr. Great heart, Good G what, haft thou for iupper ? for thefe pilgrims have come far to day, and are wearv.
Gaius. It is late, faid Gaius, fo we cannot conveni- ently go out to feek food ; but fuch as we have, you ihall be welcome to, f that will content you.
Great-heart. We will be content with whiit thou halt in the houfe ; forasmuch as I have proved thee thou art never deftitute of that which is convenient.
Then he went rown and fpake to the cook, whofe name WasTafte-that-which-i?-good 10 get ready fupper for lo many pilgrims. This done, he comes up again,
(n) It is a blessed thing to take every alarm, and to be on pur sruard. Hereby many clangers are avoided, and many evils prevented. Watch, is the word of the Captain of our salvation.
2 Q 2
308 the pilgrim's progress.
faying, Come, my good friends, you are welcome to me and I am glad that I have a houfe to entertain you ; and while fupper is making ready, if you pleafe, let us entertain one another with fome good difcou rfe : so they all faid, Content (o).
Gaius Then faid Gaius, Whofe wife is this aged matron? and whofe daughter is this young damfel ?
Great-heart. The woman is the wife of one Chjciftian, a pilgrim in former times; and thefe are four chil- dren. The maid is one of her acquaintances one that ihe hath perfuaded to come with her on pilgrimage.— The bovs take ail after their father, and covet to tread in his fteps : yea, if they do but fee any place where the old pilgrim hath, lain or any print of his foot, it miniftereth joy to their hearts, and they covet to lie or tread in the fame.
Gaius. Then faid Gaius, Is this Chrifliana, and are thefe Chriftian's children ? I knew your hufband's father, yea, alfo his father's father. Many have been good of this flock j their anceflors first dwelt at Anti- och*. Chriftiana's progenitors I (fuppofe you have heard your husband talk of them) were very worthy men. They have, above any that I know, fhewed themfelves men of great virtue and courage, for the Lord of the pilgrims his ways, and them that love him. I have heard of many of your hufband's relations, that have flood all trials for the fake of the truth. Stephen, that was one of the first of the family from whence your husband sprang, was knocked on the head with ftones, Acts vii. 59, 60. xii. 8. James, another of this gener- ation was flam with the edge of the fword. To fay nothing of Paul aud Peter men anciently of the family from whence your husband came; there was Ignatius, who was caft to the lions ; Romanus, whofe flefh was cut by pieces from his bones ; and Polycarp, that played the man in the fire. There W3s he that was hanged up
* Acts xi. 12.
(o) How does this reprove many professors of this day, who can meet together, and that about every trifle, but have not one word to speak for precious Christ, his glorious truths, and holy ways !
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 309
in a basket in the fun, for the wafps to eat ; and he who they put into a fack, and call him into the fea to be drowned. It would be utterly impoffible to count up all that family that have fuffered injuries and death for the love of a pilgrim's life. Nor can I but be glad, to fee that thy husband has left behind him luch boys as thefe. I hope they will bear up their father's name, tread in their father's fteps, and come to their father's end.
Great-heart. Indeed. Sir, they are likely lads : they feem to chufe heartily their father's ways.
Gaius. That is it that I faid ; wherefore Chriftian's family is like fall to fpread abroad upon the face of the ground, and yet to be numerous upon the face of the earth : wherefore let Chriftiana look out fome damfels for her fons, to whom they may be betrothed, &c. that the name of their father and the houfe of his progeni- tors may never be forgot in the world.
Hon. It is pity his family fhould fall and be extinct.
Gaius. Fall it cannot, but be diminifhed it may : but let Chriftiana take my advice, and that's the way to uphold it.
And, Chriftiana, faid this innkeeper, I am glad to fee thee and thy friend Mercy together here, a lovely couple. And may I advife, Take Mercy into a nearer relation to thee : if fhe will let her be given to Mat- thew, thy eldeft fon : it is the way to preferve a pofte- rity in the earth : fo this match was concluded, and in a procefs of time they were married : but more of that hereafter.
Gaius alio proceeded, and faid, I will now fpeak on the behalf of women, to take away their reproach. For as death and the curfe came into the world by a woman, Gen. iii. fo alfodid life and health : iC God lent forth his Son, made of a woman," Gal. iv. Yea, to fliew how- much thofe that came after did abhor the act of the mother, this fex in the Old Teftament coveted children, if happily this or that woman might be the mother of the Saviour of the world. I will fay again, that when the Saviour was come, women rejoiced in him before either man or angel, Luke ii. viii. 2, 3. John xi, 2. ii. 3.
3*® THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.
Luke xxii 27. Matt, xxvii. 55, §6, 60 Luke xxiv- 22.23. I read not, every man did give unto Cbrift fo much as one groat: but women fallowed him, and miniftereth to him or their fubftanee. It was a woman that warned his feet with tears, and a woman (hat anoint- ed his body to the burial, f hey were women t hat wept, when he was going to the crof ; and women that foU lowed him from the crofs ,and that fait by his sepulchre when he was buried. They were women that were first with h;m at the refurrection morn : and women that brought tidings first to his difciples, that- he was r fen from the dead. Women therefore are highly fa- voured, and fhew by thefe things, that they are fharers with us in the grace of life.
Now the cook fcivt uptofignify that fupper was al- moft ready : and ferit cMe to lay the cloth, and the trenchers, and to fet the fait and the bread in order.
Then fa id Mmhew, the fight of this cloth, and of this fore runner of the fupper, cegetteth in me a greater appetite to my food than I had before.
Gaius. So let all miniiterng doctrines to thee, in this life be-et in rhee a greater defire to fit at the fupper of the great King in his k'ngdom ; for all preaching, books, an ordinances here, are but as the laying of the trenchers, and as fetting of fait upon the board, when compared with the fVaft that our Lord will make us when we come to his houfe.
So fupper came up; and first, a heave-fhouider, and a wave bread*, were kt on the table before them : to iftcvv (hat they mud begin t\r^ meal with prayer and prVife to G d. The heave-fhoulder, David lifted his ht it up to God with; and with the wave breaft where his heart lay, with that he ufed to lean upon his harp, when he played. Thefe two dimes were very frelh nd good, and thev ail en heartily tnerof.
The next the/ brought up was a bottle of wine, as red as blood. SoGaius faid to them, Drink freely, this is : he true juice of the vine, that makes glad the heart of God and man. So they drank and w^re merry.
* Lev vii.3.2, 33,/3+»x.U 15". P,s. xxv. I. Heb. xiii. J? Deut. xxxii. 14. J'u'dg, lx. 13. Job xv. 5.
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. ^11
The next was a difh of milk well crumbled : so Gai- ns faida Let the boys have that, th >t they may grow thereby, i Pet. ii. i, 2.
Then they brought up in cou fe a difh of butter and honey.' Then laid Gaius, Eat freely of th s, for this is good to cheer up and ftrengthen your judgements and. understandings. This was our Lord's d:fh * when he was a child : he may know how to refufe the evil and chufe the go d/
Then they brought him up a difh ofapoles, and they were very g^od tailed fruit. Then raid Matthew, May we e?t apples, fince they were luch, by and with which the ferpent beguiled our first mother ?
Then faid Gaius
" Apples were they with which werwere tieguil'd,
" Yet sin, not apples hath our souls defile' d ;
" Apples forbid, if eat, corrupt the blood :
" To eat such, when commanded, doe us good ;
(i Drink or this flaggon, then, thou church his dove,
" And eat his apples who are sick of love."
Then faid Matthew, I made th" fcruple, becaufe I a while fince was fick with eating of fruit.
Gaius, Forbidden fruit will make you fick, but not ■what our Lord has tolera ed.
While they were thus talking, they were prefented, with another difh, and it was a difh of nuts f. Then faid fome at the cable, Nuts Ip il tender teeth, efpeci- ally the teeth of thechildn. n : which when Gaius heard, he faid :
" 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 ^ie meat ; " They are here brought for you to crack and eat."
Then they were very merry, and fat at the table a long time, talking of many things: then faid the old gentleman, My good landlord, while ye arc here
* Isai.vii, 15 fSongvi. 11
312 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
cracking your nuts, if you pleafe, do you open this rid« die (p).
(A riddle put forth by old Honeft)
" A man there was, (tho' some do count him mad) " The more he cast away, the more he had."
Then they all gave good heed, wondering what good Gaius would lay : {o they fat dill awhile, and then thus replied :
(Gaius opens it.)
" He, who thus bestows his goods upon the poor, " Shall have as much again, and ten times more."
Then faid Jofeph, i muft fay, Sir, I did not think you could have found it out.
Oh, faid Gaius, I have been trained up in this way a great while : nothing teaches l,ke experience: i have learned of rny Lord to be kind ; and have found by ex- perience, that I have gained thereby. fcattereth, yet increafeth ; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty j there is that maketh himfelf rich yet hath nothing j there is that maketh himfelf poor, yet hath great riches *."
Then Samuel whifpered to Chriftiana, his mother, and faid, Mo! her, This is a very good man's houfe -, let us flay here a good while, and let my brother Matthew be married here to Mercy, before we go any farther (q)
The which Gaius the holt overhearing, faid, with a very good will, my child.
So they itaid here more than a month, and Mercy Was given to Matthew to wife.
* Prov. ix 24. yiii. 7.
(p) Observe here, the feast of pilgrims was attended with mirth. Christians may, they ought, yea, they have the greatest reason to Be merry; but then it ought to be spiritual mirth which springs bom spiritual views and spiritual conversation. Let our speech be thus seasoned, am" our feasts thus tempered, and we shall find more joy and gladness of heart in the Lord.
(c.) Here is a genuine discovery of a gracious heart : when it 's delighted with spiritual company and conversation, and lenosior its continuance. Is it so with you ?
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 3l 3
While they Raid here, Mercy, as her cuftom was, would be making coats and garments to give to the poor, by which Pne brought a very good report upon pilgrims.
But to return again to our ftory : After ("upper the ladsdefired a bed, for they were weary with travelling : then Gaius called to fhew them their chamber: 'but faid Mercy, 1 will have them to bed. So fhe had them to bed, and they flepc well: but the reft fat up all night : for Gaius and they were fuch fukable compani- ons, that they could not tell how to part. Then after much talk of their Lord, themfelves and their journey- old Mr. Honeft, he that put forth the riddle to Gaius, began to nod. Then faid Great-heart, *hat, Sir you begin to be drowfy : come rub up, now here is a riddle for you (r)„ Then faid, Mr. Honeft, Let us hear it.
Then faid Mr. Great-heart,
(A Riddle.)
"He that would kill, must first be overcome : "Who live abroad would, first must die at home."
Ha ! said Mr. Honeft, it is a hard ode, hard to ex- pound, and harder to practife. Bur come, landlord, iald he, I will, if you pleafe, leave my part to you : do you expound it, and I will hear what you fay.
No faid Gaius, it was put to you, and it is expected you fnould anfvver it.
Then faid the old gentleman,
(The riddle opened.)
"He first by grace must conqured be,)
"That sin would mortify : "Who, that he lives, would convince me,
"Unto himself must die," [s]
(r) Mind this : When one pilgrim observes, that a brother is inclined to be drowsy, it is his duty, and should be his prac- tise, to endeavour to awaken, quicken, and enliven, and stir tip such, by spiritual flints. O that this was more practised ! Many blessings would be consequent upon it.
(s) O tins dying to self, to self-righteous pride, vain con- fidence, the power of free-will, self love; and self-compla-
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3I4 TH£ pilcrim's progress.
It is right laid Gaius : good doctrine and experience teach this. For, firft, until grace difplayg kfeif, and overcomes the foul with its glorv, it is altogether with our heart to oppofe fin ; befides; if sin is Satan's cords, by which the foul lies bound, how mould it make re- siftance, before it isloofed from that infirmity ?
Secondly, Nor will any, that knows either reafon or grace, believe that fuch a man can be a living monn- ment of grace, that is a flpve to his own corruption ?
And now it comes in my mind, I will tell you a ftory worth the hearing. There were two men that went on pilgrimage, the one began when he was young, the other when he was old : the young man had ftrong cor- ruptions to grapple with, the old man's were weak with the. decays of nature j the young man trod his fteps as even did the old one, and was every way as light as he who now, or which of them, had their graces mining cleareft, fince both feemcd to be alike ?
Hon. The young man's, doubtless. For that which heads it againft the greatett oppofition, gives beft de- monftration that it is ftrongeft : cfpecially when it alfo holdeft pace with that which meets not with half fo much ; as to be sure old age does not.
Befides, 1 have obferved, that all men have bleffed themselves with this miftake : namely, taking the de- cays of nature for a gracious conqueft over corruptions, and fo have been apt to beguile themfeives. Indeed old men, that are gracious, are bed able to give advice to them that are young, because they have feen moft of the emptinefs of things : but yet for an old and a young man to fet out both together, the young one has the advantage of the faireit difcovery of a work of grace within him, though the old man's corruptions are naturally the weakeft.
Thus they fat talking till break of day. Now when the family was up, Chriftiana bid her fon James that he
cency, is hard work to the old man : yea, it is both imprac- ticable and impossible to him. It is only grace that can con- quer and subdue him. And where grace reigns, this work is tarried on day by day. For the old man of sin, and self- righteousness, still lives;in. us.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. ^1$
mould read a chapter: fo he read the 51th of Ifaiah When he had done; Mr. Honefl: afked why it was faid "that the Saviour is faid to come out of a dry ground," and alfo, "that he had no form or eomlinefs in him."
Great-heart. Then faid Mi. Great-heart : To the first, I anfwer, Because the church of the Jews, of which Chri(t came, had then almoftloft all the fap and fpirit of religion. To the fecond. I fay, the words are fpoken in the perfon of the unbeliever, who, becaufe they want the eye that can see into our princes heart, therefore they judge of him by the meanness of his out- fide.
Juft like thofe, that know not that precious ftones are covered over with a homely cruft ; who, when rhey have found one, because they know not what they have found, caft ir away, as men do a common ftone.
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 in the fields, to see if we can do any good. About a mile from hence, there is one Slay good a giant that doth much annoy the king's highway in these parts and I know where about his haunt is, he is mafter of a number of thieves: it would be well if we could clear these parts of him ft),
So they consented; and went, Mr. Great-heart with sword; helmet and shield, and the reft 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 umohim, having taken him in the way: now the giant was riffling him, with a purpose after that, to pick his bones; for he was of the nature of fleflv eaters.
Well, so soon as he saw Mr. Great-heart, and his friends at the mouth of the cave, with their weapons^ he demanded what they wanted.
(t) After feeding, pilgrims are to prepare for fighting. —
They are not to eat, in order to pamper their lusts, but to
strengthen their souls, that they may be strong in the Lord, and
in the power of his might, to fight and comjuer every enemy,
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316 the pilgrim's progress*
Great-heart. We want thee, for we are come to re- venge the quarrels of the many that thou haft flain of the pilgrim's, when thou haft dragged them out of the king's highway ; wherefore come out of thy cave. So he armed hirnfelf and came out ; and to battle they went, and fought foe above an hour, and then ftood Hill to take wind.
Slay. Then faid the Giant, Why are you here on my ground ?
Great-heart. To revenge the blood of pilgrims, as 1 told thee before ; fb they went to it again, and the Gi- ant made Mr. Great-heart give back j but he came up again, and in the greatnefs of his mind he let fly with fuch ftoutnefs at -the. Giant's head and fides, that he. made him let his weapon fall out of his hand \ fo that he fmote and flew him, and cutoff his, head, and brought it away to the inn. Healfo took Feeble-mind the pilgrim and brought him with him to. his lodgings, When thev were come home, they {hewed his head to the family and fet it up, as they had done others before, for a terror to thofe thatihall attempt to do as he here after.
Then they aiked Mr Feeble-mind how he fell into his hands?
Feeble-mind.. Then faid the poor man, I am a fickly man, as you fee, and becaufe. death did ufually once a day knock at my door, I thought I mould never be well at home ; fo I betook myfelf to -a pilgrim's life ; and have travelled here from the town of Uncertain, where I and my father was born. I am a man of no ftrength at all of body, nor yet of mind; but' would if 1 could, though I can but crawl, fpend my life in the pilgrim's way (u). When I came at the" Gate that is at the head of the way, the Lord of that place did entertain me freely ; nieth.er objected he againft my weakly looks nor againft my feeble mind : but gave me fuch things
(u) All pilgrims are not alike vigorous, strong, and lively, Some are weak, ereep and crawl en in the ways "or the Lord, Ho matter ; if there he but a pilgrim's heart, all shall be well, at last ; for Omnipotence itself is for me ; and then we may boldlv ask, Who shall be against us ?
THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS. $1J
as were neceffary for my journey, and bid me hope to the end. When I came to the houfe of the Interpreter, I received much kindnefs there; and becaufe the hill Difficu'ty was judged too hard for me, I was carried up that by one of his fervants. Indeed 1 have found much relief from pilgrims, though none was willing to go foftly as I am forced to do: yet ftill as they came on, they bid me be of good cheer, and faid, that it was the will of their Lord, that comfort fhould be given to the feeble-minded'*, and lb went on their own pace. When 1 was come to AfTauit-lane, then this Giant met with me, and bid me prepare for an encounter: but, alas ! feeble one that 1 was, 1 had more need of a cordial : fo he came up and took me. I conceived he fhould not kill me : alfo when he had got me info the den, fince I went not with him willingly, 1 believed 1 mould come out alive again ; for I have heard, that not any pilgrim, that is taken captive by violent hands, if he keeps heart- whole towards his mafter, is, by the laws of Providence to die by the hand of the enemy. Robbed I looked to be, and robbed to be fure 1 an?., but I am, as you fee, efcaped with life, for the which I thank my King as au- thor, and you as the means. Other brunts I alfo look for ; bur this I have refolved on, to wit, to run when I can, to go when I cannot run, and to creep when I can- not go. As to the main, I thank him that loved me, I am fixed : my war is before me, my mind is beyond the river that has no bridge, though I am, as you fee, but of a feeble-mind (x).
Hon. Then faid old Mr. Honeft, Have not you fome time ago been acoxuainted with one Mr. Fearing, a pil- grim ?
Feeble. Acquainted with him ? Yes : he caine from the town of Stupidity, which lieth four degrees north-
* 1 Thes. v. 4.
(x) What a sweet simple relation is here ! Dcth it not suit many a feehle-mi ruled christian ' Poor son!, weak as he was, yet his Lord provided against his danger, lie sent some strong ones to his deliverance, and to slay Ins enemy. JVimd his be- lief, even in hi-s utmost extremity. Learn somewhat from this feeble-minded.
3 13 the pilgrim's progress.
ward of the City of Definition, and as many off where I was born j yet we were well acquainted, for indeed he was my uncle, my father's brother; he and I have been much of a temper : he was a little fhorter than I, but yet were much of a complexion.
Hon. I perceive you know him : and I am apt to believe alfo, that you were related one to another, for you have his whitely look, a caft like his with your eye, and your ipeech is much alike.
Feeble, Molt have faid fo, that have known us both ; and befides, what I have read in him, I have for the mod part found in'myfelf.
Gaius. Come, Sir, faid good Gaius, be of good cheer, you are welcome, to me, and to my house, and what thou haft a mind to, call for freely ; and what thou wouldeft have my fervants do for thee, they will do it with a ready mind.
Then faid Mr. Feeble-mind, This is an unexpected favour, and as the fun mining out of a very dark cloud. Did Giant Slay good intend me this favour when he ftopt me, and refolved to let me go no farther ? Did he intend, that after he had rifled my pocket, I fhould go to Gaius mine hoft ? Yet fo it is (y).
Nbw juft as Mr. Feeble-mind and Gaius were thus in talk, there comes one running, and called at the door, and told, that about a mile and a half off there was one Mr. Not-right, a pilgrim, ftruck dead upon the place where he was, with a thunder bolt.
Feeble. Alas! faid Mr. Feeble-mind, is he flain ? He overtook me fome days before i came fo far as hither, and would be my companion-keeper he alro was with me when Slay-good took me, but he was nimble of his heels, and eicaped : but, it ieems, he eicaped to die, and I was taken to live (z).
(y) O how sweet to reflect, the most gigantic enemy shall be conquered, and their most malicious designs shall be over- ruled for our good : yea, what they intended for our ruin, shall be made to work for our health ana prosperity.
(z) See the various dealings of God, and more and more adore him in all his ways of providence and grace : • " Know all the ways of God to men are just ; "And, where you can't urn id die, learn to trust."
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS SlQ
(C What, one would think, doth seek to slav outright,
" Oft-times delivers from she saddest plight.
" That very providence, whose face is death,
" Doth oft-times to the lowly life bequeath :
" I taken was, he did escape and Hee :
" Hands cross1 d give death to him, and life to me,"
Now about this time Matthew and Mercy were mar- ried; alfo Gaius gave his daughter Phcebe to James, to wife ; after which time they ftaid about ten days at Gaius' houfej (pending their time, and the feafons, like as pilgrims used to do.
When they were to depart, Gaius, made them a feaft, and they did eat and drink, and were merry. Now the hour was come that they mult be gone; wherefore Mr. Great-heart called for a reckoning. But Gaius told him, thatat his houfe it was not the custom of pilgrims to pay for their entertainment. He boarded them by the year, but looked for his pay from the Good Samari- tan, who had promised him at his return, whatfoever charge he was at with them, faithfully to repay him*. Then faid Mr. Great-heart to him;
Great- heart. Beloved, c foever thou doe (I to the brethren and to strangers, which have born witnefs of thy charity before the church, whom if thou (yet) bring forward on theirjour- tiey: after a godly fort, thou shalt do well.f"
Then Gaius took his leave of them all, and his chil- dren, and particularly of Mr Feeble-mind j he alfo gave him fortieth ing to drink by the way.
Now Mr. Feeble mind, when they were going out at the door, made as if he intended to linger. The which when Mr. Great-heart efpied, he fu'd, Come, Mr. Feebie-mind, pray do you go along with us, I will be your conductor and you lhall fare as the reft.
Feeble. Alas! I 'want a fuitable companion ; you are all lufty and ftrong; but I, as you see, am weak ; I chufe therefore rather to come behind, lead by reafon of my many infirmities, I should be both a burden to my- felf and to you. I am as I laid, a man of a weak and
*■ ' Luke x 34, 26. f John v, 6.
320 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
feeble mind, and fhall be offended and made weak at that which others can bear. 1 fhall like no laughing : I fhall like no gay attire : I fhall like no unprofitable queftions. Nay, I am fo weak a mart, as to be offended with that which others have liberty to do. I do not know all the truth : I am a very ignorant chriftian man : fometimes, if I hear any rejoice in the Lord, it troubles .me, becaufe I cannot do fo too. It is with me, as it is with a weak man among the ftrong, or as a lamp des- pifed (he that is ready to flip with his fectj is as a lamp defpifed in the thought of him that is at eafe * -, ) fo I know not what to do (z).
Great-heart. But, brother, faid Mr. Great-heart, I have it in commiffion to comfort the feeble-minded, and to fupport the weak f. You must needs go along with us : we will wait for you, we will fend you ©ur help : we will deny ourfeives of fome things, both opinionative and practical, for your fake ; we will not enter Jnto doubtful difputation before you ; we will be made all things to you, rather ihan you Jhall be left behind J (a)
Now all this while they were at Gaius's door; and behold, a^ they were thus in die heat of their difcourfe, Mr. Ready- to halt came by, with his crutches in his hand, and he alfo was going on pilgrimage.
Feeble. Then faid Mr. Feeble mind to him, How camefr: thou hither ? I was but now complaining, that I had not a fuitable companion, but thou art according to my wifh. Welcome, welcome, good Mr. Ready-to halt, I hope thou and I may be of fome help.
Ready-to halt. I mall be glad of thy company, faid the other j and good Mr. Feeble-mind, rather than we
* Job xii 5.
-J- i Thess. v. 15. Rom. xiv. 1 Cor vii. 9—22.
i Ps. xxxviii. 16.
(z) What an open ingenuous confession is here ! though feeble in mind, he was strong in wisdom and sound judgment.
(a) O that this were more practised among christians of different standings, degrees, and judgment ? If they who are strong, were thus to bear with the weak, as they ought, hew much more love, peace, and unanimity, would prevail?
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. . 321
will part, fince we are thus happily met, I will lend thee one of my crutches (b).
Feeble. Nay, faid he though I thank thee for thy goodwill, I am inclined to halt before I am lame. — Howbeit, I think, when occafion is it may help me againft a dog.
Ready-to-halt. If either bimfelf or my crutches can do to thee a pleafure, we sre both at thy command, good Mr. Feeble-mind.
Thus therefore they went on. Mr. Great-heart and Mr. Honefr went before, Chriftiana and the children went next, and Mr. Feeble-mind and Mr. Ready-to- halt came behind with his crutches. Then faid Mr. Honeft,
Hon. Pray, Sir, now we are upon the road, tell us fome profitable things of fame that have gone on pil- grimage before us.
Great-heart. With a good will. I fuppose you have heard how Chriftian of old did meet with Apollyon in the Valley of Humliation, and alfo what hard work he had to go through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Alfo I think you cannot but have heard how Faithful was put to it by Madam Wanton with Adam the Firfr, with one Difcontent and Shame : four as deceitful vil- lains as a man can meet with upon the road.
Hon. Yes, I believe I heard of all this ; but indeed good Faithful was hardeft put to it with fhamej he was an unwearied one.
Great-heart. Aye : for, as the pilgrim well faid, he of all men had the wrong name.
Hon. But pray, Sir where was it that Chriftian and Faithful met Talkative ? That fame was also a notable one.
Great-heart. He was a confident fool, yet many fol- low nisways.
Hon. he had like to have beguiled Faithful.
Great heart. Ay, but Chriftian put him into a way
(b) Excellent! See the nature of Christian love even to be ready to spare to a brother, what we ourseles have occa- sion for. Love looketh not at the things of our own, to pro- vide for the wants of others.
No. 9. 2 S
322 THE. PILGRIMS PROGRESS.
quickly to find him out. Thus they went on till they came to the place where Evangelift met with Chrifti- an and Faithful, and prophefied to them what mould befal them at Vanity Fair.
Great-heart. Then faid their Guide, Hereabouts did Chriftian and Faithful meet with Evangelift, who pro- phefied to them of what troubles they fhould meet with at Vanity-Fair.
Hon, Say you fo ? I dare fay it was a hard chapter that then he read unto them.
Great-heart, it was fo,but he gave them encourage- ment withal. But why do we talk of them ? they were a couple of lion-iike men ; they had fet their faces like Hints. Do not you remember how undaunted they were when they ftood before the judge ? Hon Well, Faithful bravely fuffered. Great-heart. So he did, and as brave things came on*c ; for Hopeful and fome others, as the ftory relates were converted by his death,
Hon. Well, but pray go on 5 for yon are well ac- quainted with things (c).
Great-heart. Above all that Chriftian met with after he had paiTed through Vanity-Fair, one By-ends was the arch one, Hon. By-ends ! What was he ? Great-heart. A very arch fellow, a downright hypo- crite; one that would be religious, which way ever the world went ; but fo cunning, that he would be fure never to l.ofc or fuffer for it.
He had his mode of religion for every freih occafion and his wife was as good at it as he. He would turn from opinion to opinion ; yea, and plead for fo doing too. But, as far. as I could learn, he came to an ill end with his by-ends ; nor did I ever hear, that any of his children were ever of any efteem with any that truly fear God.
(c) Nothing more profitable, than conversing on the faith valour, and success of those who have gone before us, with their trials, enemies and dangers ; yet how gloriously they fought their way through all, and came off more than con- querors over all. Pilgrims love to hear these things.
The pilgrim's progress. 323
Now by this time they were come within fight of the town of Vanity, where Vanity Fair is kept. So when they faw that theywere fo near the town, they confut- ed one with another how they fnould pais through the town : and fome faid one thing and fome another. At lad Mr. Great-heart laid, I have as" you may under- ftand, often been a conductor of pilgrims through this town : now I am acquainted with one Mr. Mnafon, a Cyprufian by nation and an old difciple, at whofe houfe we may lodge. If you think good, faid he, we will turn in there (d).
Content, laid old Honed : Content, faid Curidiana ; Content, faid Mr. Feeble-mind; and fo they faid ail. Now you moft think, it was even-tide by that they got to the out-fide of the town ; but Mr. Great- heart knew the way to the old man's houfe. So thither they came * and he called at the door and the old man within knew his tongue fo foon as ever he heard it : fo he opened and they all came in. Then laid Mnafon, their hod, How far have ye come to-day ? So they faid, From the houfe of Gaius your friend. I promife you, faid he, you have gone a good ditch, you may well be weary j fit down. So they fat down.
Great-heart. Then faid their Guide, Come what cheer good Sirs ? I dare fay you are welcome to my friend.
Mnalon. I alfo, faid Mr. Mnalon, do bid you wel- come $ and whatever you want, do but say, and we will dovv'hat we can to get it lor you.
Honed. Our great want, awhile fmce, was harbour and good company, and now I hope we have both (e)
Mnafon. For harbour, you fee what it is ; bui for good company, that will appear in the trial.
Great-heart. Well, faid Mr. ©reat- heart, will you have the pilgrims into their lodging.
(d) How happy to find a Louse in Vanity-Fair, whoso master will reeieve and entertain pilgrims. Blessed be God for the present revival of religion in our day; and For l he many houses that are open to the friends of the Lamb. The hearts of the masters of which he opens.
(e) Under all our wants, may we not say with our father Abraham :
2 S
^24 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
Mnafon, I will, faid Mr. Mnafon. So he had them to their refpeclive places : and also fhewed them a very fair dining room, where they may be, and fup together until time was come to go to reft.
Now when they were fet in their places, and were a little cheery afier their journey, Mr. Honed afked his landlord, if there were any Itore of good people in the town ?
Mnafon. We have a few, for indeed they are but a few, when compared with them on the other fide.
Honeflr. But how fhouid we do to fee iome of them ? for the fight of good men to them that are going on pilgrimage, is like to the appearing of the moon and liars to them that are going on a journey (f).
Mnafon. Then Mr. Mnafon ftamped with his foot and his daughter Grace came up; fo he faid unto her Grace, go you, tell my friends, Mr. Contrite, Mr Ho- ly-man, Mr. Love-faints, Mr. Dare not-lye, and Mr. Penitent ; that I have a friend or two at my houfe that have a mind this evening to fee them.
So Grace went to call them, and they came ; and after falutation made, they fat down together at the table.
Then faid Mr. Mnafon, their landlord, My neigh- bours, I have as you fee, a company of Grangers come to my houfe : they are pilgrims : they come from afar, and are going to Mount Sion. Bur. who, quoth he, do you think this is ? pointing his Bnger at Chriftiana, it is Chriftiana, the wife of Chriftian, that famous pilgrim, who with Faithful his brother, were so fhamefully handled in our town. At that they flood amazed, fay- ing, We little thought to fee Chriftiana, when Grace came to tell us : wherefore this is a very comfortable furprise. Then they afked her about her welfare, and if thefe young men were her hufband's fons. And when fhe had told them they were they faid, The King
(f) The enquiry of disciples after suitable company, dis- covers that they, with David, love the Lord's saints ; and the excellent of the earth, is all their deiigfit3 Fs* xvi. 8a A genuine discovery this of a gracious heart.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 32$
whom you love and serve, make you as your father, and bring you where he is in peace, (g)
Hon. Then Mr. Honed (when they were all fat down) afked Mr. Contrite, and the reft, what post- ture their town was at prefent ?
Contrite. 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 cumber'd condition. He that livesin fuch a place as this, and has to do with fuch as we have, has need of an item, to caution him to take heed every moment of the day (h).
Hon. But how are your neighbours now for quiet- ness ?
Contrite. They are much more moderate now than formerly. You know how Chriftian and Faithful were ufed at our town : but of late, I fay, thev have been far more moderate. I think the blood of Faithful lieth as a load upon them till now ; for fmce they burned him they have been aihamed to burn any more ; in thofe days we were afraid to walk the ftreets, but now we can mow 'our heads. Then the name of pro fe fib r was odious ; now, efpecially in fome parts of our town (for you know our town is large) religion is counted honourable (i).
Then faid Mr. Contrite to them, Pray how fareth it with you in your pilgrimage ? How Hand the country affected towards you ?
Hon. It happens to us as it hath happened to wayfar- ing men, iometimes our way is clean, fometimes foul fometimes up hill, fometimes down hill j we are feldom at a certainty : the wind is not always on our backs, nor is every one a friend that we meet with in our way.
We have met with some notable rubs alreadv j and
(g) A precious prayer for the best of blessings.
(h) Mind this hint. May it kindle a sense of danger, and excite caution.
(i) It is a mercy, when open persecution for the word abates, and religion is more respected ; but uias ! how do professors in such times get cold and dead, grow formal and worldij'. The smiles of the town of Vanity, often prove more injurious than its frowns. Be on your gaurd, O pilgrims.
3^6 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
what are yet behind, we know not; but for the moft part, we find it true that has been talked of old, A good man mud suffer trouble.
Contrite. You talK. of rubs : What rubs have you met withal ?
Hon. Nay, afk Mr. Great-heart, our Guide for (he can give the beft account of that.
Great-heart. We have been befet three or four times already. Fir ft, Chriftiana and her Children were befet with two ruffians, that they feared would take away their lives. We were befet with Giant, Bloody-man Giant Maul, and Giant Slay-good. Indeed we did rather befet the laft, than were befet of him. And thus it was : After we had been fometime in the houie of Gaius, mine heft, and of the whole church, we were minded upon a time to take our weapons with us, and io go fee if we could light upon any of thofe that were enemies to pilgrims, for we heard that there was a no^ table one thereabouts. Now Gaius knew his huant better than I, becaufe he dwelt thereabouts ; fo we looked and looked, till at laft we difcerned the mouth of his cave ; then we were glad, and plucked up our fpirits, So we approached up to his den ; and lo, when we came there, he had dragged, by mere force into his net, this poor man, Mr Feeble-mind, and was about to bring him to his end. But when he saw us, fuppofing, as he thought, he had another prey ; he left the poor man in his houfe, and came out. So we fell to it full fore, and he luftily laid about him j but in conclufion, he was brought down to the ground, and his head cut off, and fet up by the wa\ ■-fide, for a terror to fuch as ihould after practice fuch ungodiinefs. That I tell you the truth, here is the man himfelfto affirm it, who was as a Iamb taken out of the mouth of the lion.
Feeble mind. Then faid Mr. Feeble mind, I find this true, to my coft and comfort : to my coil when he threatened to pick my bones every moment j and to my comfort when 1 saw Mr. Great heait and his friends with their weapons, approach fo near to my deliverance.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 327
Holy-man. Then faid Mr. Holyman, There are two things that they have need to be poffeffed of, that go on pilgrimage ; courage and unfpotted life. If they have not courage, they can never hold on their way ; and if their lives be loofe, they will make the very name of a pilgrim flink (k).
Love-faint. Then faid Mr. Love-faint, I hope this caution is not needful among you. But truly there are many that go upon the road, that rather declare them- felves ftrangers to pilgrimage, than ftrangers and pil- grims in the earth.
Dare-not-lye. Then faid Mr. Dare-not-lye, It is true, they neither have the pilgrim's weed, nor the pilgrim's courage ; they go not uprightly, but all awry with their feet ; one moe goeth inward, another outward, and their hofen out behind; here a rag, and there a rent, to the difparagement of their Lord (1\
Penitent. Thefe things, faid Mr. Penitent, they ought to be troubled for ; nor are the pilgrims like to have that grace upon them and their pilgrim's prc-grefs, as they desire, until the way is cleared of fuch fpots and blemifhes.
Thus they fat talking and fpending their time until fupper was fet upon the table. Unto which they went, and refrefned their weary bodies ; fo they went to rest. Now they ftay'd in the fair a great, while, at the houfe of Mr. Mnafon, who in procefs of time gave his daughter Grace unto Samuel, Chriftian's fon, to wife, and his daughter Martha to jofeph.
The time, as I faid, that they lay here, was long, (for it was not now as in former times) Wherefore the pil- grims grew acquainted with many of the good people of the town, and did them what fervice they could. Mer- cy, as (he was wont, laboured much for the poor ; wherefore their bellies and backs bleffed her, and fhe was there an ornament to her profession. And, to fay
(k) This is a sound speech. Lord grant, that we, who profess the holy name, may take good heed to this. It is a word of conviction to many.
(!) An excellent observation, and a just reproof. May it carry conviction to the heart of those it suits.
Sag the pilgrim's progress.
the truth of Grace, Phcebe, and Martha, they were all of a very good nature, and did much good in their places. They were alfo all of them very faithful j fo that Chriftian's name, as was faid before, was like to live in the world.
While they lay here, there came a monfter out of the woods, and flew n*any of the people of the town. It would alfo carry away their children, and teach them to fuck its whelps. Now no man in the town durft fo much as face this monfter j but all men fled when they heard of the noife of his coming.
The monfter was like unto no one beaft upon the earth : its body was like a dragon, and it had {even horns*. " It made a great havook of children, and yet it was governed by a woman." This monfter propound- ed conditions to men; and fuch men as loved their lives more than their fouls, accepted of thofe condi- tions (m).
Now Mr. Great-heart, together with thefe who came to vifit the pilgrims at Mr. Mnafon's h-oufe, entered in- to a covenant to go and engage this beaft, if perhaps they might deliver the people of this town from the paws and mouth of this so devouring ferpent.
Then did Mr. Great-heart, Mr. Contrite, Mr. Holy- man, Mr. Dare-not-lye, and Mr. Penitent, with their weapons, go forth to meet him. Now the monfter, at firft, was very rampant, and looked upon these enemies with great difdain j but they fo belaboured him, being fturdy men at arms, that they made him retreat : fo they came home to Mr. Mnafon's houfe again.
The monfter, you muft know, had his certain feafons to come outat, and to make his attempt upon the chil- dren of the people of the town : alfo at thefe feafons, did thefe valiant worthies watch him, and did continu- ally affault him j in so much that in procefs of time he became not only wounded, but lame j alfo he had not made the havock of the townfmen's children as former
* Rev. xii. 3.
(m) I suppose the author here means that horrid monster Popery.
THE l/ILGRIM's PROGRESS. 320
iy he has done. As it is verily believed by fome, that this beast will certainly die of his wounds.
This therefore mads Mr. Great-heart and his fellows of great fame in this town ; so that many of the people that wanted their tafte of things, yet had a reverend esteem and refpect for them. Upon this account there- fore it was, thatthefe pilgrims got not much hurt here. True, there were some of the bafer sort, that could see no more than a mole, nor underftand no more than a beaft : thefe had no reverence for thefe men, nor took they notice of their valour and adventures.
Well, the time grew on that the pilgrims must go on their way, therefore they prepared for their journey. Then lent for their friends, they conferred with them ; they had fome time set ap?rt 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 wo- men and m:n, and so laded them with such things as were neceiTary, Acts xviii. io.
Then they fet forward on their way; and the friends accompanying them fo far as was convenient, they again committed each other to the protection of their King, and departed.
They therefore, that were of the pilgrims company, went on, and Mr. Great heart went before them; now the women and children being weakly, they were forced to go as they could bean by this means Mr. Readv-to halt and Mr. Feeble mind had more to sympathize with their condition.
When they were gone from the townsmen, and when their friends had bid t'-.em farewell, they quickly came to the place whae Faithful was put to death; therefore they made a stand, and thanked him that had enabled them to bear his crofs so well; and the rather because they now found that they had a benefit by fuch a man's sufferings as his was.
They went on therefore, after this, a good way fur- ther talking of Chrifti-m and Faithful ; and now Hope- ful joined himself to Chrifiian., after that Faithful was dead*
2 T
SjO TEE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS.
Now, the-/, were come up to the hill Lucre, where the silver mine was, which took Dernas off from his pil- grimage, and into which, as feme think, By-end fell and perifhed : wherefore they confidered that. But when they were come to the old monument that stood over against the hill Lucre, to, wit, the pillar of fait, that stood alfo within view of Sodom and its stinking kke; they marvelled as did Chriftian before, that men of thac knowledge and ripenefs of wir, as they were, mould be so blind as to turn afide here. Only they considered again, that nature is not effected with the harms that others have met with efpecially if that thing, upon which they look, has an attracting virtue upon the foolifh eye.
I saw now that they went on, till they came to the river that was on this side of the Delectable Moun- tains.
To the river where the fine trees grow on both sides: and whofe leaves if taken inwardly, are good against surfeits, Psalm xxiii. where the meadows are green all the year long, and where they might lye down fafely. By this riverside, in the meadows, there were cotes and folds for fheep, a house built for the nourifhing and bringing up of thofe lambs, the babes of thofe woman that go on pilgrimage, Heb v, i. Ha. vi. it. Alfo there was here one that was entrusted with them, who could have compassion, and that could gather thefe lambs wirh his arm, and carry them in his bofom, and that could gently lead thofe that were with young. Now to the care of this man Chriftiana admonished her four daughrers to commit their little ones, that by these waters they might be housed, harboured, succour- ed, and nourifhed, and that none of them might be lack- ing in the time to come. This Man, if any of them go aftray, or be lost, he will bring them again ; he will alfo bmd up that which was broken, and will strengthen them that are sick*. Here they will never want meat* drink, and cloathing : here they will be kept from thieves and robbers ; for this man will die before one of thofe committed to his trust mall be loft. Belides here
* Jtrxxiv. 4, E^od xxxiv. II. 19.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 3jl
they shall be sure to have good nature and admonition ; and fhall be taught to walk in right paths, and that you know is a favouour of no fmall account. Also here, as you see, are delicate waters, pleafant meadows, dainty- flowers, variety of trees, and such as bear wholesome fruit : fruit net like that which Matthew eat of, that fell over the wall out of Beelzebub's garden j but fruit that proceedeth health where there is none, and that conli- nueth and increaseth where it is (n).
So they were content to commit their little ones to him : and that which was also an encouragement to them so to do was, for that all this was to be at the charge of the king, and fo was an hospital for young children and orphans.
Now they went on; and when they were come to By-path-meadow, to the stile over which Chriftian went with his fellow Hopeful, when they were taken by Giant Despair, and put into Doubting Caftle : they sat down, and confulted what was beft to be done j to wit, now they were so ftrong, and had got such a man as Mr. Gteat-heart for their conductor, whether they had not beft make an atremptupon the Giant, demolifh his caftle, and .f there were any pilgrims in it, to set them at liberty, before they went any farther, So one faid one thing, and another said the contrary. One queftioned, if it was lawful to go upon confecrated ground; another faid, they might provide their end was good. But Mr. Great-heart faid, Though that as- sertion offered lalt cannot be univerfally true, yet I have a commandment to refist (in, to overcome evil, to fight the good fight of faith: and I pray, with whom fhould I fight this good fight, if not with Giant Def- pair ? I will therefore attempt the taking away of his life, and the demolifhing of Doubting Caftle. Then
(n) Here we frequently find our author sperking of our dear God and Saviour, as Man. He excels in this. It was to be wished, that authors and preachers wrote and spake cf the manhood of Jesus, who was a perfect Man, like unto us in all things except sin. The view and consideration of tins is sweet to faith, and endears our Saviour to our hearts,
33* *H'E PiS-GRfcfifS* PROGRESS
faid he, Who will go with me ?* Then faid old Ho- ned, I will. And io we will too, faid Chriftiana's four fons, Matthew, Samuel, James, and Jofeph : for they were young men, and ftrong.
So they left the women on the roadfand with them Mr. Feeble-mind, and Mr. Ready-to- halt with his crutches, to be their guard, until they came back, for in that place the Giant Defpair dwelt fo near, that keep- ing in the road, a little child might lead them.
So Mr Great-heart, old Honeft, and the four young men, went to go up to Doubting-Caftie, to look for Giant Defpair. When they came to the Caftle-gate, they knocked for entrance with an unufual noife. With that the old Giant comes to the Gate, and Diffidence his wife follows. Then faid he, Who, and what is he that is lb hardly, as after this manner, to moled the Giant- Defpair ? Mr Great-heart replied, It is 1, Great-heart one of the King of the Celeftial Country's conductors of pilgrims to their place and I demand of thee, that thou open thy gates for my entrance : prepare thyfelf alfo tofkht, for I am come to take away thy head, and to demoiiih Doubting-Caftie.
Now Giant Defpair, becaufe he was a giant, thought no man could overcome him j and again, thought he, Since heretofore I have made a conqueft of angels, fhall Great heart make me afraid ? So he harneiTed himfelf, and went on : he had a cap of (reel upon his head, a bread plate of fire girded to him, and he came out in iron fhoes, with a great club in his hand. Then thefc fix men made up to him, and befet him behind and be- fojej alfo when Diffidence, the giantefs, came up to help him, old Mr. Honeft cut her down at one blow. Then they fought for their lives, and Giant Defpair was brought down to the ground, but was very loth to die ; he ftruggled hard, and had, as they fay, as many lives as a cat j but Great-heart was his death, for he left him not till he had fevered his head from his fhoulders (o).
* I John ii 13, 14. f Isa. xi 6.
(o) What cannot Great-heart do ? What feats not perform? What victories not gain ? Who can stand before Great-hearts? Diffidence shall fall, and Giant Despair be slain, but the power
THE PILGRIM*S PROGRESS. ^33
Then they fell to demolifhing Doubting-Cadle, and that you know might with eafe be done, hnce Giant Defpair was dead. They were feven days in deftroying of th*t : and in it of pilgrims they found one Mr. Dif- r.ondency, almofl; ftarved to death, and one Much- afraid his daughter; thefe two they faved alive. But it would have made you wonder, to have feen the dead bodies that lay here and there in the Caftle-yard, and how full of dead men's bones the dungeon was.
When Mr. Great-heart and his companions had per- formed this exploit, they took Mr. Defdonpency, and his daughter Much afraid, into their protection, for they were honell people, though they were prifoners in Doubting Castle to Giant Defpair. They therefore, I fay, took with them the head of the Giant (for his body they had burried under a heap of (tones), and down to the road, and to their companions they came, and mew- ed them what they had done. Now when Feeble- mind and Ready-to- halt faw that was the head of Giant Defpair indeed, they were very jocund and merry. Now Chriftiano, if need was, could play upon a viol, and herdaugter Mercy upon a lute j so fmce they were fo merrily difposed, ihe played them a JeiT>n, and Ready-to-halt would dance. So he took Defpondency's daughter, Much-afraid, by the hand, and to dancing they went on the rode. True, he could not dance without one crutch in his hand : but I promife you he footed it well ; alfo the girl was to be commended, for (lie anfwered the mufic handfomely. As for Mr. Dcfpondency, the mufic was not fo much to him j he was for feeding rather then dancing, for that he was almoil ftarved. So Chriftiana gave hiin fome of her bottle of fpirits'for prefent relief, and then prepared him fomething to eat ; and jn alittie time the old gentlemen came to himfelf, and began to be finely revived.
of Great-heart, with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Eph. vi. n. even Despondency, though almost star- ved shall be delivered, and his daughter Much-afraid shall he rescued O for more of Great-heart's company !
334 the pilgrim's progress.
Now I few in my dream, when ail the things were finifhed, Mr. Great-heart took the head of Giant Dcf- pair, and set it upon a pole by the high-way-fide, right over againft the pillar that Chriftian erected for a, cau- tion to pilgrims that came after, to take heed of en- tering into his grounds.
(A MONUMENT of DELIVERANCE)
Then he wrote under it, ir$>on a marble-ftone, these verfes following :
" This is the head of him, whose name oaly,
* In former days, did pilgrims terrify.
*' His Castle's down ; * and Diffidence his wife,
" Bra%'« master Great-heart has bereft of life.
" Despondeney, his daughter Much-afraid,
" Great-heart for them also the man has play'd.
" Who hereof doubts, if' he'll but cast his eye
" Up hither, may his scruples satisfy.
" This head also, when doubting cripples dance,
" Doth shew from fears they have deliverance."
* Though Doubting-Castle be demolished, And the Giant Despair hath lost his head, Sin can rebuild the castle, and make it remain ; And make Despair the Giant live again.
When thofe men had thus bravely fhewed themfelves againft Doubting Caftle, and had flain Giant Despair, they went forward, and went on till they came to the Delectable Mountains, where Chriftian and Hopeful, reirefhed themfelves with the varieties of the place. They alfo acquainted themfelves with the Shepherds there, who welcomed them, as they had done Chriftian before, unto the Delectable Mountains.
Now the Shepherds seeing fo great a train follow Mr Great-heart (for with him they were wdi acquainted) they faid unto him, Good Sir, you have got a goodly company here : Pray where did you find ail thefe ?
(p) Excellent remark : Pray mind it.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 33$
(The GUIDE'S SPEECH to the SHEPHERDS.)
" First, here is Christiana and her train,
" Her sons and her sons wives, who, like the wain,
" Keep by the pole, and do by compass steer,
" From sin to grace, else they had not been here.
*' Next here's old Honest comes on pilgrimage ;
" Ileady-to-halt too, who, I dare engage,
" True-hearted is, and so is Feeble-mind,
" Who willing was not to be left behind.
" Despondency (good man) is coming after ;
" And so also is Much-afraid his daughter.
*• May we have entertainment here, or must
" We further go ? Let's know whereunto to trust.
Then faid the Shepherds, This is a comfortable com- pany j you are welcome to us, for we have for the feeble as for the ftrong : our Prince has an eye to what is done to the lead of thefe * : therefore infirmity mud not be a block to our entertainment. So they had them to the palace door, and then faid unto them, Come in, Mr Feeble-mind ; come in Mr. Ready-to- halt ; come in Mr. Defpondency, and Mrs. Much- afraid his daughter. Thefc, Mr. Great-heart, faid the Shepherds to the Guide, we call in by name, for that they are mod fubjecT: to draw back ; but as for you, and the reft that are ftrong, we leave you to your won = ted liberty. Then laid Mr. Great-heart, This day I fee that grace do mine in your faces, and that you are my Lord's Shepherds indeed j-; for that you here not pufh- ed theie difeafed neither with fide or moulder, but have rather ftrewed their way into the palace with flowers as you mould.
So the feeble and weak went in, and Mr. Great- heart and the reft did follow. When they were alfo fat down, the Shepherds faid to thofe of the weaker fort, What is that you would have ? For, faid they, all this muftbe managed here to the fupporting of the weak, as well as the warning of the unruly.
*Mat, xxv 4?. fKzflc xxiv 23.
33& the pilgrim's progress
So they made them a feaftcf things eafy of digeftion and that were pleafantand noyrilhing : the which when they had received, they went to their reft, each one refpectively unto his proper place. When morning was come, becaufe the mountains were high, and the day clear ; and becaufe it was the cuftom of the Shep- herds to fhew the pilgrims before their departure, fome rarities, therefore, after they were ready, and had re- frefbed themfelves, the Shepherds took them out into the fields, and fhewed them firft what they had ihewed to Chriftian before.
Then they had them to fome new places. This firft. Mount Marvel, where they looked, and behold a man at a diftanee, that tumbled the hills about with words. Then, they asked the Shepherds what that mould mean ? So they told them, That that man was tne (on of one Mr. Great- grace, of whom you read in the Firft Part of the records of the Pilgrim's Progrefs. And he is {et there to teach pilgrims how to believe down, or to tumble out of their ways, what difficulties they fhould sneet with by faith* Then faid Mr. Great- heart, I know him ; he is a man above many.
Then they had them to another place, called Mount Innocence : and there they faw a man clothed all in white i and two men. Prejudice and 111 -will, continual- ly eafting dirt upon him. Now b ibever, they caft at him, would in a little time fall off again, and his garment would look as clear as if no dirt had been caft thereat.
Then faid the pilgrims, What means this r" The Shepherds anfwered, This man is named Godlv-man and the garment is to fhew the innocency of his life. Now thofe men that threw dirt at him, are fuch as hate Lis well-doing j but as you fee the dirt will not ftick upon his clothes, fo it fhall be with him that lives inno- cently in the world. Whoever they be that would make Ipclii; men dirty, they labour all in vain j for God by that a little time is fpent, will caufe that their innocence fh,all break forth as the light, and their righteoufnefs as the aooa-da/.
* Mack. ix. 23, 24,
337
Then they took them, and had them to Mount Charity where they (hewed him a man that had a bun- dle of cloth lying before him, out of which he cut coats and garments for the poor that (tood about him ; yet his bundle or roll of cloth was never the lefs.
Then faid they, What lhould this be ? This is, faid the Shepherds, to fhew you, that he that has a heart to give of his labour to the poor, (hall never want where- withal. He that v/atereth, mall be watered himfelf. And the cake that the widow gave to the prophet, did not caufe that (lie had ever the less in her barrel.
They had them alfo to the place, where they faw one Fool, and one Want-vvir, warning an Ethiopian, with an intention to make him white ; but the more they waihed him, the blacker he was. Then they asked the Shepherds, what that fhouid mean ? So they told them, faying, Thus it is with the vile perfon ; all means ufed to get fuch a one a good name, fhall in the con* clufion tend but to make him more abominable. Thus it was with the Pharifees, and fo it fhall be with all hypocrites.
Then faid Mercy, the wife of Matthew, to Chrifliana her mother, 1 would, if it might be fee the hole in the hill, or that commonly called the by-way to hell. So her mother brake her mind to the Shepherds. Then they went to the door; it was on the fide of an hill, and they opened it, and bid Meicy hearken a while. So fhe hearkened, and heard one faying, Curfed be my father, for holding of my feet back from the way of p^ace and life; and another faid, O that I had been torn in pieces, before I had, to fave my life, lost my foul ! and another faid, If I were to live again, how would I deny myfelf, rather than come to this place ! Then there was as if the very earth groaned and quaked under the feet of this young woman for fear; fo (he looked white, and came trembling away, faying, BlefTed be he and me, that is delivered from this place > Now when the Shepherds had (lie wed them all these things, when they had them back to the place, and en- tertained them with what the houfe would afford: but Mercy being a young and breeding woman, longed fo:
2 U
338 THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS.
fomething that me faw there, but was afhamed to ask. Her mother-in-law, then asked her whan me ailed, for Ihe looked as one not well, Then faid Mercy, There is a looking- glafs hangs up in the dining room, offwhich I cannot take my mind; if therefore I have it not, I think I mail mifcarry, Then faid her mother,! will men- tion thy want to the Shepherds, and they will not deny it thee. But me faid, I am afhamed that thefe men mould know that I longed. Nay, my daughter, faid fhe, it is no iharne, but a virtue to long for fuch a thing as that ; fo Mercy faid, Then mother, if you pleafe, ask the Shepherds if they are willing to lell it.
Now the glafs was one of a thoufand, It would pre- lent a man one way, with his own features exactly j and turn it but another way, and it would fhevv one the very face and fimilitude of the Prince of the pilgrims himfelf. Yes, 1 have talked with them that can tell, and they have faid, that they have feen the very crown of thorns upon his head, by looking in that glafs*; they have therein alio feen the holes in his hands, in his feet and his fide. Yea, fuch an excellency is there in that glafs, that it will fnow him to one, where they have a mind to fee him ; whether living or dead ; whether in earth or in heaven ; whether in a ftate of humiliation, or in exaltation ; whether coming to fuffer or coming to reign (q).
Chriftiana therefore went to the Shepherds, apart (Now the names of the Shepherds were, Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere,) and faid unto them, There is one of my daughters, a breeding wo- man, that, I think, doth long for fomething that fhe hath feen in this houfe, and fhe thinks fhe fnall mif- carry, if me fhpuld by you be denied.
* James, i. 33. 1 Cor. xiii 12 2 Cor. iii. 18.
(q) O what a blessed thing it is to long for the word "of God, so as not t o be satisfied without it, and to prize it above and beyond all other things. Love to the word, excites the soul to'say 'with David, M have longed for thy salvation, O Lord i" Ps. cxix. 174. This is a special mark of a gracious s ul.
THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS.
Experience. Call her, call her; fhe fhai! afluredly have what: we can help her to. So they called her, and laid to her, Mercy, What is that thing thou would It have ?
Then fhe blufhed, and faid, The great g-lafs that hangs up in the dining-room. So Sincere ran and fetched it, and with a joyful confent it wz% given her. Then fhe bowed her head, and gave thanks, and faid, By this I kfjow that I have obtained favour in your eyes.
They alfo gave to the other young women fuch things as they defired, and to their husbands, greac commendations, for that they joined with Mr. Great- heart, to the flaying of Giant Defpair, and demolifhing of Doubting-Cattle (r).
About Chriftiana's neck the Shepherds put a brace- Jet, and fo they did about the necks of her four daugh- ters : alfo they put ear-rings in their ears, and jewels on their foreheads.
When they were minded to go hence, they let them go in peace, but gave not to them thofe certain cauti- ons which before were given to Chriftian and his com- panion. The reafon was, for that thefe had Great- heart to be their guide, who was one that was well ac- quainted with things, and fo could give them their cau- tions more feafonably j to wit, even then when the danger was nigh the approaching.
What cautions Chriftian and his companion had re- ceived of the Shepherds they had aifo loft by that the time was come, that they had need to put them in practice. Wherefore, here was the advantage that this company had over the other.
From hence they went on ringing, and they faid,
" Behold, how fitly are the tables set !
*' For their relief that pilgrims are become,
(r) No good thing, done in the name and to the glory of Christ, shall 6e forgotten of him, nor go unrewarded by him : He gives us grace to work for him ; and then gives a reward of grace for our works.
-2 U 2
34° THE pilgrims' progress,
te 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, such things bestow" " They shew we pilgrims are, where'er we go."
When they were gone from the Shepherds, they Quickly came to the place where Chriftian met with one 1 urn-away, that dwelt in the town of Apoftacy. "Wherefore of him Mr. Great-heart, their guide, did now put them in mind, saving, This is the place where Chriftian met with one Turn-away, who carried with him the character of his rebellion at his back. And this I have to say concerning this man ; he would hearken to no counfel, but, when once a falling, perfuafion could not stop him.
When he came to the place where the crofs and se- pulchre were, he did meet with one that did bid him look there, but he gnafhed with his teeth, and (lamped, and said, He was refolved to go back to his own town. Before he came to the Gate, he met with Evangelift, who offered to lay hands on him to turn him into the way again. But this Turn-away refilled him, and having done much defpne unto him, he got away over the wall, so efcaped his hand.
Then they went on ; juft at the place where Little-faith formerly was robbed, there flood a man with his sword drawn, and his face all bloody. Then said Mr. Great-heart, What art thou ? The man made an- swer, say ing, I am one whofe name is Valiant-for-truth, 1 am a pilgrim, and am going to the Celeftial City. Now, as I was in my way, there were three men that did befet me, and propounded unto me thefe three things : i. Whether I would become one of them ? i. pr go back from whence I came ? 3. Or die upon the placs ? To the first I anfwered, I had been a true man a long seafon, and therefore it could not be expected that I now fnould caftmy lot in among thieves*. Then they demanded what I would fay to the fecond. So I
t Prov. i. 10. 11, 13, 14
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 341
told them the place from whence I came, had I not found incommodity there, I had not forsaken it at all j but finding it altogether unsuitable to me, and very- unprofitable for me, 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 ic away: Besides, you have nothing to do thus to put things to my choice: wherefore at your peril be it if you meddle. Then these three, to wit, Wild head; Inconsiderate, and Pragmatic, 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 1 -ft uponme, as you see, some of the marks of their valour, and have also carried away with them some of mine. They a>e but just now gone, 1 suppose they might, as the saying is hear your horfe dash, and fo they betook themselves to flight.
Great heart, But here was great odds, three against one.
Valiant. 'Tis true, but little or more are nothing to him that has the truth on his side: "Though an host fliou Id encamp against me," said one, Cfmy heart fhall not fear: though war ftiould rise against me, in this will I be confident, &x." Besides, said he, I have read in fome records, that one man has fought an army; and how many did Samfon slay wth the jaw-bone of an ass (s).
Great-heart. Then said the Guide, why did you not cry out, that fome might have come in for your succour?
Valiant. So I did to my king, who I knew could hear me, and afford invilible help, and that was enough for me. (t),
Great-heart. Then said Great-heart to Mr. Valiant
(s) Truth will make a man valiant ; and valour for truth will make a pilgrim fight with wild-headed, inconsiderate, and pragmatic opposers. The blood he loses in such a battle is his honour ; the scars he gets, are is glory.
(t) Enough indeed. He who is engaged for God's truth, shall never want God's help. To fight for God, and pray t J God, is the Christian's glory.
34-1 THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS
for-truth, Thou had worthily behaved thyfelf » let me ste thy sword j so he shewed it him.
When he had taken it into his hand, and looked there- -om a while, he faid, Ha! it is a right Jerufalem blacie( i
Yaliant. It is fo. Let a man have one of tj|eie felades, with a hand to wield it, and skill to ufe it, and lie may venture upon an angel with it. He need not fear its holding, if he can but tell how to lay od. Its edge will never blunt. It will cut flesh and bones, and soul end fpint and all.
Great heart. But you fought a great while; I won- der you were not weary,
.Valiant. I fought till my fword did cleave to my -hand, and (hen they were joined together, as if a fword grew our. of my arm 3 and when the blood ran through my fingers, then I fought with moft courage (w).
Great- heart. Thou haft -done well j thou haft refisted >t5r/x> blood, striving againit sin : thou malt sbide by us, come in and go out with us, for we are thy compa- nions.
Then they took him, and washed his wounds, and gave him of what they had to refreih him ; and lb they ■went together. Nov as they went on, becaufe Mr. Great-heart was delighted in him (for he loved one greatly that he found to be a man of his handsj, and be- caule there were in company them that were feeble and neak: therefore he queflioned with him about many firings j as, at first, what countryman he was ?
Valiant, I am of Dark-land, for there I was born, and there my father and mother are flill.
Great heart. Dark-land! said the Guide: doth not laat lie on the fame coafl with the City of Deftruc- lio-ii ?
(.i), Great-heart is an excellent judge of swords. He well i'fiow* those which are forged is) the tire of love, well tem- pered, with truth, and will do great execution upon enemies
£w) Blessed fighting, when hand and heart are engaged, s;;d the sword grows minted to both ! O ye trimmers and rake* warm professors, woo will tamely give up; or meanly com- petmdfor peace, by the barter of truth: let this shame and cuuf'umui y'ou I
THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS,,
Valiant. Yes, it doth. Now that which can fed Hie to come on pilgrimage, was this: We had Mr. Tell- true came in our parts, and he told it about what ftian h?d done, that went fr sm the City of Deduc- tion ; namely, how he had forfaken his wife and chil- dred, and had betaken himfelf to a pilgrim's life- It was alfo confidently reported, how he had killed a ferpent, that did come out to refill him in his joumer j and how he got through to whither he intended. It was alfo told, what welcome he had to all his Lord's lodgings, efpecially when -he came to the gates of the Celeftia! City ; for there faid the man, he was received with the found of trumpet, by a company of mining ones. He told it alfo, how all the bells in the city did ring for joy rt his reception, and what golden garments he was cloathcd with; with many other things, that now I {hall forbear to relate. In a word, tinman to told the ftory of Chriftian and his travels, that my heart fell into a burning heat, to be gone after him : nor could father nor mother ftay me. So I aot from them and am come thus far on my way.
Great-heart. You came in at the Gate, did you not ?
Valiant. Yes, yes ; for the fame man alio told us", that all would be aothing, if we did not begin to enter this way at the gate (x).
Great-heart. Look you, faid the guide toChriftiana, the pilgrimage of your husband, and what he has got- ten thereby, is fpread abroad far and near.
Valiant. Why, is this Chriftian's wife ?
Great-heart. Yes, that it is : and thefe are alfo his four fons.
(x) The reason why so many professors set out, and «o on tor a season, but fall away and come to notliiuo- at last, is because chey do not enter into the pilgrinVs path, bv Cr'ri-r' who is the gate. They do not see themselves quite lost' ruined, hopeless, and wretched: their hearts are not brofen tor sin ; therefore they do not begin by receivino- Christ as ihe only Saviour of such miserable sinners. But fliev set out m nature's strength; and not receiving- nor Jiving upon Christ, they soon tall away. This is thd reason oi this'in- qmry, Did you come in at the Gate ? A question we o.tHit to put to ourselves,, and be satisfied about.
344 Yfi£ pilgrims' progress.
Valiant. What ! and going on pilgrimage too ?
Great-heart. Yes, ve.ily, they are following after.
Valiant. It g;lads me at heart ! good man. How
joyful will he be, when he (hall fee them that would
not go with him, to enter before him in an the gates of
the Celeftial City !
Great-heart. Without doubt it will be a comfort to him; for, next to the joy of feeing himfelf there, it will be a joy tb meet there his vife and children.
Valiant. But, now you are upon that, pray let me hear your opinion about it. Some make a queftion, Whether weihall know one another when we are there ?
Great-heart. Do they think they mail know them- felves, then, or that they mall rejoice to iee themfelves in that blifs ? and if they think they fhall know and do thefe, why not know others, and rejoice in their wel- fare alfo ?
Again ; Since relations are our fecond felf, though that ttate will be diffolved ; yet why may it not be ra- tionally concluded, that we mail be more glad to fee them there, than to fee they are wanting ?
Valiant. Well, I perceive whereabouts you are as to this. Have you any moie things to ask me about my beginning to come on pilgrimage (y).
Great-heart. Yes : were your father and mother wil- ing that you mould become a pilgrim ?
Valiant. Oh, no ! they ufed all means imaginable to per/uade me to ftay at home.
Great-hearr. What could they fay againft it ?
Valiant. They faid, It was an idle life ; and if I myfelf were not inclined to (loth and lazinefs, I would never countenance a pilgrim's condition.
Great- heart. And what did they fay elfe ?
Valiant. Why, they told me that it was a dangerous way j yea, the moft dangerous way in the world, faid they, is that which the pilgrims go.
Great-heart. Did they mew you wherein this way is dangerous.
(y) A sound Christian is not afraid to be examined, and sifted to the bottom. For he can give a reason of the hope that is in him. He knows why and wherefore he commenced a pilgrim.
THE PILGRIMS l'ROCRFSS. q4j
Valiant. Yes : and that in many particulars.
Great heart. Name fome of them.
Valiant. They told me of the Slough of Defpond where Chriftian was well nigh fmothered. They told me that there vvere archers ftandingready in Beelzebub- Caftle, to moot them who mould knock at the Wicket- gate for entrance. They told me alfo of the Wood and dark Mountains ; of the hill Difficulty, of the lions y and alio of the three giants, Bloody man, Maul and Slay -good : they faid, moreover, that there was a foul fiend hnunt~d the Valley of Humiliaticn ; and that Chriftian was by them almoft bereft of life. Befides faid they, you mud go over the Valley of the Shadow of Death, where the hobgoblings are, where the light is darkness, : where the way is full of fnares, pits, traps, and gins. They told me of Giant Defpair, of Doubt- ing-Caft!e, and of the ruin that the pilgrims met with there. Further, they faid, 1 muft go over the Enchant- ed Ground, which was dangerous. And that, after all this, I mould find a river, over which i mould find no bridge; and that that liver did lie betwixt me and the Celeftial Country.
Great heart. And was this all ?
Valiant, No : they also told me, that this way was full of deceivers ; and of perfons that lay in wait there to turn good men put of their path.
Great-heart. But how did they make that out ?
Valiant. They, told me that Mr. Worldly wifeman did lie therein wait todecieve. They alfo faid, that there were Formality and Hypocrify continually on the road. They faid alfo, that By-ends, Talkative or Demas, would go. near to gather me up : that the Flatterer would catch me in his net ; or that, with green-headed Ignor- ance, I would prefume to go on to the Gate, from whence he was lent back to the hole that was in the fide of the hill, and made to go the by-way to hell.
Great-heart. 1 promise you, this was enough to dis- courage thee. But did they make an end there r*
Valiant.. No, ftay. They told me alfo of many that tried that way of old, and that had gone a great vvav therein to fee if -they could find frmeihirjg of the glory
34^ THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS.
*hat fo many had fo much talked of from time to time ; and how they came back again, and befooled themfelves for setting a foot out of doors in that path, to the fatis- faction of the country,. And they named feveral that did so, as Obflinate, and Pliable, Miftrust, and Timorous, Turn away and Old Atheist, with fevaral more ; who they faid, had feme of them gone far to fee what they could find ; but not one of them found fo much advantage by going, as amounted to the weight cf a feather.
Great-heart. Said they any thing more to difcourage you.
Valiant. Yes; they told me of one Mr. Fearing, who was a pilgrim; and how he found his way fo solitary, that he never had a comfortable hour therein : alfo that Mr. Defpondency had like to have been ftarved therein: yea and alfo (which I had almoft forgot) Chriftian him- felf, about whom there has been fo much noise, after all his ventures for a celeftial crown, was certainly drown- ed in the Black River, and never went a foot farther, however it was fmothered up (z).
Great-heart. And did none of thefe things discou- rage you ?
Valiant. Noj they feemedas fo many nothings to me.
Great-heart. How came that about ?
Valiant. Why, I ft ill believed what Mr. Tell true had faid, and that carried me beyond them all.
Great-heart. Then this was yaur victory, even your faith?
Valiant. It was fo : I believed, and therefore came out, got into the way, fought all that fet themfelves againS me, and by believing, am come to this place (a).
(z) How natural is it for carnal men to give an evil report of the ways of the Lord; and to discourage those, who are just setting out, by telling oi>the dangers and difficulties they shall meet with! But here is not one word of the pleasures, comforts, and joys, that arc experienced in the ways of the Lord. No ; they believe not one word about them, therefore they cannot speak of them. However this is a trial of the earnestness and sincerity of our hearts.
(a) Here we see, that valiant soldiers of Christ ascribe all to
THE PILGRIM:,* PR0CRES5. 347
" Who would true valour see,
'* Let him come hither ; 11 One here will constant be,
" Come wind, come weather ; " Shall make him once reienl " His first avow'd intent
" To be a Pilgrim.
fv Who so beset him round
" Do but themselves confound, " His strength the more is :
" No lion can him fight ;
" He'll with a giant fight,
" But he will have a right 81 To be a Pilgrim.
Hobgoblin nor foul Send c* 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 gor to thelnchanted Ground, where the air naturally tended to make them drowsy and that place was all grown over whith briars and thorns excepting here and there, where was an Inchanted Ar- bour, upon which if a man fits, or in which if a man fleeps, it's a queftion, fay fome, whether ever he fhall rife or awake ggain in this world. Over this foreft, therefore, they went both one another j and Mr. Great- faith. They set out with faith, and they hold on and hold out by believing. Thus they give all the glory to Christ, who is the object, author, and finisher of faith. Here is no talking of free-will, boasting of their own faithfulness, the merit of works, &e. No : souls valiant for the truth are delivercdfrom and abhor such fcnscriptural, vain-glorious prating.
2X2
34-8 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.
heart went before, for that he was the guide, and Mr. Valiant-for-truthcame behind, being rear-guard,forfear left peradventure Tome fiend, or dragon, or giant, or thief ihould fail upon their rear, and fo do nr'fcnief. They went on here, each man with his fword drawn in hand, for they knew it was a dangerous place. Alfo they cheered up one another, as well as they could -, Feeble-mind, Mr. Great- heart commanded, fhould come up after him, and Mr. Defpondency was under the eye of Mr. Valiant (b).
Now they had not gone far, but a great mift and dark- nefs fell upon them all ; fo that they could fcarcely, for a great while, one fee the other : wherefore they were forced, for fome time, to feel for one another, by words j for they walked not by fight (c).
But any one muft think, that here was but forry go- ing for the heft of them ail -, but how much worfe for the women and children, who both of feet and heart were but tender ! Yet fo it was, that through the en- couraging words of him that led in the front, and of him that brought them up behind, they made a pretty good fhift to wag along.
« The way was'als-"* here very wearisome, through dirt and flabbinefi. Nor was there, on all this ground, fo much as one inn, or vicruaTng-houfe, wherein to refrefh the f.ebler fort. Here therefore was grunting, and puf- fing and fighing: while on tumble over a bufh, ano- ther (lick iauj in. the dirt; and the children, fome of them loft their fhoes in the mire : while one cries out, I am down ; and another, Ho where are you ? And a third, The bufhes have got fuch fail hold on me, I think I cannot get away from them.
(b) Old pilgrims, ye who have set out %ve!!, and gone on well tor a long season, consider, ye are yet in the world, which is inchahted ground. Know your danger of seeking rest here, or of sleeping in any of its inchantcd arbours. Though the flesh may be weary, the spirits faint, and the arbours inviting-, yet beware. Press on. Look to the strong for strength : and to the Beloved for rest, in his way.
(e) Though feelings may be lost, light fail, and comforts forsake us, yet faith will supply the want of all. Like Moses, we shall endure seeing HIM who is invisible, Heb. xi. 27.
THIi PILGRIMS PROGRESS J49
Then they came at an arbour, warm and promfing much refreshing tothe pilgrims: forit was finely wrcujht above-head, beautified with greens, furniihed with benches and fettles. It had in it a foft coach, where the weary might lean. Th s \ou muft think, all things confidered, was tempting 3 for the pilgrims already be-* gan to be soiled with the badness of the way : but there was not one of them that made fo much as a motion to flop there. Yea, for ought I could perceive, they con- tinually gave so good heed to the advife of their guide, and he did fo faithfully tell them of dangers, and of the nature of dangers when they were at them, that usually when they were neareft to them, they did moft pluck up their spirits, and hearten one another to deny the flefh. The Arbour was called, The Slothfuls, Friend, on pur- pose to allure, if it might be, some of the pilgrims to take up their reft there, when weary (d).
I faw then in my dresm, that they went on in this their fbiitary ground, rill they came to a place at which a man is apt- to lofe his way. Now, though when it was light, their Guide could well enough tell howtomifs thofe ways that lead wrong, yet in the dark he was put to a ftand : but he had in his pocket a map of all ways leading to or from the Celeftial City ; wherefore he ftruck a light (for he never goes without his tinder box,) and takes a view of his book or map, which bibs him be careful, 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 probabilities been fmothered in the mud; for juft a little before them, and that at the end of the clean- est v/ay too, was a pit, none knows how deep, full of nothing but mud, there made on purpofe to deflioy the pilgrims in,
Then thought I with myfelf, who that goeth on pil- grimage, but would have one of thefe maps about him,
(c!) Deny yourselves, is the word of Christ. The slothful- ness, ease, and desires of the flesh, must be denied, or danger will inevitably ensue. To gratify the flesh, is, to destroy the Spirit's comfort, if not the soul's salvation. Remember this, when temptations which promise much ease and pleasure, be- set you.
35° THE MLGRIMs' PROGRESS.
that he may look when lie is at a {land, which is the way he muft take.
They went on, then in this Enchanted Ground, till they came to where there was another arbour, and ft was built by the high way-fide, And in ihat arbour there iay two men, whofe names were Heedlefs and Too- bold. Thofe two went thus far on pilgrimage ; but here being wearied with their journey, fat down to reft themfelves, and so fell fall afleep. When the pilgrims faw them, they flood ftill, and fhook their head; for they knew that the fleepers were in a pitiful cafe. Then they confulted what to do, whether to go on, and leave them in their fleep, or ftep to them, and try to awake them. So they concluded to go to them, and awake them; that is, if they could; but with this cau- tion, namely, to take heed that themfelves did not fit down nor embrace the offered benefit of that arbour (e) So they went in, and fpake to the men, and called f ach by his name ( for the Guide, it feems, did know them,) but there was no voice, rior anfwer. Then the Guide sho k them, -nd did what he could to diflurb them. Th 1 take my money. At which the Guide fhook his head, } wi.l fight fo long as I can hold my fword in my hand faid the other. At that, one of the children laughed. Then fa;d Chriftiana, what is the meaning of this ? Then the Guide faid, They talk in their fleep j if you ftrikethem, beat them; or whatever elfe you do to them, rliey will anfwer ycu after this fafhion i or, as one of them faid in old rme, when the waves of the fea did beat upon him, and he flept as one upon the maft of a fliip," When I awake, I will feek it again * . " You know, when men talk in their fleep, they fay any thing but their words are not governed either by faith or rea- fon. There is an incoherency in their words now, a$. there was before, betwixt their going on pilgrimage and
* Prov. N.xiii. 34 3i
(c) It is the duty, and will bethe practice of pilgrims, to strive to be instrumental to thegood of other?. But at the same time, it behoves them to take heed to themselves, and watch. list they catch harm from them and their conduct.
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 351
firing: down here. This then is the mifchief on't when heedlefs ones go on pilgrimage. Twenty to one but they are ferved thus. For this inchanted ground is one of the last refuges that the enemy to pilgrims has ; where- fore it is as you fee, placed almoft at the end of the way, and fo it standeth against us with the more ad- vantage. For when, thinks the enemy, will these fools be fodefirous to fit down, as when they are weary ? And when fo likely to be weary, as when almoft at their journey's end ? Therefore it is, I fay, that the In- chanted Ground is placed fo nigh to the land Beulah, and so near the end of their race. Wherefore let pil- grims look to thernlelves, lest it happen to them as it has done to thefe, who, as you fee, are fallen afleep, and none can awake them (f).
Then the pilgrims defired, with trembling to go for- wards ; only they prayed their Guide to ftrike a light that they might go the rest of their way by the help of the iighc of a lantern. So he (truck a light, and they went by the help of tkat light through the reft of this way, though the darknefs was very great (a).
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 farther, the wind arose, that drove away the fo^ fo the air became more ferene.
Yet they were not off, by much, of the Inchanted
(f) What a sound sleep of infatuation hath this inchanting world cast many a professor into ? They are proof against all warnings, and dead as to any means of arousing their.. When this sleep of death seizes soul, it destroys faith, infatuates reason, and causes men to talk incoherently. They have Itist the language of pilgrims. Their state is awful : beware of it pray against it. For," If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him," L John ii. 15.
(g) The word of God is the* only light to direct our step* He who neglect this, is a fool. He who sets up and look for any other light to direct him, is mad and knows not w!„u he does; As folly and madness he;ethim, danger and distress will come upon him Trembling souls will attend ckfceytos God's word.
352 the pilgrims' progress
Ground, only now they could fee one another better: and the way wherein they fhould walk.
Now, when they were almoft at the end of this ground, they perceived, that a little before them was a iolemn noife, of one that was much concerned. So they went on, and looked before them : and behold they faw as they thought, a man upon his knees, with hands and eyes lifted up, and speaking, as they thought, earnefciy to one that was above. They drew nigh, but could not: tell what he faid ; fo they went foftly, till he had done. When he had done, he got up, and began to run to- wards the Celeftial City. Then Mr. Great-heart called after him, faying, Soho, friend, let us have your com- pany, if you go, as I fuppofe you do, to the Celestial City. So the man flopped, and they came up to him.. But fo foon as Mr. Honeft law him, he faid, I know ihis man. Then faid Mr. Valiant-for-truth, Pr'ythee, who is it ? 'Tis, one, said he, that conies from where- abouts I dwelt : his name is Scand-fast; he is certainly a right good pilgrim.
So they came up to one another ; and prefently Stand- faft faid to old Honed, Ho ! Father Honeft, are you there ? Ay, faid he, that I am, as fure as you are there. Right glad am I, faid Mr. Standfaft, that 1 have found you on this road. And as glad am I. faid the other, that I fpied you on your knees. Then Mr. S'tandfafl blufh- ed, and said ; But why did you fee me ? Yes, that I did, quoth the other, and with my heart was glad at the fight. Why, what did you think ? faid Srsnd-faft. Think ! faid old Honeft. What mould I think * I thought we had an honeft man upon the road, therefore iliould have his company by-and-by. If you thought not amifs, how happy am I j but if I be not as I fhould, 'tis I alone mgft bear it. That's true, faid the other j but your fear doth father confirm- me, that th\ngs are right betwixt the Prince of pilgrims and your soul : for faith he, " Bleffed is the man that feareth always (h). "
(h) He who fears always, will pray evermore. The fear of the heart will bring pilgrims on their knees. He who fears to be, or go wrong, will pray to be set right, The Lord will direct the heart, and order the goings of ail who xry to him. Fear and prayer go hand in hand. Joy shall attend them.
THE PILCRIMS* PROCRESS 35JJ
Valiant. 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 fome obligation laid by fpecial mercy upon thee, or how ?
Standfaft. Why, we are, as you fee, upon the Inchant- ed Ground : and as I was coming along, I was.mufing with myfelf 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 ftopt and deftroyed. I thought alio of the manner of death, with which this place deftroyeth men. Thofe that die here, die of no voilent diftemper; the death fuch die, is not grievous to them ; for he goeth away in a ileep, begins thatjourney with defire and pleafure -, yea, fuch acquiefce in the will of that difeafe.
Hon. Then Mr. Honeft, interrupting him, faid, Did you fee the two men afleep in the arbour ?
Standfaft. Ay, ay, I faw Heedlefs and Too- bold there 3 and, for ought I know, there they will lie till they rot * : but let me go on with my tale. As I was thus mufing, as I faid, there was one in very pleafant attire, but old, who prefented herfelf unto me, and of- fered me three things ; to wit, her body, her purfe, and her bed. Now the truth is, I was both weary and fleepy : I am alfo as poor as an owlet, and that perhaps the witch knew. Well, I repulfed her once and twice ; but fhe put by my repulfes, and fmiled. Then I began to be angry ; but fhe mattered that nothing at all. Then fhe made offers again and faid, If I would be ruled by her, she would make me great and happy ; for faidfhe I am the miftrefs of the world, and men are made hap- py by me. Then I asked her name, and fhe told me it was Madam Bubble. This fee me farther from her ; but fhe ftill followed me with inticements. Then I be- took me, as you faw to my knees and with hands lifted up and cries I prayed to him that had faid he would help. So juft as you came up the gentlewoman went her way. Then I continued to give thanks for this great cMiverance -, fori verily believe she intended no good,
* Prov. x T
i Y
35* THE pilgrims' progress.
but rather fought to make a flop of me in my jour- ney (\).
Hon. Without doubt, her defigns were bad. But ft ay, now you talk of her, methinks I either have feea her, or have read fome ftory of her. Standfaft.. Perhaps you have done both. Hon. Madam Bubble! is fhe not a tall, comely- dame, fomething of a fwarthy complexion ?
Standfaft. Right, you hit it, fhe is juft fuch an one. Hon. Doth fhe not fpeak very fmoothly, and give you a fmile at the end of every fentence ?
Standfaft. Ydu fall right upon it again, for thefe are her very actions.
Hon. Doth fhe not wear a great purse by her fide ? and is not her hand often in it, fingering her money, as if that was her heart's delight ?
Standfaft. 'Tis juft fo : had fhe flood by all this while, you could not more amply have fet her forth before me, and have better described her features.
Hon. Then he that drew her picture was a good lim- ner, and he that wro^e of her faid true.
^ Great heart. This woman is a witch, and it is by virtue of her forceriers, that this ground is inchanted : whoever doth lay their head down in her lap, had as good Jay it down upon that block over whicn the ax doth hang % and whoever fix their eyes upon her beauty, are counted the enemies of God*. This is fhe that maintaineth in their fplendor allthofethataretheenemies of pilgrims. Yea, this isfhe that hath brought off many a man from a pilgrim's life. She is a great gof*
* James iv. 4. I John ii. 15.
(i) O pilgrims! beware of this Madam Bubble. Know and consider well, that ve have a nature exactly suited to accept of her offers, and to fall in love with her protfiiss. The riches honours and pleasures of this world whatmortal can withstand ? or who can forego them ? No one but he who sees more charms, in Jesus, more glory in his cross, and more comfort in the enjoyment of his love and presence ; and therefore is continu- ally looking and crying to him. " Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity. Instruct my soul in thy way. Keep me closely following thee. Lord, thou art the portion of my soul!"
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. ^55
fippcr i fhe is always, both fhe and her daughters, at one pilgrim's heels or another, now commending, and then preferring the excellencies of this life. She is a bold and impudent (lut j fhe will talk with any man, She laughed poor pilgrims to fcorn j but highly com- mends the rich. If there be one cunning enough to get money in a place, fhe will fpeak well of him from houfe to houfe j fhe loveth banqueting and feaiting mainlv well ; (he is always atone full table or another. She has given it out at fome places, that Die is a god- defs, and therefore fome do worihip her. She has her time, and open places of cheating ; and fhe. will fay, and vow it, That none can fhew a good comparable to hers. She promifeth to dwell with childrens' children, if they would but love and make much of her. She will caft out of her purfe, gold, like dull, in fome places, and to fome perfons. She loves to be fought after, fpo- ken well of, and to lie in the bofom of men. She is never weary of commencing her commodities, and fhe loves them moft, that think bed of her. She will promife crowns and kingdoms, if they will but take her ad- vice ; yet many hath (he brought to the halter, and ten thoufand times more to hell.
Stand-faft. Oh ! faid Standfafl, what a mercy it is that I did refill her ! for whither might fhe have drawn me !
Great heart. Whither ! nay, none but God knows. But in general, fhe would have drawn thee into deftruction and perdition."*
It was fhe that fet Abfalom againfl his father, and Jeroboam againfl his mailer. It was fhe that p-rfua- ded Judas to fell his Lord, and that prevailed with Demas to forsake the godly pilgrim's life : none can tell of the mischief that (he doth. She makes variance betwixt rulers and fubjects, betwixt parents and children, betwixt neighbour and neighbour, betwixt a man and hi; wife, betwixt a man and himself, betwixt die flefh and the fpirit.
* 2 Tim. vi. 9,
2 Y 2
2$& THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
Wherefore, good Mailer Standfaft, be as you- il&ftie is; and, when you have done all, Stand,
At this discourse, there was among the pilgn a mixture ofjoy and tremblings but at length they b our, and sang :
■" What danger is the pilgrim in !
" How many are his foes ! tc 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, tho' they shun the frying pan, " Do leap into the fire. "
Affer this, I beheld until they were come unto the land of Beulah, where the sun fhineth night and day. Here, becaufe they were weary, they betook themfelves a while to reft; and, becaufe this country was common for pilgrims, and becaufe the orchards and vineyards that were here belonged to the King of the Celeftial Country, therefore they were licenfed to make bold with any of his things. But a little while soon refrefhed them here : for the bells did so ring, and she trumpets continually sounded so melodicufly, that they could not sleep; and yet they received as much refreshing, as if they slept their sleep ever so soundly. Here alfo the noife of them that walked in the nVeets, was, More pilgrims are come to town. And another wuoid anfwer, sa ying, And so many went over the water, and were let in at the golden gates to-day, They would cry again, There is row a legion of mining ones juft come to town; by which, we know that there are more pil- grims upon the road; for here they came to wait for 1 hem, and comfort them after their sorrow. Then the pilgrims got up, and walked to and fro : but how were their eyes now filled with celeftial vifions ? in this land, they heard nothing, saw nothing, felt nothing, smelt nothing, tailed nothing, that was offenfive to their Stomach or mind ; only when they tailed of the water of the river, oyer which they were to go, they thought
THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS. 357
that tafted a little bitterish to the palate, but it proved sweet when it was down.
In this place there was a record kept of the names of them that had been pilgrims of old, and a hiftory of all the famous acts that they had done. It was here alfo much difcourfed, how the river tofomehadits flow- ing?, and what ebbings it has had while others have gone over. It has been in a manner dry for fome, while ic has overflowed its banks for others.
In this place, the children of the town would go in the King's gardens, and gather nofegays for the pil- grims, and bring them to them with affection. Here alfo grew camphire and-fpikenard, saffron and calla- , m us, and cinnamon, with all its trees of frankincense, myrrh hand aloes with all chief fpices. With thefe the pilgrims' chambers were perfumed while they ftaid here -s and with thefe were their bodies anointed, to prepare them to go over the river, when the time ap- pointed was come.
Now while they lay here, and waited for the good hour, there was a noife in the town, that a poft was come from theCeleftial City, with matters of great im- portance to one Chriftiana the wife of Chriftian the pil- grim. So inquiry was rnsde for her, and the houfe was found out where (he was, fa the poft prefented her with a letter: the contents were : Ha;i, good woman ! i bring thee tidings, that the matter called for thee, and expecteth that thou {houldeft ftrnd in the prcfence, . in clothes of immortality within thefe ten days.
When he had read this letter to her, he gave her therewith a true token that he was a true mefTenger, come to bid her make hade to be gone. The token was, An arrow fharpened with love, let eafily into her heart, which by degrees wrought effectually with her, that at the time appointed fhe muft begone.
When Chriftiana faw that her time was come, and that ihe was the fiirstof this company that was to go over, ihe called for Mr. Great-heart her guide, and told him how matters were. So he told her, He was heartily- glad of the news, and could have been glad had the poft come for him. Then (he bid that he mould give
358 THE PILGR/Ms' PROGRESS.
advice how all things fhould be prepared for her journey,. So he told her, faying, thus and thus it muft be j and we that furvive, will accompany you to the river fide. Then fhe called for her children, and gave them her blefTing ; and told them, that ihe had read with comfort,, the mark that wasfet in their foreheads, and was glad to fee them with her there, and that they had kept their garments fo white. Laftly fhe bequeathed to the poor that little fhe had, and commanded her foas and daughters to be ready againft the meffengers mould come for them.
When fhe had fpoken thefe words to her Guide and to her children Ihe called for Mr. Valiant-for-truth, and faid unto him, Sir, you have in all places fhewed vourfelf true-hearted; be faithful unto death, and my King will give you a crown of glory. I would alfo intreat you to have an eye to my children j and it at any time you fee them faint, fpeak comfortably to them. For my daughters, my ions wives, they have been faithful, and a fulfilling cf the promifeupon them will be their end. But (he gave Mr. Standfaft a ring.
Then fhe called for old Mr. Honeft, and faid to him, " Behold an Ifraelite indeed, in whom is no guile " — - Then faid he, I wilh you a fair day, when you fet out for Mount Zion, and fhall be glad to fee you go over the river dry fhod. But fhe anfwered. Come wet, come dry, I long to be gone ; for, however the weather is in my journey, I fhall have time enough, when I come there to fit down and reft me, and dry me.
Then came in the good man Mr. Ready to-halr, to fee her. So fhe faid to him, Thy travail hitherto has been with difficulty ; but that will make thy reft the fweeter. But watch and be ready $ for at an hour when you think not, the meffenger may come.
After him came Mr. Defpondency and his daughter Much-afrrid j to whom fhe faid, You ought with thank- fulnefs, for ever, to remember your deliverance from the hand of Giant Defpair, and out of Doubting-Caftie. The effecl: of that mercy is, that you are brought with fafety hither. Be yet watchful, and caft away fearj be fcber, and hope to the end.
THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS. 359
Then fhe faid to Mr. Feeblemind, Thou waft deli- vered from the mouth of Giant Slay-good, that thou migheft live in the light of the living for ever, and fee the King with comfort : only I advife thee to repent thee of thy aptnefs to fear and doubt of his goodnefs, before he fends for thee ? left thou moulded, when he comes, be forced to ftand before him, for the fault with biufhino;.
Now the day drew on, that Chriftiana muft be gone. So the road was full of people, to fee her take her journey. But behold, all the banks beyond the river were full of horfes and chariots, which were come d >*vn from above to accompany her to the city gate. So fhe came forth, and entered the river, with a beckon of farewell to thofe that followed her to the river fide. The Jaft words that fhe was heard to fay, were, I come Lord to be with thee, and bleis thee.
So her children and friends returned to their place for that thofe that waited for Chriftiana, had carried her out of their fight. So fhe went and called, and enter- ed in at the Gate, with all the ceremonies of joy that her husband Chriftian had entered with before her.
At her departure the children wept. But Mr. Great- heart and Mr. Valiant played upon the well tuned cym- bal and harp for joy. So all departed to their refpec- tive places (k).
In. procefs of time, there come a poft to the town again, and his bufinefs was with Mr. Ready-to-halr. So he enquired him out, and faid, I am come to thee in the name of him whom thou halt loved and follow- ed, though upon crutches : and my mefTage is, to tell thee, that he expects thee at his table, to fup with him,-
(k) O how blessed is the d^ath of the righteous, who die in the Lord ! Even a wicked Balaam could wish for this. But it will be granted to noi'e, but those who have lived in the Lord, whose souls have been quickened by his Spirit, to come ynto Jesus, believe in him, and glorify of him as their rig ite- ousness and salvation, and desire to be found in him, in life in death, and at the bar of judgment. O may we cry to ita Lord, to make ns uf this happ/ numbe r
360 THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS.
in his kingdom, the next day after Eafter : wherefore* prepare thyfelf for thy journey.
Then he alio gave him a token that he was a true meffenger, faying, I have broken the golden bowl, and loofed the filver cord.
After this, Mr. Ready-to-halt called for his fellow pilgrims, and told them, laying, I am fent for, and ' God mall furely vifit you alfo. So he defired Mr. Valiant to make his will j and becaufe he had nothing to bequeath them that mould furvive him, but his crutches and his good wiflies, therefore thus he faid, Thefe crutches I bequeath to my (on, that mail tread in my fteps, with an hundred warm wifhes that he may prove better than I have been.
Then he thanked Mr. Great-heart for his conduct and kindnefs, and fo addreffed himfelf to his journey. When he came to the brink of the river, he faid, Now I mall have no more need of thefe crutches, fince yon- der are chariots and horfes foi me to ride on. The lalt words he was heard to fay, were, Welcome life ! (1). So he went his way.
After this, Mr. Feeble- mind had tidings brought him, that the poll: founded his horn at his chamber door. Then he came in and told him, faying, I an come to tell thee, that thy Mafter hath need of thee j and that in a very little time thou muft behold his face in brightnefs. And take this as a token of the truth of my meiTage : Thofe that look out at the windows mall 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 meffage. Then he faid, Since I have nothing to bequeath to any, to what purpofe mould I make a will ? As for my feeble-mind, that I will leave behind, for that I have no need of it in the place whither I go ; nor is it worth be- flowing upon the pcoreft pilgrims : wherefore, when I am gone, I defire that you, Mr. Valiant, would bury
(1) See the joyful end of one, ready to halt at every step. Take courage hence, ye lame, halting pilgrims.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 3^1
it in a dunghill. This done, and the day being come in which he was to depart, he entered the river as the reft : his taft words were, Hold out faith and patience. So he went over to the other fide.
When the days had many of them patted away, Mr. Defpondency was fent for : for a poft was come, and brought this meffage to him : Trembling man, thefe are to fummon thee to be ready with the King by the next Lord's day, to lh out for joy, for the deliverance from all thy doublings.
And, faid the meffcnger, that my meflage is true, take this for a proof: so be gave him agrafs-hooper to be a burden unto him*. Now, Mr. Defpondency's daughter, whofe name was Much-afraid, faid, when me had hear.d what was done, that me would go with her father. Then Mr. Defpondency faid to his friends, Myfelf and my daughter, you know what we have been, and how troublefome we have behaved ourfdves in every company : my will, and my daughter's is, that our defponds and ilaviih fears be by no man ever re- ceived, from the day of our departure, for ever : for I know that after my death, they will offer themfelves to others. For, to be plain with you, they are guefts, which we entertained when we ftrft began to be pil- grims, and could never take them off after : and they will walk about, and feek entertainments of the pil. grims ; but, for our fakes, fhut the doors upon them (m).
When the time was come for them to depart, they went up to the brink of the river. The laft words of Mr. Defpondency were, Farewell night ! Welcome
* Eccles. xxii. 5.
(m) Pilgrims, mind this. It is as much your duty to strive, in the strength of the Lord, against unreasonable doubts and slavish fears, as against sin. Nay, are they not, in their own nature, the worst of sins ? as they spring from infidelity, and dishonour God's precious truth, glorious grace, and ever- lasting salvation. Never, never, then cherish or give way to them, but resist, and shut the door of your hearts against them.
No. io, 2 Z
3^2 THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS.
day. His daughter went through the river Ringing, but none could underftand what fhe faid.
Then it came to pafs a while after, that there was a poft in that town, that enquired for Mr Honeft. So he came to his houfe, where he was, and delivered to his hands thefe lines : Thou art commanded to be ready againft this day fevennight j to prefent thyfelf before thy Lord at his Father's houfe. And, for a token that my raeffage is true ; All the danghters of mufic fhall be brought low*. Then Mr. Honeil called for his friends, and faid unto them, 1 die, but fhall make no will. As forN my honeil y, it fhall go with me j let him that comes after be told of this. When the day that he was to be gone was come, he addreffed himfelf to go over the river. Now the river at that time overflowed the banks in fome places ; but Mr. Honelt, in bis life- time, had fpoken to one Go®d-Confcience to meet him there: the which he alfodid, and lent him his hand, and fo helped h;m over. The laft words of Mr. Hon- eft, were Grace reigns. So he left the world (n).
After this, it was noifed about, that Mr. Valiant-for truth was taken with a (ummons by the fame poft as the other : and had this for a token, that the fummons was true, that his pitcher was broken at the fountainf. When he underftood it, he called for his friends, and told them of it. Then said he, I am going to my Fa- ther's j and though with great difficulty T. have got hither, yet now I do not repent me of all the trouble J have been at to arrive where I am. My fword I give to him that fhall fucceed me in my pilgrimage, and my Courage and Skill to him that can get it. My marks and fears I carry with me, to be a witnefs for me, that I have fought his battle, who will now be my rewarder. When the day that he muft go hence was come, many accompanied him to the river fide, into which as he
* Eccles. Jiii. f Eccles. xii. 6.
(a) How happy to die under a sweet sense of the reign ofgrafe! Such have their consciences purified by the blood, and made good by the faith of the resurrection of Jesus. And they shall reign with him in his kingdom.
TH£ PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 3G2
went, he faid, Death where is thy fling ? And as he went down deeper, he faid, Grave where is thy vic- tory ? So he paffed over, and all the trumpets founded for him on the other fide (o).
Then there came forth afummons for Mr. Standfaft. This Mr. Standfaft was he that the pilgrims found upon his knees in the Inchanted Ground. And the poft brought it open in his hands. The contents whereof were, That he muft prepare for a change of life, for his Mailer was not willing that he mould be fo far from him any longer. At this Mr. Standfaft was put into a mufe. Nay, faid the meffenger, you need not doubt of the truth of my meifage ; for here is a token cf the truth thereof: Thy wheel is broken at the ciftern*. Then he called for him Mr. Great-heart, who was their guide, and laid unto him, Sir, although it was not my hap to be much in your good company in the days of my pilgrimage; yet fince the time I knew you, you have been profitable to me. When I came from home I left behind a wife, and five fmall children j lee me in- treat you, at your return (for I know that you go and return to your mailer's houfe, 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 mail happen unto me. Tell them moreover, of my happy arrival to this place, and of the prefent and late bleffed condition that I am in. Tell them alfo of Chriftian and Chriftiana his wife, and how fhe and her Children came after her husband. Tel! them alfo, of what a happy end fhe made, and whither ihe is gone. I have a little or nothing to fend to my family, except it be my prayers and tears for them j of which it will fuffice if you acquaint them, if peradven- ture they may prevail.
* Eccles. xii. 6.
(o) In the truth of Jesus is victory. He who is most va- liant for it, shall share most of its comforts in life, and in death. O Lord, increase our faith in the never failing word of ttuth and grac®, for thy glory, and our soul's ttiumph.
' 1 Z 2
3^4 THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS;
When Mr. Standfaft bad thus let things in order and the time being come for him to hade away, he alfo went down to the river. Now there was a great cairn at that time in the river; wherefore Mr. Standfaft, when he was abour half way, in, flood a while and talked to his companions that had waited upon him thither : and he faid :
" This river has been a terror to many j yea, the thoughts of it alfo have often frightened me 5 now methinks, I ftand eafy ; my foot is fixed upon that on which the feet of the priefts that bare the ark of the covenant Hood, while Ifrael went over this Jordanf. The waters, indeed, are to the palate bitter, and to the flomach cold ; yet the thoughts of what I am going to and of the conduct that waits for me on the other fide, doth lie as a glowing coal at my heart.
(i I fee myfelf now at the end of my journey ; my toilfome days are ended I am going to fee that head that was crowned with thorns, and that face that was fpit upon forme (p).
" I have formerly lived by hearfay and faith; but now I go where I mail live by fight, and fhall be with him in whofe company I delight myfelf.
where ever I have feen the print of his (hoe in the earth, there have I coveted to fet my foot too (q),
f Vide Josh. Hi. 17.
(p) Sucb is the joy and blessedness of faith. How does it bring near and realize the sight of Christ in glory ? Do we in- deed see Christ by the eye of faith ? is he the one, the chief object of our soul ? Is he precious to us ? Verily then we shall count our days on earth toilsome ones, and long for the full fruition of him in glory. O it will be our great glory to see • that dear Man, whose blessed head was crowned with thorns, and whose lovely face was spit upon for us, O that we may be living every day upon him and to him, till we see him as he is, and enjoy him where he is, crying, (c Come quickly, my blessed Redeemer."
(q) Happy would it be, if every one could say this — if every body loved to hear of the precious name of Jesus — if every body coveted to follow him and to tread in his steps— let ^s be joyful in him, and thankful to him — let us be humble before him.
THE PILGSIMS' PROGRESS. 36^
tc His name has been to me as a civet box : yea, fweeter than all perfumes. His voice to me has beea moft fweet ; and his countenance I have more defired, thaa they thut have moft defued the light of the fun. His wo- is did I ufeto gather for my food, and for an- tidor., againfttny faintings."
" He has held me, and has kept me from mine iniquities 5 yea, my fteps have been ftrengthened in h\s way."
Now, while he was thus in difcourfe, his counte- nance changed, his ftrong man bowed under him : and after he had faid, Take me, for I am come unto thee, he ceafed to be (ccn of them.
But glorious was it to fee, how the open region was filled with horfes and chariots, with trumpeters and pipers, with fingers, and players on ftringed inftru- ments, to welcome the Pilgrims as they went up, and followed one another in at the Beautiful Gate of the City (r).
(r) And new reader, let me enquire if the beautiful gate of the City does not awaken all your attention r" Let us mark well the life and death of the pilgrim — his life commences w ith the full knowledge of, and faith in his Redeemer — he looks 10^. and lives upon him :, and concludes his well-spent life by- dying in him, and eternally enjoying him.
We should now ask ourselves if such be our life, and if we hope that such will be our death. There is a hope that maketta not ashamed, but that ariseth from the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the power of the Holy Ghost — this hope is the anchor of the soul — but that hope which ariseth from some supposed power of goodness of ourselves, is vain and delusive,, and is the hope of a hypocrite. If ours be the true hope, and Christ the life of our souls, then we shall live by faith upon him, rely on his atonement, glory in his righteousness, rejoice in his salvation, desiring to have done with all sin, and to be dead to all self-righteous confidence ; and in heart, lip, and life, studying to glorify him, by devoting ourselves to him, looking, longing, and waiitng for his coming to receive us to Himself, and where He is, there we may be also, and like happy pilgrims, after finishing a tedious journey, follow one another in at the beautiful gate of the city.
366 THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS.
As for Chriftiana's children, the four boys that Chriftiana brought with their wifes and children I did not ftay where I was till they were gone over. Alfc fince I came away, 1 heard one fay, they were yet alive, and fo would be for the increafe of the Church in that place where they were, for a time.
Shall it be my lot to go that way again, I may give thole that defire it, an account of what I am here fs- lent about 5 mean time, 1 bid my reader
FAREWELL.
End of the Second Part »
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 3$7
TO HIS WORTHY FRIEND,
The Author of the Third P ait of the Pilgrim's Progress.
UPON THE PERUSAL THEREOF.
THO' many things are writ to please the age : Amongst the rest with this I dare engage, Where virtue dwells, it will acceptance find And, to your pilgrim, most that read, be kind. But all to please, would be a task as hard, As for the wind from blowing to be barr'd. The pious Christian, in a mirror here, May see the promis'd land, and, without fear Of threaten'd danger, bravely travel on, Until his journey he has safely gone And does arrive upon the bapy shore, Wheie joys increase, and sorrow is no more.
This is a dream, not fabl'd as of old : In this express the sacred truth are told, That do to our eternal peace belong : And, after mourning, changes to a song Of glorious triumphs, that are without end ; If we but bravely for the prize contend. No pilgrimage like this, can make us blest, Since it brings us to everlasing rest : So well in ev'ry part the sense is laid, That it to charm the reader may be said, With curious fancy, and create delight, Which, to an invitation must invite. And happy are they, that through stormy seas, And dangers, seek adventures like to these. Who sell the world for this great pearl of price, Which, once procur'd will purchase paradise ! He, who in such a bark doth spread his sails, Needs never fear at last their prosp'rous gales. That will conduct him to a land, where he Shall feel no storms, but in a calm shall be ; Where crown'd with glory, he shall sit and sing Eternal praise to his Redeemer King, Who conquefd death, bespoil'd him of his stino-. ^
So wishes your faithful Friend,
B. D.
I
THE
PILGRIMS PROGRESS,
THIS WORLD,
TO
THAT WHICH IS TO COME,
UNDER THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM.
PART. III.
-^FTER the two former dreams concerning Chris- tian and Chriftiana his wife, with their children and companions' pilgrimage from thecity of Deftruclion to the region of glory ; 1 fell afleep again, and the vifions of mv head returned upon me. I dreamed another dream and/behold, there appeared unto me a great multitude of people, in feveral diftincl companies and bands, tra- velling from the city of Deftruclion j the town of Carnal Policy, the viliage of Morality, and from the reft of the cities, towns, villages, and hamlets, that belong to the valley of deftruclion ; for fo was the whole country called that lay on this fide of the wicket-gate, which the man Evan gel ill: fhewed unto Chriftian ; and fo was alfo that country called, thac was fituated wide of the gate, on the right hand and on the left, extending itfelf along by the walls and borders of that region, wherein lay the way to the heavenly country. This was the name of that province, even the valley of Deftruclion.
Now 1 favv in my dream, that all the high-way roads and lanes that led from the valley of Deftruclion towards the o^ate of the way of life, were full of people who were travelling toward the gate ; and lome of them walked
THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS. 30b/
along very vigoroufly ; othershalted and grew very weary, through the molt violent heat of the i'eafon, which then made them even ready to faint; for it was in the hottest time of the year, and the fun burnt up the herbof the field and fcorched the poor travellers fo, that many of them were forced to fit down and reft themlelvts; and, in the higiht-time, many of them returned back again to their o'd habitations j others, more hardy then the reft, went on till thev came to the Slough of Dispond, where Pliable forfook Chriliian, and there, falling into the filth and mire or that plaice, were fo difheartened, that they returned in whole droves to their own dwellings again ; and very few there were rhat would venture through the Slough ; yet forrie got very dexcroufly over the (reps, without being in the leaft bemired : whilft others, through heedleffnefs and ignorance, miffing thofe fceps, were foreed to wade through the dirt, which was very deep, and made their pafiage exceeding painful ; but at length, with much ado, they weathered the point, and mattered the difficulties of "that horrid quagmire, and got fafe upon dry ground,
Among the reft of thefe travellers that got over this Slough, I faw a young man of an amiable countenance walking by himfelf, after he had got clear of the Sloughj bur he was all over bedaubed with the filth of that place which made him go very heavily -on ; for what with ftruggling to gee through, and what with the difmal apprehenfion he lay under, during his paffage, he was extremely weakened, his joints were Icofened ; befides it was the nature of the dirt of this place, to caufe a trembling and diforderin the limbs of thofe that were defiled with it, and to whatfoever part of their body it ftuck, there it would do them fome injury. Now the young man being all over clammed with it, he went a very flow pace, his head hanged down, his hands quivering, and his feet tripping at the leaft uneafinefs and ruggednefs of the way ; and a fpeck or two of the dirt being (pattered near his eyes, made him dim- fighted, fo he groped along like one that is blind, and fometimes ftepped out of the path. 3 A
j;
THE PILGRIMb' PKCGP.CbS,
In this condition be was, at length* 1 iiw in my dream, that he fat down upon the ground to be- moan his lad ft ate, and wept bitterly : and behold a bright cloud hovered over his head, which gradually descending, overshadowed him, and out of the cloud a hand was reached forth, which, with the tears that ran like rivers from his eyes, warned the dirt off his face and his whole body, fo that in a moment (as it were) his figh and firength were reiiored again , and a voice came out of the cloud, faying, fan of man, go on in the ftrength of the Lord thy God. So he was mightily comforted and refreined after this, and began to rouie himfelf, being more nimble and active, more vigor- ous and ftrong, then ever he was before ; and his^eyes being healed alio, he clearly faw the mining light hat Evangelift (hewed to Chriftian, Then he tript along over the plain, and mace directly up to the mining light, by means of which he quickly found the wicket-gate; at which he knocked aloud, minding what was written over the gate, viz. Knock, and it mail be opened.
Now I law in my dream, that as foon as he had knock- ed at the wicked gate, a whole Ihower of arrows were foot at him from the caftle of Beelzebub, fo that he was wounded in feverul places, and extremely frightened at the adventure; which made him knock again and again very hard, for fear thofe that fhot at him would come and kill him outright, before he could get in : but per- fently, to his great comfort, the gate was opened to him, and when he that opened the gate, faw the ar- rows ftick in his fkfb, he bid him hafte in, for fear of more danger.
So he ftepped in, and made obeifance to the man that opened the gate, for he feemed to the man that reverence by his grave countenance and compofed be- haviour: fo he fpake to the man whofe name was Good- will, and faid, Sir, having heard of the fame of the heavenly country, and being informed by feveral tra- vellers, that the way to it was by this gate, I being weary of living in the valley of deftrucdon, and earneft- ly defirous to fee that region of blifs, humbly made bold to knock at his gate, which you have been gracioufly
THE PILORIMS' PROGRESS. 371
pleased to open to me; for which high favour I return you my him ble and heart y thanks: but, as I flood at the gate: after I knocked the firft time, I was fhot with thefe arrows which you now see {ticking in my flefh, and I fear I am mortally wounded; for my fpirits fail me, and there is a milt before my eyes; and with that he fell at Good-will's feet, beging him to tell where he might find one that had skill to probe his wounds, and cure {hem, if not mortal.
Good-will taking compaffion on the young man, afk- ed his name : My name, replied the young man, is Tender confeience; I was born and bred in the town the young man's name, he wrote a certificate, and gave it to hirri, bidding him deliver it at the next houfe, which was the houfe of the Interpreter, withal fhewing him the way to it, for it was but a little w the gate ; there, fays he, you will find a remedy for your wounds, and fee many glorious things.
Then I faw, in my dream, that Good-will gave to Tender confeience a ftrong crutch made oflignum-vits of the Tree of Life, to reft himfrlf upon, and eafe his feet as he went along, he having nothing before in his hand bu" a twig of vain opinions, which he ga- thered £om the Tree of Knowledge, growing on the banks of the waters of confufion. This weak reed was all the ftaff that Tender-confcience leaned upon his Ifuch ime as Good-will, bidding Ivm throw it away, gave him the aforefaid ftrong cruuh, which he bid him be fure not to part w th, for that it fnould be of lingular ufe to him ail th when he was wounded, for that it had aparticular vir- t-ij ro flay the b'esdmg of wounds. So Good-will, having given Tender-confcience ample directions to find the way, bid him farewell, and left him to go for- ward on his journey.
Then Tender-confcience began to pluck up his fpirits, being muchcomforted, eafed and fupportedby the crutch which Good-will had given him. For no fooner was he in pofie-ffion of ir, but his wounds abated in bleeding ; and by tint time it grew warm in his hand, it fent forth 3 A •?
372 the pilgrim's progress.
a certain oderiferous perfume, which exceedingly re- frefhed his fpirits, and he found himself grow ftronger and ftronger by the healing virtue of this wonderful crutch.
And thus he travelled on, till at length he arrived at thehcufe of the Interpreter, where knocking at the door -one prefently opened ; and asked his bufinefs, Tender- confcience made anfwer, I would (peak with the Inter- preter, who, I underftand, is the matter of the houfe. So one called the Interpreter, who came forthwith to Tender-confcience and demanded what he would have. Tender-con. Sir, ia id Tender conscience, I was re- commended to you by one Good- will who keeps yond«q" "Wicket gate. For travelling from the town where I was born in the valley of Dsftruclio:^ towards the region of life, 1 came to the Wicket gate as I was directed -, and as foon as I had knocked there, I was fhot with thefe arrows that you fee flicking in my flefh 5 and when the gate was opened I made my condition known to Good- will and told him I was afraid fome of my wounds were mortal, defiring him to acquaint me where I might find a phyfician ; fb he recommended me to you giving me this certificate of his hand, and bidding me deliver it onto you; affunng me that in this place 1 fhould f remedy for my wounds, and fee many glorious things: He I ike wife gave me this flrcng crutch which you fee in my hand, which has afforded me great comfort and affiftftn'ce, by refoefhihg my fainting fpirits, fupporiing me in the way, and putting a flop to the exceflive bleeding of my wounds : but it is from you that I hope for the fin ifning of my core. .
Int. Welcome young man, faid the Interpreter after he had read the certificate ; come in, and partake of the good things of tnis hGufe ; and before you go away, I hope to fee you whole and found.
So he conduded him into a parlour, and asked him feveral qneftions concerning his country, and the man- ner of his life there. To ail which Tender-confcience made paaticular anfwers giving him an exact account of his education and how he had fpent the time of hisyouth till that day j After which the Interpreter narrowly
THE PILCRIM'S PROGRESS, 3/3
fearched the wounds which he had received by the ar- rows that day, and applied a fovereijin balfam to them, whereby Tender-confcience became ftraightway whole and found ; and the Interpreter caufed the arrow that he had pulled out of his body to be laid up fafe, as a memorial of his narrow efcape from death. Then he carried him into the dining room, and entertained him at a rich, yet frugal banquet, feaftinghim with the beft refltora.tives in the world ; for he confidered that Tender- con Icier ce was week and feeble, and had a tedious journey to go j therefore he judged it neceffary to treat him with diet and ftrong nourifhrnent, that he might be (he better enabled to undergo the hardihips of tra- vel in that tirefome road.
Afcr the banquet was over, he carried him ;nto the
feveral apartment- of the houfe, and ihewed him all the
dsnt things which ChriitianandChriftiang his v ife,
their child: en and companions, faw in this place.
And when it grew towards the going down of the fun,
he conducted Tender-confcience ro the dining *. m,
. . a m debate repair, together, >i
rfidue of th ; ■ v.e ;;ng in pro tab] difcourfej the
Interp ortuniq to nf m him fully
untn , and to inftracl; him in his way, Stions what company he fhould
1 I hovv he mould behave himfelf
i Ihen he [hewed hi i>erj,
a to his repofe.
jit morning, by break of day, Tender-con- I ;roie, and prepared for his journey -, and the
Interpreter, having performed all the offices of complete hofpitality, told him he would bear him company a little way j which kind offer Tender-confcience gladly embraced, bo h becaufe he was a ftranger altogether in thofe parts, and becaufe he was in love with the Interpreter's good converfation. So they walked out together, and faking their way over a large corn-field, through which there lay a path into the high road from tVe InterpreSer's. houfe they came to a lane on each fide of which there flood a manor-houfe, with lands belong- ing to each of them.
374 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.
Then Tender-confcience took notice that the grounds of one farm were all in a flourifhing and profperous con- dition, a plentiful crop of corn, lovely fat paftures, and thofe well flocked with cattle, the fences every were ftrong and clofe, and things in exceeding good cafe : whereas, on the other fide, the oppofite farm lay at fixes and fevens, (as the old faying is) fome part of the ground was overthrown with nettles, briars and thorns, and all manner of unprofitable weeds; and the other part was uncultivated, and lay covered with ftones, the fences down, and wdd beafts brouzing up and down on what they could find, all things lying at rack and man- ger : To that there was not the lead fign of a future har- vefl : at which Tender confesence greatly marvelled, and afked the Interpreter the reafon why there was fo great a difference between the two farms, fince, lying fo clofe together, the one was a daily reproach to the other : to which the Interpreter replied, He that owns that farm on the right hand, which you behold in fo fair and flcu- rifhing a condition, is the king's tenant, as likewise is the other, for both the manors belong to the king of the country : Now upon a time the King taking his pro- grefs this way, and being informed that he had two fair farms in this place untenanted, and that, for want of looking after, they were both run to ruin, (for at that time they were both alike) he put them presently into the hands of thefe two men who live in them now, tel- ling them withal, for their. encouragement, that they fliould not only live rent-free, (faving fome homage to be paid at his court) but ihould alio be removed to places of ineftimab'e dignity and v.due, provided they would be induftrious and cleanfe the farms, and im- prove them with the bed hufbandry they could becaufe J;e loved not that any of the crovi n lands mould run to ruin ; thefe two men were put in pofiession of the farms and each had his houfe and land apart.
Now the man on the left hand taking a furvey of his new farm, and finding it all grown with weeds and bri- ars ! covered with ftones ; the fences down ; wild beafts ranging up and down in the grounds, and all things like a wildernefs, he fat down and folded his arms despair-
the pilgrims' progress. 375
ing ever to cleanfe his farm, or bring it into any order; fo he fell to noting and drunkennefs ; to gaming and wantonneis. never regarding his farm, or la much as once thinking of it ; fo that he is run deeply in debt, and has loft his reputation among all his neighbours ; and unlefs he fpeedily take up, and fet himfelf to cleafing and manuring his farm, he will certainly fall into the King's difpleafure, who will caft him into prifon for neglecting his farm, (for {o he threatened them at the firft) whence he cannot efcapetill he has made full fatisfaction to the King for his heinous offence.
But, on the contrary, the tenant on the right hand having furveyed his farm in like manner as the other did, and finding it in die fame condition, all run to ruin and diforder, he confidered with himfelf the great favour he had received in being intruded with one of the King's farms, how heinous a crime it would be to flight fuch a benefit as was propofed to him, both for the prefent and future if he would but improve his gift: then he con- fidered like wife, that tho' it was a great farm, and all in a manner like a wildernefs, ye«: by endeavouring every day to cleanfe, in time he mall compafs the whole.
Thefe confiderations made him fet about it with all fpeed, and he began by little to weed and remove the {tones off from the ground j and fo, by daily labouring at it, he at length reduced it to this good order you fee it in now ; and he is in allured hopes of obtaining the King's promife, and of being removed to a more noble and honourable (ration.
In my opinion, faid Tender-confcience, the farmer on the left hand is very much to blame in neglecting so fair an opoitunity of raifing himfelf : had he but followed the fleps of hisoppofite neighbour, and done fomething every day towards the cleanfing of his farm, he might by this time have reaped the benefit of it, and bad the returns of plentiful crops, befides the continuance and increafe of the King's favour, who would, no doubr, in time, have been as good as his word.
Interpreter. Juft fuch, faid the Interpreter., is the condition of you travellers, who come from the] valley of Dellruction, and are going to the region of life and
376 the pilgrim's progress,
glory: the King of that plaGe only requires husband well his gifts and graces, to imr. ler.ts, and preferve co the end of your pi then you will be tranflated to eternal manfions. I the way to do this is, not to be dif t . : J with length of your journey, nor frightened with the ajppre- henfions you may have of the difficulties to b'- 6ver- come, and the dangers to be. encountered by the way, but you mutt arm yourfelf with a firm refolution to go thro' all, making fome pfogrefs every day ; for to (land ftill is to go back ; and therefore, like the wife and in- dnftrious farmer on the right hand, who every day weed- ed and floned fome part of his grounds, fo miift you daily go on, and gain ground j thus, like him, you will in due time perfect your labour and travel, and ftnifli your courfe with joy.
The Interpreter gave him many more good counfels and admonitions, as they walked along, till they came to the highway that was fenced in on either fide with the wall of Salvation, and there the Interpreter gave to Tender-confcience the King's royal pals, fignifying to him that it would be of Angular ufe to him through- out his journey to the heavenly Country : fo wifhing him a profperous journey, and eternal happinefs, he bid. him heartily farewell.
Then Ifaw in my dream that Tender-confcience wept when he was to part with the Interpreter, being raviihed in fpirit with inexprelTible love to his company, foras- much as he had healed his wounds, entertained him mod courteously, ihewe.d him many excellent and glorious things, and givenhim the King's warrant or pafs, where- by he mould be enabled to travel more fecurely and quietly to the region of life : befides, he was naturally very affectionate and could not brook a feparation from fuch a friend without burfting into tears j but at length overcoming his paffion, he (et forward on his journey, and came to the place where the crofs flood, where Chrillian's burden fell from off his back, and tumb- ling into the fepulchre (which, was at the bottom of the riling ground whereon the crofs ftood) was there buried.
THE PILORIMS* PROGRESS. tfj
Now I faw in my dream, that hard by ihe crofs were builttwohoufes; the one was called the Houfe of Mourn- ing, and the other was called the houfe of Mirth j and they were lituated on each fide of the crofs, the one on the right hand, and the other on the lett hand : now as Tender-confcience kept the path up the hill, there came out of the Houfe of Mirth lome young Men to meet him, and they fpake to him, faying Whence Cornell thou, and whither art thou going; Then Ten- der-confcience made anfwer, I am come from the valley of Deftruclion, and am going to the heavenly city, the region of life and glory ; but I perceive it grows late, and I am a ftranger in the way, and therefore would gladly take my repofe this night fome where hereabouts, if I might find fo much favour among any of the inhab tants of this place : then the young men made ant'trer, and faid, There are none but thefe two houfes which thou feed, in all thisparifh, that give entertainment to ftran- gers, and if thou wilt go along with us to yonder house (pointing to that on the left hand) there thou wilt find good ufuage, merry company, and all things that your heart can wifh, for, and in the morning we will travel along with you, for we only lodge there to-night; and in the morning will fct forwardtoward the heavenly city.
By fuch enticing words and perfuafions as thefe they prevailed upon Tender-confcience to go along with them noife, as of them that make merry, finging, dancing, and playing upon mufical inftruments, with much laughter: at which Tender-confcience was greatly aftonifhed : but as he came up to the houfe he faw written over the door thefe words, This is the House of Mirth : then he re- memberedthe words of the wife man, That it is better to go to the Houfe of Mourning, than to go to the Houfe of Feafting, Eccles. vii. 2. 4. And again, The heart of the wife is in the Houfe of Mourning, but the heart of Fools is in the Houfe of Mirth.
So he alked the young men what that houfe was called on the other fide of the crofs, and they told him it was called the Houle of Mourning; moreover they railed and fcofted at the people that live
3B
$J% THE PILGRIMS' PROG&ESS.
that none but a few dull phlegmatic fools ever frequent- ed it; but Tender-confcience weighed more the words of the wife man than their flanderous tongues, and told them he would feek a lodging at the Houfe of Mourning. Then they laughed at him, and called out to the reft of their companions to deride him ; but he de- parted from them, and palled by the crofs, at the fight of which he was tranfported with unspeakable love, grief companion, and fuch like affections, the young men and their companions all the while following him, and making a mock at his tendernefs : and as he wept at the foot of the crofs, they fell alaughing, ranting, and roar- ing, till at length he rofe up and made hafte to go to the Houfe of Mourning; where he was no fooner arrived but two grave, yet comely women, bid him kindly wel* come, faying to him, We faw now you were like to be feduced into the houfe of Mirth, and we rejoiced to be- hold your refolution not to enter into that feat of vanity 5 we alfo faw your confiancy in withftanding their feoffs and mockery, and how you were not afbamedofthe crofs, but the, fight of it pierced your heart with divine love, and caufed your eyes to pour out rivers of tears, while thofe profane wretches laughed you to fcorn ; all this we beheld with great fatisfaction ; and now come in, thou bleffed of the Lord, and reft in this place till to-morrow, and then thou mayeft go in peace : fo Ten- der conference went in along with the courteous ma- trons, who wafhed his feet, and having refrefhed him with a moriel of bread and a little wine, with a few figs, raifins and almonds, they fell into d fcourfe about the perfon who Suffered death on the crofs ; and the eldeft matron fpoke to t his effect :
Eld. Mat. How vain and profane are thefe poor wretches who defpife the crofs of Chrift, and are become bitter enemies, both to him and his fufferings ! they pro- fefs to believe in God: and worfhip him yet at the fame time, give both him and themfelves the lie in their prac- tice: they profefs to believe Chrift crucified for our sins yet at the fame time, they crucify him themfelves afrefh and put himto an open lhame. They lay an embargo on their faith, and fufFer it not to launch beyond the nar*
THB PILGRIMS PROGRESS. S79
row limits of their fenfes ; and taking up their religion on the credit of flefh and blood, there carnal pafiions are made the ftandards of its practice ; and whatfoever thwarts their lufts, is banifhed their converfation.— — Hence it comes to pafs, that what at firtl efteemed dull and unpleafmg, is, by degrees flighted and new- lefted, till at length it is become the object of their fcorn and derifion, as you fee experimented in the Houfeof Mirth this evening.
Young. Mat. And that which is the more iurprifing is, that thefe very perfons pretend to be honourers of the erofs, and difciples of Jefus Chrift : their houfe is built as near the crofs outwardly as ours is ; and yet, at the fame time, they are enemies to thofe who tread in the fteps of Him who fuffered that ignominious death for our fakes.
Tender-confcience. Ay faid Tender-confcience, the three young men told me they were going toward the heavenly city as well as I, and if I would repofe myfelf in the Houfe of Mirth this night, they would bear me company on the morrow j but as foon as they perceived I would lodge in the Houfe of Mourning, they turned theircomplimenrs into feoffs, theirpretendedcivility in- to real rudenefs, and their feigned pious purpofes into open profanenefs ; railing at you and your houfe, and all your guerts j deriding and laughing at me for a fool and madman, like thofe Greeks to whom the cross of Chrifc was foolilhnefs, and, all that bore any affection to it were esteemed as the off icouring of all things. Such was my' entertainment among them $ for whereas before they were merry in the houfe, finging, dancingand play- ing on inftrurnents of mufic ; fo foon as the three young men gave intimation to them of my defign, they forfook their melody, and came runing out of the houfe to mock and deride me, ranting and roaring, and raifing great laughter while I fat weeping by the crofs.
Eid. Mat. It is worth one's obfervation, to fee by what degrees men arrive at that ridiculous vanity, as well as notorious impiety. Firft, they let loofe the reins of their wanton humour in trivial and fmall matters de- lighting in nothing fo much as a jeft or droll in ordinary 3B2
3S0 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
converfation $ thus having habituated and ufed them- felves to a jocular vein, they can hardly forbear to play the wag with things of more ferious importance, as the affairs ofjuftice, and the public ftate -, then being as, it were, fteeled and hardened in this wanton humour, they at laft fall to mocking and jefting at the most holy and religious things, verifying the faying of the wife man, He who contents little things fhall fall by little and little. Certainly vain mirth and exceffive laughter do but raife a duft in the eyes of the foul,, and interrupt her more ferene and fteady profpect of better things and the moft innocent jefts may be reckoned like mufh rooms, which, well ordered and fpiced, may do no harm but can do no good. Whatfoever habit the foul gets, it is hard to remove it ; and the habit of exceffive laugh- ter is moft difficult to be overcome, becaufe it is a faculty effential to our nature to laugh j and he that gives way to it and to common jefting, betrays his mind to an unmanly likenefs, and an habitual vanity, which afterwards he will find difficult to root out. And there- fore, feafonable was the advice of the apoftlePaul, when he counfel-ed the Ephtfians, Eph. v, 4. to avoid fooiifh talking and jefting; and the Theffaloniahs. 1 Thes. v. 22. to ab'tain from all appearance of evil. Now what was fair) to them, no doubt, was written for our inftruclion ; and all Chriftians are obliged to ob- ferve their fage counfels in this as well as other matters and not to pick and choole what counfels we please to obey, tis if we would compound with God for quarter or half performances of his will. And though this pro- hibition of vain jefts and foolifh mirth feems to be of fmall moment with fome, yet it is good to obferve every title of the word of God with great reverence : and you have done the part of a wife man in forfaking the Houfe of Mirth, and coming to the Hou'fe of Mourning ; for they think this life to be but a paftime or a market for gain, Ifa* v. 12, 13. Theydrink wine in bowls : the harp and the vial, and the timbrel and pipe are in their feafts ; but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither confider the operation of his hands 1 therefore hell hath enlarged herfelf, and. opened
TKE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 38 1
her mouth wi'hout meafure, and their glory, and their mult tude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth among them, fhall dcfcend into it.
Youn* Mat. Neither is it lefs worthy of remark, by what artifices and mifreprefentations the people belong- ing to the Houfe of Mirth do endeavour to affr'ghttn travellers from coming to our houfe, bring ng an ill name upon it, and telling them we are fad melan- choly folks, nothing to be heard here but fighing, lamenti' g, and groaning; and that many. poor travel- lers have been driven to defpair in this place, and made away with themfelves. Whereas there is nothing of this true; for our forrow is not worldly forrow, which bringeth death, but mourning and repentance unto life, which necdeth not to be repented of. In our fighing we rejoice, and in our tears we fmile, as it is written, They that fow in tears fhall reap in joy : and the deepeft of our groans are but fore runners of the foul's triumph over fin and d> ath : and there is fn near a neigh- bourhood betwixt this kind of grief and the molt exalted pleafure, that it is hard to diftinguifh between the one and the other. While our eyes rain tears, the clouds that caufe them are fcattered from our hearts; and that very tempefts offighs and groans which threaten to rend our breads in pieces, doth but fweep and cleanfe the air of our fouls, and renders it more calm and ferene than it was before ; thus fpringeth light from darknefs peace from war, and life from dea*:h. And fo far is this home from leading any unto defpair, or to be the occa- fion of any deftroying thcmfe'ves, that, on the contrary many that have come from the Houfe of Mir h in that condition, when their means were all fpent in rioting and vain mirth, have defired harbour with us, and in a little time have recovered their judgement, reafon, and fenfe again, and have gone away full of comfort and fatisfacltion.
Now by this time it g«-ew too late, and they broke up company, caufing one of the houfehold to fhew Tender- eonfcience to his lodgings, having wifhed him a good repofe : he, returned them hearty thanks for their good ©ounfel and edifying difcourfe, took his leave for rh it
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS,
evening, and went to reft. In the morning he rofe early and prepared for his journey, being extremely pleated with the entertainment he found in this place, fo that he burfl out a finging in his chamber,
Blessed be God, who travellers doth guide, And with his wings from dangers them doth hide. My foot had well-nigh, slipt, when I was led Within the House of Mirth to take a bed : But better things remembering, I retir'd, As I was by the grace of God inspir'd; TheylaughM I wept; they mock'd, while I did wail; And at the House of Mourning they did rail. The House of Mourning solid joys doth bring, Whilst that of Mirth behind it leaves a sting.
Now whilft he was finging thefe last words, he heard a very great noife without; and looking out of the win- dow, he law feveral of thofe that belonged to the Houfe of Mirth; who had befet the Houfe of Mourning, and demanded to have the man delivered to them that came in there the lad night. This put Tender confeience in- to no fmall fright, fo that he fell to prayer, and behold, three ihining ones appeared to him, and bid him be of good cheer, for they would deliver him out of his ene- mies hands: then OLe of them breathed on him, faying, Be thou changed, and he was immediately transformed and became a new creature ; and his face, which before looked meagre and pale, now became ruddy and min- ing, his' fparkling like diamonds, fo that thofe who had ktn him before could not know him. Then the fecond prefented him with a change of raiment, clothing him with a white robe ; wheeas before he was in a crim- fon coloured garment. The third alfo fet a mark in his forehead, giving him fuch a roll, with a feal upon it, as Chriftian had given to him ; fo the three mining ones pronounced a bleffing on him, nnd bid him go away in peace, for that no evil mould befal him. Then Tender- confeience acquainting the matrons what had happened to him, and talking his leave of them, went boldly out ■with his crutch in his hand, and paffed through the midft
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.
3°J
of the liers in wait, and no man knew him, or had power to fay, Who arc thou ? but he departed from them in peace, as the mining ones had foretold him.
Then I faw in my dream that Tender-confcience walked a great pace till he was out of fight of the houfe and of the liers in wait; for he had ftill fome dread re- maining upon him, which fpurred him on to haften out of their reach. Thus he walked till he came to the foot of the bill Difficulty s and having drunk nothing that day, he Hooped down and drank of the fpring that ran by the bottom of the hill : then he fat down a while and confidered which way to go j for there were three paths, one right up the hill, and the other two went round by the bottom of the hill on the right hand, and to the left. The path which went ftraight up the hill was very Iteep and cragged, and that which went round the bottom on the left hand was broad and even, curioufly fhaded with rows of trees on each fide, and the fprings winding along by the path fide, which was very pleafing and in- viting : and the path on the right hand was alfo fmooth and even, fhady and pleafant, and feemed to wind about upwards j fo that Tender-confcience thinking that this path would bring him to the top of the hill, as well as the Iteep one, he made choice of it : now the name of this path was Danger, and the name of the other on the left hand was Deftruction; fo he went in the path of Danger, which brought him up round by the fide of the hill into a great wood, which he entered, the path leading him through the middle of the wood. Now the wood feemed very pleafant and delightful at the firft entrance, the birds finging on the trees, and the wind ruffling the leaves, made a very fweet harmo- ny, and the path was green and fmooth : but as he walked farther in, the trees overfhaded it, and flood fo thick that it feemed dark and d final ; moreover he heard howlings and roarings of wild beafts, for the wood was infefted with wolves, bears, leopards, dra- gons, and other fierce creatures of prey, whicn made Tender-confcience to tremble for fear, and h;s heart fail within him, fo that he immediately leturned again by the fame way by which he came in ; and he
064. THE PILGRIM 5 PROGRESS.
ran as faft as he could till he got clear back again out of the wood, and then he flackened his pace by degrees, till at lcnght he came to the fpring at the bottom of the hill Difficulty, and there fat down again to confider which wav he fhould go, or what courie to take: at length, with much mufing, he called to mind that fay- ing, Narrow is the way that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it j and again, Broad is the way that leads to death, and many there be that enter in thereat. So he viewed the path that led directly up the hill, and it was exceeding narrow j and the other two paths that went round by the bottom were very bfoad : upon which he prefently concluded that he muft take the fteep and narrow path, how difficult soever it feemed to flefh and blood. So up he went, panting and gafp- ing for breath, fo tirefome was that way i and by that time he had got halfway up the hill he was very much fpent, and grew fo faint and giddy, by reafon of the great height, and fteepnefs of the afcent, that he was ready to tumble down backwards again. At length he came up to a place where was a cave in the fide of the hill, and at the mouth of the cave fat a man, whofe name was Good refoiution. Now he feeing Tender- confcience coming up the hill panting and gafping, and almoft beat offhis legs, faluted him in this manner;
Good res. Brother, 1 fee that thou art weary and faint, therefore 1 pray thee turn in here with me into this cave and reft thyfelf awhile ; and when thou haft refrelhed thyfelf, and gathered ftrength, then go for- ward in the name of the Lord. I am placed here by the King's order, to adminifter relief to poor tired Pilgrims.
Tender-con. Then faid Tender-confcience, Sir, I thank you for your kind invitation, which I gladly ac- cept of, for indeed I am quite fpent, and my heart fails me.
So he went along with the man into the cave, and they fat down together in feats cutout of the folid rock. Now 1 faw in my dream, that the room where they fat was pure aiabafter, and did let in certain fky -lights at the top, which gave Tender-confcience a view of the
THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS. • 38$
many rare pieces of antiquity cut out of the rock j Heb. xi- 4> 5> Jj *' There were the figures and reprefenta- tion of many famous worthies, ar.d renowned men of old, who, through faith, had done many marvellous things. There was the representation of Abel offering agreater and more Acceptable facrifice than Cain j and of Enoch, who walked with God, and was rranflated without feeing death : and of Noah, who was an hun- dred and twenty years in building the ark, to the laving of his houfehould, and the kinds of all living creatures. There was alio the reprefentation of Abraham, who when he was called, obeyed God, to go out into a place which he mould afterwards receive for an inherit- ance, and he went out not knowing whither he went. There was alfo reprefented, how by faith he abode in the Land of promife as in a ftrange country, as one that dwelt in tents, with Tfaac and Jacob, heirs with him, of the fame Promife : for they looked for a city having a foundation, whofe builder and maker is God. All thefe men lived in faith, believing the promises and re- ceiving them thankfully, confcfling they were Pilgrims and ftrangers on earth. For they that lay fuch things, declare plainly that they leek another country. For if they had been mindful of their own country from whence they came out, they had leisure to have return- ed j but they defned a better, that is, an heavenly ; wherefore God is not afhamed to be called their God, and hath prepared for them a city.
Now Tender-confcience was greatly pleased, and much comforted with the fight and consideration of thefe things $ fo he looked farther, and there he faw the reprefentation of Abraham offering up Ifaac (to whom it was faid, In Ifaac lhall thy feed be called)and of Ifaac blefTmg Jacob and Efau : and of Jacob blefling his fons, the twelve patriarchs. Then he looked on that fide of the room which was oppofite to the entrance of the cave, and there was reprefented in alabafter work, how Mofes, when he came to agei refufed to be called the fon of Pharaoh's daughter ; choofing rather to fuffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleafures of fin for a feafon ; and how he forfook Egypt,
3C
J86 THE pilgrims' progress.
Kot fearing the king's wrath, but regarding himwho is lnvifible ; and how he led the people of Ifrael through the red fea, as on dry land, which the Egyptians at- tempting to do, were all drowned ; and how the walls of Jericho fell down at the found of their rams-horns. Many more things were reprefented, as the famous a&s of Jofiiua, Gideon, Barak, Sampfon, and Jephtha* alfo of David, Samuel, and the prophets, who through faith fubdued kingdoms, wrought righteoufnefs, ob- tained the promifes, (topped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire^ escaped the edge of the fword, out of weaknefs were made itrong, waxed va- liant in the battle, turned to flight the armies of the Aliens : and of others, who have been tried by mock- ingsand fcdurgin^s, by bands and imprifonments, who were (loned, and hewn alunder, tempted, and (lain, wandering up and-down in fheep and goat fkins being deititute, afflicled, and tormented, whom the world was not worthy of, they wandered in wilderneffes and mountains* in dens and caves of the earth : and thefe all, through faith, obtained a good report, and receiv- ed the -promises.
The Whole room where they fat was adorned with fuch kind of figures as thefe, whichTender-confcience viewed with a great deal of delight, and he took cou- rage from thefe glorious patterns : his fpirit, which be- fore languifhed, now began to revive and flourilh with- in him, fo that he burft out a finging in this manner %
Ah, puny soul ! faint hearted mind ! Weak as the chaff before the wind ! Long have I waver'd to and fro, But forward now I'll boldly go ; Since me such noble patterns movey I'll mount the hill on wings of love. Methinks my heart within me burns, And all inflam'd to God-ward turns ; What tho' in seraphic fire, My ravish'd spirit should expire I Yet, Phoenix like, it will revive, And in immortal glory live.
the pilgrims' progress. 387
Then Good-refolution feeing Tender-confcience fo mightily refrefhed with the things that he had feen, told him that he had yet greater things than thefe to mew him, fuch as would even ravifh his foul with joy to be- hold : fo he had him out of that room, by a long entry or paffage cutout of the rock, and full of fky-lightsthat were let in at the top, and brought him to another cave, where dwelt a man named Contemplation. The man fat ftill in a chair of pure diamond, muling and filent ; neither faid rhey any thing to him, or he to them : but juft as he faw them enter he drew back a curtain which hung before the fartheft part of the room, and veiledhalf the room, fo that when any one came in at firft he could not fee what was in the fartheft part of the room ; but fo foon as the man Contemplation had, with a firing which he held in his band, drawn back the curtain* what- goodly and glorious fight was there : for that part of the room was fo contrived, that, by letting in a certain fky-light from the root of the cave, your eyes are immeadiately furprifed with a thoufand fplendors : and that part of the cave, though an entire rock of dia- mond was fo artificially polifhed, that, by the reflection of the fun-beams, it represented to you a rnoft glorious city, whofe ftreets are paved with pure gold, and the walls of precious ftones, the inhabitants walking up and down in Jong lobes, and glittering like the (tars; alio it reprefented the King of that place fitting on a throne of glory, a fiery ftream iffuing from before him; thoufands of thoufands miniltered unto him, and ten thoufand times ten thoufand Rood before him, whofe faces were like the lightning, and their eyes like lamps of fire, their arms and their feet were like polifhed bra/s ; in fhort, the whole appearance was full of luflre and magnificence^
Tender-confcience was aftonifhed above meafure at the fight of thciet glorious things, and ravifhed with an inexprefiible delight, infomuch that he wifhed to live and die in that place, for he had never yet seen such a goodly fight before in all his life; he continued gazing on the lovely obje&s, neither could he take his eyes off from looking, till fuch time as Good-refolution drew
3 c 2
388 the pilgrim's progress.
the curtain figain, and fo veiled them from his fight, for he was afraid left, by too long gazing on fo much brighthefs, his eyes might receive fome damage remem- bering that faying of the wife man : Hethatgazethupon majefty mall be oppreft with glory j fo he had him back again through thepaiTage that led to his own cave j and *vhen they were come into the cave he defired Tender- confcience to fit down and meditate on what he had feenj fo Tender-confcience fat down to meditate, while Good-refolution got ready a imall collation of fruits, of herbs, and of wine to refrefh him, and make him more vigorous and active in going up the reft of the hill.
Ob, Sir, faid Tender-confcience, trouble not yourfelf for me, nor take any care about meat or drink, for what I have feen fince my coming into this place is both meat anri drink to me ; 1 fee! myfelf ftrengthened by it, and my fpirits enlivened, fo that methinks I could even fly up ihe reft of the hill.
Then Good-refolution made anfwer : If the bare fight of thefe glorious things has wrought fuch a wonderful effect upon you, how much greater influence may be expected from the mature confideration and application of them ? If the bare view of the landfcape be fo plea- fant, how much more delightful will it be to think the city there reprefented is the place whither you are-go- ing, and that you fhall live therefor ever and be cloth- ed and crowned with .obes and cjowes of endlesf glory ? But I muft warn you of one thing that will hap- pen to you a little after your departure from th's place, as it does ufually happen to all pilgrims whp have feen the glorious things of this cave, for left they fhould be exalted above meafure through the abundance of reve- lations, there is generally given unto them a thorn in the flefh, the mdTenger of Satan to buffet them, becaufe they mould nor be exalted above meafure ; and thus it is like to befall you when you are gone from this place. Nov/, to the end you may not be difheartened when this thing come to pafs, I tell you of it now, that, being fore-warned, you may alfo be fore-armed j and I exhort you to have always in your mind the famous examples
PROGRESS. 389
of thofe worthies which you fee reprefented before your eyes who ftemmed the tide of worldly crofies and perse- cution, flood the brunt of all manner of temptations, till having at lad weathered the point, and got theftart of the world, the flelh and the devil, they entered into the joy of their Lord, and took pofseflion of an ever- lafting inheritance. Thefe things you ought always to have in remembrance as you travel along, and efpecially when you meet with any temptation or danger as you muftc-xpect in th's journey: at fuch a time you ought to reflect on the glorious things you faw in my cave, and in the cave of Contemplatiou, and in fo doing you will find great comfort and rtlief
So he defired Tender-confeience to refrefh himfelf w'th fuch entertainment as his cave afforded : alluring liim, that though it was plain and homely diet, yet he was heartily welcome to it, and would find the benefit of it as he went up the reft of the hill ; then Good-refo- lution, after the repaft was over, renewed his counfel to Tender-confeience, and told him what houfes and inns he fnouid ufe thereabouts in his way, and what he fhould refufe and avoid, adding many wholefome in- ftructions. At length Tender-confeience full of cou- rage and joy, took his leave, giving him humble thanks for his favours he had done him.
Now 1 fa«v in my dream, that by that time Tender- confeience was got a pretty diftance upward from the cave, he was met by a man whofe name was Spiritual- pride, but Tender confeience knew not his name at firft : fo the man faluted him in this manner : Hail, thou beloved among the fons of men, thou darling of the King of Heaven, who haft undertaken a great and tedious pilgrimage from the valley of Deftruction, 00- ward the region of life and glory ; who haft efcaped the tempations of the House of Mirth, and rather chofen to go into the houfe of mourning ; who haft efcaped the paths of Danger and Deftiuction, and haft nobly ventured to afcend up the unpleafant and rugged path of the fteep hill Difficulty ; and haft entered into the cave of Good-refolution, and feen the glorious things of his cave, and the more glorious things in the cave of
39° THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS.
Contemplation." Now I am fent to congratulate thy fiiccefs, and to tell thee that thy journey is at an end; thou haftal! along fought the good fight, thou hall kept the faith, and now thy courfe is flnifhed, and there is laid up for thee a crown of i ighteoufhess : come, turn in with me, and I will fhew thee thy reward, which is fecured for thee, and thou needeft not travel or toil thyself any more, but take up thy reft with me.
Then Tender-conscience was much aftonifhed at the man's words, and wondered how he could tell him fo exactly what he had done, and where he had been ; and he laid within himself, Surely this man is a prophet, or greater than a prophet : fo he began to be puffed «p in his mind, to think how the man called him the beloved among the fons of men, and the darling of the King of heaven. Surely, faid he in his heart, My lot is fallen in goodly places, 1 have a fair inheritance: fo he fol- lowed the man, who led him a fide out of the path that led him directly up the hill, and brought him to an ex- ceeding high rower, whofe top was much higher than the" top of the hill itfelf; but before they came to the tower, even as they were going along, Tender-con- fcience cafe his eye upon the back of the man, and there he faw written Spiritual pride ; io he remembered the counfel of Good-reiblution, how, among the reft of h s whoiefome inftructions he bide him beware of Spiritual- pride, who would certainly meet him on the way, and endeavour to feduce him to the tower of Lofty-thoughts and when he had got him to the top5 would call him down- head long, and break him to pieces. So Tender- comcience made no more ado, but lan away as fall as he could, bick to the path again, and fo went forward tip the hill, rejoicing that he had efcaped from Spiri- tual-pride, who with flattering fpeeches and deceitful words fought to entice him out of the way, and bring him to ruin and fwift deftruetion.
, Then I looked after Tender-conscience, and faw that he went a great pace upward till he came to the top of the hill, even to the ftage that was built to punim fuch ■upon, who mould be afraid to go farther on pilgri- ma|e, where Miftruft and Timorous had their tongues
THE PILGRIM^ PROGRESS. 39I
bored through with ?n hot iron: for endeavouring to hinder Chrittian in his journey, as was to be read on the plates that huug before the ftar>e.
Now I saw in my dream, That as Tender conscience went aiong, an old man met him in the way, whofe name was Carnal-security, and he fpake to Tender- confeience in this manner : Friend, whence comeft thou, and whither art thou going ?
Tender-c n c.ie -ce rcpiied, Sir, I am come from the valley of Dc ftru&ion, and am travelling toward the heavenly country.
Carnal-fee. Truly you have undertaken a great and haaardous journey, and the perils you have gone through are man : but now the worft of your way is pa ft, the reft bei: g oMjeafarit, fife, and eafy, it is convenient for you ' we.ris m fteps you have trodden finceyou firft fet forth fro n your native country, and especially fincc you mult needs be tr cd and quite out of breath, through the ex- treme ft.-epnels of the hill Difficulty, which you laft afcended : therefore, if you pleafe to take up your quar- ters wit,h me, you mall be heartily welcome and you will be better ftrengthened and enabled to go forward on your journey 5 my houfe (lands not far off from this place, and if you will accept of my offer, I will be your guide to my habitation.
Tender-confcience. Sir, I muft confels your civility is very acceptable to me, and very feafonable at this time ; for indeed I am pretty well beat out with travel, and, befides it grows towards night j therefore, if you pleafe, I will go along with you.
So they Went along together, and the old man had him through a lane on the left hand of the high road which brought him to a (lately palace, whofe gate flood wide open, and they came unto the firft court, which was all green and full of flowers, having ft veral delight ful arbours artificially built round it, and a cryftal foun- tain in the middle of the court : there were alfo beauti- ful trees planted rouud it, on whole boughs innumerable birds of feveral kinds fat chirping and finging w th ad- mirable harmony : fo as they walked togeth t profs the
392 the pilgrim's progress.
court, there met him an ancient lady, accompanied by two beautiful young damfels, on whom fhe leaned : the name of the lady was Intemperance, and (he was the wife of Carnal-fecurity. Now it feems thefe two had built this palace to inveigle pilgrims, and fedu^e them out of their way to the heavenly country $> as the palace called Beautiful was built for the relief, comfort and di- rection of pilgrims in their journey ; but poor Tender- confcienceknew nothingofall this j he that had fo lately efcaped the fnare of Spiritual pride had laid for him, was now caught in the gins of Carnal-fecurity.
Now I faw in my dream, That lady Intemperance bid Tender-confcience Welcome to her houfe, and fo did the two young damfels who attended her, who were her daughters ; the name of the one was Wantonnefs, and the name of the other was Forgetfulnefs : then fhe defired him to approach nearer the houfe ; fo they all walked together through the firft court, and came to the entrance of the fecond: there the lady Intemperance defired them all to fit down whilft fhe reached feveral bunches 9f grapes, which hung down from a vine that covered the place where they fat, and fhe fqueezed them into a golden cup, which fhe held in her hand, and having tafted thereof, prefented it to Tendercon- fcience bidding him drink it off; fo he did accordingly, and prefently he was intoxicated therewith, and began to dally with Mrs Wantonnefs : at which the lady In- temperance, and her hufband Carnal-fecurity, feemed not to be difpleafed, but rather to encourage him, by giving him another cup of the juice of the grapes which worked fo mightily in his weak head, that having tum- bled and dallied awhile with Mrs. Wantonnefs on a bank of fweet flowers, at lad he fell afleep in the arms of Mrs. Forgetfulnefs. Then they caufed him to be carried into the palace by two of their fervants, and laid on a foftbed in the beft chamber of the whole houfe refolving, if poflible, to win him by all means to tarry with them and not to go forward in his journey : to this end they prepared an excellent concert of mufic, who were planted out of the light of the bed where Tender- confcience iay? yet fo a> they might be heard as plain
TKE PILCRIMS' PROGRESS. 293
as though they had been by his bed-fide, but could not beieen by him, if he fhould awake out of his fleep : and they were ordered to play the fweeteft airs and moft melodious tunes their heart could furnifh them with al! the while he was afleep, and likewife to keep on playing if he flionld chance to awake: for it was the nature of thefe grapes, of whole liquor they had drank Co plentifully, to make fome people fleep many years together, and others to lleep all their life time: and very few had the power to waken, efpecially in any fhort- time; and it was the nature of the muiic to create dreams in them that flept, pleafant, delightful, and enchanted dreams : and thoie who died ileeping were hurried out of the palace to a certain place, where they tumbled into the lake of destruction, which lake is at the end of the path which led to the left hand, at the bottom of the hill Difficulty; it is a burning lake, and has burned from the beginning of the world, and wiil do for ever and ever. Now this was the end of thofe poor wretches, who ■ being feduced into the houfe of Carnal-fecunty, and having drunk of the wine of fntemperance, and committed folly with Want- tonnefs, at length fell afleep with Forgetfulnefs, who, if they die fieeping, are forthwith caft into the burning lake, which is the fecond death.
Now it came to pafs, that though Tender-confcience flept a great while, being lulled by the found of fuch incomparable melody; yet they having not taken notice of his ftrong crutch which he had in his hand, not knowing its fecret and wonderful virtues, did not re- move it from him ; by which means we at length awoke from his fleep, touting himfelf up, and wondering from whence all this delicious harmony might come j for his crutch being in his hand ail the while he flept, at length as he went to turn himfelf in his fleep, he hit himfelf a blow in the eyes with the crutch, which awaked him : Then he began to wonder, as 1 faid, where he was; and how he came there, and what mufic that was ; at length he called to mind, how an old man had invited him into his houfe very kindly, aqd how his lady had given him ofher wine to drink, and how 3 D
394 tke pilgrims' progress.
he had dallied with Mrs. Wantonnefs,but could not call to mind how he came upon the bed, but concluded that he had been drunk, and fo brought into the pa- lace ; and with this thought, and the pleafant harmony of the mufic, he was juft ready to fall afleep again; but at' the fame inftant there came fuch a terrible clap of thunder as was almoft enough to awaken the very dead. At this his heart quaked within him, and the mufic ceafing playing; fo he arofe from his bed, and looking out at the window, he faw the air extremely darkened, faving only fome intervals of lightning, which accompanied with thunder, feemed to threaten the deftrudtion of the world. Poor Tender- confcience wept bitterly when he perceived fuch a dreadful tem- peft hanging over his head, and he in a ftrange place, not half way on his journey ; this made him very me- lancholy and penfive, and he burft out into thefe mourn- ful expreffions hv himfelf :
Wretch that I am, what will be come of me ! where ihall I hide myfelf from the fierce anger of the Lord, or how Ihall I cfcape his heavy difpleafure; I doubt I have done amifs in coming into this place , and atleep- ing away my precious time, which is the reafon that God is angry, and thunders in the ears of my foul : horror and confufion fiafh through my confcience like lightning : I know not what to do, nor where to turn my face for comfort.
Then he looked for his crutch, and could ,not find it at firfl, which made him lament grievoufly, but at laft he bethought himfelf on the bed whereon he flept j fo he ran thither, and there found it, to his no fmall com- fort and joy. Then he prepared himfelf to go down Hairs, but juft as he was about to go from the window where he ftood, there came another clap of thunder, which made the very houfe to ihake; and, after the thunder, he heard a voice whifper him in the ear, fay- ing, Get thee out of this place, and beware of the wo- man wiih the golden cup in her hand, and of all that belong to her, for h no more, left a worfe thing come unto thee. This made poor Tender-confcience to tremble a fretb, fo that the joints of his knees fmote one againft another, and he
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 395
haftened to go down ftairs, at which the muHc began to play agsin fo fweet'y, that he had much ado to leave it j but remembering the thundering and lightning a: d the voice he heard, he went refolutely down. Ard?.s he was going through the hall, he faw a table frread with all manner of dainties, and heard the voices of young men cind mrdden?, as he though', fingir.g del i- ciouilv, which made him again {land ft; 11 awhile to liften to their mufic. Then came one to him, named Mr. Gluttony, and he defired him todit down and eat what he liked beft, telling him withal, that the enter- tainment he faw there before his eyes was prepared on purpofe for pilgrims, and how that many that were travelling towards the city ofSion did call in there, and partook of the dainties that place afforded, it bei no- built for the eafe and pleafure of pilgrims: then the young men and maidens frconced Mr. Gluttony to their long, while feveral instruments of mufic played to. them in concert j and this was their fon^:
For-.:- piirrriras here mav eat and. drink, and sleep, ;tthem in safetr their good Lord will keep. Fall tco, fall too, poor man, and cake your fill, In nature's pleasure there can be no ill In vain our King's indulgent hand supplies What peevish man his longing soul denies.
This was enough to have daggered a (Tauter man than Tender confcience ; and he himfelf could not have refilled fo powerful a lempta ion, had it not been for the remembf ranee of the thunder and the voice. Alio he called to mind thai using of the holy Jefus, To do the will of my heavenly Fa: her is both my meat and my drink. So he turned away from Mr. Gluttony, and went apace out of the hall, without giving him one word, though he fallowed him, and intreared him to fit down and make merry with the good cheer that was before him. Then old Carnal fecurity met with him at the hall-door, which opened into the inner-court of the palace, and he took him by the hand, aildng him whi- ther he was °"oinfi: in fuch hafte ?
1 1) 1
39^ THE PILGRIM^ PROGRESS
Tender-con. To whom Tender-confcience replied, I am going forward on my journey,
Carn. Ay, but tarry and eat firft, for you have a long way to walk, before you will find another houfe, and therefore k is not convenient for you to go out fading from here, Jell you faint by the way.
Tender. It is written, Man lives not by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Cam. This is not applicable to your cafe, you muft not expect to be fed by miracles j meat and drink arc appointed for the fupport of our frail bodies, and therefore it is a fooliih preeifenefss to abltain from eating when we have abfclute need of it.
Tender. Ay, but I have no fuch abfolute need of eating or drinking either at this time, it being early in the morning j and I have read in a certain book thus, Woe be to thee, Q land, when thy princes eat in the mornino j but bleffed is the land whofe princes eat in due feafon, for refrefhment, and not for riotoufnefs.
Carn. /Neither is this faying any way applicable to you : for you are not a prince, but a poorplgrim ; and this is fpoke alogether of princes.
Tender. Yes, ( am a prince, and am going to take pofTefllon of my crown and kingdom, for we are made kings and priefts unto Go^, and we ihall reign with him for ever; and therefore ceafe to perfnade me in this manner, or to retard my journey, ior 1 will go in the ftrength of the Lord my God.
Carn. Wellv fince you are fo obfrinate that you waif not hearken to my counfel in this po:nt, pray be ad- vifed to drink before you go at yonder vine, where you fee the grapes hang fo thick and plump.
Tender, No, neither will I drink in this place, for I remember how I drank of the juice of thofe fatal grapes, and they intoxicated me, {o that I committed folly with Mrs. Wantonnefs, and flept away my time when I mould have been going forward on my jour- ney; and I believe you have a defign upon me to make me drunk again, or elfe you would not prefs lb hard.
THE PILGRIMS' PBOGRESf, $g]
Now by this time, as they went on talking together, they came to a fountain of water clear as cryftal, and Mrs. Wantonnefs was bathing herfeifin the fountain; who, when fhe faw Tender-confcience going out of the court with her father, ran out of the fountain, naked as fhe was, and embraced him, and prayed him to tarry awhile longer. This was a grievous temptation, and he knew not how to refift it, for fhe ufed fuch. alluring- arts and fawning tricks as had almoft conquer- ed him : but at length, calling to mind the terrible Thundering and lightning, with the voice which fol- lowe,-; them, he fuddenly fprangout of her arms, and ran away as faft as he could ; neither did he flop till he c-.me out of the outermoft gate of the palace, and till he got into the high-way again, where Carnal-fe- curit) fXrft kduced him, and then he went on finging,
Tvly soul, like to a bird from fowler's snare Eacaped is, while after me they stare : Their ways are pleasant, but they sting at last, Woe be to them that in their net are cast. They spread their gins on every side for men, Seducing souls to their enchanted den : All's fair without, but rotten is within : Fair is the from, but black the guilt of sin.
At length he came to the place where the lions lay, who began to roar at the fight of him, which put hini in a great fright, fo that he flood ftill ac firft ; but calling to mind what he had Caen in the cave of Good- refolution, concerning the danger that thofe brave worthies had encountered and overcome, he took cou- rage, and went boldly on his way, brandilhing his crutch towards the lions, at which they immediately ceafed their roaring, and lay ftill while he palled by, and came up to the gate of the palace called Beautiful where the porter flood ready to receive him: but firft he examined from whence he came, and whither he was going.
Tender, Sir I am come from the valley of Deftruc-
39$ THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS.
tion, and an goingtowards the holy Sion, or heavenly Jerufalem. Poter. Did you come in by the 'wicket-gate which
is at the head of the way of life ?
Tender Yes, Sir, and was directed by one Good- wit!, who kept that gate, to call at the houfe of the ■Interpreter.
Porter. Let me fee your pass, that I may fhew it to one of the virgins, who, iffhe be satisfied of the truth, will receive you hofpitably, and (hew you the civilities of this houfe.
So Tender-confcience pulled out his p2fs, and gave it to watchful the porter, who immediately rung a bell, at which that virgin Difcretion came out, and the Por- ter told her who Tender-confcience was, and whither ■he was going, withal giving her the Interpreter's pafs to read, which when fee had perufed and marked the seal, fhc delired him to walk in. So fhe had him to the hall, and there came to him Prudence, Piety, and Charity, and welcomed him Ip the houfe, and brought him a little wine and a few figs to refrefti himfelf at prefent, till dinner (hould be ready, for they fuppofed him to be weary and fpent with getting up the hill Difficulty, not knowing that he had taken along fieiJp in the houfe of Camal-fecurity. But he voluntarily told them how he had met with an old man, as foon a she was pad the ft age on the top of the hill, who invited him into his houfe, which, laid he, is a ilafely palace on the left hand of the high-road; so he told them all that had happened to him in that place, and how he was forced at laft to take to his heels and run away from Mrs. Wantonnefs.
Then Piety defired to know his name, and he told her faying, My name is Tender-confcience.
Well fays (he, Tender-confcience, you have efcaped one of the greater! dangers upon the road ;• for the old man who enticed you into his houfe is called Carnal- Security; and his wife is the lady Intemperance, who is always to be feeri with a golden cup in her hand, full .of enchantments, wheieby fne intoxicates, thofe. thar drink out of it.
Tender Aye, fays Tender-confcience, I believe i at
THE PI1GRIMS PROGRESS. ^99
was the lady who gave me the juice of grapes to drink out of the golden cup, when we were entering the fe- cond court.
Piety. And did you not fee her two daughters, Mrs. Wantonnefs;and Mrs. Foigetfulnefs ?
Tender. I knew hot their names, faid he, but I faw two beautiful young damfels waiting upon the lady In- temperance, and I, being overcome with the llrength of the wine, fell to dallying with one of them, till at length I fell a ileep in the other's arms.
Piety. Thefe are the fame that I mean, and they ufe to bewitch men to Deftruction, if once they came with their srms, efpecially if they fall afleep therein : but how could you get away from them again? for they ufe to have fo many tricks and artifices to entan- gle thofe that came once within their doors, that not one often gees out of their clutches without fuffering fome great damage ?
Tender. Oh, faid he, I tarried talking and arguing the cafe with the old man fo long, that I had almoil loft the day : now, as we were difcourfmg together, his daughter came out of a fountain (lark naked, and em- braced me, ufing all the enticing words imaginable to ftay me from going away ; but I find myfelf not able to druggie, or re lift fo powerful a temptation, all of a fudden gave a fpring out of her arms, and ran away as hard as I could drive.
Piety. In this 1 commend your conduct; for though it be laid, Refill the devil, and he will flee from you, yet it is to be underftood of other temptations. For when any one is tempted to unchafte or lafcivious actions, there is no time for difputing : a refolution and fpeedy flight is the only way to fecure the victory : the foul may (tand the battle againft adverfities, perfec- tions, crofTes, and the like, but thepleafures of theflefh muft be fubdued by retreating from them. He that toucheth pitch mill be defiled, fays the wife man ; and he that Hands capitulating with the temptations of urt- cleannefs is in danger to fall. The ioul> like wax is hardened by cold ftormy weather j but in the fun-fliine of profperity, and the heat of luft, ihe melts and be-
40O THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS.
comes effeminate and yielding ;;therefore well faid one of old, Flee youthful lull, which war againft the foul he does not fay, fland and face them, and refill them j but run away from them. It is in fome degree the fame in that common vice which this age does fo much and {q fharnefully abound in, I mean exceffive drink- ing. Men think they may fafely venture into company without being obliged to drink ; and when they are in company, they think they may drink a little without doing themfelves, any harm : not considering that that little does but embolden them to venture on more, eve- ry glafs they pour down depriving them of fo much of their refolution and ftrength to refill ; and when they come to be doubtful whether they mall let this one glafs more go down, they throw down the fence of their foul, their reafon, and expofe her to be polluted by the height of debauchery, and folly, letting into their unguarded breads a flood of vain paflions with their fuperfluity of drink: thus, by little, and little, the poor fouf fuffc'rs fhipwreck. In fuch a cafe the only re.rtedy is, to flee the fir ft occafions and temptations, to flop the avenues of the foul, to fet a guard upon the fenfes, and to reftrain the imagination within tis proper limits. A man ought not fo much as to fancy that company pleafant or delightful, by keeping of which he runs the hazard of his foul's health; much lefs ought he to follow them and court them j nay, ra- ther let him refufe when courted by them ; 'tis much better to be thought ill-natured and uncomplaifant to others, then to be really fo one's felf, by mining my- felf to oblige my acquaintance.
Charity. There are fome souls that are naturally fo affable and courteous, fo foft and pliant, that they com- ply often-times with company, more through the flex- ible nefs and iweetnefs of their own diipofition, then out of any real inclination to debauchery : nay, while they loath to drink, they cannot forbear obliging their unreafonable companions. This is a great weaknefs ; and though it may be capable of admitting fome ex- ufe on the account of that fvveetnefs of temper from whente it flows, yet 'tis never the lets dangerous/ and
the pilgrims progress. 4or
therefore mutt: r,ot be palliated, left in fo doing we turn advocate for vice.
Prudence. If you pleafe, let us break off our difcourfe for the preienr, and go to dinner, which is now ready* for the bell rings.
So they all arofe and went into the refectory, or dining room, where were more virgins o( that lociety waiting for their coming, who all welcomed Tencder-confcience to the houfe, every one faiuring him with a particular congratulation, and then they fat down in exquillte order arid fllence. After the divine blefsing was in- voked,one of the virgins, whofe name was Temper- ance, carved out for the reft, for that was her office, while another of them, named Decency, waited at the table. Here was no loud laughter to be heard, no of- fenfivenor unfeemly jefts broached, but amodeflcheer- fulnefs crowned the entertainment : they had plenty without riot, variety without extravagance, and fruga- lity and bounty teemed to hand in the dimes together they eat to nourifh nature, not to prompt luft or cloy the appetite, and they role from the table lightfome and well refrefhed, having returned thanks to the Sovereign Giver of all good giftSj the Creator and Prelerver of all mankind, forrefrefhing them with his good crea- tures.
Then one of the virgins, named Health, propofed to the company that it would be convenient and plea- fant to take the air of the garden after dinner j to which they all readily confented, and Difcretion, Prudence Piety, Charity, and Temperance, took Tender-con- fcience along with them into amount, whicn gave him a lovely profpect of the country round about ; and there they fat down under the (hade of a broad fpreading fy- camore, and fell afrem into difcourfe. Tender-con- fcience being defirous to learn the reafon of their living thus in a fociety together, and to know the rule and. manner of their life, Piety thus replied.
Piety. When we were young, and living at home
with our trends, we weredaily expofed to innumerable
varieties and follies, and were carried away by the flood
of cuftom j yef, being religioufly inclined from our
No, i\. E 3
402 THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS.
childhood, we, by degrees as we grew up, began to grew Tick of our carnal education, and to defpife the vanities and fooleries of the world, and fought for place where we might be free of them, and where we might ferve the Lord both night and day in all holinefs and purity of life -3 fo, after much inquiry and diligent fearch, at length we were informed that a certain holy woman, named Religion, had built her houfe in this place : and fhe, being an elpecial favourite of the king of this country, was permitted to gather together a cer- tain number of virgins, who were willing to renounce the world and live in this retirement with her, having a particular charter "granted them, whereby they mould for ever be free of certain taxes, imports, and homages, which the other fubjecls were obliged to pay, on con- dition they would make it their bufinefsto obferve fuch and fuch laws and ftatutes as the aforefaid holy woman Religion, mould prefcribe unto them, and to live in true obedience to her commands all the days of their life; whereupon we were pr'efently inflamed with a fer- vent defne to fee this woman, and; ifpoffible, to corns and live with her (I fpeak for us all, beqaufe I have heard the reft of my companions here own the fame inclinations as myfelf had) ; fo we confulted no longer with flefh and blood, but immediately refolved to wait upon her, and declare our intentions, hoping to find favour in her eyes, and to be admitted into her fociety which we did accordingly : and having made her a vifit and heard her heavenly voice, we were ravjfhed more than ever, and grew impatient till we were taken into the houfe. At length our wifhes were fuifiied, our de~ fires granted, and here we lived ever fince, and would not change our life for the whole world : for this wo- man is of a fweet temper, all her laws are pleafant, her yoke is eafy, and her burden is light.
Charity. Not that we condemn all thofe who do not live in fuch a ftate, iufl according to our rules : for, without doubt, many do live mixed with the reft of the wcrld, yet keep themfelves unfpotted from the vces of the world ; but they are expofed to greater danger, they run the rifk of more temptations that we :
THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS. 403
for here one fpirit and foul (as it were) animates us all hoiinefs and purity are all that we aim at, and we mutually encourage one another, afiift one another, and forward one another in the practice of ic. We have no cares to imbitter us, nor vain pleafares to debauch i?s : we have no honours to tempt us to ambition, nor riches to make us covetous ; all our ambition is to approve ourfelves blamelefs in the fight of God, and ail the riches we covet are thole that never fade away, ihe gifts and grace of the Holy Ghoft.
Tender. But I fuppofe you have fome particular laws and rul^s, to which you are obliged to conform yourfelves, which I mould be glad to know.
Piety. Yes, we have fo, and I will acquaint you with them in the belt manner I can.
1. We are obliged to rite every morning before the fun, and then we join altogether in praver and praifes to the great God of heaven, thanking him for his pair, bleffing, and imploring his tion over us.
2. Then every one goes to their proper bufinefs as belongs to their office, till the time of refreshment, an I fo aa-ain till dinner.
3. Weare obliged to entertain all Pilgrims that are travelling toward the heavenly country, provided they fhew their pafs, or give fuch an account of themfcives as may be thought equivalent.
4. At the clofe of the day we are obliged to pin again all in prayer and praifes, as in the morning.
5. We are ooliged to keep and maintain the King's armoury, and to fumifh all Pilgrims with weapons and armour oF proof againfl: all dangers and difafters what- soever.
Thefe are the general and mo(r important laws of our jociety : but, befides thefe, we have miny particular rules of lels note, though very good, and in a manner neceffary to our well-being; all which it would be too tedious to rehearse.
Temp. Only give m~ leave to infill upon the ftatute of moderation in eating and drinking, which wc are
3E
404 THE PILGR.IMS PROGRESS.
ftraitly charged to keep under fevere penalties, which J-fuppofe you had forgot.
Piety, 'Tis true, indeed, I had forgotten to mention it, and am very glad of that forgeifulnefs, CincQ I have thereby given you an opportunity of difcourfing more at large upon that fubject, who are beftable to do it, as deing appointed the particular interpreter of this fta- tufe, therefore pray inform the Pilgrim about.
Temp, This fhmte of moderation in eating snd drinking is grounded on this confederation, that Adam fell by eating the forbidden fruit. The firft fin that ever was committed m the world by mankind, was eating.— Now tho' it be not certam whe;:>er it proceeded from some natural contagion in the fruit which Adam eat, or from the venemuus breath of the fer pent than recommended ic to Eve, orfome other hidden caufe, yet we are fure that whereas Adam was before in the full pcffrclion of human nature (being the living image of the glorious God j his foul being full of the beams of eternal 1'glitj his nnderftanding clear and ferene as the morning j his will regular and obedient to his reaion ; his body in perfect vigour and health, beauty and proportion, impaffable and immortal) no fooner hid he tailed the fatal morfel, but a ftrange alteration befel him, the image of God was immediately defaced and fullied, his foul grew dark and cloudy, his under- Handing and reaion became dull and inactive, and his will went retrograde : in fhort, all the faculties of his foul were diflocated and disjointed : as for his body it became weak and unhealthy, fubject to divers cafualties, ficknefs, and infirmities, and at lalf. to death itfelf : this was the effect of irregular eating. Nor did the mischief refc here, but he tranfmitted ic to his.poileriry, conveying all thefe ill qualities of body and foul to his children, whereby all the generations of men in the world are under the fame misfortune corrupted both in body and foul, conceived in fin, and brought forth in iniquity. But, as if we were not unhappy enough in this original depravation of our nature, the greateft part of mankind endeavour to jncrcaJe the mifefy, by their own actual repetition and
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 4O5
continual practice of the fame crime, gluttony and drunkennefs reigning over the greateit part of the world,
This is the.reafon. why the ftatute of moderation in eating and drinking is fo ftricTtly enjoined to his focieiy ; and it were well if all the world would obferve it then would people have found minds in found bodies.
Tender, Wherein does this moderation in eating and drinking coYifift ?
Temp, kconfifrs in bridling and regulating the ap- petite, as to the quantity and quality of me.it and drinks.
Tender. Pray (hew me how it confids in bridling the appetires as to quantity ?
Temp, it teaches us to eat and drink no more at a time, norofcener in a day, than is requifite to preferve the body in health, to fuffice nature, and refreih the spirits; it is a taming of the body, and bringing it into fubjection to .he foul, that fo ths inferior faculties may be fubiervient to the fuperior.
Tender. But how fhall a man know how much will exactly ferve to keep the body in health, to fuffice na- ture, and refreih the fpirits, fince they are a^ many different conftitutions in the world as there are f ices ? Temp. The way to know tivs is, for every one to ob- ferve his own temper, and they will quickly find out the true meafure and proper time of eating and drink- ing : only take this for a general rule, That it is bv all means convenient to rife from table with an appetite, and to have a mind, after a meal, as well, difpoled for hard labour, for exsrcife, or for prayer, as it was be- fore. He that eats and drinks beyond this breaks the rule of moderation ; as the end of eating and drinking is to refreQi nature, and make it more vigorous and active, and not to render it more dull and.heavy.
Tender. Pray tell me what good effects this modera- tion produces in the foul, and how it works them ?
Temp. Great, certainly, and manifold are the benefits
which redound to the foul from the conftant practice of
this moderation in eating and drinking i for though the
,ioul be of ltfelf an immortal and impafTible elfence,
4O'0 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.
yet while it is joined with our mortal body., it partakes of all its conveniences and inconveniences -3 if the body be in pain, the foul fuffers with it ; if the body feds pleafure, the foul enjoys it likewile. Nay, rather, it is the foul that is alone fenfible of every thing that hap- pens to the body ; for the body of itfelf is but dead and inactive matter, incapable of fenfe or motion in itfelf; it is the foul which gives life, motion, and fenfe to it. Now, therefore, as the boJ.y is maintained in health and vigour, fo does the foul flour ifh and triumph within herfelf ; on the contrary, when the body is fickly and weak, the foul languifhes by fympathy. He therefore that eats and drinks to excefs, and thereby cloys his ftomach, fills his body full of contagious humours, and lows the ieed of many difceafes in his own bowels : this man is no friend to his foul, for fhe by this time grows fluggifh, dark and cloudy, fad and melancholy, and void of all plealure and comfort : whereas, on the con- trary, he that bridles his appetite, and eats and drinks no more, nor oftcnrr, than what fufficeth nature and refrefhes is fp'nits, his foul his always lively and vigorous, fpnghtly as yt uth, and ferene as the morning, full of light and comfort, a: d in an holy triumph fhe often foars alofc, and bafts in the rays of eternal hap- pinefs»defp:fing the world and all that is in it, excepting her own tabernacle, which is always kept neat and clean and therefore fhe takes delight to Vepofe herfelf there'n, when, like the eagle, fhe is tired with her lofty flights. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghcft, and he that pollutes them with riot and uncleannefs is guilty of facrilege : and therefore well faid Solomon, Be not a companion of wine bibbers, and riotous eaters offiefh.
Tender. I thank you for your good and wholefome talk. Now pray fhew me how moderation in eating and drinking confifts in bridling the appetite, as to fhe quality of meats, &c.
Temp. In order to the better clearing up this point, it isneceffary to look back to Adam, who we find had permifion and leave given him to eat ofa.il the fruits of tha garden cf Eden ; but only he was forbidden to tafie
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 4G7
of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil : and afterwards, to imitate that God, took a fpecial re- crard to the qualities ot man's food, he was told by God What fort of fruits and herbs lhould le diet, and which lhould bt food for the beaits ; of every herb bearing feed, and every tree bearing fruit, he was allowed to eat, and the grafs of the field was appointed for the beads. Here we may obferve that there was no mention made as yet of Hem or fifth to be eaten, no not till after the flood ; to that many are of opinion, the fathers before the flood did eat no manner of flefh ; and it is not probable that this was one reafon of their living fo'very long, nothing more conducing to health and long life than an afcetic diet j that is, a diet of fruits roots, and herbs, honey, oil, &c. without flefli or fifh.
The firft time we read that God gave to man a li- cence to eat flefh, was after the flood, when he bleffed Noah and fvs Jons, lading to them, Be fruitful and mul- tiply, and replenifn the earth ; and the fear of you,- and the dread of vou fhall be upon every beali of the earth, and upon evrry fowl of the air, upon ali that mov- eth upon the earth, and upon the fifties of the iea, into )our hands are they delivered. Every moving thing thu liveth fhall be meat for you, even as th& green herb have I given you all th;ngs : but flelh w:th the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, fhali you not eat. So that you may fee, even in this firfc licence to eat flefh, that man was retrained, from eating if with the bjood'j which reffraint was more particularly confirmed in the lav/ of Mo'es, when the fac was alfo forbidden to beeaten, in thefe woids : Speak unto the children of Ifrael faying-, Ye frull eat no manner (f fat of ox, of fheep, or of goats, &c, ^cv. viL 23. which proliiVtion rriufr needs have regard to the qualiiy of fat. And a little afterward, Lev. xi. 1. to* the end,, there is a feparation made between the meats that wjefe to be eaten, and thofe that were not, between the clean and unclean beads, birds, and fifties; which law was ftridtly obferved by the children of Ifrael tivTOjUghout their generations, and i'o it is to this day. Now without doubt, it was on the account of the different
4-0§ THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS.
good or ill qualities that: refide in the fiefh of thefe crea- tures, that fomc were forbidden and others allowed ; and though this law was abolifhed by the ccming'of Chrift, vet we find the apoftles, in their council cf Je- rufalem, forbidding the eating of things ftra'ngled, and commanded the Chriftians to abftain from eating of blood, Acts xv. 19, 20. And in the lives of the apos- tles, it is recorded, that fome of them abflained from all flefh during their lives : and not only the apoftler, but other Chriftians were abftemious, living chiefly upon herbs, or the like iuftcnance, as Paul witnefteih in his epiftie to tjie Corinthians.
Upon the whole matter we may conclude, That a7l this caution and care about the difference of meats from the beginning of the world to the flood, and from the flood to the giving of the Mofiac Law, arid from thence to 'the time of the ape files of Jefus Chrift, would not have been, had there not been fome greater reafon for it th^an barely to try men's obedience, or to furnifti them With emblems of virtue and vice, as fome hold. There/muft be fomtthins in the natures of living creatures, forfle different qualities, that occ3fioned one to be forbidden, another to be allowed: and though we are not obliged now to keep the law of Mofes, yet I cannot find tipon what grounds many Chrlflians take ihe liberty t^> act contrary to the ordinance of the apos- tles of Chriif, in eating blood and things ftrangied.
Tender. Ij remember I have heard this point handled before by f'Ome difputants ; and to this latt part of vour d'Tcourfe it has been anfwered, That Jefus faid, Not what tvhich gocth into a m?.n defileth him but what cometh out. And Paul fay?, To the pure all things a:epurej/and he calleth the doctrine of, Touch nor, lafle not, handle not, a doctrine of worldly elements and begg?irly rudiments.
Difcr. /But then, if that faying of Chrift be taken literally, ibne may venture on all manner of venomous living ctjeatures without danger or hurt. Without doubt ttyere is a difcreet choice to be made in our diet, as to the quality of the things we eat or drink, and every on§-in riis is left to his own conduct; only this "general
THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS. 4O9
rule ought or be obierved, That weforbeareating and drinking fuch things as we find by experience, or know by common cbfervation, to be prejudicial to health, impediments of virtue and devotion, fpurs to vice and pafficn, by intoxicating the brain, heating the blood, difordenng the Ipirit, or by any other ways being fubfervient to the works of the flefh or the temptations of the devil : in fo doing we ihall do well.
Prud. As to that faying of Paul, To the pure all things are pure, it may be well retorted, that which the fame apoftle faid in another place, All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient : All things are lawful for rne, but I will not be brought under the power of any thing, 1 Cor. vi. 12. To which he immediately fubjoins thefe words, Meat for the belly, and the belly for meats ; but the Lord will deftory both it and them. Now by this coherency of the text it is plain, that he fpoke in reference to the liberty that is given to Christians in eating; (hewing observation of the ~Mofaical law, according to the letter, yet neverthelefs they were obliged, by the lav? of prudence and chriftian virtue, to make fuch an election cf meats as might neither offend charity, nor interfere with the grand defign of religion, which is to make us more holy and pure, not more licentious and profane.
Char. Your mentioning the offence which may be »iven to charity, by a difiblute liberti'nifm in eating puts me in mind of another paflage of the fame npoflie where he fays, If meat make my brother to offend (or be fcandalized) 1 will eat no flefh while the world ftandeth, left I give fcandal to my brother, 1 Cor. viii. 13, Certainly charity is the very flower and quinfes- fence of all Chriftian virtues, the particular glory of the Chriftian religion, and the fulfiling both the law and the prophets. He that pretends to chriitianity and has not charity, is an infidel in mafqueradc, afpy upon the faith, a religious juggler, a dead mimic of divine life; he runs with the hare and holds with the hounds; he macks God, cheats man, and damns himfelf ; he is the F
4-10 THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
very fink of fin, for him all in the vices of the world difembogue tliemfelves as in a common emunctory.
But left I be niiihken by thole that hear megive this character of a man that wants charity, I will explain rnyfelfmore large, and give you a particular defcrip- tion of this radical virtue. I do not mean by charity only that branch of it which bears che fruit of material good works, in feeding the hungry, giving dnnk to the thirity, clothing the naked, vifitingand redeeming prifoners and captives, harbouring thofe that want a place to lay their heads in, vifitingand relieving, com- forting and healing the fick, and the like acts of mercy : charity is of a larger and more fpiritual extent then all thofe good works amount to; nay, fume of them may be performed without charity, as good Paul wkneffes, when he fays, Though i bellow all my goods on the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing, i Cor. xii. In which words he plainly fuppofes that many outward, good works may be done, and yet the doers of them may want charity : therefore when I fpeak of charity 1 underftand that divine accomplifhment of the soul which the fame apoftle defcribes in the following words, 1 Cor. xiii. 4. Charity fuffereth long and is kind, cha- ritv enyieth not : chanty vaunteth not itfelf, is not ^ufFtd up j doth not behave itfelf unfeemly j feeketh not her own ; is not eafily provoked ; thinking no evil j re- joicethnot in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth -f bear- ing all things, beieiving all things, hopeth all things, ire.th ail things. This is the complete character of charity, and he that makes it good in his practice is a perfect Chriftianj a believer is a believer in his true colours, a champion of the faith, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile, a living itone in the temple of G id : he runs with patience the race that is let be- fo re him: be practices fobriety, righteousnefs, and god= iirvefs towards G d and man, and himfelf : his foul is the r ceptacle of gcodnefs, the centre of piety, in which il virtues delight to habit : in all things he has a holy ■cendernefs, ana l&cs even to the curiofity and nicenefs of divine love i though his body dwells on earth, bis
THE PILGRIM'S PROSRfSS. 4'V
fouls livi s in heaven \ he couches under the fbadow of he treesof pnradife ; he breathes immortal airs, and often taftes of the tree o^ life.
Now, to apply this to the fubject. you have been handling, I fay, that a man endued with this divine and fupernatuial gift of charity as he loves God above all things, fo he loves his neighbour as himfelfj and will in all things fo comport himfelf, as to be void cf himfelf both towards God and man. He will fin all things in- different) comply with the prepofleflions, prejudices, and cuftoms of his weak brother: to the jews he be- comes as a Jew, that he may win the Jews 3 to them that are under the law, as under the law, to them that are without the law, as without the law (being not without the law to God, but under the law to Chrift,) that he might gain them that are without the law ; to the weak he will become as weak, that he may gain the weak : he is made all things to all men, that by any means he may fave ibme. With them that eac flefh he will eat likewile, afking no qucitions for conference fake (for the earth is the Lord's and the fulnefs thereof.) With thofe that abftain he will practice sbftinence. Whether he eat or drink, or whether he does, he does all to the glory of God ; but pleafing all men in all tilings, not feekinghis own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be faved. 1 Cor. x. ji, 32, 33. This is the pradice of a perfect Chriftian ; this is the ultimate end of the commandments, the non ultra of both the law and the gofpelj and the aim of our ftatute of moderation in earing and drinking.
Totnis difcourfe of Charity the whole company agreed, and Tender-ccnfeience expreffed a more than ordinary satisfaction, and co nplacency in her grave and moderate decifion of a controverfy that he had raifed. He had long been difturbed in his mind about this point; but was now convinced of the truth, and gave them all mod hearty thanks for their edifying difcourfe* making a particular acknowledgement and addrefs to Charity for her evangelical conclufion.
Then the virgin Temperance, who began this dis- courfe of moderation in eatin gand drinking, and whofe proper office it was to interpret and expound that fta -
41 2 THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS*
tut-e, called for two lamps, which were immediately brought by Obedience, one of the waiters. Now one oftb'e lamps gave but a dim light, fo that you could hardly difcern whether it were burning or no ; on the contrary, the other fhined very bright and clear : then laid Temperance, you lee the difference between thefe two lamps, how the one affords but a weak, faint light and the other Iheds its beams round with great fplen- dor : the cryftals are both alike, but only one of them is iullied and furred, as it were, with fmoke and vapours, and the other is transparent and clean : theie are em- blems of moderation and riot in eating and drinking, The foul of man is a !amp, which" will burn and fhine with great fp?endor if the body be kept clean, and puri- fied with temperance, abdinence, and failing; but if a man, by exceffive eating and drinking, does pollute and ftain the body, his fpirits (which are the cryftal of his ioul) become cloudy and thickened with vapour and fmoke, fo that he neither mines in good w:-rks to others, nor has much light in himfeif ; and if the light that is in him be daiknefs, how great mud that dark- iiefs be !
Tender. Pray give me leave to trouble you with one queftion more about fading, becaufe 1 think you men- tioned thatjuft now as one means to purify ana cleanfe the body, and render it more indrumental to the opera- tions of the foul. I defire to be informed what exam ■ pies you have of failing in fcripture, and whether it be now requifite and profitable for a Chriflian to fair, and what are the proper effects of it ;
Temperance. It will be no trouble to me, but a de- light to fatisfy you in this point, according to my abi- lity, as it is my office.
Know then, that fading is a pradice frequently re- commended in the Book of God, and warranted by the examples of fun dry good and holy men : we read that Moles failed forty days and forty nights in the mountain; and though no mention be made of fading before the Hood, yet the lives of. men in that infancy of the world, ni all probability was a daily fad, or at lead a continual abftmehc€ tte& &^» & that 'what feems now Co
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 4I3
grievous and burdenfonae a difcipline, was then, per- adventure, eileemed but a natural and univerfal dier, obferved by all mankind, whereby they preferved their bodies in an inviolable health and vigour, prolonging their days almoft to a thouland years : but now, in thefe latter ages of the world, the bodies of men are grown weaker, and men think it a heavy tafk to fail once a month, nay once a year feems too much for fome dainty constitutions.
There were feveral occafions of failing among the people of God in old time, Lev. xxiii. 27 — 32. There was a day of atonement commanded to be yearly ob- ferved by the Ifraelites throughout their generations for ever, in which they were to fait and afflict their fouls from even to even. This was an annual day of public humiliation, enjoined to the people for ever. It was cuftomary alio to fail on any mournful occafions, as David failed when his child lay fick, 2 Sam. xii. 16, 17. And the men of Jabesh Giiead failed feven G»ays when they buried the bones of Sau! and Jona- than his fon under a tree at Jabes'i. 1 Sam xxxi. 13. And as foon as David heard the news of their Death, both he, and ail the men that were with him, took hold of their clothes and rent them ; and they mourned and wept, and failed until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his fon, and for the people of the Lord, and for the houfe of lfrael, 2 Sam i. 11 12. Moreover the peo- ple of Ifrael ufed to tail in time of any public calamity; and not only as they, but other nations alio, as the inha- bitants of the great city Ninevah. When the prophet Jonah foretoid t\\e deflruction of that (lately city would come to pafs in forty days, they proclaimed a fafc, and put on fackcloth from the greateil of them even to the Jeait; for word came unto the king of Ninevah, and he arofe from his throne, and laid his robe from him, and covered himfelf in iackcloth, and fat in aihesi and hecaufed it to be proclaimed and publifhed through Ninevah, by the decree of the King and his nobles, faying, Let neither man nor beail, herd nor flock, taile any thing, let them not feed nor drink water, Jonah iii, 5, 6.
414 THa PII-GRI.VSS PROGRESS.
But befides thefe iolemn and public fafts, we read of fome private men who pra&ifed it; as the prophet Daniel, who fafted^full three weeks, in which time he eat no pleafant bread, neither came flefh nor winewith- in his mouth : and this faft of his was fo acceptable to God, that he fent one of his holy angels to him who faluted him with the title of, A man greatly beloved, bidding him not to fear or be troubled : for fays he; From the firftday that thou didft fez thine heart to underftand and to chaften thyfelf before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Now I am come to make thee underftand what (hall befal thy people in the latter days. Dan. x. — 15. And when he had thus comforted and ftrengthened Daniel, he revealed many wonderful and fecret things that mould come to pafs in the world ; fo that by thefe great favours fhew- ed to Daniel, we may plainly fee how acceptable reli- gious fading is of God,
Many mose examples of (his kind might be produced out of the Old Teiiameot/. but thefe may fuffice to fliew that fatting was a duty often practifed by the peo- ple of God, and by the holy men under the law of Moles.
And the gofpel recommends it, from the beginning to the end, by examples of Chrift, and John the Baptift, of Peter, Paul, and the reft of the apoftles, as well as by their counfeis and exhortations; nothing is more frequently inculcated than this duty of fading throughout the writings of the New Teftament; and, without all doubt, it is now as requitite as ever it was, fmce we are liable to the fame infirmities, expofed to the fame temptations, and befet with the fame dangers as the former Chriftians were, againft all which evils fading is the proper remedy. Fafting mortifies the body, and tames concupifcence; it quenches luft, and kindles devotion; it is the handmiad of prayer, and the nurfe of meditation it refines the understanding, fubdues the pafiions, egulates the will, and fublimates the whole man to a more fpiritualftateof life; 'tis the life of angels the enamel of the foul, great advantage of religion, the beft opportunity of r trement of devotion. While the-
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 4I5
fmoke of carnal appetites is fupprefTed and extinguifhed the heart breaks forth with holy fire till it be burning like the cherubim, and the moil ecftafied order of pure and unpolluted fpirits. Thefe are the proper and ge- nuine effects of religious and frequent fafting, as the? can witnefs who make it their private practife.
Tender. You have made me in love with fading, by giving fo fair an account of ir, difcovering its con- fequences to the foul and body, and I am determined to make trial of it mvfelf hereafter ; for in my opinion, as you defcribe it, it caufes a man to draw near unto God, while his foul being, by abftinence and fafting, withdrawn, as it were, from the body, and abftracted from all outward things, retire into herfelf, and in the fecret tabernacle wherein fhe Ills under the fhadow of the Divinity, and enjoys a more clofe communion and intimate union with God.
When Tender-confcience had -made an end of thefe words, he began to take his journey; and giving them all his thanks, for the kind entertainment he had met with in this place, and efpecially for their edifying difcourfe, he rofe up to take his leave: then they rofe up with him, and accompanied him to the armoury which flood by the gate, and there they armed him all over with armour and weapons of proof, as wars the cuftom to do to all Pilgrims, becaufe the reft of his journey was like to be more dangerous, the ways being infefted v/ith thieves and robbers, with fons of Belial, and murderers, alfo with fknds and devils: alfo they gave him his pafs, which he had delivered to them ac his firfl coming thither : now they had ali fet their hands to H to confirm and ftrengthen it the more, bidding him to be fure to have a great care of it, fj they con- ducted him to the gate and wifhing him a profperous journey, he departed from them with tears in his eyes.
Now I faw in my dream that Tender-confcience went forward a good pace till he came to the brow of the hill, where the way lay down into the valley of Humilia- tion, but becaufeit was deep and dangerous going down he was forced to flacken his pace, and lean hard upon his ftrong crutch, yet he was apt to flip, and could
4*6 THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS.
hardly (lop himfelf from running,, or rather tumbling down the hiil ; but at length, with much ado, he o-ot iafe to the bottom, and came to the v'alley of Humilia- tion.
Now all this valley was a kind of mariliy bogoy ground, was at this time all overflowed with water, fo that there was but one way to pafs through it with fafety, and that was over certain planks f aliened to Humps and polls, and joined one to another, for it was but one plank's breadth all the whole way, uid that a very narrow one; this fet of planks wss called the bridge of felf-denial, and it reached quite over the valley of Humiliation: now the waters were very high, and touched the planks; nay, in fome places they covered them, fo that a man could hardly cifcern his way.
The fight of this dangerous brdge did a little dif- courage Tender-conference, but confidering thatit drew towards night, he was refolved to venture over : fo on he went courageously, but at a very flow pace, becaufe of the exceeding narrowness of the planks ; which also now and then would seem to yield and bend under him, which often put him in a fright left they ihould break, and he be drowned in the waters : and the more to in- creafe his trouble, when he was got about half way over, the air was all hungfullofnets, and traps, and gins, which were placed fo low, that a man could not walk upright but he muft be caught in fome of them : thefe were planted here, by the prince of the power of the air, to catch fuch Pilgrims in as were high minded, and walk- ed with llretched-out neck ; Therefore, when Tender- confeience perceived the danger that was fprea'd before him, he {looped down, and crept along upon his hands and knees, and fo efcapeel the nets and the gins; and he had this advantage moreover, that he could go falter in this manner, and more fecu rely, without dan- ger of tottering over on either fide of the planks into The water, as he was often like to do when he walked upright. In this manner crawled he along till he was almoft o-ot over, when he faw feveral boats making to- wards him on either fide of the bridge, and. in the boats these weie men 'that rowed them, who hallowed ani
THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS. 4 17
called after Tender-confcience ; but he regardeth them nor, for he was afraid left they were fome of the robbers or murderers which infeft that country, and therefore he kept on his pace; out they rowed hard after him, and (hot f-veral arrows at him, fome«r>f which miffed him, others he received with the fhield of faith, Eph. vi. 16. Lhat was given out of the King's armoury; now the names of thofe men that rowed in the boats, and Ihot at Tender confaence fo fiercely, were Worldly- honour, Arrogancy, Pride, Self conceit, Vain-glory, and SSame ; which laft happened to let fly an arrow that wounded Tender-confcieme flightly in the cheek, fetching up all the biood in his face, but did him no greater harm : fo at length he got to the end of the bridge, and then he was pad the danger of the nets and gins, fo that he could now walk upright, and that upon dry ground, and he went on finging:
Through many to'ls and dangers 1 have run, Much pain and hardships I have undergone : Yet still my God hath mingled sweet with sour; Oft times he smil'd when he did ssem to lour : O' er hills aud dales he led me by his hand, Thro' bogs and fens, by water and br land, He feeds and cloths, and arms his "llgrims still, Protecting them from danger, death and ill. Though S.itan spreads his nets, and lays his gin3, To trap the soul in labyiinthsof sin, Yet, by God's grace, I have escap'd his wiles ; The humble Pilgrims, Satan ne'er beguiles : Humility the soul's sure refuge is, The lowest step that leads to highest bliss
Then I faw in my dream that Tender-confcience entered the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and night overtook him, fo that his feet (tumbled in the dark, and he was ready t0 ^ m*° tne ditch, or the quag, ivhich were on each fide of the narrow way j but being in the midft of fummer> tne ^un ar0^e within a few hours and io he enjoyed t"e day-light, which was exceeding com. fortab'e to him) though he met with dreadful and fright-
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418
ful objects ; for the valley isofitfelf very dark, and there hang perpetually overit fuch black and thick clouds of confufion, that what for them and what for Death who fpreads his wings overthis^ valley, the fun gives a very faint and dim light here; yet that which fh ned at this time ferved to light Tender-con fcience along the dread- ful hollow way, where he heard, as he went along, a continual howling and yelling ; but at length he got clear of all, and came to the end of the valiey, even to the place where Chriftian faw blood, bones, aibes, and mingled bodies of men laying on the ground ; but now they were buried, and a pillar erected in the place, as a Handing memorial of the cruelt;es that were acted by the two giants that live in the cave hard by this place : there was aninfcription on the pillar alfo, giving an ac- count of the righteous blood that had been fried in the world on the fcore of religion from Abel's to that day : there was alfo a fummary of all the fanguine laws that had been enacted on that account by cruel tyrants, as by Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Antiochus, Nero, &c. There was a relation of a woman and her feven fons, that were barbaroufly tormented with exquifite tortures, and afterwards put to death by command of the tyrant. Many more curious memorials were there en- graved on this pillar, which Tender-confcience took great delight to read. Now the name of the pillar is Hiftoryi and hard by it, even .over againft the cave the two giants Pagan and Pope, there is another cave whereinTender-confcienee faw a midcle-aged man fit- ting, of a mild, grave, and venerable countenance, and his name was Reformation: now ic was this man's charge to look after this pillar, and to fee that no injury , wasdone to it by the thieves and robbers that infeft that road, nor by any of giant Pope's party, for he maintain- ed a great army under-grouod, his cave being of vaft ex- tent, and his party ufed fometimes to ifiue out, and ', commit great fpoils and ravages in the neighbouring countries ; but now Reformation kept as ftrong a party as he, and had as much room in his cave to lodge them in, and fometimes they would fall out and fkirmifh, fomeumes come to pitched battles, and then the ground
THE PILGRIM*S PROGRESS. 4I9
would be afrefh ftrewed with dead bodies, snd ftained with blood till they were buried out of the way. All this Tender-confcience learned from one that cime out of the c;ive of Reformation, and fell into dilcourfe with him as they ilood talking by the pillar.
At length the man having underftood that Tender.- confrience came from the valley of Deftruclion, and was going to the heavenly Jcrulalem. was very inqui- fitive arter his country, and the place of his birth ; for faid he, I have heard my father fay that I was born in that country too, and brought from thence very young ; and when my father came to this place he left me in the cuftody of Reformation, with whom I have continued ever fince ; and what is become of my father I know nor, or whether I fhall ever fee him agam or no j but I remember he ufed to talk of going to theceleftial city which [ fuppofe is the feme place whither you are now traveling ; and therefore, if you will accept of my com- pany, I will gladly travel along with you, having great hopes of feeing my father there or hearing fome tidings of him ; and, befides rhey fay it is brave living in that city, and that it is the richeft place in the world j there- fore I would fain go along with you, in hopes of going into that famous city to dwell.
Tender. I like your motion very well, fori have traveled alone hitherto, which made the way feena more tedious to me, and a companion in the reft of myjour- ne/ would divert melancholy, and we mould encourage each other in our pilgrimage : but I muft acquaint you with one thing firit, and that is, that your journey will prove ineffectual, 1 doubt, unless you came in by the wicket-gate that is at the head of the* narrow way, and can produce your certificate, or pafs, from the Inter- preter : for, as I am certainly informed, the King has given ftiict order that none mail be admited into the heavenly city that are not thus qualified.
Then Seek-truth (for fo was the other man called) replied, I have a pafs by me, which my father procured for me when he brought me alon^ with him, and he told me he had it from the Interpreter, giving me ftrtct charge to have a care of it.
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440 THE PILGRIMS PROGRtSS.
Tender. What was your fpfher's name, and fro*n whence came he ?
Seek-truth. His name is Little-faith, and he came from the town of Sincere.
Tender. Oh ! I believe I have heard talk of him : if ir be the farrte man that I mean there goes a report as if he were robbed in a place called Dead-manVlane.
Seek truth. I hope not fo, though I am fare he had plenty offilver and gold about him, befides fame very rich jewels i nay, I may lay he carried his whole eftate about him, fothat if he were robbed upon the road, he is utterly ruined and undone : I am very much concern- ed at the {ad news, and ihall not be at reft till T. have inquired farther about itj therefore, if you pleafe, let us halten to go forward in our journey j and it is ten to one but I (hall be more particularly informed of this matter by the «'ay, I will call two or three more friends of mine own, who are very defirous to rravel towards the heavenly country, and would be glad to take the op- portunity of your good company ; fo he ran into the cave, and called for Zealous-mind, Weary-o'-the world Convert, and Yielding, who all came out to know what he would have,
£eai. Have! fays Zealous mind, you may be fure that it is no hurt we would have when Seek-truth caiis us.
Seek-truth. No my friends, I call you for your good, I hope, and to fulfill your own willies ; for you have often told me how defirous you were to travel towards the heavenly Jerufalem, and now here is a man going that way that would be glad of your company : for mv pm, I am refolved to go along with him, and do ss you pjeafe.
Weary-oLthe^world. And I, faid YVeary-o'-the-world for here is nothing in this country but trouble, vexation, cares, grief, and all manner of evil ; I would not tarry a day longer in it if I might be a king. Come, let us be jogging.
C >hvert. I burn with defire to go fo that glorious place, of which I have heard fuch renowned things : I
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS 4* l
care not what hardfhrps I undergo, nor what torments, I furrer, provided I may get i hither at the lair.
Yielding. And for my part I like your company fo well, that 1 will go with you to the end of the world with all my heart : for you talk fo wifely and tell fuch pr -tty tfories, that you have won my very heart : I am rea iv to melt, when i hear Seek-triith difcourie of fuch ftrange things as are: in the heavenly country, and tell his tamer's traveis from the Valley of DcftrucYon, and how kindly he was entertained by the way at fome good houf; s.
$eek*tru'h„ Well, if you are all agreed, come follow me, and i will bring you to the man that is now on his pilgrimage to Sion, he ftands not far offirom our cave's mouth, hard by the pillar of hiftory: fo they all followed him with one confent, and went out of the cave, where tney found 'f enrier-conicience waiting for their apear- ance : then they went up to him, and fainted him one by one, and after fome queftiuns palled on both fides, they all fet forward together.
Now 1 faw in mv dream, that as they were going up a piece of riling ground, they faw before them a man walking an even, moderate pace, and made halte to overtake him, for bv his gair they gueffed he was no or- dinary man, as certain wife men qbfervedj By a man's gait you may kn >w what he is: fo when they came up to iiim, they fduted him courtecufiy, and he r: turned thtj r fa uta ion with an air which discovered the tran- quilly md peace of his foul.
Then Tenderconfcienre faid to him, Sir. ifafTranger nviy take th^ liberty to afk you a queftion, I intre at you to tell me, whether your name be not Spiritual m n, for I th»nk 1 have feen you before, and was told that you were called by that name ?
Spiritual-man. Yes, fad Spiritual- man, I am the fame you take me for ; and though your knowledge of m.j be but as yet imperfect, ye: 1 very well know you an i all your company, and am glad to fee you fo far on jour jouney towards the heavenly city, wh ther we are al fecfirtfi,
42 2 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS,
Tender. I do not wonder that -you know me, and my fellow travellers here with me, for I h^ve heard a. very learned and holy man, one Paul the Apollle, fay, That you know all things, and judge all things, r Cor. u. 15. and therefore I am very glad that we are fo hap- py as to overtake you upon the road : I hope we mall have your good company to our journey's end.
Spiritual-man. With a very good will, for it is my delight to keep company with thofe who fet their faces Sion-ward, and am going thither, as 1 perceive you are at this time; but I 'fpy a young man in your company, who, I doubt, will not be able to go through this te- dious journey, but will either faint by the way, or turn afide with the Flatterer, or take up his abode at Vanity- Fair. Then turning to afide to Yielding, he faid unto him, Young man, you are the perfwn I mean; do you think you (hall be able to hold out to the Ivavniy J^rufalem ?
Yielding. I make no doubt of it, Sir, for I find my- felf in good health, and as able to foot it as any of the company.
Then they went on together till they came to a great wildernefs, where were feveral paths leading divers ways' ; fo that had it not been for Spiritual-man (who elone new the r ght way) they had wandered no doubt into fome dangerous part or other, and either been de- voured bv wild beafts, or taken pi i loners by fome cruel giants, whole ca'He flood in the remote corners of this wildernefs. This made them all fhew a great deal of refpect and obedience to Spiritual- man, and efteem him as their guide and patron : fo they went along to- gether til! they came to a place where was an altar built, and there was incenfe burning thereon, and the fmell of the ircenfe was very fragranr, refrefning the fpirits of the Pilgrims: then Spiritual-man fpaketo this effect : My brethren, you mull" know that this wildernefs is much haunted with wild beafts, as alfo by thieves and murderers, fpirits and hobgoblins, which oftentimes afTault poor Pilgrims in the night-time, and iometimes by day : now had we taken any other path, we had be n in danger of falling into their clutches; but now 1 hope there is no danger, if you will follow my couniel.
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 423
Tender. We will readily obey thee in all things, for we fee that thou art a man of God, and haft the mind of Chrift: tell us therefore what we fhali do to be fafe from the dangers thai threaten us in this place ?
Spiritual-man. You fee this altar of incenfe here perpetually fmoking, and fending up clouds of fweet fmellmg favour to heaven. Now the fmoke of this in- cenfe keeps of all fpirits and hobgoblins, and the fire upon the a'.tar keeps off a!l wild beads. If then you wou.'d be free from danger of wild beads, let every man take a coal from the alrar, and carry it along with him; and if he would likewi.'e be free from the fpirits and hobgoblins, let him take the incenfe that is in the treafury of the altar and carry it along with him, and as he travels through the wildernefs, let him often kin- dle a fire with a coal from the altar, and burn incenfe thereon, fo fhall he be protected from ail evil. Let him awaken the fpirit of prayer, and kindle true devo- tion in himfelf, by making good ufe of the grace of God; for the heart of a devout man, and one that fears God, is an alrar of incenfe, always lending holy ejacu- lations, which are a fweet favour or perfume before God : fuch n man attracts the divine blessing and pro- ttdtion.
Tender. Buc how fhall a man pray ? In form, or with^ cut: with words, or in filence?
Spiritual-man. That you may bathe better fatisfied in this point, you ought to confider, that prayer is the foul's difcourfe or converfation with God. Now fee- ing that God knoweth all things, and difcerneth the fe- •crct thoughts of our hearts, it is a thing indifferent in private praver, whether we ufe words or no, for the foul may difcowrle and convtrfe with God, as well in fi'ence as wih words, nay, better fomet mes, becaufe filenc" preferves the attenton, and prevents wandering thoughts; whereas, when the fou; is occupied in ver- bal prayer, ir of en proves litt'e better than lip fervice; as God complained of old, This people ferve me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me ; but, however, this filent or mental prayer is a gift which all men are not capable of. Some havs not that recollect on of
424 the pilgrim's progress.
fpirit, that compofednefs of mind, as to pray in this manner, and it is convenient that fuch men Ihould ufe words: but whether they ufe afet form or no in private is not material, only let me give this feafonab'e caution, thatthofe who ufe extemporary praver be careful of com- mitting any indecency, by uttering improper expres- fions, vain repetitions, or ufmg too many words; which mud needs be offcnfive to the divine Mojefty, wha know our necessities before we declare thm, and only requires an humble and fervent application of our hearts to him for what we (land in need of. All the fine words in the world w thout this, all the rhetorical flourifhes, the elegant cadences and the ioftrft periods, without th's, are but as founding brafs and a t nkling cymbal in the ears of God ; and therefore good was the advice of So'omon : When thou comefr into the houfe of God, let thy words be few, and be more ready to hear than to offer tbefacrifice of fools; irtimating here- by, that multiplicity of words in praver are but the fa- crifice of fools; and a greater man than Solomon has faid, When ve pray, ule not vain repetitions as the Heathens do; for they thmk that they mall be heard for their much fpeakmg : be ye not therefore like unto them, for your Father knowtth what things ye have need of before ye afkhim, Matt. vi. 7, 8. And there- fore the form of a prayer, which Chrift here prefcribed tnem as a pattern, was very fhort, but comprehenfive, . included in lefs than a hundred words all the ieveral parts of prayer, as thankfgivnr/, petition, oblation, in- terceilion, &c. And this, no doubt, he prefcribed for a pat'ern toothers,' that as] who call upon God may do it in reverence and godly modefty, ufing but few words, and thole pithy, fignificant, cornprehenfive, and full, proper and becoming the Majefty we addrels ourfelves unto.
Tender. You have given me great fatisfaction as to this matter, which has often difturbed my mind, and kept me at too remote a diftanc? from God, not know- ing cercainly how to pray acceptably : but now I am convinced that God requires chiefly the heart ; for it is but reaion that He who is a "fpirit, and the pureft of ail
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS 425
fpirits, fhould be ferved in fpirit and in truth ; which, cannot be done where the heart gees not along with the lips, and if it does, then it matters-not whether it be in cafe form of words or no ; the fervency and attention of the mind, the regularity of the affections, and the lawfulnefs of our petitions, being the chief things re- garded by the fovereign Majelty of heaven.
Seek-truth. How happy am I that fell intofuch good company ! I have been long a fearching and enquiring into the nature and obligation of Christian duties, and particularly this of prayer, which puzzles a great many good well-meaning people; but I never met with fo much comfort and fatisfaction as now I have found in your difcourfe.
Weary. o' -the- world. I approve of what has beenfaid concerning prayer i for I find fo many defects in the belt of my devotions, that, I have no heart to venture on vocal prayer fometimesj for if I mould, my heart would afterwards check me with putting an affront on God, while, in the midft of paffionate words and de- vout expreffions, my thoughts were employed quite another way; while my tongue chattered like a magpye to God, my heart was upon the devil's ramble, ftarting a thouiand vain and foolifh thoughts amidft the molt ferious and religious, the moil fervent and pious words or the world. I know not how it fares with other peo- ple, or what advantages they may find ; but for my own part, fo long as 1 carry fiefh and blood about me, I cannot perfume to be free from diftractions, aliena- tion of mind, coldnefs, indifference, and impertinent fuggeftions, even in the calmeft minutes, the mod re- collected feafons, and the fevered applications of my mind to the duty I am engaged in: much lefs can I hope for an immunity from fuch failings, when I give the reins to my tongue, and i offer my lips to prate over a multitude of formal words ; for then I find it fall out to me, as I have heard fay it does to muficians, who by long accu doming themfelves to play on any inftru- ment, at length get fuch a habit, that they can run over their familiar tunes, without minding or giving attention to what they are doing. Not that I hereby 3H
426 THE PILGRIMS1 F*ROGRl53.
condemn the ufe of vocal prayer, for without doubt it is expedient for fome people, and in a manner neceffary in the public worfhip of God, where many people are to join together inorreringup the fame petitions, tnanks- giving, intercefilons, &c. which cannot be performed without a form of words, which are the only proper means of conveying our conceptions and thoughts one to another, and confequently making each other sen- fible what we all pray for. In fhort, my judgment is, that it is all one, in refpecl of God's hearing us, whe- ther we ufe words or not, in public or in private; but for the fake of human neceffities, words are neceffary in public, and fervent attention of mind is abfolutely required, both in public and private, as the only effi- cacious means to render our prayers acceptable to the divine Majefty.
Then I heard in my dream, that as they walked along the wildernefs, the wild beafts roared, and fent forth hideous noifes, which put fome of them into no fmall diforder and confirmation but the reft who had more courage heartened them on : fo at laft they got out of the wildernefs, and came in the. fight of the town of Vanity, where Faithful was put to death for his tefti- mony to the truth. Now the town was very magnifi- cent and ftately to the eye, full of temples and other public ftruclures, whofe lofty towers, being adorned with gold and other ccftly embellishments, made a glititering i|aew in the fun- mine : likewife it was exceed- ing large and populous, fo that there was a perpetual nolle to be heard at a diilance, like the roaring of the fea, becaufe of the multitude of people that were in it the chariots and the horfes that were always running up and down the ftreets, which made poor Y\elding think it was the ciry whither they were all going. He was fo taken with the glorious figure this town made, that he could hardly contain himfelf from running thither before the reft of the company : which when Spiritual- msn perceived, hefaid.
Sp>ritua!-man. Young man, miftake not this place, for it is not the heavenly city, as you imagine, but a mere counterfeit : it is Babylon, the town of Confufion
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 427
and Vanity : though our way lies through it, yet we are not to take up our reft there: we may abide awhile, bur we muft not think of fettling there for ever.
Yield. S:r, I thought by the defcription that had been given me of the heavenly Jerufjlem, that this had been the very place indeed, but now vou have fatisfied me to the contrary.
So the pilgrims went forward, and entered into the town ; butthey met with a great many affronts and in- juries by the wny, by realon of the ftrange drefs that they were in, snd becaufe they had not the mark of the beaft in their foreheads, nor in their hands, as all the in- habitants of the town had : therefore the boys hooted and hailoo'd at them, and gathered a rabble aboui them; nay, fome of the graver fort threw dirt upon them as they went by their doors ; they mocked and derided them, they fattened all manner of (landers and reproaches upon them, and very few there were in all that place that (hewed any companion or common civi'ty to them: but this did not difhearten any of them, faying the young man to whom Spiritual-man fpoke la ft, whofe name was Yielding: he indeed, being d'feouraged by the inhofpitable humour and carrrisge of the townfmen towards his companions, and being ftrongly invited by a very courteous fpoken man to leave that giddy-brained company of fools (for fo he termed the Pilgrim?) and come and dwell with him, and he fhould find all things to his content; he accordingly complied, and forfaking his company, followed the man, who conducted him to atavern in the market place, and fending for fome of his bon companions, they fell to caroufing and making merry; alfo they drank confufion to the pilgrims that were going to the heavenly city; but Yielding got little by the bargain, for being furfeited with ex:efs of wine, he died fuddenly in the night-time.
In the mean while the reft of the pilgrims pafsed through theftreets of the town molefted on all hands by the rudder fort of the people, and unpitied of them that, accordingto their age and ftations, ought to have (hewn more wit and humanity. Thus they went on till they came to a place called the Exchange, where the rrVer- 7 H 2
428 THE pilgrims' progress.
chants ufe to meet and traffic: there were men of all na- tions and families, men of all tribes and languages, each one bufy in his particular occupation and commerce: but when the Pilgrims came amongft them, they ail with one accord left off their bufinefs and talk, and ftood gaz- ing on thefe Grangers, faying among rhemfelves, What countrymen are thefe that appear in fo ftrange a drefs, fo different from all that ufe to frequent this place?
Then I faw in my dream that Zealous- mind, one of the Pilgrims, ftood up, and fpoke to the multitude, faying, Men and brethren, partakers of the fame flefti and blood with us, why ftand ye gazing on us, as though fome new thing had happened unto you, which you had never feen or known before? Have you forgot the days wherein Chriftian and Faithful pafsed through your town, whereof the one was burned for the tefbi- mony which he bore to the truth j and the other, though imorifoned, yet by the mighty power and providence of God, efcaped your rage and malice? Are thefe things out of your memory already; or are your re- cords filent in the matter ? We are come upon the fame account as they, and are going to the fame country whither they bent their courfe : therefore wonder not at our unufual dreis, for it is necefTary for all thofe who travel Sion-ward mould be apparelled after the fafhion of that city, that fo their entrance therein may be eafy, and without blame. This is the reafon why we are not cloathed after the fame manner of this town, or of this world ? for we have no abiding city here, but we feek one to come, whofe builder and maker is God.
After Zealous mind had made an end of fpeaking, fome of the merchants left their affairs and joined them- felves unto the Pilgrims ; others mocked and derided them: but they fhook the duft off their feet, and de- parted from that place, and the merchants that had left their merchandize went along with them : and the peo- ple followed them out of the town hallooing and hooting at them but they remembering the faying of Chrift, Curfed ; is he diat hath fet his hand to the plough of the kingdom and looketh back, regarded not the ridiculous noife they made 3 but kept on their courfe in the
THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS. 4^9
King's highway, neither turning to the right hand nor to the left, but walked directly in the way of the Lord, till they came to the plain of Ease, where the merchants hearkened to the enticing words of Demas, and where perfuadrd to go down into the filver mine to dig for treafure that corrupteth ; but the reft of the Pilgrims would not turn a fide out of way, to fellow after filthy lucre : yet they had not gone far before one of them wmofe name was Weary -o'-t he world, was turning about to look back toward the filver mine, when Spiritual*- man efpying him, catched hold of his arms as he was facing about, and flopped him, faying, Brother, here is a fight juft before thee which will convince thee of the danger of looking back in this place; (o he file w eel him the pillar, of fait, into which Lot's wife was turned, which flood diredlly before them on the way- fide. Then Weary-o'-the-world thanked him for his friendly admonition and affiftance, confefiing that he was glad he fo timely prevented both his crime and his punifh- ment, by (hewing him the example of Lot's wife, who, for looking back on Sodom, was turned into a pillar of fait.
Now I saw in my dream that the Pilgrims went for- ward till they came to the river of God. Their wzy lav along by the river fide, where grew trees, bearing all manner of delightful fruits, which the Pilgrims taft- ed to their wonderful refrefhment ; they alio drink of the water of the river, whole virtue is to rejoice dfe heart more than wine ; and there being pleafant green paftures ail along the banks of che river, they laid down fometimes to repofe themfelves there, and then rofe up to profecute theirjourney, coming at length to the place that lay down to Doubting-ca(t!e, which was riemo- lifhed in the days of Chriftiana's pilgrimage : fo they paHed by she ftile that Chriftian and Hopeful went over, when they were taken prifoners by Giant Ddpair, keep- ing the highway, never flopping till they came to the Delectable Mountain?, where they again refrelhed themfeiv'es in the gardens and vineyards, eating freely of the fruits that were therein. Now as they wen: up to thefe Delectable Mountains, they came at hit to a
4jo THE pilgrims' progress.
mountain that was at the top of all the mountains, and eftablifhed above the reft of the hills, and it was called the Mountain ofthe Houfe of the Lord. Now there wereihepherds feeding of their flock!- all over this moun- tain, and there were men of all nations, tribes, and languages, walking up and down on the mountain, and fometimes they walked with the ihepherds; and at other times they talked one to the other.
So I law in my dream that as the Pilgrims went along "the highway, there ftood forne fhepherds by the way fzde, tending of their flocks: and the fhepherds aiked the Pilgrims whence they came, and whither they were going? to whom Speritual-man replied, Sir, we come from the vailey of Deitru&ion, and are going to the eeleftial country.
Shep. Ye are welcome thus far in your journey, for now you are at the top of the Delectable Mountains, even on the mountain ofthe Lord's houfe, and here be men of all nations, tribes, and languages, that are going the fame journey with you 5 only they tarry awhile here to take the air of thefe Delectable Moun- tains, and to partake of the fruits that grow on this holy ground, which are good to refrefh and ftrengthen them after their wearifome travel. Moreover, we fhep- herds have remedies for all the difeafes that Pi'grims are lubjett to in their toiiforr.e journey, and ue minifter freely unto them of fuch things as we have, giving ad- vice and phytic unto the fick, opening the eyes cf the blind, the ears of the deaf, and loofening the tongues ofthe dumb, caufmg them to Ihew forth the praife and glory of God. To this end are we placed here, and our tents are open to all comers, where we entertain the ilranger, the fatherlefs, and the widow, the rich and the poor, the weak and the ftrong, the young and the old, at the King's coil, who prepares a table for all that will come to it, and hath made us his Rewards to portion out to every one what they need ; we have milk for babes, and meat for them that are of ripe age. Our doors are not fnut day nor night, neither do we ceafe crying our, Ho ! every one that is thirfty, let hirn buy milk without money, and wine without price , for
THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS. 43 1
;he Lord hath prepared a feaft of fat things, of wines well refined, and he inviteth all men to his table.
Then the fheperds conducted them into their pavil- lions, and fet beiore them luch dainties as they had not met with before in all their journey ; fo they eat and drank, cheerfully, and were mightily refrefhed, and af- terwards the fhepherds invited them to walk out and take the hair of the mountain ; which they did, and found it the wholefomeft, purcft, and pleafanteft air in the world ; for it was perfumed with the odour of oranges and lemons, pomegranates and citrons, with all manner of fpice trees, which grew upon the moun- tain in abundance ; fo that, what with the admirable diet, and what with the delicious air of this place, their ftrength was renewed like eagles, for they refted there with the fhepherds two or three days, who fhewed them good hofpitality, for they had all things in common among themfelves ; and therefore the Pilgrims went freely up and down from one tent to another, and were kindly received every where; for this is Immanuel's land, the holy mountain of the kingdom of peace, where their fpears were turned into pruning hooks, and their Iwords into plough-fhares, every one fitting peaceably under hie own vine, and under his own fig-tree, and no man did harm to another ; but all lived together in unitv, love, and peace.
The fhepherds alio fhewed them many wonderful things of the mountain, as the hill of Error, and the hill of Caution; and when the time came that the Pilgrims were defirous topurfue their journey, the fhepherds had them to their overfeers, whom the King had let over them, even one of their brethren, and a fhepherd ; to this man they brought the Pilgrims : who, when they came before him, blefTed them, faying, Peace be unto you; and when the fhepherds had told him who they were, and how far they had travelled, and whither they were going, he anointed them with a certain rich and fovereign ointment, which would exceedingly (trengthen them in their journey. Then the Pilgrims, bowing down their heads to the ground, took their
4J2 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.
leave of the venerable old man, giving him thanks for the kindnefs he had fhewed them.
Then the fhepherds went along with them, and fhewed them the door in the fide of the hill, which is a bye-way to hell, and lent them their pevfpeclive-glafs to take a profpecl of the celeftial city through it j which when the Pilgrims had a glimpfe of, they were ravifhed at the fight of fuch glorious things, and longed to be there ; wherefore they defired the fhepherds to give them leave to depart ; which was granted them, only the fhepherds iirft gave them directions concerning the way, bidding them have an efpecial care left they flept upon the inchanted ground, which they mufl needs pafs through before they could arrive at the heavenly city, and ltliesjufton this fide of the region calltd Beulah.
Moreover, I faw in my dream that the Pilgrims, hav- ing bid adieu to the fhepherds, went down from the mountain into the plain, having a large valley before, which was called the valley of Vain opinions. Now as they were going through this valley, they faw a com- pany of men before them, and as they drew nearer tney could hear them talk very eagerly one to another, as though it were about fome weighty matter ; fo when they came up to them they perceived that the men were talking about the King of the country, which made them difpute very pafsionately, and with a great deal of heat ; on afferting, That the King was of this opinion, ttrat he was of his judgment j a third laid, That he only had the right understanding of the Royal mind, will and pleafure, and each man quoted fome article or fentence of the King's ftatuce book in confirmation of what he had faid ; fo that there was a great noife and hurley-.burley among them, infemuch that they were ready to go together by the ears, while every one thought himfeif in the right, and all the refb in the wrong: thus contended they, tili Spiritual-man fpoke to them and faid. Good people, what is all this clamour for ? Then they all ceaied their loud talking, and gave attention to what he would fay, who thus proceeded :
the pilgrims' progress. 4^3
Spiritual-man. 1 hear you very vehement and earned in controverfy about the King's pleafure, one faying, He knows bed ; and another, That he is bell acquaint- ed with ir j this puts me in mind of the words of Chrift, where he 'fays, If any man mall fay unto you, Lo, here is Chrift, or lo, he is there, believe it not ; for there mail arife false Chrifts and false prophets, and fhall mew great figns and wonders, infomuch that (if it were poflible) they mall deceive the very elect. Behold I have told you before, wherefore if they fhall C\y unto you, Behold he is in the defert, go not forth : behold he is in the fecret chambers, believe it not. For as the lightening cometh out of the eaft, and mine! li even unto the weft, fo (hall the coming of the fon of Man be, Matt. xxiv. 23, 24, &c. Therefore 1 have reafon to judge you all deceivers and false prophets, finceyou fo exactly make good the character which our Lord has given them : for whereas one boafted that he knows the King's mind, another, that he is the heft interpreter of his will : ye are all out of the way of truth j the King's mind is with none of you ; Chrift is not amongft you ; it is the fhepherds who are his privy counfellors, who know the fecrets of his kingdom ; go ye therefore and feed with the flocks, and frequent the places where they lie down at noon ; fo fhall ye learn knowledge, and preferve your feet from Humbling into error. And hav- ing fpoken thefe words, he turned from them with all his company, and they kept on their way over the plain.
Now they had not gone far before a man bolted out upon them from a little cave on the fide of the high- way, which was called the Cave of Natural Speculation, and the name. of the man was Human-reaion. So he asked them whence they came, and whither they were going .'To whom Spiritual-man made an fwer, We come from the valley of Deftruction, and are going toward the heavenly Jerufalem, and {hall be glad of thy com- pany, if thou wilt go along with us
Human-reafon. I am deligned for the fame place myfelf, and would gladly accept of any good company^ but I fuupofeyou intend to go the fame way as yonder ' No, 12. 3 I
434 the pilgrim's progress.
(hepherds mewed you, who know no more of it than the man in the moon, but only 'tis their livelihood to tell a parcel of ftrange ftories to ftrangers and travellers, making them believe they are fervants to the King, and that it is their office to entertain pilgrims, and give them directions for the way : they pretend alfo to give them a .profpeft of the heavenly Jerufalem through a perfpective glafs, and to mew to them one of the mouths of hell ; whereas they are a pack of mere jug- glers and religious cheats, amusing the credulous and unwary travellers with fiction and romantic ftories of heaven and hell, and ufing inchantmenis to delude them in their way thither, calling a mift before their eyes, when they pretend to give thenn a glimpfe of the glories of that place j for that it is a deceitful glafs through which they looked, and prefents you not with the true appearance of things, as I can prove at large if you will be pleafed to hear me out : nay, I can de- monftrate before your eyes, without the help of any glata, the fituation and beauty of the celeftiai city, and (hew you the neartft ready road thither, as plain as that two and three make five.
Spiritual-man. Thcu art as blind as a beetle thyfelf and wilt thou pretend to direct us in the way to a place which thou never faweft nor kneweft ? Go, get thee into thy den again, and go not about to feduce poor harmlefs Pilgrims ; for we will not hearken to any insi- nuating discourfe, but keep on our way, as the ihepherds directed us.
Tender. Nay, pray let me hear what the man can fay for himfelf, for he feems to be a fmart man, and no fool, and therefore I would fain hear his reafon.
Spiritual-man. Your curiofity is dangerous, and may coft vou dear : therefore pray be periuaded to turn away your ears from hearing of vanity and delufions ; you have run well hitherto, do not halt fo near your jour- ney's end.
Tender-con. I cannot be fatisfied in my mind, unlefs I hear this man's arguments, for he feems to have fome- thing extraordinary in his very face, and more in his words.
THE PiLCRlMS* PROGRESS 435
Zealous. mind. To the empty are empty things ; if this man be fo obftinate that he will tarry and hear this fellow prate, let him trary alone, why mould we lofe time for his folly ? Let us hasten forward to run the race that is fet before us.
Spiritual-man. No, brother, let us rather bear one another's burdens, and fo fulfill the royal law of Chritt our King. Let us pity his infirmity, as Paul exhorts us in the like cafe : 'Brethren,' fays he, 'if a man be over- taken in a fault, ye which are Spiritual, restore fuch an one in the fpirit of meeknefs, confidering thyfelf, left thou aifo be tempted,' Gal.iv. i, 2. And another apos- tle faith, 'Brethren, if any of you err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know, that he who convert- ed a finner from the error of his way, (hall fave a foul from death, and fhall hide amultitude of fins.' — Now, therefore, fince this our brother is tempted with a vain curiofity to hear the arguments of Human-reafon, let us fray awhile, and I will undertake to confute him, which will be more to our brother's profit then if he had never heard him fpeak.
Go to then, said he turning to Humanreafon, let me hear what thou haft to argue againft the way we are going.
Human-reafon. Then Human-reafon, putting on a grave and ferious countenance, fpoke as follows : Gen- tlemen, it is not manly to fall into a paffion, and abuse a ftranger before you have jufl. caufe given you, espe- cially when you are ignoiant of or may mistake, his quality. I am fprung of a right noble and illuftrtous family, and as ancient as any in the world, by my fa- ther's fide. Underftanding is my father, who is a prince and courtier, and of near kin to the royal family of heaven i therefore, as you are gentlemen, I hope you will ufe me with that re/peel which is due to my birth and extraction, and not run me down with reproachful names and fcurrilous language.
Spiritual-man. I cry you mercy, Sir j I knew your father very well, and honour his noble birth and illus- trious quality ; but, give me leave to tell you, your mother is but of mean and obfeure quality, and a no-
3 I 2
43^ THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS.
torious (trumpet, and therefore you mud excuie us if weefteem no betterof you than a baftard, or, at beft, a very degenerate fon, a mongrel breed, partaking more of your mother's vices then your father's virtues, who futely was much overfeen when he fuffered him- felf to be debauched by fuch a common drab as fhe. Her name was Senfe, the daughter of Animal life, an old doting for, rhar minded nothing the but eating, drinking, 2nd fleeping, his birth-place being nothing better then a dunghill 5 this was your godly grandfather by your mother's fide. Now he used to proftitute your mother, when fhe was young, to all comers and goers, and, among the reft, the prince your father fell in love with her once upon a time, and lay with her and be- gat you fo that you have no fuch reafon to glory in your high birth, but rather to be afhamed of your fa- ther's infirm ty, in committing folly with fuch an adul- trefs as your mother. Befides, what fignifies your being his fon, unlefs you were alfo endued wi?h his princely virtues ? And he himfelf loft thofe virtues after he had defiled himfelf by copulation with your mother. For he was once quick- lighted as an eagle but now his eyes are dim : in this you refemble him to the life, for you are pur-blind. He was active and fincere, but now dull and treacherous ; in this alfo you are like him, for you are heavy and flow in all your operations, and as uncertain and wavering as the wea- ther-cock. I could take notice of a great many more ill features and qualities in you, but that it would be too tedious and irkfjme to the company
Zealous-mind. Ay, ay, 'tis not worth the while to lose fo much lime in talking to this impoftor when we art on a journey.
Weary-o'-the-wcrld. No. indeed brother Spiritual- man, no more it is .; and were you put half fo tired as I, you would not ftand reckoning up this fellow's o-enealogy, nor making comparifons betwixt him and his father:' I long to beat my journey's end; come, Jet us be jogging.
Spiritual-man. Have patience, my brethren, whilft this man and I difcourfe the point farther, for the fake
THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS. 437
of Tend er- conference, who feems to be ftaggered at his firft words, and has an itching defire to hear what he can fay for himfelf j perhaps he will have a better opinion of the man if we fhould refufeto converfe with him j he might think that we were afhamed or afraid to (land the brunt of his boafted demonftrations, and fo would conclude the truth is on his fide : therefore, for his fake, have patience awhile, aud I doubt not but I mall convince this man of his error, and make him hold his peace, if not recant his ill-grounded opinions, to the glory of God and the edification of us all, espe- cially of poor wavering Tender-confcience.
Then they all agreed to tarry and hear out the dispute between them ; fo Spiritual-man bid Human-reafon wave all further preambles about his brith and family and fall upon the point in hand, making as quick a difpatch as he could of this matter.
Human-realbn. Well then, I tell you in fhort you are out of your way, and if you will follow my direc- tions I will mew you a far nearer and more fecure road to the heavenly country. I believe and know there is a God as well as you, and worlhip him day and night ; but I take not up this belief, nor practife his worfhip, on other men's credits. I do not blindly pin my fa'th to other men's ileeves, nor worfhip God according to the traditions of men, as you do j but I lay a fure foundation of my faith. I behold and contemplate this wonderful and glorious fabric of the world, and, by a regular deduction, I trace the footft^ps of an eternal divinity j whilft climbing up the chain of inferior and fecond caufe, I at length faftened on the uppermoft linkj and clearly fee the firft and fupreme caufe, fource, and fpring or" all things vifible and invifible. Thus as common bodily objects are firft and lowermoft of the ckain of caufes, fo my fenfes are the firft and lowed key to my faith, whilft, by' a chain of rational inferences, I join the firft and laft things together, and make my fenfes, reafon and faith to be all proportionally fud- fervient to the adoration I pay the eternal Godhead. — Thus I obferve a due order in letting that which is natural firft take place, and then afterwards that which
4j8 THE PILGRIMS* PROGRESS.
is spiritual t whereas you take a quite contrary course, and fo do all that hearken to thofe blind guides, the lhepherds on yonder mountain. For they teach you to begin at the wrong end, and lay aside thefervice of our fenfe and reafon, which are the effential pro- perties of our nature, to believe, by implicit, biind faith, the doctrines and opinions of* fmh a number of men, pretending they were divinely infpired j and not only fo, but to believe doctrines that are diame- trically opofite to your reafon, and the common fenfe and txpeiience of the whole world. As for example, they teach and you mull believe, that one can be three, and three can be one, contrary to the firft principles of natural reafon ; that God is man, and man is God ; that a virgin could conceive a fon without the help of man, and, after child-birth, re- main a virgin ; with many more opinions of the like nature, inconfiftcnt with themfelves, and with other fundamental principles of nature.
Tender. II all be true that this man fays, then for ought I fee, we are guity of downright Popery; for I have heard many wife and learned men fay, That the great fecret of that religion is to make its proselytes believe, by a blind implicit faith: things directly con- trary to common fenfe and reafen : and if we are gui'ty of the fame error, wherein do we differ from the Papifts ? For my part, lam wonderfully taken with this man's discourse, he fpeaks home 10 the purpofe j and I connot fee what can be objected againft it, nor how he can be anfvvered.
Spiritual man. Be not carried away with every wind of falfe doctrine, but let your heart be eftablifhed in truth. Be not credulous, but examine well his discourse, and you fhall find it all fophiftry and deceit, as I fhall make apparent, if you will give me the hearing,
In the firft pice, therefore, he goes up a wrong ground ; in fuppofing our reafon to be perfect in exer- cifingitfelf upon its proper object. Before the fall of Adam indeed it was fo j but now it is imperfect and frail. It was then one intire mining diamond,
THE piLGRIiMS* PROGRESS. 439
but now it is (nattered into pieces; we only retain fome fragm nts or fparkles of the original jewels; we can boaft of nothing but fome broken remnants of rea- son, efcaped from that fatal nYpwreckof human nature, which ft 11 float up and down in a fea of uncertainties. We grope as in the dark, and can hardly difcern the thing-; that are familiar with us. O ir notions of things natural are liable to a thoufand miftakes, our inferences loofe and incoherent, and all our faculties turned up fide down. Our difcourfe commonly is ra her rhetoric than realon, and has e'ther a fmatch of the ferpent's fubtie fophiltrv, or the woman's f>ft and infinuat ng eloquence. Thefe generally fupply the place of true mafeuine re ion, while the fophiit does bur mimic the philoiophcr, and both thev and the orator a6t the divine, as this man has done in his lpecious and formal accufa- tion of the fhepherds, and vind. cation of his own way. For,
In the fecond place, Suppofe we grant his ground to be good, and chat reafon is perfect in its exercifing itfelf on its proper objects; yet its inferences from thence are but the efforts of his eloquence and fophiftry, while he would endeavour to perfuade us, that divine and fu- pernataral tilings are the objects of natural reafon alfo. It is juft the fame thing as if he would go about to con- vince us, that we may hear with our noies, and fee with our ears, we may as well do this, as difcern divine and fupernatural things by natural and human reafon. God hath endowed us with different faculties, luii able and proportionable to the different objects that engage them. We difcover fenlible things by our fenies, rational things by our reafon, things intellectual by our underftanding ; by divine and celeftial things he has referved for the exercife of our faith, which is a khd of divine and fupenor fenfe in the foul. Our reafon and underltanding may at fometimes fnatch a glimpfe, but cannot rake a (leady and adequate prof- pect of things fo far above rheir reach and fphere. Thus by the help of natural reafon, I may know there s a God, the firtt caufe and original of all things ; but liseffence, attributes, and will, are hidden within the
44-Q THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.
veil of inaccessible light, and cannot be difcerned by us but by faith in his divine revelation. He that walks without this light, walks in darknefs, though he may ftrike out some faint and glimmering fparkles of his own ; and he that, out of the grots and wooden dictates of his natural reafon, carves out a religion to himfelf, is but a mere refined idolater than thofe who worfhip flocks and flones, hammering an idol out of his fancy, and adoring the works of his own imagination. For this reifon God is now here faid to be jealous, but upon the account of his worfhip. To this end was he fo parti- cularly nice (if I may fo fpeak with reverence) in all thofe rtrict injunctions he laid on the children of Ifrael, as to his worfhip. Hegave to Mofes in the Mount an exact pattern of the tabernacle, in its vefTels, inftru- ments, and appurtenances : he prescribed the particular times and seafons, the peculiar manner, rites, and ce- remonies of his worfhip, not a title of which were they to tranfgrefs, under pain of death. Now, what needed all this caution and severity, if it were a matter fo in- different as this man makes it, how God is worfhip- 6td ? he that thinks, if by patchiug up half a dozen natural reafons together, he can prove a Deity, and pay fome homage and acknowledgment to him as such that ail is well with him ; nay, that he is in the nearefi: and readiefl way to heaven ; in the mean while con- cluding, that we go round about, if not a quite con- trary way, who take up our religion on no lefs credit and authority than that of divine revelation. This he calls laying aside our senles and our reafon, to believe by a blind and implicit faith, the doctrine and opinions of a certain number of men pretending to be divinely infpired ; and not only foy but believing doctrines dia- metrically oppofice to our reafon, and the common fenfe and experience of the whole world. But tell me, O vain man how do we lay aside our senfes and our rea- fon, when we ufe both in a duefubordination to faith? Faith comes itlelf by hearing, wh'ch is one of our fenfes : we hear the glad tid ngs of the gofpel preached to us, and our hearts are brought into lubjection to che power thereof; natural reafon taught us to believe
Ko. 107
IlS THE MATTE SETTLED?
co not mean, ray reader, between you and your neighbour, ut between you and God.
Do you say, as many do, " Oh ! no, indeed ; not yet. It would not be easy to say 'Yes,' to that question"?
Or, do you tell us that your account will be easily settled, as you have always lived a moral life, and have little to answer for compared with many around you, who are dail_, filling up the measure of their iniquities in a life of open transgression ?
Or, do you say that yon are striving, praying, reading, and doing all yon can to get all settled before yon die ; so that you may have peace then, and go before your "Maker" with an untroubled mind ?
Such are the answers which, alas ! are too commonly given to this most important of all questions. They all show clearly that those who reply thus, are still blind to the things of God, and ignorant of " the way of salvation," as it is plaiuly set forth in Holy Scripture.
Hearken,- then, dear reader, to the reply made to this searching inquiry, by one whose declining health forewarned as to expect her early removal from this world.
" Is the matter settled between you and God ?" I asked EoLmnly.
" Oli ! yes, sir," was her calm reply.
" How did you get it settled ?"
" Oh !" said she, "the Lord Jesus Christ settled it for me."
" And when did he do that for you ?" I inquired.
" When he died npon the cross for my sins."
" How long is it since you knew this blessed and consoling fact ?"
The answer was readily given — "About, twelve months ago." Anxious, however, to ascertain the grounds of this confi- dence, I asked — " How did you know that the work which Christ accomplished on the cross for sinners was done for you P" She at once replied — " I read in the Bible, and believed what I read."
And now, dear reader, have you read in the Bible, and believed what you have read ? It is written, " Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Tim. i. 15.) Does this bring comfort to your soul? Do you believe this "faithful saying " ? Have you accepted it ?
Again it is said, " He was wounded for our transgressions, ..... and with his stripes we are healed" (Isa. liii. 5.) These words simply state ''the nature and efficacy of Christ's work, and those who believe them are privileged to have peace in their souls, for they can rejoice in the fact there stated. They read their pardon in the words, "He was delivered for our offences ;" (Rom. iv. 25 ;) " In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." (Col. i. 14.) Have you thus read your forgiveness in God's Word by seeing your own interest in Christ's work ?
If not, dear reader, be entreated to consider this matter now 5 " think on these things ;" and may the Holy Spirit lead you to see that your debt of sin has been paid by Jesus, and that his precious blood-shedding has eternally settled the matter between you and God.
" But when I saw the blood,
And look'd at Him who shed it, My right to peace was seen at once,
And I with transport read it. I found myself to God brought nigh, And ' Victory ' became my cry."
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THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS. 441
there is a God. but faith teaches us to believe in him and how to v/orihip him. Th? things which we be- lieve of him are indeed far above cur senfes and reafon, but not contrary to them : nay, in this ourferfes and reaion are initrumental to cur frnth, that when we read or hear of any of the miracles done by Chrirt and his apolhes, our reafon teiis us they could not be done but by the mighty power of God, and that G'^d would not byfut.h miracles give te fcimony to a lie : therefore con- sequently our reafon teaches us to believe that Chrifi: and hisapoftles were really fuch as they profeffed them- felves to be ; he the fon of God, they his fervants, and men infpired by the Holy Ghoft, and consequently that all their doctrines were true. How then can I stumble at thedeftrinesof the Trinity, the incarnation of Chrift, his being conceived without the help of a man, and brought forth of a virgin, (he remaining a pure virgin! Thus far my reafon is ferviceable to my faith : the one leads me by the hand to the veil, the other draws it back, and difcovers all the facred myfteries. Yet ftill let reafon keep her dillance, me is but the handmaid, faith the miftreis j fenfe and reafon attend in the outer courts of temple, but faith enters into the holy of holies.
Now wLhout faith it is impoffible to pleafe God, Faith is the evidence of things notfeen, the fubftanceof things hoped for: This is that faith which thou, O Human-reafon, haft fo much contemned and vilified. This is that faith which the lhepherds recommend to us. This is that perfpeclive glafs through which we faw the glories of the celefttal Jerufalem ; therefore ceafe hencefoith to fpeak evil of the way of the Lord j ceafe to prevent the louls of fuch as feek the Lord in fincerity and with an humble faith.
When he had made an end of thefe words, Tender- confeience burft out into tears for grief and joy; for grief, that he had fuftercd his mind to be warped by the feducing eloquence of Human-reafon j and for joy, that Spiritual-man had fo well anfwered and con- futed his argument, which made him addrefs himfelf thus to Spiriunl-maiu
S K
44a THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS
Tender, I am heartily forry that my foolifhnefs mould have hindered all the company of lomuch time, while we might have been a good way on our journey j now I am fully fatisfied that Human-reafon is but an ignis- fatuous t& the mind, a falfe light, a deceiver; and there- fore let us leave him to his den of fhadows, and pro^ fecme our journey.
Then I faw in my dream that they went forward, while Tender conference fang,
"Vain Human-reason boasts himself a light. Tho' but a wandering meteor of the night; Breed in bogs and fens of common earth, ' A dunghill was the place of his high birth, Yet the impostor would aspire to be Esteem' d a son of noble pedigree ; Vaunting his father's titles and his race, Tho' you see mongrel written in his face. * A better hearld has unmask' d the sham, And prov'd a strumpet was the juggler's dam. In vain he seeks on pilgrims to impose, In yain he strives to lead them by the nose : T-he cheat's Siscover'd, and bright truth prevails, When humble faith does hold the sacred scales. Reason and sense are but deceitful guides, A better convoy, God for us provides, Celestial truth dwells in th' abyss of light, Wrapt up in clouds from H uman-reason's sight ; He that could see her as she's thuscanceal'd, Must look by faith, believing what's reveafd. Reason may well at her own querry fly, But finite cannot grasp infinity. Rest then, my soul from endless anguish freed, Isor reason is thv guide, nor sense thy creed. Faith is the best insurer of thy bliss, The bank above must fail before this venture tniss.
Now as they went alorg, they came to the place where the Flatterer had feduced Chrhtian and Hope- ful out of the road into a bypath, which might be eafily done* for though it was a by-way, yet it feemed
the pilgrim's progress. 443
to lie as ftraight before them as the true way. But how- ever our Pilgrims had the good fortune to efcape the way that lead to the nets, by means of Spiritual-man's company, who had fhrewed infight into that road.
Now { faw in my dream, that they had not gone far before they all began to be very drowfy, infomuch that Weary-o'-the-world began to talk of lying down and taking a nap: at which Convert, who had notfpokea a word fince they parted from the cave of Reformation till this time, fetched a deep figh, and wept bitterly ; but amidft his tears he called out very earneilly to Wear •'-the-world, warning him not to fleep in that place. This fudden paffion and extraordinary carriage of Con- vert, who had been filent all the way before, made every body curious to learn the occasion cf it ; and Spiritual-rnan defired him to acquaint the company with the occaficn of this fudden motion. Then Con- vert telling them if they would elcape death, or very near danger of it, they mutt not offer to fleep on that ground j prornifmg to give them an account of his life in mort, and defired them to give goojd. attention to his words, w:,ich would be a means to keep them waking; fo he began.
Convert. Yois may remember, the fhepherds, st parting, among other good and wholefome advices, bid us have efpecial care not to fleep onthe inchanted ground. Now when [ fafr feme of the company in- clined to fleep, 1 called to mind the fhepherds exhor- tation, and alio my own former mifcarriage in this point, which made me burft forth into tears, think how far I have gone back from heaven-ward, by rea- for. of lleeping in this place 5 and what danger you would all have run, mould you but have lain down on this inchanted ground, for this is the place thefhepherds told u$ of.
Spiritual-man. BleHed art thou of the Lord, Chap- py young man, who haft prevented us from lleeping in this place; pray entertain us with a relation of your paft travels, for I perceive by your difcouife 'that you have been on this way before now.
3 K2
444 THE PH«RIM 8 PROGRESS.
Convert 'Tis pofiible that you mav have heard of one Atheift, that met Cnriftian and Hopeful a little way off from this p'ace, as they travelled to the hea- venly city, lam the man though my name be now changed $ nor was that my proper name, but was giveft xrse after my sleep on the incbantefj ground j for my name before was Well-meaning, but now it is Convert. I was born in the valley of Deftruclion, and brought from thence very young by my farher, but as we came along, by that man behind us, even by Human-reafon, -I was fopleafed with, his difcourfe, that my father could not get me along with him, but I nmft needs tarry awhile to converfe with Hu man -reafon, telling my father, that he being old and crazy, I Ihould foon overtake him: but Human-reason had fuch inticing ways with him, that I had not power to leave his com- pany a great while ; nay., at laft when he faw that I would go, he would needs accompany me to this place, and at parting he gave me fomething to drink out of a vial, which he told me was an excellent cephalic, and good againft all the diftempersof the brain, to which travellers are liable, by reafon of heats and colds, and the like; and fo he took his leave and went back to his cave : but he was no fooner gone then I fell afieep on thisground, whether through the influence ofthat liquor he gave me, or through the nature of the vapours which arife out of the ground, I know nor, but my fleep feemed very fweet unto me ; and I believe I had fiept my laft here, had I not been ufed from my childhood to walk in my deep: for getting up in my fleep, I walked hack again the fame way by wh ch I came, till 1 was quite off from the inchanted ground, and there I met with Chriftian and Hopeful, who were going for- ward to mount Sion : fo when they told me where they ■were going, I fell a laughing heartly at them, calling them a hundred fools for taking upon them fo tedious a journey, when they were like to have nothing for their pains but mere labour and travel. Now all this while my brains were fo ftupjfied with that liquor which Human -reafon had made me drink, that I was not fen- iible I had beea afieep* but was as one in a dream,, and
THI PILGRIM S PROGRESS. 44C.
my fancy was fo poflfelTed with an imagination that 1 had been as far as any pilgrim could go, but couid find ro fuch place as the heavenly Jerufalem, f.nd there- fore I believed there was none, and fa I told them; but however they would not hearken unto mv foolifn words, but went forward on their journey, and I kept on mv courfe backward, t:ll I came to the town of Vanity, where I took up my lodging for a great while, till once upon a time, being at one of the public fhows in the fair, I was ftruck with a thunderbolt from hea- ven, which had almoft ccft me my life, fcr I was forced to keep my chamber a whole year upon it. Now, in this time of my confinement, I began to thhk of my former l;fe, snd the miferable condition I was in, if it fhould pleafe God to take me away : this made mc weep day and night by myfelf: I alfo faded, and pray- ed,- and humbled myfelf before the Lord in fecrer, and I vowed a vow unto God, that if it would pleafe him to reftore me to health again, 1 would undertake a pilgrimage to mount Sion, .on the fir.il opportunity I could meet wi h to have company. God heard my prayer, my vows, and mv tears, and reftored me in a little timej and I walked, and foon left that wicked town; and remembering that I had an acquaintance or two in the cave of Reformation, men of fober difpo- fitions and religious lives, I refoived to go and fee them, if perhaps I might prevail upon then fo go along with me: fo I went accordingly to the afpreia:d cave, and found my two friends there, whom I often b oke mv mind to about this matter; but they put me off till they cou'd get more company, tell:ng me that it would not be Ions before fome Pilgrims would come by, which made me long for the happy hour when I might hear of any travellers that were going that way: in the mean while I abode in the cave, and converted with a (j;reat many men there, and among the reft I prevailed on Zealous-mind and Yielding to go along with us; for my friend, names were Seek-truth and Wean • o- the- world, whom we have in our company now. So when Tender-confciencecame by, and was looking on the pillar ofHiftory, Sedk-tnnh happened to ice him, and
446 THE pilgrim's progress.
knowing by his habit that he was a Pilgrim, he" present- ly ftruckup the bargain with him to bear him compa- ny, and called the reit out of the cave, a little way off from which we overtook Spiritual-man, and fo we all joined company, and came along together, not one of us but Yielding being loft: he muft needs follow the excefsof the town of Vanity, and fo got a furfeit with a Seducer in wine, which killed him.
Now I faw in my dream that the Pilgrims by this time were got over the inchamed ground, and entered into the country of Beulah, whole air was fweetened with all manner of aromatic perfumes, which revived their drooping fpirhs, grown heavy, and a'mofl ftu- pifted with walking over the inchanted ground. Here were trees growing, whofe fruit never facie away, and -whofe 'leaves are always, green. In this place there is a perpetual fpring, the 'birds always finging, the mea- dows adorned with flowers, and all things abounding that are delightful j for it lies within fight of Paradife and the fbadovv of the celeftial city reaches to it. Here they walked and comforted themfelves with the plea- fure which this goodly land afforded, reflecting back upon the toils and hardfliips they had undergone 5 they foiaced themfelves with the thought that now they were near their journey's end, and within plain view of the celeiiial Jerufalem, which they had fo long and fer- vently defired to fee. The farther they walked, the plainer might the glory of that place be feen, and the more earneftJy did they long to come to it: fo they Tpurred one another forward with comfort ab'e words, faying, -Come, let us go up to the Louie or the p*rd, our feet fhall be Handing in thy courts, O Jtrufalem. . In the fight of angels we will fing un;o thee, O Lord, and will adore in thy holy temple.
And as they pafsed along they came to certain vine- yards which belonged to the King, and the keepers in- vited them in, faying, Come in, ye blcfsed of the Lord, and tafte ye the wine that rejoices the heart of God and man: fo the Pilgrims went into the vineyards and drank of the wine thereof, which inebriated them with love and j°y, with defire and hope to fee the
THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. 447
King's face of whom the keepers of the vineyard told them many glorious things, faying, That he was the faireft among ten thoutand, therefore the virgins loved him, and ran after the od faid alfo,- that be was a great lover of pilgrims, and that he himfelf took upon him once to be a Pilgrim. Many- more good commendations they gave of him, which made thofe men impatient till they got to th° city : lo they left the vineyards and went forward, and run as it were for their lives Thus they continued running till they came in fight of the gate ; but, in a kind of a bottom, they were flopped by a river which was very deep and had no bridge to go over it.
Moreover I law in my dream, that there fat a mul- tiiude of men, women, and children, of all nations, tribes, and languages on the banks of the river : fo when the Pilgrims came down to the river fide, they fat down likewifeon the bank, and began to queftion. one another how they mould get over : a!f3 they afk- ed fome that were fitting there before them, whether there was any other way to go into the city ? and they, anfwered them, No.
Then ihey were greatly perplexed in mind to think how they fhould get over this river ; but Weary-'o-the- world faid unto his companions, Be not difcourao-ed becaule of the river, for I will venture in firfr, and ac- cordingly as it fares with me you mav act. If I o-et over m fafety, then you may fecurely follow; but if I fink and perifh in thefe deep waters, then you have your choice, before you: do what ieems good in your own eyes. So he boldly rufhed inro the river, plunc-ino- him/elf over head and ears in a moment, and they never faw him rife again, which did -great y difhearten the reft of the Pilgrims, and they knew not what to do, or which way to turn tbemfelve.t.
Whilft they were thus difcon'blate and melancholy, there came flying to them a man in bright clothing, who faid, Peace be unto you, \-t not your hearts be troubled becaufe of the man who juft m>w entered the river, and presently funk out of your fight.: his name is Weary-o-the world, and his ci.rcumfi:a.,c s anfw.cr his
448 THE PfLCRI-M'S PROGRESS.
name for he has a long time Iain under great difcon- tent, becaufe the affairs of his life went not fmoothly on his fide ; he has met with a great many crofies and loiles, vexations and. troubles in the world. He has been croffed in body, foul, and eftate in wife, children and friends : now all those together made him weary of the world, and relolved to go out of it : but he fuf- fered none of thofe things for righteousnefs fake or for the name of Chrift, butforhis own ambition, covetous- nefs, and envy, which made him odious to all people that knew him ; nay he thereby put himfelf out of the protection of Providence, fo that nothing thrived which he took in hand : his corn was blafted in the field j his body afflicted with many difeafes, which were occa- fioned by his lulls ; his wife and children curfedhimto his face becaufe of h's tyranny and cruelty; his friends and neighbours mocked and derided at his calamities* and all things -went againft him ; fo in a pet he took up a refolution to leave the world j but he did it not for the love of God, which was the feafon why you favv him fink in the waters of this river, and rife no more. It is not enough to be weary of the world ; but to be weary of fin, it is that which is acceptable in the fight of God, and of great price: befides, he ought not pre- lumptuoufly to have rulhed into the river himfelf with- out orders, but fnould have waited till the King's pleafure was manifested to him as you fee many fitting alono- the river fide, and waiting for the King's com- mand : and now I am fent with a mefifage toTender- confcience, to tefl him it was the King's pleaiure he fhould come over next.
So Tender-confcience prepared himfelf to obey the King's furnmons ; but his heart panted, and all his limbs trembled, to think what was, become of Weary - o'-the-world, and for fear he fhould fink Hkewife : v..'hpm, when Spiritual-man 'faw in his agony, he com- forted him, biding him be of good cheer, faying, you are not the fir ft, neither will you be the l'aft that mult pafs through this river ; all that have been before you fince Adam have been forced to go through this river except Enoch and Elijah, and so muft all that come
THE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS. 449
after y :.:. Death is a debt we all owe to God and na- ture, and it mult be paid at one time or other, eprly or later. There is an appointed !ime for all men once to die, and after dearh to come tojudgmer.t ; therefore be, not afraid of that which cannot be avoided.
Tender confcience. I am not fo much afraid of death, as of what will come after ; I fear I fhall never fee the city of God, the heavenly Jerusalem, vvhofe glittering walls and turrets ravifhed my eyes, when we paffed through the lands of Rf-ulah : I fear I am going down into a land of darknefs, where my feet will Humble on the dark mountains, a land without light or order, where there dwells nothing but femp'ternal horror and confufion. This is that which makes my heart firings ready to break, and my knees to fmite one againft ano- ther. O that fome one would hide me till the fury of his anger be overpaft ! Oh ! that he would protect me in the fecret of his tabernable, andfhelter me under the fhadow of his wings! For yet a little while, and The eye that feeth me fhall fee me no more.
And with that word he entred the river, and finding the waters fha41ow at firft, he was comforted ; but a?; he waded along, they role up even to his mouth and noftrils, fo that he could hardly fetch his breath : then he cried aloud, frying," Save me, O God, for the wa- ters are come into my foul ; I fink in deep mire, where is no Handing j I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. Make hafte to deliver me, O God ; make hafte to help me, O Lord ; my fteth and niv heart faileth, but God is the ftrenght of my heart, and por- tion for ever." Thus cried he, and ftill waded on till he came to the middle of the river, where he could find no bottom ; \o that his head was covered with water, and he ha i funk away, had not the mining one that invited him come flying to his afiiftan re, and catching him by the hair of the head, hrld his head above water till he came over to the oppofre bank, were it grew fhallower, and he began to walk with eafe till he got clear of the river ; and when he ftwod upon the bank on the other fide, he leaped for joy, findnghimfelf ib Z L
450 the pilgrim's progress.
marvelloufly light and active that he thought he could "fly'; for the garments which he wore all the way were very heavy, and they fell off from him in the river, fo that now he was as light as a bird.
Now I Taw in my dream that the ihining one had no fooner set him on the fhallow fide of the river, but he went to the other fide and bid Spiritual-man, Zealous- mind, Seck-truth, and Convert follow him into the river which they did, whilft the fhining one flew over their heads to the other fide, where Tender-confcience Hood encompaffed by five or fix men in bright clothing. So the four men waded through the river with different cir- cumftsncesj for Spiritual-man having been in deep wa- ters before, though not altogether fo deep as these, -had got fome fkill in fwimming and keeping his head above water i but poor Convert and Seek-truth were at a great lofs when they came toward the middle of the river, where the waters were at the deepeft, fo that they cried out for help unto Him that is able to fave, and their prayer was heard, and a hand was reached forth ■which buoyed them up till they came to the mallow ground. So they walked through the red of the river with ease, and came to their brethren on the other fide : but, as for Zealous-mind, he thought to get over fafer than any of them, and therefore privately he had gather- ed a bundle of reeds, which grew by the river fide, and he refted himfelf on them j but when he came to the middle of the river, the violence of the current carried away his reeds, and he funk to the bottom, and was feen no mor.e.
So in my dream T asked one that flood by me, what was the reafon that he who had appeared fo forward all along in his journey, ihould now fink at laft ? And he anfwered me, It is now enough to be zealous and for- ward, but to be humble and charitable is alfo requifite. This man was of a fiery temper, and had a zeal indeed, but it was a diforderly zeal, not tempered with charity and prudence : likewife he trufied in his own ftrenoth as you faw by his leaning on the bundle of reeds. Now this was his pride, for had he called on God for help., peradventure he might have been faved.
THE PILGRIMS Pft.OGR.LSS. 4$I
So I faw in my dream, that thefour men, even Ten- der-confcien;e, Spiritual man, Seek-truth, and Con- vert, welcomed each other to that fide of the river, and the fhining-ones welcomed them likewife : and there came a bright cloud and covered them all, and they were carried up in the cloud, through untracted j hs of air j and as they went up, the men in bright cloth- ing told him that they had watched over them all the way of their pilgrimage, and had observed all their good actions, which were writren down in a book ; and as they had fuved them from many dangers, though un feen by them. Thus the cloud was carried up through the boundlefs orb above ; and as they went through the skies, they faw the glo;ious liars mining like funs in the firmament. At length when they came near to the heaven of heavens, a troop of holy ones came out of the city to meet them. Now the foundation of the city was laid on the tap of the eternal hills, and all round about it were fields of endlefs light wherein the fainrs and angels wa ked. Then they came to the place where the Ancient of Days was fitting, whole garments were as white as fnow, and the hair of his head was like pure wool -, his throne was like the fiery flame, and his-wheels as burning fire. A fiery ftream ifiued, and came out from before him, thoufand thoufands minifter- ed unto him, and ten thoufand times ten thoufand ftood before him. Then they came to the gate of the City, and the pilgrims were bid to call there, which they did accordingly, and one looked over the gate, to whom the men in bright clothing faid, These men are come from the valley of Destruction ; thefe men have gone through great tribulation for the love they bear to the King ; and they fpoke to the pilgrims to give in their certificates, which they did ; and their certificates, were prefented to the King, who gave orders that the gates mould be opened to the pilgrims ; lb they entered in andjuft at the entrance one met them, and faid unto rhem, " Come, ye blefTed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; enter you into the joy of your Lord.'^ Then .3 L2
45# THg ^IL&RIM's ?RQGRESS.
% multitude of the heavenlv holts, with narps in their hands, met tliem, and fang a song which no man un- derftood but themselves, and fuch as are thought wor- thy to be a mitt:d into that bleffed place. So 1 awoke and behold, it was a dream.
ENp OF THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
THE
LIFE AND DEATH
OF
MR. JOHN BUNYAN,
Late Preacher of the Gospel in
BEDFORD.
esmam p— — — — — — — ggg HBgg
The righteous shall be aad in evei lasting remembrance.— Ps. cxii. 6
JVlR. JOHN BUNYAN was born at Elstow, within a little mile of Bedford . of honest, but very poor parents, who gave him such learning as }heir circumstances would afford ; but he was so addicted to vice, even from his childhood, that he had few equals in wickedness ; nay, he has been heard to say, with grief of heart that he was a Town-sinner, that is, one that was noticed for his impiety by the inhabitants of the town where he lived. However, his conscience often accused him with dreadful visions in the night, before he was ten years old : but when those horrors had left him he again eagerly followed his sinful pleasures.
But notwithstanding all this wickedness, God did not utterly leave him for he sometimes followed him with convictions, and sometimes with judgements, but yet such as had a mixture of mercy in them. At one time he fell into a creek of the sea, and narrowly escaped drowning ; and another time he tell out of a boat into I'edforJ river, but there he was aho preserved though with difficulty . But alas 1 neither judgement nor mercy could yet awake him, for he was still resolvedto go on, whatever rubs he met with.
454
Yet God left R'ot himself without a witness in his soul, — Being one day at Siv with his companions, a voice suddenly dar- ted from Heaven into his sou!, saying, 'Wilt thou leave thy sins, and go to heaven; or have thy sins and go to hell?' This put him into such a consternation that he left his sport, and, looked up to heaven, thought he saw the Lord Jesus looking down upon h;m3 asoue highly displeased with him, and threatening him with some grievious punishments for his ungodly practices. But seethe wiles of satan ! Nojsooner had this made some impres- sion on his mind but the Devifcuggesfeed to him, that he had been a vile sinner, and that it was now too late for him to look after heaven, for Christ would not forgive him. Tins suggestion drew on the feelings of Mr. Bunyan, who, looking upon him- self as one that had transgressed beyond the reach of mercy, thought within himself that he would take his fill of iniquity ; though these pleasures of sin, through the operation of the Holy- Spirit, were so often embittered that he could take but little satisfaction in them.
Once, being in the full career of impiety, aud belching cut oaths like the madman that Solomon speaks of, who scatters a- broad firebrands, arrows, and death he was severly reproved by a woman who was a notorious sinner herself, who toid him, That be was the ugliest fellow for swearing that ever she heard in her life, and that he was able to spoil ail the youth in tiie town. This reproof (as he knew the woman's base character) filled him, with secret shame, and from. that time forward he very much re- frained from it.
The Almighty having still a design of grace towards Mr. Bunyan, was pleased to terrify him with the following dream ; He thought he saw the heavens, as it were, all on fire, and the firmament crackling and shivering with the noise of mighty- thunders ; that an archangel flew in the midst of heaven, soun- ding a trumpet, aud a throne of glory was seated in the east, vt hereon sat a person in brightness like the morning star. Mr. Bunyan, thinking it was the end of the world, fell upon his knees, and with uplifted hand's towards heaven, cried out," O Lord God, have mercy upon me i What shall 1 do? The day of Judgement is come, and I am unprepared !" He tiien imme- diately heard a voice behind him saying," Repent," Upon this he awoke and found it was but a dream.
At another time he drea.medthat he was in a pleasant place, living in riot and luxury, banqueting and feasting his senses ; where on a sudden, even in a moment, a mighty earthquake rent the earth in sunder, and out of the wide and dreadful gap came bloodv and amazing flames, and in those flames the fi- gures o' men tossed up in globes of fire, and [ailing down again, with horrid shrieks, and cries, and execrations ; whilst some de- v.is that were mingled with them, laughed aioud at their tor-
455
ments. And whilst he stood trembling at this affrighting vi- sion, he thought the earth sunk under him, and a circle of flame inclosed him : hut when he thought himself just at the point of perishing, one in while shining raiment descended, and pluck- ed him out of that dreadful place, whilst the devils cried after him to leave him with them, that he might receive the ju.;t punishment his sins had deserved ; yet he escaped the danger.
A little time after, lie fell into company with a poor man that made a profession of religion, whose discourse concerning the scriptures so affected Mr. Bunyan that he betook himself to reading the. Bible, (especially the historical part but was yet ig- norant both of the corruption and depravity of his nature, conse- quently of the want and worth of Jesus Christ to save. him. However this produced outward reformation in his words and life : he now fell into a kind of legal religion, making up a right- eousness for himself so that, while he thought, he kept the com- mandments, he had comfort ; but, when he broke any of them, he was full of trouble, till by sorrow and repentance he healed himself again, and thought he had thereby made God amends, and all was well. Thus he continued for almost a year his neigh- bours taking him for a good man andhvondering at his reforma- tion; so that those who spake ill of him before, began to praise and commend him, which puffed him up with pride. He had been mightily addicted to singing and dancing ; these he found so hard to relinquish, that it was near a twelvemonth before ho coul I le^ve them off.
But it pleased God, in his wisdom and goodness, to let him pass through these things, that he might the better know how to direct thoiepoor wandering souls that should be afterwards un- der the same temptations.
Mr. Bunyan. soon after this, went to work upon Ins calling at Bedford, where he happened to hear three or four poor women, who where sitting in the sun, discoursing together about the things of God ; this caused him to draw near to them, for he was himself become a mighty talker of religion ; but, though he heard them awhile, yet, as himself confessed, he understood not, for they spoke of things above his reach, viz. of the new birth, and the work of God on their hearts, and how they were convinced of their miserable state by nature; they talked how God had visited their souls with his love in the Lord Jesus, and with what promises they had been comforted and supported against the temptations of the Devil : tie heard them likewise talk of the baseness of their own hearts, and of their unbelief, and of ab- horring their own righteousness, as filthy and insufficient to do them any good All this appeared to him to be spoke with such an air of joy, such pleasantness of scripture language, and with £iich an appearance of grace that they seemed to him as if they • had found a new world.
45^
From this discourse he felt unusual agitations in bis heart, and seemed conscious within himself, that his condition was not so good as he thought it to be. However, the impression rnigh-* tily affected him, and made him very desirous to hear farther of these things. He therefore made it his business to go often into religious company, for God had, at length ,touchedhis heart he could not stay away; for his whole soul was so fixed on eter- nity, and the things of the kingdom of God, that neither plea- sure nor profits, persuasions nor threats, could make him let go his hold ; insomuch, that he has repeatedly said, That it would have been as difficult at that time to have taken his mind irom heaven to earth, as he has found it often since to get it from earth to heaven. Notwithstanding these good resolutions, the Devil strove hard to seduce hi in, causing bim to make several objections against himself as, That he was cast away, and one that had no faith, nor could have any, because be was not one of the Elect.
And now another stumbling-block was to be removed ; for the Devil was let loose in a set of people who called themselves Ranters, (and indeed they deserved that name) giving way to those filtny uncleannesses which ought not to be named among christians. They wrote several books which were highly esteem- ed by some who were old professors. But God, designing to make Mr. Bunyan a chosen vessel of honour, begat in his heart sp great an aversion to their cursed principles, that he rebuked many with whom be had been previously intimate, and entirely forsook their company.
He now began to read and look upon the scriptures with new eyes, at it were, and every part was sweet and pleasant to him, so that he was continually meditating, and crying out to God, that lie might know the truth, and the way to heaven and glory. Thetempter made use of three questions to try him: l^t How can you tel! if yen have faith! 2clly, Are you in the number of the eiect r 3dly How if the day of grace should be past and gone? the suggestions brought him into bitterness of soul. But the Fa- ther of mercies comforted him in this disconsolate state, and shone with grace upon his seul.
But this holv man had been a great sinner which aggravated against himself on all occasions : reckoning up, like Paul, his own vileness before his conversion. " I was mad against the Saints, says that Blessed Apostle in one place ; a.nrf in another, " I persecuted the church of God. " In like manner our worthy Mf- Bunyan cries out of himself, " 1 was a town sinner ; I was the vilest in the country ; a Jerusalem sinner, murdering the son or God afresh by my ungodly deeds, and putting him to open shame."
About this time he began to make his condition known tothoic poor people whose discourse had been the fk$t occasion of his
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real conversion* Wher they had heard him they told Mr. Gif- ford, (the worthy pastor of that church) who was himself wil- ling to be well persuaded of him, and he invited him to his own. house, where he heard him converse with others about the dea- lings of God with their souls ; from which he still received fur- ther convictions, and saw more of the deceitfulness of his own heart.
Temptations still assaulted him on divers occasions, but God delivered him out of them all, and at last set his feet in a large place filling his soul with joy and gladness.
About the year l6S5, he was baptized, and admitted a mem- ber of the Baptist church at Bedford, who having experienced the grace of God that was in him, and how eminently God bad fitted him for the. work of the ministry, he was earnestly desired by the congregation to communicate to them those spiritual gifts with, which God had blessed lum. He at first modestly ex- cused himself ; but, being farther urged, he at last consented, He did not preach in public, however, at the first commence- ment ofhis office, but dispensed his gifts only in private among friends.
Some time after this, he was more particularly called forth and set apart for the public preaching of the gospel, which he entered upon with great fear and trembling conscious of his own unworthiness : but God was'pleased to bless and prosper the work of his hand, that many souls believed on the Lord Jesus, through his ministry, to the praise of the glory of God's grace.
One remarkable instance must be here recorded. Being to preach in a church in a country village in Cambridgeshire, (be= fore the restoration of King Charles) and the people being gathered together in the church-yard, a Cambridge Scholar, who was not very eminent for his sobriety, inquired what was the meaning of that concourse of people ? for it was upon a week day. Being told that one Buuy/an, a tinker was to preach there, he gave a boy two-pence to hold his horse, saying. He was resolved to hear that tinker prate. He accordingly went into the church, and God met with him there by his ministry, for the young gent leman came out much changed, and would bear none but the tinker for a long time after, he himself be- coming a very great preacher in that country afterward.
But now Mr. Bunyan had a grievous attack to withsstand : for having preached the gospel about five years, he was appre- hended at a meeting, and carried before a Justice of Peace, who committed him to prison, though he offered security ;or his appearance at the next sessions ; the reason assigned for his commitment was, because his security would not consent to be bound up, that he should preach no more to the people.
At the sessions he was indicted for an upholder and maintain- or of unlawful assemblies and conventicles, ami for not conform-
458
fng to the Church of England. Mr. Bunyan was a man of free and open spirit and would not dissemble to save himself, espe- cial in his Master's cause, and therefore frankly owned his be- ing at a Meeting, and preaching to the people, and that he was. a Dissenter from the established worship, acknowledging, as the Apostle Paul had done before him, " That after the way which they called Heresy so worshipped he the God of his fathers. The. "Justice took this open and plain dealing with them for a confession of the indictment, and sentenced him., to perpetual banishment, because he refused to conform; in .pur- suance of an act made by the thbn Parliament. Upon which he was again committed to prison, where though his sentence of banishment was never excuted upon him, yet he was kept in prison for twelve years, bearing that tedious imprisonment, in an uncomfortable and close prison, and sometimes under cruel and oppressive gaolers, with that Christan patience and presence of. mind as became a Minister of Jesus Christ, and such a cause as h
- But though his enemies, stirred up thereto, were many yet $hey were withheld, by a Divine Power, from executing the sentence of his banishment ^nevertheless by his sufferings in prison he confirmed and sealed the truth, which before lie had preached. Having remained a little time under confinement, ■}]G was accompanied by above threescore fellow-sufferers (Dis- enters likewise) who were taken at a religous meeting at Kais- to,in Bedfordshire, besides two eminent Dissenting Ministers viz Mr. Whealer and Mr, Dun, by which means the prison was much crowded. But even here he did not spend his time in a supine and careless nianiVer, nor eat. the bread of idleness ; for his own hands have ministered tohis, and the necessities of his family3 making many hundred gross of long tagged thread iaces, which he had learned for that laudable purpose. His library
• consisted only of two books, a Bible, and the Book of Martyrs. During his imprisonment he wrote several excellent treatises, particularly, " The Holy City, Christian Behaviour, The Re-
• surrection of the Dead, Grace abounding to the Chief of Sin- iiers," with several others.
During his imprisonment he declared he never had so great an inlet into the word of God as then. But notwithstanding this, he found that a concernment for his wife and children would now and then take place especially for his daughter who was blind, and the thought of her enduring hardship was almost ready to break his heart, for he was an indulgent father, as well
• as a loving and tender husband*
After this blessed man had suffered twelve years imprison- ment the testimony of a good conscience it pleased God to stir up the heart of Dr. Barlow, Bishop of Lincoln, to be a means of his deliverance. ' .
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After his being at Hbcttv hemade it a great part of his'business to visit the saints of God abroad, paving his Christian acknow- ledgments to them, especially such whose hearts God had drawn forth to support him under his sufferings, preaching the go-pel wherever he came, and exhorting all not to be afraid or ashamed of raking up the cross of Christ, nor forsake the assembling of themselves together, though the laws were against it, as knowing that God ought to be obeyed before men. As for such as were under sufferings on that score, he made in bis particuliar care to procure and send them relief. He also took care to visit the sick and to support them both in- ternally, according to their wants, and his ability. God so 1 his ministry, accompanied it with his special presence, that many souls were brought to the acknowledgement of the truth as it is in Jesus.
He was very ready and successfu1 mreconcilingthedinerences that were among God's- people wherever he found them, and by that means often saved many families from ruin, being an ambassador of peace in every respect. He would frequently look back upon former deliverances, and bless God ; of which some were exceeding remarkable, and none more so, then that which will now be related.
Being a soldier in the Parliament's army, at the siege of Leicester, in 1615, he was drawn out to stand centinel, but another soldier voluntarily desired to go in his room; which Mr. Bunyan consented to : he went, and, as he stood centinel there, was shot into the head with a musket-bullet, and died. This was a deliverance that Mr. Bunyan would often mention but never without thank-giving to God.
He was a man of a piercing judgment, and had a great in, sight into the things, as appeared in the late reign, when "liberty of conscience" was so unexpectedly given by Kino- James II. to Dissenters of all persuasions. He saw it was not out of kindness to Dissenters that they were so suddenly set at liberty, and freed from the hard prosecutions that bad so long lain so heavily upon them : he acknowledged that "liber, ty of conscience," was good, and was every man's birth ri«-ht by a Divine charter but he could not believe it was then given out of a good end ; and that the bright sun shine of the present was but to introduce a black cloud of slavery upon us once the designs then laying were ripe for execution ; and therefore exhorted his congregation at Bedford, and others also, to make use of the Ninevites remedy to avert the impend- orm.
It was his constant practice, when he had his liberty, to come up once a year to London, and to preach in several places there, but more particularly in Southwark, near the Falcon • and his labours met with a general acceptance from all his
4$o
auditors. And from London he used to ride his circuit in the country, visiting the saints, and strengthening their hands in the ways of God.
In his family he kept up a daily and constant course of prayer, reading, and exhortation ; instructing his children, and exhorting them to walk in the ways of God. He had the blessing that .Agur prayed for, neither poverty nor riches ; but God always gave him food convenient. He was once told that a gentleman in London, a very worthy citizen, would take his son Joseph apprentice without any money, which might be a great means to advance him ; but he replied/' God did not send him to advance his family but to preach the gospel."
The last act of his life was a labour of love and charity ; for a young gentleman^ who was Mi\ Bunyan's neighbour, hav- ing fallen into the displeasure of his father, he desired Mr. Bunyanto be the instrument of making up the breach, which he both undertook and happily effected ; but in his return to London being overtaken with exeessive pains, and coming to his lodgings very wet, (which was at Mr. Straddock's a grocer at the Star, upon Snow-hill) he fell sick of a violent fever, which he bore with much constancy and patience resigning himself to theuill of God and desiringtobe dissolved that he might be with Christ looking upon life as a delay of that blessedness which his soul was daily aspiring to and their sting after ; and inbis holy longing frame of spirit, after a sickness often days he breathed out his soul into the hands of his blessed Redeemer, following his happy Pilgrims from the City of Destruction to the Hea- venly Jerusalem.
Mr. Bunyan depaited this lifj on the i7th of August, 1G8S, in the 69th year of his age.
\M&
G. Wilson, Printer, Leeds,
THE
MINISTERS
OF THE
BAPTIST DENOMINATION,
MET IN
ASSOCIATION
AT
BRADFORD,
JUNE, 12th. and 13th. 1810,
Send christian salutation to the several Churches
over which they preside,
meeting at
Ackringlon
Ikicup,
Barnoldswick,
Biackburn,
Bradford,
Bursicin,
Lramley,
dough Fold,
Colne,
Cowling Hill,
Gildersorae,
.Halifax,
Hebden-Bridgej
Leeds,
Liverpool, Byrom-
street, Manchester, New
York-street, Masbro', Otrden,
Pendle Hill,
Preston,
Rawden,
Rochdale,
Rushworth,
Salenriine Nook, ""
Sheffield,
Sutton, in Craven,
Wainsgate, and
York.
DEAR BRETHREN,
The subjects on which we have been ac* customed to address you, in our annual epistles, have generally been of a practical nature. And we hope your ministers will never so far forget the nature and design of their profession, as to endeavour to amuse you with metaphysical
A
speculations, instead of leading your attention to those subjects which have a direct tendency to promote your improvement in genuine piety, and universal goodness. We are now, indeed, at the earnest request of some of our brethren, about to address you on a subject which may, on some accounts, be regarded as metaphysical. We mean what is generally termed the doctrine of election. We do not, however, deem it neces- sary to enter upon a laboured defence of it. We shall only make a few remarks, with a view to point out some mistakes which are generally en- tertained respecting the consequences which re- sult from this doctrine; to guard you against its abuse; and to shew what practical improve- ment we ought to make of it.
We are aware that the doctrine of election is, at present, extremely unpopular. But we believe this is principally the consequence of its being but little understood, arid consequently, very much misrepresented, by those who op- pose it; and perhaps, very grossly abused by some who profess to believe it.
That good men are represented by the in- spired writers, as the elect, or chosen people of God, is what none who have the slightest ac- quaintance with the holy Scriptures can deny. The Apostle Paul tells the believing Tbessalo- nians that God had "from the beginning, chosen them to salvation". 2 Thes. ii. 13. lie speaks of the Ephesian christians as having been "cho- sen in Christ before the foundation of the. world". Eph. i. 4. And when writing to the Romans respecting God's rejection of the. Jews,, in conse- quence of their infidelity and wickedness, he tells them that this rejection would not be total, he
expresses himself in these remarkable words ; " There is a remnant according to the election of grace". Rom. xi. 5. To mention but one pas- sage more; the Apostle Peter stiles the Chris- tians to whom he wrote, "Elect, according to the foreknowledge of God the father, through sanc- tification of the spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ". 1 Pet. i. 2. On candidly examining these passages, and many others of the same import, which might easily be recited, we feel ourselves obliged to ac- knowledge that they speak of an election which is personal • that the objects oi it were chosen of God from eternity ; that they were not chosen merely to the enjoyment of certain external pri- vileges, but to salvation ; and that this choice was not the result of any merit or goodness fore- seen in them, but entirely the consequence of the divine grace.
"We do nothowever,believe that in choosing hi's people to salvation, the great God has acted in a capricious or arbitrary manner. Fie is in- deed, a sovereign- but he is a wise and righteous sovereign. The reasons of his conduct may be, and frequently are unknown to us: but we can- not d'-ubt of his being determined by the wisest reasons, in the formation and execution of all his designs. We are assured indeed, that God's choice of his people is an "election of grace;" and that no foreseen worthiness in them was the cause of it. They were chosen not because they weve holy ; or because it was foreseen that they would be holy ; but "that they should be holy." They were chosen "according to the good pleasure of the divine will :" but that will is always deter- mined by principles of infinite wisdom and good- ness. A 2
4
The belief of this doctrine has no influence on the opinion we form respecting the number of those who shall be finally saved. Those who believe the doctrine of election are frequently represented as persons who confine the divinefa- vour within the narrow limits of their own party; and suppose the kingdom of heaven to be a soli- tary^ and almost uninhabited country, into which none can obtain admission but those whose creed is similar to their own. But is this representa- tion just? We hope not, brethren. We believe that the elect of God will be gathered "from the four winds; from one end of heaven to the other". We rejoice in the prospect of seeing "many; amul-* titude which no man can number, come from the east and the west, and sit down with Abraham, Jsaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God", But whatever may be the opinion of individuals on this subject, those who believe this doctrine stand on the same ground with those who deny it;. and must form their opinion on the same principles. Both profess to believe that good persons will be happy, and the wicked miserable in a future state. That in every nation all who fear God, and work righteousness, will be finally accepted ; and, on the other hand, that the un-* righteous cannot inherit the kingdom of God.
And, as this doctrine does not affect the opinion we entertain concerning the number of those who shall be finally saved, so it has no con- nexion with the cause of the condemnation and future misery of the wicked. To suppose, that any will be punished because they are not elect- ed: to imagine that a just and merciful Being has made any of his creatures on purpose that they should sin, in order that his justice might be displayed in their condemnation and punish-
ment : to suppose that any of our race are, with- out any regard to their characters and deserts, .by an irreversible decree of reprobation consigned over to inevitable perdition, would be to contra- dict all that reason and scripture teach us re- specting the perfections and government of the Almighty. We shudder at the bare recital of such horrid notions; and solemnly disavow their being the necessary consequences of the doctrine we are treating of. Thegreat God is; an infinite- ly holy and good Being. He cannot be the author of sin, or delight in the misery of his creatures. •His tender mercies are over all his works: and he has most solemnly assured ns that he has "no pleasure in the death of the sinner, but had rather that he should turn from his wickedness and live". To say that the wickedness, or the misery of mankind is the necessary consequence of any de- cree, or of any influence of the divine Being, ap- pears to us little less than blasphemy. No, bre- thren; the Judge of the whole earth will do no- thing but what is right. He will not call men to an account for the abuse of privileges which they have not enjoyed ; nor punish them for crimes which they have not committed ; and which they might not have avoided committing. If men are determined to persist in a course of impiety and wickedness, in vain will they seek the cause of their perdition in the decrees of God. Their de- struction will be entirely of themselves.
We acknowledge indeed, that a'Being whose understanding is infinite and who consequently comprehends all things in his ibreknowledge, must from eternity have foreseen the destiny of all his creatures. And whatever difficulties may be supposed to attend the doctrine of election, and we readily acknowledge that it is attended
with many difficulties, they will not be removed by rejecting this doctrine, unless we also deny the absolute foreknowledge, the .omni- potent power, and the universal providence of God. That the decrees of God are not inconsistent with the moral agency of man; that they do not destroy the virtue or crimi- nality of his actions; that they are perfect- ly compatible with that liberty which is essen- tial to our being accountable creatures, and pro- per subjects of rewards and punishments, we firm- ly believe. But should any enquire "How can these things be ?" we readily acknowledge that it would be extremely difficult, if not impos- sible to give a satisfactory answer to this ques- tion. And if we consider how little we know of the combination and arrangement of the divine purposes, we shall not wonder that this is the case. The Scriptures plainly teach us that God -"worketh all things after the counsel of his own will". And they as clearly teach us that man is a moral agent; that he is placed between rewards and punishments; that the blessings and the curse, life and death, are set before him ; and that if he makes the foolish choice, the fault is en^ tirely his own. We are then bound to believe the facts, though we may find it difficult to shew their consistency. And indeed, this is far from bein«- the only difficulty the solution of which we must leave till we enter into that happy world, where we.. are encouraged to hope that what we know not now, will be discovered to us.
Nor is this doctrine inconsistent with the general commands and invitations of the gospel; 01 calculated to -throw the least discouragement, in the way of the humble, penitent sinner. In the gospel, God commands all men every where
to repent; and assures us that the penitent shall obtain forgiveness. There, Jesus Christ is ex- hibited before us, as an almighty and compas- sionate.Saviour; as able and willing to save to the very uttermost ; to save all that come to God by him. There the Saviour himself tells us that he is read}- freely to bestow the blessings of salvation on ail who apply to him for them : and that nho- soever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. His gracious language is, " Let him that is athirst, come; and whosoever will, iet him take of the waters of life freely". Now, does the doctrine of election contradict these gracious declarations? or make the promises of none effect? Does it supercede the proposals of divine mercy, or limit the kind invitations of the gospel? No; it leaves them all in their full force, and their most extensive signification. Nor can there be a more striking proof of this, than that Jesus Christ, when he infers the certain success of his ministry from the gracious decree of his heaven- ly father, and says "all that the Father hath given me, shall come unto me", immediately adds, "and him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out".
Again. The doctrine of election dors not supercede the necessity of personal holiness. We know that it is frequently represented as :i licentious doctrine ; a doctrine calculated to lead men to encourage afatal security, while they live in the practise of sin. We will not say that it has never been abused to licentious purposes; and, alas ! what doctrine ofreligion is there, that has not been abused ? But we deny that the doc- trmejtself has any licentious tendency ; or that it affords .the least encouragement to ungodly and vicious men. Are not christians choseii
8
"through sanctification of the spirit, and belief of the truth r" and can any be so absurd as to in- fer from this, that faith and sanctification are un- necessary ? Must not that person be very weak, as well as extremely depraved who can conclude that because God's people are chosen to holiness, he may securely persist in a course of wicked- ness ?" That, because they are chosen "through sanctification of the spirit unto obedience, and the. sprinkling of the blood of Christ," he may enjoy the blessings of salvation, though he lives in a course of habitual disobedience to the laws of his Creator, and tramples underfoot the Son of God? None but pious and holy persons; none but the humble, penitent, believing, obedient disciples of Jesus Christ, can have any evidence of their being interested in the peculiar privi- leges of God's chosen. Nothing is more plainly inculcated in the sacred Scriptures, than that personal holiness is indispensibly necessary to qualify us for the exercises and enjoyments of God's future kingdom. And this sentiment is confirmed by the very circumstance of christians being chosen to salvation through sanctification. Chosen to be holy in this world, in order to their • being happy in the next.
Permit us to add ; that this doctrine does not render those means of salvation unnecessary which God has appointed, or supercede the obli- gations we are under diligently to use them. In the divine purposes, the means and the end, are inseparably connected. Nor can there be any thing more absurd than for a person to hope for the accomplishment of any end, without using the means which are necessary, in order to ob- tain it ? We do not believe that the elect will.
9
be saved whether they seek an interest in the blessings of salvation, or not ; or that any may diligently seek them, and be disappointed. We believe that all who by a patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honour, and immor- tality, will obtain eternal life. And, on the other hand, that those who pay no attention to their future interest, can hope for no part or lo' in the celestial happiness. And that it is the indispensible duty of all men, in the constant use of all the means which God has appointed, to strive to enter in at the strait gate -3 and to give all diligence to make their calling and elec- tion sure.
Having thus made some general remarks, with a view to remove the groundless objections brought against this doctrine by those who re- ject it 5 to guard you against abusing it; and to shew that all our sentiments respecting it should be regulated by the views which the scriptures give us of the perfections of God, the moral agency of man, the invitations of the gospel, and the indispensible necessity of holiness, in or- der to our future felicity, we shall now inquire what are the practical lessons which it is calcu- lated to teach us.