The Pilgrim's Progress in the Similitude of a Dream by John Bunyan published in 1678 in modern English yet preserving Bunyan's original meaning, doctrine and quaintness of expression.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 11

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews chapter 11 verse 13

Enter by the narrow gate. For wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction. And there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate, and difficult is the way which leads to life. And there are few who find it. Matthew chapter 7 verses 13 and 14

the city of destruction as I walked through the wilderness of this world I came upon a certain place where there was a den and I laid down in that place to sleep and as I slept I dreamed a dream I dreamed and behold I saw a man clothed with rags standing with his face turned away from his own house with a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back.

I looked, and saw him open the book and read therein. And as he read, he wept and trembled, and not being able to contain himself any longer, he broke out with a lamentable cry, saying, What shall I do?"

In this plight, therefore, he went home, and restrained himself as long as he could, so that his wife and children would not notice his great distress. But he could not be silent for long, because his trouble only increased. Therefore, at length, he spoke his mind to his wife and children, and thus he began to talk to them.

Oh, my dear wife, and you, my dear children, I am undone because of this burden which lies heavily upon me. Moreover, I am certainly informed that this city of ours will be burned with fire from heaven. In that fearful catastrophe, both myself, with you, my wife, and you, my sweet babes, will come to miserable ruin, unless some way of escape can be found, whereby we may be delivered.

At this his family was greatly bewildered, not that they believed what he had said to them was true, but because they thought that his mind had become deranged. Therefore, as it was drawing towards night, and hoping that sleep might settle his brains, with all haste they put him to bed.

But the night was as troublesome to him as the day, and instead of sleeping he spent it in sighs and tears. When the morning came, they inquired how he felt. He told them, worse and worse. He then commenced to talk to them again, but they began to be hardened. They also thought to drive away his derangement by harsh and cruel conduct toward him. Sometimes they would deride him, sometimes they would chide him, and sometimes they would simply ignore him.

Therefore he began to withdraw himself to his room to pray for and pity them, and also to comfort his own misery. He would also walk solitarily in the fields, sometimes reading and sometimes praying. And thus for several days he spent his time in this manner.

Now I saw in my dream, while he was walking in the fields, that he was reading his book, as was his habit. Being greatly distressed in his mind as he read, he burst out, as he done before, crying, What shall I do to be saved? I saw also that he looked, this way and that way, as if he wanted to run. Yet he stood still, because, as I perceived, he could not tell which way to go. I looked then and saw a man named Evangelist coming towards him, who asked,—'Why are you crying out?' He answered, Sir, I realize by the book in my hand that I am condemned to die, and after that to come to judgment, and I find that I am not willing to do the first, nor able to do the second. Then the evangelist said, Why are you not willing to die, since this life is attended with so many troubles? The man answered, "'Because I fear that this burden upon my back will sink me lower than the grave, and I shall fall into hell. And, sir, if I am not fit to die, then I am sure that I am not fit to go to judgment, and from thence to execution. My thoughts about these things make me cry out.' Then Evangelist said, "'If this is your condition, why do you stand still?' He answered, "'Because I do not know where to go.' Then Evangelist gave him a parchment scroll, on which was written, Flee from the wrath to come. The man, therefore reading it, looked very sincerely upon Evangelist and asked, Where must I flee? Then Evangelist, pointing with his finger over a very wide field, said, Do you see yonder narrow gate? The man answered, No. Evangelist replied, Do you see yonder shining light? He said, I think I do. Then Evangelist said, keep that light in your eye and go directly to it. And then you shall see the gate at which when you knock you shall be told what you must do. So I saw in my dream that the man began to run. Now he had not run far from his own door before his wife and children, seeing him depart, began to shout after him to return. But the man put his fingers in his ears and ran on, crying, Life! Life! Eternal life! So he did not look behind him, but fled towards the middle of the plain. Obstinate and pliable. the neighbors also came out to see him run and as he ran some mocked others threatened and some cried after him to return Among those who did so were two who were resolved to fetch him back by force. The name of the one was Obstinate, and the name of the other was Pliable. Now by this time the man had gone a good distance away from them, but they were resolved to pursue him, and in a little while they caught up with him. Then the man said, Neighbors, why have you come? They answered, to persuade you to go back with us. But he said, that cannot be. You dwell in the city of destruction, the place where I also was born. I see that sooner or later, dying there, we will sink lower than the grave, into a place which burns with fire and brimstone. Think, good neighbours, and come along with me." "'What?' said Obstinate. "'And leave our friends and our comforts behind us?' "'Yes,' said Christian—for that was his name—'because all that you should forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of what I'm seeking to enjoy. And if you'll go along with me and persevere, you shall fare as well as I myself, for there, where I'm going, is more than enough and to spare. Come along, and see that my words are true." "'What are the things which you seek?' asked Obstinate, since you're leaving all the world to find them." Christian answered. I am seeking an inheritance which can never perish, spoil, or fade, safe and reserved in heaven, to be bestowed, at the appointed time, on those who diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, here, in my book. "'Nonsense!' cried Obstinate. "'Away with your book! Will you go back with us or not?' "'No, not I,' said Christian, "'because I put my hand to the plough and will not turn back.' "'Come, then, neighbour Pliable,' said Obstinate, "'let's go home without him. There are too many of these silly fools, who, when they get a crazy thought in their head, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men who can think reasonably.'" "'Do not revile him,' said Pliable. "'If what Christian says is true, then the things which he follows after are better than ours, and my heart is inclined to go with him.'" "'What!' bellowed Obstinate. More fools still! Take my word, and go back with me. Who knows where such a foolish fellow will lead you? Come back, come back, and be wise." "'No,' said Christian, "'rather come along with me, Obstinate. We will receive such things as I spoke of, and many more indescribable blessings besides. If you do not believe me, then read it here, in my book. These truths are all confirmed by the blood of him who wrote it." "'Well, neighbor obstinate,' said Pliable, "'I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him.' Then Pliable turned to Christian and asked, "'Do you know the way to this glorious place?' Christian replied. I've been directed by a man whose name is Evangelist to hasten to the narrow gate ahead of us, where we shall receive instructions about the way." "'Come then, good Christian, let's be going,' said Pliable. Then they began to travel along together. "'I'll go back to my place,' said Obstinate. "'I'll be no companion to such misled, foolish fellows.' Now I saw in my dream that Obstinate went back, and Christian and Pliable went along towards the narrow gate, conversing together. "'Neighbour Pliable,' said Christian, "'I'm glad you were persuaded to go along with me. Had Obstinate but felt what I have felt—' of the powers and terrors of unseen realities, he would not have so easily turned back." Pliable replied,— "'Tell me further, Christian, what are these glorious things, and how are they to be enjoyed?' I can better understand them with my mind than speak of them with my tongue," said Christian. But since you are desirous to know, I will describe them to you from my book. And do you think that the words of your book are really true?" asked Pliable. Yes, absolutely, for it was written by him who cannot lie," answered Christian. What are these glorious things of which you speak?" questioned Pliable. There is an eternal kingdom and everlasting life to be given to us where we will dwell for ever," replied Christian. And what else is there? asked Pliable. We will be given crowns of glory and garments which shine like the sun. This is wonderful!" exclaimed Pliable. And what else will there be? There'll be no more crying nor sorrow, for he who reigns over that place will wipe all tears from our eyes, responded Christian. and what company shall we have there?" Pliable inquired. Christian answered, There we shall be with seraphim and cherubim, creatures which will dazzle your eyes to look upon. There also you shall meet with thousands and tens of thousands who have gone ahead of us to that place. They're all loving and holy, each one fully accepted by God and standing in His presence. In a word, there we shall dwell with all the redeemed people of God, having golden crowns and golden harps. We shall also see those who, for the love which they bore to the Saviour, were cut in pieces, burned in the flames, eaten by beasts, or drowned in the seas. They're all perfect. and clothed with immortality. Just hearing of this is enough to ravish one's heart," said Pliable. How are these things to be enjoyed, and how can we obtain them? Christian responded, The Lord, the governor of that country, has recorded in his book that if we are truly willing to have it, He'll bestow it upon us freely. Well, my good companion, said Pliable. I'm thrilled to hear of these things. Come, let's quicken our pace. I cannot go as fast as I would, answered Christian, because of this burden which is on my back. The Swamp of Despond Now I saw in my dream that just as they ended this talk they drew near to a very miry swamp which was in the midst of the plain. And they, not paying attention, fell suddenly into the bog. The name of the swamp was Despond. Here, therefore, they wallowed for a time, being greatly smeared with filth. Christian, because of the burden which was on his back, began to sink in the mire. Then Pliable cried out,—'O Christian, where are we now?' '—'Truly,' said Christian,—'I do not know.' Being offended, Pliable angrily said to his companion,—'Is this the happiness you told me of? If we have such trouble at our first setting out, what may we expect before our journey's end?' If I can get out of here with my life, you can have your noble country without me." And with that, Pliable, after a desperate struggle, got out of the mire on that side of the swamp which was nearest to his own house. So away he went, and Christian saw him no more. So Christian was left in the swamp of Despond alone, but he still struggled toward that side of the swamp which was furthest from his own house and closest to the narrow gate. But he could not get out, because of the heavy burden which was upon his back. I then beheld in my dream that a man came to him whose name was Help, and asked him what he was doing there. "'Sir,' Christian said, "'I was told to go this way by a man named Evangelist, who directed me to yonder narrow gate, that I might escape the wrath to come, and as I was going I fell into this swamp.' "'But why did you not look for the steps?' asked Help. As I was hurrying along I fell in," replied Christian. Then said Help, give me your hand. So Christian reached out his hand, and Help drew him out of the mire, set him upon solid ground, and bid him to continue on his way. Then Christian turned to Help and said, Sir, why is it, since the way from the city of destruction to yond narrow gate is over this swamp, that this bog is not mended, so that poor pilgrims might travel there more safely?" Help then explained to Christian, "'This miry swamp is a place which cannot be mended.' It is the pit where the scum and filth which attend conviction for sin continually runs, and therefore it is called the swamp of despond. For as the sinner is awakened about his lost condition, there arises in his soul many fears and doubts and discouragements, which all settle in this place. This is the reason why the swamp remains so foul. It's not the pleasure of the King that this place should remain so bad. His labourers have long been, by the directions of His Majesty, employed to mend this patch of ground. Yes, and to my knowledge millions of wholesome instructions have, at all seasons, been brought from everywhere in the King's dominions to help mend it. These are the best materials to make this place into solid ground, if it could have been mended. But it remains the swamp of Despond still, and so will it ever remain, even when they've done all that can be done. True, there are, by the direction of the law-giver, certain good and sturdy steps placed through the very midst of this swamp. But at such times this place spews out so much of its filth that these steps are hardly seen, or if they are seen, men may become dizzy, miss the steps, and fall into the mire. Now I saw in my dream that by this time Pliable had reached home, and his neighbours came to visit him. Some of them called him a wise man for coming back, and some called him a fool for attempting such a hazardous journey. Others mocked him for his cowardliness, saying, Surely, since you began the venture, you should not have been so weak as to have given up because of a few difficulties. So, Pliable was ashamed, and began to sneak around among them. But eventually he gained more courage, and his neighbors then began to ridicule him behind his back. Mr. Worldly Wise Man now as Christian was walking by himself he spotted someone far off traveling over the field and they happened to meet just as they were crossing each other's path the gentleman's name was Mr. Worldly Wise Man He dwelt in the town of Carnal-Policy, a very large town, close by the City of Destruction, from whence Christian came. This man, meeting with Christian, had some knowledge of him, for Christian's leaving the City of Destruction was much talked about, not only where he had lived, but also it was the talk of the town in other places. Mr. Worldly Wise Man, therefore, beholding Christian's difficult journey, and observing his sighs and groans and the like, began to enter into conversation with Christian. "'Say there, friend, where are you going in this burdened manner?' asked Worldly Wise Man. A burdened manor, indeed, I think, as any poor creature ever had," replied Christian. And since you ask me where I am going, I'll tell you. Sir, I am going to yonder narrow gate which is ahead of me. There, I am informed, I shall be instructed how to be rid of my heavy burden. you a wife and children?" asked worldly wise man. "'Yes,' replied Christian, "'but I'm so weighed down with this burden on my back that I cannot take pleasure in them as I once did. In fact, it's now as though I had no family at all.' If I give you counsel, will you take my advice?" asked worldly wise man. "'If it's good counsel I will,' replied Christian, "'for I'm in need of good advice.' "'I would advise you, then,' responded worldly wise man, "'that you rid yourself of that burden on your back as quick as possible, for you can never have happiness or peace of mind until you do.' That is what I am seeking for," answered Christian. I desperately want to be rid of this heavy burden, but I cannot get it off myself, nor is there any man in our country who can remove it from my shoulders. Therefore I am going this way, as I told you, that I may be rid of my burden." "'Who told you that this was the way to rid you of your burden?' replied worldly wise man. A man who appeared to be a very noble and honourable person," answered Christian. His name, as I remember, is Evangelist. "'I curse him for that counsel!' snarled worldly wise man. There's not a more dangerous and troublesome way in all the world. You shall find this out for yourself if you follow his advice. I see that you've met with trouble already, for I see that the mire from the Swamp of Despond is upon you. That swamp is just the beginning of the sorrows which attend those who continue in that dangerous way. Listen to me, for I'm older than you. On that narrow way you are sure to meet with weariness, pain, hunger, peril, sword, lions, dragons, darkness, and what not. In a word, you'll meet with death. These things are certainly true, having been confirmed by many testimonies. And why should you so carelessly cast yourself away by giving heed to a stranger?

Why, sir? answered Christian. This burden upon my back is more dreadful to me than all the things which you have mentioned. Indeed, I don't care what danger I meet with along the way, as long as I get deliverance from my burden.

How did you get your burden in the first place? questioned worldly wise man.

By reading this book in my hand," answered Christian.

I thought so, snapped worldly wise man, and it happened unto you as to other weak men, who, meddling with things too high for them, do suddenly fall into the same bewilderment that you now suffer. In this perplexing state they undertake dangerous ventures to obtain they know not what.

I know what I want to obtain," asserted Christian.

But why do you seek for ease in this perilous way?" asked worldly wise man, seeing that so many dangers attend it. Especially since, had you the sense to listen to me, I could direct you how to obtain what you desire without all these dangers. Yes, and with my remedy you shall gain much safety, friendship, and happiness.

Please, sir, reveal this secret to me,' begged Christian.

Worldly Wiseman began. Why, in yonder village named Morality there dwells a gentleman whose name is Legality. He's a very sensible man, having a good reputation, who has ability to help remove such burdens like yours. Yes, to my knowledge he's done a great deal of good this way. And besides, he has skill to cure those who somewhat crazed in their minds because of their burdens. To him you may go, and be helped in a very short while. His house is not quite a mile from here, and if he should not be at home himself, his handsome young son, whose name is Civility, can help you as well as the old gentleman himself. There I say you may be eased of your heavy burden, and if you do not want to return to the City of Destruction, and I encourage you not to return, you may send for your wife and children to join you in this village. In the town of Morality there are many vacant houses, one of which you may have at a reasonable rate. It's inexpensive to live there, and all the neighbours are honest and fashionable. To be sure, this will make your life more happy.

Now Christian was somewhat in a dilemma, but he shortly concluded that if what this gentleman had said was true, then his wisest course was to take the advice of worldly wise men. So Christian inquired, Sir, what is the way to this honest man's house?

Do you see yonder hill?" asked Worldly Wise Man.

Yes, very well, replied Christian.

You must go by that hill, directed Worldly Wise Man, and the first house you come to is his.

So I saw in my dream that Christian turned out of the narrow way, to go to Mr. Legality's house for help. But behold, when he got near the hill, it was so high, and it so hung over him, that Christian was afraid to venture further, lest the hill should fall on his head. Flashes of fire also came out of the hill, which made Christian afraid that he should be burned alive. Therefore he stood still, and did not know what to do. His burden now seemed heavier to him than when he was in the narrow way. He was so frightened that he trembled with fear. He now began to be very sorry that he had taken worldly wise man's counsel. Just then he saw Evangelist coming to meet him, at whose sight he began to blush with shame.

So Evangelist drew nearer and nearer, and coming up to Christian he gazed upon him with a solemn countenance, and thus began to address Christian.

"'What are you doing here, Christian?' asked Evangelist. Christian did not know what to answer, and stood speechless before him. Then Evangelist continued,—'Are you not the man that I found weeping outside the City of Destruction?' '—'Yes, kind sir, I am the man,' replied Christian.—'Did I not direct you to the way which leads to yonder narrow gate?' questioned Evangelist.—'Yes, dear sir,' Christian said.

"'Why is it, then, that you have so quickly turned aside?' asked Evangelist. "'For you have now gone out of the narrow way.'"

Then Christian explained, "'Soon after I had gotten over the Swamp of Despond, I met a gentleman who persuaded me that in the Village of Morality I would find a man who could take off my burden. "

'What did this man look like?' asked Evangelist. "'He looked like a gentleman,' replied Christian, "'and talked much to me, until he persuaded me to leave the narrow way. But when I saw this hill, and how it hung over the path, I could proceed no further, being afraid that it would tumble down on my head.' "

'What else did that gentleman say to you?' inquired Evangelist. "'Why, he asked me where I was going, and I told him,' responded Christian. "'And what did he say then?' asked Evangelist. "'He asked me if I had a family. I told him yes, but I was so weighed down with the burden on my back that I could not take pleasure in them as formerly,' responded Christian. "'And what did he say then?' inquired Evangelist.

"'He entreated me to get rid of my burden as fast as I could, and I told him that this was the very thing I sought. and that I was going to yonder gate to receive further direction how I may get to the place of deliverance. Then he said that he would show me a better way, much shorter, which was not so attended with difficulties as the narrow way in which I was going. He said that this new way would bring me to a gentleman's house who had skill to take off my heavy burden. So I believed him, and turned out of the narrow way, hoping that I might soon be eased of my burden. But when I came to this place and beheld these dreadful things, I stopped for fear of the danger, and now I don't know what to do."

"'Then,' said Evangelist, "'stand still a little. that I may show you the words of God."

So Christian stood, trembling. Then Evangelist began, "'See that you do not refuse to listen to the One who speaks from heaven. The just shall live by faith, but if any man draws back, I'll not be pleased with him. Christian, you are the man who is running into this misery. You have begun to reject the counsel of the Most High God, and to draw back from the way of peace, even to the hazard of your soul's perdition.

Then Christian fell down at his feet as dead, crying, Woe is me, for I am undone! At the sight of which Evangelist caught him by the right hand, saying, All kinds of sin and blasphemies shall be forgiven. Stop doubting and believe.

Then Christian began to revive and stood up trembling before Evangelist. Then Evangelist proceeded, saying, Give more earnest attention to the things I shall tell you. I'll now show you who deluded you, and to whom he sent you. The man whom you met is one named Mr. Worldly Wise Man, and he is rightly called, partly because he delights in worldly thinking, and partly because he loves worldly teaching, for it saves him from the doctrine of the cross of Christ. Therefore he always goes the town of morality to church, and because he is of this worldly temper, he seeks to oppose the way of the cross.

Now there are three things in this man's counsel that you must utterly abhor. First, his turning you out of the right way. Secondly, his laboring to render the cross odious to you. Thirdly, his setting your feet in that way which leads unto eternal death.

First, you must abhor his turning you out of the right way and your consenting to his false guidance. This is to reject the counsel of God for the sake of the counsel of the world. The Lord says, Make every effort to enter through the narrow gate, the gate to which I sent you. For narrow is the gate, and straight is the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. From this little narrow gate, and from the narrow way, this wicked man has turned you, and has brought you almost to destruction. You must hate, therefore, his turning you out of the narrow way, and abhor yourself for hearkening to him.

Secondly, you must abhor his laboring to render the cross odious unto you, for you are to prefer it before the treasures of Egypt. Besides, Jesus, the King of glory, has told you that he who will save his life shall lose it. And if anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, He cannot be my disciple. Therefore I say, if any man labors to persuade you that the Lord's counsel will lead to your death, you must completely abhor his false doctrine.

Thirdly, you must hate his turning your feet into the way which leads unto death, and for this you must consider to whom he sent you, and also how unable that person is to deliver you from your heavy burden. He to whom you were sent for relief is Mr. Legality. the son of the Bond Woman, who is in bondage to the law along with her children. She represents Mount Sinai, which is the mountain you feared would fall on your head. Now, if she along with her children are in bondage, How can you expect to be made free by them?

This Mr. Legality, therefore, is not able to set you free from your burden. No one was ever freed from their burden by him, nor can this ever be. For you cannot be justified by works of the law, for by the deeds of the law no man can be rid of his burden. Therefore Mr. Worldly Wise Man is a liar, and Mr. Legality is a cheat, and as for his son Civility, notwithstanding his pleasant looks, he is but a hypocrite, and cannot help you either. Believe me, there is no substance in all this blustering talk which you have heard of these deceivers. Their only design is to cheat you out of your salvation by turning you from the narrow way in which I had sent you.

After this, Evangelist called aloud to the heavens for confirmation of what he had said, and immediately words and fire came out of the mountain under which poor Christian stood. This made the hair of his neck stand up. These are the words that came forth.

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse. For it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not continue to obey all these commands that are written in the book of the law.

Christian now expected nothing but death, and began to cry out woefully. He even cursed the time when he had met with Mr. Worldly Wise Man, calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening to his false counsel. He also was greatly ashamed to think that this man's worldly advice, coming only from human reasoning, should so easily prevail with him as to cause him to forsake the right way.

Christian then spoke to Evangelist with great earnestness. Sir, is there any hope for me? May I now go back, and then proceed through the narrow gate? Or shall I be abandoned in shame because of my waywardness? I am sorry I hearkened to this man's false counsel. Can my sin ever be forgiven?

Then said Evangelist to him, Your sin is very great, for by it you have committed two evils. You have forsaken the right way to tread in forbidden paths. Yet the man at the narrow gate will still receive you. Only take heed that you never again turn aside, lest you perish in your disobedience, for God's anger can flare up in an instant.

Then Christian committed himself to return to the narrow way. Evangelist then kissed him and encouraged him with a smile, commending him to God's safekeeping. So Christian went on with haste and did not speak to anyone along the way. And if anyone addressed him, he would not hearken to their counsel. He traveled like one who was treading on forbidden and dangerous ground and could never feel himself safe until he was back on the narrow way, which he had left to follow Mr. Worldly Wise Man's false advice.

The Narrow Gate

So in the process of time, Christian arrived at the narrow gate. Now over the gate there was written, Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. He knocked therefore several times, saying, May I now enter here? Though I have been an undeserving wretch, if so, I shall sing his everlasting praise.

At last a serious person came to the gate, named Good-will, and asked who was there, from whence he came, and what he wanted. Christian responded, I am a poor burdened sinner, coming from the City of Destruction. I am going to the Celestial City, that I might be saved from the wrath to come. I have been informed, sir, that the way to the Celestial City is through this gate. Are you willing to let me enter?

Goodwill replied, I am willing with all my heart, and with this he opened the gate. As Christian was stepping in, Goodwill gave him a sudden yank. Surprised, Christian asked, Why did you do that? Goodwill then explained, A short distance from this gate, There's a strong castle erected, of which Beelzebub is the prince. From there, both he and his minions shoot arrows at those who come up to this gate, hoping to kill them before they can enter in.

Then Christian said, I both rejoice and tremble. When Christian was safely inside, the man at the narrow gate asked him who had directed him there. Evangelist directed me to come here and knock, as I did," said Christian, "'and that you, sir, would then tell me what I must do.' "'An open door is set before you, and no man can shut it,' responded Goodwill. I am now beginning to reap the benefits of my hazardous journey," replied Christian.

"'But how is it that you came alone?' asked Good-will. "'Because none of my neighbours saw their danger as I saw mine,' answered Christian. Did any of them know of your coming?" inquired Goodwill. Christian replied, "'Yes. My wife and children saw me at first, and called after me to come back. Also some of my neighbours stood crying and calling for me to return, but I put my fingers in my ears, and so I started on my journey.' "

'But did none of them follow you, or attempt to persuade you to turn back?' asked Goodwill. "'Yes,' replied Christian. "'Both obstinate and pliable tried to turn me back, but when they saw that they could not prevail, obstinate railed at me and went back alone, but pliable came with me for a little way.' "

'But why did pliable not come all the way here with you?' questioned Good-will. Christian explained. "'Indeed, he did come with me. until we came to the swamp of Despond, into which we suddenly fell. At that Pliable became so discouraged that he would not venture with me any further. Being thus disheartened, he got out of the swamp on the side nearest to his own house, and he told me I could possess the heavenly country alone. So he went his way, following after Obstinate. and I continued travelling to this narrow gate.'

Then Good-will said,—'Alas! poor Pliable!' Is celestial glory of so small a value to him that he does not count it worth running the hazard of a few difficulties to obtain it?"

Christian then said, "'I have stated the truth concerning Pliable, but I would also tell you all the truth about myself. It would reveal that there is no difference between us. It is true that he went back to his own house. But I had also turned aside into the way of destruction, being persuaded by the worldly arguments of Mr. Worldly Wise Man. Oh, that deceiver would have you seek ease from your burden at the hands of Mr Legality. Both of them are liars and cheats.' "

'And did you take his counsel?' asked Goodwill. "'Yes, as far as I dared,' confessed Christian. "'I went to find Mr Legality, until I thought that the mountain on the way to his house would fall on my head. So I was forced to stop.' That mountain has been the death of many, and will be the death of many more. It is fortunate that you escaped without being dashed to pieces!" exclaimed Goodwill.

Christian answered, Truly, I do not know what would have become of me, had not Evangelist found me in my sad plight. But it was of God's mercy that he came to me, otherwise I would never have arrived at this narrow gate. But now that I am here, safe, even I, who certainly am more fit to have died under that mountain than to have arrived safely here—oh, what a choice favour is this!"

Goodwill then said, "'We refuse entrance to no sincere pilgrim, notwithstanding all the wickedness they have done before they arrive here.' Therefore, my friend, come with me, and I will teach you about the way in which you must go. Look ahead of you. Do you see that narrow way? That is the way you must go. It was built by the patriarchs, prophets, Christ and his apostles, and is straight as can be. This is the only way you must go.

inquired the Christian, are there no turnings nor windings by which a pilgrim may lose his way? Yes, there are many side paths which intersect with the narrow way, but they are crooked and wide. This is how you may distinguish the right from the wrong. Only the right path is straight and narrow.

Then I saw in my dream that Christian further asked if goodwill could help him remove the burden which was upon his back for he could not remove it without help. Goodwill then told him, be content to bear your burden until you come to the place of deliverance, for there it will fall from your back all by itself.

The House of the Interpreter. Then Christian began to prepare himself for his journey. Goodwill told him that when he traveled some distance from the gate, he would come to the house of the interpreter, and knocking at the door, he would be shown some valuable lessons. Editor's note, Bunyan portrays the interpreter as an emblem of the Holy Spirit.

Christian then said farewell to Goodwill, who in turn bid him Godspeed. Christian travelled on until he came to the house of the interpreter, where he knocked again and again. At last someone came to the door and asked who was there. answered Christian, I am a traveller who was told by a man named Goodwill to come here for help. Therefore I would like to speak with the master of this house.

So the servant called for the master of the house, who shortly came, and asked Christian what he wanted. Sir, Christian explained, I have come from the City of Destruction, and I am going to the Celestial City. I was told by Good-will, the man who stands at the narrow gate, that if I came here you would show me some lessons which would be of great help to me on my journey.

Come in, invited Interpreter, and I will show you some profitable things. Interpreter commanded the servant to light a candle and bid Christian to follow them. So they proceeded to a private room and opened the door. Inside the room, Christian saw a picture of a very serious man hanging on the wall. Editors note, Bunyan portrays the man in the portrait as an emblem of a godly pastor.

The man in the picture had his eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth written upon his lips, and the world behind his back. He stood as if he pleaded with men, and a crown of gold hung over his head. Then Christian said, What does this picture mean?

Interpreter explained, The man depicted in this picture is one in a thousand. He can beget children and nurse them himself when they are born. And as you see him, with his eyes lifted up to heaven, with the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth written on his lips, this is to show you that his work is to understand and unfold difficult things.

Similarly, Just as you see him stand, as if he pleaded with men, and also note that the world is cast behind his back, and that a crown hangs over his head. This is to show you that he lightly values the things of the present world, because of his love and devotion to his master's service. Such a one is sure to have eternal glory for his reward in the world to come.

I show you this picture first. because the man whom it portrays is one who the Lord of the Celestial City provides to be your guide in the difficult situations that you may encounter along the way. Therefore, pay attention to what I have shown you, lest in your journey you meet with some who pretend to lead you along the right path, while in reality their way leads to death.

Then Interpreter took him by the hand and led him into a very large parlour, which was full of dust, because it was never swept. After Christian had contemplated this scene for a little while, the Interpreter called for a man to sweep the room. When he began to sweep, the dust began to so thickly swirl around the room that Christian began to be choked by it.

Then the interpreter said to a maiden who stood nearby,—'Bring some water, and sprinkle the room.' After she had done this, the parlour was then swept and cleansed with ease.

What does this mean? Christian inquired. Interpreter explained, This parlour is the heart of a man which has never been sanctified by the sweet grace of the gospel. The dust is his original sin and inward corruptions which have defiled the whole man. He who began to sweep, at first, is the law. The maiden who brought and sprinkled the water is the gospel.

You saw that as soon as the man began to sweep that the dust thickly swirled around the room and became even more difficult to cleanse, nearly choking you to death. This is to show you that the law, instead of cleansing the heart from sin, does in fact arouse sin, giving greater strength to it, and causing it to flourish in the soul. The law both manifests and forbids sin, but it has no power to subdue sin.

Again you saw the maiden sprinkle the room with water, upon which it was cleansed with ease. This is to show you that when the gospel comes in the sweet and precious influences thereof to the heart, Then I say, even as you saw the maiden subdue the dust by sprinkling the floor with water, just so is sin vanquished and subdued, and the soul made clean through faith, and consequently fit for the King of Glory to inhabit.

I saw, moreover, in my dream, that the interpreter took Christian by the hand, and led him into a little room, where two little children sat, each one in his own chair. The name of the older one was Passion, and the name of the younger one was Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontented, but Patience was very quiet.

Then Christian asked, What is the reason for Passion's discontent?" The interpreter answered, "'The Guardian would have them wait for their best things until the next year. But Passion wants everything now, while Patience is willing to wait.'

Then I saw that someone came to Passion and brought him a bag of treasure and poured it down at his feet, which he grabbed up and rejoiced in. And in doing so he laughed Patience to scorn. But I saw that in a short while that Passion had squandered everything away and had nothing left to him but rags.

Then Christian said to the interpreter, Expound this matter more fully to me. Interpreter replied, These two lads are symbolic. Passion is a symbol of the people of this world, and patience is a symbol of the people of the world which is to come. As you see here, passion will have everything now—that is to say, in this life. Just so are the people of this world. They must have all their good things now. They cannot wait until next year—that is, until the next world—for their portion of good. That proverb, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, is of more authority with them than are all the Scripture testimonies of the value of the world to come.

But as you saw that Passion had quickly lavished everything away and had nothing left but rags, so will it be with all such people at the end of this world.

Then Christian declared,—'Now I see that patience showed the best wisdom, and that upon many accounts. First, because he waits for the best things, and second, because he will have the enjoyment of his good things, when passion has nothing but rags.

' Interpreter replied,—'True, and you may add another reason. Namely, the glory of the next world will never end, for these earthly enjoyments will be suddenly gone. Therefore, Passion had no reason to laugh at Patience, just because he had his good things first, as Patience will have to laugh at Passion, because he will have his best things last. He, therefore, who has his portion first, only has this present life to spend it. But he who has his portion last will have it everlastingly. Therefore it is said of the rich man, You in your lifetime have received your good things, just as Lazarus has received bad things, but now he is comforted and you are in agony.

Christian stated, I perceive that it is not best to covet present earthly things, but rather wait for things to come." Interpreter responded, "'You say the truth, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are unseen are eternal. This is so because present things and our fleshly appetites are such near neighbours to one another, and also because worldly thinking and things to come are such strangers to one another."

Then I saw in my dream that the interpreter took Christian by the hand and led him into a place where a fire was burning against a wall. Someone was standing by the fire, continually throwing great amounts of water upon it, attempting to quench it, yet The fire burned higher and hotter. Then Christian asked, What does this mean? The interpreter answered, This fire is the work of grace which is operating in the heart. The one who casts water upon it, desiring to extinguish and put it out, is the devil. Now I'll show you the reason why the fire burns higher and hotter in spite of all the devil's efforts."

So the interpreter took Christian around to the back side of the wall, where he saw a man with a jar of oil in his hand, which he continually, but secretly, cast onto the fire. Then Christian questioned, what does this mean? The interpreter answered, This is Christ, who continually, with the oil of His grace, maintains the work already begun in the heart. By this means, notwithstanding all that the devil can do, the souls of His people are graciously preserved. And in that you saw that the man stood behind the wall to maintain the fire, that is to teach you that it is hard for the tempted believer to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul.

I saw also that the interpreter took Christian again by the hand, and led him into a pleasant place, where a stately palace was built, which was beautiful to behold, at the sight of which Christian was greatly delighted. He saw upon the top of the palace that certain people were walking, who were clothed all in gold. Then Christian inquired,—'May we go in there?' Then the interpreter took him and led him towards the door of the palace. And behold, at the door stood a great company of men just as desirous to go in, but dared not. A short distance from the door sat a man with a book and pen at a table, to write down the name of any who would enter therein. Christian also saw that in the doorway many men in armour stood to guard the palace from intruders. Christian was somewhat bewildered at this. At last, when every man stood back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man, who looked very determined, come up to the man at the desk, saying,—

When the man at the desk had finished writing, Christian saw the man draw his sword, put a helmet on his head, and rush toward the door to the armed men who battled him with deadly force. But the man, not at all discouraged, started cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after he had received and given many wounds to those who attempted to keep him out, he cut his way through them all and pressed forward into the palace. Then there was a pleasant voice heard from those who were within the palace, saying, Come in! Come in! Eternal glory! You shall win! So he went in, where he was clothed with the same garments as those inside. Then Christian smiled and said, I think I truly know the meaning of this.

Now, Christian said, let me continue on with my journey. Not just yet, said the interpreter, until I've showed you a little more, and after that you may go on your way. So he took him by the hand again, and led him into a very dark room, where a man in an iron cage sat.

Now this man seemed very sad. He sat with his eyes looking down to the ground, his hands folded together, and he sighed as if his heart were breaking. Christian asked, What does this mean? The interpreter then told Christian to inquire of the man himself.

So Christian asked the man, What are you? The man answered, I am now. What I once was not." Christian responded, "'What were you once?' The man said, "'I was once a fair and flourishing professor, both in my own eyes and also in the eyes of others. I once was, as I thought, headed for the Celestial City, and had joy at the thought that I would get there.' Christian further questioned, "'Well, what are you now?' The man responded,—'I am now a man of despair, and am locked up in despair, as in this iron cage. I cannot get out. Oh, I cannot escape.' Christian then inquired,—'But how did you get into this miserable condition?'

The man in the iron cage replied,—'I stopped watching and being serious. I let my worldly lusts reign. I sinned against the light of God's word and His goodness. I tempted the devil, and he has come to me. I have provoked God to anger, and he has left me. I have so hardened my heart that I cannot repent.'

Then Christian asked the interpreter,—'Is there no hope for such a man as this?' Then the interpreter said to the man in the iron cage,—'Is there no hope? Must you always be kept in this iron cage of despair?' The man replied,—'No, there's no hope at all.'

Interpreter responded,—'Why should you have no hope?' Jesus is full of mercy.' The man in the iron cage answered,—'I have crucified him afresh. I have scorned his person. I have despised his righteousness. I have counted his blood as an unholy thing. I have insulted and disdained the Spirit of grace. Therefore I have shut myself out of all the promises.' and there now remains nothing for me but threatenings, dreadful threatenings, fearful threatenings of certain judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour me as God's adversary."

Interpreter then asked, "'For what did you bring yourself into this dreadful condition?' The man responded, "'For the lusts, pleasures, profits of this world. in the enjoyment of which I promised myself much delight. But now every one of those things bite me and gnaw me like a burning worm.'

The interpreter then questioned, ''But can't you now repent and turn back to God?' The man answered, ''God has denied repentance to me.' His word gives me no encouragement to believe. Yes, He Himself has shut me up in this iron cage. Not all the men in the world can free me. Oh! Eternity! Eternity! How shall I grapple with the misery I must meet with in eternity?'

Then Interpreter said to Christian, Let this man's misery be remembered by you. and be an everlasting warning to you.

" "'Well,' Christian said, "'this is most fearful. May God help me to always watch and to pray that I may shun the cause of this man's misery.' "'Sir, is it now time for me to go on my way?' Interpreter replied, "'Wait until I show you one last thing, and then you shall go on your way.' So he took Christian by the hand again, and led him into a room where there was a man rising out of bed. And as he put on his clothing, he shook and trembled. Then Christian asked, Why does this man thus tremble? The interpreter then bid the man to tell Christian the reason of his trembling. So the trembling man began. This night, as I slept, I dreamed, and behold, the heavens grew exceedingly black. Also it thundered and lightened in a most frightening way, so that it put me into a fearful agony. So I looked up in my dream, and saw the clouds, driven violently by the wind, upon which I heard the loud blast of a trumpet, and also saw a man sitting upon a cloud. attended with thousands of angelic beings, all in flaming fire. Also, the heavens were a burning flame. I then heard a voice command, Arise, you who are dead, and come to your judgment. And with that the rocks shattered, the graves opened, and the dead came forth. Some of them were exceedingly glad, and looked upward, while others sought to hide themselves under the mountains. Then I saw that the man who sat upon the cloud opened the book, and commanded all people to draw near. There was, by reason of a fierce flame which issued out and came from before him, a great distance between him and them, as between the judge and the prisoners at the bar. Then the man, who sat on the cloud, commanded the angelic beings, Gather the tares, the chaff, and stubble together, and cast them into the burning lake of fire. And with that the bottomless pit opened, just where I stood. Out of the mouth of the pit spewed forth great billows of smoke and coals of fire, along with hideous noises. The angelic beings were then commanded, Gather my wheat into the barn, and with that I saw many caught up and carried away into the clouds. I was left behind. I then sought to hide myself, but I could not, for the man who sat upon the cloud fixed his eye upon me. My sins then came to mind, and my conscience accused me on every side. At this I awakened from my sleep. Christian then asked,—'What was it that made you so afraid of this sight?' The trembling man replied,—'Why, I thought that a day of judgment had come, and that I was not ready for it. But what frightened me the most was that the angels gathered up several people near me and left me behind. Then the pit of hell opened its mouth just where I stood. My conscience, too, afflicted me. And as I stood there, the judge continually kept his eye upon me with a look of angry disapproval on his face. And as I stood there, the judge continually kept his eye upon me with a look of angry disapproval on his face. An interpreter said to Christian, have you considered all these things? Yes," replied Christian, and they caused me to both hope and fear. Then, stated the interpreter, keep all these things in your mind, so that they may spur you forward in the way you must go. So Christian then began to prepare himself to continue on his journey. Then the interpreter declared, May the Comforter always be with you, good Christian, to guide you in the way that leads to the Celestial City. So Christian went on his way, saying, I have seen rare and profitable things here, pleasant things and dreadful things. May I think on them and remember the lessons they taught me. I am thankful, O good interpreter, to you. The Cross Now I saw in my dream that the highway up which Christian was to go was fenced on both sides with a wall and that wall was called Salvation. Up this way, therefore, burdened Christian ran but not without great difficulty because of the heavy load on his back. He ran on thus until he came to a place where there was a hill And upon that hill stood a cross, and a little below, at the bottom, was a sepulchre. So I saw in my dream that just as Christian came to the cross, his burden fell off his shoulders and back, and began to tumble until it came to the mouth of the sepulchre where it fell in, and I saw it no more. Then Christian was glad and joyful and said with a merry heart, Jesus has given me rest by his sorrow and life by his death. So he stood still a while to ponder and wonder, for it was very surprising to him that the sight of the cross should thus ease him of his burden. He looked, therefore, and looked again, until tears flowed down his cheeks. Now as he stood looking and weeping, behold, three shining ones came to him and greeted him with, Peace unto you. The first said to him, Your sins are forgiven. The second stripped him of his rags and clothed him with fine new clothes. The third shining one put a mark on Christian's forehead and gave him a scroll with a seal upon it, and encouraged him to read it on his journey. He told Christian that he should turn it in at the celestial gate. So the Shining Ones left Christian and went on their way. Then Christian gave three leaps for joy and went on singing, Thus far did I come, laden with my sin, Nor could anything ease the grief that I was in, Until I came here. What a place is this! this must be the beginning of my bliss for here the burden fell from off my back and here the chains that bound it to me did crack blessed cross blessed sepulcher blessed rather be the man who there was put to shame for me you you Simple Sloth and Presumption Then I saw in my dream that Christian went on thus until he came to a valley, where he saw a little out of the way three men fast asleep with fetters upon their legs. The name of the one was Simple, the next Sloth, and the third Presumption. Then Christian, seeing them fast asleep, went to them if perhaps he might awaken them and cried. You are like those who sleep on the top of a mast, for the dead sea is under you, a gulf which has no bottom. Wake up, wake up, and I'll help you take off your fetters." He also warned them, "'If he who prowls about like a roaring lion comes by, you'll most certainly be devoured.' They then looked upon him, and Simple replied,—'I see no danger.' Sloth said,—'Yet a little more sleep.' And Presumption said,—'Every tub must stand upon its own bottom, so we don't need your help.' And so they lay down to sleep again. And Christian continued on his way. Yet was he troubled to think that men in such danger could so little regard the kindness which he so freely offered by awakening them, warning them, and offering to help to remove their fetters. Formalist and hypocrisy. And as he was troubled about this, he spotted two men come tumbling over the wall on the left side of the narrow way. They soon caught up to Christian, and entered into conversation with him. The name of the one was Formalist, and the name of the other, Hypocrisy. Christian asked, Gentlemen, where have you come from, and where are you going? Formalist and Hypocrisy answered, were born in the land of vainglory and are going to the celestial city for reward." Christian responded, Why did you not enter in at the gate which stands at the beginning of the way? Do you not know that it is written that the one who does not enter by the gate but climbs up some other way, that person is a thief and a robber?" Formalist and hypocrisy replied. To journey to the gate for entrance was considered too far away by all our countrymen. Besides that, our custom is always to make a shortcut and climb over the wall. Christian questioned. Will it not be counted a trespass against the lord of the city where we're going, to thus violate his revealed will?" Formalist and hypocrisy told Christian that he need not trouble his head about this, for they had a tradition for what they were doing, and, if need be, they could produce witnesses to it, showing that this had been done for more than a thousand years. But, Christian said, will your practice stand a trial at law? They told him that their tradition, being more than a thousand years old, would doubtless be admitted as legal by any impartial judge. And besides, they said, if we get into the way, what does it matter how we got there? If we're in, we're in. You are in the way to the Celestial City, and you came in at the gate, and we are in the same way, and we came tumbling over the wall, so how is your condition any better than ours?" Christian explained, "'I walk by the rule of my master, but you walk by the vain working of your imaginations. You are accounted as thieves already by the Lord of the Way, therefore you will not be found to be true pilgrims at the end of the journey. You came in by your own way, without his direction, and you shall go out by yourselves without his mercy." To this they made but little answer. They only told Christian to pay attention to himself. Then I saw that they went on in their own ways, without much conversation with one another, except that the two men told Christian that as to laws and ordinances they had no doubt, but they were as careful to do them as he was. "'Therefore,' said they, "'we do not see how you differ from us, except for that coat which is on your back, which probably was given to you by some of your neighbours to hide the shame of your nakedness.' Christian answered,—'You cannot be saved by laws and ordinances, and you did not come in at the narrow gate, and as for this coat which is on my back, it was given to me by the lord of the place where I am going, and, just as you say, to cover my nakedness.' I take this as a token of his kindness to me, for I had nothing but rags before. With this I comfort myself as I go. Surely, when I come to the gate of the Celestial City, the Lord will recognize me, since I have his coat on my back—a coat which he gave me on the day when he stripped me of my rags. I have, moreover, a mark on my forehead, which perhaps you have not noticed. which one of my lord's most intimate associates fixed there on the day that my burden fell off my shoulders. I tell you furthermore that I was then given a sealed scroll, to comfort me by reading it as I travel along the way. I was also told to turn it in at the celestial gate as my authorization to enter. But you lack all of these things, since you did not enter in at the narrow gate. To this they gave him no answer. They only looked at each other and laughed. Then I saw that they went on, and that Christian walked on ahead, no longer talking to formalists and hypocrisy. He would ponder to himself, sometimes sighing and sometimes content. Also, he would be often reading in the scroll that one of the shiny ones had given him, which gave him refreshment. The Hill difficulty. I beheld then that they all went on until they came to the foot of the hill Difficulty, at the bottom of which was a spring. Here there also were two other ways besides that path which came straight from the narrow gate, one turned to the left hand and the other to the right. However, the narrow way went straight up the hill Difficulty. Christian now went to the spring and drank to refresh himself, and then began to go up the hill, saying, The hill, though high, I choose to ascend. The difficulty will not me offend, for I perceive the way to life lies here. Come, take heart, let neither faint nor fear, Better though difficult, the right way to go, Than wrong, though easy, where the end is woe." The other two men also came to the foot of the hill. when they saw that the hill was very steep and high, and that there were two other easier ways to go, and supposing that these two ways might meet again on the other side of the hill, with the same hard way that Christian chose, they resolved to go in those easy paths. Now, the name of one of those ways was Danger, and the name of the other, Destruction. So one took the way called Danger, which led him into an enormous, bewildering forest. And the other took the way to Destruction, which led him into a wide field full of dark pits, where he stumbled and fell, and rose no more. I then looked at Christian going up the hill, where, because of the steepness of the hill, I saw he went from running to walking, and from walking to crawling on his hands and knees. Now about midway to the top of the hill was a pleasant arbour, made by the Lord of the hill for the refreshment of weary travellers. When Christian arrived there, he sat down to rest. He then pulled his scroll out of his bosom and read to his comfort. He also began to examine the garment that was given to him while at the cross. Thus refreshing himself for a while, he at last fell into a slumber and thence into a sound sleep, which delayed him there until it was almost night. while asleep his scroll fell out of his hand now as he was sleeping one came and awakened him saying go to the ant you sluggard consider her ways and be wise with that Christian suddenly jumped up and hurried on his way until he came to the top of the hill Timorous and Mistrust Now, when he reached the top of the hill, two men came running to meet him. The name of the one was Timorous, and the other, Mistrust. Christian inquired of them, Sirs, what's the matter? You're running the wrong way. Timorous answered, We were going to the Celestial City, but the further we go, the more dangers we meet with. Therefore, we've turned around and are going back. "'Yes,' said Mistrust, "'for there were lions just ahead of us on the path, and we did not know if they were asleep or awake. We were terrified that they would tear us to pieces.' Then Christian said, "'You frighten me. But where shall I flee to be safe? If I go back to my own country, which shall be destroyed by fire and brimstone, I will certainly perish there.' I shall only be safe if I can reach the Celestial City. I must venture onward. To go back is nothing but death. To go forward is fear of death and everlasting life beyond it. Therefore, I must surely go forward. So Mistrust and Timorous ran down the hill, and Christian continued on the difficult way. Thinking of what he had heard from the men, he felt in his bosom for his scroll that he might read from it and be comforted, but he could not find it. Christian was then in great distress and did not know what to do, for the scroll was his pass into the celestial city. Therefore he was fearful and bewildered, not knowing what to do. At last he remembered that he had slept at the arbour on the side of the steep hill. Falling down upon his knees, he asked God's forgiveness for his foolish act, and then went back to look for his scroll. Who can sufficiently set forth the sorrow of a Christian's heart as he went back? Sometimes he sighed, sometimes he wept, and often he rebuked himself for being so foolish as to fall asleep in that arbour which was only erected for a little refreshment for weary pilgrims. Thus he went back. carefully looking on this side and on that side all the way as he went, hoping perhaps that he might find his scroll, which had been his comfort so many times on his journey. So he went on, until he again came within sight of the arbour where he had rested and slept. But that sight only increased his sorrow, by bringing his folly of sleeping once again into his mind. Thus he bemoaned,—'Oh, what a wretched man I am! That I should sleep in the daytime, and in the midst of difficulty! That I should so indulge my flesh! For the Lord of the hill has built this harbour only for the refreshment of pilgrims. How many steps have I taken in vain! Thus it happened to Israel for their sin. They were sent back again by the way of the Red Sea. Just so I may to retrace those steps with sorrow, which I might have trod with delight, had it not been for my folly of sleeping. How much further along my way might I have been by this time! But I had to tread these steps three times, which I only needed to have trod but once. Yes, now I must journey in the dark of night, for the daylight is almost gone. Oh, that I had not slept! Reaching the arbour, he sat down and wept. Then, looking around sorrowfully under the bench, he spotted his scroll. With trembling and haste he snatched it up and put it into his bosom. None can tell how joyful he then was, for this scroll was the assurance of his salvation and his pass to the celestial city. Therefore he secured it in his bosom, gave thanks to God for directing his eye to the place where it had fallen, and with joys and tears resumed his journey. Oh, how carefully now did he go up the rest of the hill! Yet, before he reached the top, the sun had gone down, and this made Christian again recall the folly of his sleeping in the harbour. Thus once more he began to reprove himself. Oh, you sinful sleep! Now I must journey on in the dark and hear the frightful noises of the night creatures." Just then he remembered the report that Mistrust and Timorous warned him of, how they were frightened with the sight of the lions. Then Christian thought to himself, these beasts roam in the night for their prey. And if I should encounter them in the dark, how could I overcome them? How could I escape from being torn to pieces? thus Christian went on his way but while he was thus bemoaning his difficult situation he lifted up his eyes and behold there was a very stately palace directly ahead the name of the palace was beautiful you The Palace Beautiful. So I saw in my dream that Christian made haste and went forward that, if it were possible, he might get lodging at the palace. Now, before he'd gone far, he entered into a very narrow passage which was a short distance from the porter's lodge. Looking very intently ahead of him as he went, he spotted two lions in the way. Now, thought he, I see the dangers that mistrust and timorous were driven back by. Then he was afraid, and thought that he might go back as they had done, for he feared that nothing but death was before him. But the porter at the palace, whose name is Watchful, perceiving that Christian halted as if he would go back, cried out to him, saying, Is your strength so small? Do not fear the lions, for they are chained, and are placed there for a trial of faith, for the discovery of those who are faithless. Keep in the midst of the path, and no harm shall come unto you." Then I saw that Christian went on, trembling for fear of the lions. Taking heed to the directions of the porter, he heard them roar, but they did no harm to him. Then he clapped his hands in joy and went on until he came and stood before the gate where the porter was. Then Christian asked the porter, Sir, what residence is this? May I lodge here to-night? The porter answered, This palace was built by the Lord of the Hill, and he built it for the relief and security of pilgrims. The porter also asked whence he came and where he was going. Christian, I have come from the City of Destruction, and going to the Celestial City, but because the sun has now set, I desire, if I may, to lodge here to-night. Porter. What's your name? Christian. My name is now Christian, but at first my name was Graceless. Porter. But why have you come so late, since the sun has set? Christian. I would have been here sooner, but wretched man that I am, I slept at the harbour on the hillside. Besides that, while I slept, I lost my scroll, and travelled without it to the top of the hill. Then, feeling for it and not finding it, I was forced, with sorrow of heart, to go back to the place where I had slept. There I found it, and hence I have arrived here so late." Porter. I'll call for one of the maidens of the palace, who, if she approves of you according to the rules of the palace, will bring you in to the rest of the family." So Watchful rang the bell. At this sound a noble and beautiful maiden named Discretion came to the door and asked why she was summoned. The porter answered, This man is on a journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, but, being weary from travelling all day, he asked me if he might lodge here to-night. So I told him I would call for you, who, after talking with him, may do what seems best to you according to the law of the palace." Then she asked Christian where he came from and where he was going, and he told her. She also asked him how he got into the narrow way, and he told her. Then she asked him what he had seen and met with along the way, and he told her. And lastly she asked his name, so he answered, My name is Christian. I've a great desire to lodge here to-night, because, by what I perceive, this palace was built by the Lord of the Hill, for the relief and safety of pilgrims." So she smiled, but tears came to her eyes. After a little pause she said, I will summon two or three more of the family." So she hastened to the door and called for prudence, piety, and charity, who, after a little more discussion with him, brought him in to the family. Many of them met him at the threshold of the palace and said, Then he bowed his head and followed them into the palace. So, when he had come in and sat down, they gave him something to drink, and agreed that for the best improvement of time they would converse with Christian until supper was ready. Come, good Christian, tell us of everything that has happened to you on your pilgrimage. Christian. Gladly, and I am thankful that you are lodging me. Piety. What moved you to commence a pilgrim's life at first? Christian, I was driven out of my native country by dreadful news, namely, that unavoidable destruction awaited me if I remained in that place. Piety, how did it happen that you came out of your country by this way? Christian, it was as God would have it, for when I was under fear of destruction I did not know where to go. Then it happened that a man named Evangelist came to me while I was trembling and weeping. He showed me the way to the narrow gate, which I would never have otherwise found. It was he who directed me into the way that has led me to this palace. Piety, did you come by the house of the interpreter?" Christian. Yes, and I saw such things there that I will remember as long as I live. Especially these three things. How, in spite of Satan's schemes, Christ maintains his work of grace in the heart. Secondly, how a man had so sinned himself into despair that he had no hope of God's mercy. Thirdly, the dream of one who imagined that the day of judgment had come, and he was not prepared. Piety, did you hear him tell his dream? Christian, yes, and a dreadful one it was. It made my heart ache, as he was telling of it, but yet I am glad I heard it. Piety, was that all that you saw at the house of the interpreter?" Christian. No. He showed me a stately palace. and how the people who were in it were clad in gold, and how a courageous man came and cut his way through the armed men who stood in the door to keep him out. He was then bid to come in and win eternal glory. Those things ravished my heart. I would have stayed at that good man's house a year, but I knew I had further to go on my journey." Piety! And what else did you see along the way? Christian. See! Why, I went but a little further, and I saw one hanging and bleeding upon a cross. The very sight of him made my burden fall off my back, for I had groaned under a very heavy burden. It was an astounding thing to me, for I had never seen such a sight before. And while I stood looking up—for I could not stop looking—three shining ones came to me. One of them testified that my sins were forgiven, another stripped off my rags and gave me this embroidered coat which you see. The third one put the mark which you see on my forehead and gave me this sealed scroll, and with that he plucked it out of his bosom. Piety! And what more did you see? Christian, the things that I have told you already were the best, yet As I travelled on I also saw three men, simple, sloth, and presumption, asleep a little out of the way, with iron chains on their legs. But there was nothing I could do to awaken them. I also saw formalist and hypocrisy come tumbling over the wall to go, as they imagined, to the Celestial City. I warned them of their folly. But they would not believe me, so they were quickly lost. But above all I found it hard work to get up this hill, and just as hard to go by the roaring lions, and truly if it had not been for the good porter who stands at the gate I might have turned back. But now I thank God that I am here, and I thank you for receiving me. Then Prudence asked him a few questions. Prudence. Do you ever think of the country from whence you came? Christian. Yes, but with much shame and detestation. Truly, if I had been mindful of that country from whence I came, I might have had opportunity to have returned. But now I desire a better country—that is, a heavenly one. Prudence, are you still hindered by some of your old habits? Christian, yes, but greatly against my will, especially my worldly thoughts, with which all my countrymen, as well as myself, were delighted, but now all those things are my grief. And, might I have my desires, I would choose never to think of those things again, for I have the desire to do what is good, but I have no ability to carry it out. PRUDENCE. Do you find sometimes as if you had overcome those worldly thoughts, yet find them still your annoyance at other times? CHRISTIAN. Yes, but that is but seldom, and then they are to me as golden hours. PRUDENCE. Can you remember by what means you find these annoyances at times as if they were overcome? Christian Yes, when I think of what I saw at the cross, that will do it. And when I look upon my embroidered coat, that will do it. And when I look into the scroll that I carry in my bosom, that will do it. And when my thoughts are aglow about where I am going, that will do it. Prudence And why are you so desirous to go to the Celestial City? Why, it's there that I hope to see Him alive, who once hung dead on the cross. And there I hope to be rid of all these hindrances which so constantly annoy me. In that wonderful place there's no death. and I shall dwell with those whom I best desire. For, to tell you the truth, I love him, because he is the one who eased me of my heavy burden. Besides, I am weary of the evil within me. I would gladly be where I shall die no more, and with the company who continually cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. Then Charity said to Christian, Have you a family? Are you a married man? Christian, I have a wife and four small children. Charity, and why did you not bring them along with you? Then Christian wept and said,—'Oh, how willingly I would have done it! But all of them were utterly averse to my going on pilgrimage.' Charity,—'But you should have talked to them.' and have endeavoured to have shown them the danger of staying behind." Christian. "'So I did. I also told them what God had shown me of the coming destruction of our city, but I seemed to them as a madman, and they did not believe me.' Charity. "'And did you pray that God would bless your warnings to them?' Christian. and with much affection, for surely my wife and poor children are very dear to me. Charity, and did you tell them of your own sorrow and fear of destruction? Christian, yes, over and over and over. They also saw my fears in my countenance, in my tears, and in my trembling under the dread of the judgment which hung over our heads. But all this was not sufficient to prevail with them to come with me. Charity. But what reason did they give as to why they would not come? Christian. Why, my wife was afraid of losing this world, and my children were given to the foolish delights of youth. So, by one thing or another, I was forced to go on this pilgrimage alone. charity. Yes, but though you warned them, was the example of your life a hindrance to them going with you? Christian, indeed, I cannot commend my life, for I am conscious of my many failings. I know also that by a hypocritical life a man may soon nullify all his helpful reasonings with others. Yet this I can say. I was very careful not to give them any just occasion of making them averse to going on pilgrimage. They would tell me that I was too precise, and that I denied myself many things for their sakes, in which they saw nothing wrong. Also, I think I may say that if what they saw in me hindered them, it was my great caution in not wanting to sin against God or others. charity. Indeed, Cain hated his brother, because his own works were evil, and his brother's works were righteous. If your wife and children have been offended with you for this, they thereby show themselves to be implacable, and you have delivered your soul from their blood. Now I saw in my dream that thus they sat talking together until supper was ready. When they sat down to eat, the table was abundantly furnished like a feast. All the talk of the table was about the lord of the hill, about what he had done, and why he did what he did, and also why he had built that palace. By what they said, Christian perceived that he had been a great warrior, and with great danger to himself, had fought with and slain him who had the power of death. This made Christian love him all the more. For, as they said, he did it with a great loss of blood. But that which put grace and glory into all that he did, was that he did it out of pure love to his people. There were some of the household who said that they had spoken with him since he died on the cross. They have attested that they heard it from his own lips, that he is such a lover of poor pilgrims that none like him can be found in all the world. As an instance of what they affirmed, they told how he had stripped himself of his glory, that he might die for poor sinners. They also heard him say that he would not dwell in the celestial city alone. They added, moreover, that he had advanced many pilgrims to be princes, though by nature they were born beggars and objects of wrath. Thus they discoursed together until late at night. After they had committed themselves to their Lord for protection, they went to their rooms to rest. Pilgrim was given a large upper chamber, whose window opened toward the sun rising. The name of the chamber was Peace. There he slept until break of day, and then he awoke and sang, Where am I now? Is this the love and care of Jesus for the men that pilgrims are, thus to provide that I should be forgiven, and dwell already the next door to heaven?" So in the morning they all got up. And after additional discourse, they told him that he should not depart until they had shown him the rarities of that place. First they brought him into the study, where they showed him records of the greatest antiquity, in which was the lineage of the Lord of the Hill, that he was the son of the Ancient of Days by eternal generation. Here also were more fully recorded the acts which he had done and the names of many hundreds that he had taken into his service and how he afterwards brought them into an imperishable inheritance in his father's house. Then they read to him some worthy acts that some of his servants had done how they had conquered kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, whose weakness was turned to strength, and who became mighty in battle, putting whole armies to flight. They then read in another part of the records of the palace where it was shown how willing their lord was to receive into favour any, even the worst, though they in time past had offered great contempt to his person and works. Here Christian also viewed several histories of many additional famous things, both ancient and modern. He saw prophecies and predictions of things which will have their certain accomplishment, both to the dread and amazement of their Lord's enemies, and the comfort and solace of his pilgrims. The next day they took him into the armoury, where they showed him all kinds of armour which the Lord had provided for pilgrims. There were swords, shields, helmets, breastplates, and shoes that would not wear out. There was enough armor to equip as many men for the service of their Lord as there are stars in heaven. They also showed him the weapons, with which some of his servants had done wonderful things. They showed him Moses's rod, the hammer and nail which Jail slew Cicero with, the pitchers and trumpets with which Gideon put the armies of Midian to flight. Then they showed him the ox-goat with which Shamgar slew six hundred men. They showed him also the jawbone, with which Samson did such mighty feats. They showed him furthermore the sling and stone, which David slew Goliath with. They showed him, moreover, many excellent things, with which Christian was much delighted. And after that they went to their chambers to rest again. Then I saw in my dream that on the morrow Christian got up to resume his journey, but the others wished for him to stay until the next day. They said that they will, if the day is clear, show him the delectable mountains, which would further add to his comfort, as they were nearer his desired haven. So he consented and stayed. When the morning came, they took him up to the top of the palace and told him to look south. So he did. And behold, at a great distance, he saw a most pleasant mountainous country, beautified with woods, vineyards, fruits of all sorts, flowers, along with springs and fountains, all very delectable to feast one's eyes. Then he asked the name of the country. They said that it was Emmanuel's land, and it is common for all pilgrims to go there. When you arrive, said they, you may see to the gate of the celestial city, as the shepherds who live there will show you. Now, just before Christian was about to leave, they asked him to go again into the armory. When they arrived, they equipped him from head to foot with armour, lest, perhaps, he would meet with assaults along the way. He being, therefore, thus attired, walked out with his friends to the door, and there he asked Porter if he had seen any pilgrims pass by. The Porter answered,—'Yes.' '—'Christian, did you know him?' Porter. I asked his name, and he told me it was Faithful. Christian. Oh! I know him. He's my townsman, my near neighbour. He comes from the place where I was born. How far do you think he may be ahead of me? Porter. By this time he is, perhaps, beyond the bottom of the hill. Christian. Well, good Porter, may the Lord be with you and increase your blessings for the kindness that you have shown to me. Then Christian began to go forward, but discretion, piety, charity and prudence desired to accompany him down to the bottom of the hill. So they went on together, reminiscing their former discourses, until they came to the start of the descent down the hill. Then Christian said,—'As it was difficult coming up, so far as I can see it's dangerous going down.' "'Yes,' said Prudence, "'so it is. For it is a hard matter for a man to go down into the Valley of Humiliation, as you are about to do, and not stumble along the way. Therefore we have come to accompany you down the hill.' So they began to go down, but very cautiously. Yet Christian still stumbled a time or two. Then I saw in my dream that these good companions, when they arrived at the bottom of the hill, gave Christian a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, and a cluster of raisins. He then went on his way. Battle with Apollyon But now, in this valley of humiliation, poor Christian was grievously challenged. He had gone but a little way before he spotted a foul fiend coming over the field to contend with him. His name was Apollyon. Then Christian began to be afraid, and to deliberate whether to go back or to stand his ground. But he again reasoned that he had no armour for his back. He therefore thought that to turn his back to Apollyon might give the fiend the greater advantage to easily pierce him with his darts. Therefore Christian resolved to stand his ground, for he thought, Had I no more in my mind than the saving of my life, it would be the best way to stand." So he went on, and Apollyon met him. Now the monster was hideous to behold. He was clothed with scales like a fish. He had wings like a dragon, feet like a bear. Out of his belly came fire and smoke, and his mouth was like the mouth of a lion. When he had come up to Christian, he looked upon him with an arrogant stare, and thus began to dispute with him. Where have you come from, and where are you going? Christian, I have come from the city of destruction, which is the place of all evil, and I am going to the celestial city. Apollyon, by this I perceive that you are one of my subjects, for all that country is mine, and I am the prince of it. How is it, then, that you run away from your monarch? Were it not that I hoped you would return to my service, I would strike you down with one blow to the ground. Christian, I was born indeed in your dominions, but your service was hard, and your wages were such as a man could not live on, for the wages of sin is death. Napoleon, there's no prince who will thus lightly lose his subjects, nor will I lose you. But since you complain of your service and wages, be content to come back, and the best that our country can afford I promise to give you." Christian. But I have pledged myself to another, even to the king of princes, so how can I, with fairness, go back with you?" Apollyon. You've gone from bad to worse. It is common for those who profess themselves to be his servants, after a while, to give him the slip, and return again to me. If you do so also, then all shall be well for you. Christian, I have sworn my allegiance to him. How, then, can I go back and not be hanged as a traitor? Apollyon, you did the same to me, and yet I am willing to overlook that. If now you will yet turn again and come back— Christian, what I promised to you was from my youthful foolishness. Besides, the King, under whose banner I now stand, is able to absolve me, yes, and to pardon my former compliance with you. Besides, O destroying Apollyon, to speak the truth, I like his service, his wages, his servants, his government, his company, and his country better than yours. Therefore cease trying to persuade me further. I am his servant, and I will follow him." Consider again what you are likely to meet with along the way that you are now going. You know that for the most part his servants come to a wretched end, because they are transgressors against me and my ways. How many of them have been put to shameful deaths! And besides, you count his service better than mine. But he never delivers any who serve him out of my hands. But as for me, how many times, as all the world very well knows, have I delivered those who have faithfully served me from him, either by power or fraud? Just so, I will deliver you. Christian. His refraining to deliver his servants at present is on purpose to test their love whether they will cleave to him to the end. You say that they will come to a wretched ending, but in fact it is most glorious. As for present deliverance, they do not much expect it, for they wait patiently for their triumph, and they shall have it when their king comes, in his glory, with all of his angels. Apollyon. You've already been unfaithful in your service to him. So why do you think that you'll receive his wages? Christian, in what, O Apollyon, have I been unfaithful to him? Apollyon, you were discouraged at first setting out, when you were almost choked in the swamp of Despond. You attempted wrong ways to be rid of your burden, whereas you should have waited until your king had taken it off. You sinfully slept and lost your scroll. At the sight of the lions you were almost persuaded to go back. And when you talked of your journey, and of what you have heard and seen, you were secretly proud of all that you said and did. Christian." All this is true, and much more which you have left out. But the king, whom I serve and honour, is merciful and ready to forgive. Besides, I acquired these infirmities in your country, and I have groaned under them, been sorry for them, and have obtained pardon from my king." Then Apollyon broke out into a furious rage, saying, I am an enemy to this king. I hate his person, his laws, and his people. I have come out on purpose to destroy you. Christian, Apollyon, beware what you do! I am on the king's highway—the way of holiness—therefore take heed!' Then Apollyon straddled over the whole road, and said,—'I am not afraid. Prepare yourself to die. I swear by my infernal den that you shall go no further. Here I will spill your blood.' And with that Apollyon threw a flaming dart at his heart. But Christian had a shield in his hand with which he caught the dart, and so prevented that danger. Then Christian prepared himself for battle, as Apollyon rushed at him, throwing darts as thick as hail. Yet notwithstanding all that Christian could do to avoid it, Apollyon wounded him in his head, his hand, and his foot. This made Christian slightly retreat. Apollyon therefore continued his furious attack. Christian again took courage and resisted as manfully as he could. This intense combat lasted for more than half a day, until Christian was nearly exhausted. For Christian, because of his wounds, was becoming weaker and weaker. Then Apollyon, seeing his opportunity, forced himself closer to Christian, and wrestling with him gave him a dreadful fall, and with that Christian's sword flew out of his hand. Then Apollyon almost pressed him to death, so that Christian began to despair of life. Then Apollyon exclaimed, I am sure of you now. But, as God would have it, while Apollyon was fetching his last blow to make a full end of him, Christian nimbly stretched out his hand for his sword and grasped it, saying,—'Do not gloat over me, O my enemy!' Though I have fallen, I will again rise, and with that he gave Apollyon a deadly thrust, which made him fall back as one who had received a mortal wound. Christian, perceiving that, rushed at him, saying, In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us, and with that Apollyon spread his dragon wings and sped away, so that Christian saw him no more for a season. No man can imagine what yelling and hideous roaring Apollyon made during all this combat, and on the other side what sighs and groans burst from Christian's heart. He struggled fiercely until he perceived that he had wounded Apollyon with his two-edged sword. Then, indeed, he looked upward with thanksgiving. So when the battle was over, Christian said, I will here give thanks to him who delivered me out of the mouth of the lion, to him who helped me against Apollyon. Then a hand came to him with some of the leaves of the tree of life which Christian took and applied to the wounds which he had received in the battle and was healed immediately. He also sat down to eat the bread and to drink from the bottle which were given to him at the palace beautiful. so being refreshed Christian continued his journey with his sword drawn in his hand for he thought I do not know but that some other enemy may be nearby but he met with no other attack from Apollyon through the remainder of the valley The Valley of the Shadow of Death Now at the end of the valley of humiliation was the valley of the shadow of death. Christian needed to go through it because it was the only way to the celestial city. Now this valley was a very solitary place. The prophet Jeremiah thus describes it, a wilderness, a land of deserts and of pits a land of drought and of the shadow of death, a land that no man but a Christian passed through, and where no man dwelt. Now here Christian had a more difficult battle than in his fight with Apollyon, as you shall see by what follows. I saw then in my dream, when Christian came to the borders of the Valley of the Shadow of Death, that two men hurrying back met him. They were children of those who brought back an evil report of the good land of Canaan. Christian then questioned as follows. Christian, where are you going? They cried, Back! back! And if you prize either peace or life, then you will turn back also. Why? What's the matter? Christian wondered. Matter! they exclaimed. We were going the same way as you are now travelling, and went as far as we dared. Indeed, we were almost past being able to come back, for had we gone a little further we would not have been here to bring the news to you." Christian, but what have you met with? Men, why, we were almost in the valley of the shadow of death, but fortunately we looked ahead and saw the danger before we came to it. Christian, but what did you see? See, why, the valley itself, which is as dark as pitch. We saw hobgoblins, satyrs, and dragons of the pit. We also heard a continual howling and yelling like people under unutterable misery who sat bound in affliction and chains. And over that valley hangs the discouraging clouds of confusion. Death always spreads his wings over it. In a word, it is in every way dreadful and utterly chaotic." Christian. In spite of what you said, yet this is the way to my desired haven. Men, though it's your way, we will certainly not choose it for ours.' So they parted, and Christian went on his way, keeping his sword drawn in his hand, for fear that he would be assaulted. I then saw in my dream that as far as this valley stretched there was a very deep ditch on the right hand. That is the ditch into which the blind have led the blind in all ages, and have both miserably perished there. Behold, on the left hand was a very dangerous quagmire. into which, if even a godly man falls, he can find no bottom for his foot to stand on. Into that quagmire King David once fell, and no doubt would have been smothered, had not he who is able plucked him out. The pathway through this valley was exceedingly narrow. Therefore Christian had great difficulty. For when he sought, in the dark, to shun the ditch on the one side, he was ready to tip over into the mire on the other side. As he carefully sought to escape the mire, he would almost fall into the ditch. Thus he went on, sighing bitterly, for besides the dangers mentioned above, the pathway was so dark that often, when he lifted his foot to step forward, he did not know where or upon what he would set it next. And in the midst of this valley he saw the mouth of hell, which was very close to the narrow path. Now, thought Christian, what shall I do? The flame and smoke would continually come out in such abundance with sparks and hideous noises, things which Christian could not fight with his sword as he did Apollyon before. Therefore he was forced to put his sword away. and take up another weapon called All Prayer. So he cried out, O Lord, I beseech you, deliver my soul. Thus he went on for a great while, with the flames still reaching towards him. He also heard doleful voices and rushings to and fro, so that oftentimes he thought he would be torn in pieces or trodden down like mire in the streets. This frightful sight was seen, and these dreadful noises were heard by him for several miles. Arriving at a place where he thought he heard a company of fiends coming forward to meet him, he stopped and pondered what was best for him to do. Sometimes he had half a mind to go back. Then again he thought he might be already half way through the valley. He also remembered how he had already vanquished many dangers, and that the danger of going back might now be much more than for him to go forward. So he resolved to persevere on the dangerous path. Yet the fiends came nearer and nearer, and when they were almost upon him he cried out with a most forceful voice,—'I will walk in the strength of the Lord my God!' With this the fiends retreated and came no further. It's important to note that now poor Christian was so bewildered that he did not know his own voice. Just when he had come near the mouth of the burning pit, one of the wicked ones snuck up stealthily behind him, whispering and suggesting many grievous blasphemies to him, which, he thought, had proceeded from his own mind. This tried Christian, more than anything that he met with before, to think that he would now blaspheme him who he loved so much. Yet, if he could have helped it, he would not have done it. But he had not the discretion to either stop his ears or to know from whence these blasphemies came. When Christian had travelled in this disconsolate condition for a considerable time, he thought that he heard the voice of a man somewhere ahead of him, saying,—'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.' then he was glad and for these reasons first because he realized by this that someone who feared God was in this valley as well as himself secondly he realized that God was with him in that dark and dismal state though he could not perceive him Thirdly, he hoped that he could overtake the person ahead of him and to have company soon. So Christian went on and called to the person ahead of him. But that person did not know what to answer, for he also thought that he was alone. By and by, the day broke. Then Christian said, He has turned the shadow of death into mourning. Morning having come, Christian looked back, not out of a desire to return, but to see by the light of the day what hazards he'd gone through in the dark. He saw more perfectly the ditch which was on the one hand, and the quagmire which was on the other side. He also realized how narrow the way was which lay between them both. Now he saw the hobgoblins, satyrs, and dragons of the pit, but all were afar off, for during the day they did not come near. Yet they were revealed to him according to that which is written. He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light. Now Christian was much affected with his deliverance from all the dangers of his solitary way. These dangers, though he feared them more before, yet he saw them more clearly now, because the light of the day made them conspicuous to him. Walking now in the daylight was another mercy to Christian, for though the first part of the valley of the shadow of death was dangerous, yet this second part, which he had yet to travel, was, if possible, far more dangerous. From the place where he now stood, even to the end of the valley, the whole way was so full of snares, traps, snags, nets, pitfalls, and entanglements, that had it now been dark, as it was when he travelled the first part of the valley, though he had a thousand lives, he still would have perished. But just now the sun was rising. Then Christian said, his candle shines upon my head, and by his light I walk through darkness. In this light, therefore, he came to the end of the valley. Now I saw in my dream that at the end of this valley lay blood, bones, ashes, and mangled bodies of men, even of pilgrims who had previously gone this way. While I was pondering this, I spotted a cave a little ahead of Pilgrim, where two giants, Pope and Pagan, dwelt in olden times. By their power and tyranny the men whose bones, blood, ashes, and mangled bodies which lay there had been cruelly put to death. But Christian went by this place without much danger, whereupon I was somewhat bewildered. I have learned since that Pagan has been dead for a long time. As for Pope, though he is still alive, he is, by reason of old age, and also of the many defeats which he met with in his younger days, has grown so deranged in mind and stiff in his joints, that he can now do little more than sit in his cave's mouth, glaring at pilgrims as they go by, and biting his nails because he cannot get at them. So I saw that Christian went on his way. At the sight of the old man who sat in the mouth of the cave, he could not tell what to think, especially because Pope spoke to him, though he could not go after Christian, saying, You will never mend until more of you are burned. But Christian was silent, and so went by without being harmed. Then Christian sang. oh world of wonders I can say no less that I should be preserved in that distress that I have met with here oh blessed be that hand that from it has delivered me dangers and darkness devils hell and sin did compass me while I this valley was in yes snares and pits and traps and nets did lie my path about That worthless, foolish I might have been caught, entangled, and cast down. But since I live, let Jesus wear the crown. you Christian meets with faithful now as Christian went on his way he came to a little ascent which was built on purpose that pilgrims might see ahead of them therefore Christian went up and looking forward he saw faithful ahead of him on his journey Then Christian cried aloud,—'Ho! ho! wait for me, and I'll be your companion.' At that Faithful looked behind him, and Christian called again,—'Stop! wait till I catch up with you.' But Faithful answered,— No, I'm running for my life, for the avenger of blood is behind me!" At this Christian roused, and putting forth all his strength, quickly caught up with Faithful, and even ran past him, so the last became the first. Then Christian smugly smiled, because he had gotten ahead of Faithful. But, not watching where he was going, he suddenly stumbled and fell, and was unable to get back up, until Faithful came to help him. Then I saw in my dream that they went on very amably together, and had sweet conversation about the things that had happened to each of them on their pilgrimage. Christian My honoured and well-beloved brother, I am glad that I have caught up with you, and that God has made us so like-minded that we can walk as companions in this very pleasant path. Faithful I had thought, dear friend, to have had your company much sooner, for you started out before me. Therefore I was forced to come alone thus far.' Christian, how long did you stay in the City of Destruction before you set out on your pilgrimage?' Faithful, until I could stay no longer, for right after you left there was great talk that our city would soon be burned down to the ground with fire from heaven.' Christian, Did our neighbours really talk so?" Faithful. "'Yes, for a while. It was the talk of the town.' Christian, were you the only one that fled to escape the danger?" Faithful. "'Though there was, as I said, great talk about the imminent destruction of our city, yet I do not think they truly believed it. For in the heat of the discussions I heard some of them deridingly speak of you and of your desperate journey, for so they called your pilgrimage.' But I did believe, and still do, that our city will be destroyed with fire and brimstone from above, and therefore I have made my escape." Christian. Did you hear talk of neighbour Pliable? Faithful. Yes. I heard that he followed you, until he came to the swamp of Despond, where, as some said, he fell in. Yet he would never admit to having done so. But I'm sure he was bedabbled with the mire from the swamp." Christian. And what did the neighbours say about him? Faithful. Since his coming back to the city, he's been harshly derided by all sorts of people. Some mock and despise him. Scarcely will any employ him. He's now seven times worse off than if he'd never left the city. But why should they be so much against him, since they despise the narrow way that he forsook? FAITHFUL. Oh, they say hang him. He's a turncoat. He's not true to his profession of religion. I think that God has even stirred up his enemies to hiss at him and make him a proverb, because he's forsaken the narrow way. Were you able to talk with him before you left the City of Destruction? Faithful. I did meet him once in the streets, but he slunk away on the other side as one ashamed of what he had done. So I was unable to speak with him. Christian. Well, at my first setting out I had hoped for pliable. But now I fear he'll perish in the overthrow of the city, for it's happened to him, according to the true proverb, a dog returns to his vomit, and a sow, having been washed, to her wallowing in the mire. Faithful, these are my fears for him too. But who can prevent his downfall?' Christian. Well, neighbour Faithful, let us now talk of things which more immediately concern ourselves. So tell me, what have you met with as you travelled along the way? FAITHFUL. I escaped the swamp which you fell into, and got up to the gate without that danger, but—I met with one named Wanton, who would have liked to have done great harm to me. Oh, it was well that you escaped her, Nett. Joseph was also greatly tempted by her, and he escaped her, just as you did, but it nearly cost him his life. What did she do to you, faithful? You cannot imagine what a flattering tongue she had. She strongly urged me to go with her, promising me all kinds of fleshly delights. Christian. But did she promise you the contentment of a good conscience? Faithful. No, only the delights of the flesh. Christian. Thank God that you have escaped her. The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit. He who is abhorred by the Lord will fall into it. FAITHFUL. I do not know whether I wholly escaped her or not. CHRISTIAN. Why, I trust that you do not consent to her evil desires? FAITHFUL. No, not to defile myself. For I remember an old writing which said, Her steps lead to hell. So I shut my eyes, that I would not be bewitched with her seductive looks. Then she maligned me, at which I quickly left her. Christian. Did you meet with any other assaults as you journeyed? Faithful, when I came to the foot of the Hill of Difficulty, I met with a very aged man, who asked me who I was and where I was going. I told him that I am a pilgrim going to the Celestial City. Then the old man said,—'You look like an honest fellow.' you be content to dwell with me for the wages that I shall give you?" I asked him his name and where he lived. He said his name was Adam the First, and that he dwelt in the Town of Deceit. I further asked him what his work was, and what were the wages that he would pay. He told me that his work was many delights, and his wages were that I would be his heir at last. He told me that his house was filled with all the dainties of the world. Then I asked if he had any children. He said that he had three daughters—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—and that I could marry them all if I desired. I asked him how long he would have me to live with him, and he told me as long as he lived himself. Christian, well, what conclusion did you and the old man come to at last? Faithful, why, at first I found myself somewhat inclined to go with the man, for his words were very appealing to me. But as I talked with him I saw written on his forehead, Put off the old man with his wicked deeds. Christian, and what then? Faithful, then it flashed into my mind that whatever he said and however he flattered me, that if he brought me to his house he would sell me for a slave. So I told him to be quiet, for I had not come near the door of his house. Then he reviled me, and told me that he would send one after me who would make my way most bitter. So, just as I turned to leave him, I felt him take hold of my flesh, and he pulled me with such a fierce wrench that I thought he had torn part of me off. This made me cry out,—'Oh, what a wretched man I am!' So I escaped, and went on my way up the hill. Now, when I had gone about half-way up, I looked behind me, and saw one coming after me as swift as the wind. He overtook me just about the place where the arbour stands. Christian, that was the same place where I sat down to rest, and being overcome with sleep, I lost my scroll. Faithful, but good brother, hear me out. As soon as the man overtook me, he gave me a blow, and knocked me down, nearly killing me. When I somewhat revived, I asked him why he abused me so. He replied, because of your secret inclining to Adam I. With that he struck me another deadly blow on my chest, and beat me down backward, so I lay at his feet as dead. When I recovered again, I cried to him for mercy, but he said, I do not know how to show mercy, and with that he knocked me down again. No doubt he would have made an end of me, but that one came by and commanded him to refrain. Christian, who was it that made him stop? Faithful, I did not know him at first, but as he went by I noticed the holes in his hands and in his side. Then I concluded that he was our Lord. So I continued up the hill. Christian, that man who overtook you was Moses. He spares none, neither does he know how to show mercy to those who transgress his law. Faithful, I know it very well, for it is not the first time that he has met with me. It was he who came to me when I dwelt securely at home, and had told me that he would burn my house down over my head if I stayed there. But did you not see the palace which stood there on the top of the hill?" Faithful. Yes, and the lions too. But for the lions I think they were asleep, for it was about noon. Because I had so much of the day before me, I passed by the porter and continued down the hill." Christian. He told me indeed that he saw you go by. But I wish you had called at the house, for they would have shown you so many rarities that you would have never forgotten them to the day of your death. But please tell me, did you meet anyone in the Valley of Humiliation?" Faithful. Yes, I met with one named Discontent, who attempted to persuade me to go back with him. His reason was that the valley was entirely without honour. He told me, moreover, that to go there would displease all my relatives, such as pride, arrogance, self-conceit, worldly glory, along with others whom he said would be very much offended if I made such a fool of myself as to travel through the valley of humiliation.' Christian. Well, and how did you answer him? I told him that although all these whom he named might claim friendship with me, rightly so, for indeed they were my relatives according to the flesh, yet since I became a pilgrim they have disowned me, as I also have rejected them, and therefore they were now to me no more than if they had never been my kinsmen. I told him, moreover, that he had misrepresented this valley, for humility comes before honour. I told discontent that I'd rather go through this valley to obtain the honour so highly valued by the wise than to choose that which he esteemed more worthy. Christian, did you meet with anything else in that valley? Faithful, yes. I met with shame. But of all the men that I met with in my pilgrimage I think that he bore the wrong name. He would have been more appropriately named Shameless. Christian, why? What did he say to you? Faithful. What? Why? He objected against religion itself. He said that it was a pitiful, inferior, unmanly business for one to mind religion. He said that a tender conscience was an unmanly thing, and that for a man to watch over his words and ways, which the most popular people use, would make him the ridicule of the times. He also said that only a few of the mighty rich or wise were ever of my opinion, and that these few were fools to venture the loss of all for who knows what. He also objected to the poor and despised condition of all the pilgrims of the past, along with their ignorance and lack of understanding of all the new scientific theories. Yes, he also berated me about a great many more things than I relate here. He told me that it was a shame to sit convicted and mourning under a sermon, or to be deeply concerned about eternal realities. He also said it was a shame to ask my neighbor to forgive my petty faults, or to make restitution where I had stolen from any. He also said that religion made a man appear odd and strange to the great people of this world, and that pilgrims were, for the most part, poor and lowly. To him this was a great shame. Christian, and what did you say to him? faithful, say, I was so ashamed and humiliated that I could not see anything at first. But at last I began to consider that what is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. Shame had told me what is acceptable by worldly men, but he told me nothing about what God desires and commands. I also thought that at the final judgment we shall not be designated to death or life according to the standards of the world, but according to the wisdom and law of the Most High God. Therefore what God says is indeed the best, though all men in the world may disagree with Him. Seeing then that God prefers his divine religion, and a tender conscience, and that those who make themselves fools for the kingdom of heaven are the wisest, and the poor man who loves Christ is richer than the greatest man in the world who hates him, depart shame! for you are an enemy to my salvation. Shall I take your side against my sovereign lord? If I am now ashamed of his ways and servants, how then shall I look him in the face and receive his blessing at his coming? Indeed, this shame was a bold villain. I could scarcely shake him off. Yes, he continued haunting me and whispering in my ear some of the hindrances which attend true religion, but at last I told him that it was in vain to attempt to further dissuade me, for those things which he so disdained were the most glorious in my eyes. So at last I got past this most troublesome person. When I'd finally shaken him off, Then I began to sing. The trials that those men do meet withal, Who are obedient to the heavenly call, Are manifold and suited to the flesh, And come, and come, and come again afresh, That now, or sometime else, we may by them May be taken, overcome, and cast away. Oh, let the pilgrims—let the pilgrims, then, be vigilant, and act courageous, like men." Christian. Oh, I am glad, my brother, that you withstood this villain so bravely, for, as you say, I think he has the wrong name, for he is so bold as to follow us in the streets and attempt to put us to shame before all men. He seeks to make us ashamed of that which is good. If he were not so audacious, he would never attempt to do as he does. But let us still resist him, for, notwithstanding all his bravados, he is nothing but a brazen fool." "'The wise shall inherit honour,' said Solomon, "'but he holds fools up to shame.' Faithful, I think we must cry to him for help against shame. He would have us be valiant for the truth upon the earth.' Christian, that is true. Did you meet anybody else in the Valley of Humiliation?' Faithful, no, not I, for I had sunshine all the rest of the way through, and also through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Christian, it was well for you, but it fared far otherwise with me. Almost as soon as I entered into the Valley of Humiliation I had a long and dreadful combat with that foul fiend of Pollyon. Yes, I truly thought he would have killed me, especially when he got me down and pressed me under him as he would have crushed me to pieces. Then he threw me and my sword flew out of my hand. He railed that he was sure of me now, but I cried to God and he heard me. and delivered me out of all my troubles. Then I entered into the valley of the shadow of death and had no light for almost half the way through it. I thought I would have been killed there over and over, but as the day broke and the sun arose I went through the remainder of this valley with far more ease and quiet. you