Pilgrim's progress continued. Number two. And now Christian began to be sorry that he had taken Mr. Worldly Wiseman's counsel, and with that he saw Evangelist coming to meet him, at the sight also of whom he began to blush for shame. So Evangelist drew nearer and nearer, and coming up to him he looked upon him with a severe and dreadful countenance, and thus began to reason with Christian. What are you doing here, Christian? At which words Christian knew not what to answer, therefore at present he stood speechless before him. Then said Evangelist further, Are not you the man that I found crying without the walls of the city of destruction? Christian said, Yes, dear sir, I am the man. And did not I direct you the way to the little wicked gate? Yes, dear sir, said Christian. How is it, then, that you were so quickly turned aside? For you are now out of the way. Christian said I met with the gentleman so soon as I'd got over to Slough Despond. who persuaded me that I might, in the village before me, find a man that would take off my burden. What was he? Krishna said he looked like a gentleman, and talked much to me, and got me at last to yield. So I came here, and when I beheld this hill and how it hangs over the way, I suddenly made a stand lest it should fall on my head. What said that gentleman to you? asked the evangelist. Why, he asked me. where I was going and I told him. And then what did he say? He asked me if I had a family and I told him, but I said, I'm so loaded with the burden that is on my back that I cannot take pleasure in them as formally. Evangelos asked what said he then. Well, he bid me with speed get rid of my burden, and I told him that it was ease that I thought, and I said I'm therefore going to yonder gate to receive further direction how I may get to the place of deliverance. So he said that he would show me a better way. In short, in shorter, Not so attended with difficulties as the way that you set me in, which way you said will direct you to a gentleman's house, did his skill to take off these burdens. So I believed him, and turned out of that way into this. If happily I might soon be eased of my burden, but when I came to this place, and beheld things as they are, I stopped for fear of danger, but I know not what to do. Then said Evangelist, stand a little still, that I may show you the words of God. So he stood trembling. Then said Evangelist, See that ye refuse not him that speaks. For if ye escape not, who refuse him that spake on earth? Much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven. He said, Moreover, now the just shall live by faith. But if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. He also did thus apply them. You are the man that are running into this misery. You have begun to reject the counsel of the Most High, and to draw back your foot from the way of peace, even almost to the hazarding of your petition. And Christian fell down at his feet as dead, crying, Woe is me, for I am undone. It decided which evangelist caught him by the right hand, saying, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men. Be not faithless, but believing. Then did Christian again a little revive, and stood up trembling, as at first, before evangelist. Then Evangelist proceeded, saying, Give more earnest heed to the things that I shall tell you of. I will now show you who it is that deluded you, and who it was also to whom he sent you, the man that met you as one worldly wise man. And rightly is he so called, partly because he savors only the doctrine of this world. Therefore he always goes to the town of morality to church. One, he's turning you out of the way. It's him best from the cross. And because he is of this carnal temper, therefore he seeks to pervert my ways, though right. Now there are three things in this man's counsel that you must utterly abhor. One, his turning you out of the way. Two, his laboring to render the cross odious to you. And three, his setting your feet in that way that leads to the administration of death. First, you must abhor his turning you out of the way, and your own consenting to this, because this is to reject the counsel of God for the sake of the counsel of a worldly wise man. The Lord says, Strive to enter at the straight gate, the gate to which I send you, for straight is the gate that leads to life. and few there be that find it. From this little wicked gate, and from the way to it, is this wicked man turned you, to the bringing of you almost to destruction. Therefore hate is turning you out of the way, and abhor yourself for hearkening to him. Secondly, you must abhor his laboring to render the cross odious to you, For you are to prefer it before the treasures in Egypt. Besides, the King of Glories told you that he that will save his life shall lose it. And he that comes after me and hates not his father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters, yea, in his own life also, cannot be my disciple. I say therefore for man to labor to persuade you The death shall be your death, without which the truth has said, you cannot have eternal life. This doctrine you must abhor. Thirdly, you must hate his setting of your feet in the way that leads to the ministration of death, and for this you must consider to whom he sent you. and also how unable that person was to deliver you from your burden. He to whom you was sent for ease, being by name Legality, is a son of the bondwoman which now is, and is in bondage with her children, and is in a mystery this Mount Sinai which you have feared will fall on your head. Now, if she with her children are in bondage, how can you expect by them to be made free? This legality, therefore, is not able to set you free from your burden. No man was ever yet rid of his burden by him. No, nor ever is like to be. You cannot be justified by the works of the law. For by the deeds of the law no man living can be rid of his burden. Therefore Mr. Worldly Wiseman is an alien, and Mr. Legality is a cheat. And for his son Civility, notwithstanding his simpering looks, he is but a hypocrite, and cannot help you. Believe me, there is nothing in all this noise that you have heard of these Sadish men. but a design to beguile you of your salvation by turning you from the way in which I set you. After this Evangelist called aloud to the heavens for confirmation of what he had said. And with that there came words and fire out of the mountain under which poor Christian stood to made the hair of the flesh stand up. The words were thus pronounced as many as served the works of the law. are under the curse, for it is written curse is everyone that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Now Christian looked for nothing but death, and began to cry out lamentably, even cursing the time in which he met with Mr. Worldly Wiseman, still calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening to his counsel. He also was greatly ashamed to think that this gentleman's arguments, flowing only from the flesh, should have had the prevalency with him as to cause him to forsake the right way. This done, he applied himself again to evangelist and words and sentences follow. Sir, what do you think? Is there hope? May I now go back and go up to the wicket gate? Shall I not be abandoned for this, and sent back from you ashamed? I am sorry I have hearkened to this man's counsel, but may my sin be forgiven." Then said Evangelist to him, Your sin is very great, for by it you have committed two evils. You have forsaken the way that is good, to tread in forbidden paths. Yet, will a man at a gate receive you, free as good will for men? Only, he said, take heed, that you turn not aside again, lest you perish from the way when as wrath as kindle but a little. Then did Christian address himself to go back, and Evangelist, after he had kissed him, gave him one smile, and bid him Godspeed. So he went on with haste, neither spake he to any man by the way, nor, if any man asked him, would he vouchsafe them an answer. He went like one that was all the while treading on forbidden ground, and could by no means think himself safe. till again he was gone into the way which he left, to follow Mr. Worldly Wiseman's counsel. So in the process of time, Christian got up to the gate. Now over the gate there was written, Knock, and it shall be opened to you. He that will enter in must first without. Stand knocking at the gate, nor need he doubt. That is a knocker but to enter in, for God can love him. and forgive his sin. He knocked therefore more than once or twice, saying, May I now enter here? Will he within open a sorry me? Though I have been an undeserving rebel, then shall I not fail to sing his lasting praise on high. At last there came a grave person to the gate, named Goodwill, who asked, Who is there? And whence he came, and what would he have? Here is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the city of destruction, but I'm going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come. I would therefore, sir, since I'm informed that by this gate is a way there, know if you are willing to let me in." Goodwill said, I am willing with all my heart. And with that he opened the gate. So when Christian was stepping in, the other gave him a pull. Then said Christian, what does that mean? The other told him, a little distance from this gate there is erected a strong castle of which Beelzebub is a captain. And from thence both he and them that are with him shoot arrows at those that come up to this gate, if happily they may die before they can enter in. Then said Christian, I rejoice and tremble. So when he was got in, the man of the gate asked him who directed him here. Evangelist bid me come here, and knock, as I did. And he said that you, sir, would tell me what I must do. Goodwill said, an open door is set before you, and no man can shut it. Now I began to reap the benefits of my hazards, Christian said. But how is it that you came alone? Because none of my neighbors saw their danger as I saw mine. Did any of them know of your coming? Yes, my wife and children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn again. Also, some of my neighbors stood crying and calling after me to return, but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way. But did none of them follow you to persuade you to go back? Yes, both obstinate and pliable, but when they saw that they could not prevail, Obstinate went railing back, but pliable came with me a little way. But why did he not come through? We indeed came both together, until we came at the slough despond, into the which he also suddenly fell, and then was my neighbor pliable discouraged, and would not venture further. Therefore, getting out again on that side next to his own house, he told me I should possess a brave country alone for him. So he went his way, and I came mine. He after obstinate, and I to this gate, then said good will. Alas, poor man, is a celestial glory of so small esteem with him, that he counts it not worth running the hazards of a few difficulties to obtain it, truly said Christian. I have said the truth appliable, and if I should also say all the truth of myself, it will appear there is no betterment between him and myself. It is true he went back to his own house, but I also turned aside to go in the way of death, being persuaded thereto by the carnal arguments of one Mr. Worldly Wiseman. Oh, did he lie upon you? What, to have you seek for ease at the hands of Mr. Legality? Dear, both of them, a very cheat. But did you take his counsel? Yes, as far as I dared. I went to find out Mr. Legality. until I thought that the mountains that stands by his house would have fallen upon my head. Therefore, I was forced to stop. The mountains has been the death of many, said Goodwill, and will be the death of many more. It is well you escaped, or you would have been dashed in pieces. Why, truly, I do not know what had become of me there. and not evangelist happily met me again, as I was musing in the midst of my dumps. But it was God's mercy that came to me again, for else I'd never come here. But now that I am come, such a one as I am, more fit indeed for death by that mountain than thus to stand talking with my Lord. But oh, what a favor it is to me, that yet I am admitted entrance here!" Goodwill said. We make no objections against any. Notwithstanding all that they have done before to came here, Dear no wise cast out, and therefore good Christian, come a little way with me, and I will teach you about the way that you must go. Look, before you, do you see this narrow way? That is the way that you must go. It was cast out by the patriarchs, prophets, Christ and his apostles, and it is as straight as a rule can make it. This is the way you must go. But, said Christian, are there no turnings or windings by which a stranger may lose his way? Yes, there are many, and they are crooked and wide. But, thus, you must distinguish the right from the wrong, the right only being straight and narrow. Then I saw in my dream, De Christian asked him further if he could not help him off with this burden that was upon his back. For as yet, he had not gotten rid of it, nor could he by any means get it off without help. He told him, as to your burden, be content to bear it until you come to the place of deliverance, for there it will fall off your back of itself. Then Christian began to gird up his loins and to address himself to his journey. And so the other told him that by that he was gone some distance from the gate. He would come at the house of the interpreter, at whose door he should knock, and he would show him excellent things. Then Christian took his leave of his friend, and he again bid him Godspeed. Then he went on till he came to the house of the interpreter, where he knocked over and over. At last one came to the door and asked who was there. Sir, here is a traveler who is bid by an acquaintance of the good man of this house to call here for my profit. I would therefore speak with the master of the house. So he called for the master of the house, who after a little time came to Christian. and asked him what he would have. Sir, said Christian, I'm a man that had come from the city of destruction, and I am going to the Mount Zion, and I was told by the man that stands at the gate and ahead of this way, that if I called here, you would show me excellent things, such as would be a help to me in my journey. Then said the interpreter, come in. I will show you that which will be profitable to you. So he commanded his man to light the candle, and bid Christian to follow him. So he had him into a private room, and bid his man open a door, to which when he was done, Christian saw the picture of a very grave person hang up against a wall, and this was the fashion of it. It had eyes lifted up to heaven to pass the books in his hand. The law of truth was written upon his lips. The world was behind his back. It stood as if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold hung over its head. Then said Christian, What does this mean? The man whose picture this is is one of a thousand. He can beget children, travel in birth with children, and nurse them himself when they are born. And whereas you see him with his eyes lift up to heaven, to pass the books in his hand, and the law of truth writ on his lips, it is to show you that it is work. is to know and unfold dark things to sinners. Even also, you see him stand as if he pleaded with men, and whereas you see the world is cast behind him, and that a crown hangs over his head, that is to show you that sliding and despising the things that are present, for the love that he has to his master's service, He is sure in the world that comes next to have glory for his reward. Now, said the interpreter, I've shown you this picture first, because the man whose picture this is is the only man whom the Lord of the Place, where you are going, has authorized to be your guide in all difficult places that you meet with and the way. Therefore, take good heed to what I've showed you. And bear well in your mind what you have seen, lest in your journey you meet with some that pretend to lead you right, but their way goes down to death." Then he took him by the hand and led him into a very large parlor that was full of dust. because it had never been swept. The witch, after he had reviewed a little while, the interpreter called for a man to sweep it. Now when he began to sweep, the dust began so abundantly to fly about. The Christian had almost therewith been choked. Then said the interpreter to a damsel that stood by, Bring here the water. and sprinkled the room, to which, when she had done, it was swept and cleansed with pleasure. Then said Christian, What does this mean? The interpreter answered, This parlour is the heart of a man that was never sanctified by the sweet grace of the gospel. The dust is his original sin and inward corruptions that have defiled the whole man. He then began to sweep it first. It's the law, but she either brought water and sprinkled it. It's the gospel. Now, whereas you saw, it's as soon as the first began to sweep, the dust did so fly about that the room by him could not be cleansed, but that you were almost choked with it. This is to show you that the law, instead of cleansing the heart by its working from sin, revives and puts strength into and increases it in the soul, even as it does discover and forbid it, for it does not give power to subdue again. as you saw the damsel sprinkle the room with water, upon which it was cleansed with pleasure. This is to show you to when the gospel comes and the sweet and precious influences of it to the heart. Then I say, even as you saw the damsel lay the dust by sprinkling the floor with water, so is sin vanquished and subdued, and the soul made clean through the faith of it. and consequently fit for the King of Glory to inhabit. I saw moreover in my dream that the interpreter took him by the hand and had him into a little room where sat two children, each one in his chair. The name of the eldest was Passion. in the name of the other. Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontented. But Patience was very quiet. Then Christian asked, What is the reason of the discontent of Passion? The interpreter answered, The governor of them would have them stay for his bath thanks till the beginning of the next year. But he will have all now. But Patience is willing to wait. And I saw that one came to Passion, and brought him a bag of treasure, and poured it down at his feet, which he took up and rejoiced in it, and with all laughed Patience to scorn. But I beheld but a little while, and he had lavished it all away. and had nothing left him but rags. Then said Christian to the interpreter, Expound this manner more fully to me. So the interpreter said, These two lads are figures, passion of the men of this world, and patience of the men of that which is to come. For as here you see, passion will have all now, this year. That is to say, in this world, so are the men of this world. They must have all their good things now. They cannot stay till next year. That is, until the next world. For their portion of good, that proverb, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. is of more authority with them than are all the divine testimonies of the good world to come. But, as he saw that he had quickly lavished all away, and had presently left him nothing but rags, so will it be with all such men at the end of this world. Then said Christian, Now I see that patience has the best wisdom, And that upon many accounts, first, because he stays for the bad things, second, and also because he will have the glory of his, when the other has nothing but rags. Interpreter said, Nay, you may add another. To wit, to glory of the next world will never wear out. But these are suddenly gone. Therefore passion did not so much reason to laugh at patience, because he had his good things first. His patience will have to laugh at passion, because he had his bad things last. For first must give place to last. Because last must have his time to come, but last gives place to nothing, for there is another to succeed. He therefore that has his portion first must needs have a time to spend it, but he that has his portion last must have it last in lee, therefore it is said of dives. You in your lifetime received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things, but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. Then Christian said, I perceive it is not best to covet things that are now, but to wait for things to come. You say the truth. For to the things which are seen are temporal, but to things which are not seen are eternal. But though this be so, yet since things present in our fleshly appetite are such as near neighbors one to another, and again because things to come in carnal sense are such strangers one to another, therefore it is, that the first of these shall suddenly fall into amity, and the distance is so continued between the second. 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, and I was standing by it. I was casting much water on it to quench it, yet did the fire burn higher and hotter. Then said Krishan, What does this mean? The interpreter answered, This fire is a work of grace that is wrought in the heart. He that casts water upon it to extinguish and put it out. It's the devil, but in that you see the fire notwithstanding burning higher and hotter. You shall also see the reason of that. So he had him about to the back side of the wall, where he saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand, of the which he did also continually cast, but secretly, into the fire. "'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 the means of which, notwithstanding what the devil can do, the souls of His people prove gracious still, and in it 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 to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul. I saw also that the interpreter took him again by the hand and led him into a pleasant place where was built an estately palace, beautiful to behold. It's a sight of which Christian was greatly delighted. He saw also, upon the top of it, certain persons walking, who were clothed all in gold, and said, Christian, may we go in there? Then the interpreter took him and led him up towards the door of the palace. At the door stood a great company of men, his desires to go in. But they did not dare. There also sat a man at a little distance from the door, at a table side, with a bucket and inkhorn before him, to take the name of him that should enter therein. He saw also that in the doorway stood many men in armor, to keep it. Being resolved to do the men that would enter what hurt and mischief they could, now was Christian somewhat in a maze. At last, when every man started back for fear of the armed men, Krishna saw a man of a very stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write, saying, Set down my name, sir. to which when he had done, he saw the man draw a sword, and put a helmet upon his head, and rushed toward the door upon the arm in, who laid upon him with deadly force. But the man, not at all discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after he had received and given many wounds to those that attempted to keep him out, he cut his way through them all. and pressed forward into the palace, in which there was a pleasant voice heard from those that were within, even of those that walked upon the top of the palace, saying, Come in, come in, eternal glory you shall win. So he went in, and was clothed with such garments as they. Then Christian smiled and said, I verily think I know the meaning of this. Now said Christian, let me go hence. Nay, stay, said the interpreter, till I have showed you a little more, and after that you shall go your way. So he took him by the hand again, and led him into a very dark room, where there sat a man in an iron cage. Now the man to look on seemed very sad. He sat with his eyes looking down to the ground, his hands folded together, and he sighed as if he would break his heart. Then said Christian, What does this mean? At which the interpreter bid him talk with the man. Then said Christian to the man, What are you? The man answered, I am what I was not once. What were you once? Demand said. I was once a fair and flourishing professor, both in mine own eyes, and also in the eyes of others. I was once, as I thought, fair for the Celestial City, and had an even joy to thoughts that I should get there. Well, but what are you now? I am now a man of despair, and I am shut up in it. It's in this iron cage. I cannot get out. Oh, no, I cannot. But how came you in this condition? I left off to watch and be sober. I laid the reins upon the neck of my lusts. I sinned against the light of the word. and the goodness of God have grieved the spirit, and he is gone. 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 said Christian to the interpreter, But is there no hope for such a man as this? "'Ask him,' said the interpreter. "'Nay,' said Christian, "'pray, sir. "'You ask him,' said the interpreter. "'Is there no hope? "'But you must be kept in the iron cage of despair.' "'No, none at all. "'Why, the son of the blessed is very pitiful. "'I have crucified him to myself afresh. "'I have despised this person. "'I have despised his righteousness. I've counted as blood an unholy thing. I've done despite to the Spirit of Grace. Therefore, I've shut myself out of all the promises, and there now remains to me nothing but threatenings, dreadful threatenings, fearful threatenings of certain judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour me as an adversary. For what did you bring yourself into this condition? for the lusts, pleasures, and profits of this world, in the enjoyment of which I did then promise myself much delight. But now every one of those things also bite me and gnaw me like a burning worm. But can you not now repent and turn? God has denied me repentance. His word gives me no encouragement to believe. He himself has shut me up in this iron cage, nor can all the men in this world let me out. Oh, eternity! Eternity! How shall I grapple with the misery that I must meet with in eternity? Then said the interpreter to Christian, Let this man's misery be remembered by you. and be an everlasting caution to you." "'Well,' said Christian, "'this is fearful. God help me to watch and be sober, and to pray that I may shun the cause of this man's misery. Sir, is it not time for me to go on my way now?' "'Terry, tell I'll show you one thing more, and then you shall go on your way.' So he took Christian by the hand again and led him into a chamber. where there was one rising out of bed. And as he put on his raiment, he shook and trembled. Then said Christian, Why does this man thus tremble? The interpreter then bid him to tell Christian the reason of his so doing. So he began and said, This night, as I was in my sleep, I dreamed And behold, the heavens grew exceeding black. Also it thundered and lightened. In a most fearful way did it put me into an agony. So I looked up in my dream, and I saw the clouds rack in an unusual rate. upon which I heard a great sound of a trumpet. And I saw also a man sit upon a cloud, attended with thousands of heaven. They were all in flaming fire. Also the heavens were in a burning flame. I heard then a voice saying, Arise ye dead, and come to judgment, and with that to rock's rent. The graves opened, and the dead that were therein came forth. Some of them were exceeding glad, and looked upward, and some sought to hide themselves under the mountains. Then I saw the man that sat upon the cloud open the book, and the world draw near. Yet there was by reason of a fierce flame which issued out, and came from before him, a convenient distance between him and them, as between the judge and the prisoners at the bar. I heard it also proclaimed to them that a tenant on the man has sat on a cloud. gathered together the tears to chaff and stubble and cast them into the burning lake, and with that the bottomless pit opened just about where I stood, out of the mouth of which there came in an abundant manner smoke and coals of fire with hideous noises It was also said to the same persons, gather my wheat into the garner, and with that I saw many caught up and carried away into the clouds, but I was left behind. I also sought to hide myself, but I could not, for the man that sat upon the clouds still kept his eye upon me. My sins also came into my mind, and my conscience accused me on every side. Upon this, I awoke from my sleep. But what is it that made you so afraid of the sight? Why, I thought the day of judgment was come, and that I was not ready for it. It disfrightened me the most that the angels gathered up several and left me behind. Also, the pit of hell opened her mouth just where I stood. My conscience too afflicted me, and as I thought, the judge had always his eye upon me, showing indignation in his countenance. Then said the interpreter to Christian, Have you considered all these things? Yes, and they put me in hope and fear. Well, keep all things so in your mind, that they may be as a goad in your sides, to prick you forward in the way that you must go. Saint Christian began to girt up his loins. and to address himself to his journey. Then said the interpreter, to comfort her, be with you, good Christian, to guide you in the way that leads to the city. So Christian went on his way, saying, Here I have seen things rare and profitable, things pleasant, dreadful, things to make me stable, and what I began to take in hand. Then let me think on them and understand. Therefore, they showed me where, and let me be thankful of good interpreter to you. Now I saw in my dream that the highway up which Christian was to go was fenced on either side with a wall, and that wall was called Salvation. Up this way, therefore, did Bert and Christian run, but not without great difficulty. Because of the load on his back, He ran thus till he came at a place somewhat ascending, and upon that place stood a cross, and a little below, in the bottom, a sepulcher. So I saw in my dream that just as Christian came up with the cross, his burden loose from off of his shoulders and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to the mouth of the sepulcher, where it fell in. And I sought no more. Din was Christian glad and lightsome and said with a merry heart, he has given me rest by his sorrow and life. By his death, and he stood still a while to look and wonder, for it was very surprising to him that the sight of the cross should thus ease him of his burden. He looked therefore, and looked again, even till the springs that were in his head sent waters down his cheeks. Now as he stood looking and weeping, behold, three shining ones came to him, and saluted him with peace be unto you. So the first said to him, your sins are forgiven you. The second stripped him of his rags and closed him with chains of raiment. The third also set a mark on his forehead. and gave him a roll with a seal upon it, which he made him look on as he ran, and that he should give it in at the celestial gate. So they went their way. Pilgrim Progress is continued in the next edition.