The Pilgrim’s Progress E-Book

Bunyan John

• Herausgeber: Charles River Editors
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018

Seitenzahl: 547

Beschreibung

Skyros Publishing is dedicated to reproducing the finest books ever written and letting readers of all ages experience a classic for the first time or revisit a past favorite.

The Pilgrim's Progress is a classic Christian allegory written in the 17th century by John Bunyan.

Leseprobe

THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

..................

John Bunyan

SKYROS PUBLISHING

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Copyright © 2015 by John Bunyan

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Pilgrim’s Progress

The Author’s Apology

Part One

Section I.

Section II.

Section III.

Section IV.

Section V.

Section VI.

Section VII.

Section VIII.

Section IX.

Section X.

Part Two

Section I.

Section II.

Section III.

Section IV.

Section V.

Section VI.

Section VII.

Section VIII.

Section IX.

Section X.

THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

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THE AUTHOR’S APOLOGY

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For His Book

When at the first I took my Pen in hand

Thus for to write; I did not understand

That I at all should make a little Book

In such a mode; Nay, I had undertook

To make another, which when almost done,

Before I was aware I this begun.

And thus it was: I was writing of the Way

And Race of Saints, in this our Gospel-day,

Fell suddenly into an Allegory

About their Journey, and the way to Glory,

In more than twenty things which I set down:

This done, I twenty more had in my Crown,

And they again began to multiply,

Like sparks that from the coals of fire do fly.

Nay then, thought I, if that you breed so fast,

I’ll put you by yourselves, lest you at last

Should prove and infinitum, and eat out

The Book that I already am about.

Well, so I did; but yet I did not think

To shew to all this World my Pen and Ink

In such a mode; I only thought to make

I knew not what: nor did I undertake

Thereby to please my Neighbor; no not I;

I did it mine own self to gratifie.

Neither did I but vacant seasons spend

In this my Scribble; nor did I intend

But to divert myself in doing this

From worser thoughts which make me do amiss.

Thus I set Pen to Paper with delight,

And quickly had my thoughts in black and white.

For having now my Method by the end,

Still as I pull’d, it came; and so I penn’d

It down, until it came at last to be

For length and breadth the bigness which you see.

Well, when I had thus put mine ends together,

I shew’d them others, that I might see whether

They would condemn them, or them justifie;

And some said, Let them live; some, Let them die;

Some said, John, print it; others said, Not so:

Some said, It might do good; others said, No.

Now was I in a straight, and did not see

Which was the best thing to be done by me:

At last I thought, Since you are thus divided,

I print it will, and so the case decided.

For, thought I, some I see would have it done,

Though others in that Channel do not run.

To prove then who advised for the best,

Thus I thought fit to put it to the test.

I further thought, if now I did deny

Those that would have it thus, to gratifie,

I did not know but hinder them I might

Of that which would to them be great delight.

For those which were not for its coming forth

I said to them, Offend you I am loth,

Yet since your Brethren pleased with it be,

Forbear to judge till you do further see.

If that thou wilt not read, let it alone;

Some love the meat, some love to pick the bone:

Yea, that I might them better palliate,

I did too with them thus Expostulate:

May I not write in such a stile as this?

In such a method too, and yet not miss

Mine end, thy good? why may it not be done?

Dark Clouds bring Waters, when the bright bring none.

Yea, dark or bright, if they their Silver drops

Cause to descend, the Earth, by yielding Crops,

Gives praise to both, and carpeth not at either,

But treasures up the Fruit they yield together;

Yea, so commixes both, that in her Fruit

None can distinguish this from that: they suit

Her well, when hungry; but, if she be full,

She spues out both, and makes their blessings null.

You see the ways the Fisher-man doth take

To catch the Fish; what Engines doth he make?

Behold how he engageth all his Wits,

Also his Snares, Lines, Angles, Hooks, and Nets.

Yet Fish there be, that neither Hook, nor Line,

Nor Snare, nor Net, nor Engine can make thine;

They must be grop’d for, and be tickled too,

Or they will not be catch’d, whate’er you do.

How doth the Fowler seek to catch his Game

By divers means, all which one cannot name?

His Gun, his Nets, his Lime-twigs, Light, and Bell;

He creeps, he goes, he stands; yea who can tell

Of all his postures? Yet there’s none of these

Will make him master of what Fowls he please.

Yea, he must Pipe and Whistle to catch this;

Yet if he does so, that Bird he will miss.

If that a Pearl may in a Toad’s head dwell,

And may be found too in an Oyster-shell;

If things that promise nothing do contain

What better is than Gold; who will disdain,

That have an inkling of it, there to look,

That they may find it? Now my little Book

(Though void of all those Paintings that may make

It with this or the other man to take)

Is not without those things that do excel

What do in brave, but empty notions dwell.

Well, yet I am not fully satisfied,

That this your Book will stand, when soundly try’d.

Why, what’s the matter? It is dark. What tho?

But it is feigned: What of that I tro?

Some men, by feigning words as dark as mine,

Make truth to spangle, and its rays to shine.

But they want solidness. Speak man thy mind.

They drowned the weak; Metaphors make us blind.

Solidity indeed becomes the Pen

Of him that writeth things Divine to men;

But must I needs want solidness, because

By Metaphors I speak? Were not God’s Laws,

His Gospel-Laws, in olden time held forth

By Types, Shadows, and Metaphors? Yet loth

Will any sober man be to find fault

With them, lest he be found for to assault

The highest Wisdom. No, he rather stoops,

And seeks to find out what by Pins and Loops,

By Calves, and Sheep, by Heifers, and by Rams,

By Birds, and Herbs, and by the blood of Lambs,

God speaketh to him. And happy is he

That finds the light and grace that in them be.

Be not too forward therefore to conclude

That I want solidness, that I am rude:

All things solid in shew not solid be;

All things in parables despise not we;

Lest things most hurtful lightly we receive,

And things that good are, of our souls bereave.

My dark and cloudy words they do but hold

The Truth, as Cabinets inclose the Gold.

The Prophets used much by Metaphors

To set forth Truth; yea, whoso considers

Christ, his Apostles too, shall plainly see,

That Truths to this day in such Mantles be.

Am I afraid to say that Holy Writ,

Which for its Stile and Phrase puts down all Wit,

Is everywhere so full of all these things,

Dark Figures, Allegories? Yet there springs

From that same Book that lustre, and those rays

Of light, that turns our darkest nights to days.

Come, let my Carper to his Life now look,

And find there darker lines than in my Book

He findeth any; Yea, and let him know,

That in his best things there are worse lines too.

May we but stand before impartial men,

To his poor One I dare adventure Ten,

That they will take my meaning in these lines

Far better than his lies in Silver Shrines.

Come, Truth, although in Swaddling-clouts, I find,

Informs the Judgment, rectifies the Mind,

Pleases the Understanding, makes the Will

Submit; the Memory too it doth fill

With what doth our Imagination please;

Likewise it tends our troubles to appease.

Sound words I know Timothy is to use,

And old Wive’s Fables he is to refuse;

But yet grave Paul him nowhere doth forbid

The use of Parables; in which lay hid

That Gold, those Pearls, and precious stones that were

Worth digging for, and that with greatest care.

Let me add one word more. O man of God,

Art thou offended? Dost thou wish I had

Put forth my matter in another dress,

Or that I had in things been more express?

Three things let me propound, then I submit

To those that are my betters, as is fit.

1. I find not that I am denied the use

Of this my method, so I no abuse

Put on the Words, Things, Readers; or be rude

In handling Figure or Similitude,

In application; but, all that I may,

Seek the advance of Truth this or that way.

Denied, did I say? Nay, I have leave,

(Example too, and that from them that have

God better pleased, by their words or ways,

Than any man that breatheth now a-days)

Thus to express my mind, thus to declare

Things unto thee, that excellentest are.

2. I find that men (as high as Trees) will write

Dialogue-wise; yet no man doth them slight

For writing so; Indeed if they abuse

Truth, cursed be they, and the craft they use

To that intent; but yet let Truth be free

To make her sallies upon thee and me,

Which way it pleases God. For who knows how,

Better than he that taught us first to Plow,

To guide our Mind and Pens for his Design?

And he makes base things usher in Divine.

3. I find that Holy Writ in many places

Hath semblance with this method, where the cases

Do call for one thing, to set forth another;

Use it I may then, and yet nothing smother

Truth’s golden Beams: nay, by this method may

Make it cast forth its rays as light as day.

And now, before I do put up my Pen,

I’ll shew the profit of my Book, and then

Commit both thee and it unto that hand

That pulls the strong down, and makes weak ones stand.

This Book it chalketh out before thine eyes

The man that seeks the everlasting Prize;

It shews you whence he comes, whither he goes,

What he leaves undone, also what he does;

It also shews you how he runs and runs,

Till he unto the Gate of Glory comes.

It shews too, who set out for life amain,

As if the lasting Crown they would obtain;

Here also you may see the reason why

They lose their labour, and like Fools do die.

This Book will make a Traveller of thee,

If by its Counsel thou wilt ruled be;

It will direct thee to the Holy Land,

If thou wilt its directions understand:

Yea, it will make the slothful active be;

The blind also delightful things to see.

Art thou for something rare and profitable?

Wouldest thou see a Truth within a Fable?

Art thou forgetful? Wouldest thou remember

From New-year’s-day to the last of December?

Then read my Fancies, they will stick like Burrs,

And may be to the Helpless, Comforters.

This Book is writ in such a Dialect

As may the minds of listless men affect:

It seems a novelty, and yet contains

Nothing but sound and honest Gospel strains.

Would’st thouedivert thyself from Melancholy?

Would’st thou be pleasant, yet be far from folly?

Would’st thou read Riddles, and their Explanation?

Or else be drowned in thy Contemplation?

Dost thou love picking meat? Or would’st thou see

A man i’ th’ Clouds, and hear him speak to thee?

Would’st thou be in a Dream, and yet not sleep?

Or would’st thou in a moment laugh and weep?

Wouldest thou lose thyself, and catch no harm,

And find thyself again without a charm?

Would’st read thyself, and read thou know’st not what,

And yet know whether thou art blest or not,

By reading the same lines? O then come hither,

And lay my Book, thy Head, and Heart together.

PART ONE

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SECTION I.

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The Pilgrim’s Progress, In The Similitude Of A Dream

As I walk’d through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain

place where was a Den, and I laid me down in that place to sleep; and as I

slept, I dreamed a Dream. I dreamed, and behold I saw a Man cloathed with

Rags, standing in a certain place, with his face from his own house, 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 longer to contain, he brake out with a lamentable cry, saying What shall

I do?

In this plight therefore he went home, and refrained himself as long as

he could, that his Wife and Children should not perceive his distress, but he

could not be silent long, because that his trouble increased: Wherefore at

length he brake his mind to his Wife and Children; and thus he began to talk

to them: O my dear Wife, said he, and you the Children of my bowels, I your

dear friend, am in myself undone by reason of a Burden that lieth hard upon

me; moreover, I am for certain informed that this our City will be burned with

fire from Heaven; in which fearful overthrow, both myself, with thee my Wife,

and you my sweet Babes, shall miserably come to ruin, except (the which yet I

see not) some way of escape can be found, whereby we may be delivered. At this

his Relations were sore amazed; not for that they believed that what he had

said to them was true, but because they thought that some frenzy distemper had

got into his head; therefore, it drawing towards night, and they hoping that

sleep might settle his brains, with all haste they got him to bed: But the

night was as troublesome to him as the day; wherefore, instead of sleeping, he

spent it in sighs and tears. So, when the morning was come, they would know

how he did; He told them Worse and worse: he also set to talking to them

again, but they began to be hardened: they also thought to drive away his

distemper by harsh and surly carriages to him; sometimes they would deride,

sometimes they would chide, and sometimes they would quite neglect him:

Wherefore he began to retire himself to his chamber, to pray for and pity

them, and also to condole his own misery; he would also walk solitarily in the

fields, sometimes reading, and sometimes praying: and thus for some days he

spent his time.

Now, I saw upon a time, when he was walking in the fields, that he was,

as he was wont, reading in his Book, and greatly distressed in his mind; and

as he read, he burst out, as he had done before, crying, What shall I do to be

saved?

I saw also that he looked this way and that way, as if he would 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 to him, and asked,

Wherefore dost thou cry?

He answered, Sir, I perceive by the Book in my hand, that I am condemned

to die, and after that to come to Judgment, and I find that I am not willing

to do the first, nor able to do the second.

Christian no sooner leaves the World but meets

Evangelist, who lovingly him greets

With tidings of another: and doth shew

Him how to mount to that from this below.

Then said Evangelist, Why not willing to die, since this life is attended

with so many evils? The Man answered, Because I fear that this burden that is

upon my back will sink me lower than the Grave, and I shall fall into Tophet.

And, Sir, if I be not fit to go to Prison, I am not fit to go to Judgment, and

from thence to Execution; and the thoughts of these things make me cry.

Then said Evangelist, If this be thy condition, why standest thou still?

He answered, Because I know not whither to go. Then he gave him a Parchment -

roll, and there was written within, Fly from the wrath to come.

The Man therefore read it, and looking upon Evangelist very carefully,

said, Whither must I fly? Then said Evangelist, pointing with his finger over

a very wide field, Do you see yonder Wicket-gate? The Man said, No. Then

said the other, Do you see yonder shining Light? He said, I think I do. Then

said Evangelist, Keep that Light in your eye, and go up directly thereto: so

shalt thou see the Gate; at which, when thou knockest, it shall be told thee

what thou shalt do.

So I saw in my Dream that the Man began to run.

Now he had not run far from his own door, but his Wife and Children,

perceiving it, began to cry after him to return; but the Man out his fingers

in his ears, and ran on, crying Life! Life! Eternal Life! So he looked not

behind him, but fled towards the middle of the Plain.

The Neighbors also came out to see him run; and as he ran, some mocked,

others threatened, and some cried after him to return; and among those that

did so, there were two that resolved to fetch him back by force. The name of

the one was Obstinate, and the name of the other Pliable. Now by this time the

Man was got a good distance from them; but however they were resolved to

pursue him, which they did, and in a little time they overtook him. Then said

the Man, Neighbors, wherefore are you come? They said, To persuade you to go

back with us. But he said, That can by no means be; you dwell, said he, in the

City of Destruction, the place also where I was born, I see it to be so; and

dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than the Grave, into a place

that burns with Fire and Brimstone: be content, good Neighbors, and go along

with me.

Obst. What, said Obstinate, and leave our friends and our comforts behind

us!

Chr. Yes, said Christian, for that was his name, because that all which

you shall forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that that I am

seeking to enjoy; and if you will go along with me and hold it, you shall fare

as I myself; for there where I go, is enough and to spare: Come away, and

prove my words.

Obst. What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find

them?

Chr. I seek an Inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not

away, and it is laid up in Heaven, and safe there, to be bestowed at the time

appointed, on them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my

Book.

Obst. Tush, said Obstinate, away with your Book; will you go back with us

or no?

Chr. No, not I, said the other, because I have laid my hand to the Plow.

Obst. Come then, Neighbor Pliable, let us turn again, and go home without

him; there is a company of these craz’d-headed coxcombs, that, when they

take a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can

render a reason.

Pli. Then said Pliable, Don’t revile; if what the good Christian says is

true, the things he looks after are better than ours; my heart inclines to go

with my Neighbor.

Obst. What! more fools still? Be ruled by me, and go back; who knows

whither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and be

wise.

Chr. Come with me, Neighbor Pliable; there are such things to be had

which I spoke of, and many more Glories besides. If you believe not me, read

here in this Book; and for the truth of what is exprest therein, behold, all

is confirmed by the blood of Him that made it.

Pli. Well, Neighbor Obstinate, said Pliable, I begin to come to a point:

I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him: but,

my good companion, do you know the way to this desired place?

Chr. I am directed by a man, whose name is Evangelist, to speed me to a

little Gate that is before us, where we shall receive instructions about the

way.

Pli. Come then, good Neighbor, let us be going. Then they went both

together.

Obst. And I will go back to my place, said Obstinate; I will be no

companion of such mis-led, fantastical fellows.

Now I saw in my Dream, that when Obstinate was gone back, Christian and

Pliable went talking over the Plain; and thus they began their discourse.

Chr. Come Neighbor Pliable, how do you do? I am glad you are persuaded to

go along with me: Had even Obstinate himself but felt what I have felt of the

powers and terrors of what is yet unseen, he would not thus lightly have given

us the back.

Pli. Come, Neighbor Christian, since there are none but us two here, tell

me now further what the things are, and how to be enjoyed, whither we are

going?

Chr. I can better conceive of them with my Mind, than speak of them with

my Tongue: but yet, since you are desirous to know, I will read of them in my

Book.

Pli. And do you think that the words of your Book are certainly true?

Chr. Yes, verily; for it was made by him that cannot lye.

Pli. Well said; what things are they?

Chr. There is an endless Kingdom to be inhabited, and everlasting Life to

be given us, that may inhabit that Kingdom for ever.

Pli. Well said; and what else?

Chr. There are Crowns of glory to be given us, and Garments that will

make us shine like the Sun in the firmament of Heaven.

Pli. This is excellent; and what else?

Chr. There shall be no more crying, nor sorrow, for He that is owner of

the place will wipe all tears from our eyes.

Pli. And what company shall we have there?

Chr. There we shall be with Seraphims and Cherubins, creatures that will

dazzle your eyes to look on them: There also you shall meet with thousands and

ten thousands that have gone before us to that place; none of them are

hurtful, but loving and holy; every one walking in the sight of God, and

standing in his presence with acceptance for ever. In a word, there we shall

see the Elders with their golden Crowns, there we shall see the Holy Virgins

with their golden Harps, there we shall see men that by the World were cut in

pieces, burnt in flames, eaten of beasts, drowned in the seas, for the love

that they bare to the Lord of the place, all well, and cloathed with

Immortality as with a garment.

Pli. The hearing of this is enough to ravish one’s heart; but are these

things to be enjoyed? How shall we get to be sharers hereof?

Chr. The Lord, the Governor of the country, hath recorded that in this

Book; the substance of which is, If we be truly willing to have it, he will

bestow it upon us freely.

Pli. Well, my good companion, glad am I to hear of these things; come on,

let us mend our pace.

Chr. I cannot go so fast as I would, by reason of this Burden that is

upon my back.

Now I saw in my Dream, that just as they had ended this talk, they drew

near to a very miry Slough, that was in the midst of the plain; and they,

being heedless, did both fall suddenly into the bog. The name of the slough

was Dispond. Here therefore they wallowed for a time, being grievously

bedaubed with the dirt; and Christian, because of the Burden that was on his

back, began to sink in the mire.

Pli. Then said Pliable, Ah Neighbor Christian, where are you now?

Chr. Truly, said Christian, I do not know.

Pli. At that Pliable began to be offended, and angerly said to his

fellow, Is this the happiness you have told me all this while of? If we have

such ill speed at our first setting out, what may we expect ‘twixt this and

our Journey’s end? May I get out again with my life, you shall possess the

brave Country alone for me. And with that he gave a desperate struggle or two,

and got out of the mire on that side of the Slough which was next to his own

house: so away he went, and Christian saw him no more.

Wherefore Christian was left to tumble in the Slough of Dispond alone;

but still he endeavoured to struggle to that side of the Slough that was still

further from his own house, and next to the Wicket-gate; the which he did,

but could not get out, because of the Burden that was upon his back: But I

beheld in my Dream, that a man came to him, whose name was Help, and asked

him, What he did there?

Chr. Sir, said Christian, I was bid go this way by a man called

Evangelist, who directed me also to yonder Gate, that I might escape the wrath

to come; and as I was going thither, I fell in here.

Help. But why did you not look for the steps?

Chr. Fear followed me so hard, that I fled the next way, and fell in.

Help. Then said he, Give me thy hand: so he gave him his hand, and he

drew him out, and set him upon sound ground, and bid him go on his way.

Then I stepped to him that pluckt him out, and said, Sir, wherefore,

since over this place is the way from the City of Destruction to yonder Gate,

is it that this plat is not mended, that poor travellers might go thither with

more security? And he said unto me, This miry Slough is such a place as cannot

be mended; it is the descent whither the scum and filth that attends

conviction for sin doth continually run, and therefore it is called the Slough

of Dispond; for still as the sinner is awakened about his lost condition,

there ariseth in his soul many fears and doubts, and discouraging

apprehensions, which all of them get together, and settle in this place: And

this is the reason of the badness of this ground.

It is not the pleasure of the King that this place should remain so bad.

His labourers also have, by the direction of His Majesties Surveyors, been for

above these sixteen hundred years employed about this patch of ground, if

perhaps it might have been mended: yea, and to my knowledge, said he, here

hath been swallowed up at least twenty thousand cart-loads, yea, millions of

wholesome instructions, that have at all seasons been brought from all places

of the King’s dominions (and they that can tell say they are the best

materials to make good ground of the place), if so be it might have been

mended, but it is the Slough of Dispond still, and so will be when they have

done what they can.

True, there are by the direction of the Lawgiver, certain good and

substantial steps, placed even through the very midst of this Slough; but at

such time as this place doth much spue out its filth, as it doth against

change of weather, these steps are hardly seen; or if they be, men through the

dizziness of their heads, step besides; and then they are bemired to purpose,

notwithstanding the steps be there; but the ground is good when they are once

got in at the Gate.

Now I saw in my Dream, that by this time Pliable was got home to his

house again. So his Neighbors came to visit him: and some of them called him

wise man for coming back, and some called him fool for hazarding himself with

Christian: others again did mock at his cowardliness; saying, Surely since you

began to venture, I would not have been so base to have given out for a few

difficulties. So Pliable sat sneaking among them. But at last he got more

confidence, and then they all turned their tales, and began to deride poor

Christian behind his back. And thus much concerning Pliable.

Now as Christian was walking solitary by himself, he espied one afar off

come crossing over the field to meet him; and their hap was to meet just as

they were crossing the way of each other. The gentleman’s name that met him

was Mr Worldly Wiseman: he dwelt in the Town of Carnal Policy, a very great

Town, and also hard by from whence Christian came. This man then meeting with

Christian, and having some inkling of him, - for Christian’s setting forth

from the City of Destruction was much noised abroad, not only in the Town

where he dwelt, but also it began to be the town-talk in some other places,

- Master Worldly Wiseman therefore, having some guess of him, by beholding his

laborious going, by observing his sighs and groans, and the like, began thus

to enter into some talk with Christian.

World. How now, good fellow, whither away after this burdened manner?

Chr. A burdened manner indeed, as ever I think poor creature had. And

whereas you ask me, Whither away? I tell you, Sir, I am going to yonder Wicket

- gate before me; for there, as I am informed, I shall be put into a way to be

rid of my heavy Burden.

World. Hast thou a Wife and Children?

Chr. Yes, but I am so laden with this Burden, that I cannot take that

pleasure in them as formerly; methinks I am as if I had none.

World. Wilt thou hearken to me if I give thee counsel?

Chr. If it be good, I will; for I stand in need of good counsel.

World. I would advise thee then, that thou with all speed get thyself rid

of thy Burden; for thou wilt never be settled in thy mind till then; nor canst

thou enjoy the benefits of the blessing which God hath bestowed upon thee till

then.

Chr. That is that which I seek for, even to be rid of this heavy Burden;

but get it off myself, I cannot; nor is there any man in our country that can

take it off my shoulders; therefore am I going this way, as I told you, that I

may be rid of my Burden.

World. Who bid thee go this way to be rid of thy Burden?

Chr. A man that appeared to me to be a very great and honorable person;

his name as I remember is Evangelist.

World. I beshrew him for his counsel; there is not a more dangerous and

troublesome way in the world than is that unto which he hath directed thee;

and that thou shalt find, if thou wilt be ruled by his counsel. Thou hast met

with something (as I perceive) already; for I see the dirt of the Slough of

Dispond is upon thee; but that Slough is the beginning of the sorrows that do

attend those that go on in that way: Hear me, I am older than thou; thou art

like to meet with, in the way which thou goest, Wearisomeness, Painfulness,

Hunger, Perils, Nakedness, Sword, Lions, Dragons, Darkness, and in a word,

Death, and what not! These things are certainly true, having been confirmed by

many testimonies. And why should a man so carelessly cast away himself, by

giving heed to a stranger?

Chr. Why, Sir, this Burden upon my back is more terrible to me than are

all these things which you have mentioned; nay, methinks I care not what I

meet with in the way, so be I can also meet with deliverance from my Burden.

World. How camest thou by the Burden at first?

Chr. By reading this Book in my hand.

World. I thought so; and it is happened unto thee as to other weak men,

who meddling with things too high for them, do suddenly fall into thy

distractions; which distractions do not only unman men (as thine I perceive

has done thee), but they run them upon desperate ventures, to obtain they know

not what.

Chr. I know what I would obtain; it is ease for my heavy burden.

World. But why wilt thou seek for ease this way, seeing so many dangers

attend it? Especially, since (hadst thou but patience to hear me) I could

direct thee to the obtaining of what thou desirest, without the dangers that

thou in this way wilt run thyself into; yea, and the remedy is at hand.

Besides, I will add, that instead of those dangers, thou shalt meet with much

safety, friendship, and content.

Chr. Pray Sir, open this secret to me.

World. Why in yonder Village (the village is named Morality) there dwells

a Gentleman whose name is Legality, a very judicious man, and a man of very

good name, that has skill to help men off with such burdens as thine are from

their shoulders: yea, to my knowledge he hath done a great deal of good this

way; ay, and besides, he hath skill to cure those that are somewhat crazed in

their wits with their burdens. To him, as I said, thou mayest go, and be

helped presently. His house is not quite a mile from this place, and if he

should not be at home himself, he hath a pretty young man to his Son, whose

name is Civility, that can do it (to speak on) as well as the old Gentleman

himself; there, I say, thou mayest be eased of thy Burden; and if thou art not

minded to go back to thy former habitation, as indeed I would not wish thee,

thou mayest send for thy Wife and Children to thee to this village, where

there are houses now stand empty, one of which thou mayest have at reasonable

rates; Provision is there also cheap and good; and that which will make thy

life the more happy is, to be sure there thou shalt live by honest Neighbors,

in credit and good fashion.

Now was Christian somewhat at a stand, but presently he concluded, If

this be true which this Gentleman hath said, my wisest course is to take his

advice; and with that he thus farther spoke.

Chr. Sir, which is my way to this honest man’s house?

World. Do you see yonder high Hill?

Chr. Yes, very well.

World. By that Hill you must go, and the first house you come at is his.

So Christian turned out of his way to go to Mr Legality’s house for help;

but behold, when he was got now hard by the Hill, it seemed so high, and also

that side of it that was next the wayside, did hang so much over, that

Christian was afraid to venture further, lest the Hill should fall on his

head; wherefore there he stood still, and he wot not what to do. Also his

Burden now seemed heavier to him than while he was in his way. There came also

flashes of fire out of the Hill, that made Christian afraid that he should be

burned. Here therefore he sweat and did quake for fear.

When Christians unto Carnal Men give ear,

Out of their way they go, and pay for ‘t dear;

For Master Worldly Wiseman can but shew

A Saint the way to Bondage and to Wo.

And now he began to be sorry that he had taken Mr Worldly Wiseman’s

counsel. And with that he saw Evangelist coming to meet him; at the sight also

of 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.

Evan. What doest thou here, Christian? said he: at which words Christian

knew not what to answer; wherefore at present he stood speechless before him.

Then said Evangelist farther, Art not thou the man that I found crying without

the walls of the City of Destruction?

Chr. Yes, dear Sir, I am the man.

Evan. Did not I direct thee the way to the little Wicketgate?

Chr. Yes, dear Sir, said Christian.

Evan. How is it then that thou art so quickly turned aside? for thou art

now out of the way.

Chr. I met winh a Gentleman so soon as I had got over the Slough of

Dispond, who persuaded me that I might, in the village before me, find a man

that could take off my Burden.

Evan. What was he?

Chr. He looked like a Gentleman, and talked much to me, and got me at

last to yield; so I came hither: but when I beheld this Hill, and how it hangs

over the way, I suddenly made a stand, lest it should fall on my head.

Evan. What said that Gentleman to you?

Chr. Why, he asked me whither I was going; and I told him.

Evan. And what said he then?

Chr. He asked me if I had a family; and I told him. But, said I, I am so

loaden with the Burden that is on my back, that I cannot take pleasure in them

as formerly.

Evan. And what said he then?

Chr. He bid me with speed get rid of my Burden; and I told him ‘twas ease

that I sought. And, said I, I am therefore going to yonder Gate, to receive

further direction how I may get to the place of deliverance. So he said that

he would shew me a better way, and short, not so attended with difficulties as

the way, Sir, that you set me; which way, said he, will direct you to a

Gentleman’s house that hath skill to take off these Burdens: So I believed

him, and turned out of that way into this, if haply I might be soon eased of

my Burden. But when I came to this place, and beheld things as they are, I

stopped for fear (as I said) of danger: but I now know not what to do.

Evan. Then, said Evangelist, stand still a little, that I may shew thee

the words of God. So he stood trembling. Then said Evangelist, See that ye

refuse not him that speaketh; for if they escaped not who refused him that

spake on Earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that

speaketh from Heaven. He said moreover, Now the just shall live by faith: but

if any man draws back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. He also did thus

apply them, Thou art the man that art running into this misery, thou hast

begun to reject the counsel of the Most High, and to draw back thy foot from

the way of peace, even almost to the hazarding of thy perdition.

SECTION II.

..................

THEN CHRISTIAN FELL DOWN AT his foot as dead, crying, Wo is me, for I am

undone: At the sight of which, Evangelist caught him by the right hand,

saying, All manner of sin and blasphemies shall be forgiven unto 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 thee of. I will now shew thee who it was that deluded thee,

and who it was also to whom he sent thee. The man that met thee is one Worldly

Wiseman, and rightly is he so called: partly because he savoureth only the

doctrine of this world, (therefore he always goes to the Town of Morality to

church); and partly because he loveth that doctrine best, for it saveth him

from the Cross. And because he is of this carnal temper, teerefore he seeketh

to prevent my ways, though right. Now there are three things in this man’s

counsel that thou must utterly abhor.

1. His turning thee out of the way.

2. His labouring to render the Cross odious to thee.

3. And his setting thy feet in that way that leadeth unto the

administration of Death.

First, Thou must abhor his turning thee out of the way; yea, and thine

own consenting thereto, because this is to reject the counsel of God for the

sake of the counsel of a Worldly Wiseman. The Lord says, Strive to enter in at

the strait gate, the gate to which I sent thee; for strait is the gate that

leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. From this little Wicket -

gate, and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned thee, to the

bringing of thee almost to destruction; hate therefore his turning thee out of

the way, and abhor thyself for hearkening to him.

Secondly, Thou must abhor his labouring to render the Cross odious unto

thee; for thou art to prefer it before the treasures of Egypt. Besides, the

King of Glory hath told thee, that he that will save his life shall lose it:

and He that comes after him, and hates not his father, and mother, and wife,

and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot

be my Disciple. I say therefore, for a man to labour to persuade thee, that

that shall be thy death, without which, the Truth hath said, thou canst not

have eternal life; This doctrine thou must abhor.

Thirdly, Thou must hate his setting of thy feet in the way that leadeth

to the ministration of death. And for this thou must consider to whom he sent

thee, and also how unable that person was to deliver thee from thy Burden.

He to whom thou was sent for ease, being by name Legality, is the Son of

the Bond-woman which now is, and is in bondage with her children; and is in

a mystery this Mount Sinai, which thou hast feared will fall on thy head. Now

if she with her children are in bondage, how canst thou expect by them to be

made free? This Legality therefore is not able to set thee free from thy

Burden. No man was as yet ever rid of his Burden by him; no, nor ever is like

to be: ye cannot be justified by the Works of the Law; for by the deeds of the

Law no man living can be rid of his Burden: therefore, Mr Worldly Wiseman is

an alien, and Mr Legality a cheat; and for his son Civility, notwithstanding

his simpering looks, he is but a hypocrite and cannot help thee. Believe me,

there is nothing in all this noise, that thou hast heard of this sottish man,

but a design to beguile thee of thy Salvation, by turning thee from the way in

which I had set thee. After this Evangelist called aloud to the Heavens for

confirmation of what he had said; and with that there came words and fire out

of the Mountain under which poor Christian stood, that made the hair of his

flesh stand. The words were thus pronounced, As many as are the works of the

Law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is every one that

continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do

them.

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 that prevalency with him as to cause him to

forsake the right way. This done, he applied himself again to Evangelist in

words and sense as follows.

Chr. Sir, what think you? Is there hopes? May I now go back and go up to

the Wicket-gate? Shall I not be abandoned for this, and sent back from

thence ashamed? I am sorry I have hearkened to this man’s counsel: But may my

sin be forgiven?

Evan. Then said Evangelist to him, Thy sin is very great, for by it thou

hast committed two evils: thou hast forsaken the way that is good, to tread in

forbidden paths; yet will the man at the Gate receive thee, for he has

goodwill for men; only, said he, take heed that thou turn not aside again,

lest thou perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Then

did Christian address himself to go back; and Evangelist, after he had kissed

him, gave him one smile, and bid him God speed. So he went on with haste,

neither spake he to any man by the way; nor if any man asked him, would he

vouchsafe them an answer. He went like one that was all the while treading on

forbidden ground, and could by no means think himself safe, till again he was

got into the way which he left to follow Mr Worldly Wiseman’s counsel. So in

process of time Christian got up to the Gate. Now over the Gate there was

written, Knock and it shall be opened unto you.

He that will enter in must first without

Stand knocking at the Garet, 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 to 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 Good-Will, who

asked Who was there? and whence he came? and what he would have?

Chr. Here is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the City of Destruction,

but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come. I

would therefore, Sir, since I am informed that by this Gate is the way

thither, know if you are willing to let me in.

Good-will. I am willing with all my heart, said he; and with that he

opened the Gate.

So when Christian was stepping in, the other gave him a pull. Then said

Christian, What means that? The other told him, A little distance from this

Gate, there is erected a strong Castle, of which Beelzebub is the Captain;

from thence both he and they that are with him shoot arrows at those that come

up to this Gate, if haply 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 thither?

Chr. Evangelist bid me come hither and knock (as I did); and he said that

you, Sir, would tell me what I must do.

Good-will. An open door is set before thee, and no man can shut it.

Chr. Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards.

Good-will. But how is it that you came alone?

Chr. Because none of my Neighbors saw their danger, as I saw mine.

Good-will. Did any of them know of your coming?

Chr. Yes, my Wife and Children saw me at the first, and called after me

to turn again; also some of my Neighbors stood crying and calling after me to

return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way.

Good-will. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back?

Chr. Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable; but when they saw that they could

not prevail, Obstinate went railing back, but Pliable came with me a little

way.

Good-will. But why did he not come through?

Chr. We indeed came both together, until we came to the Slough of

Dispond, into the which we also suddenly fell. And then was my Neighbor

Pliable discouraged, and would not adventure further. Wherefore getting out

again on that side next to his own house, he told me I should possess the

brave country alone for him; so he went his way, and I came mine: he after

Obstinate, and I to this Gate.

Good-will. Then said Good-will, Alas, poor man, is the coelestial

glory of so small esteem with him, that he counteth it not worth running the

hazards of a few difficulties to obtain it?

Chr. Truly, said Christian, I have said the truth of Pliable, and if I

should also say all the truth of myself, it will appear there is no betterment

‘twixt him and myself. ‘Tis true, he went back to his own house, but I also

turned aside to go in the way of death, being persuaded thereto by the carnal

arguments of one Mr Worldly Wiseman.

Good-will. O, did he light upon you? What! he would have had you a

sought for ease at the hands of Mr Legality. They are both of them a very

cheat: But did you take his counsel?

Chr. Yes, as far as I durst: I went to find out Mr Legality, until I

thought that the Mountain that stands by his house would have fallen upon my

head; wherefore there I was forced to stop.

Good-will. That Mountain has been the death of many, and will be the

death of many more; ‘tis well you escaped being by it dashed in pieces.

Chr. Why truly I do not know what had become of me there, had not

Evangelist happily met me again, as I was musing in the midst of my dumps: but

‘twas God’s mercy that he came to me again, for else I had never come hither.

But now I am come, such a one as I am, more fit indeed for death by that

Mountain than thus to stand talking with my Lord; but O, what a favour is this

to me, that yet I am admitted entrance here.

Good-will. We make no objections against any, notwithstanding all that

they have done before they come hither, they in no wise are cast out; and

therefore, good Christian, come a little way with me, and I will teach thee

about the way thou must go. Look before thee; dost thou see this narrow way?

That is the way thou must go; it was cast up by the Patriarchs, Prophets,

Christ, and his Apostles; and it is as straight as a rule can make it: This is

the way thou must go.

Chr. But said Christian, Is there no turnings nor windings, by which a

Stranger may lose the way?

Good-will. Yes, there are many ways butt down upon this, and they are

crooked and wide: But thus thou mayest distinguish the right from the wrong,

the right only being straight and narrow.

Then I saw in my Dream, that Christian asked him further, If he could not

help him off with his Burden that was upon his back; for as yet he had not got

rid thereof, nor could he by any means get it off without help.

He told him, As to they Burden, be content to bear it, until thou comest

to the place of Deliverance; for there it will fall from thy back itself.

Then Christian began to gird up his loins, and to address himself to his

Journey. So the other told him, That by that he was gone some distance from

the Gate, he would come at the house of the Interpreter, at whose door he

should knock, and he would shew him excellent things. Then Christian took his

leave of his Friend, and he again bid him God speed.

Then he went on till he came at the house of the Interpreter, where he

knocked over and over; at last one came to the door, and asked Who was there?

Chr. Sir, here is a Traveller, who was bid by an acquaintance of the good

man of this house to call here for my profit; I would therefore speak with the

Master of the house. So he called for the Master of the house, who after a

little time came to Christian, and asked him what he would have?

Chr. Sir, said Christian, I am a man that am come from the City of

Destruction, and am going to the Mount Zion; and I was told by the Man that

stands at the Gate at the head of this way, that if I called here, you would

shew me excellent things, such as would be a help to me in my Journey.

Inter. Then said the Interpreter, Come in, I will shew thee that which

will be profitable to thee. So he commanded his man to light the Candle, and

bid Christian follow him, so he had him into a private room, and bid his man

open a door; the which when he had done, Christian saw the Picture of a very

grave Person hang up against the wall; and this was the fashion of it. It had

eyes lifted up to Heaven, the best of Books in his hand, the Law of Truth was

written upon his lips, the World was behind his back. It stood as if it

pleaded with men, and a Crown of Gold did hang over his head.

Chr. Then said Christian, What means this?

Inter. 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 thou seest him with his eyes lift up to Heaven, the best of

Books in his hand, and the Law of Truth writ on his lips, it is to shew thee

that his work is to know and unfold dark things to sinners; even as also thou

seest him stand as if he pleaded with men; and whereas thou seest the World as

cast behind him, and that a Crown hangs over his head, that is to shew thee

that slighting and despising the things that are present, for the love that he

hath to his Master’s service, he is sure in the world that comes next to have

Glory for his reward. Now, said the Interpreter, I have shewed thee this

Picture first, because the Man whose Picture this is, is the only man whom the

Lord of the place whither thou art going, hath authorized to be thy guide in

all difficult places thou mayest with in the way; wherefore take good heed to

what I have shewed thee, and bear well in thy mind what thou hast seen, lest

in thy Journey thou meet with some that pretend to lead thee right, but their

way goes down to death.

Then he took him by the hand, and led him into a very large Parlour that

was full of dust, because never swept; the which after he had reviewed a

little while, the Interpreter called for a man to sweep. Now when he began to

sweep, the dust began so abundantly to fly about, that Christian had almost

therewith been choaked. Then said the Interpreter to a Damsel that stood by,

Bring hither the Water, and sprinkle the Room; the which when she had done, it

was swept and cleansed with pleasure.

Chr. Then said Christian, What means this?

Inter. The Interpreter answered, This parlour is the heart of a man that

was never sanctified by the sweet Grace of the Gospel: the dust is his

Original Sin and inward Corruptions, that have defiled the whole man. He that

began to sweep at first, is the Law; but she that brought water, and did

sprinkle it, is the Gospel. Now, whereas thou sawest that so soon as the first

began to sweep, the dust did so fly about that the Room by him could not be

cleansed, but that thou wast almost choaked therewith; this is to shew thee,

that the Law, instead of cleansing the heart (by its working) from sin, doth

revive, put strength into, and increase it in the soul, even as it doth

discover and forbid it, for it doth not give power to subdue.

Again, as thou sawest the Damsel sprinkle the room with Water, upon which

it was cleansed with pleasure; this is to shew thee, that when the Gospel

comes in the sweet and precious influences thereof to the heart, then I say,

even as thou sawest 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 little Children, each one in his

chair. The name of the eldest was Passion, and the name of the other Patience.

Passion seemed to be much discontent; but Patience was very quiet. Then

Christian asked, What is the reason of the discontent of Passion? The

Interpreter answered, The Governor of them would have him stay for his best

things till the beginning of the next year; but he will have all now; but

Patience is willing to wait.

Then I saw that one came to Passion, and brought him a bag of treasure,

and poured it down at his feet, the which he took up and rejoiced therein; and

withal, laughed Patience to scorn. But I beheld but a while, and he had

lavished all away, and had nothing left him but Rags.

Chr. Then said Christian to the Interpreter, Expound this matter more

fully to me.

Inter. So he 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

thou seest, 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 of

the world to come. But as thou sawest that he had quickly lavished all away,

and had presently left him nothing but Rags; so will it be with all such men