♦“foregiveness” replaced with “forgiveness”It is discovered to others. 1. By his open confession of this faith, and peace, and joy, and love, and power over sin. 2. By a life answerable thereto; by universal obedience, by holiness in all manner of conversation.Would you object any thing to this? If not, give me leave to propose a second question.Talk.Nay, propose what you will.Faith.Do you experience these things in your own heart? And doth your life answer thereto? Pray, say no more than your conscience can justify you in, and what you know God will say Amen to. Fornot he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.Talk.This kind of discourse I did not expect, nor am I disposed to answer such questions. I am not bound to take you for my catechizer; and I do not understand why you ask them.Faith.I ask them, because (to tell you the truth) I have heard that your religion lies in talk; that your life gives the lie to your profession; that you are a spot among Christians; and, by your unholy conversation, bring a reproach on that worthy name whereby we are called.Talk.Since you judge so rashly, and are so ready to take up evil reports, you are not company for me; so farewel.Then came upChristian, and said, I told you how it would be. You did well to speak plainly. I wish all men would deal with such men as you have done, and then either they would themselves come to be truly religious, or the company of those that are so would be too hot for them.While he was yet speaking, they sawEvangelistcoming after them, who soon overtook them, and said, “Peace be unto you. Howhath it fared with you, my friends, since the time of our last parting?”ThenChristianandFaithfultold him of all things that had happened to them on the way.Evangelist.I am glad that in all things ye are more than conquerors. I have sowed, and ye have reaped; and the day is coming, when both he that sowed, and they that reaped, shall rejoice together; that is, if ye endure to the end. For in due time ye shall reap, if ye faint not.“My sons, you have heard in the words of the truth of the gospel, that ye must, thro’ much tribulation, enter into the kingdom of heaven. Therefore you cannot expect to go long on your pilgrimage, without meeting that whereto ye are called. You have found something of the truth of these testimonies already, and more will soon follow. For you will come to a town by and by, where you will be hard beset with enemies. But be ye faithful unto death, saith the Lord, and I will give you a crown of life.”Then I saw in my dream, that almost as soon he had left them, they came in sight of a town calledVanity, where a great fair is kept all the year long, calledVanity-fair.At this fair are sold houses, lands, trade, places, honours, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms; delights of all sorts, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, silver, gold, precious stones, blood, lives, bodies and souls of men.Moreover, here are at all times to be seen jugglings, cheats, games, plays, fools, knaves, and those of every kind. Here are to be seen too, and that for nothing, extortion, rapine, revenge, thefts, murders, adulterers, false swearers, and that of a blood-red colour.Now the way to mountZionlies just thro’ the place where this fair is kept; and he that would not go thro’ this fair, must needs go out of the world. Hither thereforeChristianandFaithfulcame: but no sooner did they appear, than all the people in the fair were moved, and the town itself was in an uproar; and that for several reasons: for, 1. Their raiment was quite different from that of any that traded in the fair. 2. So was their speech; for they spoke the language ofCanaan, which few there understood: so that from one end of the fair to the other, the men of the fair and they seemed barbarians to each other: and, 3. They set light by all that was sold there; they cared not so much as to look upon it; and if any called to them, they looked up and cried,Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity.To one who mocking, asked them, “What will you buy?” They answered, “We buy the truth.” At that the uproar increased; some taunting, some railing, and some calling upon others to smite them. Now was word brought to the great one of the fair, who sent some of his trusty friends, to enquire what these men were.So they were brought before him and asked, Whence they came? Whither they went, and what they did there in such an unusual garb? The men answered, “That they were strangers and pilgrims in the world; that they were going to their own country; and that they had given no occasion to the men of the town thus to abuse and stop them in their journey.” But the examiners said, “Either they were stark mad, or that they came on purpose to put all things into confusion.” Therefore they took them, and besmeared them with dirt, and then put them into the cage, to be a spectacle to all. But the men being patient, and not rendering railing for railing, but contrarywise blessing, some less prejudiced men began to check the baser sort, for their continual abuses to them. These flew at them again, telling them they were as bad as the men in the cage, and ought to be put with them. The others replied. “That, for ought they could see, the men meant no body any harm; and that there were many in the fair who deserved to be punished more than those they thus abused.” After many words, they fell to blows among themselves. Then were these two examined again, and charged with being the authors of all this mischief. So they beat them, and led them in chains up and down the fair, for a terror to others, least they should again speak in their behalf. ButChristianandFaithfulbehaved yet more wisely, and received all the contempt thatwas put upon them with such meekness, that it won to their side several of the men in the fair. This put the others into a still greater rage, so that they concluded upon their death. Mean while they remanded them to the cage, and made their feet fast in the stocks.When a convenient time was come, they were brought forth, and arraigned. The judge’s name was LordHategood. The substance of their indictment was this “That they were enemies to, and disturbers of their trade; that they had made commotions and divisions in the town, and won over some to their own pestilent opinions.”The first witness againstFaithfulwasEnvy, who spoke to this effect. “My Lord, this man is one of the vilest men in our country. He neither regards prince nor people, law nor customs; but is continually turning the world upside down. And I myself heard him affirm, that the customs of our town and Christianity could not be reconciled.”They then calledSuperstition, who spake thus: “My Lord, I have not much knowledge of this man, neither do I desire it; but this I know,♦that he is a pestilent fellow, and of very dangerous principles. I heard him say, that our religion was naught, and such as it was impossible to please God by. And your lordship very well knows, what must follow from thence: that we worship in vain, and are still in our sins.”♦duplicate word “that” removedThen wasPickthankcalled, and deposed as follows:“My Lord, I have heard this fellow rail on our noble princeBeelzebub; yea and speak contemptuously of his most honourable friends: nay, he hath not been afraid to rail on you, my Lord, in the same terms, with which he has bespattered most of the nobility and gentry of our town.”The judge then said, thou traitor, hast thou heard what these honest gentlemen have witnessed against thee?Faith.May I speak a few words?Judge.Sirrah, thou deservest to be slain immediately upon the place; but that all men may see our gentleness to thee, we will hear what thou hast to say.Faith.I say, that all the customs of this place are flatly opposite to the word of God: that your worship, being void both of faith and love, is an abomination to the Lord; and that your prince with all his attendants, are only fit for that hell which is prepared of old for him and his angels.Judge.Gentlemen of the jury, you have heard this man’s own confession. What think ye?Jury.We are all agreed. He is guilty of death.Immediately after, sentence was past, they brought him out, to do with him according to their law. And, after they had scourged him, and buffeted him, they tied him to a stake, and then burnt him to ashes.Now I saw that there stood behind the multitude a chariot and horses waiting forFaithful, who (so soon as the earthly tabernacle was dissolved) was straightway carried therein thro’ the clouds. ButChristianwas remanded to prison, and shortly after discharged; he that hath the hearts of all men in his hand, over-ruling the malice of his enemies.But he went not forth alone; for one, whose name wasHopeful, (having been won by their meekness and patience in suffering) resolved to accompany him wherever he went. He also toldChristian, that there were many more of the men in the fair, that would take their time and follow after.So they went on without stopping or looking behind them, till they came to a pleasant plain, calledEase; but it was narrow, so that they were quickly over it. On the farther side was a little hill, calledLucre, and in that hill a silver mine, which many who went that way, had formerly turned aside to see: but the ground breaking in with them, they miserably perished. A little way off, over against it, stood one, who called toChristianand his fellow, “Ho! turn aside hither, and I will shew you a thing.”Christian.For what thing should we turn out of our way?Man.Here is a mine of silver. Come and see.Hopeful.Let us go and see it.Christian.Not I. I have heard of this place before, and how many have been slain here; that treasure is a snare to them that seek it, and hindreth them in their pilgrimage.Man.Will you not come over and see?Christian.Demas, I know thee, who thou art. Thou art an enemy to the right ways of the Lord. Thou hast been already condemned for turning aside from his way. And wouldest thou bring us into the same condemnation? Rather shall thy money perish with thee. So they went their way.Now I saw that on the other side of the plain, stood an old monument, at the sight of which they were surprised; for it seemed as if it had been a woman transformed into a pillar. For some time they could not tell what to make of it, till they espied a writing upon the head, which was,Remember Lot’s wife. Ah, my brother, saidChristian, this is a seasonable sight. Had we gone over to view the hillLucre, we had, for ought I know, been made like this woman a spectacle to all generations.Hopeful.How justly might I have been as she is! She only looked back; and I desired to go and see. I am ashamed such a thought should be in my heart.Christian.Let us take notice of what we see here, for our help in time to come. This woman escaped one judgment; for she fell not in the destruction ofSodom; yet she was destroyed byanother. She was turned, as we see, into a pillar of salt.I saw then that they went on their way to a pleasant river, which David calleth,The river of God, butJohn,the river of the water of life. Now their way lay on the bank of the river. Here they walked with great delight; they drank also of the water of the river, which was enlivening to their weary spirits. And on the banks on either side, were green trees for all manner of fruit; andthe leaves were for the healing of the nations. On each side of the river was also a meadow, curiously beautified with flowers; and it was green all the year long. In this they lay down and slept; for here they might lie down safely: but being not yet at their journey’s end, after a short time they departed.They had not journied far, before the river and the way divided from each other. At this they were not a little sorry; yet they durst not go out of the way. The path now grew more and more rough, and their feet were tender with travelling. So the souls of the pilgrims were much discouraged, by reason of the way. Now a little before them there was a meadow on the left hand, and a stile to go over into it. Then saidChristian, if this meadow lies along by our way-side let us go into it. He went to see, and a path lay along by the way, on the other side of the fence. “’Tis as I wished, saidChristian;here is a smooth path; come let us go over.”Hopeful.But how if it should lead us out of the way?Christian.Nay, look, does it not go along by the road-side? SoHopefulwent after him over the stile. When they were gone over, they found the path very easy for their feet; and withal, they saw one walking before them. They called and asked him, Whither that way led? He said, to mountZion. Look there, saidChristian. Did I not tell you so? So they followed, and he went before them; but the night coming on, they soon lost sight of him.He that went before (Vain-confidenceby name) not seeing the way, (for it was very dark) fell into a deep pit, which was dug there on purpose, and was dashed to pieces with his fall.Now they heard him fall, and called to know what was the matter; but there was none to answer, except with groans. Then saidHopeful, Where are we now? ButChristianwas silent, fearing he had led him out of the way. And now it began to thunder and lighten, and rain; and the waters in the meadow rose amain.ThenHopefulgroaned in himself, and said, O that I had kept on my way!Christian.Who would have thought that this path should have led us out of the way?Hopeful.I was afraid at first, and should have spoke plainer, but that you are older than I.Christian.I am sorry I brought you out of the way. But we must not stand still. Let us go back.Hopeful.Let me go before.Christian.No. I led you out of the way. If there be any danger, let me be first therein.Hopeful.Nay, you shall not go first; for your mind being troubled, may bring you out of the way again. But by this time the waters were greatly risen, so that the way was very dangerous. Yet they resolved to go as far as they could. But it was so dark, and the flood so high, that they could not, with all the skill they had, get again to the stile that night. Wherefore, at last they sat down under a tree till day should break; but being weary, they fell asleep. Now there was not far off a castle calledDoubting-castle, the owner whereof was giantDespair, who rising early in the morning, and walking out, foundChristianandHopefulasleep in his ground. With a surly voice, he bid them awake, and asked, whence they came, and what they did there? They told him they were pilgrims that had lost their way. Then said the giant, you have trespassed upon my ground, and therefore must go along with me. So he drove them before him into his castle, and cast them into a dark and dismal dungeon, where they sunk in the mire and dirt. And here they lay, without bread, or water, or light, or any to care for, or comfort them.The next morning the giant came to them again, and beat them in such a manner, that they were scarcely able to help themselves, or to turn themselves upon the floor; then he left them to bewail their misery, and to mourn under their distress: so that all that day they spent their time in nothing but sighs and bitter lamentations. The day following he returned, and perceiving them to be sore with the blows they had received, he told them, that since they were never likely to escape, their best way was to put an end to their trouble at once. “For what good,” said he, “will life do you? It is only heaping sorrow upon sorrow.” He then left them to consider what to do; and they began consulting together as follows.Christian.Brother, what shall we do? Is it better to live thus, or to die out of hand? In truth,my soul chuseth strangling rather than life, and the grave is easier for me than this dungeon.Hopeful.Why, death would be far more welcome to me, than to abide thus for ever. But yet let us consider, our Lord has said, thou shalt do no murder: and if we are forbidden to kill another, much more to kill ourselves: for he that kills another, kills only his body; but he that kills himself, kills both body and soul. Besides, you talk of ease in the grave: but have you forgot the hell whither murderers go? And let us consider again, that all the law is not in the hand of giantDespair. Others, I understand, havebeen taken by him as well as we; and yet have escaped out of his hands. Who knows but God may strike him with death? Or that sometime he may forget to lock us in? For my part, I am resolved to take heart, and to try the utmost to get from under his hand. However, let us endure awhile. The time of releasemaycome: and if not, whatever God permits, let us not be our own murderers.Toward evening the giant came again, to see if his prisoners had taken his counsel. But finding them alive, he fell into a grievous rage, and told them, since they would not obey him, it should be far worse with them than if they had never been born.He went back, and they began to consult again, whether they should take his advice or no?Christianseemed to incline to it again: butHopefulreplied as follows:“My brother, remembrest thou not, how valiant thou hast been heretofore?Apollyoncould not destroy thee, nor all thou didst meet in thevalley of the Shadow of Death. What hardships hast thou already gone through? And art thou now nothing but fears? Thou seest I am in the dungeon as well as thou: also the giant has wounded me as much as thee. He hath cut off the bread and water from my mouth too; and I too mourn without the light. However, in our patience let us possess our souls. Who knows how soon a change may come?”The next morning the giant took them into the castle-yard, and shewed them the bones and sculls with which it was strewed. “These, said he, were once pilgrims as you are, and they trespassed on my ground; and, when I saw fit, I tore them in pieces, as within ten days I will do you, get you down till then into your dungeon.” So he drove them back, and shut them in.That night, about midnight, they began to pray, and continued in prayer till near break of day.Now, a little before it was day,Christianas in amaze, broke out, “What a fool am I to continue in this noisome dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty? I have a key in my bosom, calledPromise, that will, I am persuaded open any lock inDoubting-castle.” “That, saidHopeful, is good news indeed; pluck it out of thy bosom and try.”ThenChristiantried it at the dungeon door, whose bolt (as he turned the key) gave back, and the door flew open with ease. They went next to the outward door that leads into the castle-yard, and, with this key, opened that door also. The iron gate was next: but that lock went very hard. Yet in awhile did the key open it: so they stopped not till they came to the king’s highway, where they were out of the giant’s jurisdiction.Then they went on till they came to theDelectable Mountains, where were gardens and orchards, and vineyards, and fountains of water: here they drank and washed themselves, and did freely eat of the fruit of the vineyards. Now there were on the top of these mountains, shepherds feeding their flocks by the way-side. The pilgrims therefore went to them, and asked, whose mountains are these? And whose are the sheep that feed upon them?Shepherd.These mountains areImmanuel’s land, and they are within sight of his city. And the sheep that feed here are his also, and he laid down his life for them.Christian.Is there any relief in this place for pilgrims that are weary and faint in the way?Shepherd.The lord of these mountains has given a charge,not to be forgetful to entertain strangers: “Therefore the good of the place is before you.” So they took them by the hand, and led them to their tents. After a short refreshment, (it being now late) they all betook them to their rest.In the morning they called upChristianandHopefulto walk with them upon the mountains. So they went forth and walked with them, having a pleasant prospect on every side. From thence they led them to the top of a hill calledError, which was very steep on the further side, and bid them look down to the bottom. Theylooked down, and saw at the bottom several men dashed to pieces by a fall from the top. Then saidChristian, who are these? “Have you not heard,” said the shepherds, “of them that were made to err, by hearkening toHymenæusandPhiletus, concerning the resurrection of the body? These that you see lie dashed in pieces are they; and they continue unburied to this day, for an example to others, that they clamber not too high, nor come too near the brink of this mountain.”*Then I saw in my dream, that the shepherds had them to another place, where was a door in the side of a hill. They opened the door and bad them look in. They looked, and saw that it was very dark and smoaky; also they heard a roaring noise, as of fire, and cries and groans, as of men in torment. Then saidChristian, what means this? This, answered the shepherds, is a bye-way to hell; a way that hypocrites go, and those that did run well, but do not endure to the end. Then said the pilgrims, looking on each other,We have need to cry to the strong for strength. “True,” said the shepherds, “and you have need to use it when you have it too.”When they were about to depart, one of the shepherds gave them a note of the way. Another bid them, “Beware of the flatterer.” The third said, “Sleep not on inchanted ground.” So they went down the mountains, along thehighway. Now a little below the mountains, on the left-hand, lies the country ofConceit; from which country a little crooked lane runs into the way where the pilgrims walked. Here they met with a very brisk young man, who came out of that country: his name wasIgnorance. SoChristianasked, “Whence he came, and whither he was going?”Ignorance.Sir, I was born in the country that lies on the left-hand, and am going to mountZion.Christian.And how do you think to get there?Ignorance.As other good people do.Christian.But what have you to shew at the gate, that it may be opened to you?Ignorance.Why, I do no harm. I pay every man his own. I work hard for an honest living. I say my prayers, and keep my church, and go to the sacrament, and do what good I can.Christian.But you came not in at the strait gate. You came in through that crooked lane; and therefore I fear, whatever you think of yourself, you will at that day be judged a thief and a robber.Ignorance.Gentlemen, you are strangers to me; be content to follow the religion of your country, and I will follow that in which I was born and bred. I won’t leave the church. As for the gate you talk of, all the world knows, it is a great way off our country. I cannot think that any men in all our parts do so much as know theway to it; nor need they matter, since we have a fine green lane, as you see, that comes straight down into the way.Christian.This man is wise in his own conceit. There is more hope of a fool than of him.Hopeful.Perhaps we should not say all to him at once, let us pass on, and speak to him again by and by.So they went on, andIgnorancecame after. When they had past him a little way, they came into a very dark lane, where they met a man whom seven devils had bound with seven strong cords, and were carrying back to the door on the side of the hill. On his back was a paper with this inscription,The just shall live by faith; but if he draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.This puts me in mind, saidChristian, of what happened to a pilgrim here, whose name wasLittle-faith.At the entrance of this passage there comes down, fromBroad-way Gate, a lane, calledDeadman’s-Lane. ThisLittle-Faithchanced to sit down there, and fell asleep. Three brothers,Faintheart,Mistrust, andGuilt, were just then coming down that lane as he awaked, and was getting up to go on his journey. They immediately called to him to stand, and bid him deliver what he had; which he not doing readily,FaintheartandMistruststepped up and took it from him. He then cried out, Thieves; on whichMistrust, with a great club, struck him onthe head, and felled him to the ground: but just then hearing some that were upon the road, and fearing it might be oneGreat-Grace, they leftLittle-Faithto shift for himself, and fled away with all speed.Hopeful.Doubtless these three fellows were mere cowards, or they would not so soon have run away. MethinksLittle-Faithmight have stood one brush with them, if he had yielded at last.Christian.Few have found them cowards. They once set uponme; and though I was cloathed in armour of proof, I found it hard work to quit myself like a man. No man knows what a combat that is, but he that has been engaged in it himself.Hopeful.Well, but they ran away as soon as they only supposed thatGreat-Gracewas a coming.Christian.No marvel; for he is the King’s champion. But all the King’s subjects are not his champions; nor can they, in the day of trial, do such feats of war as he.Hopeful.I would I had beenGreat-Gracefor their sakes.Christian.If it had been he, he might have had his hands full. For I must tell you, although he can deal with them as long as he keeps them at sword’s point; yet if ever they get within him, it will go hard but they will give him a sore fall.Besides, their King is always at their call, ready to come to their help. And of him it is said,The sword of him that layeth at him, cannot hold the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood. Darts are counted as stubble. He laugheth at the shaking of the spear.When therefore we hear of such robbers as these, it behoveth us to go out well harnessed, and be sure to have a good shield; for indeed if that be wanting, they fear us not at all: therefore he that hath skill hath said,Above all, take the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.’Tis good also that we desire the King, that he would go with us himself; and then we need not be afraid if thousands had set themselves against us round about: but without himthe proud helpers shall fall under the slain.So they went on till they came to a place where they saw a way put itself into their way, which seemed to lie as straight as the other, insomuch that they knew not which to take. As they were standing to consider, a man of black flesh, but covered with a very light robe, came smiling to them, and lovingly asked, “Why do you stand here?” They answered, “We are going to mountZion, but know not which of these ways to take.” “I am glad, said the man, you are of so good a mind. Few men are so wise as you. Follow me, my dear friends, andI will shew you the way. Such as you deserve to be honoured of all men.” So they followed him, till, by little and little the way turned, and their faces were set toward the city ofDestruction. And before they were aware, they were got within the compass of a net, which he drew upon them and held them fast. The white robe then fell off the black man’s back; and they saw where they were, but could not escape.Then saidChristian, I see my error now. Did not the shepherds tell us to beware of the flatterer? How true is that word,A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a net for his feet!Hopeful.They also gave us a note of direction about the way; but we forgot to read it, else we should havekept ourselves from the paths of the destroyer. Thus they lay bewailing themselves in the net, when they saw a shining one coming toward them, with a whip of small cords in his hand. He asked, What do ye here? They answered, We were led out of the way by a black man cloathed in white. He is aflatterer, said he,a false apostle, Satan transformed into an angel of light. So he rent the net, and said, “Follow me;” and led them back into the way they had left. Then he asked them, “Did not the shepherds on the mountains give you a note of the way? Why did you not read it? And did they not bid you beware of the flatterer?”They were speechless. So he commanded them to lie down, and chastised them sore, saying,As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent.I saw then in my dream, that they arose and went on, until they came into a country, whose air naturally tended to make one drowsy. And hereHopefulbegan to be very heavy, and said toChristian, “I can scarce hold open my eyes; let us lie down and sleep awhile.”Christian.By no means, lest we wake no more.Hopeful.Why, my brother?The sleep of a labouring man is sweet.Christian.Do you not remember the caution of the shepherd, sleep not on inchanted ground?Hopeful.I acknowledge my fault. I see it is true, as the wise man saith,Two are better than one.Christian.To prevent drowsiness then, let us discourse a little together. How came you at first to look after the good of your soul?Hopeful.For a long time I delighted in those things which are seen and sold at our fair, in the riches and pleasures of the world, till I heard fromFaithfuland you, thatthe end of these things is death.Christian.But was you fully convinced of this at once?Hopeful.No; I strove to stifle my convictions; and when my mind was shaken with the wordof God, laboured to shut my eyes against the light.Christian.How so?Hopeful.I knew not that this was the work of God upon me, but called itlowness of spirits; and sin was so sweet to me, that I was loth to leave it; besides, I could not tell how to part with my old companions.Christian.Then it seems you shook off your troubles sometimes.Hopeful.Yes; but it came again worse than before.Christian.What was it that brought your sins to your mind again?Hopeful.Many things: as, if I met but a good man in the street; or if I heard one read the bible; or, if my head began to ake; or, if I was told of any that was sick; or, if I heard the bell toll for one that was dead; or, if I thought of dying myself or heard of a sudden death: but, above all, when I thought I must quickly come to judgment.Christian.But could you not shake off your thoughts?Hopeful.No; they got faster hold upon me, till I could have no rest in sin.Christian.And how did you then?Hopeful.I thought I must mend my life; and so I did, leaving my old sins and company too. Likewise I began to read, and pray, and fast, and go to church, and to the sacrament, and to dogood. And now for a time I thought all was well; but it was not long before my trouble came again.Christian.How so? Had you not reformed your life?Hopeful.Yes; but I had not reformed my heart. I found that was still as bad, or worse than ever; full of anger, pride, lust, and what not? I found myinward parts were very wickedness; that I wasearthly, sensual, and devilish, having still acarnal mind that was enmity against God, andbrought me into captivity to sin and death. I saw more and more, that theredwelt in me no good thing; no love of God; no true love of my neighbour. Above all, I was convinced I had not faith; notthat faith which overcometh the world: and that was always sounding in my ears,He that believeth not shall be damned.Christian.And what effect had this?Hopeful.I then remembered that it is written,All our righteousness is as filthy rags, availing nothing toward our reconciliation with God, or the forgiveness of our sins. I saw that all I could do all my life long, would not atone for one sin that was past; nay, though I could now keep all God’s law, and offend in no point. For if a man (thought I) runs a hundred pounds into a merchant’s debt, and after that pays for all that he takes; yet if this old debt stands still in the book uncrossed, the merchant may sue him, and cast him into prison, till he shall pay the whole.Christian.How did you apply this to yourself?Hopeful.Why I thought with myself, I have by sin run far in debt with God, and my reforming now will not pay that debt. How then shall I be freed from that damnation, to which I know myself to be justly exposed, by my former transgressions?Besides, I still saw sin mixing itself with the best actions I could do: So that I was forced to conclude, that, notwithstanding my former opinion of myself, I committed sin enough in one day to send me to hell, though my former life had been faultless.Christian.And what did you do then?Hopeful.I knew not what to do, till I went and talked withFaithful; who told me, unless I had an interest in the righteousness of one that had never sinned, neither my own righteousness, nor all the righteousness of the world, could save me. I asked, who it was that had never sinned? He answered, “the Lord Jesus: and you only can be forgiven and accepted with God through faith in his blood.” “But how, said I, canhisrighteousness justifymebefore God?” He told me, he was the mighty God, and did what he did, and died the death also, not for himself, but forme; to whom the merits of all should be imputed, if I believe on him. I replied, “I did not think he was willing to saveme.” He bid me go to him and see. I said, “It was presumption.” He answered, “No; for I was invitedto come.” Then I asked, what must I do when I come? And he bid me say to this effect: “God be merciful to me a sinner, and make me to know and believe in Jesus; for I see, if I have not faith in his blood, I am utterly cast away. Lord, I have heard, that thou art a merciful God, and hast ordained him to be the Saviour of the world; and moreover, that thou art willing to accept, in him, even such a poor sinner as I am. O magnify thy grace in the salvation of my soul, through thy Son Jesus Christ!”Christian.And did you do this?Hopeful.Yes, over and over, before I found any relief.Christian.Had you not thoughts then of giving it over?Hopeful.Yes, a hundred times; but I knew not what else to do, being convinced, that without Christ, all the world could not save me; and therefore, thought I with myself, if I leave off, I die; and I can but die, if I continue. And withal this came into my mind,If it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not tarry.Christian.And how was you relieved?*Hopeful.One day I was very sad, I think sadder than ever before in my life, and this sadness was through a fresh sight of the greatness and vileness of my sins; and I was looking for nothing but hell, when suddenly I saw (not with my bodily eyes) the Lord look down from heavenupon me, saying,Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.Then those scriptures came like a flood into my heart.He that cometh to me, shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me, shall never thirst. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. He hath died for our sins, and rose again for our justification. There is one mediator between God and man, even the man Christ Jesus. Wherefore he is able to save unto the uttermost those that come unto God through him; seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.Christian.And what effect had this upon your spirit and life?Hopeful.I was filled witha peace that passeth all understanding. I rejoiced with joy unspeakable. The love of God was shed abroad in my heart; and sin had no more dominion over me; butI ran the way of his commandments, now he had set my heart at liberty.I saw then in my dream, thatHopefullooked back, and sawIgnorance, whom he had left behind, coming after. Then, said he come away, man: why do you stay behind? Come, how do you do? How stands it now between God and your soul?Ignorance.I hope well, for I am full of good thoughts.Christian.What good thoughts?Ignorance.Why, I think of God and heaven.Christian.So do the devils and damned souls.Ignorance.But I desire them too.Christian.So do many that never came there.The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing.Ignorance.Nay but I leave all for them.Christian.I doubt that. Why dost thou think so?Ignorance.My heart tells me so.Christian.He that trusteth his own heart, is a fool.Ignorance.Ay if his heart be evil; but mine is good.Christian.How dost thou prove that?Ignorance.Why I lead a good life.Christian.Who told thee thou leadest a good life?Ignorance.Who told me! My own heart.Christian.Ask my fellow if I be a thief. Thy heart tells thee so! Except the word of God bear witness in this matter, other testimony is nothing worth.Hast thou the peace of God? Hast thou joy in the Holy Ghost? Is the love of God shed abroad in thy heart? Doth his Spirit witness with thy spirit, that thou art a child of God? Hast thou redemption in Christ’s blood, the forgiveness of thy sins? Art thou dead unto sin, and alive unto God? Hast thou crucified the flesh, with its affections and lusts? Hath the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, made thee free from the law of sin and death?Ignorance.You talk too high for me? I am a poor sinner, and I believe in Christ, and that is enough.Christian.I fear, hell is full of such poor sinners as thou. But how dost thou believe in Christ?Ignorance.Why, I believe Christ died for sinners, and that my sins will be forgiven, through God’s gracious acceptance of my sincerity and best endeavours to obey his laws.Christian.1. Thou believest then with a fantastical faith; for this faith is no where described in the word. 2. Thou believest with a false faith; because thou takest justification from the blood and righteousness of Christ, and appliest it to thy own. 3. This first maketh Christ not a justifier♦of thy person, but of thy actions; and of thy person, for the sake of thy actions. Therefore this faith is utterly deceitful, and will leave thee under wrath in the day of the Lord.♦“rf” replaced with “of”True justifying faith puts the soul, as sensible of its lost condition by the law, upon flying for refuge to the blood and righteousness of Christ. And this righteousness of his is not an act of grace, by which he maketh thy obedience acceptable to God for thy justification.No, but Christ did and suffered what was required at our hands; and for the sake of what he did and suffered, we are pardoned and accepted of God.Ignorance.And so you would have us do nothing! We may live as we list; since we are justified by faith alone!Christian.As thy name is, so art thou. Thou art ignorant of the fruits of faith in the blood ofChrist. He that believeth in Christ, loveth God; and whosoever loveth him keepeth his commandments.Hopeful.Was Christ ever revealed to you?Ignorance.What, you are for new revelations! And receiving the Holy Ghost, I suppose! I believe what both you and all the rest of you say about these matters, is all whim and enthusiasm, the effects of mere imagination, or a distempered brain.Hopeful.Why, man,None knoweth the Son save he unto whom the Father revealeth him: and no man calleth Jesus Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.Ignorance.That isyourfaith but it is notmine: yet mine, I doubt not is as good as yours; though I have not my head filled with so many whims and fancies.Christian.Give me leave to put in a word: you ought not to speak so slightly of this matter: forno man can knowJesus Christ,save he to whom the Father revealeth him: and that faith whereby the soul layeth hold on Christ, must be wrought bythe exceeding greatness of his mighty power. Of this faith I perceive thou art wholly ignorant. Awake thou that sleepest. Know thyself. See thy own weakness. Fly to the Lord Jesus, and by his righteousness thou shalt be delivered from condemnation.Ignorance.You walk so fast, I cannot keep pace with you; go on, I must stay awhile behind.Do you think, saidHopeful, that such men as these have never any convictions of sin?Christian.Without doubt they have, more or less, but they desperately stifle them.Hopeful.Nay, why should they stifle them?Christian.1. Because they think these fears are wrought by the devil, which indeed are wrought of God. 2. They think also, they have no reason thus to fear, and therefore harden themselves in presumptuous confidence. 3. They see these fears would rob them of their beloved self-righteousness, and therefore resist them with all their might.*Now I saw in my dream, that by this time they were got over the inchanted ground, and entering into the country ofBeulah, the way lying directly over it. They were now far beyond thevalley of the♦Shadow of Death, and also out of the reach of giantDespair; neither could they, from this place, so much as seeDoubting-castle. In this country there is no darkness at all, the sun shining night and day; there are no storms or tempests, but the air is always calm and serene. Here the flowers all the year appear in the earth, throughout the perpetual spring: and they continually heard the singing of birds, and the voice of the turtle in the land. They were now within sight of the city they were going to; and met with several of the inhabitants of it. Yea, in this land their Lord himself commonly walked. Itbeing on the borders of heaven. In this land also the contract between the bride and bridegroom was renewed: andas a bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so did their God rejoice over them. Here they had no want of corn or wine, but abundance of all things, being in a land that flowed with milk and honey. Mean time they heard voices out of the city, loud voices, saying,Say ye to the daughter of Zion, behold thy salvation cometh: and all the inhabitants of the country called them,the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord.
♦“foregiveness” replaced with “forgiveness”
♦“foregiveness” replaced with “forgiveness”
♦“foregiveness” replaced with “forgiveness”
It is discovered to others. 1. By his open confession of this faith, and peace, and joy, and love, and power over sin. 2. By a life answerable thereto; by universal obedience, by holiness in all manner of conversation.
Would you object any thing to this? If not, give me leave to propose a second question.
Talk.Nay, propose what you will.
Faith.Do you experience these things in your own heart? And doth your life answer thereto? Pray, say no more than your conscience can justify you in, and what you know God will say Amen to. Fornot he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Talk.This kind of discourse I did not expect, nor am I disposed to answer such questions. I am not bound to take you for my catechizer; and I do not understand why you ask them.
Faith.I ask them, because (to tell you the truth) I have heard that your religion lies in talk; that your life gives the lie to your profession; that you are a spot among Christians; and, by your unholy conversation, bring a reproach on that worthy name whereby we are called.
Talk.Since you judge so rashly, and are so ready to take up evil reports, you are not company for me; so farewel.
Then came upChristian, and said, I told you how it would be. You did well to speak plainly. I wish all men would deal with such men as you have done, and then either they would themselves come to be truly religious, or the company of those that are so would be too hot for them.
While he was yet speaking, they sawEvangelistcoming after them, who soon overtook them, and said, “Peace be unto you. Howhath it fared with you, my friends, since the time of our last parting?”
ThenChristianandFaithfultold him of all things that had happened to them on the way.
Evangelist.I am glad that in all things ye are more than conquerors. I have sowed, and ye have reaped; and the day is coming, when both he that sowed, and they that reaped, shall rejoice together; that is, if ye endure to the end. For in due time ye shall reap, if ye faint not.
“My sons, you have heard in the words of the truth of the gospel, that ye must, thro’ much tribulation, enter into the kingdom of heaven. Therefore you cannot expect to go long on your pilgrimage, without meeting that whereto ye are called. You have found something of the truth of these testimonies already, and more will soon follow. For you will come to a town by and by, where you will be hard beset with enemies. But be ye faithful unto death, saith the Lord, and I will give you a crown of life.”
Then I saw in my dream, that almost as soon he had left them, they came in sight of a town calledVanity, where a great fair is kept all the year long, calledVanity-fair.
At this fair are sold houses, lands, trade, places, honours, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms; delights of all sorts, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, silver, gold, precious stones, blood, lives, bodies and souls of men.
Moreover, here are at all times to be seen jugglings, cheats, games, plays, fools, knaves, and those of every kind. Here are to be seen too, and that for nothing, extortion, rapine, revenge, thefts, murders, adulterers, false swearers, and that of a blood-red colour.
Now the way to mountZionlies just thro’ the place where this fair is kept; and he that would not go thro’ this fair, must needs go out of the world. Hither thereforeChristianandFaithfulcame: but no sooner did they appear, than all the people in the fair were moved, and the town itself was in an uproar; and that for several reasons: for, 1. Their raiment was quite different from that of any that traded in the fair. 2. So was their speech; for they spoke the language ofCanaan, which few there understood: so that from one end of the fair to the other, the men of the fair and they seemed barbarians to each other: and, 3. They set light by all that was sold there; they cared not so much as to look upon it; and if any called to them, they looked up and cried,Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity.
To one who mocking, asked them, “What will you buy?” They answered, “We buy the truth.” At that the uproar increased; some taunting, some railing, and some calling upon others to smite them. Now was word brought to the great one of the fair, who sent some of his trusty friends, to enquire what these men were.So they were brought before him and asked, Whence they came? Whither they went, and what they did there in such an unusual garb? The men answered, “That they were strangers and pilgrims in the world; that they were going to their own country; and that they had given no occasion to the men of the town thus to abuse and stop them in their journey.” But the examiners said, “Either they were stark mad, or that they came on purpose to put all things into confusion.” Therefore they took them, and besmeared them with dirt, and then put them into the cage, to be a spectacle to all. But the men being patient, and not rendering railing for railing, but contrarywise blessing, some less prejudiced men began to check the baser sort, for their continual abuses to them. These flew at them again, telling them they were as bad as the men in the cage, and ought to be put with them. The others replied. “That, for ought they could see, the men meant no body any harm; and that there were many in the fair who deserved to be punished more than those they thus abused.” After many words, they fell to blows among themselves. Then were these two examined again, and charged with being the authors of all this mischief. So they beat them, and led them in chains up and down the fair, for a terror to others, least they should again speak in their behalf. ButChristianandFaithfulbehaved yet more wisely, and received all the contempt thatwas put upon them with such meekness, that it won to their side several of the men in the fair. This put the others into a still greater rage, so that they concluded upon their death. Mean while they remanded them to the cage, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
When a convenient time was come, they were brought forth, and arraigned. The judge’s name was LordHategood. The substance of their indictment was this “That they were enemies to, and disturbers of their trade; that they had made commotions and divisions in the town, and won over some to their own pestilent opinions.”
The first witness againstFaithfulwasEnvy, who spoke to this effect. “My Lord, this man is one of the vilest men in our country. He neither regards prince nor people, law nor customs; but is continually turning the world upside down. And I myself heard him affirm, that the customs of our town and Christianity could not be reconciled.”
They then calledSuperstition, who spake thus: “My Lord, I have not much knowledge of this man, neither do I desire it; but this I know,♦that he is a pestilent fellow, and of very dangerous principles. I heard him say, that our religion was naught, and such as it was impossible to please God by. And your lordship very well knows, what must follow from thence: that we worship in vain, and are still in our sins.”
♦duplicate word “that” removed
♦duplicate word “that” removed
♦duplicate word “that” removed
Then wasPickthankcalled, and deposed as follows:
“My Lord, I have heard this fellow rail on our noble princeBeelzebub; yea and speak contemptuously of his most honourable friends: nay, he hath not been afraid to rail on you, my Lord, in the same terms, with which he has bespattered most of the nobility and gentry of our town.”
The judge then said, thou traitor, hast thou heard what these honest gentlemen have witnessed against thee?
Faith.May I speak a few words?
Judge.Sirrah, thou deservest to be slain immediately upon the place; but that all men may see our gentleness to thee, we will hear what thou hast to say.
Faith.I say, that all the customs of this place are flatly opposite to the word of God: that your worship, being void both of faith and love, is an abomination to the Lord; and that your prince with all his attendants, are only fit for that hell which is prepared of old for him and his angels.
Judge.Gentlemen of the jury, you have heard this man’s own confession. What think ye?
Jury.We are all agreed. He is guilty of death.
Immediately after, sentence was past, they brought him out, to do with him according to their law. And, after they had scourged him, and buffeted him, they tied him to a stake, and then burnt him to ashes.
Now I saw that there stood behind the multitude a chariot and horses waiting forFaithful, who (so soon as the earthly tabernacle was dissolved) was straightway carried therein thro’ the clouds. ButChristianwas remanded to prison, and shortly after discharged; he that hath the hearts of all men in his hand, over-ruling the malice of his enemies.
But he went not forth alone; for one, whose name wasHopeful, (having been won by their meekness and patience in suffering) resolved to accompany him wherever he went. He also toldChristian, that there were many more of the men in the fair, that would take their time and follow after.
So they went on without stopping or looking behind them, till they came to a pleasant plain, calledEase; but it was narrow, so that they were quickly over it. On the farther side was a little hill, calledLucre, and in that hill a silver mine, which many who went that way, had formerly turned aside to see: but the ground breaking in with them, they miserably perished. A little way off, over against it, stood one, who called toChristianand his fellow, “Ho! turn aside hither, and I will shew you a thing.”
Christian.For what thing should we turn out of our way?
Man.Here is a mine of silver. Come and see.
Hopeful.Let us go and see it.
Christian.Not I. I have heard of this place before, and how many have been slain here; that treasure is a snare to them that seek it, and hindreth them in their pilgrimage.
Man.Will you not come over and see?
Christian.Demas, I know thee, who thou art. Thou art an enemy to the right ways of the Lord. Thou hast been already condemned for turning aside from his way. And wouldest thou bring us into the same condemnation? Rather shall thy money perish with thee. So they went their way.
Now I saw that on the other side of the plain, stood an old monument, at the sight of which they were surprised; for it seemed as if it had been a woman transformed into a pillar. For some time they could not tell what to make of it, till they espied a writing upon the head, which was,Remember Lot’s wife. Ah, my brother, saidChristian, this is a seasonable sight. Had we gone over to view the hillLucre, we had, for ought I know, been made like this woman a spectacle to all generations.
Hopeful.How justly might I have been as she is! She only looked back; and I desired to go and see. I am ashamed such a thought should be in my heart.
Christian.Let us take notice of what we see here, for our help in time to come. This woman escaped one judgment; for she fell not in the destruction ofSodom; yet she was destroyed byanother. She was turned, as we see, into a pillar of salt.
I saw then that they went on their way to a pleasant river, which David calleth,The river of God, butJohn,the river of the water of life. Now their way lay on the bank of the river. Here they walked with great delight; they drank also of the water of the river, which was enlivening to their weary spirits. And on the banks on either side, were green trees for all manner of fruit; andthe leaves were for the healing of the nations. On each side of the river was also a meadow, curiously beautified with flowers; and it was green all the year long. In this they lay down and slept; for here they might lie down safely: but being not yet at their journey’s end, after a short time they departed.
They had not journied far, before the river and the way divided from each other. At this they were not a little sorry; yet they durst not go out of the way. The path now grew more and more rough, and their feet were tender with travelling. So the souls of the pilgrims were much discouraged, by reason of the way. Now a little before them there was a meadow on the left hand, and a stile to go over into it. Then saidChristian, if this meadow lies along by our way-side let us go into it. He went to see, and a path lay along by the way, on the other side of the fence. “’Tis as I wished, saidChristian;here is a smooth path; come let us go over.”
Hopeful.But how if it should lead us out of the way?
Christian.Nay, look, does it not go along by the road-side? SoHopefulwent after him over the stile. When they were gone over, they found the path very easy for their feet; and withal, they saw one walking before them. They called and asked him, Whither that way led? He said, to mountZion. Look there, saidChristian. Did I not tell you so? So they followed, and he went before them; but the night coming on, they soon lost sight of him.
He that went before (Vain-confidenceby name) not seeing the way, (for it was very dark) fell into a deep pit, which was dug there on purpose, and was dashed to pieces with his fall.
Now they heard him fall, and called to know what was the matter; but there was none to answer, except with groans. Then saidHopeful, Where are we now? ButChristianwas silent, fearing he had led him out of the way. And now it began to thunder and lighten, and rain; and the waters in the meadow rose amain.
ThenHopefulgroaned in himself, and said, O that I had kept on my way!
Christian.Who would have thought that this path should have led us out of the way?
Hopeful.I was afraid at first, and should have spoke plainer, but that you are older than I.
Christian.I am sorry I brought you out of the way. But we must not stand still. Let us go back.
Hopeful.Let me go before.
Christian.No. I led you out of the way. If there be any danger, let me be first therein.
Hopeful.Nay, you shall not go first; for your mind being troubled, may bring you out of the way again. But by this time the waters were greatly risen, so that the way was very dangerous. Yet they resolved to go as far as they could. But it was so dark, and the flood so high, that they could not, with all the skill they had, get again to the stile that night. Wherefore, at last they sat down under a tree till day should break; but being weary, they fell asleep. Now there was not far off a castle calledDoubting-castle, the owner whereof was giantDespair, who rising early in the morning, and walking out, foundChristianandHopefulasleep in his ground. With a surly voice, he bid them awake, and asked, whence they came, and what they did there? They told him they were pilgrims that had lost their way. Then said the giant, you have trespassed upon my ground, and therefore must go along with me. So he drove them before him into his castle, and cast them into a dark and dismal dungeon, where they sunk in the mire and dirt. And here they lay, without bread, or water, or light, or any to care for, or comfort them.
The next morning the giant came to them again, and beat them in such a manner, that they were scarcely able to help themselves, or to turn themselves upon the floor; then he left them to bewail their misery, and to mourn under their distress: so that all that day they spent their time in nothing but sighs and bitter lamentations. The day following he returned, and perceiving them to be sore with the blows they had received, he told them, that since they were never likely to escape, their best way was to put an end to their trouble at once. “For what good,” said he, “will life do you? It is only heaping sorrow upon sorrow.” He then left them to consider what to do; and they began consulting together as follows.
Christian.Brother, what shall we do? Is it better to live thus, or to die out of hand? In truth,my soul chuseth strangling rather than life, and the grave is easier for me than this dungeon.
Hopeful.Why, death would be far more welcome to me, than to abide thus for ever. But yet let us consider, our Lord has said, thou shalt do no murder: and if we are forbidden to kill another, much more to kill ourselves: for he that kills another, kills only his body; but he that kills himself, kills both body and soul. Besides, you talk of ease in the grave: but have you forgot the hell whither murderers go? And let us consider again, that all the law is not in the hand of giantDespair. Others, I understand, havebeen taken by him as well as we; and yet have escaped out of his hands. Who knows but God may strike him with death? Or that sometime he may forget to lock us in? For my part, I am resolved to take heart, and to try the utmost to get from under his hand. However, let us endure awhile. The time of releasemaycome: and if not, whatever God permits, let us not be our own murderers.
Toward evening the giant came again, to see if his prisoners had taken his counsel. But finding them alive, he fell into a grievous rage, and told them, since they would not obey him, it should be far worse with them than if they had never been born.
He went back, and they began to consult again, whether they should take his advice or no?Christianseemed to incline to it again: butHopefulreplied as follows:
“My brother, remembrest thou not, how valiant thou hast been heretofore?Apollyoncould not destroy thee, nor all thou didst meet in thevalley of the Shadow of Death. What hardships hast thou already gone through? And art thou now nothing but fears? Thou seest I am in the dungeon as well as thou: also the giant has wounded me as much as thee. He hath cut off the bread and water from my mouth too; and I too mourn without the light. However, in our patience let us possess our souls. Who knows how soon a change may come?”
The next morning the giant took them into the castle-yard, and shewed them the bones and sculls with which it was strewed. “These, said he, were once pilgrims as you are, and they trespassed on my ground; and, when I saw fit, I tore them in pieces, as within ten days I will do you, get you down till then into your dungeon.” So he drove them back, and shut them in.
That night, about midnight, they began to pray, and continued in prayer till near break of day.
Now, a little before it was day,Christianas in amaze, broke out, “What a fool am I to continue in this noisome dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty? I have a key in my bosom, calledPromise, that will, I am persuaded open any lock inDoubting-castle.” “That, saidHopeful, is good news indeed; pluck it out of thy bosom and try.”
ThenChristiantried it at the dungeon door, whose bolt (as he turned the key) gave back, and the door flew open with ease. They went next to the outward door that leads into the castle-yard, and, with this key, opened that door also. The iron gate was next: but that lock went very hard. Yet in awhile did the key open it: so they stopped not till they came to the king’s highway, where they were out of the giant’s jurisdiction.
Then they went on till they came to theDelectable Mountains, where were gardens and orchards, and vineyards, and fountains of water: here they drank and washed themselves, and did freely eat of the fruit of the vineyards. Now there were on the top of these mountains, shepherds feeding their flocks by the way-side. The pilgrims therefore went to them, and asked, whose mountains are these? And whose are the sheep that feed upon them?
Shepherd.These mountains areImmanuel’s land, and they are within sight of his city. And the sheep that feed here are his also, and he laid down his life for them.
Christian.Is there any relief in this place for pilgrims that are weary and faint in the way?
Shepherd.The lord of these mountains has given a charge,not to be forgetful to entertain strangers: “Therefore the good of the place is before you.” So they took them by the hand, and led them to their tents. After a short refreshment, (it being now late) they all betook them to their rest.
In the morning they called upChristianandHopefulto walk with them upon the mountains. So they went forth and walked with them, having a pleasant prospect on every side. From thence they led them to the top of a hill calledError, which was very steep on the further side, and bid them look down to the bottom. Theylooked down, and saw at the bottom several men dashed to pieces by a fall from the top. Then saidChristian, who are these? “Have you not heard,” said the shepherds, “of them that were made to err, by hearkening toHymenæusandPhiletus, concerning the resurrection of the body? These that you see lie dashed in pieces are they; and they continue unburied to this day, for an example to others, that they clamber not too high, nor come too near the brink of this mountain.”
*Then I saw in my dream, that the shepherds had them to another place, where was a door in the side of a hill. They opened the door and bad them look in. They looked, and saw that it was very dark and smoaky; also they heard a roaring noise, as of fire, and cries and groans, as of men in torment. Then saidChristian, what means this? This, answered the shepherds, is a bye-way to hell; a way that hypocrites go, and those that did run well, but do not endure to the end. Then said the pilgrims, looking on each other,We have need to cry to the strong for strength. “True,” said the shepherds, “and you have need to use it when you have it too.”
When they were about to depart, one of the shepherds gave them a note of the way. Another bid them, “Beware of the flatterer.” The third said, “Sleep not on inchanted ground.” So they went down the mountains, along thehighway. Now a little below the mountains, on the left-hand, lies the country ofConceit; from which country a little crooked lane runs into the way where the pilgrims walked. Here they met with a very brisk young man, who came out of that country: his name wasIgnorance. SoChristianasked, “Whence he came, and whither he was going?”
Ignorance.Sir, I was born in the country that lies on the left-hand, and am going to mountZion.
Christian.And how do you think to get there?
Ignorance.As other good people do.
Christian.But what have you to shew at the gate, that it may be opened to you?
Ignorance.Why, I do no harm. I pay every man his own. I work hard for an honest living. I say my prayers, and keep my church, and go to the sacrament, and do what good I can.
Christian.But you came not in at the strait gate. You came in through that crooked lane; and therefore I fear, whatever you think of yourself, you will at that day be judged a thief and a robber.
Ignorance.Gentlemen, you are strangers to me; be content to follow the religion of your country, and I will follow that in which I was born and bred. I won’t leave the church. As for the gate you talk of, all the world knows, it is a great way off our country. I cannot think that any men in all our parts do so much as know theway to it; nor need they matter, since we have a fine green lane, as you see, that comes straight down into the way.
Christian.This man is wise in his own conceit. There is more hope of a fool than of him.
Hopeful.Perhaps we should not say all to him at once, let us pass on, and speak to him again by and by.
So they went on, andIgnorancecame after. When they had past him a little way, they came into a very dark lane, where they met a man whom seven devils had bound with seven strong cords, and were carrying back to the door on the side of the hill. On his back was a paper with this inscription,The just shall live by faith; but if he draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
This puts me in mind, saidChristian, of what happened to a pilgrim here, whose name wasLittle-faith.At the entrance of this passage there comes down, fromBroad-way Gate, a lane, calledDeadman’s-Lane. ThisLittle-Faithchanced to sit down there, and fell asleep. Three brothers,Faintheart,Mistrust, andGuilt, were just then coming down that lane as he awaked, and was getting up to go on his journey. They immediately called to him to stand, and bid him deliver what he had; which he not doing readily,FaintheartandMistruststepped up and took it from him. He then cried out, Thieves; on whichMistrust, with a great club, struck him onthe head, and felled him to the ground: but just then hearing some that were upon the road, and fearing it might be oneGreat-Grace, they leftLittle-Faithto shift for himself, and fled away with all speed.
Hopeful.Doubtless these three fellows were mere cowards, or they would not so soon have run away. MethinksLittle-Faithmight have stood one brush with them, if he had yielded at last.
Christian.Few have found them cowards. They once set uponme; and though I was cloathed in armour of proof, I found it hard work to quit myself like a man. No man knows what a combat that is, but he that has been engaged in it himself.
Hopeful.Well, but they ran away as soon as they only supposed thatGreat-Gracewas a coming.
Christian.No marvel; for he is the King’s champion. But all the King’s subjects are not his champions; nor can they, in the day of trial, do such feats of war as he.
Hopeful.I would I had beenGreat-Gracefor their sakes.
Christian.If it had been he, he might have had his hands full. For I must tell you, although he can deal with them as long as he keeps them at sword’s point; yet if ever they get within him, it will go hard but they will give him a sore fall.
Besides, their King is always at their call, ready to come to their help. And of him it is said,The sword of him that layeth at him, cannot hold the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood. Darts are counted as stubble. He laugheth at the shaking of the spear.
When therefore we hear of such robbers as these, it behoveth us to go out well harnessed, and be sure to have a good shield; for indeed if that be wanting, they fear us not at all: therefore he that hath skill hath said,Above all, take the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
’Tis good also that we desire the King, that he would go with us himself; and then we need not be afraid if thousands had set themselves against us round about: but without himthe proud helpers shall fall under the slain.
So they went on till they came to a place where they saw a way put itself into their way, which seemed to lie as straight as the other, insomuch that they knew not which to take. As they were standing to consider, a man of black flesh, but covered with a very light robe, came smiling to them, and lovingly asked, “Why do you stand here?” They answered, “We are going to mountZion, but know not which of these ways to take.” “I am glad, said the man, you are of so good a mind. Few men are so wise as you. Follow me, my dear friends, andI will shew you the way. Such as you deserve to be honoured of all men.” So they followed him, till, by little and little the way turned, and their faces were set toward the city ofDestruction. And before they were aware, they were got within the compass of a net, which he drew upon them and held them fast. The white robe then fell off the black man’s back; and they saw where they were, but could not escape.
Then saidChristian, I see my error now. Did not the shepherds tell us to beware of the flatterer? How true is that word,A man that flattereth his neighbour, spreadeth a net for his feet!
Hopeful.They also gave us a note of direction about the way; but we forgot to read it, else we should havekept ourselves from the paths of the destroyer. Thus they lay bewailing themselves in the net, when they saw a shining one coming toward them, with a whip of small cords in his hand. He asked, What do ye here? They answered, We were led out of the way by a black man cloathed in white. He is aflatterer, said he,a false apostle, Satan transformed into an angel of light. So he rent the net, and said, “Follow me;” and led them back into the way they had left. Then he asked them, “Did not the shepherds on the mountains give you a note of the way? Why did you not read it? And did they not bid you beware of the flatterer?”They were speechless. So he commanded them to lie down, and chastised them sore, saying,As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent.
I saw then in my dream, that they arose and went on, until they came into a country, whose air naturally tended to make one drowsy. And hereHopefulbegan to be very heavy, and said toChristian, “I can scarce hold open my eyes; let us lie down and sleep awhile.”
Christian.By no means, lest we wake no more.
Hopeful.Why, my brother?The sleep of a labouring man is sweet.
Christian.Do you not remember the caution of the shepherd, sleep not on inchanted ground?
Hopeful.I acknowledge my fault. I see it is true, as the wise man saith,Two are better than one.
Christian.To prevent drowsiness then, let us discourse a little together. How came you at first to look after the good of your soul?
Hopeful.For a long time I delighted in those things which are seen and sold at our fair, in the riches and pleasures of the world, till I heard fromFaithfuland you, thatthe end of these things is death.
Christian.But was you fully convinced of this at once?
Hopeful.No; I strove to stifle my convictions; and when my mind was shaken with the wordof God, laboured to shut my eyes against the light.
Christian.How so?
Hopeful.I knew not that this was the work of God upon me, but called itlowness of spirits; and sin was so sweet to me, that I was loth to leave it; besides, I could not tell how to part with my old companions.
Christian.Then it seems you shook off your troubles sometimes.
Hopeful.Yes; but it came again worse than before.
Christian.What was it that brought your sins to your mind again?
Hopeful.Many things: as, if I met but a good man in the street; or if I heard one read the bible; or, if my head began to ake; or, if I was told of any that was sick; or, if I heard the bell toll for one that was dead; or, if I thought of dying myself or heard of a sudden death: but, above all, when I thought I must quickly come to judgment.
Christian.But could you not shake off your thoughts?
Hopeful.No; they got faster hold upon me, till I could have no rest in sin.
Christian.And how did you then?
Hopeful.I thought I must mend my life; and so I did, leaving my old sins and company too. Likewise I began to read, and pray, and fast, and go to church, and to the sacrament, and to dogood. And now for a time I thought all was well; but it was not long before my trouble came again.
Christian.How so? Had you not reformed your life?
Hopeful.Yes; but I had not reformed my heart. I found that was still as bad, or worse than ever; full of anger, pride, lust, and what not? I found myinward parts were very wickedness; that I wasearthly, sensual, and devilish, having still acarnal mind that was enmity against God, andbrought me into captivity to sin and death. I saw more and more, that theredwelt in me no good thing; no love of God; no true love of my neighbour. Above all, I was convinced I had not faith; notthat faith which overcometh the world: and that was always sounding in my ears,He that believeth not shall be damned.
Christian.And what effect had this?
Hopeful.I then remembered that it is written,All our righteousness is as filthy rags, availing nothing toward our reconciliation with God, or the forgiveness of our sins. I saw that all I could do all my life long, would not atone for one sin that was past; nay, though I could now keep all God’s law, and offend in no point. For if a man (thought I) runs a hundred pounds into a merchant’s debt, and after that pays for all that he takes; yet if this old debt stands still in the book uncrossed, the merchant may sue him, and cast him into prison, till he shall pay the whole.
Christian.How did you apply this to yourself?
Hopeful.Why I thought with myself, I have by sin run far in debt with God, and my reforming now will not pay that debt. How then shall I be freed from that damnation, to which I know myself to be justly exposed, by my former transgressions?
Besides, I still saw sin mixing itself with the best actions I could do: So that I was forced to conclude, that, notwithstanding my former opinion of myself, I committed sin enough in one day to send me to hell, though my former life had been faultless.
Christian.And what did you do then?
Hopeful.I knew not what to do, till I went and talked withFaithful; who told me, unless I had an interest in the righteousness of one that had never sinned, neither my own righteousness, nor all the righteousness of the world, could save me. I asked, who it was that had never sinned? He answered, “the Lord Jesus: and you only can be forgiven and accepted with God through faith in his blood.” “But how, said I, canhisrighteousness justifymebefore God?” He told me, he was the mighty God, and did what he did, and died the death also, not for himself, but forme; to whom the merits of all should be imputed, if I believe on him. I replied, “I did not think he was willing to saveme.” He bid me go to him and see. I said, “It was presumption.” He answered, “No; for I was invitedto come.” Then I asked, what must I do when I come? And he bid me say to this effect: “God be merciful to me a sinner, and make me to know and believe in Jesus; for I see, if I have not faith in his blood, I am utterly cast away. Lord, I have heard, that thou art a merciful God, and hast ordained him to be the Saviour of the world; and moreover, that thou art willing to accept, in him, even such a poor sinner as I am. O magnify thy grace in the salvation of my soul, through thy Son Jesus Christ!”
Christian.And did you do this?
Hopeful.Yes, over and over, before I found any relief.
Christian.Had you not thoughts then of giving it over?
Hopeful.Yes, a hundred times; but I knew not what else to do, being convinced, that without Christ, all the world could not save me; and therefore, thought I with myself, if I leave off, I die; and I can but die, if I continue. And withal this came into my mind,If it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not tarry.
Christian.And how was you relieved?
*Hopeful.One day I was very sad, I think sadder than ever before in my life, and this sadness was through a fresh sight of the greatness and vileness of my sins; and I was looking for nothing but hell, when suddenly I saw (not with my bodily eyes) the Lord look down from heavenupon me, saying,Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.
Then those scriptures came like a flood into my heart.He that cometh to me, shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me, shall never thirst. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. He hath died for our sins, and rose again for our justification. There is one mediator between God and man, even the man Christ Jesus. Wherefore he is able to save unto the uttermost those that come unto God through him; seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Christian.And what effect had this upon your spirit and life?
Hopeful.I was filled witha peace that passeth all understanding. I rejoiced with joy unspeakable. The love of God was shed abroad in my heart; and sin had no more dominion over me; butI ran the way of his commandments, now he had set my heart at liberty.
I saw then in my dream, thatHopefullooked back, and sawIgnorance, whom he had left behind, coming after. Then, said he come away, man: why do you stay behind? Come, how do you do? How stands it now between God and your soul?
Ignorance.I hope well, for I am full of good thoughts.
Christian.What good thoughts?
Ignorance.Why, I think of God and heaven.
Christian.So do the devils and damned souls.
Ignorance.But I desire them too.
Christian.So do many that never came there.The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing.
Ignorance.Nay but I leave all for them.
Christian.I doubt that. Why dost thou think so?
Ignorance.My heart tells me so.
Christian.He that trusteth his own heart, is a fool.
Ignorance.Ay if his heart be evil; but mine is good.
Christian.How dost thou prove that?
Ignorance.Why I lead a good life.
Christian.Who told thee thou leadest a good life?
Ignorance.Who told me! My own heart.
Christian.Ask my fellow if I be a thief. Thy heart tells thee so! Except the word of God bear witness in this matter, other testimony is nothing worth.
Hast thou the peace of God? Hast thou joy in the Holy Ghost? Is the love of God shed abroad in thy heart? Doth his Spirit witness with thy spirit, that thou art a child of God? Hast thou redemption in Christ’s blood, the forgiveness of thy sins? Art thou dead unto sin, and alive unto God? Hast thou crucified the flesh, with its affections and lusts? Hath the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, made thee free from the law of sin and death?
Ignorance.You talk too high for me? I am a poor sinner, and I believe in Christ, and that is enough.
Christian.I fear, hell is full of such poor sinners as thou. But how dost thou believe in Christ?
Ignorance.Why, I believe Christ died for sinners, and that my sins will be forgiven, through God’s gracious acceptance of my sincerity and best endeavours to obey his laws.
Christian.1. Thou believest then with a fantastical faith; for this faith is no where described in the word. 2. Thou believest with a false faith; because thou takest justification from the blood and righteousness of Christ, and appliest it to thy own. 3. This first maketh Christ not a justifier♦of thy person, but of thy actions; and of thy person, for the sake of thy actions. Therefore this faith is utterly deceitful, and will leave thee under wrath in the day of the Lord.
♦“rf” replaced with “of”
♦“rf” replaced with “of”
♦“rf” replaced with “of”
True justifying faith puts the soul, as sensible of its lost condition by the law, upon flying for refuge to the blood and righteousness of Christ. And this righteousness of his is not an act of grace, by which he maketh thy obedience acceptable to God for thy justification.
No, but Christ did and suffered what was required at our hands; and for the sake of what he did and suffered, we are pardoned and accepted of God.
Ignorance.And so you would have us do nothing! We may live as we list; since we are justified by faith alone!
Christian.As thy name is, so art thou. Thou art ignorant of the fruits of faith in the blood ofChrist. He that believeth in Christ, loveth God; and whosoever loveth him keepeth his commandments.
Hopeful.Was Christ ever revealed to you?
Ignorance.What, you are for new revelations! And receiving the Holy Ghost, I suppose! I believe what both you and all the rest of you say about these matters, is all whim and enthusiasm, the effects of mere imagination, or a distempered brain.
Hopeful.Why, man,None knoweth the Son save he unto whom the Father revealeth him: and no man calleth Jesus Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Ignorance.That isyourfaith but it is notmine: yet mine, I doubt not is as good as yours; though I have not my head filled with so many whims and fancies.
Christian.Give me leave to put in a word: you ought not to speak so slightly of this matter: forno man can knowJesus Christ,save he to whom the Father revealeth him: and that faith whereby the soul layeth hold on Christ, must be wrought bythe exceeding greatness of his mighty power. Of this faith I perceive thou art wholly ignorant. Awake thou that sleepest. Know thyself. See thy own weakness. Fly to the Lord Jesus, and by his righteousness thou shalt be delivered from condemnation.
Ignorance.You walk so fast, I cannot keep pace with you; go on, I must stay awhile behind.
Do you think, saidHopeful, that such men as these have never any convictions of sin?
Christian.Without doubt they have, more or less, but they desperately stifle them.
Hopeful.Nay, why should they stifle them?
Christian.1. Because they think these fears are wrought by the devil, which indeed are wrought of God. 2. They think also, they have no reason thus to fear, and therefore harden themselves in presumptuous confidence. 3. They see these fears would rob them of their beloved self-righteousness, and therefore resist them with all their might.
*Now I saw in my dream, that by this time they were got over the inchanted ground, and entering into the country ofBeulah, the way lying directly over it. They were now far beyond thevalley of the♦Shadow of Death, and also out of the reach of giantDespair; neither could they, from this place, so much as seeDoubting-castle. In this country there is no darkness at all, the sun shining night and day; there are no storms or tempests, but the air is always calm and serene. Here the flowers all the year appear in the earth, throughout the perpetual spring: and they continually heard the singing of birds, and the voice of the turtle in the land. They were now within sight of the city they were going to; and met with several of the inhabitants of it. Yea, in this land their Lord himself commonly walked. Itbeing on the borders of heaven. In this land also the contract between the bride and bridegroom was renewed: andas a bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so did their God rejoice over them. Here they had no want of corn or wine, but abundance of all things, being in a land that flowed with milk and honey. Mean time they heard voices out of the city, loud voices, saying,Say ye to the daughter of Zion, behold thy salvation cometh: and all the inhabitants of the country called them,the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord.