Apocalyptic Gnosis

from this World to that which is to Come

Delivered

Under the Similitude of a Dream

Wherein is discovered

the manner of his setting out, his dangerous journey

and safe arrival at the Desired Country

by John Bunyan

edited by JAH, 2002

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, writing of The Way

And race of holy people, 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

The book that I already am about.

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

To show to all the 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 neighbour: no, not I;

I did it my own self to gratify.

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 my 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 at last it came to be,

For length and breadth, the bigness which you see.

Well, when I had thus put mine ends together,

I show'd them others, that I might see whether

They would condemn them, or them justify:

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 strait, 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 advisèd 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 gratify,

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 loath,

Yet, since your brethren pleasèd 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 moderate,

I did too with them thus expostulate:-

May I not write in such a style as this?

In such a method, too, and yet not miss

My 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 their fruit

None can distinguish this from that: they suit

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

She spews out both, and makes their blessings null.

You see the ways the fisherman 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 groped for, and be tickled too,

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

How does the fowler seek to catch his game?

By diverse 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.

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 these 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 tried.”

Why, what's the matter? “It is dark.” What though?

“But it is feignèd.” What of that? I trow

Some men, by feignèd words, as dark as mine,

Make truth to spangle and its rays to shine.

“But they want solidness.” Speak, man, thy mind.

“They drown 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 loath

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 show 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 enclose the gold.

The prophets used much by metaphors

To set forth truth; yea, who so 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 style 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 turn 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 imaginations please;

Likewise it tends our troubles to appease.

Sound words, I know, Timothy is to use,

And old wives' fables he is to refuse;

But yet grave Paul him nowhere did 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?

To those that are my betters, as is fit,

Three things let me propound; then I submit:

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 pleasèd, by their words or ways,

Than any man that breatheth nowadays)

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, cursèd 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 plough,

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 show 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 shows you whence he comes, whither he goes;

What he leaves undone, also what he does;

It also shows you how he runs and runs,

Till he unto the Gate of Glory comes.

It shows, too, who sets 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 rulèd 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?

Wouldst thou see a truth within a fable?

Art thou forgetful? Wouldst thou remember

From New Year's day to the last of December?

Then read my fancies; they will stick like burs,

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.

Wouldst thou divert thyself from melancholy?

Wouldst thou be pleasant, yet be far from folly?

Wouldst thou read riddles, and their explanation?

Or else be drownèd in thy contemplation?

Dost thou love picking meat? Or, wouldst thou see

A man i' the clouds, and hear him speak to thee?

Wouldst thou be in a dream, and yet not sleep?

Or, wouldst thou in a moment laugh and weep?

Or, wouldst thou lose thyself and catch no harm,

And find thyself again without a charm?

Wouldst read thyself, and read thou knowest not what,

And yet know whether thou art blest or not,

By reading the same lines? Oh, then, come hither,

And lay my book, thy head, and heart together!

JOHN BUNYAN.

IN THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM.

As I walked 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 clothed 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 (Isa. 64:6;

Luke 14:33; Ps. 38:4; Hab. 2:2; Acts 16:30, 31). 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?” (Acts 2:37).

In this plight, therefore, he went home and restrained 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

carriage to him; sometimes they would deride, sometimes they would chide, and

sometimes they would quite neglect him (Matt. 10:34-38; Thom. 3:2). Wherefore he

began to retire himself to his chamber, to pray for and pity them (Sura 9:113, 114), 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?” (Acts 16:30, 31).

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, who 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 (Heb. 9:27); and I find that I am not willing to do the first

(Job 16:21, 22), nor able to do the second (Ezek. 22:14).

Christian no sooner leaves the World but meets

Evangelist, who lovingly him greets

With tidings of another: and doth show

Him how to mount to that from this below.

me lower than the grave, and I shall fall into Tophet (Isa. 30:33). And, sir, if I be not fit to

go to prison, I am not fit, I am sure, 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, “Flee from the wrath to come” (Matt. 3:7).

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? (Matt. 7:13, 14). The man said, No. Then said the other, Do you

see yonder shining light? (Ps. 119:105; 2Pet. 1:19). He said, I think I do. Then said

Thom. 5:3; 8:8; 13:8), 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 put his fingers in his ears, and

The neighbours also came out to see him run (Jer. 20:10); 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 were 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, Neighbours, wherefore are ye 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 neighbours, and go along with me.

(2Cor. 4:18); and, if you will go along with me, and behold it, you shall fare as I myself;

for there, where I go, is enough and to spare (Luke 15:17). Come, and prove my words.

and it is laid up in heaven, and safe there (Heb. 11:16), to be bestowed, at the time

is a company of these crazy-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.

looks after are better than ours: my heart inclines to go with my neighbour.

brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and be wise.

which I spoke of, and many more glories besides. If you believe not me, read here in this

Book (the Bible); and, for the truth of what is expressed therein, behold all is confirmed

by the blood of him that made it (Heb. 9:17-21; 13:20).

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?

is before us, where we shall receive instructions about The Way.

misled, 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.

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.

further what the things are, and how to be enjoyed, whither we are going.

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

that we may inhabit that Kingdom for ever (Isa. 45:17; John 10:27-29).

like the sun in the firmament of heaven (Dan. 12:3; Matt. 13:43; 2Tim. 4:8; Rev. 3:4; 22:5

/ King of kings’ Bible, Rev. 30:5).

wipe all tears from our eyes (Isa. 25:6-8; Rev. 7:17; 21:4).

eyes to look on them (Isa. 6:2). 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; everyone walking in the sight of God, and standing in His presence with acceptance

for ever (1Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 5:11). In a word, there we shall see the elders with their

golden crowns (Rev. 4:4), there we shall see the holy virgins with their golden harps

(Rev. 14:1-5), 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 clothed with immortality as with a garment (John 12:25; 2Cor. 5:2, 3, 5).

enjoyed? How shall we get to be sharers thereof?

substance of which is, If we be truly willing to have it, He will bestow it upon us freely

(Isa. 55:1, 2; John 6:37, 7:37; Rev. 21:6; 22:17 / King of kings’ Bible, Rev. 30:17).

our pace.

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

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.

happiness you have told me all this while of? If we have such ill-speed at our first settingout,

what may we expect betwixt 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 Despond alone; but still he

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?

directed me also to yonder gate, that I might escape the wrath to come; and as I was going

thither I fell in here.

and set him upon sound ground, and bid him go on his way (Ps. 40:2).

Then I stepped to him that plucked 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,

the Slough of Despond; for still, as the sinner is awakened about his lost condition, there

ground.

It is not the pleasure of the King that this place should remain so bad (Isa. 35:3, 4). His

labourers also have, by the directions of His Majesty's 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 have 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 Despond 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 spew out its filth, as it doth against change of weather, these steps are hardly seen;

7:14), and then they are bemired to purpose, notwithstanding the steps be there; but the

Now, I saw in my dream, that by this time Pliable was got home to his house again, so

that his neighbours 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 as 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

Now, as Christian was walking solitarily 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, -- Mr. 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.

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.

formerly; methinks I am as if I had none (1Cor. 7:29).

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.

myself, I cannot; nor is there a 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.

I remember, is Evangelist.

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 Despond 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?

which you have mentioned; nay, methinks I care not what I meet with in The Way, if so

be I can also meet with deliverance from my burden.

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.

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.

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 standing 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

neighbours, in credit and good fashion.

Now was Christian somewhat at a stand; but presently he concluded, if this be true,

with that he thus further spoke.

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 farther, lest

the hill should fall on his head; wherefore there he stood still, and wot not what to do.

also flashes of fire out of the hill, that made Christian afraid that he should be burned (Ex.

19:16, 18). Here therefore, he sweat and did quake for fear* (Heb. 12:21).

When Christians unto carnal men give ear,

Out of their way they go, and pay for’t dear;

For Mister Worldly Wiseman can but show

A holy person the way to bondage and to woe.

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

Christian.

to answer; wherefore at present he stood speechless before him. Then said Evangelist

further, Art not thou the man that I found crying without the walls of the City of

Destruction?

persuaded me that I might, in the village before me, find a man that could take off my

burden.

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.

burden that is on my back, that I cannot take pleasure in them as formerly.

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 show 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.

So he stood trembling. Then said Evangelist, “See that ye refuse not him that speaketh.

no pleasure in him” (Heb. 10:38). 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.

Then Christian fell down at his feet as dead, crying, “Woe is me, for I am undone!” At

the sight of which, Evangelist caught him by the right hand, saying, “All manner of sin

and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men” (Matt. 12:31; Mark 3:28); “be not faithless,

but believing” (John 20:27). Then did Christian again a little revive, and stood up

trembling, as at first, before Evangelist.

1. His turning thee out of The Way*. 2. His labouring to render the cross odious to thee.

And 3. 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*; 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” (Luke 13:24), the gate to which I sent

thee; for, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is The Way, which leadeth unto Life, and few

there be that find it” (Matt. 7:13, 14). From this little wicket-gate, and from The Way

hate, therefore, his turning thee out of The Way, and abhor thyself for hearkening to him.

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

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.

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

up. The words were thus pronounced: “As many as are of 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” (Gal. 3:10).

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 the prevalency with

him as to cause him to forsake The Right Way (1Sam. 12:23; Sura 2:186; 7:155). This

done, he applied himself again to Evangelist in words and sense as follows:-

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?

that thou turn not aside again, “lest he be angry, and ye perish from The Way, when his

wrath is kindled just a little” (Ps. 2:12). 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 asked

him, would he vouchsafe them an answer. He went like one that was all the while treading

Christian got up to the gate. Now over the gate there was written, “Knock, and it shall be

opened unto you” (Matt. 7:7).

He that will enter in must first without

Stand knocking at the gate, nor need he doubt

That is a KNOCKER but to enter in;

For God can love him, and forgive his sin.

He knocked, therefore, more than once or twice, saying --

May I now enter here? Will He within

Open 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?

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?

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 them that are with him

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?

would tell me what I must do.

also, some of my neighbours stood crying and calling after me to return; but I put my

fingers in my ears, and so came on my way.

Obstinate went railing back, but Pliable came with me a little way.

which we also suddenly fell. And then was my neighbour Pliable discouraged, and would

not adventure farther. 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.

the truth of myself, it will appear there is no betterment betwixt him and myself. It is true,

he went back to his own house, but I also turned aside to go in the way of death, being

persuaded thereto by the carnal arguments of one Mr. Worldly Wiseman.

mountain that stands by his house would have fallen upon my head; wherefore there was I

forced to stop.

it is well you escaped being by it dashed in pieces.

happily met me again, as I was musing in the midst of my dumps; but it was 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 oh! what a favour is this to me, that yet I am admitted entrance here!

before they came hither. They “in no wise are cast out” (John 6:37); 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.

his way?

and narrow (Matt. 7:14).

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 thy burden, be content to bear it until thou comest to the place of

deliverance; for there it will fall from thy back of itself.

Then Christian began to gird up his loins (Eph. 6:14), 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

show 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 to the house of the Interpreter, where he knocked over and

over; at last one came to the door and asked who was there?

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?

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 show me excellent things, such as would be a

help to me on my journey.

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,

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.

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 show 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 show thee that

Now, said the Interpreter, I have showed thee this picture first, because the man whose

wherefore, take good heed to what I have showed thee, and bear well in thy mind what

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 choked. 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.

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 choked therewith; this is to show 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 (Rom. 5:20; 7:6; 1Cor. 15:56).

Again, as thou sawest the damsel sprinkle the room with water, upon which it was

cleansed with pleasure; this is to show 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

(John 15:3, 13; Acts 15:9; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 5:26; Rom. 16:25, 26).

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 (human-emotion) seemed

to be much discontented; but Patience (spiritual-feeling) 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.

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

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 at the end of this world.

many accounts. First, because he stays for the best things. Second, and also because he

will have the glory of his, when the other has nothing but rags.

out; but these are suddenly gone. Therefore Passion had not so much reason to laugh at

Patience, because he had his good things first, as Patience will have to laugh at Passion,

because he had his best things last, for first must give place to last, because last must have

his time to come; but last gives place to nothing; for there is not another to succeed. He,

therefore, that hath his portion first, must needs have a time to spend it; but he that hath

his portion last, must have it lastingly; therefore it is said of Dives, “In thy lifetime thou

receivedest thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted,

and thou art tormented” (Luke 16:25).

come.

Then I saw in my dream that the Interpreter took Christian by the hand, and led him into

a place where was a fire burning against a wall, and one standing by it, always casting

much water upon it, to quench it; yet did the fire burn higher and hotter.

Then said Christian, What means this?

The Interpreter answered, This fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the heart; he

that casts water upon it, to extinguish and put it out, is the devil; but in that thou seest the

fire notwithstanding burn higher and hotter, thou shalt also see the reason of that. So he

Then said Christian, What means this?

maintains the work already begun in the heart: by the means of which, notwithstanding

what the devil can do, the souls of His people prove gracious still (2Cor. 12:9). And in

that thou sawest that the Man stood behind the wall to maintain the fire, this is to teach

soul.

I saw also, that the Interpreter took him again by the hand, and led him into a pleasant

place, where was builded a stately palace; beautiful to behold; at the sight of which

Christian was greatly delighted. He saw also, upon the top thereof, certain persons

walking who were clothed all in gold.

Then said Christian, May we go in thither?

Then the Interpreter took him, and led him up towards the door of the palace; and,

behold, at the door stood a great company of men, as desirous to go in, but durst not.

There also sat a man at a little distance from the door, at a table-side, with a book and his

inkhorn before him, to take the name of him that should enter therein; he saw also, that in

the doorway stood many men in armour to keep it, being resolved to do the men that

would enter what hurt and mischief they could. Now was Christian somewhat in amaze.

At last, when every man started back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man of a

very stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write, saying, “Set down my

laid upon him with deadly force; but the man, not at all discouraged, fell to cutting and

hacking most fiercely. So after he had received and given many wounds to those that

attempted to keep him out, he cut his way through them all (Acts 14:22), and pressed

forward into the palace; at which there was a pleasant voice heard from those that were

within, even of those that walked upon the top of the palace, saying --

Come in, come in;

Eternal glory thou shalt win.

So he went in, and was clothed with such garments as they. Then Christian smiled and

said, I think verily I know the meaning of this.

Now, said Christian, let me go hence. Nay, stay, said the Interpreter, till I have showed

thee a little more, and after that thou shalt go on thy way. So he took him by the hand

again, and led him into a very dark room, where there sat a man in an iron cage.

Now the man, to look on, seemed very sad; he sat with his eyes looking down to the

ground, his hands folded together, and he sighed as if he would break his heart. Then said

Christian, What means this?

At which the Interpreter bid him talk with the man.

and also in the eyes of others: I once was, as I thought, fair for the Celestial City, and had

then even joy at the thoughts that I should get thither (Luke 8:13).

sinned against the Light of the Word and the goodness of God: I have grieved the Spirit,

anger, and He has left me; I have so hardened my heart that I cannot repent.

Then said Christian to the Interpreter, But is there no hope for such a man as this? Ask

him, said the Interpreter. Nay, said Christian; pray, sir, do you.

despair?

thing”; I have “done despite to the Spirit of grace” (Heb. 10:28, 29). Therefore I have shut

myself out of all the promises, and there now remains to me nothing but threatenings,

dreadful threatenings, fearful threatenings of certain judgment and fiery indignation,

then promise myself much delight; but now every one of those things also bite me, and

gnaw me like a burning worm.

yea, Himself hath shut me up in this iron cage; nor can all the men in the world let me out.

O Eternity! Eternity! how shall I grapple with the misery that I must meet with in

Eternity!

thee, and be an everlasting caution to thee.

pray that I may shun the cause of this man's misery! Sir, is it not time for me to go on my

way now?

So he took Christian by the hand again, and led him into a chamber where there was one

rising out of bed; and as he put on his raiment, he shook and trembled. Then said

Christian, Why doth this man thus tremble?

The Interpreter then bid him tell to Christian the reason of his so doing. So he began,

and said, This night, as I was in my sleep, I dreamed, and behold the heavens grew

exceeding black; also it thundered and lightened in most fearful wise, that it put me into

an agony. So I looked up in my dream, and saw the clouds rack at an unusual rate; upon

which I heard a great sound of a trumpet, and saw also a Man sit upon a cloud, attended

with the thousands of heaven; they were all in flaming fire: also the heavens were in a

burning flame. I heard then a voice saying, “Arise, ye dead, and come to judgment”; and

with that the rocks rent, the graves opened, and the dead that were therein came forth.

Some of them were exceeding glad, and looked upward; and some sought to hide

themselves under the mountains (John 5:28; Jude 15; 1Thess. 4:16; 2Thess. 1:7, 8; 1Cor.

15:52; Rev. 20:11-14; Ps. 95:1-3; Micah 7:16, 17; Isa. 26:21; Dan. 10:7). Then I saw the

Man that sat upon the cloud open the book, and bid the world draw near. Yet there was,

by reason of a fierce flame which issued out and came before him, a convenient distance

betwixt him and them, as betwixt the judge and the prisoners at the bar (Dan. 7:9, 10;

Mal. 3:2, 3). I heard it also proclaimed to them that attended on the Man that sat upon the

cloud, “Gather together the tares, the chaff, and stubble, and cast them into the burning

lake” (Mal. 4:1; Matt. 3:12; 13:30). And with that, the bottomless pit opened, just

whereabout I stood; out of the mouth of which there came, in an abundant manner, smoke

and coals of fire, with hideous noises. It was also said to the same persons, “Gather my

wheat into the garner” (Luke 3:17). And with that I saw many catched up and carried

away into the clouds, but I was left behind (1Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 11:12). I also sought to

hide myself, but I could not, for the Man that sat upon the cloud still kept his eye upon

me: my sins also came into my mind; and my conscience did accuse me on every side

(Rom. 2:14, 15). Upon this I awaked from my sleep.

it: but this frighted me most, that the angels gathered up several, and left me behind; also

the pit of hell opened her mouth just where I stood. My conscience, too, afflicted me; and,

as I thought, the Judge had always His eye upon me, showing indignation in His

countenance.

Then said the Interpreter to Christian, Hast thou considered all these things?

prick thee forward in The Way thou must go. Then Christian began to gird up his loins,

and to address himself to his journey. Then said the Interpreter, The Comforter be always

with thee, good Christian, to guide thee in The Way that leads to the city. So Christian

went on his way, saying --

Here have I seen things rare and profitable;

Things pleasant, dreadful, things to make me stable

In what I have begun to take in hand;

Then let me think on them, and understand

Wherefore they show’d me were; and let me be

Thankful, O good Interpreter, to thee.

Now, I saw in my dream that the highway up which Christian was to go was fenced on

either side with a wall, and that wall was called Salvation (Isa. 26:1). Up this way,

therefore, did burdened Christian run, but not without great difficulty, because of the load

on his back.

He ran thus till he came at a place somewhat ascending; and upon that place stood a

Cross, and a little below, in the bottom, a sepulchre. So I saw in my dream, that just as

Christian came up with the Cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from

off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to the mouth of the

sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no more.

Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a merry heart, “He hath given me

rest by his sorrow, and life by his death.” Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder;

for it was very surprising to him, that the sight of the Cross should thus ease him of his

burden. He looked, therefore, and looked again, even till the springs that were in his head

sent the waters down his cheeks (Zech. 12:10). Now, as he stood looking and weeping,

behold three Shining Ones came to him and saluted him with “Peace be to thee.” So the

first said to him, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5); the second stripped him of his

rags, and clothed him “with change of raiment” (Zech. 3:4); the third also set a mark on

his forehead, and gave him a roll with a seal upon it, which he bade him look on as he ran,

and that he should give it in at the Celestial Gate (Eph. 1:13). So they went their way.

Who’s this? the Pilgrim. How! ‘tis very true,

Old things are past away, all’s become new.

Strange! he’s another man, upon my word,

They be fine feathers that make a fine bird.

Then Christian gave three leaps for joy, and went on singing --

Thus far I did come laden with my sin;

Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in

Till I came hither: What a place is this!

Must here be the beginning of my bliss?

Must here the burden fall from off my back?

Must here the strings that bound it to me crack?

Blest Cross! blest Sepulchre! blest rather be

The Man that there was put to shame for me!

I saw then in my dream that he went on thus, even until he came at a bottom, where he

saw, a little out of The Way, three men fast asleep, with fetters upon their heels. The name

of the one was Simple, another Sloth, and the third Presumption. Christian then, seeing

them lie in this case, went to them, if peradventure he might awake them, and cried, You

are like them that sleep on the top of a mast, for the Dead Sea is under you -- a gulf that

hath no bottom (Prov. 23:34). Awake, therefore, and come away; be willing also, and I

will help you off with your irons. He also told them, if he that “goeth about like a roaring

troubled thereabout, he espied two men come tumbling over the wall, on the left hand of

The Narrow Way; and they made up apace to him. The name of the one was Formalist,

and the name of the other Hypocrisy. So, as I said, they drew up unto him, who thus

entered with them into discourse.

bound, thus to violate His revealed Will?

thereabout; for what they did they had custom for; and could produce, if need were,

testimony that would witness it for more than a thousand years.

thousand years, would, doubtless, now be admitted as a thing legal by any impartial

judge: and besides, said they, if we get into The Way, what's matter which way we get in?

if we are in, we are in; thou art but in The Way, who, as we perceive, came in at the gate;

and we are also in The Way, that came tumbling over the wall; wherein, now, is thy

condition better than ours?

You are counted thieves already by the Lord of The Way; therefore, I doubt you will be

found true men at the end of The Way. You come in by yourselves, without His direction;

and shall go out by yourselves, without His mercy.

To this they made him but little answer; only they bid him look to himself. Then I saw

that they went on every man in his way, without much conference one with another; save

that these two men told Christian that as to laws and ordinances, they doubted not but

they should as conscientiously do them as he: therefore, said they, we see not wherein

thou differest from us but by the coat that is on thy back, which was, as we trow, given

thee by some of thy neighbours, to hide the shame of thy nakedness.

(Gal. 2:16). And as for this coat that is on my back, it was given me by the Lord of the

place whither I go; and that, as you say, to cover my nakedness with. And I take it as a

token of His kindness to me, for I had nothing but rags before. And besides, thus I

comfort myself as I go: Surely, think I, when I come to the gate of the city, the Lord

thereof will know me for good, since I have His coat on my back -- a coat that He gave

me freely in the day that He stripped me of my rags. I have, moreover, a mark in my

forehead, of which perhaps you have taken no notice, which one of my Lord's most

tell you, moreover, that I had then given me a roll, sealed, to comfort me by reading as I

go on The Way. I was also bid to give it in at the Celestial Gate, in token of my certain

going in after it; all which things, I doubt, you want, and want them because you came not

in at the gate (2Esd. 7:6-9).

To these things they gave him no answer; only they looked upon each other, and

laughed. Then I saw that they went on all, save that Christian kept before, who had no

more talk but with himself, and that sometimes sighingly, and sometimes comfortably;

also he would be often reading in the roll that one of the Shining Ones gave him, by

which he was refreshed.

I beheld, then, that they all went on till they came to the foot of the Hill Difficulty; at the

bottom of which was a spring. There were also in the same place two other ways besides

that which came straight from the gate; one turned to the left hand and the other to the

right, at the bottom of the hill (Deut. 5:32, 33); but The Narrow Way lay right up the hill,

and the name of the going up the side of the hill is called Difficulty. Christian now went

to the spring, and drank thereof, to refresh himself (Isa. 49:10), and then began to go up

the hill, saying –

The hill, though high, I covet to ascend;

The difficulty will not me offend;

For I perceive The Way to Life lies here.

Come, pluck up heart, let's neither faint nor fear.

Better, though difficult, The Right Way to go,

Than wrong, though easy, where the end is woe.

The other two also came to the foot of the hill; but when they saw that the hill was steep

and high, and that there were two other ways to go; and supposing also that these two

ways might meet again, with that up which Christian went, on the other side of the hill;

therefore they were resolved to go in those ways. Now the name of one of those ways was

Danger, and the name of the other Destruction. So the one took the way which is called

Danger, which led him into a great wood; and the other took directly up the way to

Destruction, which led him into a wide field, full of dark mountains, where he stumbled

and fell, and rose no more.

Shall they who wrong begin yet rightly end?

Shall they at all have safety for their friend?

No, no; in headstrong manner they set out,

And headlong will they fall at last, no doubt.

I looked, then, after Christian, to see him go up the hill, where I perceived he fell from

running to going, and from going to clambering upon his hands and his knees, because of

the steepness of the place. Now, about the midway to the top of the hill was a pleasant

arbour, made by the Lord of the hill for the refreshing of weary travellers; thither,

therefore, Christian got, where also he sat down to rest him. Then he pulled his roll out of

his bosom, and read therein to his comfort; he also now began afresh to take a review of

the coat or garment that was given him as he stood by the Cross. Thus pleasing himself

awhile, he at last fell into a slumber, and thence into a fast sleep (1Thess. 5:6, 7), which

detained him in that place until it was almost night; and in his sleep his roll fell out of his

hand. Now, as he was sleeping, there came one to him, and awaked him, saying, “Go to

the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise” (Prov. 6:6). And with that

Christian started up, and sped him on his way, and went apace, till he came to the top of

the hill.

Now, when he was got up to the top of the hill, there came two men running to meet him

amain; the name of the one was Timorous, and of the other Mistrust; to whom Christian

said, Sirs, what's the matter? You run the wrong way. Timorous answered, that they were

going to the City of Zion, and had got up that difficult place; but, said he, the farther we

go, the more danger we meet with; wherefore, we turned, and are going back again.

Yes, said Mistrust, for just before us lie a couple of lions in The Way, whether sleeping

or waking we know not, and we could not think, if we came within reach, but they would

presently pull us in pieces.

perish there. If I can get to the Celestial City, I am sure to be in safety there. I must

venture. To go back is nothing but death; to go forward is fear of death, and life

everlasting beyond it. I will yet go forward. So Mistrust and Timorous ran down the hill,

and Christian went on his way. But, thinking again of what he had heard from the men, he

felt in his bosom for his roll, that he might read therein, and be comforted; but he felt and

found it not. Then was Christian in great distress, and knew not what to do; for he wanted

that which used to relieve him, and that which should have been his pass into the Celestial

City. Here, therefore, he began to be much perplexed, and knew not what to do. At last he

bethought himself that he had slept in the arbour that is on the side of the hill; and falling

down upon his knees, he asked God’s forgiveness for that his foolish act, and then went

back to look for his roll. But all the way he went back, who can sufficiently set forth the

sorrow of Christian's heart! Sometimes he sighed, sometimes he wept, and oftentimes he

chid himself for being so foolish to fall asleep in that place, which was erected only for a

little refreshment for his weariness. Thus, therefore, he went back, carefully looking on

this side and on that, all the way as he went, if happily he might find the roll, that had

been his comfort so many times in his journey. He went thus, till he came again within

sight of the arbour where he sat and slept; but that sight renewed his sorrow the more, by

bringing again, even afresh, his evil of sleeping into his mind (1Thess. 5:6, 7; Rev. 2:5).

Thus, therefore, he now went on bewailing his sinful sleep, saying, “O wretched man that

I am! that I should sleep in the daytime! that I should sleep in the midst of difficulty! that

I should so indulge the flesh, as to use that rest for ease to my flesh, which the Lord of the

hill hath erected only for the relief of the spirits of pilgrims.

How many steps have I taken in vain! Thus it happened to Israel, for their sin; they were

sent back again by the way of the Red Sea; and I am made to tread those steps with

sorrow, which I might have trod with delight, had it not been for this sinful sleep. How far

day is almost spent. Oh that I had not slept!

Now, by this time he was come to the arbour again, where for a while he sat down and

wept; but at last (as Providence would have it), looking sorrowfully down under the settle,

there he espied his roll; the which he, with trembling and haste, catched up, and put it into

for this roll was the assurance of his life and acceptance at the desired haven. Therefore he

laid it up in his bosom, gave thanks to God for directing his eye to the place where it lay,

and with joy and tears betook himself again to his journey. But oh! how nimbly now did

he go up the rest of the hill! Yet, before he got up, the sun went down upon Christian; and

this made him again recall the vanity of his sleeping to his remembrance; and thus he

again began to condole with himself. O thou sinful sleep: how, for thy sake, am I like to

be benighted in my journey! I must walk without the sun; darkness must cover the path of

my feet, and I must hear the noise of the doleful creatures, because of my sinful sleep

(1Thess. 5:6, 7). Now also he remembered the story that Mistrust and Timorous told him

of, how they were frighted with the sight of the lions. Then said Christian to himself

again, These beasts range in the night for their prey; and if they should meet with me in

the dark, how should I shift them? How should I escape being by them torn in pieces?

Thus he went on his way. But while he was thus bewailing his unhappy miscarriage, he

lift up his eyes, and behold there was a very stately palace before him, the name of which

was Beautiful; and it stood just by the highway side.

So I saw in my dream that he made haste and went forward, that if possible he might get

lodging there. Now, before he had gone far, he entered into a very narrow passage, which

was about a furlong off of the Porter's lodge; and looking very narrowly before him as he

went, he espied two lions in The Way. Now, thought he, I see the dangers that Mistrust

and Timorous were driven back by. (The lions were chained, but he saw not the chains.)

Then he was afraid, and thought also himself to go back after them, for he thought

nothing but death was before him. But the porter at the lodge, whose name is Watchful,

perceiving that Christian made a halt as if he would go back, cried unto him, saying, Is thy

strength so small? (Mark 4:40). Fear not the lions, for they are chained, and are placed

midst of the path, and no hurt shall come unto thee.

Difficulty is behind, Fear is before,

Though he’s got on the hill, the lions roar;

A Christian man is never long at ease,

When one fright’s gone, another doth him seize.

Then I saw that he went on, trembling for fear of the lions, but taking good heed to the

directions of the Porter; he heard them roar, but they did him no harm. Then he clapped

his hands, and went on till he came and stood before the gate where the Porter was. Then

said Christian to the Porter, Sir, what house is this? And may I lodge here to-night? The

Porter answered, This house was built by the Lord of the hill, and he built it for the relief

and security of pilgrims. The Porter also asked whence he was, and whither he was going?

the sun is now set, I desire, if I may, to lodge here to-night.

that stands on the hill-side; nay, I had, notwithstanding that, been here much sooner, but

that, in my sleep, I lost my evidence, and came without it to the brow of the hill; and then

feeling for it, and finding it not, I was forced, with sorrow of heart, to go back to the place

where I slept my sleep, where I found it, and now I am come.

talk, bring you into the rest of the family, according to the rules of the house. So

Watchful, the porter, rang a bell, at the sound of which came out at the door of the house a

grave and beautiful damsel, named Discretion, and asked why she was called?

The Porter answered, This man is in a journey from the City of Destruction to Mount

Zion, but being weary and benighted, he asked me if he might lodge here to-night; so I

told him I would call for thee, who, after discourse had with him, mayest do as seemeth

thee good, even according to the law of the house.

Then she asked him whence he was, and whither he was going; and he told her. She

asked him also how he got into The Way; and he told her. Then she asked him what he

had seen and met with in The Way; and he told her. And last she asked his name; so he

said, It is Christian, and I have so much the more a desire to lodge here to-night, because,

by what I perceive, this place was built by the Lord of the hill for the relief and security of

pilgrims. So she smiled, but the water stood in her eyes; and after a little pause, she said, I

will call forth two or three more of the family. So she ran to the door, and called out

Prudence, Piety, and Charity, who, after a little more discourse with him, had him into the

family; and many of them, meeting him at the threshold of the house, said, “Come in, thou

blessed of the Lord; this house was built by the Lord of the hill on purpose to entertain

such pilgrims in.” Then he bowed his head, and followed them into the house. So when he

was come in and sat down, they gave him something to drink, and consented together, that

until supper was ready, some of them should have some particular discourse with

Christian, for the best improvement of time; and they appointed Piety, and Prudence, and

Charity, to discourse with him; and thus they began:

our house this night, let us, if perhaps we may better ourselves thereby, talk with you of

all things that have happened to you in your pilgrimage.

wit, that unavoidable destruction did attend me if I abode in that place where I was.

not know whither to go; but by chance there came a man, even to me, as I was trembling

and weeping, whose name is Evangelist, and he directed me to the wicket-gate, which else

I should never have found, and so set me into The Way that hath led me directly to this

house.

long as I live; especially three things: to wit, how Christ, in despite of Satan, maintains

His work of grace in the heart; how the man had sinned himself quite out of hopes of

God's mercy; and also the dream of him that thought in his sleep the Day of Judgment was

come.

it; but yet I am glad I heard it.

people were clad in gold that were in it; and how there came a venturous man and cut his

way through the armed men that stood in the door to keep him out, and how he was bid to

come in, and win eternal glory. Methought those things did ravish my heart! I would have

stayed at that good man's house a twelvemonth, but that I knew I had farther to go.

bleeding upon the tree; and the very sight of him made my burden fall off my back (for I

groaned under a very heavy burden), but then it fell down from off me. It was a strange

thing to me, for I never saw such a thing before; yea, and while I stood looking up, for

then I could not forbear looking, three Shining Ones came to me. One of them testified

that my sins were forgiven me; another stripped me of my rags, and gave me this

broidered coat which you see; and the third set the mark which you see in my forehead,

and gave me this sealed roll. (And with that he plucked it out of his bosom.)

namely: I saw three men, Simple, Sloth, and Presumption, lie asleep a little out of The

Way, as I came, with irons upon their heels; but do you think I could awake them? I also

saw Formalist and Hypocrisy come tumbling over the wall, to go, as they pretended, to

Zion; but they were quickly lost, even as I myself did tell them; but they would not

believe. But, above all, I found it hard work to get up this hill, and as hard to come by the

lions' mouths; and truly, if it had not been for the good man, the Porter that stands at the

gate, I do not know but that after all I might have gone back again; but now, I thank God I

am here, and I thank you for receiving of me.

Then Prudence thought good to ask him a few questions, and desired his answer to

them.

conversant withal?

which all my countrymen, as well as myself, were delighted; but now all those things are

my grief; and might I but choose mine own things, I would choose never to think of those

things more; but when I would be doing of that which is best, that which is worst is with

me (Rom. 7:21).

times are your perplexity?

happen to me.

were vanquished?

my broidered coat, that will do it; also when I look into the roll that I carry in my bosom,

that will do it; and when my thoughts wax warm about whither I am going, that will do it.

hope to be rid of all those things that to this day are in me an annoyance to me; there, they

say, there is no death; and there I shall dwell with such company as I like best (Isa. 25:8;

Rev. 21:4). For, to tell you truth, I love him, because I was by him eased of my burden;

and I am wearied of my inward sickness. I would fain be where I shall die no more, and

with the company that shall continually cry, “Holy, holy, holy!” (Isa. 6:1-3; Rev. 4:8).

Then said Charity to Christian, Have you a family? Are you a married man?

were all of them utterly averse to my going on pilgrimage.

the danger of being behind.

city; “but I seemed to them as one that mocked,” and they believed me not (Gen. 19:14;

Sura 2:2-10).

children were very dear unto me.

that destruction was visible enough to you.

my tears, and also in my trembling under the apprehension of the Judgment that did hang

over our heads; but all was not sufficient to prevail with them to come with me.

foolish delights of youth: so what by one thing, and what by another, they left me to

wander in this manner alone.

persuasion to bring them away with you?

therein: I know also, that a man by his conversation may soon overthrow what, by

Yet this I can say, I was very wary of giving them occasion, by any unseemly action, to

make them averse to going on pilgrimage. Yea, for this very thing they would tell me I

was too precise, and that I denied myself of things, for their sakes, in which they saw no

evil. Nay, I think I may say, that if what they saw in me did hinder them, it was my great

tenderness in sinning against God, or of doing any wrong to my neighbour.

brother's righteous” (1John 3:12); and if thy wife and children have been offended with

thee for this, they thereby show themselves to be implacable to good, and “thou hast

delivered thy soul from their blood” (Ezek. 3:19).

Now I saw in my dream, that thus they sat talking together until supper was ready. So

when they had made ready, they sat down to meat. Now the table was furnished “with fat

things, and with wine that was well refined”; and all their talk at the table was about the

Lord of the hill; as, namely, about what he had done, and wherefore he did what he did,

and why he had builded that house. And, by what they said, I perceived that he had been a

great warrior, and had fought with and slain “him that had the power of death,” but not

without great danger to himself, which made me love him the more (Heb. 2:14, 15).

For, as they said, and as I believe (said Christian), he did it with the loss of much blood;

but that which put glory of grace into all he did, was, that he did it out of pure love to his

country. And besides, there were some of them of the household that said they had been

and spoke with him since he did die on the Cross; and they have attested that they had it

from his own lips, that he is such a lover of poor pilgrims, that the like is not to be found

from the East to the West.

They, moreover, gave an instance of what they affirmed, and that was, he had stripped

himself of his glory, that he might do this for the poor; and that they heard him say and

affirm, “that he would not dwell in the mountain of Zion alone.” They said, moreover, that

he had made many pilgrims princes, though by nature they were beggars born, and their

original had been the dunghill (1Sam. 2:8; Ps. 113:7).

Thus they discoursed together till late at night; and after they had committed themselves

to their Lord for protection, they betook themselves to rest: the pilgrim they laid in a large

upper chamber whose window opened toward the sun-rising: the name of the chamber

was Peace; where he slept till break of day, and then he awoke and sang –

Where am I now? Is this the love and care

Of Jesus for the men that pilgrims are?

Thus to provide! that I should be forgiven!

And dwell already the next door to heaven!

So in the morning they all got up; and, after some more discourse, they told him that he

should not depart till they had shown him the rarities of that place. And first they had him

into the study, where they showed him records of the greatest antiquity; in which, as I

remember my dream, they showed him first the pedigree of the Lord of the hill, that he

was the son of the Ancient of Days, and came by that eternal generation. Here also was

more fully recorded the acts that he had done, and the names of many hundreds that he

had taken into his service; and how he had placed them in such habitations, that could

neither by length of days, nor decays of nature, be dissolved.

Then they read to him some of the worthy acts that some of his servants had done: as,

how they had “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the

mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of

weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the

aliens” (Heb. 11:33, 34).

They then read again, in another part of the records of the house, where it was showed

how willing their Lord was to receive into his favour any, even any, though they in time

past had offered great affronts to his person and proceedings. Here also were several other

histories of many other famous things, of all which Christian had a view: as of things both

ancient and modern; together with prophecies and predictions of things that have their

certain accomplishment, both to the dread and amazement of enemies, and the comfort

and solace of pilgrims.

The next day they took him and had him into the armoury, where they showed him all

manner of furniture, which their Lord had provided for pilgrims, as sword, shield, helmet,

this to harness out as many men for the service of their Lord as there be stars in the

heaven for multitude.

They also showed him some of the engines with which some of his servants had done

wonderful things. They showed him Moses' rod; the hammer and nail with which Jael

slew Sisera; the pitchers, trumpets, and lamps too, with which Gideon put to flight the

armies of Midian. Then they showed him the ox's goad wherewith Shamgar slew six

hundred men. They showed him also the jaw-bone with which Samson did such mighty

feats. They showed him, moreover, the sling and stone with which David slew Goliath of

Gath; and the sword, also, with which their Lord will kill the Man of Sin in the day that he

shall rise up to the prey. They showed him, besides, many excellent things, with which

Christian was much delighted. This done, they went to their rest again.

Then I saw in my dream, that on the morrow he got up to go forward; but they desired

him to stay till the next day also; and then, said they, we will, if the day be clear, show

you the Delectable Mountains, which, they said, would yet further add to his comfort,

because they were nearer the desired haven than the place where at present he was: so he

consented and stayed. When the morning was up, they had him to the top of the house,

and bid him look South; so he did: and behold, at a great distance, he saw a most pleasant

mountainous country, beautified with woods, vineyards, fruits of all sorts, flowers also,

with springs and fountains, very delectable to behold (Isa. 33:16, 17). Then he asked the

name of the country. They said, It was Immanuel's Land; and it is as common, said they,

as this hill is, to and for all the pilgrims. And when thou comest there from thence, said

they, thou mayest see to the gate of the Celestial City, as the shepherds that live here will

make appear.

Now he bethought himself of setting forward, and they were willing he should. But first,

said they, let us go again into the armoury. So they did; and when they came there, they

harnessed him from head to foot with what was of proof, lest, perhaps, he should meet

with assaults in The Way. He being, therefore, thus accoutred, walketh out with his

friends to the gate, and there he asked the Porter if he saw any pilgrims pass by? Then the

Porter answered, Yes.

from the place where I was born. How far do you think he may be before?

blessings much increase, for the kindness that thou hast showed to me.

Then he began to go forward; but Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence would

accompany him down to the foot of the hill. So they went on together, reiterating their

former discourses, till they came to go down the hill. Then said Christian, As it was

difficult coming up, so (so far as I can see) it is dangerous going down. Yes, said

Prudence, so it is, for it is a hard matter for a man to go down into the Valley of

Humiliation, as thou art now, and to catch no slip by The Way; therefore, said they, are

we come out to accompany thee down the hill. So he began to go down, but very warily;

yet he caught a slip or two.

Then I saw in my dream that these good companions, when Christian was gone to the

bottom of the hill, gave him a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, and a cluster of raisins; and

then he went on his way.

Whilst Christian is among his Godly friends,

Their golden mouths make him sufficient ‘mends

For all his griefs; and when they let him go,

He’s clad with northern steel from top to toe.

But now, in this Valley of Humiliation, poor Christian was hard put to it; for he had

gone but a little way before he espied a foul fiend coming over the field to meet him: his

name is Apollyon. Then did Christian begin to be afraid, and to cast in his mind whether

to go back or to stand his ground. But he considered again that he had no armour for his

back; and therefore thought that to turn the back to him might give him the greater

advantage with ease to pierce him with his darts (Eph. 6:16). Therefore he resolved to

venture and stand his ground; for, thought he, had I no more in mine eye than the saving

of my life, it would be the best way to stand.

So he went on, and Apollyon met him. Now, the monster was hideous to behold; he was

clothed with scales, like a fish, (and they are his pride); he had wings like a dragon, feet

like a bear, and out of his belly came fire and smoke, and his mouth was as the mouth of a

lion. When he was come up to Christian, he beheld him with a disdainful countenance,

and thus began to question with him.

going to the City of Zion.

am the prince and god of it. How is it, then, that thou hast run away from thy king? Were

to the ground.

such as a man could not live on, “for the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23); therefore,

when I was come to years, I did as other considerate persons do, look out, if, perhaps, I

might mend myself.

fairness, go back with thee?

it is ordinary for those that have professed themselves his servants, after a while to give

back from this, and not be hanged as a traitor?

yet turn again and go back.

whose banner now I stand is able to absolve me; yea, and to pardon also what I did as to

my compliance with thee; and besides, O thou destroying Apollyon! to speak truth, I like

his service, his wages, his servants, his government, his company, and country better than

thine; and, therefore, leave off to persuade me further; I am his servant, and I will follow

him.

The Way that thou goest. Thou knowest that, for the most part, his servants come to an ill

end, because they are transgressors against me and my ways. How many of them have

been put to shameful deaths; and, besides, thou countest his service better than mine,

whereas, he never came yet from the place where he is to deliver any that served him out

of their hands; but as for me, how many times, as all the world very well knows, have I

delivered, either by power or fraud, those that have faithfully served me, from him and

his, though taken by them; and so I will deliver thee.

most glorious in their account; for, for present deliverance, they do not much expect it, for

they stay for their glory, and then they shall have it, when their Prince comes in his, and

the glory of the angels.

to receive wages of him?

Despond; thou didst attempt wrong ways to be rid of thy burden, whereas thou shouldest

have stayed till thy Prince had taken it off; thou didst sinfully sleep and lose thy choice

thing; thou wast, also, almost persuaded to go back, at the sight of the lions; and when

serve and honour is merciful, and ready to forgive; but, besides, these infirmities

been sorry for them, and have obtained pardon of my Prince.

Prince; I hate his person, his laws, and people; I am come out on purpose to withstand

thee.

holiness; therefore take heed to yourself.

void of fear in this matter: prepare thyself to die; for I swear by my infernal den, that thou

shalt go no further; here will I spill thy soul.

And with that he threw a flaming dart at his breast; but Christian had a shield in his

hand, with which he caught it, and so prevented the danger of that (Eph. 6:16).

Then did Christian draw, for he saw it was time to bestir him: and Apollyon as fast

made at him, throwing darts as thick as hail; by the which, notwithstanding all that

Christian could do to avoid it, Apollyon wounded him in his head, his hand, and foot.

This made Christian give a little back; Apollyon, therefore followed his work amain, and

Christian again took courage, and resisted as manfully as he could. This sore combat

lasted for above half a day, even till Christian was almost quite spent; for you must know

that Christian, by reason of his wounds, must needs grow weaker and weaker.

Then Apollyon, espying his opportunity, began to gather up close to Christian, and,

wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall; and with that Christian's sword flew out of

his hand. Then said Apollyon, I am sure of thee now. And with that he had almost pressed

him to death, so that Christian began to despair of life; but as God would have it, while

Apollyon was fetching of his last blow, thereby to make a full end of this good man,

against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise” (Micah 7:8); and with that gave him

a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound.

Christian perceiving that, made at him again, saying, “Nay, in all these things we are more

than conquerors through him that loved us” (Rom. 8:37). And with that Apollyon spread

forth his dragon's wings, and sped him away, that Christian saw him no more (James 4:7).

In this combat no man can imagine, unless he had seen and heard as I did, what yelling

and hideous roaring Apollyon made all the time of the fight -- he spake like a dragon; and,

on the other side, what sighs and groans burst from Christian's heart. I never saw him all

the while give so much as one pleasant look, till he perceived he had wounded Apollyon

with his two-edged sword; then, indeed, he did smile and look upward; but it was the

dreadfullest sight that ever I saw.

A more unequal match can hardly be, --

Christian must fight an angel; but you see,

The valiant man by handling Sword and Shield,

Doth make him, though a Dragon, quit the field.

So when the battle was over, Christian said, “I will here give thanks to him that

delivered me out of the mouth of the lion, to him that did help me against Apollyon.” And

so he did, saying --

Great Beelzebub, the captain of this fiend,

Design'd my ruin; therefore to this end

He sent him harness'd out: and he with rage,

That hellish was, did fiercely me engage.

By dint of sword, did quickly make him fly.

Therefore to Him let me give lasting praise,

And thank and bless His holy name always.

Then there came to him a Hand, with some of the leaves of the Tree of Life, the which

Christian took, and applied to the wounds that he had received in the battle, and was

healed immediately. He also sat down in that place to eat bread, and to drink of the bottle

that was given him a little before (Ps. 23:5; 1Cor. 10:31); so, being refreshed, he

addressed himself to his journey, with his sword drawn in his hand; for he said, I know

not but some other enemy may be at hand. But he met with no other affront from

Apollyon quite through this valley.

Now, at the end of this valley was another, called the Valley of the Shadow of Death,

and Christian must needs go through it, because The Way to the Celestial City lay through

the midst of it. Now, this valley is a very solitary place (2Esd. 7:6-9). The prophet

Jeremiah thus describes it: “A wilderness, a land of deserts and of pits, a land of drought,

and of the shadow of death, a land that no man” (but a Christian) “passed through, and

where no man dwelt” (Jer. 2:6).

Now here Christian was worse put to it than in his fight with Apollyon; as by the sequel

you shall see.

I saw then in my dream, that when Christian was got to the borders of the Shadow of

Death, there met him two men, children of them that brought up an evil report of the good

land (Num. 13.), making haste to go back; to whom Christian spake as follows:-

is prized by you.

durst; and indeed we were almost past coming back; for had we gone a little farther, we

had not been here to bring the news to thee.

hap, we looked before us, and saw the danger before we came to it (Ps. 44:19, 107:10).

hobgoblins, satyrs, and dragons of the pit; we heard also in that valley a continual

Death also doth always spread his wings over it. In a word, it is every whit dreadful, being

way to the desired haven (Jer. 2:6, 7).

So they parted, and Christian went on his way, but still with his sword drawn in his

hand, for fear lest he should be assaulted.

I saw then in my dream, so far as this valley reached, there was on the right hand a very

deep ditch: that ditch is it into which the blind have led the blind in all ages, and have

both there miserably perished (Ps. 69:14, 15; Matt. 15:14). Again, behold, on the left hand

there was a very dangerous quag, into which, if even a good man falls, he finds no bottom

for his foot to stand on. Into that quag King David once did fall, and had no doubt therein

been smothered, had not he that is able plucked him out.

The pathway was here also exceeding narrow, and therefore good Christian was the

more put to it; for when he sought, in the dark, to shun the ditch on the one hand, he was

and I heard him here sigh bitterly; for, besides the dangers mentioned above, the pathway

Poor man! where art thou now? thy day is night.

Good man, be not cast down, thou yet art right,

Thy way to heaven lies by the gates of hell;

Cheer up, hold out, with thee it shall go well.

About the midst of this valley I perceived the mouth of hell to be, and it stood also hard

by the wayside. Now, thought Christian, what shall I do? And ever and anon the flame

and smoke would come out in such abundance, with sparks and hideous noises (things

that cared not for Christian's sword, as did Apollyon before), that he was forced to put up

his sword, and betake himself to another weapon, called “All-prayer” (Eph. 6:18). So he

cried in my hearing, “O Lord, I beseech Thee, deliver my soul!” (Ps. 116:4). Thus he went

on a great while, yet still the flames would be reaching towards him. Also he heard

in pieces, or trodden down like mire in the streets. This frightful sight was seen, and these

dreadful noises were heard by him for several miles together; and coming to a place where

he thought he heard a company of fiends coming forward to meet him, he stopped, and

began to muse what he had best to do. Sometimes he had half a thought to go back; then

again he thought he might be half way through the valley; he remembered also how he

had already vanquished many a danger, and that the danger of going back might be much

more than to go forward; so he resolved to go on. Yet the fiends seemed to come nearer

and nearer; but when they were come even almost at him, he cried out with a most

vehement voice, “I will walk in the strength of the Lord God!” so they gave back, and

came no farther.

One thing I would not let slip: I took notice that now poor Christian was so confounded

against the mouth of the burning pit, one of the wicked ones got behind him, and stepped

Him that he loved so much before; yet, if he could have helped it, he would not have done

When Christian had travelled in this disconsolate condition some considerable time, he

thought he heard the voice of a man, as going before him, saying, “Though I walk through

Then he was glad, and that for these reasons:-

well as himself.

state; and why not, thought he, with me? though, by reason of the impediment that attends

this place, I cannot perceive it (Job 9:11).

went on, and called to him that was before; but he knew not what to answer; for that he

also thought himself to be alone. And by and by the day broke; then said Christian, He

hath turned “the shadow of death into the morning” (Amos 5:8).

Now morning being come, he looked back, not out of desire to return, but to see, by the

light of the day, what hazards he had gone through in the dark. So he saw more perfectly

the ditch that was on the one hand, and the quag that was on the other; also how narrow

The Way was which led betwixt them both; also now he saw the hobgoblins, and satyrs,

and dragons of the pit, but all afar off (for after break of day, they came not nigh); yet they

were discovered to him, according to that which is written, “He discovereth deep things

out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death” (Job 12:22).

Now was Christian much affected with his deliverance from all the dangers of his

solitary way (Thom. 8:7); which dangers, though he feared them more before, yet he saw

them more clearly now, because the light of the day made them conspicuous to him. And

about this time the sun was rising, and this was another mercy to Christian; for you must

note, that though the first part of the Valley of the Shadow of Death was dangerous, yet

this second part which he was yet to go, was, if possible, far more dangerous; for, from

the place where he now stood, even to the end of the valley, The Way was all along set so

full of snares, traps, gins, and nets here, and so full of pits, pitfalls, deep holes, and

shelvings down there, that, had it now been dark, as it was when he came the first part of

The Way, had he had a thousand souls, they had in reason been cast away; but, as I said

In this light, therefore, he came to the end of the valley. Now I saw in my dream, that at

the end of this valley lay blood, bones, ashes, and mangled bodies of men, even of

pilgrims, that had gone this way formerly; and while I was musing what should be the

reason, I espied a little before me a cave, where two giants, Pope (2Thess. 2:3, 4) and

Pagan, dwelt in old time; by whose power and tyranny the men whose bones, blood,

ashes, etc., lay there, were cruelly put to death (Rev. 13:7; 17:6; 18:24). But by this place

Christian went without much danger, whereat I somewhat wondered; but I have learnt

since that Pagan has been dead many a day; and as for the other, though he be yet alive, he

is, by reason of age, and also of the many shrewd brushes that he met with in his younger

cannot come at them.

So I saw that Christian went on his way; yet, at the sight of the Old Man that sat in the

mouth of the cave, he could not tell what to think, especially because he spake to him,

though he could not go after him, saying, “You will never mend till more of you be

burned.” But he held his peace, and set a good face on it, and so went by and catched no

hurt. Then sang Christian --

O world of wonders! (I can say no less)

That I should be preserved in that distress

That I have met with here! O blessed be

That hand that from it hath deliver'd me!

Dangers in darkness, devils, hell, and sin,

Did compass me, while I this vale was in:

Yea, snares, and pits, and traps, and nets did lie

My path about, that worthless, silly I

Might have been catch'd, entangled, and cast down;

But since I live, let Jesus wear the crown.

Now, as Christian went on his way, he came to a little ascent, which was cast up on

purpose that pilgrims might see before them. Up there, therefore, Christian went, and

looking forward, he saw Faithful before him, upon his journey. Then said Christian aloud,

“Ho! ho! soho! stay, and I will be your companion!” At that, Faithful looked behind him;

to whom Christian cried again, “Stay, stay, till I come up to you.” But Faithful answered,

“No, I am upon my life, and the avenger of blood is behind me.”

At this Christian was somewhat moved, and putting to all his strength, he quickly got up

smile because he had gotten the start of his brother; but not taking good heed

to his feet, he suddenly stumbled and fell, and could not rise again until Faithful came up

to help him.

Then I saw in my dream they went very lovingly on together, and had sweet discourse

of all things that had happened to them in their pilgrimage; and thus Christian began:-

you; and that God has so tempered our spirits, that we can walk as companions in this so

pleasant a path.

you did get the start of me, wherefore I was forced to come thus much of The Way alone.

your pilgrimage?

out, that our city would, in short time, with fire from heaven, be burned down to the

ground.

16:28)?

firmly believe it. For, in the heat of the discourse, I heard some of them deridingly speak

of you and of your desperate journey (for so they called this your pilgrimage); but I did

believe, and do still, that the end of our city will be with fire and brimstone from above;

and therefore I have made my escape.

Despond, where, as some said, he fell in; but he would not be known to have so done; but

I am sure he was soundly bedabbled with that kind of dirt.

sorts of people; some do mock and despise him, and scarce will any set him on work. He

is now seven times worse than if he had never gone out of the city.

he forsook?

God has stirred up even his enemies to hiss at him, and make him a proverb, because he

hath forsaken The Way (Jer. 29:18, 19).

ashamed of what he had done; so I spake not to him.

the mire” (2Pet. 2:22).

more immediately concern ourselves. Tell me now what you have met with in The Way as

you came; for I know you have met with some things, or else it may be writ for a wonder.

that danger; only I met with one whose name was Wanton, who had like to have done me

a mischief.

her as you did; but it had like to have cost him his life (Gen. 39:11-13). But what did she

do to you?

had; she lay at me hard to turn aside with her, promising me all manner of content.

that is abhorred by the Lord shall fall therein” (Prov. 22:14).

said, “Her steps take hold on hell” (Prov. 5:5). So I shut mine eyes, because I would not

be bewitched with her looks (Job 31:1). Then she railed on me, and I went my way.

who asked me what I was, and whither bound. I told him that I was a pilgrim, going to the

Celestial City. Then said the old man, Thou lookest like an honest fellow; wilt thou be

content to dwell with me for the wages that I shall give thee? Then I asked him his name,

and where he dwelt. He said his name was Adam the First, and that he dwelt in the town

of Deceit (Eph. 4:22). I asked him then what was his work? and what the wages that he

would give? He told me that his work was many delights; and his wages, that I should be

his heir at last. I further asked him what house he kept? and what other servants he had?

So he told me that his house was maintained with all the dainties in the world; and that his

servants were those of his own begetting. Then I asked if he had any children. He said that

he had but three daughters: The Lust of the Flesh, The Lust of the Eyes, and The Pride of

Life, and that I should marry them all if I would (1John 2:16). Then I asked how long time

he would have me live with him? And he told me, As long as he lived himself.

thought he spake very fair; but looking in his forehead, as I talked with him, I saw there

flattered, when he got me home to his house he would sell me for a slave. So I bid him

forbear to talk, for I would not come near the door of his house. Then he reviled me, and

told me that he would send such a one after me, that should make my way bitter to my

pulled part of me after himself. This made me cry, “O wretched man!” (Rom. 7:24). So I

went on my way up the hill.

me, swift as the wind; so he overtook me just about the place where the settle stands.

I there lost this roll out of my bosom.

word and a blow, for down he knocked me, and laid me for dead. But when I was a little

come to myself again, I asked him wherefore he served me so. He said, because of my

secret inclining to Adam the First: and with that he struck me another deadly blow on the

breast, and beat me down backward; so I lay at his foot as dead, as before. So when I

came to myself again, I cried him mercy; but he said, I know not how to show mercy; and

with that he knocked me down again. He had doubtless made an end of me, but that one

came by, and bid him forbear.

and in his side; then I concluded that he was our Lord. So I went up the hill.

to show mercy to those that transgress his law.

that came to me when I dwelt securely at home, and that told me he would burn my house

over my head if I stayed there.

which Moses met you?

asleep, for it was about noon; and because I had so much of the day before me, I passed

by the Porter, and came down the hill.

house, for they would have showed you so many rarities, that you would scarce have

forgot them to the day of your death. But, pray tell me, Did you meet nobody in the Valley

of Humility?

back again with him; his reason was, for that the valley was altogether without honour. He

be very much offended if I made such a fool of myself as to wade through this valley.

became a pilgrim they have disowned me, as I also have rejected them; and therefore they

were to me now no more than if they had never been of my lineage. I told him, moreover,

this valley to the honour that was so accounted by the wisest, than choose that which he

esteemed most worthy of our affections.

think, bears the wrong name. The other would be said nay, after a little argumentation,

and somewhat else; but this bold-faced Shame would never have done.

sneaking business for a man to mind religion; he said that a tender conscience was an

unmanly thing; and that for a man to watch over his words and ways, so as to tie up

himself from that hectoring liberty that the brave spirits of the times accustom themselves

unto, would make him the ridicule of the times. He objected also, that but few of the

mighty, rich, or wise, were ever of my opinion (1Cor. 1:26; 3:18; Phil. 3:7, 8); nor any of

them neither (John 7:48), before they were persuaded to be fools, and to be of a voluntary

fondness, to venture the loss of all, for nobody knows what. He, moreover, objected to the

base and low estate and condition of those that were chiefly the pilgrims of the times in

which they lived: also their ignorance and want of understanding in all natural science.

Yea, he did hold me to it at that rate also about a great many more things than here I

petty faults, or to make restitution where I have taken from any. He said, also, that

religion made a man grow strange to the great, because of a few vices, which he called by

finer names; and made him own and respect the base, because of the same religious

came up in my face; even this Shame fetched it up, and had almost beat me quite off. But

me what men are; but he tells me nothing what God or the Word of God is. And I thought,

salvation! Shall I entertain thee against my sovereign Lord? How then shall I look him in

the face at his coming? Should I now be ashamed of his ways and servants, how can I

expect the blessing? (Mark 8:38). But, indeed, this Shame was a bold villain. I could

scarce shake him out of my company; yea, he would be haunting of me, and continually

whispering me in the ear, with some one or other of the infirmities that attend religion; but

at last I told him it was but in vain to attempt further in this business; for those things that

And when I had shaken him off, then I began to sing –

The trials that those men do meet withal,

That are obedient to the heavenly call,

Are manifold, and suited to the flesh,

And come, and come, and come again afresh:

That now, or sometime else, we by them may

Be taken, overcome, and cast away.

O let the pilgrims, let the pilgrims then

Be vigilant, and quit themselves like men!

as thou sayest, I think he has the wrong name; for he is so bold as to follow us in the

streets, and to attempt to put us to shame before all men: that is, to make us ashamed of

that which is good; but if he was not himself audacious, he would never attempt to do as

he does. But let us still resist him; for notwithstanding all his bravadoes, he promoteth the

fool, and none else. “The wise shall inherit glory,” said Solomon; “but shame shall be the

promotion of fools” (Prov. 3:35).

valiant for the truth upon the earth.

through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

season, as soon almost as I entered into that valley, a dreadful combat with that foul fiend

Apollyon; yea, I thought verily he would have killed me, especially when he got me down

and crushed me under him, as if he would have crushed me to pieces; for, as he threw me,

my sword flew out of my hand; nay, he told me he was sure of me: but I cried to God, and

He heard me, and delivered me out of all my troubles. Then I entered into the Valley of

the Shadow of Death, and had no light for almost half The Way through it. I thought I

should have been killed there, over and over; but at last day broke, and the sun rose, and I

went through that which was behind with far more ease and quiet.

Moreover, I saw in my dream, that as they went on, Faithful, as he chanced to look on

one side, saw a man whose name was Talkative, walking at a distance beside them; for in

this place there was room enough for them all to walk. He was a tall man, and something

more comely at a distance than at hand. To this man Faithful addressed himself in this

manner:-

things that are profitable.

other; and I am glad that I have met with those that incline to so good a work; for, to

speak the truth, there are but few that care thus to spend their time (as they are in their

travels), but choose much rather to be speaking of things to no profit; and this hath been a

trouble for me.

the tongue and mouth of men on earth, as are the things of the God of heaven?

what thing is so pleasant, and what so profitable, as to talk of the things of God? What

instance, if a man doth delight to talk of the history or the mystery of things; or, if a man

doth love to talk of miracles, wonders, or signs, where shall he find things recorded so

delightful, and so sweetly penned, as in the Holy Scripture?

design.

man may get knowledge of many things; as of the vanity of earthly things, and the benefit

of things above. Thus in general: but, more particularly, by this a man may learn the

necessity of the new birth, the insufficiency of our works, the need of Christ's

righteousness, etc. Besides, by this a man may learn what it is to repent, to believe, to

pray, to suffer, or the like; by this also a man may learn what are the great promises and

consolations of the gospel, to his own comfort. Further, by this a man may learn to refute

false opinions, to vindicate the truth, and also to instruct the ignorant.

necessity of a work of grace in their soul, in order to eternal life; but ignorantly live in the

works of The Law, by which a man can by no means obtain the Kingdom of heaven.

attaineth to them by human industry, or only by the talk of them.

from heaven: all is of grace, not of works. I could give you a hundred scriptures for the

confirmation of this.

our discourse upon?

things evangelical; things sacred, or things profane; things past, or things to come; things

foreign, or things at home; things more essential, or things circumstantial: provided that

all be done to our profit.

this while by himself), he said to him (but softly), What a brave companion have we got!

Surely this man will make a very excellent pilgrim.

taken, will beguile with that tongue of his twenty of them that know him not.

stranger to him, only I consider that our town is large.

are acquainted with him by the name of Talkative in Prating Row; and notwithstanding

his fine tongue, he is but a sorry fellow.

abroad; near home he is ugly enough. Your saying that he is a pretty man brings to my

mind what I have observed in the work of the painter, whose pictures show best at a

distance, but, very near, more unpleasing.

accuse any falsely! I will give you a further discovery of him. This man is for any

company, and for any talk; as he talketh now with you, so will he talk when he is on the

ale-bench; and the more drink he hath in his crown, the more of these things he hath in his

(Matt. 23:3). But the “Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (1Cor. 4:20). He

and I know what I say of him is the truth. His house is as empty of religion as the white of

an egg is of savour (Job 6:6). There is there neither prayer nor sign of repentance for sin;

yea, the brute in his kind serves God far better than he. He is the very stain, reproach, and

shame of religion to all that know him; it can hardly have a good word in all that end of

the town where he dwells, through him (Rom. 2:23-25). Thus say the common people that

a churl, such a railer at, and so unreasonable with his servants, that they neither know how

to do for, or speak to him. Men that have any dealings with him say, It is better to deal

with a Turk than with him, for fairer dealing they shall have at their hands. This Talkative

(if it be possible) will go beyond them, defraud, beguile, and overreach them. Besides, he

brings up his sons to follow his steps; and if he finds in any of them a foolish

timorousness (for so he calls the first appearance of a tender conscience), he calls them

fools and blockheads, and by no means will employ them in much, or speak to their

commendations before others. For my part, I am of opinion that he has, by his wicked life,

caused many to stumble and fall; and will be, if God prevent not, the ruin of many more.

him, but also because, like a Christian, you make your reports of men. For I cannot think

that you speak these things of ill-will, but because it is even so as you say.

the first, you did; yea, had he received this report at their hands only that are enemies to

religion, I should have thought it had been a slander -- a lot that often falls from bad men's

mouths upon good men's names and professions; but all these things, yea, and a great

many more as bad, of my own knowledge, I can prove him guilty of. Besides, good men

are ashamed of him; they can neither call him brother nor friend; the very naming of him

among them makes them blush, if they know him.

the body without the soul is but a dead carcass, so saying, if it be alone, is but a dead

carcass also. The soul of religion is the practical part: “Pure religion and undefiled, before

God and the Father, is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to

keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:22-27). This Talkative is not aware of;

they be judged. The end of the world is compared to our harvest; and you know men at

harvest regard nothing but fruit. Not that anything can be accepted that is not of faith, but

I speak this to show you how insignificant the profession of Talkative will be at that day.

clean (Lev. 11; Deut. 14). He is such a one that parteth the hoof and cheweth the cud; not

that parteth the hoof only, or that cheweth the cud only. The hare cheweth the cud, but yet

is unclean, because he parteth not the hoof. And this truly resembleth Talkative; he

cheweth the cud, he seeketh knowledge, he cheweth upon the word; but he divideth not

of a dog or bear, and therefore he is unclean.

add another thing: Paul calleth some men, yea, and those great talkers, too, “sounding

brass, or a tinkling cymbal,” that is, as he expounds them in another place, “things without

shall we do to be rid of him?

your company too, except God shall touch his heart, and turn it.

and ask him plainly (when he has approved of it, for that he will) whether this thing be set

up in his heart, house, or conversation.

How is it now?

question, let it be this: How doth the saving grace of God discover itself, when it is in the

heart of man?

good question, and I shall be willing to answer you. And take my answer in brief, thus:

Secondly –