Thentheysang——
Beholdyehowthesecrystalstreamsdoglide，Tocomfortpilgrimsbythehighwayside;
Themeadowsgreen，besidetheirfragrantsmell，Yielddaintiesforthem;andhethatcantellWhatpleasantfruit，yea，leaves，thesetreesdoyield，Willsoonsellall，thathemaybuythisfield。
Sowhentheyweredisposedtogoon，（fortheywerenot，asyet，attheirjourney’send，）theyateanddrank，anddeparted。
{277}
Now，Ibeheldinmydream，thattheyhadnotjourneyedfar，buttheriverandthewayforatimeparted;atwhichtheywerenotalittlesorry;yettheydurstnotgooutoftheway。
Nowthewayfromtheriverwasrough，andtheirfeettender，byreasonoftheirtravels;sothesoulsofthepilgrimsweremuchdiscouragedbecauseoftheway。[Num。21：4]Wherefore，stillastheywenton，theywishedforbetterway。Now，alittlebeforethem，therewasonthelefthandoftheroadameadow，andastiletogooverintoit;andthatmeadowiscalledBy—pathMeadow。
ThensaidChristiantohisfellow，Ifthismeadowliethalongbyourwayside，letusgooverintoit。Thenhewenttothestiletosee，andbehold，apathlayalongbytheway，ontheothersideofthefence。
Itisaccordingtomywish，saidChristian。Hereistheeasiestgoing;
come，goodHopeful，andletusgoover。
{278}
HOPE。Buthowifthispathshouldleadusoutoftheway？
CHR。Thatisnotlike，saidtheother。Look，dothitnotgoalongbythewayside？SoHopeful，beingpersuadedbyhisfellow，wentafterhimoverthestile。Whentheyweregoneover，andweregotintothepath，theyfounditveryeasyfortheirfeet;
andwithal，they，lookingbeforethem，espiedamanwalkingastheydid，（andhisnamewasVain—confidence）;sotheycalledafterhim，andaskedhimwhitherthatwayled。Hesaid，TotheCelestialGate。
Look，saidChristian，didnotItellyouso？Bythisyoumayseeweareright。Sotheyfollowed，andhewentbeforethem。
But，behold，thenightcameon，anditgrewverydark;
sothattheythatwerebehindlostthesightofhimthatwentbefore。
{279}
He，therefore，thatwentbefore，（Vain—confidencebyname），notseeingthewaybeforehim，fellintoadeeppit[Isa。9：16]，whichwasonpurposetheremade，bythePrinceofthosegrounds，tocatchvain—gloriousfoolswithal，andwasdashedinpieceswithhisfall。
{280}
NowChristianandhisfellowheardhimfall。Sotheycalledtoknowthematter，buttherewasnonetoanswer，onlytheyheardagroaning。
ThensaidHopeful，Wherearewenow？Thenwashisfellowsilent，asmistrustingthathehadledhimoutoftheway;andnowitbegantorain，andthunder，andlighteninaverydreadfulmanner;
andthewaterroseamain。
ThenHopefulgroanedinhimself，saying，Oh，thatIhadkeptonmyway！
{281}
CHR。Whocouldhavethoughtthatthispathshouldhaveledusoutoftheway？
HOPE。Iwasafraidonitattheveryfirst，andthereforegaveyouthatgentlecaution。Iwouldhavespokenplainer，butthatyouareolderthanI。
CHR。Goodbrother，benotoffended;IamsorryIhavebroughttheeoutoftheway，andthatIhaveputtheeintosuchimminentdanger;
pray，mybrother，forgiveme;Ididnotdoitofanevilintent。
HOPE。Becomforted，mybrother，forIforgivethee;andbelieve，too，thatthisshallbeforourgood。
CHR。IamgladIhavewithmeamercifulbrother;butwemustnotstandthus：letustrytogobackagain。
HOPE。But，goodbrother，letmegobefore。
CHR。No，ifyouplease，letmegofirst，thatiftherebeanydanger，Imaybefirsttherein，becausebymymeanswearebothgoneoutoftheway。
{282}
HOPE。No，saidHopeful，youshallnotgofirst;foryourmindbeingtroubledmayleadyououtofthewayagain。Then，fortheirencouragement，theyheardthevoiceofonesaying，"Setthinehearttowardthehighway，eventhewaywhichthouwentest;
turnagain。"[Jer。31：21]Butbythistimethewatersweregreatlyrisen，byreasonofwhichthewayofgoingbackwasverydangerous。（ThenIthoughtthatitiseasiergoingoutoftheway，whenwearein，thangoinginwhenweareout。）
Yettheyadventuredtogoback，butitwassodark，andthefloodwassohigh，thatintheirgoingbacktheyhadliketohavebeendrownednineortentimes。
{283}
Neithercouldthey，withalltheskilltheyhad，getagaintothestilethatnight。Wherefore，atlast，lightingunderalittleshelter，theysatdownthereuntilthedaybreak;but，beingweary，theyfellasleep。Nowtherewas，notfarfromtheplacewheretheylay，acastlecalledDoubtingCastle，theownerwhereofwasGiantDespair;anditwasinhisgroundstheynowweresleeping：
whereforehe，gettingupinthemorningearly，andwalkingupanddowninhisfields，caughtChristianandHopefulasleepinhisgrounds。
Then，withagrimandsurlyvoice，hebidthemawake;andaskedthemwhencetheywere，andwhattheydidinhisgrounds。Theytoldhimtheywerepilgrims，andthattheyhadlosttheirway。
ThensaidtheGiant，Youhavethisnighttrespassedonme，bytramplinginandlyingonmygrounds，andthereforeyoumustgoalongwithme。Sotheywereforcedtogo，becausehewasstrongerthanthey。
Theyalsohadbutlittletosay，fortheyknewthemselvesinafault。
TheGiant，therefore，drovethembeforehim，andputthemintohiscastle，intoaverydarkdungeon，nastyandstinkingtothespiritsofthesetwomen。[Ps。88：18]Here，then，theylayfromWednesdaymorningtillSaturdaynight，withoutonebitofbread，ordropofdrink，orlight，oranytoaskhowtheydid;theywere，therefore，hereinevilcase，andwerefarfromfriendsandacquaintance。
NowinthisplaceChristianhaddoublesorrow，becauseitwasthroughhisunadvisedcounselthattheywerebroughtintothisdistress。
Thepilgrimsnow，togratifytheflesh，Willseekitsease;butoh！howtheyafreshDotherebyplungethemselvesnewgriefsinto！
Whoseektopleasetheflesh，themselvesundo。
{284}
Now，GiantDespairhadawife，andhernamewasDiffidence。
Sowhenhewasgonetobed，hetoldhiswifewhathehaddone;towit，thathehadtakenacoupleofprisonersandcastthemintohisdungeon，fortrespassingonhisgrounds。Thenheaskedheralsowhathehadbesttodofurthertothem。Sosheaskedhimwhattheywere，whencetheycame，andwhithertheywerebound;andhetoldher。
Thenshecounselledhimthatwhenhearoseinthemorningheshouldbeatthemwithoutanymercy。So，whenhearose，hegettethhimagrievouscrab—treecudgel，andgoesdownintothedungeontothem，andtherefirstfallstoratingofthemasiftheyweredogs，althoughtheynevergavehimawordofdistaste。
Thenhefallsuponthem，andbeatsthemfearfully，insuchsortthattheywerenotabletohelpthemselves，ortoturnthemuponthefloor。
Thisdone，hewithdrawsandleavesthemtheretocondoletheirmiseryandtomournundertheirdistress。Soallthatdaytheyspentthetimeinnothingbutsighsandbitterlamentations。Thenextnight，she，talkingwithherhusbandaboutthemfurther，andunderstandingtheywereyetalive，didadvisehimtocounselthemtomakeawaythemselves。
Sowhenmorningwascome，hegoestotheminasurlymannerasbefore，andperceivingthemtobeverysorewiththestripesthathehadgiventhemthedaybefore，hetoldthem，thatsincetheywereneverliketocomeoutofthatplace，theironlywaywouldbeforthwithtomakeanendofthemselves，eitherwithknife，halter，orpoison，forwhy，saidhe，shouldyouchooselife，seeingitisattendedwithsomuchbitterness？Buttheydesiredhimtoletthemgo。
Withthathelookeduglyuponthem，and，rushingtothem，haddoubtlessmadeanendofthemhimself，butthathefellintooneofhisfits，（forhesometimes，insunshinyweather，fellintofits），andlostforatimetheuseofhishand;whereforehewithdrew，andleftthemasbefore，toconsiderwhattodo。Thendidtheprisonersconsultbetweenthemselveswhetheritwasbesttotakehiscounselorno;andthustheybegantodiscourse：——
{285}
CHR。Brother，saidChristian，whatshallwedo？Thelifethatwenowliveismiserable。FormypartIknownotwhetherisbest，tolivethus，ortodieoutofhand。"Mysoulchoosethstranglingratherthanlife"，andthegraveismoreeasyformethanthisdungeon。
[Job7：15]ShallweberuledbytheGiant？
{286}
HOPE。Indeed，ourpresentconditionisdreadful，anddeathwouldbefarmorewelcometomethanthusforevertoabide;butyet，letusconsider，theLordofthecountrytowhichwearegoinghathsaid，Thoushaltdonomurder：no，nottoanotherman’sperson;
muchmore，then，areweforbiddentotakehiscounseltokillourselves。
Besides，hethatkillsanother，canbutcommitmurderuponhisbody;
butforonetokillhimselfistokillbodyandsoulatonce。
And，moreover，mybrother，thoutalkestofeaseinthegrave;
buthastthouforgottenthehell，forcertainthemurderersgo？
"Fornomurdererhatheternallife，"&c。Andletusconsider，again，thatallthelawisnotinthehandofGiantDespair。Others，sofarasIcanunderstand，havebeentakenbyhim，aswellaswe;
andyethaveescapedoutofhishand。Whoknows，buttheGodthatmadetheworldmaycausethatGiantDespairmaydie？orthat，atsometimeorother，hemayforgettolockusin？orthathemay，inashorttime，haveanotherofhisfitsbeforeus，andmaylosetheuseofhislimbs？andifeverthatshouldcometopassagain，formypart，Iamresolvedtopluckuptheheartofaman，andtotrymyutmosttogetfromunderhishand。IwasafoolthatIdidnottrytodoitbefore;but，however，mybrother，letusbepatient，andendureawhile。Thetimemaycomethatmaygiveusahappyrelease;butletusnotbeourownmurderers。
WiththesewordsHopefulatpresentdidmoderatethemindofhisbrother;sotheycontinuedtogether（inthedark）thatday，intheirsadanddolefulcondition。
{287}
Well，towardsevening，theGiantgoesdownintothedungeonagain，toseeifhisprisonershadtakenhiscounsel;butwhenhecametherehefoundthemalive;andtruly，alivewasall;fornow，whatforwantofbreadandwater，andbyreasonofthewoundstheyreceivedwhenhebeatthem，theycoulddolittlebutbreathe。
But，Isay，hefoundthemalive;atwhichhefellintoagrievousrage，andtoldthemthat，seeingtheyhaddisobeyedhiscounsel，itshouldbeworsewiththemthaniftheyhadneverbeenborn。
{288}
Atthistheytrembledgreatly，andIthinkthatChristianfellintoaswoon;but，comingalittletohimselfagain，theyrenewedtheirdiscourseabouttheGiant’scounsel;andwhetheryettheyhadbesttotakeitorno。NowChristianagainseemedtobefordoingit，butHopefulmadehissecondreplyasfolloweth：——
{289}
HOPE。Mybrother，saidhe，rememberestthounothowvaliantthouhastbeenheretofore？Apollyoncouldnotcrushthee，norcouldallthatthoudidsthear，orsee，orfeel，intheValleyoftheShadowofDeath。Whathardship，terror，andamazementhastthoualreadygonethrough！Andartthounownothingbutfear！ThouseestthatIaminthedungeonwiththee，afarweakermanbynaturethanthouart;also，thisGianthaswoundedmeaswellasthee，andhathalsocutoffthebreadandwaterfrommymouth;andwiththeeImournwithoutthelight。
Butletusexercisealittlemorepatience;rememberhowthouplayedstthemanatVanityFair，andwastneitherafraidofthechain，norcage，noryetofbloodydeath。Whereforeletus（atleasttoavoidtheshame，thatbecomesnotaChristiantobefoundin）
bearupwithpatienceaswellaswecan。
{290}
Now，nightbeingcomeagain，andtheGiantandhiswifebeinginbed，sheaskedhimconcerningtheprisoners，andiftheyhadtakenhiscounsel。Towhichhereplied，Theyaresturdyrogues，theychooserathertobearallhardship，thantomakeawaythemselves。
Thensaidshe，Takethemintothecastle—yardto—morrow，andshowthemthebonesandskullsofthosethatthouhastalreadydespatched，andmakethembelieve，ereaweekcomestoanend，thoualsowiltteartheminpieces，asthouhastdonetheirfellowsbeforethem。
{291}
Sowhenthemorningwascome，theGiantgoestothemagain，andtakesthemintothecastle—yard，andshowsthem，ashiswifehadbiddenhim。These，saidhe，werepilgrimsasyouare，once，andtheytrespassedinmygrounds，asyouhavedone;
andwhenIthoughtfit，Itoretheminpieces，andso，withintendays，Iwilldoyou。Go，getyoudowntoyourdenagain;andwiththathebeatthemallthewaythither。Theylay，therefore，alldayonSaturdayinalamentablecase，asbefore。Now，whennightwascome，andwhenMrs。Diffidenceandherhusband，theGiant，weregottobed，theybegantorenewtheirdiscourseoftheirprisoners;andwithaltheoldGiantwondered，thathecouldneitherbyhisblowsnorhiscounselbringthemtoanend。
Andwiththathiswifereplied，Ifear，saidshe，thattheyliveinhopethatsomewillcometorelievethem，orthattheyhavepicklocksaboutthem，bythemeansofwhichtheyhopetoescape。
Andsayestthouso，mydear？saidtheGiant;Iwill，therefore，searchtheminthemorning。
{292}
Well，onSaturday，aboutmidnight，theybegantopray，andcontinuedinprayertillalmostbreakofday。
Now，alittlebeforeitwasday，goodChristian，asonehalfamazed，brakeoutinthispassionatespeech：——Whatafool，quothhe，amI，thustolieinastinkingdungeon，whenImayaswellwalkatliberty！
Ihaveakeyinmybosom，calledPromise，thatwill，Iampersuaded，openanylockinDoubtingCastle。ThensaidHopeful，Thatisgoodnews，goodbrother;pluckitoutofthybosom，andtry。
{293}
ThenChristianpulleditoutofhisbosom，andbegantotryatthedungeondoor，whosebolt（asheturnedthekey）gaveback，andthedoorflewopenwithease，andChristianandHopefulbothcameout。Thenhewenttotheoutwarddoorthatleadsintothecastle—yard，and，withhiskey，openedthatdooralso。
After，hewenttotheirongate，forthatmustbeopenedtoo;
butthatlockwentdamnablehard，yetthekeydidopenit。
Thentheythrustopenthegatetomaketheirescapewithspeed，butthatgate，asitopened，madesuchacreaking，thatitwakedGiantDespair，who，hastilyrisingtopursuehisprisoners，felthislimbstofail，forhisfitstookhimagain，sothathecouldbynomeansgoafterthem。Thentheywenton，andcametotheKing’shighway，andsoweresafe，becausetheywereoutofhisjurisdiction。
{294}
Now，whentheywereoverthestile，theybegantocontrivewiththemselveswhattheyshoulddoatthatstiletopreventthosethatshouldcomeafterfromfallingintothehandsofGiantDespair。
Sotheyconsentedtoerectthereapillar，andtoengraveuponthesidethereofthissentence——"OverthisstileisthewaytoDoubtingCastle，whichiskeptbyGiantDespair，whodespiseththeKingoftheCelestialCountry，andseekstodestroyhisholypilgrims。"Many，therefore，thatfollowedafterreadwhatwaswritten，andescapedthedanger。Thisdone，theysangasfollows：——
Outofthewaywewent，andthenwefoundWhat’twastotreaduponforbiddenground;
Andletthemthatcomeafterhaveacare，Lestheedlessnessmakesthem，aswe，tofare。
Lesttheyfortrespassinghisprisonersare，Whosecastle’sDoubting，andwhosename’sDespair。
{295}
TheywentthentilltheycametotheDelectableMountains，whichmountainsbelongtotheLordofthathillofwhichwehavespokenbefore;sotheywentuptothemountains，tobeholdthegardensandorchards，thevineyardsandfountainsofwater;wherealsotheydrankandwashedthemselves，anddidfreelyeatofthevineyards。NowtherewereonthetopsofthesemountainsShepherdsfeedingtheirflocks，andtheystoodbythehighwayside。
ThePilgrimsthereforewenttothem，andleaningupontheirstaves，（asiscommonwithwearypilgrimswhentheystandtotalkwithanybytheway），theyasked，WhoseDelectableMountainsarethese？Andwhosebethesheepthatfeeduponthem？
Mountainsdelectabletheynowascend，WhereShepherdsbe，whichtothemdocommendAlluringthings，andthingsthatcautiousare，Pilgrimsaresteadykeptbyfaithandfear。
{296}
SHEP。ThesemountainsareImmanuel’sLand，andtheyarewithinsightofhiscity;andthesheepalsoarehis，andhelaiddownhislifeforthem。[John10：11]
CHR。IsthisthewaytotheCelestialCity？
SHEP。Youarejustinyourway。
CHR。Howfarisitthither？
SHEP。Toofarforanybutthosethatshallgetthitherindeed。
CHR。Isthewaysafeordangerous？
SHEP。Safeforthoseforwhomitistobesafe;butthetransgressorsshallfalltherein。[Hos。14：9]
CHR。Isthere，inthisplace，anyreliefforpilgrimsthatarewearyandfaintintheway？
SHEP。TheLordofthesemountainshathgivenusachargenottobeforgetfultoentertainstrangers，thereforethegoodoftheplaceisbeforeyou。[Heb。13：1—2]
{297}
Isawalsoinmydream，thatwhentheShepherdsperceivedthattheywerewayfaringmen，theyalsoputquestionstothem，towhichtheymadeanswerasinotherplaces;as，Whencecameyou？
and，Howgotyouintotheway？and，Bywhatmeanshaveyousoperseveredtherein？Forbutfewofthemthatbegintocomehitherdoshowtheirfaceonthesemountains。ButwhentheShepherdsheardtheiranswers，beingpleasedtherewith，theylookedverylovinglyuponthem，andsaid，WelcometotheDelectableMountains。
{298}
TheShepherds，Isay，whosenameswereKnowledge，Experience，Watchful，andSincere，tookthembythehand，andhadthemtotheirtents，andmadethempartakeofthatwhichwasreadyatpresent。
Theysaid，moreover，Wewouldthatyeshouldstayhereawhile，tobeacquaintedwithus;andyetmoretosolaceyourselveswiththegoodoftheseDelectableMountains。Theythentoldthem，thattheywerecontenttostay;sotheywenttotheirrestthatnight，becauseitwasverylate。
{299}
ThenIsawinmydream，thatinthemorningtheShepherdscalleduptoChristianandHopefultowalkwiththemuponthemountains;
sotheywentforthwiththem，andwalkedawhile，havingapleasantprospectoneveryside。ThensaidtheShepherdsonetoanother，Shallweshowthesepilgrimssomewonders？
Sowhentheyhadconcludedtodoit，theyhadthemfirsttothetopofahillcalledError，whichwasverysteeponthefurthestside，andbidthemlookdowntothebottom。SoChristianandHopefullookeddown，andsawatthebottomseveralmendashedalltopiecesbyafallthattheyhadfromthetop。ThensaidChristian，Whatmeaneththis？
TheShepherdsanswered，HaveyounotheardofthemthatweremadetoerrbyhearkeningtoHymeneusandPhiletusasconcerningthefaithoftheresurrectionofthebody？[2Tim。2：17，18]Theyanswered，Yes。
ThensaidtheShepherds，Thosethatyouseeliedashedinpiecesatthebottomofthismountainarethey;andtheyhavecontinuedtothisdayunburied，asyousee，foranexampletootherstotakeheedhowtheyclambertoohigh，orhowtheycometoonearthebrinkofthismountain。
{300}
ThenIsawthattheyhadthemtothetopofanothermountain，andthenameofthatisCaution，andbidthemlookafaroff;
which，whentheydid，theyperceived，astheythought，severalmenwalkingupanddownamongthetombsthatwerethere;
andtheyperceivedthatthemenwereblind，becausetheystumbledsometimesuponthetombs，andbecausetheycouldnotgetoutfromamongthem。ThensaidChristian，Whatmeansthis？
p301——p350
Page301——Page350
{301}
TheShepherdsthenanswered，Didyounotseealittlebelowthesemountainsastile，thatledintoameadow，onthelefthandofthisway？Theyanswered，Yes。ThensaidtheShepherds，FromthatstiletheregoesapaththatleadsdirectlytoDoubtingCastle，whichiskeptbyGiantDespair，andthese，pointingtothemamongthetombs，cameonceonpilgrimage，asyoudonow，eventilltheycametothatsamestile;
andbecausetherightwaywasroughinthatplace，theychosetogooutofitintothatmeadow，andthereweretakenbyGiantDespair，andcastintoDoubtingCastle;where，aftertheyhadbeenawhilekeptinthedungeon，heatlastdidputouttheireyes，andledthemamongthosetombs，wherehehasleftthemtowandertothisveryday，thatthesayingofthewisemanmightbefulfilled，"Hethatwanderethoutofthewayofunderstanding，shallremaininthecongregationofthedead。"[Pro。21：16]ThenChristianandHopefullookedupononeanother，withtearsgushingout，butyetsaidnothingtotheShepherds。
{302}
ThenIsawinmydream，thattheShepherdshadthemtoanotherplace，inabottom，wherewasadoorinthesideofahill，andtheyopenedthedoor，andbidthemlookin。Theylookedin，therefore，andsawthatwithinitwasverydarkandsmoky;
theyalsothoughtthattheyheardtherearumblingnoiseasoffire，andacryofsometormented，andthattheysmeltthescentofbrimstone。
ThensaidChristian，Whatmeansthis？TheShepherdstoldthem，Thisisaby—waytohell，awaythathypocritesgoinat;namely，suchasselltheirbirthright，withEsau;suchasselltheirmaster，withJudas;suchasblasphemethegospel，withAlexander;
andthatlieanddissemble，withAnaniasandSapphirahiswife。
ThensaidHopefultotheShepherds，Iperceivethatthesehadonthem，eveneveryone，ashowofpilgrimage，aswehavenow;hadtheynot？
{303}
SHEP。Yes，andhelditalongtimetoo。
HOPE。Howfarmighttheygooninpilgrimageintheirday，sincetheynotwithstandingwerethusmiserablycastaway？
SHEP。Somefurther，andsomenotsofar，asthesemountains。
ThensaidthePilgrimsonetoanother，WehaveneedtocrytotheStrongforstrength。
SHEP。Ay，andyouwillhaveneedtouseit，whenyouhaveit，too。
{304}
BythistimethePilgrimshadadesiretogoforward，andtheShepherdsadesiretheyshould;sotheywalkedtogethertowardstheendofthemountains。ThensaidtheShepherdsonetoanother，LetushereshowtothePilgrimsthegatesoftheCelestialCity，iftheyhaveskilltolookthroughourperspectiveglass。ThePilgrimsthenlovinglyacceptedthemotion;sotheyhadthemtothetopofahighhill，calledClear，andgavethemtheirglasstolook。
{305}
Thentheyessayedtolook，buttheremembranceofthatlastthingthattheShepherdshadshownthem，madetheirhandsshake;
bymeansofwhichimpediment，theycouldnotlooksteadilythroughtheglass;yettheythoughttheysawsomethinglikethegate，andalsosomeofthegloryoftheplace。Thentheywentaway，andsangthissong——
Thus，bytheShepherds，secretsarereveal’d，Whichfromallothermenarekeptconceal’d。
CometotheShepherds，then，ifyouwouldseeThingsdeep，thingshid，andthatmysteriousbe。
{306}
Whentheywereabouttodepart，oneoftheShepherdsgavethemanoteoftheway。AnotherofthembidthembewareoftheFlatterer。
ThethirdbidthemtakeheedthattheysleepnotupontheEnchantedGround。AndthefourthbidthemGod—speed。
SoIawokefrommydream。
{307}
AndIslept，anddreamedagain，andsawthesametwoPilgrimsgoingdownthemountainsalongthehighwaytowardsthecity。
Now，alittlebelowthesemountains，onthelefthand，lieththecountryofConceit;fromwhichcountrytherecomesintothewayinwhichthePilgrimswalked，alittlecrookedlane。
Here，therefore，theymetwithaverybrisklad，thatcameoutofthatcountry;andhisnamewasIgnorance。SoChristianaskedhimfromwhatpartshecame，andwhitherhewasgoing。
{308}
IGNOR。Sir，Iwasborninthecountrythatliethofftherealittleonthelefthand，andIamgoingtotheCelestialCity。
CHR。Buthowdoyouthinktogetinatthegate？foryoumayfindsomedifficultythere。
IGNOR。Asotherpeopledo，saidhe。
CHR。Butwhathaveyoutoshowatthatgate，thatmaycausethatthegateshouldbeopenedtoyou？
IGNOR。IknowmyLord’swill，andIhavebeenagoodliver;
Ipayeverymanhisown;Ipray，fast，paytithes，andgivealms，andhaveleftmycountryforwhitherIamgoing。
{309}
CHR。Butthoucamestnotinatthewicket—gatethatisattheheadofthisway;thoucamestinhitherthroughthatsamecrookedlane，andtherefore，Ifear，howeverthoumayestthinkofthyself，whenthereckoningdayshallcome，thouwilthavelaidtothychargethatthouartathiefandarobber，insteadofgettingadmittanceintothecity。
IGNOR。Gentlemen，yebeutterstrangerstome，Iknowyounot;
becontentandfollowthereligionofyourcountry，andIwillfollowthereligionofmine。Ihopeallwillbewell。Andasforthegatethatyoutalkof，alltheworldknowsthatthatisagreatwayoffofourcountry。Icannotthinkthatanymaninallourpartsdothsomuchasknowthewaytoit，norneedtheymatterwhethertheydoorno，sincewehave，asyousee，afine，pleasantgreenlane，thatcomesdownfromourcountry，thenextwayintotheway。
{310}
WhenChristiansawthatthemanwas"wiseinhisownconceit"，hesaidtoHopeful，whisperingly，"Thereismorehopeofafoolthanofhim。"[Prov。26：12]Andsaid，moreover，"Whenhethatisafoolwalkethbytheway，hiswisdomfailethhim，andhesaithtoeveryonethatheisafool。"[Eccl。10：3]What，shallwetalkfurtherwithhim，orout—gohimatpresent，andsoleavehimtothinkofwhathehathheardalready，andthenstopagainforhimafterwards，andseeifbydegreeswecandoanygoodtohim？ThensaidHopeful——
LetIgnorancealittlewhilenowmuseOnwhatissaid，andlethimnotrefuseGoodcounseltoembrace，lestheremainStillignorantofwhat’sthechiefestgain。
Godsaith，thosethatnounderstandinghave，Althoughhemadethem，themhewillnotsave。
HOPE。Hefurtheradded，Itisnotgood，Ithink，tosayalltohimatonce;letuspasshimby，ifyouwill，andtalktohimanon，evenasheisabletobearit。
{311}
Sotheybothwenton，andIgnorancehecameafter。Nowwhentheyhadpassedhimalittleway，theyenteredintoaverydarklane，wheretheymetamanwhomsevendevilshadboundwithsevenstrongcords，andwerecarryingofhimbacktothedoorthattheysawonthesideofthehill。[Matt。12：45，Prov。5：22]
NowgoodChristianbegantotremble，andsodidHopefulhiscompanion;
yetasthedevilsledawaytheman，Christianlookedtoseeifheknewhim;andhethoughtitmightbeoneTurn—away，thatdweltinthetownofApostasy。Buthedidnotperfectlyseehisface，forhedidhanghisheadlikeathiefthatisfound。
Butbeingoncepast，Hopefullookedafterhim，andespiedonhisbackapaperwiththisinscription，"Wantonprofessoranddamnableapostate"。
ThensaidChristiantohisfellow，NowIcalltoremembrance，thatwhichwastoldmeofathingthathappenedtoagoodmanhereabout。
ThenameofthemanwasLittle—faith，butagoodman，andhedweltinthetownofSincere。Thethingwasthis：——Attheenteringinatthispassage，therecomesdownfromBroad—wayGate，alanecalledDeadMan’sLane;socalledbecauseofthemurdersthatarecommonlydonethere;andthisLittle—faithgoingonpilgrimage，aswedonow，chancedtositdownthere，andslept。
Nowtherehappened，atthattime，tocomedownthelane，fromBroad—wayGate，threesturdyrogues，andtheirnameswereFaint—heart，Mistrust，andGuilt，（threebrothers），andtheyespyingLittle—faith，wherehewas，camegallopingupwithspeed。Nowthegoodmanwasjustawakefromhissleep，andwasgettinguptogoonhisjourney。Sotheycameupalltohim，andwiththreateninglanguagebidhimstand。AtthisLittle—faithlookedaswhiteasaclout，andhadneitherpowertofightnorfly。
ThensaidFaint—heart，Deliverthypurse。Buthemakingnohastetodoit（forhewasloathtolosehismoney），Mistrustranuptohim，andthrustinghishandintohispocket，pulledoutthenceabagofsilver。Thenhecriedout，Thieves！Thieves！WiththatGuilt，withagreatclubthatwasinhishand，struckLittle—faithonthehead，andwiththatblowfelledhimflattotheground，wherehelaybleedingasonethatwouldbleedtodeath。Allthiswhilethethievesstoodby。
But，atlast，theyhearingthatsomewereupontheroad，andfearinglestitshouldbeoneGreat—grace，thatdwellsinthecityofGood—confidence，theybetookthemselvestotheirheels，andleftthisgoodmantoshiftforhimself。Now，afterawhile，Little—faithcametohimself，andgettingup，madeshifttoscrabbleonhisway。Thiswasthestory。
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HOPE。Butdidtheytakefromhimallthateverhehad？
Chr。No;theplacewherehisjewelsweretheyneverransacked，sothosehekeptstill。But，asIwastold，thegoodmanwasmuchafflictedforhisloss，forthethievesgotmostofhisspending—money。
Thatwhichtheygotnot（asIsaid）werejewels，alsohehadalittleoddmoneyleft，butscarceenoughtobringhimtohisjourney’send[1Peter4：18];nay，ifIwasnotmisinformed，hewasforcedtobegashewent，tokeephimselfalive;
forhisjewelshemightnotsell。Butbeg，anddowhathecould，hewent（aswesay）withmanyahungrybellythemostpartoftherestoftheway。
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HOPE。Butisitnotawondertheygotnotfromhimhiscertificate，bywhichhewastoreceivehisadmittanceattheCelestialGate？
CHR。Itisawonder;buttheygotnotthat，thoughtheymisseditnotthroughanygoodcunningofhis;forhe，beingdismayedwiththeircominguponhim，hadneitherpowernorskilltohideanything;
soitwasmorebygoodProvidencethanbyhisendeavour，thattheymissedofthatgoodthing。
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HOPE。Butitmustneedsbeacomforttohim，thattheygotnothisjewelsfromhim。
CHR。Itmighthavebeengreatcomforttohim，hadheuseditasheshould;buttheythattoldmethestorysaid，thathemadebutlittleuseofitalltherestoftheway，andthatbecauseofthedismaythathehadinthetakingawayhismoney;indeed，heforgotitagreatpartoftherestofhisjourney;andbesides，whenatanytimeitcameintohismind，andhebegantobecomfortedtherewith，thenwouldfreshthoughtsofhislosscomeagainuponhim，andthosethoughtswouldswallowupall。[1Peter1：9]
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HOPE。Alas！poorman！Thiscouldnotbutbeagreatgrieftohim。
CHR。Grief！ay，agriefindeed。Woulditnothavebeensotoanyofus，hadwebeenusedashe，toberobbed，andwoundedtoo，andthatinastrangeplace，ashewas？Itisawonderhedidnotdiewithgrief，poorheart！Iwastoldthathescatteredalmostalltherestofthewaywithnothingbutdolefulandbittercomplaints;
tellingalsotoallthatovertookhim，orthatheovertookinthewayashewent，wherehewasrobbed，andhow;whotheywerethatdidit，andwhathelost;howhewaswounded，andthathehardlyescapedwithhislife。
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HOPE。Butitisawonderthathisnecessitydidnotputhimuponsellingorpawningsomeofhisjewels，thathemighthavewherewithtorelievehimselfinhisjourney。
CHR。Thoutalkestlikeoneuponwhoseheadistheshelltothisveryday;forwhatshouldhepawnthem，ortowhomshouldhesellthem？Inallthatcountrywherehewasrobbed，hisjewelswerenotaccountedof;nordidhewantthatreliefwhichcouldfromthencebeadministeredtohim。Besides，hadhisjewelsbeenmissingatthegateoftheCelestialCity，hehad（andthatheknewwellenough）beenexcludedfromaninheritancethere;andthatwouldhavebeenworsetohimthantheappearanceandvillainyoftenthousandthieves。
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HOPE。Whyartthousotart，mybrother？Esausoldhisbirthright，andthatforamessofpottage，andthatbirthrightwashisgreatestjewel;andifhe，whymightnotLittle—faithdosotoo？
[Heb。12：16]
CHR。Esaudidsellhisbirthrightindeed，andsodomanybesides，andbysodoingexcludethemselvesfromthechiefblessing，asalsothatcaitiffdid;butyoumustputadifferencebetwixtEsauandLittle—faith，andalsobetwixttheirestates。
Esau’sbirthrightwastypical，butLittle—faith’sjewelswerenotso;Esau’sbellywashisgod，butLittle—faith’sbellywasnotso;Esau’swantlayinhisfleshlyappetite，Little—faith’sdidnotso。Besides，Esaucouldseenofurtherthantothefulfillingofhislusts;
"Behold，Iamatthepointtodie，（saidhe），andwhatprofitshallthisbirthrightdome？"[Gen。25：32]ButLittle—faith，thoughitwashislottohavebutalittlefaith，wasbyhislittlefaithkeptfromsuchextravagances，andmadetoseeandprizehisjewelsmorethantosellthem，asEsaudidhisbirthright。
YoureadnotanywherethatEsauhadfaith，no，notsomuchasalittle;therefore，nomarvelif，wherethefleshonlybearssway，（asitwillinthatmanwherenofaithistoresist），ifhesellshisbirthright，andhissoulandall，andthattothedevilofhell;foritiswithsuch，asitiswiththeass，whoinheroccasionscannotbeturnedaway。[Jer。2：24]
Whentheirmindsaresetupontheirlusts，theywillhavethemwhatevertheycost。
ButLittle—faithwasofanothertemper，hismindwasonthingsdivine;
hislivelihoodwasuponthingsthatwerespiritual，andfromabove;
therefore，towhatendshouldhethatisofsuchatempersellhisjewels（hadtherebeenanythatwouldhaveboughtthem）
tofillhismindwithemptythings？Willamangiveapennytofillhisbellywithhay;orcanyoupersuadetheturtle—dovetoliveuponcarrionlikethecrow？Thoughfaithlessonescan，forcarnallusts，pawn，ormortgage，orsellwhattheyhave，andthemselvesoutrighttoboot;
yettheythathavefaith，savingfaith，thoughbutalittleofit，cannotdoso。Here，therefore，mybrother，isthymistake。
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HOPE。Iacknowledgeit;butyetyourseverereflectionhadalmostmademeangry。
CHR。Why，Ididbutcomparetheetosomeofthebirdsthatareofthebriskersort，whowillruntoandfroinuntroddenpaths，withtheshellupontheirheads;butpassbythat，andconsiderthematterunderdebate，andallshallbewellbetwixttheeandme。
HOPE。But，Christian，thesethreefellows，Iampersuadedinmyheart，arebutacompanyofcowards;wouldtheyhaverunelse，thinkyou，astheydid，atthenoiseofonethatwascomingontheroad？
WhydidnotLittle—faithpluckupagreaterheart？Hemight，methinks，havestoodonebrushwiththem，andhaveyieldedwhentherehadbeennoremedy。
CHR。Thattheyarecowards，manyhavesaid，butfewhavefounditsointhetimeoftrial。Asforagreatheart，Little—faithhadnone;
andIperceivebythee，mybrother，hadstthoubeenthemanconcerned，thouartbutforabrush，andthentoyield。
And，verily，sincethisistheheightofthystomach，nowtheyareatadistancefromus，shouldtheyappeartotheeastheydidtohimtheymightputtheetosecondthoughts。
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But，consideragain，theyarebutjourneymenthieves，theyserveunderthekingofthebottomlesspit，who，ifneedbe，willcomeintotheiraidhimself，andhisvoiceisastheroaringofalion。[1Pet。5：8]ImyselfhavebeenengagedasthisLittle—faithwas，andIfounditaterriblething。
Thesethreevillainssetuponme，andIbeginning，likeaChristian，toresist，theygavebutacall，andincametheirmaster。Iwould，asthesayingis，havegivenmylifeforapenny，butthat，asGodwouldhaveit，Iwasclothedwitharmourofproof。
Ay，andyet，thoughIwassoharnessed，Ifoundithardworktoquitmyselflikeaman。Nomancantellwhatinthatcombatattendsus，buthethathathbeeninthebattlehimself。
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HOPE。Well，buttheyran，yousee，whentheydidbutsupposethatoneGreat—gracewasintheway。
CHR。True，theyhaveoftenfled，boththeyandtheirmaster，whenGreat—gracehathbutappeared;andnomarvel;forheistheKing’schampion。But，Itrow，youwillputsomedifferencebetwixtLittle—faithandtheKing’schampion。AlltheKing’ssubjectsarenothischampions，norcanthey，whentried，dosuchfeatsofwarashe。
IsitmeettothinkthatalittlechildshouldhandleGoliathasDaviddid？Orthatthereshouldbethestrengthofanoxinawren？
Somearestrong，someareweak;somehavegreatfaith，somehavelittle。
Thismanwasoneoftheweak，andthereforehewenttothewall。
{321}
HOPE。IwouldithadbeenGreat—gracefortheirsakes。
CHR。Ifithadbeen，hemighthavehadhishandsfull;
forImusttellyou，thatthoughGreat—graceisexcellentgoodathisweapons，andhas，andcan，solongashekeepsthematsword’spoint，dowellenoughwiththem;yet，iftheygetwithinhim，evenFaint—heart，Mistrust，ortheother，itshallgohardbuttheywillthrowuphisheels。Andwhenamanisdown，youknow，whatcanhedo？
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WhosolookswelluponGreat—grace’sface，shallseethosescarsandcutsthere，thatshalleasilygivedemonstrationofwhatIsay。
Yea，onceIheardthatheshouldsay，（andthatwhenhewasinthecombat），"Wedespairedevenoflife。"HowdidthesesturdyroguesandtheirfellowsmakeDavidgroan，mourn，androar？
Yea，Heman，andHezekiah，too，thoughchampionsintheirday，wereforcedtobestirthem，whenbytheseassaulted;andyet，notwithstanding，theyhadtheircoatssoundlybrushedbythem。
Peter，uponatime，wouldgotrywhathecoulddo;butthoughsomedosayofhimthatheistheprinceoftheapostles，theyhandledhimso，thattheymadehimatlastafraidofasorrygirl。
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Besides，theirkingisattheirwhistle。Heisneveroutofhearing;
andifatanytimetheybeputtotheworst，he，ifpossible，comesintohelpthem;andofhimitissaid，Theswordofhimthatlayethathimcannotholdthespear，thedart，northehabergeon;
heesteemethironasstraw，andbrassasrottenwood。Thearrowcannotmakehimflee;slingstonesareturnedwithhimintostubble。
Dartsarecountedasstubble：helaughethattheshakingofaspear。
[Job41：26—29]Whatcanamandointhiscase？Itistrue，ifamancould，ateveryturn，haveJob’shorse，andhadskillandcouragetoridehim，hemightdonotablethings;forhisneckisclothedwiththunder，hewillnotbeafraidofthegrasshopper;thegloryofhisnostrilsisterrible：hepawethinthevalley，andrejoicethinhisstrength，hegoethontomeetthearmedmen。Hemockethatfear，andisnotaffrighted，neitherturnethhebackfromthesword。
Thequiverrattlethagainsthim，theglitteringspear，andtheshield。
Heswalloweththegroundwithfiercenessandrage，neitherbelievethhethatitisthesoundofthetrumpet。Hesaithamongthetrumpets，Ha，ha！andhesmelleththebattleafaroff，thethunderofthecaptains，andtheshouting。[Job39：19—25]
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ButforsuchfootmenastheeandIare，letusneverdesiretomeetwithanenemy，norvauntasifwecoulddobetter，whenwehearofothersthattheyhavebeenfoiled，Norbetickledatthethoughtsofourownmanhood;forsuchcommonlycomebytheworstwhentried。
WitnessPeter，ofwhomImadementionbefore。Hewouldswagger，ay，hewould;hewould，ashisvainmindpromptedhimtosay，dobetter，andstandmoreforhisMasterthanallmen;butwhosofoiled，andrundownbythesevillains，ashe？
When，therefore，wehearthatsuchrobberiesaredoneontheKing’shighway，twothingsbecomeustodo：
{325}
1。Togooutharnessed，andtobesuretotakeashieldwithus;
foritwasforwantofthat，thathethatlaidsolustilyatLeviathancouldnotmakehimyield;for，indeed，ifthatbewanting，hefearsusnotatall。Therefore，hethathadskillhathsaid，"Aboveall，takingtheshieldoffaith，wherewithyeshallbeabletoquenchallthefierydartsofthewicked。"[Eph。6：16]
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2。Itisgood，also，thatwedesireoftheKingaconvoy，yea，thathewillgowithushimself。ThismadeDavidrejoicewhenintheValleyoftheShadowofDeath;andMoseswasratherfordyingwherehestood，thantogoonestepwithouthisGod。
[Exo。33：15]Oh，mybrother，ifhewillbutgoalongwithus，whatneedwebeafraidoftenthousandsthatshallsetthemselvesagainstus？[Ps。3：5—8，27：1—3]But，withouthim，theproudhelpers"fallundertheslain"。[Isa。10：4]
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I，formypart，havebeeninthefraybeforenow;andthough，throughthegoodnessofhimthatisbest，Iam，asyousee，alive，yetIcannotboastofmymanhood。GladshallIbe，ifImeetwithnomoresuchbrunts;thoughIfearwearenotgotbeyondalldanger。
However，sincethelionandthebearhavenotasyetdevouredme，IhopeGodwillalsodeliverusfromthenextuncircumcisedPhilistine。
ThensangChristian——
PoorLittle—faith！Hastbeenamongthethieves？
Wastrobb’d？Rememberthis，whosobelieves，Andgetsmorefaith，shallthenavictorbeOvertenthousand，elsescarceoverthree。
{328}
SotheywentonandIgnorancefollowed。Theywentthentilltheycameataplacewheretheysawawayputitselfintotheirway，andseemedwithaltolieasstraightasthewaywhichtheyshouldgo：
andheretheyknewnotwhichofthetwototake，forbothseemedstraightbeforethem;therefore，heretheystoodstilltoconsider。
Andastheywerethinkingabouttheway，beholdaman，blackofflesh，butcoveredwithaverylightrobe，cametothem，andaskedthemwhytheystoodthere。TheyansweredtheyweregoingtotheCelestialCity，butknewnotwhichofthesewaystotake。Followme，saidtheman，itisthitherthatIamgoing。
Sotheyfollowedhiminthewaythatbutnowcameintotheroad，whichbydegreesturned，andturnedthemsofromthecitythattheydesiredtogoto，that，inlittletime，theirfaceswereturnedawayfromit;
yettheyfollowedhim。Butbyandby，beforetheywereaware，heledthembothwithinthecompassofanet，inwhichtheywerebothsoentangledthattheyknewnotwhattodo;andwiththatthewhiterobefellofftheblackman’sback。
Thentheysawwheretheywere。Wherefore，theretheylaycryingsometime，fortheycouldnotgetthemselvesout。
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CHR。ThensaidChristiantohisfellow，NowdoIseemyselfinerror。
DidnottheShepherdsbidusbewareoftheflatterers？
Asisthesayingofthewiseman，sowehavefounditthisday。
Amanthatflatterethhisneighbour，spreadethanetforhisfeet。
[Prov。29：5]
HOPE。Theyalsogaveusanoteofdirectionsabouttheway，forourmoresurefindingthereof;butthereinwehavealsoforgottentoread，andhavenotkeptourselvesfromthepathsofthedestroyer。
HereDavidwaswiserthanwe;for，saithhe，"Concerningtheworksofmen，bythewordofthylips，Ihavekeptmefromthepathsofthedestroyer。"[Ps。17：4]Thustheylaybewailingthemselvesinthenet。AtlasttheyespiedaShiningOnecomingtowardsthemwithawhipofsmallcordinhishand。Whenhewascometotheplacewheretheywere，heaskedthemwhencetheycame，andwhattheydidthere。TheytoldhimthattheywerepoorpilgrimsgoingtoZion，butwereledoutoftheirwaybyablackman，clothedinwhite，whobidus，saidthey，followhim，forhewasgoingthithertoo。Thensaidhewiththewhip，ItisFlatterer，afalseapostle，thathathtransformedhimselfintoanangeloflight。[Prov。29：5，Dan。11：32，2Cor。11：13，14]
Soherentthenet，andletthemenout。Thensaidhetothem，Followme，thatImaysetyouinyourwayagain。SoheledthembacktothewaywhichtheyhadlefttofollowtheFlatterer。
Thenheaskedthem，saying，Wheredidyouliethelastnight？
Theysaid，WiththeShepherdsupontheDelectableMountains。
HeaskedthemtheniftheyhadnotofthoseShepherdsanoteofdirectionfortheway。
Theyanswered，Yes。Butdidyou，saidhe，whenyouwereatastand，pluckoutandreadyournote？Theyanswered，No。Heaskedthem，Why？
Theysaid，theyforgot。Heasked，moreover，iftheShepherdsdidnotbidthembewareoftheFlatterer？
Theyanswered，Yes，butwedidnotimagine，saidthey，thatthisfine—spokenmanhadbeenhe。[Rom。16：18]