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03 - The Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan · Sacred Texts Archive

• Part one, the second stage. Then did Christian address himself to go back and evangelist. After he had kissed him, gave him one smile and bid him God's 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 wild, treading on forbidden ground, and could by no means think himself safe till again he was got into the way which he had left to follow mister worldly Wiseman's counsel. So in the process of time Christian got up to the gate. Now over the gate there was written, knock, and it shall be opened unto you Matthew seven seven. 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 Christian, here is a poor bird and sinner. I come from the city of destruction, but I am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come. I would, therefore, sir, since I am informed that by this gate is the way to thither, know if you are willing to let me in good will. I am willing with all my heart, said he, And with that he opened the gate. So, when Christian was stepping in, the other gave him a pull. Then said Christian? What means that the other told him? A little distance from this gate there is erected a strong castle, of which Beelzebub is the captain. From thence, both he and they that are with him shoot arrows at those that come up to this gate, if haply they may die before they can enter in. Then said Christian, I rejoice and tremble. So when he was got in, the man of the gate asked him who directed him thither. Christian Evangelist bid me come hither and knock as I did, And he said that, you, sir, would tell me what I must do. Good Will an open door set before thee and no man can shut it. Christian, Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards good will. But how is it that you came alone? Christian? Because none of my neighbors saw their danger as I saw mine, good Will, Did any of them know of your coming? Christian? Yes, my wife and children saw me at the first and called after me to turn again. Also some of my neighbors stood crying and calling after me to return. But I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way, good Will. But did none of them follow you to persuade you to go back? Christian? Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable. But when they saw that they could not prevail, Obstinate went railing back, But Pliable came with me a little way. Good Will, But why did he not come through? Christian? We indeed came both together until we came to the slow of despond, into the which we also suddenly fell. And then was my neighbor Pliable discouraged and would not venture father. Wherefore, getting out again on the 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 here after Obstinate and I to this gate. Good Will, then said good Will, alas poor man is the celestial glory of so little esteem with him that he counted it not worth running the hazard of a few difficulties to obtain it. Christian truly said Christian, I have said the truth appliable, and if I should also say all the truth of myself, it will appear there is no betterment 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 mister worldly wiseman good Will. Oh, did he light upon you what he would have had you have seek for ease at the hands of mister Legality. They are both of them and very cheat. But did you take his counsel, Christian? Yes, as far as I durst, I went to find out mister Legality, until I thought that the mountain that stands by his house would have fallen upon my head. Wherefore there I was forced to stop, good Will. That mountain has been the death of many and will be the death of many more. It is well you escaped, being by it dashed in pieces. Christ Why, truly I do not know what had become of me there had not evangelists 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 favor is this to me, that yet I have admitted entrance here. Good Will, We make no objections against any notwithstanding all that they have done before they come hither. They in no wise are cast out John six thirty seven. 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, Christian. But said Christian, are there no turnings nor windings by which a stranger may lose his way? Good Will? Yes, there are many ways, but down upon this, and they are crooked and wide. But thus thou mayest distinguish the right from the wrong, the right only being straight and narrow Matthew seven fourteen. 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 would fall from thy back of itself. Then Christian began to gird up his loins and to address himself to his journey. So the other told him that by by that he was gone some distance from the gate, he would come to 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's speed. Then he went on till he came at the house of the Interpreter, where he knocked over and over. At last one came to the door and asked who was there, Christian, Sir, here is a traveler who is bid by an acquaintance of the good man of this house to call here for my prophet. I would therefore speak with the master of the house. So he called for the mass of the house, who, after a little time came to Christian and asked him what he would have Christian, Sir, said Christian, I am a man that am come from the city of Destruction and am going to the Mount Zion. And I was told by the man that stands at the gate at the head of this way, that if I called here, you would show me excellent things such as would be helpful to me on my journey. Interpreter then said, Interpreter, come in, I will show thee that which will be profitable to thee. So he commanded his man to light the candle and bid Christian follow him. So he had him into a private room and bid his man open a door the witch. When he had done, Christian saw the picture very grave person hang up against the wall, and this was the fashion of it. It had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in its hand, the law of truth was written upon its lips. The world was behind its back. It stood as if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang over its head. Christian then said, Christian, what means this interpreter. The man whose picture this is is one of a thousand. He can beget children one Corinthians four fifteen, travail in birth with children Galatians four nineteen, and nurse them himself when they are born. And wheres thou seest him, with his eyes lift up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth writ on his lips. It is to 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 where as thou seest the world as cast behind him, and that a crowd hangs over his head. That is to show THEE that slighting and despising the things that are present, for the love that he hath to his master's service. He is sure in the world that comes next to have glory for his reward. Now said the interpreter, I have showed THEE this picture first, because the man whose picture this is is the only man whom the Lord of the place whither thou art going hath authorized to be thy guide in all difficult places thou mayest meet with in the way. Wherefore, take good to what I have showed thee, and bear well in thy mind what thou hast seen. Lest in thy journey thou meet with some that pretend to lead thee right, but their way goes down to death. Then he took him by the hand and led him into a very large parlor that was full of dust because never swept the witch. After he had reviewed it 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 water and sprinkle the room the witch. When she had done it was swept and cleansed with pleasure. Christian then said Christian, what means this interpreter? The interpreter answered, this parlor is the heart of a man that was never sanctified by the sweet grace of the Gospel. The dust is his original sea 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, where's thou soarest, 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 Romans seventy nine, put strength into first Corinthians fifteen fifty six, and increase it in the soul Romans five twenty. Even as it doth discover and forbid it, for it doth not give power to subdue again, as thou sawest the damsel sprinkle the room with water, upon which it was cleansed with pleasure. This is to show THEE that when the gospel comes in the wheat and precious influences thereafter the heart. Then I say, even as thou sawest the damsel laid 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 fifteen three, Ephesians five twenty six, Acts fifteen nine, Romans sixteen twenty five, and twenty six. I saw moreover in my dream that the interpreter took him by the hand and led him into a little room where sat two little children, each one in his chair. The name of the eldest was Passion, and the name of the other Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontent, but Patience was very quiet. Then Christian asked, what is the reason of the discontent of Passion. The interpreter answered, the governor of them would have him stay for his best things till the beginning of the next year. But he will have all now, But Patience is willing to wait. Then I saw that one came to Passion and brought him a bag of treasure, and poured it down at his feet, the which he took up and rejoiced therein, and with all laughed Patience to scorn. But I beheld but awhile, and he had lavished all away, and had nothing left him but rags. Christian then said Christian to the interpreter, expound this matter more fully to me. Interpreter, so he said, these two lads are figures Passion of the men of this world and Patience of the men of that which is to come. For as here thou seest Passion will have all now this year, that is to say, in this world, so are the men of this world. They must have all their good things now. They cannot stay till the next year, that is, until the next world, for their poor of good. That proverb a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush is of more authority with them than are all the divine testimonies of the good of the world to come. But as thou sawest that he had quickly lavished all the way, and had presently left him nothing but rags, so will it be with all such men at the end of this world. Christian then said Christian. Now I see that Patience has the best wisdom, and that upon many accounts, one because he stays for the best things two and also because he will have the glory of his when the other has nothing but rags. Interpreter, Nay, you may add another to wit. The glory of the next world will never wear 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 receivest thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things. But now he is comforted, and thou art tormented Luke sixteen twenty five. Christian, then I perceive it is not best to covet things that are now, but to wait for things to come. Interpreter, you say truth, for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal second Corinthians four eighteen. But though this be so, yet, since things present and our fleshly appetite are such near neighbors one to another, and again because things to come and carnal sense are such strangers to one another. Therefore it is that the first of these so suddenly fall into amity, and that distance is so continued between the second. Then I saw in my dream that the interpreter took Christian by the hand and led him into a place where was a fire burning against the 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 brace 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 very higher and hotter, thou shalt also see the reason of that. So he had him about to the back side of the wall, where he saw a man with a vessel of oil in his hand, of the which he did also continually cast, but secretly into the fire. Then said Christian, what means this? The interpreter answered, this is Christ, who continually, with the oil of his grace, maintains the work already begun in the heart, by the means of which, notwithstanding what the devil can do, the souls of his people proved gracious still second Corinthius twelve nine. And in that thou sawest that the man stood behind the wall to maintain the fire. This is to teach thee that it is hard for the tempted to see how this work of great is maintained in the soul. I saw also that the interpreter took him again by the hand, and led him into a pleasant place, where was built 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. They also set a man at a little distance from the door, at a table side, with a book and his inkhorn before him, to take the names of them that should enter therein. He saw also that in the doorway stood many men in armor to keep it, being resolved to do to the men that would enter, what hurt and mischief they could. Now was Christian somewhat in a maze. At last, when every man started back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man of a very stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write saying, set down my name, sir the rich. When he ye done, he saw the man draw his sword and put a helmet on his head, and rushed towards the door upon the armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force. But the man, not at all discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So, after he had received and given many wounds to those that attempted to keep him out Matthew eleven twelve Acts fourteen twenty two, he cut his way through them all 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 stay. 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. Then said Christian to the man, what art thou? The man answered, I am what I was not once? Christian? What wast thou once the man? The man said, I was once a fair and flourishing professor Luke eight thirteen, both in mine own eyes 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. Christian, Well, but what art thou now, the man? I am now a man of despair, and am shut up in it? As in this iron cage I cannot get out? Oh now I cannot, Christian? But how camest thou into this condition? The man I left off to watch and be sober. I laid the reins upon the neck of my lusts. I sinned against the light of the Word and the goodness of God. I have grieved the spirit, and he is gone. I tempted the devil, and he has come to me. I have provoked God to anger, and he has left me. I have so hardened my heart that I cannot repent, then, said Christian to the interpreter. But is there no hope for such a man as this ask him, said the interpreter. Christian then said, Christian, is there no hope? But you must be kept in the iron cage of despair? The man, no none at all? Christian. Why the son of the blessed is very pitiful the man I have crucified him to myself afresh Hebrews six six. I have despised his person Luke nineteen fourteen. I have despised his righteousness. I have counted his blood an unholy thing. I have done despite to the spirit of grace Hebrews ten twenty nine. Therefore I have shut myself out of all the promises, and there now remains to me nothing but threatenings, dreadful threatenings, faithful threatenings of certain judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour me as an adversary. Christian, For what did you bring yourself into this condition? The man for the last pleasures and prophets of this world? In the enjoyment of which I did then promise myself much delight. But now every one of those things also bite me and gnaw me like a burning worm. Christian, But canst thou not now repent and turn the man? God hath denied me repentance. His word gives me no encouragement to believe. Yea himself hath shut me up in this iron cage. Nor can all the men in the world let me out, Oh, eternity, eternity, How shall I grapple with the misery that I must meet with in eternity? Interpreter? Then said the interpreter to Christian. Let this man's misery be remembered by THEE and be an everlasting caution to THEE. Christian, Well said Christian, this is fearful. God. Help me to watch and to be sober, and to pray that I may shun the cause of this man's misery. Sir, is it not time for me to go on my way? Now? Interpreter tarry till I shall show THEE one thing more, and then thou shalt go on thy way. So he took Christian by the hand again and led him into a chamber where there was one rising out of bed, and as he put on his raiment, he shook and trembled. Then said Christian, why 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 wait, upon which I heard a great sound of a trumpet, and saw also a man sitting 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. Then I saw the man that sat upon the cloud opened the book and bid the world draw near. Yet there was by reason of a fierce flame that issued out and came from before him, a convenient distance between him and them, as between the judge and the prisoners at the bar. First Corinthians fifteen, First the Selonians four sixteen, Jude fifteen, John five, twenty eight and twenty nine, Second Thessalonians one eight to ten, Revelations twenty eleven to fourteen, Isaiah twenty six, twenty one, Micah seven, sixteen and seventeen, Psalmed five four fifty one to three, Malachi three two and three, Daniel seven nine and ten. I heard it also proclaimed to them that attended on the man that sat on the cloud gathered together the tears, the chaff, and stubble, and cast them into the burning lake Matthew three twelve, eighteen thirty twenty four thirty Malachi four one. 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 ghana Luke three seventeen. And with that I saw many catched up and carried away into the clouds, but I was left behind first the Salonians four sixteen and seventeen. 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 Romans two fourteen and fifteen. Upon this I awakened from my sleep, Christian. But what was it that made you so afraid of this sight the man? Why? I thought that the day of judgment was come, and that I was not ready for it. But this frightened 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, Christian? Yes, and they put me in hope and fear. Interpreter, Well, keep all things so in thy mind, that they may be as a goad in thy sides, to 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 I have 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 showed me were, And let me be thankful, O good interpreter, to THEE. End Part one, The second stage