The Pilgrim's Progress (book)

The Pilgrim's Progress (book)

Author	John Bunyan
Genre	Religious allegory
Country	England
Dewey	828.407
Congress	PR3330.A2 K43

The Pilgrim's Progress from This World, to That Which Is to Come is an 1678 Christian allegory written by John Bunyan. Additional information about the book in the The Pilgrim's Progress (article).

Introduction

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims—abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." (1 Peter 2:11)

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (Hebrews 11:13)

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction—and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life—and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

The City of Destruction

As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I came upon a certain place, where there was a den—and I laid 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 with his face turned away from his own house, with a Book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back. I looked, and saw him open the Book, and read therein; and as he read, he wept and trembled! And not being able to contain himself any longer—he broke out with a lamentable cry, saying, "What shall I do?" In this plight, therefore, he went home, and restrained himself as long as he could—so that his wife and children would not notice his great distress. But he could not be silent for long, because his trouble only increased. Therefore at length, he spoke his mind to his wife and children —and thus he began to talk to them: "O my dear wife, and you, my dear children—I am undone, because of this burden which lies heavily upon me! Moreover, I am certainly informed, that this city of ours will be burned with fire from Heaven! In that fearful catastrophe, both myself, with you, my wife, and you, my sweet babes—shall come to miserable ruin—unless some way of escape can be found, whereby we may be delivered. " At this, his family was greatly bewildered—not that they believed what he had said to them was true—but because they thought that his mind had become deranged. Therefore, as it was drawing towards night, and hoping that sleep might settle his brains—with all haste they put him to bed. But the night was as troublesome to him as the day—and instead of sleeping, he spent it in sighs and tears! When the morning came—they inquired how he felt. He told them, "Worse and worse!" He then commenced to talk to them again —but they began to be hardened. They also thought to drive away his derangement, by harsh and cruel conduct toward him. Sometimes they would deride him, sometimes they would chide him, and sometimes they would simply ignore him. Therefore he began to withdraw himself to his room to pray for, and pity them—and also to comfort his own misery. He would also walk solitarily in the fields—sometimes reading, and sometimes praying. And thus for several days, he spent his time in this manner. Now I saw in my dream, while he was walking in the fields, that he was reading in his Book—as was his habit. Being greatly distressed in his mind as he read—he burst out, as he had done before, crying, "What shall I do to be saved?" I saw also, that he looked this way and that way—as if he wanted to 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 towards him, who asked, "Why are you crying out?" He answered, "Sir, I realize, by the Book in my hand—that I am condemned to die, and after that to come to judgment. And I find that I am not willing to do the first—nor able to do the second. " Then Evangelist said, attended with so many troubles?" "Why are you not willing to die—since this life is The man answered, "Because I fear that this burden upon my back will sink me lower than the grave—and I shall fall into Hell! And, Sir, if I am not fit to die—then I am sure that I am not fit to go to judgment, and from thence to execution! My thoughts about these things make me cry out!" Then Evangelist said, "If this is your condition, why do you stand still?" He answered, "Because I do not know where to go!" Then Evangelist gave him a parchment scroll—on which was written, "Flee from the wrath to come!" The man therefore, reading it, looked very sincerely upon Evangelist, and asked, "Where must I flee?" Then Evangelist, pointing with his finger over a very wide field, said, you see yonder narrow-gate?" "Do The man answered, "No. " Evangelist replied, "Do you see yonder shining light?" He said, "I think I do. " Then Evangelist said, "Keep that light in your eye, and go directly to it— and then you shall see the gate; at which—when you knock—you shall be told what you must do. " So I saw in my dream, that the man began to run. Now, he had not run far from his own door—before his wife and children, seeing him depart, began to shout after him to return. But the man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying, "Life! life! Eternal life!" So he did not look behind him—but fled towards the middle of the plain.

Chapter 1: Obstinate and Pliable

The neighbors also came out to see him run. As he ran—some mocked, others threatened, and some cried after him to return. Among those who did so, were two who were resolved to fetch him back by force. The name of the one was Obstinate—and the name of the other was Pliable. Now by this time, the man had gone a good distance away from them; but they were resolved to pursue him—and in a little while, they caught up with him. Then the man said, "Neighbors, why have you come?" They answered, "To persuade you to go back with us!" But he said, "That cannot be! You dwell in the City of Destruction, the place where I also was born. I see that, sooner or later, dying there—we will sink lower than the grave—into a place which burns with fire and brimstone! Think, good neighbors, and come along with me!" "What!" said Obstinate, "and leave our friends and our comforts behind us?" "Yes, " said Christian, for that was his name, "because all that you shall forsake, is not worthy to be compared with a little of what I am seeking to enjoy. And if you will go along with me, and persevere—you shall fare as well as I myself. For there, where I am going, is more than enough—and to spare. Come along—and see that my words are true!" "What are the things which you seek, " asked Obstinate, leaving all the world to find them?" "since you are Christian answered, "I am seeking an inheritance which can never perish, spoil or fade—safe and reserved in Heaven—to be bestowed, at the appointed time—on those who diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will— here in my Book!" "Nonsense!" cried Obstinate, with us—or not?" "Away with your Book! Will you go back "No, not I!" said Christian, and will not turn back!" "Because I have put my hand to the plough— "Come, then, neighbor Pliable, " said Obstinate, "let us go home without him. There are too many of these silly fools—who, when they get a crazy thought in their head—are wiser in their own eyes, than seven men who can think reasonably!" "Do not revile him, " said Pliable, "if what Christian says is true—then the things which he follows after, are better than ours—and my heart is inclined to go with him!" "What!" bellowed Obstinate, "More fools still! Take my word—and go back with me. Who knows where such a foolish fellow will lead you? Come back! Come back—and be wise!" "No!" said Christian, "rather come along with me, Obstinate! We will receive such things as I spoke of—and many more indescribable blessings besides. If you do not believe me—then read here in my Book! These truths are all confirmed by the blood of Him who wrote it!" "Well, neighbor Obstinate, " said Pliable, good man—and to cast in my lot with him. " "I intend to go along with this Then Pliable turned to Christian and asked, glorious place?" "Do you know the way to this Christian replied, "I have been directed by a man whose name is Evangelist, to hasten to the narrow-gate ahead of us—where we shall receive instructions about the Way. " "Come then, good Christian—let us be going!" said Pliable. Then they began to travel along together. "And I will go back to my place!" said Obstinate. to such misled foolish fellows!" "I will be no companion Now I saw in my dream, that Obstinate went back—and Christian and Pliable went along towards the narrow-gate, conversing together. "Neighbor Pliable, " said Christian, "I am glad you were persuaded to go along with me. Had Obstinate but felt what I have felt—of the powers and terrors of unseen realities—he would not have so easily turned back. " Pliable replied, "Tell me further, Christian—what are these glorious things—and how are they to be enjoyed?" "I can better understand them with my mind—than speak of them with my tongue!" said Christian. "But since you are desirous to know—I will describe them to you, from my Book. " "And do you think that the words of your Book are really true?" asked Pliable. "Yes, absolutely—for it was written by Him who cannot lie!" answered Christian. "What are these glorious things of which you speak?" questioned Pliable. "There is an eternal kingdom, and everlasting life—to be given to us, where we will dwell forever!" replied Christian. "And what else is there?" asked Pliable. "We will be given crowns of glory, and garments which shine like the sun!" "This is wonderful!" exclaimed Pliable. "And what else will there be?" "There will be no more crying, nor sorrow—for He who reigns over that place, will wipe all tears from our eyes!" responded Christian. "And what company shall we have there?" Pliable inquired. Christian answered, "There we shall be with Seraphim and Cherubim, creatures which will dazzle your eyes to look upon! There, also, you shall meet with thousands, and tens of thousands—who have gone ahead of us to that Place. They are all loving and holy—each one fully accepted by God—and standing in His presence. In a word—there we shall dwell with all the redeemed people of God, having golden crowns and golden harps! We shall also see those who—for the love which they bore to the Savior— were cut in pieces, burned in the flames, eaten by beasts, or drowned in the seas. They are all perfect, and clothed with immortality!" "Just hearing of this, is enough to ravish one's heart!" said Pliable. are these things to be enjoyed—and how can we obtain them?" "How Christian responded, "The Lord, the Governor of that country, has recorded in His Book—that if we are truly willing to have it—He will bestow it upon us freely. " "Well, my good companion, " said Pliable, "I am thrilled to hear of these things! Come—let us quicken our pace!" "I cannot go so fast as I would," answered Christian, "because of this burden which is on my back!

Chapter 2: The Swamp of Despond

Now I saw in my dream, that just as they had ended this talk, they drew near to a very miry swamp, which was in the midst of the plain; and they, not paying attention, fell suddenly into the bog. The name of the swamp was Despond. Here, therefore, they wallowed for a time, being greatly smeared with filth. Christian, because of the burden which was on his back—began to sink in the mire. Then Pliable cried out, "Ah! Christian, where are we now?" "Truly, " said Christian, "I do not know!" Being offended, Pliable angrily said to his companion, "Is this the happiness you have told me of? If we have such trouble at our first setting out—what may we expect before our journey's end? If I can get out of here with my life—you can have your noble country without me!" And with that, Pliable, after a desperate struggle—got out of the mire on that side of the swamp which was nearest to his own house. So away he went—and Christian saw him no more. So Christian was left in the Swamp of Despond alone; but he still struggled toward that side of the swamp which was furthest from his own house, and closest to the narrow-gate. But he could not get out, because of the heavy burden which was upon his back. I then beheld in my dream, that a man came to him, whose name was Help, and asked him what he was doing there. "Sir, " Christian said, "I was told to go this way by a man called Evangelist, who directed me to yonder narrow-gate, that I might escape the wrath to come. And as I was going—I fell into this swamp!" "But why did you not look for the steps?" asked Help. "As I was hurrying along—I fell in!" replied Christian. "Then, " said Help, "give me your hand!" So Christian reached out his hand, and Help drew him out of the mire, set him upon solid ground, and bid him to continue on his way. Then Christian turned to Help and said, "Sir, why is it—since the way from the City of Destruction, to yonder narrow-gate is over this swamp— that this bog is not mended, so that poor Pilgrims might travel there more safely?" Help then explained to Christian, "This miry swamp is a place which cannot be mended. It is the pit where the scum and filth which attend conviction for sin, continually runs—and therefore it is called the Swamp of Despond. For as the sinner is awakened about his lost condition, there arises in his soul many fears, and doubts, and discouragements—which all settle in this place. This is the reason why the swamp remains so foul. "It is not the pleasure of the King, that this place should remain so bad. His laborers have long been, by the directions of His Majesty, employed to mend this patch of ground. Yes, and to my knowledge, millions of wholesome instructions have, at all seasons, been brought from everywhere in the King's dominions, to help mend it. These are the best materials to make this place into solid ground—if it could have been mended. But it remains the Swamp of Despond still—and so will it ever remain—even when they have done all that can be done. "True, there are, by the direction of the Law-giver, certain good and sturdy steps, placed through the very midst of this swamp. But at such times, this place spews out so much of its filth—that these steps are hardly seen. Or if they are seen, men may become dizzy, miss the steps— and fall into the mire!" Now I saw in my dream, that, by this time, Pliable had reached home, and his neighbors came to visit him. Some of them called him a wise man for coming back; and some called him a fool for attempting such a hazardous journey. Others mocked him for his cowardliness, saying, "Surely, since you began the venture—you should not have been so weak as to have given up because of a few difficulties. " So Pliable was ashamed, and began to sneak around among them. But eventually he gained more courage—and his neighbors then began to ridicule him behind his back.

Chapter 3: Mr. Worldly Wiseman

Now as Christian was walking by himself—he spotted someone afar off, traveling over the field—and they happened to meet just as they were crossing each other's path. The gentleman's name was Mr. Worldly- wiseman. He dwelt in the town of Carnal Policy—a very large town, close by the City of Destruction, from whence Christian came. This man, meeting with Christian, had some knowledge of him—for Christian's leaving the City of Destruction was much talked about, not only where he had lived—but also, it was the talk of the town in other places. Mr. Worldly-wiseman, therefore, beholding Christian's difficult journey, and observing his sighs and groans, and the like—began to enter into conversation with Christian. "Say there, friend—where are you going in this burdened manner?" asked Worldly-wiseman. "A burdened manner, indeed, I think—as any poor creature ever had!" replied Christian. "And since you ask me where I am going—I will tell you. Sir, I am going to yonder narrow-gate which is ahead of me. There, I am informed, I shall be instructed how to be rid of my heavy burden. " "Have you a wife and children?" asked Worldly-wiseman. "Yes, " replied Christian "but I am so weighed down with this burden on my back—that I cannot take pleasure in them as I once did. In fact, it is now as though I had no family at all. " "If I give you counsel—will you take my advice?" asked Worldly-wiseman. "If it is good counsel, I will, " replied Christian, advice. " "for I am in need of good "I would advise you, then, " responded Worldly-wiseman, "that you rid yourself of that burden on your back, as quick as possible! For you can never have happiness or peace of mind until you do!" "That is what I am seeking for, " answered Christian. "I desperately want to be rid of this heavy burden—but I cannot get it off myself! Nor is there any man in our country who can remove it from my shoulders. Therefore I am going this way, as I told you—that I may be rid of my burden!" "Who told you that this was the way to rid you of your burden?" replied Worldly-wiseman. "A man who appeared to be a very noble and honorable person, " answered Christian. "His name, as I remember, is Evangelist. " "I curse him for that counsel!" snarled Worldly-wiseman. "There is not a more dangerous and troublesome way in all the world! You shall find this out for yourself—if you follow his advice. I see that you have met with trouble already—for I see that the mire from the Swamp of Despond is upon you. That swamp is just the beginning of the sorrows which attend those who continue in that dangerous way. "Listen to me—for I am older than you. On that narrow way—you are sure to meet with weariness, pain, hunger, peril, sword, lions, dragons, darkness—and what not! In a word, you will meet with death! These things are certainly true, having been confirmed by many testimonies. And why should you so carelessly cast yourself away—by giving heed to a stranger?" "Why, Sir, " answered Christian, "this burden upon my back is more dreadful to me—than all the things which you have mentioned! Indeed, I don't care what danger I meet with along the way—as long as I get deliverance from my burden!" "How did you get your burden, in the first place?" questioned Worldly- wiseman. "By reading this Book in my hand, " answered Christian. "I thought so!" snapped Worldly-wiseman, "and it has happened unto you as to other weak men—who, meddling with things too high for them—do suddenly fall into the same bewilderment that you now suffer. In this perplexing state, they undertake dangerous ventures, to obtain—they know not what. " "I know what I want to obtain, " asserted Christian, burden!" "ease from my heavy "But why do you seek for ease in this perilous way, " asked Worldly- wiseman, "seeing that so many dangers attend it? Especially since, had you but sense to listen to me—I could direct you how to obtain what you desire, without all these dangers! Yes, and with my remedy, you shall gain much safety, friendship, and happiness!" "Please, Sir—reveal this secret to me!" begged Christian. Worldly-wiseman began, "Why, in yonder village named Morality—there dwells a gentleman whose name is Legality. He is a very sensible man, having a good reputation—who has ability to help remove such burdens like yours. Yes, to my knowledge, he has done a great deal of good this way—and besides, he has skill to cure those who are somewhat crazed in their minds, because of their burdens. To him you may go, and be helped in a very short while. His house is not quite a mile from here; and if he should not be at home himself—his handsome young son, whose name is Civility, can help you as well as the old gentleman himself! "There, I say, you may be eased of your heavy burden; and if you do not want to return to the City of Destruction, and I encourage you not to return—you may send for your wife and children to join you in this village. In the town of Morality, there are many vacant houses—one of which you may have at a reasonable rate. It is inexpensive to live there— and all the neighbors are honest and fashionable. To be sure—this will make your life more happy. " Now Christian was somewhat in a dilemma; but he shortly concluded, that if what this gentleman had said was true—then his wisest course was to take the advice of Worldly-wiseman. So Christian inquired, "Sir, what is the way to this honest man's house?" "Do you see yonder hill?" asked Worldly-wiseman. "Yes, very well, " replied Christian. "You must go by that hill, " directed Worldly-wiseman, house you come to, is his. " "and the first So I saw in my dream, that Christian turned out of the narrow way, to go to Mr. Legality's house for help. But, behold, when he got near the hill—it was so high, and it so hung over him—that Christian was afraid to venture further, lest the hill should fall on his head! Flashes of fire also came out of the hill, which made Christian afraid that he should be burned alive! Therefore he stood still—and did not know what to do. His burden now seemed even heavier to him—than when he was in the narrow way. He was so frightened, that he trembled with fear! He now began to be very sorry that he had taken Worldly-wiseman's counsel. Just then, he saw Evangelist coming to meet him—at whose sight, he began to blush with shame. So Evangelist drew nearer and nearer; and coming up to Christian—he gazed upon him with a solemn countenance, and thus began to address Christian. "What are you doing here, Christian?" asked Evangelist. Christian did not know what to answer—and stood speechless before him. Then Evangelist continued, outside the City of Destruction?" "Are you not the man that I found weeping "Yes, kind Sir, I am the man, " replied Christian. "Did I not direct you to the way which leads to yonder narrow-gate?" questioned Evangelist. "Yes, dear Sir, " Christian said. "Why is it, then—that you have so quickly turned aside?" asked Evangelist, "for you have now gone out of the narrow way!" Then Christian explained, "Soon after I had gotten over the Swamp of Despond, I met a gentleman who persuaded me that in the village of Morality, I would find a man who could take off my burden. " "What did this man look like?" asked Evangelist. "He looked like a gentleman, " replied Christian, "and talked much to me, until he persuaded me to leave the narrow way. But when I saw this hill, and how it hung over the path—I could proceed no further, being afraid that it would tumble down on my head!" "What else did that gentleman say to you?" inquired Evangelist. "Why, he asked me where I was going—and I told him, " responded Christian. And what did he say then?" asked Evangelist. "He asked me if I had a family? And I told him yes, but I was so weighed down with the burden on my back, that I could not take pleasure in them as formerly, " responded Christian. "And what did he say then?" inquired Evangelist. "He entreated me to get rid of my burden as fast as I could—and I told him that this was the very thing I sought—and that I was going to yonder gate, to receive further direction how I may get to the place of deliverance. Then he said that he would show me a better way—much shorter, which was not so attended with difficulties as the narrow way in which I was going. He said that this new way would bring me to a gentleman's house who had skill to take off my heavy burden. So I believed him, and turned out of the narrow way—hoping that I might soon be eased of my burden. But when I came to this place, and beheld these dreadful things—I stopped for fear of the danger—and now I do not know what to do!" "Then, said Evangelist, Words of God." "stand still a little, that I may show you the So Christian stood trembling. Then Evangelist began, "See that you do not refuse to listen to the One who speaks from Heaven, 'The just shall live by faith—but if any man draws back, I will not be pleased with him. ' Christian, you are the man who is running into this misery; you have begun to reject the counsel of the Most High God, and to draw back from the way of peace—even to the hazard of your soul's 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 kinds of sin and blasphemies shall be forgiven. Stop doubting and believe. " Then Christian began to revive, and stood up trembling before Evangelist. Then Evangelist proceeded, saying, "Give more earnest attention to the things I shall tell you. I will now show you who deluded you—and to whom he sent you. The man whom you met is one named Mr. Worldly- wiseman, and he is rightly called; partly, because he delights in worldly thinking, and partly because he loves worldly teaching—for it saves him from the doctrine of the Cross of Christ. Therefore he always goes to the Town of Morality to church. And because he is of this worldly temper— he seeks to oppose the way of the Cross. Now there are three things in this man's counsel, that you must utterly abhor: First, his turning you out of the right way. Secondly, his laboring to render the Cross odious to you. Thirdly, his setting your feet in that way which leads unto eternal death. "First, You must abhor his turning you out of the right way—and your consenting to his false guidance. This is to reject the counsel of God—for the sake of the counsel of the world. The Lord says, 'Make every effort to enter through the narrow-gate, ' the gate to which I sent you. 'For narrow is the gate and straight is the way that leads to life, and only a few find it!' From this little narrow-gate, and from the narrow way—this wicked man has turned you, and has brought you almost to destruction! You must hate, therefore, his turning you out of the narrow way—and abhor yourself for hearkening to him. "Secondly, You must abhor his laboring to render the Cross odious unto you; for you are to prefer it 'before the treasures of Egypt!' Besides, Jesus, the King of glory has told you, that he who 'will save his life—shall lose it!' And, 'If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple!' Therefore I say, if any man labors to persuade you that the Lord's counsel will lead to your death—you must completely abhor his false doctrine. "Thirdly, You must hate his turning your feet into the way which leads unto death. And for this, you must consider to whom he sent you—and also how unable that person is to deliver you from your heavy burden. "He to whom you were sent for relief, is Mr. Legality—the son of the Bondwoman who is in bondage to the Law, along with her children. She represents Mount Sinai, which is the mountain you feared would fall on your head. Now, if she, along with her children, are in bondage—how can you expect to be made free by them? This Mr. Legality, therefore, is not able to set you free from your burden. No one was ever freed from their burden by him. No, nor can this ever be—for you cannot be justified by the works of the Law; for by the deeds of the Law, no man can be rid of his burden! Therefore, Mr. Worldly-wiseman is a liar—and Mr. Legality is a cheat! And as for his son Civility, notwithstanding his pleasant looks— he is but a hypocrite, and cannot help you either! "Believe me, there is no substance in all this blustering talk which you have heard of these deceivers. Their only design is to cheat you out of your salvation, by turning you from the narrow way in which I had sent " you. After this, Evangelist called aloud to the heavens for confirmation of what he had said—and immediately words and fire came out of the mountain under which poor Christian stood. This made the hair of his neck stand up. These are the words that came forth: "All who rely on observing the Law are under a curse, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who does not continue to obey all these commands that are written in the Book of the Law. " Christian now expected nothing but death—and began to cry out woefully. He even cursed the time when he met with Mr. Worldly- wiseman—calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening to his false counsel. He also was greatly ashamed to think that this man's worldly advice, coming only from human reasoning—should so easily prevail with him, as to cause him to forsake the right way. Christian then spoke to Evangelist with great earnestness, "Sir, is there any hope for me? May I now go back, and then proceed through the narrow-gate? Or shall I be abandoned in shame, because of my waywardness? I am sorry I hearkened to this man's false counsel. Can my sin ever be forgiven?" Then said Evangelist to him, "Your sin is very great, for by it you have committed two evils: You have forsaken the right way—to tread in forbidden paths! Yet the man at the narrow-gate will still receive you. Only take heed that you never again turn aside, lest you perish in your disobedience, for God's anger can flare up in an instant!" Then Christian committed himself to return to the narrow way. Evangelist then kissed him, and encouraged him with a smile, commending him to God's safe keeping. So Christian went on with haste, and did not speak to anyone along the way. And if anyone addressed him—he would not hearken to their counsel. He traveled like one who was treading on forbidden and dangerous ground, and could never feel himself safe—until he was back on the narrow way, which he had left to follow Mr. Worldly-wiseman's false advice.

Chapter 4: The Narrow Gate

So, in process of time, Christian arrived at the narrow-gate. Now, over the gate there was written, "Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. " He knocked, therefore, several times, saying, "May I now enter here— though I have been an undeserving wretch? If so, I shall sing His everlasting praise!" At last, a serious person came to the gate, named Good-will, and asked who was there—from whence he came—and what he wanted. Christian responded, "I am a poor burdened sinner, coming from the City of Destruction. I am going to the Celestial City, that I may be saved from the wrath to come. I have been informed Sir, that the way to the Celestial City is through this gate. Are you willing to let me enter?" Good-will replied, opened the gate. "I am willing with all my heart!" And with this, he As Christian was stepping in, Good-will gave him a sudden yank. Surprised, Christian asked, "Why did you do that!" Good-will then explained, "A short distance from this gate, there is a strong castle erected, of which Beelzebub is the prince. From there, both he and his minions shoot arrows at those who come up to this gate— hoping to kill them before they can enter in!" Then Christian said, "I both rejoice and tremble!" When Christian was safely inside, the man at the narrow-gate asked him who had directed him there. "Evangelist directed me to come here and knock—as I did, " said Christian, "and that you, Sir, would then tell me what I must do. " "An open door is set before you—and no man can shut it!" responded Good-will. "I am now beginning to reap the benefits of my hazardous journey!" replied Christian. "But how is it that you came alone?" asked Good-will. "Because none of my neighbors saw their danger—as I saw mine, " answered Christian. "Did any of them know of your coming?" inquired Good-will. Christian replied, "Yes! My wife and children saw me at first, and called after me to come back. Also, some of my neighbors stood crying and calling for me to return; but I put my fingers in my ears—and so I started on my journey. " "But did none of them follow you—to attempt to persuade you to turn back?" asked Good-will. "Yes!" replied Christian, "both Obstinate and Pliable tried to turn me back; but when they saw that they could not prevail, Obstinate railed at me, and went back alone. But Pliable came with me for a little way." "But why did Pliable not come all the way here with you?" questioned Good-will. Christian explained, "Indeed, he did come with me—until we came to the Swamp of Despond, into which we suddenly fell! At that, Pliable became so discouraged, that he would not venture with me any further. Being thus disheartened, he got out of the swamp on the side nearest to his own house—and he told me I could possess the heavenly country alone! So he went his way, following after Obstinate—and I continued traveling to this narrow-gate. " Then Good-will said, "Alas, poor Pliable! Is Celestial Glory of so small a value to him—that he does not count it worth running the hazard of a few difficulties to obtain it?" Christian then said, "I have stated the truth concerning Pliable; but if I would also tell all the truth about myself—it would reveal that there is no difference between us! It is true that he went back to his own house—but I had also turned aside into the way of destruction, being persuaded by the worldly arguments of Mr. Worldly-wiseman." "Oh! That deceiver would have you seek ease from your burden at the hands of Mr. Legality! Both of them are liars and cheats! And did you take his counsel?" asked Good-will. "Yes, as far as I dared!" confessed Christian, "I went to find Mr. Legality, until I thought that the mountain on the way to his house would fall upon my head! So I was forced to stop!" "That mountain has been the death of many—and will be the death of many more! It is fortunate that you escaped without being dashed to pieces!" exclaimed Good-will. Christian answered, "Truly, I do not know what would have become of me —had not Evangelist found me in my sad plight! But it was of God's mercy that he came to me—otherwise I would never have arrived at this narrow-gate. But now I am here safe—even I, who certainly am more fit to have died under that mountain, than to have arrived safely here. O! what a choice favor is this!" Good-will then said, "We refuse entrance to no sincere Pilgrim, notwithstanding all the wickedness they have done before they arrive here. Therefore my friend, come with me, and I will teach you about the way in which you must go. Look ahead of you—do you see that narrow way? That is the way you must go. It was built by the patriarchs, prophets, Christ and His Apostles; and is as straight as can be. This is the only way you must go!" "But, " inquired Christian, a Pilgrim may lose his way?" "Are there no turnings nor windings, by which "Yes, there are many side paths which intersect with the narrow way—but they are crooked and wide. This is how you may distinguish the right from the wrong—only the right path is straight and narrow!" Then I saw in my dream, that Christian further asked if Good-will could help him remove the burden which was upon his back; for he could not remove it without help. Good-will told him, "Be content to bear your burden until you come to the place of deliverance; for there it will fall from your back all by itself."

Chapter 5: The House of the Interpreter

Then Christian began to prepare himself for his journey. Good-will told him that when he had traveled some distance from the Gate—he would come to the House of the Interpreter, and knocking at the door, he would be shown some valuable lessons. (Editor's note: Bunyan portrays the Interpreter, as an emblem of the Holy Spirit.) Christian then said farewell to Good-will, who in turn bid him Godspeed. Christian traveled on until he came to the House of the Interpreter, where he knocked again and again. At last someone came to the door, and asked who was there. "Sir, " answered Christian, "I am a traveler, who was told by a man named Good-will, to come here for help. Therefore I would like to speak with the master of this house. " So the servant called for the master of the house, who shortly came, and asked Christian what he wanted. "Sir, " Christian explained, "I have come from the City of Destruction, and am going to the Celestial City. I was told by Good-will, the man who stands at the narrow-gate, that if I came here—you would show me some lessons which would be a great help to me on my journey. " "Come in!" invited Interpreter, things. " "And I will show you some profitable Interpreter commanded the servant to light a candle, and bid Christian to follow them. So they proceeded to a private room, and opened the door. Inside the room, Christian saw a picture of a very serious man hanging on the wall. (Editor's note: Bunyan portrays the man in the portrait, as an emblem of a godly pastor.) The man in the picture had his eyes lifted up to Heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth written upon his lips, and the world behind his back! He stood as if he pleaded with men—and a crown of gold hung over his head. Then Christian said, "What does this picture mean?" Interpreter explained, "The man depicted in this picture is one in a thousand! He can beget children—and nurse them himself when they are born! And as you see him with his eyes lifted up to Heaven, with the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth written on his lips—this is to show you that his work is to understand and unfold difficult things. "Similarly, just as you see him stand as if he pleaded with men, and also notice that the world is cast behind his back, and that a crown hangs over his head—this is to show you that he lightly values the things of the present world—because of his love and devotion to his Master's service. Such a one is sure to have eternal glory for his reward in the world to come. "I show you this picture first, because the man whom it portrays is one who the Lord of the Celestial City provides to be your guide in the difficult situations that you may encounter along the way. Therefore pay attention to what I have shown you, lest, in your journey, you meet with some who pretend to lead you along the right path—while in reality their way leads to death!" Then Interpreter took him by the hand, and led him into a very large parlor which was full of dust, because it was never swept. After Christian had contemplated this scene for a little while, the Interpreter called for a man to sweep the room. When he began to sweep, the dust began to so thickly swirl around the room—that Christian began to be choked by it! Then Interpreter said to a maiden who stood nearby, "Bring some water, and sprinkle the room!" After she had done this—the parlor was then swept and cleansed with ease. "What does this mean?" Christian inquired. Interpreter explained, "This parlor is the heart of a man which has never been sanctified by the sweet grace of the Gospel. The dust is his original sin and inward corruptions, which have defiled the whole man. He who began to sweep at first, is the Law. The maiden who brought and sprinkled the water, is the Gospel. "You saw that as soon as the man began to sweep, that the dust thickly swirled around the room, and became even more difficult to cleanse, nearly choking you to death. This is to show you that the Law, instead of cleansing the heart from sin—does in fact arouse sin, giving greater strength to it—and causing it to flourish in the soul. The Law both manifests and forbids sin—but it has no power to subdue sin. "Again, you saw the maiden sprinkle the room with water, upon which it was cleansed with ease. This is to show you, that when the Gospel comes in the sweet and precious influences thereof to the heart—then, I say, even as you saw the maiden subdue the dust by sprinkling the floor with water—just so is sin vanquished and subdued, and the soul made clean, through faith, and consequently fit for the King of glory to inhabit. " I saw, moreover, in my dream, that the Interpreter took Christian by the hand, and led him into a little room, where two little children sat—each one in his own chair. The name of the older one was Passion—and the name of the younger one was Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontented—but Patience was very quiet. Then Christian asked, "What is the reason for Passion's discontent?" The Interpreter answered, "The guardian would have them wait for their best things until the next year—but Passion wants everything now; while Patience is willing to wait. " Then I saw that someone came to Passion, and brought him a bag of treasure, and poured it down at his feet—which he grabbed up and rejoiced in; and in doing so, he laughed Patience to scorn. But I saw that in a short while, that Passion had squandered everything away, and had nothing left to him, but rags. Then Christian said to the Interpreter, "Expound this matter more fully to " me. Interpreter replied, "These two lads are symbolic: Passion is a symbol of the people of this world; and Patience is a symbol of the people of the world which is to come. As you see here, Passion will have everything now—that is to say, in this life. Just so are the people of this world—they must have all their good things now, they cannot wait until next year— that is, until the next world—for their portion of good. "That proverb, 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, ' is of more authority with them—than are all the Scripture testimonies of the value of the world to come. But as you saw that Passion had quickly lavished everything away, and had nothing left but rags—so will it be with all such people at the end of this world. " Then Christian declared, "Now I see that Patience showed the best wisdom—and that upon many accounts. First, because he waits for the best things; and second, because he will have the enjoyment of his good things, when Passion has nothing but rags!" Interpreter replied, "True, and you may add another reason—namely, the glory of the next world will never end; but these earthly enjoyments will be suddenly gone. Therefore Passion had no reason to laugh at Patience— just because he had his good things first; as Patience will have to laugh at Passion—because he will have his best things last! He, therefore, who has his portion first—only has this present life to spend it; but he who has his portion last—will have it everlastingly. Therefore it is said of the rich man: You in your lifetime have received your good things, just as Lazarus has received bad things; but now he is comforted, and you are in agony!" Christian stated, "Then I perceive that it is not best to covet present earthly things—but rather to wait for things to come. " Interpreter responded, "You say the truth—for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are unseen are eternal!" This is so, because present things and our fleshly appetites—are such near neighbors to one another; and also because worldly thinking and things to come—are such strangers to one another. " Then I saw in my dream, that the Interpreter took Christian by the hand, and led him into a place where a fire was burning against a wall. Someone was standing by the fire, continually throwing great amounts of water upon it, attempting to quench it; yet the fire burned higher and hotter. Then Christian asked, "What does this mean?" The Interpreter answered, "This fire is the work of grace which is operating in the heart. The one who casts water upon it, desiring to extinguish and put it out—is the Devil. Now I will show you the reason why the fire burns higher and hotter—in spite of all the Devil's efforts. " So the Interpreter took Christian around to the back side of the wall, where he saw a man with a jar of oil in His hand—which He continually but secretly, cast onto the fire. Then Christian questioned, "What does this mean?" The Interpreter answered, "This is Christ, who continually, with the oil of His grace, maintains the work already begun in the heart. By this means, notwithstanding all that the devil can do—the souls of His people are graciously preserved. And in that you saw that the man stood behind the wall to maintain the fire—that is to teach you that it is hard for the tempted believer to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul. " I saw also, that the Interpreter took Christian again by the hand, and led him into a pleasant place, where a stately palace was built, which was beautiful to behold. At the sight of which, Christian was greatly delighted. He saw upon the top of the palace, that certain people were walking, who were clothed all in gold. Then Christian inquired, "May we go in there?" Then the Interpreter took him, and led him towards the door of the palace. And behold, at the door stood a great company of men—just as desirous to go in—but dared not. A short distance from the door, sat a man with a book and a pen at a table—to write down the name of any who would enter therein. Christian also saw that in the doorway, many men in armor stood to guard the palace from intruders. Christian was somewhat bewildered at this. At last, when every man stood back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man who looked very determined, come up to the man at the desk, saying, "Write down my name, Sir!" When the man at the desk had finished writing, Christian saw the man draw his sword, put a helmet on his head, and rush toward the door to the armed men, who battled him with deadly force. But the man, not at all discouraged, started cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after he had received and given many wounds to those who attempted to keep him out —he cut his way through them all, and pressed forward into the palace. Then there was a pleasant voice heard from those who were within the palace, saying, "Come in, come in! Eternal glory you shall win!" So he went in, where he was clothed with the same garments as those inside. Then Christian smiled and said, "I think I truly know the meaning of this. " "Now, " Christian said, "let me continue on my journey. " "Not just yet, " said the Interpreter, —and after that you may go on your way. " "until I have showed you a little more So he took him by the hand again, and led him into a very dark room, where a man in an iron cage sat. Now this man seemed very sad—he sat with his eyes looking down to the ground, his hands folded together, and he sighed as if his heart were breaking. Christian asked, "What does this mean?" The Interpreter then told Christian to inquire of the man himself. So Christian asked the man, "What are you?" The man answered, "I am now, what I once was not. " Christian responded, "What were you once?" The man said, "I was once a fair and flourishing professor—both in my own eyes, and also in the eyes of others! I once was, as I thought, headed for the Celestial City; and had joy at the thought that I would get there. " Christian further questioned, "Well—what are you now?" The man responded, "I am now a man of despair, and am locked up in despair—as in this iron cage. I cannot get out. O, I cannot escape!" Christian then inquired, condition?" "But how did you get into this miserable The man in the iron cage replied, "I stopped watching and being serious. I let my worldly lusts reign. I sinned against the light of God's Word, and His goodness. 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 Christian asked the Interpreter, "Is there no hope for such a man as this?" Then the Interpreter said to the man in the iron cage, must you always be kept in this iron cage of despair?" "Is there no hope— The man replied, "No, there is no hope at all. " Interpreter responded, " mercy. "Why should you have no hope? Jesus is full of The man in the iron cage answered, "I have crucified Him afresh; I have scorned His person; I have despised His righteousness; I have counted His blood as an unholy thing; I have insulted and disdained the Spirit of grace. Therefore I have shut myself out of all the promises, and there now remains nothing for me but threatenings—dreadful threatenings, fearful threatenings of certain judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour me as God's adversary!" Interpreter then asked, dreadful condition?" "For what did you bring yourself into this The man responded, "For the lusts, pleasures, and profits of this world— in the enjoyment of which, I promised myself much delight. But now, every one of those things bite me, and gnaw me like a burning worm!" Interpreter then questioned, God?" "But can't you now repent and turn back to The man answered, "God has denied repentance to me. His Word gives me no encouragement to believe. Yes, He Himself has shut me up in this iron cage! Not all the men in the world can free me. O eternity! eternity! How shall I grapple with the misery that I must meet with in eternity!" Then the Interpreter said to Christian, "Let this man's misery be remembered by you—and be an everlasting warning to you!" "Well, " Christian said, "this is most fearful! May God help me to always watch and to pray that I may shun the cause of this man's misery! Sir, is it now time for me to go on my way?" Interpreter replied, "Wait until I show you one last thing—and then you shall go on your way. " So he took Christian by the hand again, and led him into a room, where there was a man rising out of bed; and as he put on his clothing, he shook and trembled. Then Christian asked, "Why does this man thus tremble?" The Interpreter then bid the man to tell Christian the reason of his trembling. So the trembling man began, "This night, as I slept, I dreamed—and behold, the heavens grew exceedingly black; also it thundered and lightninged in a most frightening way—so that it put me into a fearful agony! "So I looked up in my dream, and saw the clouds driven violently by the wind—upon which I heard a loud blast of a trumpet, and also saw a Man sitting upon a cloud, attended with thousands of angelic beings—all in flaming fire! Also the heavens were in a burning flame! I then heard a voice command, 'Arise you who are dead—and come to your judgment!' And with that, the rocks shattered, the graves opened—and the dead came forth! Some of them were exceedingly glad, and looked upward— while others sought to hide themselves under the mountains! "Then I saw that the Man who sat upon the cloud opened the book, and commanded all people to draw near. Yet there was, by reason of a fierce flame which issued out and came from before Him—a great distance between Him and them, as between the judge and the prisoners at the bar. Then the Man who sat on the cloud commanded the angelic beings, 'Gather the tares, the chaff, and stubble together—and cast them into the burning lake of fire!' And with that, the bottomless pit opened, just where I stood! Out of the mouth of the pit spewed forth great billows of smoke and coals of fire, along with hideous noises! "The angelic beings were then commanded, 'Gather My wheat into the barn!' And with that, I saw many caught up and carried away into the clouds—but I was left behind! I then sought to hide myself—but I could not, for the Man who sat upon the cloud fixed His eye upon me! My sins then came to mind—and my conscience accused me on every side! At this, I awakened from my sleep. " Christian then asked, sight?" "What was it which made you so afraid of this The trembling man replied, "Why, I thought that the day of judgment had come—and that I was not ready for it! But what frighted me the most, was that the angels gathered up several people near me—and left me behind! Then the pit of Hell opened its mouth just where I stood! My conscience, too, afflicted me! And, as I stood there—the Judge continually kept His eye upon me, with a look of angry disapproval on His face. " Then the Interpreter said to Christian, things?" "Have you considered all these "Yes, " replied Christian, "and they cause me to both hope and fear!" "Then, " stated the Interpreter, "keep all of these things in your mind—so that they may spur you forward in the way you must go. " So Christian began to prepare himself to continue on his journey. Then the Interpreter declared, "May the Comforter always be with you, good Christian—to guide you in the way that leads to the Celestial City!" So Christian went on his way, saying "I have seen rare and profitable things here! Pleasant things—and dreadful things. May I think on them, and remember the lessons they taught me. I am thankful, O good Interpreter, to you."

Chapter 6: The Cross

Now I saw in my dream, that the highway up which Christian was to go, was fenced on both sides with a wall, and that wall was called 'SALVATION' . Up this way, therefore, burdened Christian ran—but not without great difficulty, because of the heavy load on his back. He ran on thus until he came to a place where there was a hill, and upon that hill stood a Cross; and a little below, at the bottom, was a sepulcher. So I saw in my dream, that just as Christian came up to the Cross—his burden fell off his shoulders and back, and began to tumble, until it came to the mouth of the sepulcher, where it fell in, and I saw it no more! Then Christian was glad and joyful, and said with a merry heart, has given me rest by His sorrow, and life by His death!" "Jesus So he stood still awhile to ponder 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—until tears flowed down his cheeks! Now, as he stood looking and weeping—behold, three Shining Ones came to him and greeted him with "Peace unto you. " The first said to him, "Your sins are forgiven!" The second stripped him of his rags, and clothed him with fine new clothes. The third Shining One put a mark on Christian's forehead, gave him a scroll with a seal upon it—and encouraged him to read it on his journey. He told Christian that he should turn it in at the Celestial Gate. So the Shining Ones left Christian and went on their way. Then Christian gave three leaps for joy, and went on singing: "Thus far did I come laden with my sin; Nor could anything ease the grief that I was in. Until I came here—What a place is this! This must be the beginning of my bliss! "For here, the burden fell from off my back, And here, the chains that bound it to me, did crack! Blessed Cross! Blessed sepulcher! Blessed rather be, The Man who there, was put to shame for me!"

Chapter 7: Simple, Sloth, and Presumption

Then I saw in my dream, that Christian went on thus, until he came to a valley, where he saw, a little out of the way—three men fast asleep, with fetters upon their legs. The name of the one was Simple, the next Sloth, and the third Presumption. Then Christian seeing them fast asleep, went to them, if perhaps he might awaken them, and cried, "You are like those who sleep on the top of a mast, for the Dead Sea is under you—a gulf which has no bottom! Wake up! Wake up—and I will help you take off your fetters!" He also warned them, "If he who prowls about like a roaring lion comes by—you will most certainly be devoured!" They then looked upon him, and Simple replied, "I see no danger!" Sloth said, "Yet a little more sleep!" And Presumption said, we don't need your help!" "Every tub must stand upon its own bottom—so And so they lay down to sleep again—and Christian continued on his way. Yet was he troubled to think that men in such danger should so little regard the kindness which he so freely offered—by awakening them, warning them, and offering to help to remove their fetters.