The Pilgrims Progress, Text (3 of 3)
Then I saw in my Dream, that in the morning, the Shepherds called up Christian and Hopeful to walk with them upon the Mountains: So they went forth with them, and walked a while, having a pleasant prospect …n every side. Then said the Shepherds one to another, Shall we shew these Pilgrims some wonders? So when they had concluded to do it, they had them first to the top of an HillThe Mountain of Errour. called Errour, which was very steep on the furthest side, and bid them look down to the bottom. So Christian and Hopeful lookt down, and saw at the bottom several men dashed all to pieces by a fall that they had from the top. Then said Christian, What meaneth this? The Shepherds answered; Have you not heard of them that were made to …rr, by harkening to Hymeneus, and Philetus, as concerning the Faith of the Resurrection of the Body? They answered, Yes. Then said the Shepherds, Those that you see lie dashed in pieces at the bottom of this Mountain, are they: and they have continued to this day unburied (as you see) for an example to others to take heed how they clamber too high, or how they come too near the brink of this Mountain.
Then I saw that they had them to the top of another Mountain, andMount Cautio…: the name of that is Caution; and bid them look a far off. Which when they did, they perceived as they thought, several men walking up and down among the Tombs that were there. And they perceived that the men were blind, because they stumbled sometimes upon the Tombs, and because they could not get out from among them. Then said Christian, What means this?
The Shepherds then answered, Did you not see a little below these Mountains a Stile that led into a Meadow on the left hand of this way? They answered, Yes. Then said the Shepherds, From that Stile the…e goes a Path that leads directly to Doubting-Castle, which is kept by Giant Despair; and these men (pointing to them among the Tombs) came once on Pilgrimage, as you do now, even till they came to that same Stile. And because the right way was rough in that place, they chose to go out of it into that Meadow, and there were taken by Giant Despair, and cast into Doubting-Castle; where, after they had a while been kept in the Dungeon, he at last did put out their eyes, and led them among those Tombs, where he has left them to wander to this very day; that the saying of the wise Man might be fulfilled, He that wandereth Pr. 21. 26.out of the way of understanding, shall remain in the Congregation of the dead. Then Christian and Hopeful looked one upon another, with tears gu… ing out; but yet said nothing to the Shepherds.
Then I saw in my Dream, that the Shepherds had them to another place, in a bottom, where was a door in the side of an Hill; and they opened the door, and bid them look in. They looked in therefore, and saw that within it was very dark, and smoaky; they also thought that they heard there a lumbring noise as of fire, and a cry of some tormented, and that they smelt the scent of Brimstone. Then said Christian, What means this? The Shepherds told them, saying, This is a By-way to Hell, a way thatA by-way to Hell. Hypocrites go in at; namely, such as sell their Birth-right, with Esau: such as sell their Master, with Judas: such as blaspheme the Gospel, with Alexander: and that lie and dissemble, with Ananias and Saphira his wife.
Hopef.
Then said Hopeful to the Shepherds, I perceive that these had on them, even every one, a shew of Pilgrimage as we have now; had they not?
Shep.
Yes, and held it a long time too.
Hopef.
How far might they go on Pilgrimage in their day, since they notwithstanding were thus miserably cast away?
Shep.
Some further, and some not so far as these Mountains.
Then said the Pilgrims one to another, We had need cry to the Strong for strength.
Shep.
Ay, and you will have need to use it when you have it, too.
By this time the Pilgrims had a desire to go forwards, and the Shepherds a desire they should; so they walked together towards the end of the Mountains. Then said the Shepherds one to another, Let us here shew to the Pilgrims the Gates of th… Coelestial City, if they have skill to look through our Perspective Glass. The Pilgrims then lovingly accepted the motion: So they had them to the top of an high Hill called Clear, and gave them their Glass to look. Then they essayed to look, but the remembrance of that last thing that the Shepheards had shewed th…m, made their hand shake, by means of which imp…diment, they could not look steddily throughThe fruit of … fear. the Glass; yet they thought they saw somthing like the Gate, and also some of the Glory of the place,
Tous by the Shepherds, Secrets are reveal'd,
Which from all other men are kept conceal'd:
Come to the Shepherds then, if you would see
Things deep, things bid, and that mysterious be.
When they were about to depart, one of the Sh…pherds gave th…m a note of the way, Another of them, bid them beware of the flatterer, The third, bid them take heed that they sleep not upon the Inchanted Ground, and the fourth, bid them God speed. So I awoke from my Dream.
And I slept, and Dreamed again, and saw the same two Pilgrims going down the Mountains along the Highway towards the City. Now a little below these Mountains, on the left hand, lieth the Countrey of Conceit, The Countrey of Conceit, out of which came Ignorance.from which Countrey there comes into the way in which the Pilgrims walked, a little crooked Lane. Here therefore they met with a very brisk Lad, that came out of that Countrey; and his name was Ignorance. So Christian asked him, From what parts he came? and whither he was going?
Ign.
Sir, I was born in the CountreyChristian and Ignorance hath some talk. that lieth off there, a little on the left hand; and I am going to the Coelestial City.
Chr.
But how do you think to get in at the Gate, for you may find some difficulty there?
Ign.
As other good People do, said he.
Chr.
But what have you to shew at that Gate, that may cause that the Gate should be opened to you?
Ign.
I know my Lords will, and I have been a good Liver, I pay every man his own; I Pray, Fast, pay Tithes, and give Alms, and have left my Countrey, for whither I am going.
Chr.
But thou camest not in at the Wicket-gate, that is at the head of this way, thou camest in hither through that same crooked Lane, and therefore I fear, however thou mayest think of thy self, when the reckoning day shall come, thou wilt have laid to thy charge, that thou art a Theif and a Robber, instead of admitance into the City.
Ignor.
Gentlemen, ye be utterHe saith to every one, that be is a foul. strangers to me, I know you not, be content to follow the Religion of your Countrey, and I will follow the Religion of mine. I hope all will be well. And as for the Gate that you talk of, all the World knows that that is a great way off of our Countrey. I cannot think that any man in all our parts doth so much as know the way to it; nor need they matter whether they do or no, since we have, as you see, a fine pleasant green Lane, that comes down from our Countrey the next way into it.
When Christian saw that the manPr. 26. 12. was wise in his own conceit, he said to Hopeful, whisperingly, There is more hopes of a fool then of him. And said moreover, When he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom Eccl. 10. 3.faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. What, shall we talkHow to carry it to a fool. further with him? or out-go him at present? and so leave him to think of what he hath heard already; and then stop again for him afterwards, and see if by degrees we can do any good of him?
Let Ignorance a little while now muse
On what is said, and let him not refuse
Good Counsel to imbrace, lest he remain
Still Ignorant of what's the chiefest gain.
God saith, Those that no understanding have,
(Although he made them) them he will not save.
Hop.
It is not good, I think, to say all to him at once, let us pass him by, if you will, and talk to him anon, even as he is able to bear it.
So they both went on, and Ignorance he came after. Now when they had passed him a little way, they entered into a very dark Lane, where they met a man whom seven Devils had bound with seven strongMat. 12. 45. Prov. 5. 22. Cords, and were carrying of him back to the door that they saw in the side of the Hill. Now good Christian began to tremble, and so did Hopeful his Companion: Yet as the Devils led away the man, Christian looked to see if he knew him, and he thought it might be one Turn away that dweltThe destruction of one Turnaway. in the Town of Apostacy. But he did not perfectly see his face, for he did hang his head like a Thief that is found: But being gone past, Hopeful looked after him, and espied on his back a Paper with this Inscription, Wanton Professor, and damnable Apostate. Then said Christian Christian telleth his Companion a story of LittleFaith.to his Fellow, Now I call to remembrance that which was told me of a thing that happened to a good man hereabout. The name of the man was Little-Faith, but a good man, and he dwelt in the Town of Sincere. The thing was this; at the entering in of this passage there comes down from Broad-way-ga…e a Lane calledBroad-way gate. Dead-mans-lane; so called, becauseDead mans Lane. of the Murders that are commonly done there. And this Little-Faith going on Pilgrimage, as we do now, chanced to sit down there and slept. Now there happened, at that time, to come down that Lane from Broadway-gate three. Sturdy Rogues, and their names were Faint-heart, Mistrust, and Guilt, (three brothers) and they espying Little-faith wherehe was, came galloping up with speed: Now the good man was just awaked from his sleep, and was getting up to go on his Journey. So they came all up toLittlefaith robbed by Faintheart, Mistrust and Guilt. him, and with threatning Language bid him stand. At this, Little faith lookt as white as aClout, and had neither power to fight nor flie. Then said Faintheart, Deliver thy Purse; but he making no haste to do it, (for he was loth to lose his Money,) Mistrust ran up to him, and thrusting his hand into his Pocket, pull'd out thence a bag of Silver. Then he criedThey g…t away … Silver, and knockt him down. out, Thieves, thieves. With that, Guilt with a great Club that was in his hand, strook Little-Faith on the head, and with that blow fell'd him flat to the ground, were he lay bl…eding as one that would bleed to death. All this while the Thieves stood by: But at last, they hearing that some were upon the Road, and fearing lest it should be one Great-grace that dwells in the City of Good-confidence, they betook themselves to their heels, and left this good man to shift for himself. Now after a while, Little…aith came to himself, and getting up, made shift to scrabble on his way. This was the story.
Hopef.
But did they take from him all that ever he had?
Christ.
No: the place where hisLittlefaith …st not his best things. Jewels were, they never ransak t, so those he kept still; but as, I was told, the good man w…s much afflicted for his loss. For the Thieves got most of his spending Money. That which they got not (as I said) were Jewels, also he had a little odd Money left,1 Pet, 4. 18. but scarce enough to bring him to his Journeys end; nay, if I was not mis-informed) he was forced to begLittlefaith forced to beg to his Journeys …nd. as he went, to keep himself alive, (for his Jewels he might not sell.) But beg, and do what he could, he went (as we say) with many a hungry belly, the most part of the rest of the way.
Hopef.
But is it not a wonder they got not from him his Certificate, by which …e was to receive his admittance at the Coelestial gate?
Chr.
No, they got not that: though thy mist it not through any good cunning of his, for he being dismayed with their coming uponHe kept not his best things by his own …unning. him, had neither power nor skill to hide any thing; so 'twas more by good Providence then by his Indeavour, that they mist of that good 2 Tim. 1. 14.thing.
Hopef.
But it must needs be a comfort to him, that they got not this Jewel from him.
Chr.
It might have been great comfort to him, had he used it as he2 Pet. 1. 9. should; but they that told me the story, said, That he made but little use of it all the rest of the way; and that because of the dismay that he had in their taking away his Money: indeed he forgot it a great part of the rest of the Journey; and besides, when at any time, it came into his mind, and he began to be comforted therewith, then would fresh thoughts of his loss come again upon him, and those thoughts would swallow up all.
Hope.
Alas poor Man! this could not but be a great grief unto him.
Chr.
Grief! Ay, a grief indeed!He is pittied by both. would it not a been so to any of us, had we been used as he, to be Robbed and wounded too, and that in a strange place, as he was? 'Tis a wonder he did not die with grief, poor heart! I was told, that he scattered almost all the rest of the way with nothing but doleful and bitter complaints. Telling also to all that over-took him, or that he over-took in the way as he went, where he was Robbed, and how; who they were that did it, and what he lost; how he was wounded, and that he hardly escaped with life.
Hope.
But 'tis a wonder that his necessities did not put him upon selling, or pawning some of his Jewels, that he might have wherewith to relieve himself in his Journey.
Chr.
Thou talkest like one upon whose head is the Shell to this veryChristian s…ibbeth his fellow for unadvised speaki…g. day: For what should he pawn them? or to whom should he sell them? In all that Countrey where he was Robbed, his Jewels were not accounted of, nor did he want that relief which could from thence be administred to him; besides, had his Jewels been missing at the Gate of the Coelestial City, he had (and that he knew well enough) been excluded from an Inheritance there; and that would have heen worse to him then the appearance and villany of ten thousand Thieves.
Hope.
Why art thou so tart my Brother? Esau sold his Birth-right, and Heb. 12. 16.that for a mess of Pottage; and that Birth-right was his greatest Jewel: and if he, woy might not Little-Faith do so too?
Chr.
Esau did sell his Birth rightA dis…ourse about Esau and LittleFaith. indeed, and so do many besides; and by so doing, exclude themselves from the chief blessing, as also that Caytiff did. But you must …ut a difference betwixt Esau and Little-Faith, and also betwixt their Estates. Esau's Birth-right was Typical, but Littlefaith's Jewels were not so. Esau's belly was his God, but Little-faith's belly was not so. Esau's want lay in his fleshly appetite, Little-faith's did not so. Besides, Esau could see no … therEsau was ruled by his lusts. then to the fulfilling of his Lusts. For I am at the point to dye, said he,Gen. …: 32. and what good will this Birth-right do me? But Little-faith, though it was his lot to have but a little faith, was by his little faith kept from such extravagancies; and made to see and priz… his Jewels more, then to fell them, as Esau did his Birth-right.Esau never had faith You read not any where that Esau had faith, no not so much as a little: Therefore no marvel, if where the flesh only bears sway (as it will in that Man where no faith is to resist) if he sells his Birth-right, and his Soul and all, and that to the Devil of Hell; for it is with such, as it is with the Ass, Who in her occasions cannot be Jer. 2. 24.turned away. When their minds are set upon their Lusts; they will have them what ever they cost. But Littlefaith Littlefaith could not live upon Esaus P…ttage.was of another t…mper, his mind was on things Divine; his livelyhood was upon things that were Spiritual, and from above; Therefore to what end should he that is of such a temper sell his Jewels, (had there been any that would have bought them) to fill his mind with empty things? Will a man give a penny to fill his belly with Hay? orA comp… rison between the Turtledove and the Crow. can you perswade the Turtle-dove to live upon Carrion, like the Crow? Though faithless ones, can for carrial Lusts, pawn, or morgage, or sell what they have, and themselves o…t right to boot; yet they that …ave faith, saving faith, though but …ttle of it, cannot do so. Here therefore, my Brother, is thy mistake.
Hopef.
I acknowledge it; but yet your severe reflection had almost made me angry.
Chr.
Why, I did but compare thee to some of the Birds that are of the brisker sort, who will run to and fro in …roden paths with the shell upon their heads: but pass by that, and consider the matter under debate, and all shall be …ell betwixt thee and me.
Hopef.
But Christian, These three fellows, I am perswaded in my heart, are but a company of Cowards: would they have run else, think you, as they did, at the noise of one that was coming o… the road? Why did not Little-faith Hopeful ….pluck up a great heart? He might, methinks, have stood one brush with them, and have yielded when there h…d been no remedy.
Chr.
That they are Cowards, many have said, but few have found it so in the time of Trial. As for a great No great heart for God, where there is but little faithheart, Little-faith had none; and I perceive by thee, my Brother, hadst thou been the Man concerned, thou art but …or a brush, and then to yield. And verily, since this is the height ofWe have more courage when o…t, then when we a…e in thy Stomach now they are at a distance from us, should they appear to thee, as they did to him, they might put thee to second thoughts.
But consider again, they are but Journey-men Thieves, they serve under the King of the Bot omless pit; who, is need be, will come in to their aid himself, and his voice is as the Ps…l 5. 8.roaring of a Lion. I my self haveChristian … … … expe…ience in tois case. been Ingaged as this Little-faith was, and I found it a terrible thing. These three Villains set upon me, and I beginning like a Christian to resist, they gave but a call, and in came their Master: I would, as the saying is, have given my life for a penny; but that, as God would have it, I was cloathed with Armour of proof. Ay, and yet though I was so harnessed, I found it hard work to quit my self like a man; no man can tell what in that Combat attends us, but he that hath been in the Battle himself.
Hopef.
Well, but they ran you see, when they did but suppose that one Great-Grace was in the way.
Chr.
True, they often fled, both they and their Master, when Greatgrace grace hath but appeared, and noThe Kings Champion. marvel, for he is t…e Kings Champion: But I t…o, you will put some differen…e between L…-… and the Kings Champion; all the Kings Subjects are not his Champions: nor can they, when tried, do such feats of War as he. Is it meet to think that a little child should handle Goliah as David did? o… that there should be the strength of an Ox in a Wren? Some are strong, some are weak, some have great faith, some have li… tle: this man was one of the weak, and therefore he went to the walls
Hopef.
I would it had been Greatgrace, for their sakes.
Chr.
If it had been he, he might have had his hands full: For I must tell you, That though Great-grace is excellent good at his Weapons, and has and can, so long as he keeps them at Swords point, do well enough with them: yet if they get within him, even Faint-heart, Mistrust, or the other, it shall go hard but they will throw up his heels. And when a man is down, you know what can he do.
Who so looks well upon … face, shall see those Scars and Cuts there, that shall easily give demonstration of what I say. Yea once I heard he should say, (and that when he was in the Combat) We despaired even of life: How did these sturdy Rogues and their Fellows make David groan, mourn, and roar? Yea Heman, and Hezekiah too, though Champions in their day, were forced to bestir them, when by these assaulted; and yet, that notwithstanding, they had their Coats soundly brushed by them. Peter upon a time would go try what he could do; but, though some do say of him that he is the Prince of the Apostles, they handled him so, that they made him at last afraid of a sorry Girle.
Besides, their King is at their Whistle, he is never out of hearing; and if at any time they be put to the worst, he, if possible, comes in to help them: And, of him it is said, The Sword of him that layeth at him Job. 41. …6cannot hold the Spear, the Dart, nor the Habergeon; he este…th Iron as Straw, and Brass as ro…en Wood. The Arr…w Leviathans ….cannot make him flie, Slingstones are … with him into stubble, Darts are counted as stubble, h… laugheth at the shaking of a Spear. What can a man do in this case? 'Tis t…, if a man co…ld at every turn have Jobs Horse, and had skill and courage to … him, he might do notable things. For … … … t…t is i… Jo…s Ho…ehis neck is clothed with Thund…r, he w…l … … afraid as the …, the glory o… his Nosrils is …, he paweth in the Valley, … in his strength, and goeth ou… to m…et the armed men. He m…th … …r, and is not …, n…ther tu…neth b…k from the Sword. The quiv…r … …st him, the glit…ring Sp…r, and the shield. He swalloweth t…e gro…d with fierceness and rage, … bel…veth he that it is the sound of t… T…mpet. He saith among the Trumpets, Ha, ha; and Jo…. 39. 19he smelleth the Battel a far off, the thundring of the Captains, and the shoutings.
But for such footmen as thee and I are, let us never d…sire to m…et with an en…my, nor va…nt as if we could do better, when we hear of others that they have been foiled, nor be tickled at the thoughts of our own manhood, for such commonly come by the worst when tried. Witness Peter, of whom I made mention before. He would …wagger, Ay he would: He would, as his vain mind prompted him to say, do better, and stand more for his Master, then all men: But who so …, and run down with these Villains, as he?
When th…refore we h…ar that such Robberi…s are done on the Kings High-way, two things become us to do: first to go out Harnessed, and to be sure … … Shield with us: For it was for want of that, that he that laid so Iustily at Leviatha… could not make him yield. For indeed, if that be wanting, he fears us not at all. Therefore he that had skill, hath said,Eph. 6. 16. Above all take the Shield of …aith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
'Tis good also that we desire of the'… good … … a Convoy King a Convoy, yea that he will go with us himself. This made David rejoyce when in the Valley of theEx 33. 15. shaddows of death; and Moses was rather for dying where he stood, then to go one step without his God. O my Brother, if he will but go alongPsal. 3 5, 6, 7, 8. with us, what need we be afraid ofPsal. 27. 1, 2, 3. ten thousands that shall set themselves against us, but without him, the proud helpers fall under the slain.Isa. 10. 4.
I for my part have been in the fray before now, and though (through the goodness of him that is best) I am as you see alive: yet I cannot bo…st of my manhood. Glad shall I be, if I meet with no more such brunts, though I fear we are not got beyond all danger. However, since the Lion and the Bear hath not as yet devoured me, I hope God will also deliver us from the next uncircumcised Philistine.
Poor Little-faith! Hast been among the Thieves!
Wast robb'd! Remember this, Who so believes
And gets more faith, shall then a Victor be
Over ten thousand, else scarce over three.
So they went on, and Ignoranc… followed. They went then till they came at a place where they saw a way put it self into their way, and seemed withal, to lie as straight asA way, …d away. the way whi…h they should go; and here they knew …ot which of the two to take, for both seemed straight before them; therefore here they stood still to consider. And as they were thinking about the way, b…hold a man black of flesh, but covered with a very light Robe, came to them and asked them, Why they stood there? They answered, They were going to the Coelestial City, but knew not which of these ways to take. Follow me, said the man, it is thither that I am going. So they followed him in the way that but now cameChristian and his …llow deluded. into the road, which by degr…es turned, and turned them so from the City that they desired to go to, that in little time their faces were turned away from it; yet they followed him. But by and by, before they were aware, he led them both w…thin the compass of a Net, in which they were both so entangledThey are taken in a Net. that they knew not what to do; and with that, the white Robe fell off the black mans back; then they saw where they were. Wherefore there they lay crying sometime, for they could not get themselves out.
C….
Then said Christian to his fellow, Now do I see my self in anThey … their conditions. errour. Did not the Shepherds bid us beware of the flatterers? As is the saying of the Wise man, so wePro. 29. 5. have found it this day: A man that flattereth his Neighbour, spreadeth a Net for his feet.
Hopef.
They also gave us a note of directions about the way, for our more sure finding thereof: but therein we have also forgotten to read, and have not kept our selves from the Paths of the destroyer. Here David was wiser then wee; for saith he, Concerning the works of men, by Ps…l. 1… 4.A … one …mes to them with a w…p … band.the word of thy lips, I have kept me from the Paths of the destroyer. Thus they lay bewailing themselves in the Net. At last they espied a shining One coming towards them, with a whip of small cord in his hand. When he was come to the place where they were, He asked them whence they came? and what they did there? They told him, That they were poor Pilgrims going to Sion, but were led out of their way, by a black man, cloathed in white, who bid us, …aid they, follow him; for he was going thither too. Then said he with the Whip; it is Flatteror, a false Apostle,Pro. 29. …. Da 11. 32.that hath transformed himself into an2 Cor. 11. 13, 14. Angel of light. So he rent the Net and let the men out. Then said he to them, Follow me, that I may set you in your way again; so he led them back to the way, which they had left to follow the Flatterer. Then he asked them, saying, Where didThey are examined, a…d …onvicted of forgetf…lness. you lie the last night? They said, with the Shepherds upon the delectable Mountains. He asked them then, If they had not of them Shepherds a note of direction for the way? T…ey answered, Yes. But did you, said he, when you was at a stand, pluck out and read your note? They answered, No. He asked them why? They saidDeceivers fine spoken. they forgot. He asked moreover, IfRo, …6. 18. the Shepherds did not bid them beware of the Fla…terer? They answered, Yes: But we did not imagine, said they, that this fine-spoken man had been he.
Then I saw in my Dream, that he commanded them to lie down; whichDeu. 25. 2. 2 Chron. 6. 25, 27.when they did, he chastized them …ore, to teach them the good way …in they should walk; and asRev, 3. 19 … ch…stized them, he said, As … as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be They are whipt, and sent on their way.zealous therefore, and repent. This done, he bids them go on their way, and take good heed to the other directions of the Shepherds. So they thanked him for all his kindness, and went softly along the right way.
Come hither, you that walk along the way;
See how the Pilgrims fare, that go a stray!
They catched are in an intangling Net,
'Cause they good Counsel lightly did forget:
'Tis true, they rescu'd were, but yet you see
They're scourg'd to boot: Let this your caution be.
Now after a while, they perceived afar off, one coming softly and alone, all along the High-way to meet them. Then said Christian to his fellow, Yonder is a man with his back toward Sion, and he is coming to meet us.
Hopef.
I see him, let us take heed to our selves now, left he should prove a Flatterir also. So he drew nearer and nearer, and at last came up unto them. His name was Atheist, The Atheist meets themand he asked them whether they were going.
Chr.
We are going to the Mount Sion.
Then Atheist fell into á very greatHe Laughs at them. Laughter.
Chr.
What is the meaning of your Laughter?
Atheist.
I Laugh to see what ignorant persons you are, to take upon you so tedious a Journey; and yet are like to have nothing but your travel for your pai…s.
Chr.
Why man? Do you think we They reason together:shall not be received?
Athist.
Received! There is no such place as you Dream of, in all this World.
Chr.
But there is in the World to come.
Atheist.
When I was at home in mine own Countrey, I heard as you now affirm, and …om that hearing went out to see, and have been seeking this City this twenty years: ButJer. 22: 13: find nomore of it, then I did the firstEc. 10. 15. day I set out.
Chr.
We have both heard and believe that there is such a place to be found.
Atheist.
Had not I, when at home, believed, I had not come thus far to seek: But finding none, (and yet IThe Atheist takes u… his content in this World. should, had there been such a place to be found, for I have gone to seek it further then you) I am going back again, and will seek to refresh my self with the things that I then cast away, for hopes of that which I now see is not.
Chr.
Then said Christian to Hopeful Christian proveth hu Brother.his Fellow, Is it true which this man hath said?
Hopef.
Take heed, he is one of the Flatterers; remember what it hathHopefuls gracious answer. cost us once already for our harkning to such kind of Fellows. What! no Mount Sion! Did we not see from the delectable Mountains the Ga… 2 Cor. …7.of the City? Also, are we not now to walk by Faith? Let us go on, said Hopeful, left the man with the Whip overtakes us again.
You should have taught me that Lesson, which I will round you in the …ars w. thall; Cease, my Son, to hear the Prov. 19. …7.Instruction that causeth to err from the Heb. 10. 39.words of knowledge. I say my Brother, cease to hear him, and lot us believe to the saving of the Soul.
Chr.
My Brother, I did not put the question to thee, for that I doubted of the Truth of our belief my self: But to prove A …ruit of an honest heart.thee, and to fetch from thee a fruit of the honesty of thy heart. As for this man, I know that he is blinded by the god of this World: Let thee and I go on, knowing that we have belief of the Truth, and no lie is of the Truth.1 Joh 2. 11
Hopef.
Now do I rejoyce in hope of the Glory of God: So they turned away from the man; and he, Laughing at them, went his way.
I saw then in my Dream, that theyThey are come to the inchanted ground went till they came into a certain Countrey, whose Air naturally tended to make one drowsie, if he came a stranger into it. And here Hopeful began to be very dull and heavy of sleep, wherefore he said unto Christian, I do now begin to grow so drowsie, that I can sc…cely holdHopeful begins to be drowsie up mine eyes; let us lie down here and take one Nap.
Chr.
By no means, said the other,Christian keeps him awake. lest sleeping, we never awake more.
Hopef.
Why my Brother? sleep is sweet to the Labouring man; we may be refreshed if we take a Nap.
Chr.
Do you not remember that one of the Shepherds bid us beware of the … ground? He meant by that, that we should beware of sleeping; wherefore 1 Thes. 5. 6let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober.
Hopef.
I acknowledge my self inHe is …. fault, and had I been here alone, I had by sleeping run the danger of of death. I see it is true that the wise man saith, Two are better then one. Eccl. 4. 9.Hitherto hath thy Company been my mercy; and thou shalt have a good reward for thy labour.
Chr.
Now t…en, said Christian, To prevent drowsine…s they fall to good discourse.to prevent drowsiness in this place, let let us fall into good discourse.
Hopef.
With all my heart, said the other.
Chr.
Where shall we begin?Good discourse prevents …
Hopef.
Where God began with us. But do you begin, if you please.
When Saints do sleepy grow, let them come hither,
And hear how these two Pilgrims talk together:
Ye a, let them learn of them, in any wise,
Thus to keep ope their drowsie slumbring eyes.
Saints fellowship, if it be manag'd well,
Keeps them awake, and that in spite of hell.
Chr.
Then Christian began and said, I will ask you a question. How came you to think at first of doing as you do now?
Hopef.
Do you mean, How came I at first to look after the good of my Soul?
Chr.
Yes, that is my meaning.
Hopef.
I continued a great while in the delight of those things which were seen and sold at our fair; things which, as I believe now, would have (had I continued in them still) drownded me in perdition and destruction.
Chr.
What things were they?
Hopef.
All the Treasures and Riches of the World. Also I delighted much in Rioting, Revelling, Drinking, Swearing, Lying, Uneleanness, Sabbathbreaking, and what not, that tended to destroy the Soul. But I found at last, by hearing and considering of things that are Divine, which indeed I heard of you, as also of beloved Faithful, that was put to death forRom. 6. 21 22, 23. his Faith and good-living in Vanityfair, That the end of these things is Eph. 5. 6.death. And that for these things sake, the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience.
Chr.
And did you presently fall under the power of this conviction?
Hopef.
No, I was not willing presently to know the evil of sin, nor the damnation that follows upon the commission of it, but endeavoured, when my mind at first began to be shaken with the word, to shut mine eyes against the light thereof.
Chr.
But what was the cause of your carrying of it thus to the first workings of Gods blessed Spirit upon you?
Hopef
The causes were, 1. I was ignorant that this was the work of God upon me. I never thought that by awaknings for sin, God at first begins the conversion of a sinner. 2. Sin was yet very sweet to my fl…sh, and I was loth to leave i…. 3. I could not tell how to part with mine old Companions, their presence and actions were so desirable unto me. 4. The hours in which convictions were upon me, were such troublesome and such heart-affrighting hours, that I could not bear, no not so much as the remembrance of them upon my heart.
Chr.
Then as…it seems, sometimes you got rid of your trouble.
Hopef.
Yes verily, but it would come into my mind again, and then I should be as bad, nay worse, then I was before.
Chr.
Why, what was it that brought your sins to mind again?
Hopef.
Many things, As,
1. If I did but meet a good man in the Streets; or,
2. If I have heard any read in the Bible; or,
3. If mine Head did begin to Ake; or,
4. I were told that some of my Neighbours were sick; or,
5. If I heard the Bell Toull for some that were dead; or,
6. If I thought of dying my self; or,
7. If I heard that suddain death happened to others.
8. But especially, when I thought of my self, that I must quickly come to Judgement.
Chr.
And could you at any time with …ase get off the guilt of sin, when by any of these wayes it came upon you?
Hopef.
No, not latterly, for then they got faster hold of my Conscience And then, if I did but think of going back to sin (though my mind was turned against it) it would be double torment to me.
Chr.
And how d…dyou you do then?
Hopef.
I thought I must endeavour to mend my l…e, for else thought I, I am sure to be damned.
Chr.
And did you indeavour to mend?
Hopef.
Yes, and fl…d from, not only my sins, but sinful Company too; and betook me to Religious Duties, as Praying, Reading, w…eping for Sin, speaking Truth to my Neighbours, &c. Th…se things I did, with many others, too much h…e to relate.
Chr.
And did you think your self well then?
Hopef.
Yes, for a while, but at the last my trouble cam… tumbling upon me again, and that over the neck of all my Reformations.
Chr.
How came that about, since you was now Reformed?
Hopef.
There were several things brought it upon me, especially such sayings as these; All our righteousnesses …sa 64. 6.are as filthy rags. By the works of the Gala. 2. 16.Law no man shall be justified. When you have done all things, say, We are unprofitable: Luk. 17. 10with many more the like. From whence I began to reason with my self thus: If all my righteousnesses are filthy rags, if by the deeds of the Law, no man can be justified; And if, when we have done all, we are yet unprofitable: Then tis but a folly to think of Heaven by the Law. I further thought thus: If a man runs an 100 l. into the Shop-keepers debt, and after that shall pay for all that he shall fetch, yet his old debt stands still in the Book uncrossed; for the which the Shop-keeper may sue him, and cast him into Prison till he shall pay the debt.
Chr.
Well, and how did you apply this to your self?
Hopef.
Why, I thought thus with my self; I have by my sin… run a great way into Gods Book, and that my now reforming will not pay o…f that score; therefore I should think still under all my present amendments, But how shall I be freed from that damnation that I have brought my self in danger of by my former transgressions?
Chr.
A very good application: but pray go on.
Hope
Another thing that hath troubled me, even since my late amendments, is, that if I look narrowly into the b…t of what I do now, I still see sin, n…w sin, mi…ng it self with the best o… that I do. So that now I am forced to conclude, that notwithstanding my former fond conceits of my self and duties, I have committed sin enough in on… duty to send me to Hell, though my former life had be… fault …ss.
Chr.
And what did you do then?
Hopef.
Do! I could not tell what to do, till I brake my mind to Faithful; for he and I were w…ll acquainted: And he told me, That unless I could obtain the righteousness of a man that never had sinned, neither mine own, nor all the righteousness of the World could save me.
Chr.
And did you think he spake true?
Hopef.
Had he told me so when I was pleased and satisfied with mine own amendments, I had called him Fool for his pains: but now, since I see my own infirmity, and the sin that cleaves to my best performa…ce, I have been forceed to …e of his opinion.
Chr.
But did you think, when at first he suggested it to you, that there was such a man to be found, of whom it might justly be said, That he never committed sin?
Hopef.
I must confess the words at first sounded strangely, but after a little more talk and company with him, I had full conviction about it.
Chr.
And did you ask …im w…at man this was, and how you must be justifi…d by him?
Hopef.
Yes, and he told me it wasH…b. 10. the Lord Jesus, that dwelleth on theRom. 4. right hand of the most High: AndCol 1. thus, said he, you must be justified by1 Pet. 1. him, even by trusting to what he hath done by himself in the days of his flesh, and suffered when he did hang on the Tree. I asked him further, How that mans righteousness could be of that efficacy, to justifie another before God? And he told me, He was the mighty God, and did what he did, and died the death also, not for himself, but for us; to whom his doings, and the worthiness of them should be imputed, if I believed on him.
Chr.
And what did you do then?
Hope.
I mad… my objections against my believing, for that I thought he was not willing to save me.
Chr.
And what said Faithful to you then?
Hopes
He bid me go to him an… see: Then I said, It was presumption: but he said, No: for I was invited toMat. 11. 18 come. Then he gave me a Book of Jesus his i…diting, to incourage me the mor… …ely to come: And he said concerning that Book, That every jot and tittle there of stood firmerMat. 24. 35 then Heaven and earth. Then I asked him, What I must do when I came? and he told me, I must intreat uponPs. 95. 6. my knees with all my h…art and soul,Dan. 6. …o the Father to reveal him to me. ThenJer. 29. 12, 13. I asked him furth…r, How I must make my supp…ication to him? And h… sa…d, Go, and thou shalt find him upon a mercy-seat, where he sits allEx. 25. 22. the year long, to give pardon andLev. …. forgiveness to them that come. INn. 7. 89. Heb 4. 6.told him that I knew not what to say when I came: and he bid me say to this effect, God be merciful to me a sinner, and make me to know and believe in Jesus Christ; for I see that if his righteousness had not been, or I have not faith in that righteousness, I am utterly cast away: Lord, I have heard that thou art a merciful God, and hast ordained that thy Son Jesus Christ should be the Saviour of the World; and moreover, that thou art willing to bestow him upon such a poor sinner as I am, (and I am a sinner indeed) Lord take therefore this opportunity, and magnifie thy grace in the Salvation of my soul, through thy Son Jesus Christ, Am…n.
Chr.
And did you do as you were bidden?
Hopef.
Yes, over, and over, and over.
Chr.
And did the Father reveal his Son to you?
Hopes.
Not at the first, nor second, nor third, nor fourth, nor fifth, no, nor at the sixth time neither.
Chr.
What did you do then?
H…pef.
What! why I could not tell what to do.
Chr.
Had you not thoughts of leaving off praying?
Hopef.
Yes, an hundred times, twice told.
Chr.
And what was the reason you did not?
Hopef.
I believed that that was true wh…ch had been told me, to wit, That without the righteousness of this Christ, all the World could not save me: And therefore thought I with my self, If I leave off, I die; and I can but die at the Throne of Grace. And withall, this came into my mind, If it tarry, wait for it, because Habb. 2. 3.it will surely come, and will not tarry. So I continued Praying untill the Father shewed me his Son.
Chr.
And how was he revealed …nto you?
Hopef.
I did not see him with my bodily eyes, but with the eyes ofEph. 1. 18, 19. min… understanding; and thus it was. One day I was very sad, I think sader then at any one time in my life; and this sadness was through a fresh …ight of the greatness and vileness of my sins: And as I was then looking for nothing but Hell, and the everlasting damnation of my …oul, suddenly, as I thought, I saw the Lord Jesus look down from Heaven upon me, and saying, Believe on the Lord J…sus Act. 16. 30 31.Christ, and thou shalt be saved.
But I replyed, Lord, I am a great, a very great sinner; and he answered,2 Cor. 12. 9 My grace is sufficient for thee. Then I said; But Lord; what is believing, And then I saw from that saying, [He, th… Joh. 6. 35.cometh to me sh…l never hunger, and … that believeth on … shall never thirst] That believing and coming was all one, and that he that came, that is, run out in his heart and affections after salvation by Christ, he indeed believed in Christ. Then the water stood in mine eyes, and I asked further, But Lord, may such a great sinner as I am, be indeed accepted of thee, and be saved by thee? AndJoh. 6. 38 I heard him say, And him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. Then I said, But how, Lord, must I consider of thee in my coming to thee, that my faith may be placed aright upon1 Ti. 1. 15 thee? Then he said, Christ Jesus … Rom. 10. 4. chap. 4.into the World to save sinners. He is the Heb 7. 24, 25.… of the Law for righteousness to every one that believes. He died for … sins, and rose again for our justification; He loved us, and washed us fr… our si…s in his own blood: He is … … between God and us. He ever li… to … intercession for us. From all which I gathered, that I must look for righteousness in his person, and for satisfaction for my sins by his blood; that what he did in obedience to his Fathers Law, and in submitting to the penalty thereof, was not for himself, but for him that will accept it for his Salvation, and be thankful. And now was my heart full of joy, mine eyes full of tears, and mine affections running over with love to the Name, People, and Ways of Jesus Christ.
Chr.
This was a Revelation of Christ to your soul indeed: But tell me particularly what effect this h…d upon your spirit.
Hopef.
It made me see that all the World, notwithstanding all the righteousness thereof, is in a state of condemnation. It made me see that God the Father, though he be just, can justly justifie the coming sinner: It made me greatly ashamed of the vileness of my former life, and confounded me with the sence of mine own Ignorance; for there never came thought into mine heart before now, that shewed me so the beauty of Jesus Christ. It made me love a holy life, and long to do something for the Honour and Glory of the name of the Lord Jesus. Yea I thought, that had I now a thousand gallons of blood in my body, I could spill it all for the sake of the Lord Jesus.
I then saw in my Dream, that Hopeful looked back and saw Ignorance, whom they had left behind, coming after. Look said he to Christian, how far yonder Youngster l… reth behind.
Chr.
Ay, Ay, I see him; he careth not for our Company.
Hopef.
But I tro, it would not have hurt him, had he kept pace with us hitherto.
Chr.
That's true, but I warrant you he thinketh otherwise
Hope.
That I think he doth, but Young Ignorance comes up again:however let us tarry for him. So they did.
Then Christian said to him, Come away man, why do you stay so behind?
Igno.
I take my pleasure in walkingTheir talk: alone, even more a great deal then in Company, unless I like it the better.
Then said Christian to Hopeful (but softly) Did I not tell you, he cared …t for our Company: But however, come up, and let us talk away the time in this solitary place. Then directing his Speech to Ignorance, he said, Come, how do you? how stands it between God and your Soul now?
Ignor.
I hope well, for I am al ways …ull of good motions, that come into my mind to comfort me as I walk.
Chr.
What good motions? pray tell us.
Ignor.
Why, I think of God and Heaven.
Chr.
So do the Devils and damned Souls.
Ignor.
But I think of them, and desire them.
Chr.
So do many that are never like to come there: The Soul of the Sluggard desires and hath nothing.
Ignor.
But I think of them, and leave all for them.
Chr.
That I doubt, for leaving of all is an hard matter, yea a harder matter then many are aware of. But why, or by what, art thou perswaded that thou hast left all for God and Heaven?
Ignor.
My heart tells me so.
Chr.
The wise man sayes, He thatPr. 28. 29. trusts his own heart is a fool.
Ignor.
That is spoken of an evil heart, but mine is a good one.
Chr.
But how dost thou prove that?
Ignor.
It comforts me in the hopes of Heaven.
Chr.
That may be, through its deceitfulness, for a mans heart may … ster comfort to him in the hopes of that thing, for which he yet has no ground to hope.
Ignor.
But my heart and life agree together, and therefore, my hope is well grounded.
Chr.
Who told thee that thy heart and life agrees together?
Ignor.
My heart tells me so.
Chr.
Ask … Fellow if I be a Thief: Thy heart tells thee so! Except the word of God beareth witness in this matter, other Testimony is of no value.
Ignor.
But is it not a good heart that has good thoughts? And is not that a good li…e that is according to Gods Commandments?
Chr.
Yes, That is a good heart that hath good thoughts, and that is a good life that is according to Gods Commandments: But it is one thing indeed to have …, and another thing only to think so.
Ignor.
Pray what count you good thoughts, and a life according to Gods Commandments?
Chr.
There are good thoughts of divers kinds, some respecting our selves, … God, some Christ, and some other things.
Ignor.
What be good thoughts respecting our selves?
Chr.
Such as agree with the Word of God.
Ignor.
When does our thoughts of our selves agree with the Word of God?
Chr.
When we pass the same Judgement upòn our selves wh…ch the Word passes, To explain my self. The Word of God saith of persons in a nat…ral condition, There is none Righteous, there is none that doth good. It saith Rom. 3.also, That every imagination of theGen. 6. 8. heart of man is only evil, and that continually. And again, The imagination of mans heart is evil from his Youth. Now then, when we think thus of our selves, …aving sense thereof, then are our thoughts good ones, because according to the Word of G…d.
Ignor.
I will never believe that my heart is thus bad.
Chr.
Therefore thou never badst one good thought concerning thy self in thy life. But let me go on: As the Word passeth a … upon our HEART, so it … a Judgement upon … WAYS; and when our thoughts of our HEARTS and WAYS agree with the Judgm…nt which the W…rd giveth of both, then are both good, because agreeing thereto.
Ignor.
Make out your meaning.
Chr.
Why, the Word of God saith, That mans ways are crooked ways, not Ps. 125. 5.good, but perverse: It saith, they are Pro. 2. 15.Rom. 3.naturally out of the good way, that they have not known it. Now when … man thus thinketh of his ways, I say when … doth sensibly, and with hea…d-… militation thus think, then hath … good thoughts of his own ways, because his thoughts now agree with the judgment of the Word of God.
Ignor.
What are good thoughts concerning God?
Chr.
Even (as I have said concerning our selves) when our thoughts of God do agree with what the Word saith of him. And that is, when we think of his: … and Attribut…r at the Word hath taught: Of which I cannot now discourse at large. But to speak of him with reference to us, Then we have right thoughts of God, when we think that he knows us better then we know our selves, … can see … in …, when and where we can see none in our selves; when we think he knows … in-most thoughts, and … our heart with all its depths is alwayes open unto his eyes: Also when we think that all our Righteousness … in his Nostrils, and that therefore … cannot abide to see us stand before …im in any confidence even of all our best performances.
Ignor.
Do you think that I am such a fool, as to think God can see no further then I? or that I would come to God in the best of my performances?
Chr.
Why, how dost … think on this matter?
Ignor.
Why, to be short, I think I must believe in Christ for Justification.
Chr.
How! think thou … believe in Christ, when thou seest not thy need of him! Thou neither seest thy original, or actual …, but hast such an opinion of thy self, and of … thou doest, as plainly renders thee to be one that did never ses a necessity of Christs personal righteousness to justifie thee before God: How then dost thou say, I believe in Christ?
Ignor.
I believe well enough for all that.
Chr.
How doest thou believe?
Ignor.
I believe that Christ died for sinners, and that I shall be justified before God from the curse, through his gracious acceptance of my obedience to his Law: Or thus, Christ makes my Duties that are Roligious, acceptable to his Father by vertue of his Merits; and so shall I be justified.
Chr.
Let me give an answer to this confession of thy faith.
1. Thou believest with a Fantastical Faith, for this faith is no where described in the Word.
2. Thou believest with a False Faith, because it taketh Justification from the personal righteousness of Christ, and applies it to thy own.
3. This faith maketh not Christ a Justifier of thy person, but of thy actions; and of thy person for thy actions sake, which is false.
4. Therefore this faith is deceitful, e…en such as will leave thee under wrath, in the day of God Almi. …ty. For true Justifying Fa…th puts the soul (as sensible of its lost condition by the Law) upon flying for refuge unto Christs righteousness: (Which righteousness of his, is not an act of grace, by which he maketh for Justification thy obedience ac…epted with God, but his personal obedience to the Law in doing and suffering for us, what that required at our hands) This righteousness, I say, true faith accepteth, under the skirt of which, the soul being shrouded, and by it presented as spotless before God, it is accepted, and acquit from condemnation.
Ignor.
What! would you have us trust to what Christ in his own person has done without us! This conceit would loosen the reines of our lust, and tollerate us to live as we list: For what matter how we live, if we may be Justified by Christs personal righteousness from all, when we believe it?
Chr.
Ignorance is thy name, and as thy name is, so art thou; even this thy answer demonstrateth what I say. Ignorant thou art of what Justifying righteousness is, and as ignorant how to secure thy soul through the faith of it, from the heavy wrath of God. Yea, thou also art ignorant of the true effects of saving. faith in this righteousness of Christ, which is, to bow and win over the heart to God in Christ, to love his Name, his Word, Ways, and People; and not as thou ignorantly imaginest.
Hop.
Ask him if ever he had Christ revealed to him from Heaven?
Ignor.
What! you are a man for revelations! I believe that what both you, and all the rest of you say about that matter, is but the fruit of distracted braines.
Hop.
Why man! Christ is so hid in God from the natural apprehensions of all flesh, that he cannot by any man be savingly known, unless God the Father reveals him to them.
Ignor.
That is your faith, but not mine; yet mine I doubt not, is as good as yours: Though I have not in my head so many whimzies as you.
Chr.
Give me leave to put in a word: You ought not so slightly to speak of this matter: for this I will boldly affirm (even as my good ComCompanion hath done) that no manMat 11. 18 1 Co. 12. 3.can know Jesus Christ but by the Re… Eph. 1. 18, 19.of the Father: yea, and saith too, by which the soul layeth hold upon Christ (if it be right) must be wrought by the exceeding greatness of his mighty power; the working of which faith, I perceive, poor Ignorance, thou art ignorant of. Be awakened th…n, see thine own wretchedness, and flie to the Lord Jesus; and by his righteousness, which is the righteousness of God, (for he hims…lf is God) thou shalt be deli… from cond…mnation.
Igno.
You go so fast, I cannot keep The tal… broke up.pace with you; do you go on before, I must stay a while behind.
Well Ignorance, wilt thou yet foolish be,
To flight good Counsel, ten times given thee?
And if thou yet refuse it, thou shalt know
Ere long the evil of thy doing so:
Remember man in time, stoop, do not fear,
Good Counsel taken well, saves; there sore hear:
But if thou yet shalt slight it, thou will be
The loser (Ignorance) … warrant ….
Chr.
Well, come my good Hopeful, I perceive that thou and I must walk by our selves again.
So I saw in my D…eam, that they went on a pace before, and I…norance he came hobling after. Then said Christian to his companion, It p…ties me much for this poor man, it will certainly go ill with him at last.
Hope.
A…as, there are abundance in our Town in his condition; whole Families, …ea, whole Streets, (and that of Pilgrims too) and if there be so many in our parts, how many think you, must there be in the place where he was born?
Chr
Indeed the Word saith, He hath blinded their eyes, lest they should see, &c. But now we are by our selves, what do you think of such men? Have they at no time, think you, convictions of sin, and so consequently fears that their state is dangerous?
Hopef.
Nay, do you answer that question your self, for you are the elder man.
Chr.
Then I say sometimes (as I think) they may, but they being naturally ignorant, understand not that such convictions tend to their good; and therefore they do desperately seek to stifle them, and presumptuously continue to flatter themselves in the way of their own hearts.
Hopef.
I do believe as you say, thatThe … use of … fear tends much to Mens good, and to make them right, at their beginning to go on Pilgrimage.
Chr.
Without all doubt it dot …, if it Job …. 29.be right: for so says the word, The fear of…. …. …. th… Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.Pro. 17 ch. 9. 10.
Hopef.
How will you describe right fear?
Chr.
True, or right fear, is discovered … ….by three things.
1. By its rise. It is caused by saving convictions for sin.
2. It driveth the soul to lay fast hold of Christ for Salvation.
3. It begetteth and continueth in the soul a great reverence of God, his word, and ways, keeping … tender, and making it afraid to turn from them, to the right hand, or to the left, to any thing that may dishonour God, break its peace, grieve the Spirit, or cause the Enemy to speak reproachfully.
Hopef.
Well said, I believe you have said the truth. Are we now almost got past the Inchanted ground?
Chr.
Why, are you weary of this discourse?
Hopef.
No verily, but that I would know where we are.
Chr.
We have not now above two Miles further to go thereon. But let us return to our matter. Now the Ignorant know not that such convictions that tend to put them in fear, are for their good, and therefore they seek to stifle them.
Hopef.
How do they seek to stifle them?
Chr.
1. They think that those fears are wrought by the Devil (though indeed they are wrought of God) and thinking so, they resist them, as things that directly tend to their overthrow. 2. They also think that these fears tend to the spoiling of their faith, (when alas for them, poor men that they are! they have none at all) and therefore they harden their hearts against them. 3. They presume they ought not to fear, and therefore, in despite of them, wax presumptuously confident. 4. They see that these … tend to take away from them the… pitiful old self-holiness, and therefore they resist them with all their might.
Hope.
I know something of this my self; for before I knew my self it was so with me.
Chr.
Well, we will leave at this tim eour Neighbour Ignorance by himhimself, and fall upon another profit able question.
Hopef.
With all my heart, but youTalk abo… … …. shall still begin.
Chr.
Well then, Did you not know … … ….about ten years ago, one Temporary in your parts, who was a forward man in Religion then?
Hope.
Know him… Yes, he dwelt in Graceless, a Town about two miles off of Honesty, and he dwelt next door to one Turn-back.
Chr.
Right, he dwelt under the sa… roof with him. Well, that man was much awakened once; I believe that then he had some fight of his sins, and of the wages that was … thereto.
H…e.
I am of your mind, for (my H…se not being above three mile… from him) he would ost times come to me, and that with many tears. Truly I pitied the man, and was not altogether without hope of him; … one may … it is … … one that cries, Lor…, ….
Chr.
He told me …, That … … resolved to go on … … … … …; but all of a … … … … … one …, … … he … … … to ….
Hope.
Now … we are … about him, let us a little enquire into the reason of the … back…ding of him and such others
Chr.
It … be … pro…, … … yo… ….
Hope.
Well then, there are in my judgement four reasons for it.
1. Though the … of such … are awaken…d, yet their … are not changed: there… when the pow… of guilt … away, that which provoked them to be Religious, ceaseth. Wherefore they … turn to their own course again: even … we see the Dog that is sick of what he hath eaten, so … as his sickness …, he vomits and … up all; not that he doth this of a free mind (if we may say a Dog has a mind) but because it troubleth his Stomach, but now … his … … over, and so his Stomach eased, his desires being not at all alienate from his vomit, he turns him about and licks upall. And so it is true which is written, The Dog is turned to his own vomit again. This2 Pet. 2: 22. I say being hot for Heaven, by virtue only of the sense and fear of the torments of Hell, as their sense of Hell, and the fears of damnation chills and cools, so their desires for Heaven and Salvation cool also. So then it comes to pass, that when their guilt and fear is gone, their desires for Heaven and Happiness die; and they return to their course again.Pro. 19. 25
2ly. Another reason is, They have slavish fears that do over-master them. I speak now of the fears that they have of men: For the fear of m…n bringeth a snare. So then, though they seem to be hot for Heaven, so long as the flames of Hell are about their ears, yet when that terrour is a little over, they betake themselves to second thoughts; namely, that 'tis good to be: wise, and not to run (for they know not what) the hazard of loosing all; or at least, of bringing themselves into unavoidable and un-necessary troubles: and so they fall in with the world again.
3ly. The shame that attends Religion, lies also as a block in their way; they are proud and haughty, and Religion in th…ir eye is low and contemptible: Therefore when they have lost their sense of Hell and wrath to come, they return again to their former course.
4ly. Guilt, and to meditate terrour, are grievous to them, they like not to see their misery before they come into it. Though perhaps the sight of it first, if they loved that sight, might make them flie whither the righteous flie and are safe; but because they do, as I hinted before, even shun the thoughts of guilt and terrour, therefore, when once they are rid of their awakenings about the terrors and wrath of God, they harden their hearts gladly, and chuse such ways as will harden them more and more.
Chr.
You are pretty near the business, for the bottom of all is, for want of a change in their mind and will. And therefore they are but like the Fellon that standeth before the Judge, he quakes and trembles, and seems to repent most heartily; but the bottom of all is, the fear of the …, not of any detestation of the offence; as is evident, because, let but this man have his liberty, and he will be a T…ief, and so a Rogue still; whereas, if his mind was changed, he would be otherwise.
Hope.
Now I have shewed you the reasons of their going back, do you shew me the manner thereof.
Chr.
So I will willingly.How t…e Apostate goes back.
1. They draw off their thoughts all that they may, from the remembrance of God, Death, and Judgement to come.
2. Then they cast off by degrees private Duties, as Closet-Prayer, curbing their lusts, watching, sorrow for sin, and the like.
3. Then they shun the company of lively and warm Christians.
4. After that, they grow cold to publick Duty, as Hearing, R…ading, Godly Confe…ence, and the like.
5. Then they beginto pick holes, as we say, in the Coats of some of the Godly, and that devisishly; that they may have a seeming colour to throw Religion (for the sake of some infirmity they have spied in them) behind their backs.
6. Then they begin to adhere to, and associate themselves with carnal loose and wanton men.
7. Then they give way to carnal and wanton discourses in secret; and glad are they if they can see such things in any that are counted honest, that they may the more boldly do it through their example.
8 After this, they begin to play with little sins openly.
9. And then, being hardened, they shew themselves as they are. Thus being lanched again into the gulf of misery, unless a Miracle of Grace prevent it, they everlastingly perish in their own deceivings.
Now I saw in my Dream, that by this time the Pilgrims were got over the Inchant…d Ground, and entering in the Countrey of Beulah, whoseIsa. 62. 4. Air was very sweet and pleasant, theCant. 2. 10, 11, 12. way lying directly through it, they solaced themselves there for a season. Yea, here they heard continually the singing of Birds, and saw every day the flowers appear in the earth: and heard the voice of the Turtle in the Land. In this Countrey the Sun shineth night and day; wherefore this was beyond the Valley of the shadow of death, and also out of the reach of Giant Despair; neither could they from this place so much as see Doubting-Castle. Here they were within sight of the City they were going to: also here met them some of the Inhabitants thereof. ForAngels in this Land the shining Ones commonly walked, because it was upon the Borders of Heaven. In this Land also the contract between the Bride and the Bridgroom was renewed:Isa. 62. 5. Yea here, as the … rejoyceth over the Bride, so … God rejoyce ver. 3.over them. Here they had no want of Corn and Wine; for in this place they met with abundance of what they had sought in all their Pilgrimage. Here they heard voices from out of the City, loud voices; saying, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold thy Salvation cometh, behold his reward ver. 11.is with him. Here all the Inhabitants of the Countrey called them,ver. 12. The holy People, The redeemed of the Lord, Sought out, &c.
Now as they walked in this Land, they had more rejoycing then in parts more remo…e from the King…om to which they were bound; and drawing near to the City, they had yet a more perfect view thereof. It was builded of Pearls and precious Stones, also the Street thereof w…s paved with Gold, so that by reason of the natural glory of the City, and the reflection of the Sun-beams upon it, Christian, with desire sell sick, Hopeful also had a fit or two of the same Disease: Wherefore here they lay by it a while, crying out because of th…ir pangs, If you see my Beloved, tell him that I am sick of love.
But being a little strengthened, and better able to bear their sickness, they walked on their way, and came yet nearer and nearer, where were Orchards, Vineyards and Gardens, and their Gates opened into the Highway. Now as they came up to these places, behold the Gardener stood inDeut. 23. 24. the way; to whom the Pilgrims said, Whose goodly Vineyards and Gardens are these? He answered, They are the Kings, and are planted here for his own delights, and also for the solace of Pilgrims. So the Gardiner ha… them into the Vineyards, and bid them refresh themselves w…th the Dainties; he also shewed them there the Kings walks, and the Arbons where he delighted to be: And here they …arried and ….
Now I beheld in my Dream, that they talked more in their sleep at this time, then ever they did in all their Journey; and being in a muse there-about, the Gardiner sa d even to me, Wherefore muse…t thou at the matter? It is the nature of the fruit of the Gra…es of these Vineyards to go down so sweetly, as to cause the lips of them that are asleep to speak.
So I saw that when they awoke, they addressed themselves to go, up to the City. But. as. I said, the reflections of the Sun upon the CityRevel. 21. 18. (for the City was pure Gold) was so, extreamly glorious, that they could not, as yet, with open sace behold:1 Cor. 3. 18. it, but through an Instrument made for that purpose. So I saw, that as they went on, there met them two men, in …aiment that shone like Gold, also, their saces shone as the light.
These men asked the …ilgrims whence they came? and they told them; they also asked them, Where they had lodg'd, what …, and dangers, what comforts and pleasures they had met in the way? and they told them. Then said the men that met them, You have but two … more to meet with, and then you are in the City.
Christian then and his Companion asked the men to go along with them, so they told th…m they would; but, … they, you must obtain it by your own faith. So I saw in my Dream that they went on together till they came within sight of the Gate.
Now I further saw that … them and the Gate was a …iver, butDeath. there was no Bridge to go over, the River was very deep; at the sight therefore of this River, the …ilgrims were much …, but the menDeath is not welcome to nature though … it we … out of this world into glory. that went with them said. You must go through, or you cannot come at the Gate.
The …ilgrims them began to enquire if there was no other way to the Gate; to which they answered, Yes, but there hath not any, save two, to wit, Enoch and Elijah, been permitted to tread that path, since the foundation of the World, nor shall, untill the last Trumper shall1 Cor. 15. 51, 52. sound. The Pilgrims then, especially Christian, began to … in his mind, and looked this wav and that, but no way could be found by them, … which they might escape the River. Then they … the men, if the Waters were all of a depth. They said, No; … they could not help them in that Case, for said they:…. You shall find it … or shallower, as you … in … … of … place.
They then addressed themselves to the …; and entring, Christian … to sink, and … out to his good Friend …; he said, I sink in deep Waters, the Billows go over my head, all his Waves go over me, Selah.
Then said the other, Be of good chear, my Brother, I feel the bottom, and it is good. Then said Christian, Ah my friend, the sorrows of…. death have compassed me about, I shall not see the Land that flows with Milk and Honey. And with that, a great darkness and … fell upon Christian, so that he could not see before him; also here he in great measure lost his senses, so that he could neither remember nor orderly talk of any of those sweet refreshments that he had met with in the way of his Pilgrimage. But all the words that he spake, still tended to discover that he had horror of mind, and hearty fears that he should die in that River, and never obtain entrance in at the Gate: here also, as they that stood by, …, he was much in the troublesome thoughts of the sins that he had committed, both since and before he began to be a Pilgrim. 'Twas also observed, that he was troubled with apparitions of Hogoblins and Evil Spirits. For ever and anon he would intimate so much by words. Hopeful therefore here had much adoe to keep his Brothers head above water, yea sometimes he would be quite gone down, and then ere a while he would rise up again half dead. Hopeful also would endeavour to comfort him, …, Brother, I see the Gate, and men … by it to receive us. But Christian would answer: 'Tis you, 'tis you they wait for, you have been Hopeful ever since I knew you; and so have you, said he to Christian. Ah Brother, said he, surely if I was right, he would now arise to help me; but sor my sins he hath brought me into the snare, and hath left me. Then said Hopeful, My Brother, you have quite forgot the Text, where its said of the wicked, There is no band in Psal. 33. 4, 5.their death, but their strength is firm, they are not troubled as other men, neithet are they plagued like other men. These troubles and … that you go through in these Waters, are no sign that God hath forsaken you, but are sent to try you, whether you will call to mind that which heretofore you have received of his goodness, and live upon him in your distresses.
Then I saw in my Dream, that Christian was as in a muse a while; To whom also Hopeful added this word, Be of good chear, Jesus Christ maketh … whole: And withChristian delivered from … tears in death that, Christian brake out with a loud voice, Oh I see him again! and he tells me, When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and Isa. 40. 2.through the Rivers, they shall not overflow thee. Then they both took courage, and the enemy was after that as … as a stone, untill they were gone over. Christian therefore presently sound ground to stand upon; and so it followed that the rest of the River was but shallow. Thus they got over. Now upon the bank of the River, on the other side, they saw the two … men again, who there waited for them. Wherefore being come up out of the River, … saluted them saying, We are … Spirits, sent forth to minister The … do wait … them so … as they are passed … … this world.for those that shall be Heirs of Salvation. Thus they went along towards the Gate, now you must note that the City stood upon a mighty hill, but the Pilgrims went up that hill with ease, because they had these two men to lead them up by the Arms; also they had left their Mortal GarmentsThey … put off mortality. behind them in the River; for though they went in with them, they came out without them. They therefore went up here with much agility and speed, though the foundation upon which the City was … was higher then the Clouds. They th…refore went up through the R…gions of the Air, sweetly talking as they went, being comforted, because they safely got o…er the River, and had such glorious Companions to attend them.
The talk they had with the shining Ones, was about the Glory of the place, who told them, that the beauty, and glory of it was inexpressible. Ther…, said they, is the Mount Sion, Heb. 12. 2, 23. 24.the Heavenly Jerusalem, the inumerableRev. 2. 7. Company of Angels, and theRev 3 4. Spirits of Just men made perfect: You are going now, said they, to the Paradi…e of God, wherein you shall see the Tree of Life, and eat of the never-fading fruits thereof: And when you come there you shall have white Robes given you, a…d your walk and talk shall be every day with the King, even all the days of Eternity. There you shall not see again, such things asR…v. 21. 1. …ou saw when you were in the lower Region upon the Earth, to wit, sorrow, sickness, affliction, and death, for the form…r things are passed away, You are going now to Abraham, toIsa. 57. 1. 2 Jacob, and Jacob, and to the ProProphets; men that God hath takenIsa 65. 14. away from the evil to come, and that are now resting upon their Beds, each one walking in his tighteousness. The men then asked, What must we do in the holy place? To whom it was answered, You must there receive the comfort of all your toil, and have joy for all your sorrow; you must reap what you have sown, even the fruit of all your Prayers and Tears, and sufferings for the King byGal. 6. 7. the way. In that place you must wear Crowns of Gold, and enjoy the perpetual sight and Visions of theJoh 3. 2. Holy One, for there you shall see him as he is. There also you shall serve him continually with praise, with shouting and thanksgiving, whom you desired to serve in the World, though with much difficulty, because of the infirmity of your flesh. There your eyes shall be delighted with seeing, and your ears with hearing, the pleasant …oice of the mighty One. There you shall enjoy your friends again, that are got thither before you; and there you shall with joy receive, even every one that follows into the Holy Place after you: There also you shall be … …. 4 13, 14, …, 10.with Glory and Majesty, and put into an equipage fit to ride out with… … the King of Glo…y. When he shall…. … come with sound of Trumpet in the1 …. 6 2, 3. Clouds, as upon the wings of the Wind, you shall come with him; and when he shall sit upon the Throne of Judgement, you shall sit by him; yea, and when he shall pass Sentence upon all the workers of Iniquity, let them be Angels or Men, you also shall have a voice in that Judgement, because they were his and your Enemies. Also when he shall again return to the City, you shall go too, with sound of Trumpet, and be ever with him.
Now while they were thus drawing towards the Gate, be hold a company of the … Host came out to meet them: To whom it was said, by the other two shining Ones, These are the men that have loved our Lord, when they were in the World; and that have left all for his holy Name, and he hath sent us to setch them, and we have brought them thus far on their desired Journey; that they may go in and look their Redeemer in the face with joy Then the Heavenly Host gave aRev…l. 19. great shout, saying, Blessed are they that are called to the Marriage supper of the Lamb: and th…s they came up to the Gate.
Now when they were come up to the Gat…, there was written over it, in Letters of Gold, Blessed are Re. …. 14.they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the Tree of life; and may enter in through the Gates into the City.
Then I saw in my Dream. that the shining men bid them call at the Gate, the which when they did, some from above looked over the Gate; to wit, Enoch, Moses, and Elijah, &c. to whom it was said, These Pilgrims, are come from the Cit… of Destruction, for the love that they bear to the King of this place: and th…n the Pilgrims gave in unto them each man his Certificate, which they had received in the beginning; Those therefore were carried into the King, who when he had read them, said, Where are the men? to whom it was answered, They are standing without the Gate, the King then commanded to open the Gate; That Isa. 26. 2.the … Nation, said he, that … T…uth may enter in.
Now I saw in my Dream, that these two men went in at the Gate; and loe, as they ente…ed, they were transfigured, and they had Raiment put on that shone like Gold. There was al o that met them with Harps and Crowns, and gave them to them; The Ha…p to praise withall, and the Crowns in token of honour; Then I heard in my Dream that all the Bells in the City Rang for joy: and that it was said …nto them, Enter ye into the joy of your Lord. I also heard the men themselves, that they sang with aRev. 5. 13. 14. loud voice, saying, Blessing, Honour, Glory and Power, be to him that … upon the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever.
Now just as the … …ere opened to let in the men, I look…d in after them; … behold, the City shone like the Sun, …he St…eets also were paved with …old, and in them walked ma…y … w…th … on their h…ads, … in th…ir hands, and golden … to sing praises withall.
There were also of them that had wings, and they answered one another without intermission, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord. And after that, they shut up the Gates: which when I had seen, I wished my self among them.
Now while I was gazing upon all these things, I turned my head to look back, an… saw Ignorance come up to the River side; but he soon got over, and that without half that dif…iculty which the other two men met with. For it happened that there was then in that plac… … Vain-hope a Ferry-man, that with his Boat helped him over: so he, as the other I saw, did ascend the Hill to come up to the Gate, only he came alone; neither did any man m…et him with the least incouragement. When he was come up to the Gate, he looked up to the writing that was above; and then began to knock, supposing that entrance should have been quickly administered to him: But he was asked by the men that lookt over the top of the Gate, Whence came you? an… what would you have? He answered, I have eat and drank in … … of the King, and he has taught in our Streets. Then they asked him for his Certificate, that they might go in and shew it to the King. So he sumbled in his bosom for one, and found none. Then said they, Have you none? But the man answered never a word. So they told the King, but he would not come down to see him; but commanded the two shining Ones that conducted Christian and Hopeful to the City, to go out and take Ignonorance and bind him hand and foot, and have him away. Then they took him up, and carried him through the air to the door that I saw in the side of the Hill, and put him in there. Then I saw that there was away to Hell, even from the Gates of Heave… as well as from the City of Destruction. So I awoke, and behold it was a Dream.
FINIS.