The Pilgrims Progess | Page 6

he could not help
thee.
Now Christian, in great dread, could think of nought but death, and sent
forth a sad cry in grief that he had gone from the right way. Then he
spoke once more to Evangelist in these words:--Sir, what think you? Is
there hope? May I now go back, and strive to reach The Wicket Gate? I
grieve that I gave ear to this man's voice; but may my sin find grace?
Evangelist.--Thy sin is great, for thou hast gone from the way that is
good, to tread in false paths, yet will the man at the gate let thee
through, for he has love and good will for all men; but take heed that
thou turn not to the right hand or to the left.

Then did Christian make a move to go back, and Evangelist gave him a
kiss and one smile, and bade him God speed.
So he went on with haste, nor did he speak on the road; and could by
no means feel safe till he was in the path which he had left. In time, he
got up to the gate. And as he saw by the words which he read on it, that
those who would knock could go in, he gave two or three knocks, and
said: May I go in here?
At last there came a great man to the gate, whose name was Good-will,
and he said: Who is there; whence come you, and what would you
have?
Christian.--I come from The City of Destruction with a load of Sins on
my back; but I am on my way to Mount Zion, that I may be free from
the wrath to come; and as I have been told that my way is through this
gate, I would know, Sir, if you will let me in?
Good-will.--With all my heart.
So he flung back the gate. But just as Christian went in, he gave him a
pull.
Then said Christian: What means that? Good-will told him that a short
way from this gate there was a strong fort, of which Beelzebub was the
chief, and that from thence he and the rest that dwelt there shot darts at
those that came up to the gate to try if they could kill them ere they got
in.
Then said Christian: I come in with joy and with fear. So when he had
gone in, the man at the gate said: Who sent you here?
Christian.--Evangelist bade me come and knock (as I did); and he said
that you, Sir, would tell me what I must do.
Good-will.--The door is thrown back wide for you to come in, and no
man can shut it.
Christian.--Now I seem to reap the good of all the risks I have met with
on the way.
Good-will.--But how is it that no one comes with you?
Christian.--None of my friends saw that there was cause of fear, as I
did.
Good-will.--Did they know of your flight?
Christian.--Yes, my wife and young ones saw me go, and I heard their
cries as they ran out to try and stop me. Some of my friends, too, would
have had me come home, but I put my hands to my ears, and so came

on my way.
Good-will.--But did none of them come out to beg of you to go back?
Christian.--Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable came, but when they found
that I would not yield, Obstinate went home, but Pliable came with me
as far as the Slough of Despond.
Good-will.--Why did he not come through it?
When Christian told him the rest, he said: Ah, poor man! Is a world of
bliss such a small thing to him, that he did not think it worth while to
run a few risks to gain it?
Sir, said Christian, there is not much to choose twixt him and me. Then
he told Good-will how he had been led from the straight path by Mr.
Worldly Wiseman.
Good-will.--Oh, did he light on you? What! He would have had you
seek for ease at the hands of Mr. Legality. They are, in truth, both of
them cheats. And did you take heed of what he said?
Christian then told him all. But now that I am come, said he, I am more
fit for death, than to stand and talk to my Lord. But oh, the joy it is to
me to be here!
Good-will.--We keep none out that knock at this gate, let them have
done what they may ere they came here; for they are 'in no wise cast
out.' So, good Christian, come with me, and I will teach you the way
you must go. Look in front. That is the way which was laid down by