The Pilgrims Progess | Page 5

There, I say, you may go to get rid of your load. I would not have you go back to your old home, but you can send for your wife and babes, and you will find that food there is cheap and good.
Now was Christian brought to a stand; but by and by he said, Sir, which is my way to this good man's house?
Worldly Wiseman.--Do you see that hill?
Christian.--Yes, I do.
Worldly Wiseman.--By that hill you must go, and the first house you come to is his.
So Christian went out of his way to find Mr. Legality's house to seek for help.
But, lo, when he had got close up to the hill, it was so steep and high that he had fear lest it should fall on his head; so he stood still, for he knew not what to do. His load, too, was of more weight to him than when he was on the right road. Then came flames of fire out of the hill, that made him quake for fear lest he should be burnt. And now it was a great grief to him that he had lent his ear to Worldly Wiseman; and it was well that he just then saw Evangelist come to meet him; though at the sight of him he felt a deep blush on his face for shame. So Evangelist drew near, and when he came up to him, he said, with a sad look; What dost thou here, Christian?
To these words Christian knew not what to say, so he stood quite mute. Then Evangelist went on thus: Art not thou the man that I heard cry in The City of Destruction?
Christian.--Yes, dear Sir, I am the man.
Evangelist.--Did not I point out to thee the way to the Wicket Gate?
Christian.--Yes, you did, Sir.
Evangelist.--How is it, then, that thou hast so soon gone out of the way?
Christian.--When I had got out of the Slough of Despond I met a man who told me that in a town near, I might find one who could take off my load.
Evangelist.--What was he?
Christian.--He had fair looks, and said much to me, and got me at last to yield; so I came here. But when I saw this hill, and how steep it was, I made a stand, lest it should fall on my head.
Evangelist.--What said the man to thee?
When Evangelist had heard from Christian all that took place, he said: Stand still a while, that I may show thee the words of God.
So Evangelist went on to read, 'Now the just shall live by faith, but if a man draw back, my soul shall have no joy in him.' Is not this the case with thee? said he: Hast not thou drawn back thy feet from the way of peace, to thine own cost; and dost thou not spurn the most high God?
Then Christian fell down at his feet as dead, and said: Woe is me! Woe is me!
At the sight of which, Evangelist caught him by the right hand, and said: Faith hopes all things.
Then did Christian find some peace, and stood up.
Evangelist.--I pray thee give more heed to the things that I shall tell thee of. The Lord says, 'Strive to go in at the strait gate, the gate to which I send thee, for strait is the gate that leads to life, and few there be that find it.' Why didst thou set at nought the words of God, for the sake of Mr. Worldly Wiseman? That is, in truth, the right name for such as he. The Lord hath told thee that he who will save his life shall lose it.' He to whom thou wast sent for ease, Legality by name, could not set thee free; no man yet has got rid of his load through him; he could but show thee the way to woe, for by the deeds of the law no man can be rid of his load. So that Mr. Worldly Wiseman and his friend Mr. Legality are false guides; and as for his son Civility, 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