The Pilgrims Progess | Page 6

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 Christ and the wise men of old, and it is as straight as a rule can make it.
Christian.--But is there no turn or bend by which one who knows not the road might lose his way?
Good-will.--My friend, there are not a few that lead down to it, and these paths are wide: yet by this you may judge the right from the wrong--the right are straight and are by no means wide.
Then I saw in my dream that Christian said: Could you not help me off with this load on my back?--for as yet he had not got rid of it. He was told: As to your load, you must bear it till you come to the place of Deliverance, for there it will fall from your back.
Then Christian would have set off on the road; but Good-will said: Stop a while and let me