Chr. Evangelist bid me come hither and knock (as I did); and he said, that you, Sir, would tell me what I must do. Good. An open door is.before thee, and no man can shut it. Chr. Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards. Good. But how is it that you came alone? Chr. Because none of my neighbours saw their danger, as I saw mine. Good. Did any of them know of your coming? Chr. Yes! my wife and children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn again: also some of my neighbours stood crying and calling after me to return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way. Good. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back? Chr. Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable; but, when they saw that they could not prevail, Obstinate went railing back, but Pliable came with me a little way. Good. But why did he not come through? Chr. We indeed came both together, until we came to the Slough of Despond, into which we also suddenly fell. And then was my neighbour Pliable discouraged, and would not adventure farther. Wherefore, getting out again on that side next his own house, he told me, I should possess the brave country alone for him: so he went his way, and I came mine; he after Obstinate, and I to this gate. Good. Then said Goodwill, alas, poor man, is the cœlestial glory of so small esteem with him, that he counteth it not worth running the hazard of a few difficulties to obtain it? Chr. Truly, said Christian, I have said the truth of Pliable, and if I should also say all the truth of myself, it will appear there is no difference betwixt him and myself. 'Tis true, he went back to his own house; but I also turned aside to go in the way of death, being persuaded thereto by the curnal argument of one Mr. Worldly Wiseman. C Good. Oh! did he light upon you? What he would have had you sought for ease at the hands of Mr. Legality; they are both of them very cheats: but did you take his counsel? Chr. Yes, as far as I durst: I went to find out Mr. Legality, until I thought that the mountain that stands by his house, would have fallen upon my head; wherefore there I was forced to stop. Good. That mountain has been the death of many, and will be the death of many more: 'tis well you escaped being dashed to pieces by it. Chr. Why, truly, I do not know what had become of me there, had not Evangelist happily met me again as I was musing in the midst of my dumps: but it was God's mercy, that he came to me again, for else I had never come hither. But now I am come, such a one as I am, more fit indeed for death by that mountain, than thus to stand talking with my Lord : but, oh! what a favour is this to me, that yet I am admitted entrance here! Good. We make no objections against any, notwithstanding all that they have done before they came hither. They in no wise are cast out (b); and therefore, good Christian, come a little way with me, and I will teach thee about the way thou must go. Look before thee; dost thou see this narrow way? That is the way thou must go. It was cast up by the patriarchs, prophets, Christ and his apostles, and it is as straight as a rule can make it. This is the way thou must go. Chr. But, said Christian, are there no turnings nor windings, by which a stranger may lose his way; Good. Yes, there are many ways butt down upon this; and they are crooked and wide; but thus thou mayst distinguish the right from the wrong; the right only being straight and narrow (c) Then I saw in my dream, that Christian asked him farther, if he could not help him off with the (c) Matt. vii. 14. (b) John vi. burden that was upon his back; for as yet he had not got rid thereof, nor could he by any means get it off without help. He told him, as to thy burden, be content to bear it, until thou comest to the place of deliverance; for there it will fall from thy back of itself. Then Christian began to gird up his loins, and to address himself to his journey. So the other told him, that by that he was gone some distance from the gate, he would come to the house of the Interpreter, at whose door he should knock, and he would show him excellent things. Then Christian took his leave of his friend, and he again bid him God speed. EXPLANATORY NOTES. WE here enter upon a memorable period, of Christian experience. The humbled sinner, after many struggles with guilty fears and legal hopes, is enabled to "claim the pro"mise of the gospel for himself, and to commit his soul to "Jesus." He then enters the Wicket-gate, and may properly be called, A Believer. When Christian arrived at the gate, he knocked and knocked again. The sincere soul will be importunate in prayer, and prayer will prevail. He may solely fear a repulse-he may question the willingness of Christ to save, but shall assuredly find that he is not only able to save to the uttermost, but willing too. "I am willing with all my heart," said he. "We make no objections to any, notwithstanding all that they have done before they came hither. They are in no "wise cast out." O blessed encouragement to the chief of sinners! But let coming souls expect opposition from Sat n. He often shoots fiery darts at them. Wanderings in prayer, enticements to old sins, and even blasphemous thoughts, are common in such a case. Nevertheless, grace shall preval, and the sinner be "snatched as a brand out of the Sre," Zech. ii. 2. Christian set out with company, but reached the gate alone; yet he ascribes the difference only to distinguishing grace. He is filled with holy amazement at the favour besto ed upon him: and so will every one who tastes that the Lord is |