Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/131

Rh he is a fool." (Eccles. x. 3.) What! shall we talk further with him, or outgo 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 to him? Then said Hopeful,—

Hope. He further added, It is not good, I think, to say so to him all at once; let us pass him by, if you will, and talk to him anon, even he is "able to bear it."

So they both went on, and Ignorance he came after. Now when they had him a little way, they entered into a very dark lane, where they met a man whom seven devils had bound with seven strong cords, and were carrying back to the door that they saw on the side of the hill. (Matt. xii. 45. Prov. v. 22.) 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 dwelt in the town of Apostasy. 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 to his fellow, Now I call to my remembrance that which was told me of a thing that happened to a good man hereabout. The name of that man was Little-faith; but a good man, and he dwelt in the town of Sincere. The thing; was this: At the entering in at this passage, there comes down from Broadway-gate