Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/20

16 by no means be. You dwell, said he, in the City of Destruction (the place also where I was born): I see it to be so; and, dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than the grave into a place that burns with fire and brimstone: be content, good neighbours, and go along with me.

Obst. What! said Obstinate, and leave our friends and our comforts behind us?

Chr. Yes, said Christian (for that was his name), because that all which you shall forsake is not to be compared with a little of that that I am seeking to enjoy (2 Cor. iv. 18); and if you will go along with me and behold it, you shall fare as I myself; for there, where I go, is enough and to spare. (Luke xv. 17.) Come away, and prove my words.

Obst. What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find them?

Chr. I seek an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away; and it is laid up in heaven (1 Pet.i. 4–6. Heb. xi. 6, 16), and safe there, to be bestowed, at the time appointed, on them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my book.

Obst. Tush, said Obstinate, away with your book; will you go back with us, or no?

Chr. No, not I, said the other, because I have laid my hand to the plough. (Luke ix. 62.)

Obst. Come then, neighbour Pliable, let us turn again, and go home without him: there is a company of these crazy-headed coxcombs that, when they take a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason.

Pli. Then said Pliable, Don't revile; if what the good Christian says is true, the things he looks after are better than ours; my heart inclines to go with my neighbour.

Obst. What! more fools still! Be ruled by me, and go back; who knows whither a such a brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and be wise.