Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/223

Rh lay and slept in, when Christian went by on pilgrimage; and behold, they were hanged up in irons a little way off on the other side.

Mer. Than said Mercy to him that was their guide and conductor, What are those three men? and for what are: they hanged there?

Great. These three men were men of very bad qualities.They had no mind to be pilgrims themselves, and whomsoever they could they hindered. They were for sloth and folly themselves, and whomsoever they could persuade they made so too; and withal taught them to presume that they should do well at last. They were asleep when Christian went by; and now you go by they are hanged.

Mer. But could they persuade any to be of their opinion?

Great. Yes; they turned several out of the way. There was Slow-pace, that they persuaded to do as they. They also prevailed with one Short-wind, with one No-heart, with one Linger-after-lust, and with one Sleepy-head, and with a young woman, her flame was Dull, to turn out of the way, and become as they. Besides, they brought up an ill report of your Lord, persuading others that he was a hard task-master. They also brought up an evil report of the good land, saying it was not half so good as some pretended it was: They also began to vilify his servants, and to count the very best of them meddlesome, troublesome busy-bodies. Further, they would call the bread of God, husks; the comforts of his children, fancies the travel and labour of pilgrims, thing's to no purpose.

Chr. Nay, said Christiana, if they were such, they never shall be bewailed by me. They have but what they deserve; and I think it is well that they stand so near the highway, that others may see and take warning. But had it not been well if their crimes had been engraven in some plate of iron or brass, and left here, where they did their mischiefs, for a caution to other bad men?