Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/26

22 for there, as I am informed, I shall be put into a way to be rid of any heavy burden.

World. Hast thou a wife and children?

Chr. Yes; but I am so laden with this burden, that I cannot take that pleasure in them as formerly: methinks I am as if I had none. (1 Cor. vii. 29.)

World. Wilt thou heathen to me if I give thee counsel?

Chr. If it be good, I will; for I stand in need of good counsel.

World. I would advise thee, then, that thou with all speed get thyself rid of thy burden; for thou wilt never be settled in thy mind till then: nor canst thou enjoy the benefits of the blessings which God hath bestowed upon thee till then.

Chr. That is that which I seek for, even to be rid of this heavy burden: but get it off myself I cannot; nor is there any man in our country that can take it off my shoulders: therefore am I going this way, I told you, that I may be rid of my burden.

World. Who bid thee go this way to be rid of thy burden?

Chr. A man that appeared to me to be a very great and honourable person; his name, as I remember, is Evangelist.

World. Beshrew him for his counsel! there is not a more dangerous and troublesome way in the world than is that onto which he hath directed thee; and that thou shalt find, if thou wilt be ruled by his counsel. Thou hast met with something, as I perceive, already; for I see the dirt of the Slough of Despond is upon thee: but that Slough is the beginning of the sorrows that do attend those that go on in that way. Hear me; "I am older than thou: thou art like to meet with, in the way which then goest, wearisomeness, painfulness, hunger, perils, nakedness, sword, lions, dragons, darkness, and, in a word, death, and what not. These things are, certainly true, having been confirmed by, many testimonies. And should a man so carelessly cast away himself, by giving heed to a stranger?