Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/276

272. And now it comes into my mind, I will tell you a story worth the hearing. There were two men that went on pilgrimage; the one began when he was young, the other when he was old. The young man had strong corruptions to grapple with; the old man's were weak with the decays of nature. The young man trod his steps as even as did the old one, and was every way as light as he. Who now, or which of them, had their graces shining clearest, since both seemed to be alike?

Hon. The young man's, doubtless. For that which makes head against the greatest opposition, gives best demonstration that it is strongest; especially when it also holdeth pace with that which meets not with half so much, as, to be sure, old age does not. Besides, I have observed that old men have blessed themselves with this mistake namely, taking the decays of nature for a gracious conquest over corruptions, and so have been apt to beguile themselves. Indeed, old men that are gracious are best able to give advice to them that are young, because they have seen most of the emptiness of things. But yet. for an old man and a young to set out both together, the young one has the advantage of the fairest discovery of a work of grace within him, though the old man's corruptions are naturally the weakest.—Thus they sat talking till break of day.

Now, when the family were up, Christiana bid her son James read a chapter; so he read the 53rd of Isaiah. When he had done, Mr. Honest asked why it was said that the Saviour, was to come "out of a dry ground;" and also, that ",he had no form nor comeliness in him."

Great. Then said Mr. Great—heart, To the first I answer, Because the church of the Jews which Christ came, had then lost almost all the sap and spirit of religion. To the second I say, The words are spoken in the person of unbelievers who, because they want the eye that can see, into our heart,therefore they judge of him by the meanness