Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/35

Rh it not worth running the hazard of a few difficulties to obtain it?

Chr. Truly, said Christian, I have said the truth of Pliable; and if I should also say the truth of myself, it will appear there is no betterment betwixt him and myself. It is true, he went back to his own house; but I also turned aside to go into the way of death, being persuaded thereto by the carnal argument of one Mr. Worldly Wiseman.

Good-w. Oh! did he light upon you? What! he would have had you seek for ease at the hands of Mr. Legality! they are both of them a very cheat. But did you take his counsel?

Chr. Yes, as far as I durst. I Went to find out Mr. Legality, until I thought that the mountain that stands by his house would have fallen upon my head; wherefore there I was forced to stop.

Good-w. That mountain has been the death of many, and will be the death of many more: it is well you escaped being by it dashed in pieces.

Chr. Why, truly, I do not know what had become of me there, had not Evangelist happily met me again as I was musing in the midst of my dumps; but it was God's mercy that he came to me again, for else I had never come hither. But now I am come, such a one as I am, more fit indeed for death by that mountain, than thus to stand talking with my Lord. But oh! what a favour is this to me, that yet I am admitted entrance here!

Good-w. We make no objections against any; notwithstanding all that they have done before they come hither, "they in no wise are cast out." (John vi. 37.) And there fore, good Christian, come a little Way with me, and I will teach thee about the way thou must go. Look before thee; & dost thou see this narrow way? That is the way thou must go. It was cast up by the patriarchs, prophets, Christ and his apostles, and it is as straight as a rule can make it: this is the way thou must go.