Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/71

Rh But when they were come even almost at him, he cried out with a most vehement voice, "I will walk in the strength of the Lord God;" so they gave back, and came no further.

One thing I would not let slip: I took notice that now poor Christian was so confounded, that he did not know his own voice. And thus I perceived it: Just when he was come over against the mouth of the burning pit, one of the wicked ones got behind him, and stepped up softly to him, and whisperingly suggested many grievous blasphemies to him, which he verily thought had proceeded from his own mind. This put Christian more to it than anything that he met with before, even to think that he should now blaspheme Him that he loved so much before; yet if he could have helped it, he would not have done it: but he had not the discretion either to step his ears or to know from whence those blasphemies came.

When Christian had travelled in this disconsolate condition some considerable time, he thought he heard the voice of a man, as going before him, saying, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear none ill: for thou art with me." (Ps. xxiii. 4)

Then was he glad, and that for these reasons:—

First, Because he gathered from thence, that some who feared God were in this valley as well as himself.

Secondly, For that he perceived God was with them, though in that dark and dismal state. And why not, thought he, with me? though, by reason of the impediment that attends this place, I cannot perceive it. (Job ix. ll.)

Thirdly, For that he hoped, could he overtake them, to have company by-and-by.

So he went on, and called to him that was before; but he knew not what to answer, for that he also thought himself to be alone. And by-and-by the day broke: then said Christian, He hath "turned the shadow of death into the morning." (Amos v. 8.)