Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/75

Rh till he came to the Slough of Despond, where, as some said, he fell in; but he would not be known to have so done; but I am sure he was soundly bedabbled with that kind of dirt.

Chr. And what said the neighbours to him?

Faith. He hath, since his going back, been had greatly in derision, and that among all sorts of people: some do mock and despise him, and scarce will any set him on work. He is now seven times worse than if he had never gone out of the city.

Chr. But why should they be so set against him, since they also despise the way that he forsook?

Faith. Oh, they say, Hang him; he is a turncoat; he was not true to his profession! I think God has stirred up even his enemies to hiss at him, and make him. a proverb, because he hath forsaken the way. (Jer. xxix. 18, 19.)

Chr. Had you no talk with him before you came out?

Faith. I met him once in the streets, but he leered away on the other side, as one ashamed of what he had done: so I spake not to him.

Chr. Well, at my furst setting out I had hopes of that man; but now I fear he will perish in the overthrow of the city. For it has happened to him according to the true proverb, "The dog: is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." (2 Pet. ii. 22.)

Faith. These are my fears of him too; but who can hinder that which will be?

Chr. Well, neighbour Faithful, said Christian, let us leave him, and talk of things that more immediately concern ourselves. Tell me now what you have met with in the way as you came; for I know you have met with some things, or else it may he writ for a wonder.

Faith. I escaped the Slough that I perceived-you fell into, and got up to the gate without that danger; only I met with one whose name was Wanton, who had like to have done me a mischief.

Chr. It was well you escaped her net: Joseph was hard