Page:The pilgrim's progress by John Bunyan every child can read (1909).djvu/40

34 that by this gate is the way thither, know, if you are wiling to let me in.

"I am willing with all my heart," said he; and, with that, he opened the gate.

So, when Christian was stepping in, the other gave him a pull. Then said Christian, "What means that?" The other told him, "A little distance from this gate there is erected a strong castle, of which Beelzebub, the Evil One, is the captain; from whence both he and they that are with him shoot arrows at those that come up to this gate, if haply they may die before they can enter in." Then said Christian, "I rejoice and tremble." So when he was got in, the man of the gate asked him who directed him thither.

Evangelist bid me come hither and knock, as I did; and he said that you, sir, would tell me what I must do.

An open door is set before thee, and no man can shut it.

Now I begin to reap the benefit of the trouble which I have taken.

But how is it that you came alone?

Because none of my neighbors saw their danger, as I saw mine.

Did any of them know you were coming?

Yes, my wife and children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn again; also some of my neighbors stood crying and calling after me to return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way.