ey advanced further they felt less heavy, and though the way did
not in reality grow wider, yet they grew reconciled to the
narrowness of it, especially when they saw the walls here and there
studded with certain jewels called _promises_, such as: "He that
endureth to the end shall be saved;" and "my grace is sufficient for
you." Some, when they were almost ready to faint, were encouraged by
seeing that many niches in the _Narrow Way_ were filled with statues
and pictures of saints and martyrs, who had borne their testimony at
the stake, that the _Narrow Way_ was the safe way; and these
travelers, instead of sinking at the sight of the painted wheel and
gibbet, the sword and furnace, were animated with these words
written under them, "Those that wear white robes, came out of great
tribulation," and "be ye followers of those who through faith and
patience inherit the promises."

In the mean time there came a great multitude of travelers all from
Laodicea; this was the largest party I had yet seen; these were
_neither hot nor cold_, they would not give up future hope, and they
could not endure present pain. So they contrived to deceive
themselves, by fancying that though they resolved to keep the _Happy
Land_ in view, yet there must needs be many different ways which
lead to it, no doubt all equally sure, without all being equally
rough; so they set on foot certain little contrivances to attain the
end without using the means, and softened down the spirit of the
king's directions to fit them to their own practice. Sometimes they
would split a direction in two, and only use that half which suited
them. For instance when they met with the following rule on the
way-post: "Trust in the Lord and be doing good," they would take the
first half, and make themselves easy with a general sort of trust,
that through the mercy of the king all would go well with them,
though they themselves did nothing. And on the other hand, many made
sure that a few good works of their own would do their business, and
carry them safely to the _Happy Land_, though they did _not_ trust
in the Lord, nor place any faith in his word. So they took the
second half of the spliced direction. Thus some perished by a lazy
faith, and others by a working pride.

A large party of Pharisees now appeared, who had so neglected their
lamp that they did not see their way at all, though they fancied
themselves to be full of light; they kept up appearances so well as