[Prov.
5:5] So I shut mine eyes, because I would not be bewitched with
her looks. [Job 31:1] Then she railed on me, and I went my way.

CHR. Did you meet with no other assault as you came?

{175} FAITH. When I came to the foot of the hill called Difficulty,
I met with a very aged man, who asked me what I was, and whither
bound. I told him that I am a pilgrim, going to the Celestial
City. Then said the old man, Thou lookest like an honest fellow;
wilt thou be content to dwell with me for the wages that I shall
give thee? Then I asked him his name, and where he dwelt. He
said his name was Adam the First, and that he dwelt in the town
of Deceit. [Eph. 4:22] I asked him then what was his work, and
what the wages he would give. He told me that his work was many
delights; and his wages that I should be his heir at last. I further
asked him what house he kept, and what other servants he had. So
he told me that his house was maintained with all the dainties in
the world; and that his servants were those of his own begetting.
Then I asked if he had any children. He said that he had but three
daughters: The Lust of the Flesh, The Lust of the Eyes, and The
Pride of Life, and that I should marry them all if I would. [1
John 2:16] Then I asked how long time he would have me live with
him? And he told me, As long as he lived himself.

CHR. Well, and what conclusion came the old man and you to at last?

FAITH. Why, at first, I found myself somewhat inclinable to go
with the man, for I thought he spake very fair; but looking in his
forehead, as I talked with him, I saw there written, "Put off the
old man with his deeds."

CHR. And how then?

{176} FAITH. Then it came burning hot into my mind, whatever he
said, and however he flattered, when he got me home to his house,
he would sell me for a slave. So I bid him forbear to talk, for
I would not come near the door of his house. Then he reviled me,
and told me that he would send such a one after me, that should
make my way bitter to my soul. So I turned to go away from him;
but just as I turned myself to go thence, I felt him take hold of
my flesh, and give me such a deadly twitch back, that I thought he
had pulled part of me after himself. This made me cry, "O wretched
man!" [Rom. 7:24] So I went on my way up the hill.

Now when I had got about half-way up, I looked behind, and saw one
coming after me, swift as the wind; so he overtook me just about
the place