of the law to do them.' [Gal. 3:10]
{58} Now Christian looked for nothing but death, and began to cry
out lamentably; even cursing the time in which he met with Mr. Worldly
Wiseman; still calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening
to his counsel; he also was greatly ashamed to think that this
gentleman's arguments, flowing only from the flesh, should have
the prevalency with him as to cause him to forsake the right way.
This done, he applied himself again to Evangelist in words and
sense as follow:
{59} CHR. Sir, what think you? Is there hope? May I now go back
and go up to the wicket-gate? Shall I not be abandoned for this,
and sent back from thence ashamed? I am sorry I have hearkened to
this man's counsel. But may my sin be forgiven?
EVAN. Then said Evangelist to him, Thy sin is very great, for by
it thou hast committed two evils: thou hast forsaken the way that
is good, to tread in forbidden paths; yet will the man at the gate
receive thee, for he has goodwill for men; only, said he, take heed
that thou turn not aside again, 'lest thou perish from the way,
when his wrath is kindled but a little.' [Ps. 2:12] Then did
Christian address himself to go back; and Evangelist, after he had
kissed him, gave him one smile, and bid him God-speed. So he went
on with haste, neither spake he to any man by the way; nor, if any
asked him, would he vouchsafe them an answer. He went like one
that was all the while treading on forbidden ground, and could by
no means think himself safe, till again he was got into the way
which he left, to follow Mr. Worldly Wiseman's counsel. So, in
process of time, Christian got up to the gate. Now, over the gate
there was written, 'Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.' [Matt
7:8]
{60} "He that will enter in must first without
Stand knocking at the Gate, nor need he doubt
That is A KNOCKER but to enter in;
For God can love him, and forgive his sin."
He knocked, therefore, more than once or twice, saying--
"May I now enter here? Will he within
Open to sorry me, though I have been
An undeserving rebel? Then shall I
Not fail to sing his lasting praise on high."
At last there came a grave person to the gate, named Good-will, who
asked who was there? and whence he came? and what he would have?
{61} CHR. Here is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the City of
Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered
from the
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