wrath to come. I would therefore, Sir, since I am informed
that by this gate is the way thither, know if you are willing to
let me in?

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

{62} 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 is the captain; from thence, both he and them
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?

{63} CHR. Evangelist bid me come hither, and knock, (as I did);
and he said that you, Sir, would tell me what I must do.

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

CHR. Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards.

GOOD-WILL. But how is it that you came alone?

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

GOOD-WILL. Did any of them know of your coming?

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

GOOD-WILL. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go
back?

CHR. Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable; but when they saw that they
could not prevail, Obstinate went railing back, but Pliable came
with me a little way.

GOOD-WILL. But why did he not come through?

{64} CHR. We, indeed, came both together, until we came at the Slough
of Despond, into the which we also suddenly fell. And then was
my neighbour, Pliable, discouraged, and would not venture further.
Wherefore, getting out again on that side next to his own house,
he told me I should possess the brave country alone for him; so he
went his way, and I came mine--he after Obstinate, and I to this
gate.

GOOD-WILL. Then said Good-will, Alas, poor man! is the celestial
glory of so small esteem with him, that he counteth it not worth
running the hazards of a few difficulties to obtain it?

{65} CHR. Truly, said Christian, I have said the truth of Pliable,
and if I should also say all the truth of myself, it will appear
there is no betterment betwixt him and myself. It is true, he went
back to his own house,