THE Pilgrim's Passage IN poesy. TO THE Palace Beautiful, IN THE Chamber of PEACE. Ager Scholae, A. M. A Syrian ready to perish was my Father. Deut. 26.5. Let the word of Christ dw●ll in you richly, in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, singing with Grace in your Hearts to the Lord, Col. 3.16. LONDON: Printed and Sold by the Booksellers of London and Westminster. 1697. TO THE Charitable Reader. BOoks in our Studies, share in our Favour, as Children in our Families; some one carries the Belt: And so we please ourselves by Habits, or Characters of Distinction. Either in the fi●st, as Joseph by his Father; or in the second, as Jacob by his Mother, managing her Project even to a stealing of the Blessing. The Lot of Fondness, oft falls upon the least, or youngest Child; which, tho it may not speak as well as the Elder, yet may have some Marks of a deep judgement, and Excellent Invention; The very Endowments which drew my Affections to the Pilgrim's Progress. So I took the Pilgrim to my own Glass, ambitious to dress him for my own pleasure. It's well I had no higher Thoughts; for as I went on in the Dressing-Room, Art so often failed me, that I was ready to throw up All; as looking far better in his plain clothes, than by all the Lacing, Pricking, and Pinning, that I could afford him. Yet sometimes I thought better; and as a beautiful Child, that looks well at one time, and shows Courser at another, so did the Pilgrim in my Eye; Insomuch, I was ready to say, as some Parents, of a worse-favour'd Child; But thou art my own, I could fling thee away. And thus disputing it with myself, what to do, in comes a bold thought, saying, Nay, hold! don't do so. Thou hast had other thoughts of it thyself; and so may another man; tho at first he dislike it, another time it may look better. Thus was this Dressing rescued from the Grave. But the main Encouragement was another Thought, grounded on a passage in Divine Herbert: A Verse may find him That a Sermon flies. This afforded fresh Vigour and Resolution; So it went on, only with this Emulation in the Foulds of Love: That I had but more of the Rare Spirit of that Divine Man! A double; nay, a single; nay, a quarter would have pleased me well: But every man is answerable according to his own receiving, and not other mens. And because every one has received some, to bury, tho but one Talent, and a small one too, would be hereafter a dangerous Witness. I present thee then, Christian Reader! tho in mean Ornaments, a person of most Noble Extract, the Christian Pilgrim. Was he now to be seen in his shining raiments of Light, in his Father's Kingdom, thou must acknowledge this poor Dr●ss could not effect or lessen him. Yet might it but affect myself, and any here below with me, I should think I was one st●p higher in this Kingdom of Grace; So to stand fair for advancement in the Kingdom of Glory; not far off every Believer in Christ Jesus. And thus I commit thee to the Divine Protection: for the present, thus bespeaking thy Candid Censure. Freedom, oft breeds Contempt, We hear it said: So Books red best of all When th' Author's Dead. Death maketh all things stink; Provided Ever, Mens Labours then, are Either Sweet, or Never. THE Pilgrim's Passage IN poesy: PART I. THrough this World's Wilderness, poor Pilgrim, I Wandering, at length a Den I did spy; Where lying down, I dreamed, and thought I see A Man in rags, full of Perplexity, Some distance from his house: A Book in hand, A great Back-burthen, there I found him stand, Reading, and weeping, shaking, trembling too: Still crying out, Sirs! Sirs! what shall I do! Home then he went in this same very Plight, To Wife and Children; striving all he might To hold his Grief: But this he could not long, Growing so fast; at last it proved too strong: So he burst out, saying in bitter Passion, hearken, my nearest, dearest of Relation, Children and Wife! I am a Man undone; Our City must be burnt; and where to Run, Do I not know: Besides, this heavy Load My Flight will hinder, and much incommode All our Escapes. On this, a great surprise seized his whole House; his Wife and Childrens Eyes gushed out with Tears: not that they Credit gave To what he said; but thought th' poor man did Rave. Yet hoped the best, and also for some Gains By a Nights sleep, to th' settling of his Brains: Which still prevailed not, whilst Grief and Fears Prevented sleep, somented so his Tears. Friends seeing this, sometime they do deride him, To drive away sad thoughts: sometimes they chide him. Failing in these, they fall even to Neglects; Seemingly draw off all their due Respects. Finding they meant well under their mistake, He to his Chamber went, and there did make Prayers for them, that they might clearly see; And for himself, condoled his misery. Into the Field he takes: In each Apartment He prayed,& red,& showed forth what his heart meant. This I observed; and oft times thus he craved, What shall I do, Lord, that I may be saved? I saw him look this way, and that way too, As one that could not tell what he would do. He had not long stood there, but to assist There comes a Man, name Evangelist, Asking the Reason of so great a Cry? He answered, Sir, I am condemned to die! After to judgement, saith this very Book; Neither of which, at all, can I once look To find myself in any kind of hast; To will the former, or to wish the last. What, loth to die! Evangelist replied, To quit this Grief, and many more beside. I am indeed, straightway the poor man said, Fearing this burden that is on me laid, Will sink me so, that I am like to have My Lodging Deeper, Darker than the Grave. Then said Evangelist, if this be so, hast, man! make hast, don't stand still, but go. I know not whither, for my Heart and Soul, Said the poor man. Then take this Parchment Roll, replied Evangelist: For Rules therefrom Thou hast, will teach thee fly from wrath to come. He red, and looking to Evangelist, Said carefully, as being in a Mist, Where must I fly? Evangelist then said, o'er that wide Field: And then a point he made At a small Wicket-Gate: See that, said he! I can't cried the man: Then can you see That shining Light? He said, I think I do. There fix your Eye, be sure, strait thither go, Said good Evangelist; so see the Gate; There knock, and have a true and perfect State, Of the best measures for a Pilgtim's Walk: So the man Run, and stayed no further talk. But as he went, not far from his own Door, His Children make sad Noise, they Cry and Roar: stoping his Ears against his very Wife, He Run, and cried, Life, Life, Eternal Life. Towards the Plain he took, ne'er look't behind him, And that full fast, as far as I could mind him. Neighbours came out to see; some chide, some scorn; Some cry out after him, Return! Return! Of them that did so, two, more Rough and Course Went. and resolved to fetch him back by force. Pliable, Obstinate, these two were named, The latter knew not how to be ashamed. When they o're-took him; for he made good way, The man said, Neighbours, wbat is it ye say? Return with us, we say, replied the men. Put hand to Plow, after look back again? Then Christian said; for that was his true Name, Our City where we dwell will come to shane, And sad destruction, earlier, or late; And we returning, run the self same Fate. Of Sodom's Sulphry Flames they sure did taste, Who lived in Sodom to the very last. Good Neighbours, be content, and go with me. Leave Friends, said Obstinate! Then Fools are we. Chr. Who changes for the worse, Fools you may call; But see one Friend that's better than 'em all. Keep but close to him, after he is found; Prove but my words, I'll warrant you they're sound. Obst. What hath he whom thou seekest? Can he bestow Fairer Possessions than are here below? Chr. Those if you lose but, all your harm and loss, compared with his Rich Gifts, are merely Dross. I count them so, do not you too? Else look Here in my Hand, the Contents of this Book. Obst. Away with all your Books: Home will you go? Chr. I told you once: I vow I can't do so. Obst. Come Neighbour Pliable, let's turn again Without him; for say what you will, it's vain: Urge not these Crazy Heads, Coxcombs, sad Tools: For as you find them, so you'll leave them Fools. Pl. Don't Revile where there's so little Cause; What Christian speaks, is Truth; and those good Laws Hold in his hand, do all our Laws exceed: Go with him then will I; I will indeed. Obst. You're very Rash: I'm sorry you have said thus: This sick-brain'd Fellow, whither may he led us? Chr. Nay, but do thou come; Pliable's i'th' right, Thou shalt see Objects that will please thy sight, And all thy Senses too: it's purchase't Good. See this New Testament, that's sealed with Blood, Pl. Well, Neighbour Obstinate, this course I'll steer; But Christian does not know the Road, I fear. Chr. To a small Gate, as told, my Course I frame, Where we'll know more. Evangelist's his Name, Who shew'd me first the Light for my direction. Pl. Come, Brother, then let's go with all Affection. Obst. But I'll go home: I'll ne'er blow with the Bellows Of these fantastic, Whimsey-headed Fellows. Then in my Dream, when Obstinate was gone Over the Plain, I saw these two alone. This was their talk: I'm glad the Christian said, Obstinate-like, you have not been afraid. Had even he, as I, been tost and hurled; Felt what I feel, as to the other world; Powers, and Terrors of things yet unseen, Thus to draw back, so fond he'd ne're have been: Pl. Come, Neighbour Christian( now we're all alone) With them above what's to be had, or done? Chr. E're this Point's gained, I fear it will be long; Or ready as my Heart, to find my Tongue. But this; an Endless Kingdom's there, be sure, Crowns, that more glorious, are, and far more pure Than here below: Garments more fine than Light; The Sun itself does not shine half so bright. No Sorrow's there, nor Tears on any Face; These are wiped off by th' owner of the place. Cherubims, Angels, Seraphims, are there; Whose Glory can't be look't on, were they here. Thousands, Ten Thousands, that are gone before; And entered within the Glorious Door, There you shall meet: Hurtful no more are they; But Loving, Holy, Righteous, Good alway. There you'll see Elders with their Golden Crowns; And Virgins with their Golden Harps; whose Sounds Of Melody, Ravish most Curious Ears. The Glorious Martyr also there appears, Though cut in pieces, burnt, and butchered; so Cruelly used; in sunder sawn below; Eaten of Beasts, drowned in the Sea; for Love He firmly bore unto his Lord above, All clothed in Garments of immortal Bliss, In that Rich Place where no worse raiment is. Pl. O Ravishing Report! But how shall I Get this Possession, and as sure Enjoy? Chr. These Glorious Mansions have a supreme Lord: His the whole Mannor is; This his Record, Here in my hand. He would have all men know it; Willing but they; he's ready to bestow it. Pl How glad am I! Let's hast; we don't go. Chr. This heavy burden forces me walk slow. In my Dream, further, I saw well enough, They drew near to a filthy, miry Slough, Called Dispond; but they both wanting heed, In the deep bog were foully fast indeed. Pliable said, Christian! where are we now? Christian replied, Truly I do not know. Now Pliable begun to be offended: Nor more heard I, the Christian way commended By Pliable; who said, if thus, my Friend, What may we find before our Journey End? May I escape with Life, and hence go free! Take your brave country yourself, for me. With that he tried a desperate struggle or two, On that side towards his House; and it did do; For he came out: and strait homeward he bore: And Christian striving, fastened more and more; So great his Load: Yet for all his sad Fate, He fled from home-side, towards the Wicket-Gate: Until at length there happily came by One Help, who said, how came you here, and why? Chr. I was advised by one to take this Path, That I might fly from an approaching Wrath. Help. Why look't you not for steps? even here, just by? Chr. Fear followed me so close, driven me a wry. Give me thy hand, said Help; sometimes I'm found: That done, he pulled, and brought him to safe ground; Bidding him go: But I, desirous To learn of him who helped poor Christian thus; Said in my Dream, Sir! since to yonder Gate, This is the way from that Destructive State; Why don't the country join, and mend this plate; For more Security; at any rate? He said. Good Sir, This is the Common Sink It's very plain: and so all Wise Men think; Where Scums and Filths of Sin( seen by Conviction) For Randevows, in days of Old, did six on. A Sinner wakened, seeing his lost State, There rises in his Soul such a debate Of Fears; small Hopes, great Doubts; sad Apprehension Of things more dreadful far than we can mention: These settle here; which is, as you have found, The Cause of this sad, Boggy, rotten, ground. Not the King's pleasure neither, that it's thus: He sends forth Workmen most laborious; Who sixteen hundred years, I'm sure, and more, Having Surveyors of the work set o'er By the King's Majesty; to have it mended, Thousands, yea Millions, of Cart Loads have spended; filled with Instructions, at all seasons too; Have done its Plain as much as men can do: Materials of the best: Do what they will, This keeps its Name, the Slough of Dispond still. By the direction of the Legislator, Are placed Steps; For foul and filthy matter Breaks out, as hath been known, oft and again, At change of Weather, bringing Wind, or Rain. Mens Dizzy Heads, causes 'em slip aside; For all these Steps are here: But Run or Ride You may, and that too at a good round rate, When past this place, and got within the Gate. By this time, now, all on a sweat and foam, Our freting Pliable was just got home, As in my Dream I saw: Friends flocking in; Some Wise Man, Fool, some Coward, calling him; He sneaking there: But afterwards this Crack, joining with rest, laid all on Christian's Back; Whom now I saw, and heard groaning i'th Road, Perceiving well, Scorn can increase a Load. As Christian travelled thus, I saw another Meet him, just as their ways crost each the other; He who met Christian, was a man of famed; A Gentleman; and Worldly-Wit his Name. The Town of Carnal Polic● his home, And not far off the Town whence Christian came. This man hearing great talk( as like to be When Men go far and near New Sights to see) The weary steps which the poor Christian made, His struggling with foul way, and sighing Trade, So well described this poor man, alas! That Worldly wit soon guessed who he was. Saying, Good Fellow, whither with this Load? Chr. A Load indeed, and a sad dirty Road. But as to th' place I 'm for; sooner or late, I hope to pass through yonder Wicket-Gate: For there, I'm told, I shall know how and where, To rid myself of this great Load I bear. Wor. Hast thou a Wife and Children, or no? Chr. I have, and yet I am now burdened so, Mythinks I am as tho I was without. Wor. Hear but, and I'll advice thee well, ne're doubt. Chr. If good, I will; for I have need of such. Wor. Throw down thy Load, and that will ease thee much. Thou hast Variety, but 'twill not please; Thy thoughts still Rolling, like the restless Seas. Chr. This weight to part with is my great design; Causes my coming, this way, at this time. I can't take it off myself; and none I find with us, can move so vast a ston. Wor. What wandring Head advised thee this Wild Course? Chr. Evangelist, believe me, and no worse. Wor. Just like him, full of toil; It's plain enough. Dirt I see on thee, of the Dispond Slough. Heed me, thy signior far: This way thou'l find Full of Cross-Roads, and things to vex thy mind. Canst thou hug Hunger? Canst thou play with Pain? parley with Perils? Or the Sword restrain? Canst thou wield weariness? endure the breath Of poisonous Dragons, Dungeons, Darkness, Death? Chr. As terrible this burden is, and more Than all those dreadful things you reckoned o'er: Deliverance from this Weight, may I but see't, Come else what will, I care not what I meet. Wor. How camest thou by it first, I do demand? Chr. By reading this same Book here in my hand. Wor. 'tis like enough, and so 'twill be, think I, When such weak Heads meddle with things so high. Great puzzling Grief, and sinking Sorrow enters, When men launch forth, and make such bold Adventures; I know not what to compass and obtain. Chr. But I know what it is I would see said; Ease from this ponderous Load; that would content me. Wor. The way thou tak'st, I'm sure, will prevent thee. Yet all thy Wish, I'll show thee may be had An easier way by half, than thou hast laid, And set forth thus, through throngs of greatest Grief: I'll show thee through great Peace, Content, Relief. Chr. Open your Secret, pray; I can't think it. Wor. That your Rough Road, I can't abide it; sink it. What man of Sense will step one foot your way? Yond' Town, Morality; mark it, I say; There dwells a Gentleman of constant famed, Most Complaisant; Legality's his Name, He can take off your Burden from your Back; Drink with you, merrily, a Glass of Sack. Much good this way I know this man has done; For Crazy Heads, he cures all that come. If he's from home, don't presently retire; His Son Civility, called the Young Squire; He'll do the Feat as sure as his Father; And I have heard he'll do it quicker, rather. If you're for Rarities, want Foul or Fish; There you have what you will; even any Dish You mind: Things there are very cheap; Most courteous Neighbours, who will run and leap, At meeting, when they 'ave been a while from home; Hugging each other too from Room to Room. This fine Report, brought Christian to a stand; But presently resolved whether hand He now would take. If this be so, saith he. Chr. Show me, I pray, which way my Course shall be, To this Great Lawyer's House, And I will run. Wor. Climb but that Hill, and all your work is done. Christian, transported, runs; He leaves his way; Men most deceived, always make least delay. " Never more bold, than when most blind; " Run fastest when the Truth's behind. But coming near the Hill, his Fears came on; This Hill hangs over so, 'twill fall anon, Poor Christian cried: Then stopped, for he fell ill, With weight o'th' Burden, and with Fright o'th' Hill; Flashes of Fire, oft breaking out o'th' Mount; straight to be burnt, poor Christian made account. He sweat, and broiled, trembled, and quak't for fear; Sighing, and shedding many a Briny Tear; His Voice disturbed so, he spoken not plain Any whole word; yet oft, though, and again, I heard him cry, World! World! deceitful thing; Thou cheatest all, the Beggar and the King. He saw one like Evangelist, that came towards him: And then poor Christian blushed for shane. Evan. Who put thee, man, into this stark mad mood, To leave thy way? Then Christian speechless stood. Evan. Art thou not he that made those Roars& Bawls, A while ago, without the City-Walls? It was but Jest, it seems: Or, to be plain, Nothing of truth, but counterfeited Pain. Christian begun, left neither Yard, nor Rood, Of all his Passes, to the Spot he stood. But all repeated was, he mist not it. Said, formed, or done, 'twixt him and Worldly-wit. Evang. If they escaped not who refused him That spake from Earth; that is so dark and dim; How then shall we escape, if our Old Leaven Stop us from hearing him that speaks from Heaven? Thou hast begun, O base! O sad! O fie! For to reject the Counsel o'th' most high; Even thou art he; Mourn and lament; ne'er cease; That drew thy Foot quiter from the way of Peace. Christian, as if h●●● heard Death's Sentence red, At foot of ' Vangelist fell down as dead: But he, kind man, had pity; and 'twas such, He gave his hand, which cherished Christian much; And with these words poor Christian did relieve; despair not, man; Ben't faithless, but believe: Only more earnest heed, I pray thee take, To what I say, for thy own good and sake. That Cheat's right called, and name Worldly-wit: For, as to th' world, there's none more savours it: That takes up all his time, his thoughts and cares; He goes to th' Town Morality to Prayers: That's his best Liturgy, which yields least Loss; That Doctrine's best that's furthest off the across. Take my advice; Legality's a Cheat: He Juggles most to purpose, that is great. Fine Words, and clothes, may sooner set thee wrong, Than one in Rags, who stammers with his Tongue. writ an Abhorrence; sand it Worldly-wit. Show there thy wandring, how thou mourns for it. Speak the plain Truth, tell him thou can't afford Gaining the World; By losing of thy Lord●; Whose across thou' I not despise, tho Egypt Land, And India too, were given thee in hand. An Aliens Worldly wit and a great cheat Legality, whose writings all do treat, Of mere Delusions: Civils simpering looks, He's like the Rest: All red in Conjuring Books. Evangelist, with this cried out and said, Unto the Heavens, which the Great God made, Confirm ye this! And just even as he spoken, A dreadful fire, out o'th' Mountain broken Where Christian stood: And words which did express No less then Death, to all in Legal dress. Christian cried out, lamenting his hard fate, Finding himself so near the Legal Gate, By such advice as had its Rise and Spring From Flesh and Blood, or such like filthy thing. Chr. Evangelist! Good Sir, is't not too late For me, poor wretch, to reach the Wicket-Gate? Evang. Great are thy sins: Yet this I say again, He at the Gate hath great Good Will for Men. Christian looked back, before he went a while: Evangelist kist him, and gave a Smi●e, Bidding God speed. Then Christian Run, I found, Treading like one upon forbidden ground. E're long I saw Christian the Gate had gained; Tho he marched up full wearily and pained. Now o'er the Gate in writing there did stand These words, fair written, in a curious hand: Be it early, be it late; Knock; I'll open thee the Gate. He knocked not once, nor twice; but many a Rap He gave, and said soft to himself, Good hap May I now have; tho undeserving Guest: Then in his Praises will I sing my best. At last a person came, Fair, Grave and Old, And asked him who he was? whence? what he would? Chr. A burdened sinner, poor and low am I, Who from Destruction Town of late did fly: Mount Sion is the place I travail to; I'm now in hast; I pray Sir, let me throw! Goodw. I will with all my heart: And so flew open The Gate, as soon, almost, as he had spoken. As Christian stepped, the other with quick speed plucked him so far, that he was in indeed. What meaneth this, Good will? the Christian said. Goodw. There is a Castle and an Ambuscade Just o'er the way, where Bellzebub is head, Thence shoot they Darts, hoping to strike them dead Who make at this our Port. Then Christian Sung, For all his trembling, that the Portal Rung With his rejoicing. After this Good will asked him who 'twas, that set him up the Hill. Chr. Evangelist told me, there's no way but it. Goodw. An open door'● before thee none can shut it. Chr. Now comes in Fruit from every Sigh and Groan! Goodw. How chanced it yet you came thus all alone? Then Christian did Repeat from first to last, What caused his coming, and what things had past: And in th' Account Great Zeal for Truth was shown; In others Faults, he did not hid his own. But he concluded thus: I 'm self-abhorr'd, Not at all fit to stand before my Lord. Goodw. None we except that hold thus far devout, Once they come here, we never cast them out. Good Christian therefore come along a while And learn the way, so well, that no beguile May Rob thee of thy hope: See as thou stands, That Norroway, cast up even by the hands; Of Christ, Apostles, patriarches, Prophets too, strait as a Line keep it, and that will do. Chr. Are there no turnings then, Good Sir, I Pray? Alas! I 'm apt, I'm apt, to miss my way. Goodw. Yes, truly Christian, many's of that sort, But know thou this, the Right, which leads to th' Court, Of Peace, is strait, Narrow, not wide at all, As wrong ways are: Which Crooked too do fall. Wherever one is, th' other's also there, Crooked and Broad, thou'l find them every where. Chr. Yet one word further, Good my Lord I have! This burden on my back, I fain would leave: How must I do? Where must it be? and when? Goodw. Stay but the time, and it will fall off then, Even of itself. So Christian did prepare, For further Progress in his grand affair; As he took leave, Evangelist did tell him Of great Success, which afterwards befell him. Not many furlongs from the Wicket-Gate, There was a Man well versed in the State Of Sions Mount; And in the Road thereto: Christian, strange things might hear and see him do; The House of the Interpreter this was, Commodious for all Pilgrims as they Pass. Christian took with him this good News: So Run, His Stage was ended, almost, when begun, He made such hast: When there, he knocked full hard, And soon was answered from the Porters Ward, Whose there? What want ye? Th' Master: Is he at home? Christian replied; with that the Master come. Chr. By him at th' head o'th' way I was sent hither, Where Sion's Sons, and all that travail thither, Take their Directions, as that good man said. And tho but poor, I'm loathe to be betrayed. Interp. Welcome, come in: Light up a candle strait, He said to's Man: And follow you the Light, He said to Christian: So they all three come Into a large, low, private Dining-Room. Then said th' Interpreter unto his Man, Open that Door: that done, Christian began To be afraid, seeing a most grave man, Most rarely drawn, devout, looking above All portraits of one wrapped in holy Love. These were the landscapes, as my Dream did mind him? A Crown of Gold before, the World behind him. This in the Picture, I observed again; It stood just as 'twere PLEADING still with Men. Th' Interpreter observed, 'twas this man's work To light us in dark places; where do lurk, Many Temptations: named not th' Man at all, But as described, I took it for St. Paul. Then led the Christian to a parlour Room, Where many a year there had not come a Broom. He bid his Man go sweep: But then there Rose A choking dust; So that the Christian choose To fly for breath; until at last there came A dansel, who forthwith allayed the steam, By sprinkling water there: So that the Place Had much more Sweetness, Beauty, and more Grace. Here said th' Interpreter, Christian, I show thee! What, without washing, surely will undo thee. This dusty Room's Mans Heart. Observe the sweeper Raising the Dust; this is the Law the Keeper, That Chains up Slaves in holds, where they want breath: Under whose Fetters look for nought but Death: The more he sweeps, the more the Dust he drives, The workings of the Law Mans Sin revives. The dansel watering here, thou findest it true; The Gospel gives Man Power, to subdue Unruly Lusts: It leaves the Room most sweet, And then the Man sits down at Jesus Feet. Faith clean's the Soul, and to make short the story, Fits an Apartment for the King of Glory. Then Christian, and th' Interpreter removed, Into a lesser Room; where, as it proved, The sight designed for the Christian there, Was but two little Boys, each in his Chair, ( The Eldests Name was Passion, and the other Patience was called) Remote one from the other. The first look't as he'd sucked some Fretful Dam, The other very Meek, still as a Lamb. Chr. Why, show you me this Room? Here's nothing Rare, Int. Instructions for Christians; there are, If for none else: And this, I'm sure thou knows, Some heed a Nod, when others do not blows. The self-same Tutor, these two Boys have had, The self-same Lecture, to them both been red; Both these have longed earnestly for Plumbs; The Master crys Peace, Peace, till Fruit time comes. Passion denies, unless they'l find him stores Of Gold, and Silver, Cobs and Lauydor's: These( when powred out of Bags, at Passions feet) Swept off sour looks: And he became more sweet, Laughing at Patience; till at last I see All spent and gone; nothing but Rags was he. Chr. Teach me I Pray, further to understand The meaning of the Object now in hand. Int. The self-same Parents both these Children claim: Patience is changed; begotten, born again; Unto a Lively hope: He stays the Season Of the Ripe Fruits: And a substantial Reason Contents this child. He sees Fruit here is Green, And apt to surfeit: Many lost have been, Who judged Futurities not worth a Rush, One bide in hand worth two Birds in the Bush; Who have preferred possessions, Gay and Fine, In hand, before Reversions Divine. Mind Passion there, for all his Golden brags, In little time clothed with nought but Rags. It's so with Worldly Men; with all, not some: Their choice Embroideries, come Naked home. Chr. Now I perceive most clear, by what is shown, Patience hath better on't, more ways then one: For first of all, he waits on this good Reason; The three of Promise brings its Fruit in Season, As well as other Plants: Besides it's plain, He's in the Sun, when th' other stands ith' Rain. Int. Nay, you may add another and 'twill do. His Glory lasts when th' others is worn through: His he hath last, and Last gives place to None: Our lasting Things we have when other's gone. Poor Lazarus his lasting Joys begun, When Dives Pleasures were all spent and done. Who hath his Portion first, hath time to spend it, Who hath it last, Eternity can't End it. Chr. Then I perceive it's best for all, even Kings, To covet Future, not these present Things. Int. You know the proof, Seen things but temp'ral are, Unseen Eternal,( never to grow bare) Seen things to Flesh are Neighbours, well acquainted, Unseen are strangers; therefore seldom wanted. Again he took our Christian by the hand, showed him a Wall and Fire, by which did stand One throwing water on; but 'twould not do, For it burnt higher still, and hotter too. Chr. What may this mean? Good Sir! I humbly ask. Int. This is the work of Grace; and such a Task, Is never undertaken that it's lost, Tho' with the utmost Fraud and Force, it's Crost. The Fire is Love Divine, within Mans Heart, He that would quench it; act's the Devils part: And why there's no Success in all the Treason, I'll show you strait, behind the Wall the Reason. Then went they both unto the other side O'th' Wall we named: There Christian soon espied, One that did hold a Vessel full of oil, And casting, secretly, tho all the while Into the fire, supplies of that choice liquour; Nothing could be so freely done or quicker. Int. Here Christian see! this Man is Christ our Lord, Who th' oil of Grace so freely doth afford, Maintaining in Mans heart what he begun; Devil does worst, that cannot be undone. This being too behind the Wall, doth show It's hard for tempted Man to see, or know, How Grace i'th' Heart's maintained: O! may this sight When you are Wrong, at all times set you Right! Christ doth not only keep up Grace i'th' Heart, But bafles Satan in that very Part, Which he's most ready in: What's dead, as 'twere, When the Lord calls, cannot but Wake and Hear. The Flood cast out o'th' Dragons mouth; there's no Man, Could once have thought how to have saved the Woman; But ready was Relief by Gods Decree, God gave the Earth, a wider Mouth then he. Moreover, in my dream, I look't and saw, This goo'd Interpreter o' all the Law, Take Christian by the hand; so that he brought him Into so large a place, Had I not sought him, The finest part of all my Dream I'd lost: But found him shortly( for I run with Post) Where he was entertained with the View, Of a Rich palace, Stately, Fine, and New. Much pleased was Christian, as I did discover In's very looks: There was a Joy all over. Upon the palace Top; one might behold Persons of great Account, all clothed in Gold. O said the Christian may we enter here! So they advanced both; but drawing near Unto the Door, great Crowds of Men they saw. Desiring Entrance: Yet behold an Awe And Dread was on them; for against the Gate, With Book and Inkhorn at a Table sate: A Man who took Account of each ones Name, Who did effect the Thing for which he came. And in the door way, Christian saw again, There stood a Band of Stout-well-armed Men, Keeping the Pass; declaring none should enter, Unless, Life, Limb, Estate, and all they'l venture. Many Men offered: And there many a Crack, No sooner offered, then he leaped back. As Christian( in amaze) was looking on: Boldly came up One, who it seems had gone Through many a Fight: And stepping to the Table writ down my Name, said he, I hope I'm able To make my way; My Cause is good, it's Love: And those my Dearest Friends that walk above, With that he drew; And unto all Mens sight appeared a Man that was resolved to fight: On went his Helmet, breastplate, and with those He was Content; ne'er heeding Shins and Toes. To th' Door he run( warmly received though) By th' Armed Men: And many a deadly blow He had; yet not at all dismayed, He fought as if, Fighting, had been his Trade. Wounds he received and gave: But cut through th'e throng. entering the Gate, most Curious Voice in Song Was heard, loud, lovely, Ravishingly sweet: These all the sentences that I could meet. Well fought, well run, So said, so done: Fear Death no longer, Now thy Glorys come. O! May my Health and Sickness so Presage: When I march off, from this terrestrial Stage; As may my Friends below, on this wise move, To Sing this Song, his Friends have done above. But still my Dream went on; and so strait way, The Man went up, and clothed was as they. Then Christian smiled( I saw plain in my dreaming) truly said he, I think I know the meaning, Well, let's go hence, but see a little more, Said the Interpreter, here's further Store Of Forage, for your way: You'll need it all. So they went to a Room, both very small, And darkish too; where suddenly they found, In a strong Iron Cage, a Man in Pound: Had a dejected Look, with folded Hands, Looking as tho the very Strings and Bands, Of his sad Heart were breaking. What means this? The Christian said: Some great Thing sure's amiss. Int. Ask you the Man yourself, He best can tell. Chr. What art thou Man? A Devil on this side Hell? Then said the Man, I am not what I was, A strong Professor, and One well to pass, In the most Curious Eye, as well as mine, Fit for the best: I thought myself so fine, Heavens Citizens, would long to see me there: I often thought, how great I should appear. Chr. But now what art thou Man? And what's thy Case? Man. despair it was, that brought me to this place. I left off Watching and Sobriety, Not Choice, or Curious of Society; But laid the Reins i'th' Neck of every Lust, What way they lead me, that way go I must. Gods Holy Spirit I grieved, and he removed: Tempting the Devil, he caught me as it proved. With hardening of my Heart so far I went, That now, tho Life lye's on't I can't Repent. Then Christian turned: Interpreter! he said, Are there no Promises to this Man made? Int. Ask him, He'll not conceal it I'll engage. Chr. Can none Release thee from this Iron Cage? Man. No None: There's None, on whom poor I can call. Chr. Why so? The Son of God is kind to all. Man. Him I have crucified, which brought to mind, A fresh my wounded Conscience bleeds I find. Him I despised, it's that makes Conscience ring, esteemed his Blood, as an unholy Thing. Despite I did unto the Spirit of Grace; That desperate wretch, I cannot have the Face To ask an Alms; in hopes I should succeed, Which causes Horror, from my Soul proceed In frightful sort; Like overflowing Streams: My Bed I know must be in fiery Flames. Christ. What tide hath drawn thy Ship to this Black Sea? Man. Lust, Sport, and Gain, did haunt me every Day: Nothing could stop the force of my Carrier, These as a burning Worm, now gnaw me here. Eternal! O Eternal, endless State Of Weeping, Wailing, Gnashing! Now my Fate. Int. Let this Mans misery a Caution be. Oft may thy mind this woeful Object see! Christ. Well, this is dreadful Sir, God grant J may Mind it, and Fear, and Strive, and Watch, and Pray. But is't not now high time to march my way. Int. Stay now, I have but one thing more to say. So he led Christian to another Room; Where I did think the very Day of Doom, Was coming on: For there a Man arose Out of his Bed; with that the very clothes Shook on his back: He trembling like a leaf, Looking a look, that was more pale then Death. What's here? said Christian starting, How I quake! Int. Man! let the Christian know the cause: Come speak. Man. This night I dreamed, and presently I see It Light'ned and it thundered dreadfully, Heaven black, and Clouds rack at unusual rate, The Trumpet sounded, and a Man there sate Upon a Cloud; with a most Glorious Train All was on ●ire, The Heavens in a flamme. I heard a voice which cried Arise ye Dead! And it was done, well nigh as soon as said. Come ye to judgement! Was the next I heard; Then Graves were opened, Rocks were Rent and Tear'd Even as Thin Paper; And the Dead came forth Some mighty glad: Others, as those not worth The Ground they tread; who cried unto the Hills To cover them: Or any thing that Kills; To hid them from his Face, that sate o'th' Cloud. A Book then opened was, and a vast Crowd There stood before him: All the Word drew near. Gather the Tares and Chaff and stubble there, Cries a loud herald, from the burning lake. So the Pit opened, and each fiery flake Did sally forth, just by the place I stood, With Hideous Voice: Not one I heard was good: Out of their Mouths came darkening sulphury smoke. To the same Reapers then I heard it spoken, Gather my Wheat into my Garner now; With that, I saw a goodly Glorious show Of Blessed ones, caught up into the air: But lest behind was I, with Devils there. Also I sought a hiding place; but none Would cover me, not Earth, nor Wood, nor ston, This way and that way I did strive to fly, But still fixed on me was the Judges Eye. Conscience on every side, accused me so, I soon perceived it was in vain to go. With that I wak't: But it's so Fresh and New, It tremble thus, fearing it should be true. Have you considered, what you see now here. Chr. Yes, and it puts me both in hopes and fear. Then Christian Girded up his loins to go, Int. The Comforter be with thee always: So For to direct thee to the Holy Place, As not be possible to lose thy Race. With this sweet Blessing, Christian went and Sung; Betwixt two Walls his way: The echo Rung. The Walls, Salvation called; Christian being tied And held so firmly up, on every side. Up this way Christian run; some time, tho slacken, Because o'th' Burden, that was on his back: Until he came, where there did stand a across, And where he came by a most happy loss: For just beneath a sepulchre I saw, And coming up with across; As if a Law Commanded there, the Christians Load fell off, That Christian smiled: I thought I heard him Laugh It tumbled fast, until it came to th' Door O'th' sepulchre, and then I saw't no more. And Christian said aloud, I see, O Lord! Thy Griefs, and Pains, poor Pilgrims ease afford; Thy Death's their Life: Then stood he still to wonder, And wept, as if his heart would break in sunder; Standing there o'er the Tomb: Until there came Three shining ones I do not need to Name These all saluted him with Peace, and then The first said Sins Forgiven thee Amen. The Second stripped his Rags, and clothed him New. The Third beholding him so fair to view, confirmed his Honour: Gave him Mark and Roll, And Letters Patents in a Royal scroll; Having the Kings Board Seal: And bid him look On that at all times as his Journal Book, To Guide him in at the Celestial Gate: As his safe Passport, and an Act of State. Three Leaps for Joy poor Christian made and Sung, So long I thought he'd never hold his Tongue. What I remember's, shortly this, and take it In the same words, just as the Christian spake it. O! The Grief that I was in, So hard Loaded with my Sin: Tho 'twas long, yet Blessed Race: Surely God was in this Place, And I knew not, till the Pack suddenly fell off my back. Blessed Place! But rather he Blessed is! That died for me. So he went down the Hill, and at the Foot He saw three sleeping; even snorring to't. simplo, Presumption, Sloth, with Toys, and Tackles, So were they named, laid fast by th' Heels in Shackles. Christian, then like a Valiant Man, drew up, And said, what? Sleep Men, on a Main-Mast-Top! Wake! Let me help you with your Fetters off. So they did wake; But every Man did Laugh. What? Slug and Mock too, now there's on the way A Roaring lion: wake, rise, run I say. Simp. I see no danger yet; for all your wonder. sloth. Nor I indeed: Give me more sleep, more slumber. Presum. Each Tub say I, on it's own bottom stands. So they lay down, first having shaked hands, Again to sleep: And Christian went his way, Much grieved to see such sleepy Sots as they. Walking a little space, he did discover Two modish Men, hastily tumbling over A Wall, on the left hand the Narrow way: These came towards Christian, and I heard him say, Whence are you Gentlemen? And whither now? He that leaped first was Formalist, and he Who ventured after, was hypocrisy, Men. Vain Glory was our Birth-Place, and a vow, Each of us have; which we are going now. Zealously to perform; This we Rely on, Will sound our Praise: We're marching for Mount Sion, Chr. Thither, and miss the Gate, strange Course you steer! There's none do thus but thieves: Would you not hear That Truth spoken in your Ears? What mean you Men? If you'll come there, you must go back again. Men. The country Folks we asked; and ●●ey agreed The Gate was much about; And that w●●●eed, No not all come there: Climbing the 〈◇〉 ●ll Was used much, and done almost by 〈◇〉. Chr. Won't this be called a Trespass, and a Breach Of his revealed will, whose Servants Teach, The way lies throw the Gate? What will he say, Who is the Lord o'th' Town, you're for today? Men. Hurt not your Head with that: Neither fret thus, The Custom of a Thousand Year's with us. Chr. Ay, say you so? Will Custom stand in Law? If older Records, It's not worth a straw. Men. Yes, we'll maintain 't: Besides, when we're i'th' way, How came you here? Shalt thou or any say: Thou'rt but i'th' way as we, for all thy prate Of coming so precisely through the Gate. What more's thy gain then ours: Sure none at all, Altho we came thus tumbling o'er the Wall. Further, not much was said; But mind thyself: The usual Answer of each wilful Ellf. So they went on; with little further talk, But that the Men told Christian, that their walk Was clear and plain as his: Only his Coat Made all the difference; which they judged he got By some Friends Charity to hid his shane And Nakedness: they well knew how it came. Chr. Your Laws and Ord'nances, won't quit your score, If you came in, by any way but Door: And ●or my Coat; 'tis even as you say, bestowed on me by th' Lord of this High way, To hid 〈◇〉 Nakedness: I need not shane To own a ●●vour that from Honour came: Especially ●●en I had nought before, But Clouts, a●d Rags; mere Poverty all o'er. Thus do I plea● myself on as I go: For at the End m Lord will own't I know. He told them also of a mark and Roll, Given for his Comfort in distress of Soul, Which they had not, he feared; so coming in: But all the Answer was, they laughed at him. Thus all went on I saw; but Christian first. Nothing amongst them further was Reherst. Christian talked to himself, finding no good Like to be done with Men in a mad mood. Sometimes his Joy prevailed; sometimes his sighs; But then his Roll, would set All things to Rights. Of this joint march, here was the whole result, They came at last to th' Hill called difficult; Where three ways Branch't: At Bottom was a Spring The Right lead up the Hill; But on each wing Two other ways there lay: Yet soon nor late Neither of those, would bring Men to the Gate. Christian who aimed at still, the surest thing, He mounts the Hill, first having drunk at Spring. Then he Sung, who'd cause to weep; The Hill was so exceeding steep, O Great Mount! I will not fear Since the way of Life lies here. Should I now waive this straight; Alas! Worse, for worse, may come to pass. So he begun to climb, whilst th' other two Came to the Foot o'th' Mount with small ado: They both resolved, No clambering: Not they; Where there was two; And either easier way. Danger, Destruction, so the ways were named: One took the first, the last the other claym'd. The first her chooser lead, to a vast Wood, The other hers to a wild field; where stood The simplo wretch, on the dark mountains there; Who fell, and Rose no more, that I could hear. I after Christian look't, and well Psaw Running to going he begun to draw; Going to clambering, on his Hands and Knees, So tedious the ascent, so steep the' Grees. About the midst o'th' Hill an arbour stood, Made by the Lord o'th' soil; Of Curious Wood, Twisted with sweetest flowers: Beauty and smell, And these refresh poor Pilgrims rarely well. Our Christian there much pleased, sits down to rest; And forthwith drew his Roll out from his breast, red with great comfort in't: Also renewed His Joy for his fine Coat; which then he viewed, viewed, and reviewed: Thus pleased himself a while, Till slumber came, which slily did beguile Th' unthinking man, lulling him fast asleep; So a close Prisoner did the Christian keep. During this rest, poor Christian dropped his Roll. Afterwards comes a man who chid him foul; Saying, To th' Ant, thou sluggard, get thee gone. With that the Christian waked, and went on, Till to th' Hill top he came, where strait two men, called timorous and Mistrust, met him amain. Chr. Why hast you thus, my Friends, in the wrong way? Tim. Mis. We thought so too: but now it's right we say: For further we have gone, more Fear we meet; Two lions lie you', in the King's High Street. Chr. You fright me, Sirs, extremely! But I find A Resolution fortifies my mind, Still to press on, tho dangers be i'th' way; One foul destruction's worse than all they: And that will be my Countrey's Fate, I know. With that his Roll out he designed to draw. Into his Bosom then his hand he snov'd, But found, to his surprise, it was removed. Sad man was he, to lose an ald Relief, His Passport, which he trusted to in chief. He knew not what to do: At last bethought him, His sleep i'th' Arbour all that sorrow wrought So back he run in hast; sometimes he w● And sometimes sighed; Lamenting much At last the place he reached; and on the g● Under the Seat, the Roll, with Joy, he fo● This set him lightly up the rest o'th' Hill: But behold Night and Darkenness did fill The Firmament before he found the Top: The story of the lions then did drop Into his mind; some fears and terrors rose Upon his thoughts: and hugely discompose Te New-pleas'd man. But as he looked up, Behind the Hill, he saw the Rooff, or Top Of a great Palace, commonly there known By th' Name of Beautif●l; All Marble ston. This revived Christian something: Then I found He made good way, and riddance of his ground. But not far short o'th' Porter's Lodge he spied Two lions lye, for ought he knew untied: So he began to halt, and look like one Just drawing back; and I do think he'd gone, Had not Old Watchful called, who stood i'th' Gate, As Porter there, saying, Make hast; it's late; Fear not the Beasts; they're both of them restrained From hurt: Come up, I'll warrant thee they're chained Keep in the very path: These are to try The Faith of Pilgrims, as they pass( here) by. Then on the Christian marched: ●ut trembling, tho, All as he went; they ranged and roared so. But he came safe to th' Lodge; I saw him there, And heard him say, Can I have Lodging here? Yes, said the Porter; Here's an Alms-house made By th'Lord o'th'Hill, for men of that same Trade Thou thyself art. The House I saw, as fair As Bethlems, or as Chelsey-Colledge arc. Port. Whence art thou, friend? what may I call thy Name? Chr. From ruin( a great Town) thence 'twas I came, Christian now called; once Graceless: I 'm of them God will persuade to dwell in Tents of Shem. Then th' Porter rang a Bell, on which there came Unto the door a fair and comely Dame, Called Discretion; What's your Name, says she? ( What want you here wirh us? what would you see?) To Christian; who, on that fair sight surprised, What for to answer was not well advised. At last, said Christian, adding further still, The house he heard was built by th' Lord o'th' Hill, To relieve Pilgrims in. At which she smiled, With tears i'th' Eyes; or I was much beguiled. Then back she ran, in hast, to call up more: Three of her sisters, strait, she brought to th' door, Piety, Prudence, Charity; All they, Come in, thou blessed of the Lord, did say. Christian, full glad of this, followed the Train, With Tears of Joy; remembering the Pain And Anguish which his soul had newly scap't; He could not walk; but as he went, he leaped. They called the Butler, Christian being dry, And bid the Cook get Supper speedily. Mean time, said they, we'll keep our custom up, Improve our time, until the time we sup. So they begun discourse, demanding how The Christian came to make so strange a vow As that of Pilgrimage? He Answer made, Relating all the Accidents he had, Till that same time. The Ladies then enquired, If he was married, or to be desired? Then Christian wept, and said, I have a Wife, And Four small Children, in whom my Life Was once bound up; yet they, when once I had talked of a Pilgrimage, said, Sir, you're mad! Surely you are: you will undo us all. But I broken from them, and leaped o'er the Wall. Then in my Dream I saw Supper come up, Wine well refined, in a Rich Golden Cup; Great Rari●ies for meat: There might be Kings, The Board so furnished was with all fat things. The Table-talk was also good and fine; About the Lord o'th' Hill, and things divine: The Lord's achievements in his Warlike Acts, Besides his Meekness, and his humble Tracts; His victory o'er Death, and him that had The power of that: which Conquest, tho it made Many deep wounds, and cost the choicest blood; No moving Cause, only the Countries good. Some in the house there were, who did report, Since Death, they saw him Live in's Father's Court; And heard him say, what well we may rely on, He will not dwell alone i'th' Mount of Sion: That Pilgrims, Princes there by him are made, Tho poor, or of the most mechanic Trade. This talk was pleasant; so it held them late: And then the Christian, thro' a Room of State, They did conduct, towards his Nights repose, In an Apartment; upon which arose The Sun each morning: And 'twas called Peace. There Christian slept with great delight and ease, Till the next day; where waking, thus he sung So loud, I heard him; for the Room e'en Rung. What am I, Lord! Now that such Love Thus from Heaven To Earth should move, Towards a poor Pilgrim, in distress: In Joy I weep, I must confess: But these are pleasant Streams; for here No woe can wound, and Heaven so near. FINIS.