The neighbours also came out, and as he ran some mocked, others threatened, and some called to him to return. And of these, two resolved to fetch him back by force; the name of the one was _Obstinate_, of the other _♦Pliable_. He was now got a good distance from them; however, in a little time they overtook him. Then said the man, “Neighbours, wherefore are you come?” They said, “To persuade you to go back with us.” But he said, “That cannot be; you dwell in the city of _Destruction_, the place also where I was born. And if you die there, you will sink into a place that burns with fire and brimstone. Be content, good neighbours, and go along with me.”
♦ “Pliablel” replaced with “Pliable”
What, said _Obstinate_, and leave our friends and all our comforts behind us?
Yes, said _Christian_, (that was his name) for all these are not worthy to be compared with the least part of what I seek; and if you will go with me, there is enough and to spare.
_Obstinate._ What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find them?
_Christian._ I seek an _inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away_?
_Obstinate._ Tush, away with your cant. Will you go back with us or no?
_Christian._ No, not I. I have _put my hand to the plough_.
_Obstinate._ Come then, neighbour, let us go home without him. There is a company of these crazy coxcombs, that when they get a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason.
_Pliable._ Don’t revile. Who knows but what he says is true? I have almost a mind to go with him.
_Obstinate._ What more fools still? Come back, come back. Who knows whither a madman may lead you?
_Christian._ Nay, but come with me, to _the glory which shall be revealed_. And if you believe not me, read here in this book, the truth of which is confirmed by the blood of him that made it.
_Pliable._ Neighbour _Obstinate_, I think I will go with this good man, and cast in my lot with him.
_Obstinate._ Then get you gone. I will e’en go home. I will be no companion for such whimsical fellows.
Now I saw in my dream, that when _Obstinate_ was gone back, _Christian_ and _Pliable_ went on talking together.
_Pliable._ Come neighbour, since we are alone, tell me farther what the things are to which we are going.
_Christian._ I can better conceive than speak them. There is _a kingdom that cannot be moved, a house eternal in the heavens_, where we _shall shine as the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever_.
_Pliable._ And what company shall we have there?
_Christian._ There will be an _innumerable company of angels, ten thousand times ten thousand_, and thousands of saints, of holy men, out of every kindred and people, and nation. There we shall see those who were cut in pieces, burnt with fire, eaten with beasts, for the love they bore to the Lord of the place; having now overcome sin, and death, and pain, and put on immortality as a garment.
_Pliable._ Glad am I to hear of these things. Come on let us mend our pace.
Now I saw in my dream, that they drew nigh to a _slough_ that was in the midst of the plain, (it was called _Despond_) and being heedless, they both suddenly fell in. “Ah, neighbour, said _Pliable_, where are we now?” Truly, said _Christian_, I do not know. At this _Pliable_ was much offended, and said, “Is this the happiness you talked of all this while? If we have such ill speed at setting out, what may we not expect before our journey’s end? If I get out hence with my life, you shall have the brave country alone for me.” And with that he gave a desperate struggle or two and got out of the mire on the side next his own house. So away he went, and _Christian_ saw him no more.
Wherefore _Christian_ was left in the slough alone; but still he struggled toward that side which was farthest from his own house, yet could not get out, because of his burthen. But I beheld a man come to him, whose name was _Help_, and asked, “What he did there.”
_Christian._ Sir, I was directed to go by this way to yonder gate; and as I went, I fell in here.
Then said he, “Give me thy hand.” So he gave him his hand, and he drew him out, and set him on firm ground.
But _Christian_ had not gone far, before one met him, who was crossing over the plain. The gentleman’s name was _Worldly Wiseman_. Having some knowledge of _Christian_ by report, (for his leaving the city of _Destruction_ was noised far and near) he began thus:
_World._ How now good fellow, whither away?
_Christian._ Sir, I am going to yonder little gate.
_World._ Wilt thou hearken to me, if I give thee counsel?
_Christian._ Yea, if it be good, I will.
_World._ I counsel thee then, get rid of that burthen with all speed, else thou wilt never be settled in thy mind.
_Christian._ That is what I seek; but get it off myself I cannot: nor is there any man in our country can take it off.
_World._ Who bid you go this way to be rid of it?