_Jury._ We are all agreed. He is guilty of death.
Immediately after, sentence was past, they brought him out, to do with him according to their law. And, after they had scourged him, and buffeted him, they tied him to a stake, and then burnt him to ashes.
Now I saw that there stood behind the multitude a chariot and horses waiting for _Faithful_, who (so soon as the earthly tabernacle was dissolved) was straightway carried therein thro’ the clouds. But _Christian_ was remanded to prison, and shortly after discharged; he that hath the hearts of all men in his hand, over-ruling the malice of his enemies.
But he went not forth alone; for one, whose name was _Hopeful_, (having been won by their meekness and patience in suffering) resolved to accompany him wherever he went. He also told _Christian_, that there were many more of the men in the fair, that would take their time and follow after.
So they went on without stopping or looking behind them, till they came to a pleasant plain, called _Ease_; but it was narrow, so that they were quickly over it. On the farther side was a little hill, called _Lucre_, and in that hill a silver mine, which many who went that way, had formerly turned aside to see: but the ground breaking in with them, they miserably perished. A little way off, over against it, stood one, who called to _Christian_ and his fellow, “Ho! turn aside hither, and I will shew you a thing.”
_Christian._ For what thing should we turn out of our way?
_Man._ Here is a mine of silver. Come and see.
_Hopeful._ Let us go and see it.
_Christian._ Not I. I have heard of this place before, and how many have been slain here; that treasure is a snare to them that seek it, and hindreth them in their pilgrimage.
_Man._ Will you not come over and see?
_Christian._ _Demas_, I know thee, who thou art. Thou art an enemy to the right ways of the Lord. Thou hast been already condemned for turning aside from his way. And wouldest thou bring us into the same condemnation? Rather shall thy money perish with thee. So they went their way.
Now I saw that on the other side of the plain, stood an old monument, at the sight of which they were surprised; for it seemed as if it had been a woman transformed into a pillar. For some time they could not tell what to make of it, till they espied a writing upon the head, which was, _Remember Lot’s wife_. Ah, my brother, said _Christian_, this is a seasonable sight. Had we gone over to view the hill _Lucre_, we had, for ought I know, been made like this woman a spectacle to all generations.
_Hopeful._ How justly might I have been as she is! She only looked back; and I desired to go and see. I am ashamed such a thought should be in my heart.
_Christian._ Let us take notice of what we see here, for our help in time to come. This woman escaped one judgment; for she fell not in the destruction of _Sodom_; yet she was destroyed by another. She was turned, as we see, into a pillar of salt.
I saw then that they went on their way to a pleasant river, which David calleth, _The river of God_, but _John_, _the river of the water of life_. Now their way lay on the bank of the river. Here they walked with great delight; they drank also of the water of the river, which was enlivening to their weary spirits. And on the banks on either side, were green trees for all manner of fruit; and _the leaves were for the healing of the nations_. On each side of the river was also a meadow, curiously beautified with flowers; and it was green all the year long. In this they lay down and slept; for here they might lie down safely: but being not yet at their journey’s end, after a short time they departed.
They had not journied far, before the river and the way divided from each other. At this they were not a little sorry; yet they durst not go out of the way. The path now grew more and more rough, and their feet were tender with travelling. So the souls of the pilgrims were much discouraged, by reason of the way. Now a little before them there was a meadow on the left hand, and a stile to go over into it. Then said _Christian_, if this meadow lies along by our way-side let us go into it. He went to see, and a path lay along by the way, on the other side of the fence. “’Tis as I wished, said _Christian_; here is a smooth path; come let us go over.”
_Hopeful._ But how if it should lead us out of the way?
_Christian._ Nay, look, does it not go along by the road-side? So _Hopeful_ went after him over the stile. When they were gone over, they found the path very easy for their feet; and withal, they saw one walking before them. They called and asked him, Whither that way led? He said, to mount _Zion_. Look there, said _Christian_. Did I not tell you so? So they followed, and he went before them; but the night coming on, they soon lost sight of him.