CH 25 - 26

 25 CHRISTIAN AND HOPEFUL ARE CAPTURED BY GIANT DESPAIR

THEN I saw that they went on their way and reached a pleasant river which King David called the River of God, but John the Apostle, the River of the Water of Life. Now their way went directly alongside the bank of the River. Therefore here Christian and Hopeful walked with great delight; they also drank of the water of the River, which they found to be invigorating to their weary spirits. Furthermore, on either side, the banks of this River had green trees that bore every variety of fruit; and the leaves of the trees had good medicinal value.

Now they were particularly delighted with the fruit of these trees, and they also ate the leaves to prevent surfeiting [gluttony], and other diseases related to hot bloodedness [misplaced passion] in their travels. On either side of the River there was also a meadow beautifully adorned with lilies; and it remained green all the year long. So in this meadow, they lay down and slept, for here it was a safe place to rest. When they awoke, again they ate of the fruit of the trees and drank of the water of the River. Then they lay down to sleep once more. And this they did for several days and nights. Then they sang:

Behold you, how these crystal [crystal] streams do glide
(To comfort pilgrims) by the highway side;
The meadows green, besides their fragrant smell,
Yield dainties for them: and he that can tell
What pleasant fruit, yes leaves, these trees do yield,
Will soon sell all, that he may buy this field.

So when they felt it right for them to move forward (for they were not yet at their journey’s end), again they ate and drank, and then departed.

Now I beheld in my dream that they had not journeyed very far ahead when the River and the way divided and began to go in separate directions. For this reason, they were very displeased, though at the same time, they were also fearful of leaving the straight path. However, as they went on, they continued to wish for an easier way. And now that the straight path was heading away from the River, it also became more rough and troublesome while at the same time, their feet were becoming more tender on account of their travels. So the souls of the pilgrims became increasingly discouraged on account of the harshness of the way.

Now a little ahead of them there was on the left-hand side of the road a meadow, and a stile giving access to it over a fence; and that meadow was called By-Path-Meadow. Then Christian said to his companion, “If this meadow runs alongside of our way, then let us cross over to it.” So he went to the stile to investigate, and behold, a pathway on the other side of the fence seemed to run parallel with their way. “This is exactly as I had hoped for,” said Christian. “Here the going is much easier; so come, my good Hopeful, and let us cross over.”

HOPEFUL: But what if this new path should lead us out of the way?

CHRISTIAN: That is not likely. Look, does it not run alongside our way, except on the other side of the fence? So Hopeful, being persuaded by Christian, followed him over the stile.

Now when they had gone over and began to travel along this new path, they found it much easier on their feet. Moreover, on looking ahead of them, they caught sight of a man walking in the same direction as they (and his name was Vain-confidence). So they called out to him and asked him where this way led. He then replied, “To the Celestial Gate.” “Look,” said Christian, “did I not tell you so? With this advice, you can be sure that we are going in the right direction.” So they followed, and Vain-confidence went ahead of them. But behold, then the night began to overtake them so that it grew very dark. As a result, they who were behind lost sight of he who was ahead.

Therefore, he that was ahead of them, being Vain-confidence by name, because he could not see the way ahead of him, fell into a deep pit; it was a trap specially prepared by the prince of that region for the purpose of catching vain-glorious fools so that they might be dashed to pieces in their fall. Now Christian and his companion heard him fall. So they called out to learn how Vain-confidence was doing; but there was no reply except for some groaning.

Then said Hopeful, “Where are we now?” But his friend was silent, for he was now pondering if he had led his brother out of the way. And now it began to rain, with thunder and lightning, in a fearful manner, so that rising water began to flood the path. Then Hopeful inwardly groaned while declaring, “If only I had kept in the way I was going!”

CHRISTIAN: Who could have thought that this path would lead us out of the way?

HOPEFUL: From the beginning, I was afraid that this would happen, and therefore that is why I gave you a gentle warning. I would have spoken more plainly, but you are older than I [in the faith].

CHRISTIAN: Good brother, do not be offended; I am ever so sorry that I have led you out of the way and exposed you to such impending danger. I earnestly ask you to forgive me; I did not act out of evil intent.

HOPEFUL: Be comforted, my brother, for I forgive you; I also believe that this seeming tragedy shall work out for our good.

CHRISTIAN: I am so glad that I have such a merciful brother traveling with me. But let us not stand here any longer; we must try to return to the right way.

HOPEFUL: In that case, my good brother, let me lead the way.

CHRISTIAN: No, if you please, do let me go first. Then if we encounter any danger, I can first deal with it since I am responsible for our getting out of the way.

HOPEFUL: No, you shall not go first because your mind is troubled, and for this reason, you may lead us out of the way once again.

Then for their encouragement, they heard the voice of one saying, “Let your heart be set toward the highway, even the way that you formerly went along; go back there.” But by this time, the floodwaters had risen much higher and made the way back more dangerous. (Then I understood that it is easier going out of the way when we are there, than going into the way when we are out.) Still, they made every effort to go back; but it was so dark, and the floodwaters had risen so high, that in such an attempt they could have easily been drowned nine or ten times.

Neither were they, with all of their skill and determination, able to return to the stile that night. Therefore, having at last found refuge in a small shelter, they sat down there awaiting daybreak, but being weary, they soon fell asleep.

Now not far from this place where they slept there was a castle called Doubting-Castle, the owner of it being Giant Despair; and they were lying asleep in his territory. Therefore, having arisen early in the morning, while walking up and down in his fields, this Giant caught Christian and Hopeful asleep in his realm.

Then with a grim and surly tone to his voice, he ordered them to awaken and tell him where they were from and what they were doing on his property. They replied that they were pilgrims who had lost their way. Then said the Giant, “You have trespassed against me by trampling upon and lying on my grounds; therefore, you must come with me.” So they were forced to go with the Giant because he was stronger than they. And as they went along, they had very little to say because they knew that this circumstance was their own fault. Therefore, the Giant drove them in front of him, and eventually secured them in his Castle by locking them in a very dark dungeon that was so foul and stinking to the spirits of these two prisoners.

Here then they lay, from Wednesday morning until Saturday night, without receiving one bit of bread, a drop of drink, any light whatsoever, or even someone to ask how they were. Therefore, they found themselves in an evil situation while being far from friends and acquaintances. So in this place, Christian’s sorrow was multiplied because it was on account of his hasty advice that they had been brought into this distressing state of affairs.

Now Giant Despair had a wife and her name was Diffidence [reticence, mistrust]; so when he went to bed that evening, he told his wife what he had done, that is how he had taken a couple of prisoners and incarcerated them for trespassing on his grounds. Then he sought her advice as to what he ought to do with them the following day. So she inquired as to who they were, where they had come from, and where they were going; and he told her. Then she advised him that when he arose in the morning, he should beat them without the slightest mercy.

So when he arose, having obtained a fearful crab-tree cudgel [club], he went down to the prisoners in their dungeon and began to beat them as if they were dogs, even though they never responded with any disrespect. Then the Giant lay into them with his cudgel most fiercely, so beating them that they were unable to protect themselves or even move on the floor. This done, he left them there to commiserate in their great distress and mourn over their calamity. So for the rest of that day they did nothing else but offer sighs and bitter lamentations.

The next night Diffidence talked further with her husband about the prisoners, and on

learning that they were still alive, she advised him to recommend to them that they commit suicide. So the next morning he went to the dungeon with a bad-tempered manner as before; on noticing that the prisoners were very sore on account of their previous beating, the Giant told them that since they would never be released from their bondage, the only alternative way of escape was for them to commit suicide using either a knife, a noose, or poison. “For why,” said he, “should you continue to choose life seeing that it is filled with so much bitterness?”

But the prisoners asked that he let them go, at which the Giant scowled as if he was about to rush at them; undoubtedly, he would have finished them off then and there, except that he fell into a fit (for sometimes in sunny weather these seizures overtook him whereby he temporarily lost the use of his hands). Therefore he withdrew from the dungeon and left the captives to consider what they ought to do. Then the prisoners discussed amongst themselves whether it would be best for them to take the Giant’s advice or not. So they entered into intense conversation.

CHRISTIAN: My brother, what shall we do? The life that we now live is miserable. For my part, I do not know whether it is best for us to live as we are, or to die at our own hand. My soul chooses strangling rather than life, and the grave appears more desirable than this dungeon. Shall we accept the Giant’s advice?

HOPEFUL: It is a fact that our present condition is dreadful, and death does appear more welcome than this continual misery. But let us consider what the Lord of the country to which we are going has to say. He declares, “You shall not commit murder, no, not to another man’s person.” How much more then are we forbidden to take the Giant’s advice and kill ourselves.

Besides, he who kills another can only commit murder upon his body; but for one to kill himself is to kill both body and soul at the same time. And moreover, my brother, you talk about ease in the grave; but have you forgotten the Hell where it is certain that murderers go? For no murderer has eternal life, and much more could be said here.

Also, let us again consider that Giant Despair does not have authority over all the law of our Lord. So far as I can understand, others have been captured by him as well as we, and yet they have escaped out of his hand. Who knows if perhaps the God who made this world will cause Giant Despair to die? Or that at some time or other he may forget to lock us in? Or that he may shortly have another paralyzing fit right here and lose the use of his limbs? For if ever another seizure happens, for my part, I am determined to pluck up manly courage and, with all the effort I can muster, attempt to escape from his hand. I was a fool not to try much earlier; however, my brother, let us be patient and continue to endure; the opportunity may arise that will give us happy relief; but let us not be our own murderers.

And with these words, Hopeful, for the present, did calm the mind of his companion; so that day they continued to endure the darkness together, while remaining sad and doleful. Well, towards evening the Giant went down to the dungeon once again to see if his prisoners had taken his advice. But when he saw them, they were still alive, though barely so. For on account of the lack of bread and water, as well as the brutal wounds received at their beating, they could now do little more than breathe. But, as I said, he found them alive; at which he fell into a furious rage and told them that, seeing they had disobeyed his counsel, it would now be worse for them than if they had never been born.

At this the prisoners greatly trembled with terror, and I think that Christian fell into a swoon; but reviving himself a little, they renewed their conversation about the Giant’s advice, and whether it might now be best to take it or not. Now Christian again seemed more inclined to heed this counsel, but Hopeful made his second reply as follows.

HOPEFUL: My brother, remember how valiant you have been up to this point in our journey. Apollyon could not crush you, nor, for that matter, could all that you heard and saw and felt in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. What hardship, terror, and confusion you have already experienced. So do all of these count for nothing in your present fearful plight? You understand that I am imprisoned with you, a far weaker man by nature than ever you were. Further, this Giant has wounded me as well as yourself, and he has deprived me of bread and water even as you; and along with you, I detest this darkness. But still let us exercise a little more patience. Remember how you played the man at Vanity Fair and were not afraid of the shackles or cage, or even bloody death. Therefore, at least to avoid the shame that a Christian ought not to be associated with, let us bear up with patience as well as we can.

Now night having come again, and the Giant and his wife being in bed, Diffidence asked him concerning the condition of the prisoners and if they had taken his advice. To this, he replied, “They are sturdy scoundrels; they would rather choose all manner of hardship than take their own lives.” Then she said, “Take them into the Castle yard tomorrow and show them the bones and skulls of those you have already dispatched; and promise them that before a week comes to an end, you will tear them in pieces just as you have done with other pilgrims like they.”

So when the morning had come, the Giant went to the prisoners once again and took them into the Castle yard where he showed them the remains, just as his wife had directed him. “These,” said he, “were once pilgrims as you now are; they also trespassed in my grounds as you have done; so when I thought fit, I tore them in pieces; and so within ten days I will do the same to you. Now go, return to your dungeon once again.” And with that, he beat them all the way back to their cell. And there they lay all day Saturday in a most miserable condition, just as before.

Now when night had come, and Mrs. Diffidence with her husband the Giant had gone to bed, they began once again to talk about their prisoners. Moreover, the old Giant was amazed that all of his blows and counsel could not bring an end to their lives. To this observation, his wife replied, “I fear that they live in hope that someone will come to deliver them, or that they have picklocks [lock release tools] hidden on them by means of which they hope to escape.” “Yes, and since you say so, my dear,” said the Giant, “I will search them first thing in the morning.”

Well, on Saturday about midnight, the prisoners began to pray; and they continued in prayer until almost the break of day. Now a short while before it was daylight, Christian, like someone suddenly amazed, broke out with a most passionate exclamation. “What a fool I have been, to lie like this in a stinking dungeon, when I could have just as well walked free. In my chest pocket, I have a key called Promise that will, I am thoroughly persuaded, open any lock in Doubting-Castle.” “Then,” said Hopeful, “that is good news. My good brother, do immediately take it out of your chest pocket and try it.”

Then Christian took the key from his chest and began to try the lock of the dungeon door; and as he turned the key, the bolt unlocked and the door flew open with ease, so that Christian and Hopeful immediately came out. Then he went to the outer door that leads into the Castle yard, and with his key this door also opened. After that, he went to the [outer] iron gate for that needed to be unlocked as well. Now this lock was damnably hard [devilishly tight], yet the key did eventually open it. So they thrust open the gate and made their escape with great speed. But as it opened, that particular gate made such a creaking sound that it awakened Giant Despair who, hurriedly arising to pursue his prisoners, suddenly felt a paralysis come over his limbs, for his seizures came on him once again so that it was impossible for him to chase after the escapees. Then Christian and Hopeful went on till they came to the King’s highway once again, and here they were safe because they were out of the Giant’s jurisdiction.

Now when they had returned over the stile, they began to consider what could be done at that place to prevent further pilgrims from being deceived by this detour and thus fall into the hands of Giant Despair. So they agreed that a pillar should be erected there and plainly engraved with the following warning: “Over this stile is the way to Doubting-Castle which is kept by Giant Despair who despises the King of the Celestial Country and seeks to destroy his holy pilgrims.” Therefore, many pilgrims that continued to pass by were able to read what was written and so escape this danger.

This being done, Christian and Hopeful sang as they continued on their way.

Out of the way we went, and then we found
What it was to tread upon forbidden ground;
And let them that come after have a care,
Lest heedlessness makes them, as we, to fare;
Lest they, for trespassing, his prisoners are,
Whose Castle’s Doubting, and whose name’s Despair.

 

26 CHRISTIAN AND HOPEFUL AT THE DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS

THEN they went forward until they came to the Delectable Mountains, which belonged to the Lord of that Hill about which we have spoken before. Thus they drew nearer to the Mountains so as to look more closely at the gardens, the orchards, the vineyards, and the fountains of water, where they also drank, and washed themselves, and freely ate of the fruit of the vine. Now on the tops of these Mountains, there were Shepherds feeding their flocks and standing alongside of the highway. Therefore, the pilgrims approached them and, as is customary when such travelers are weary and pause to talk, they leaned on their staves and enquired, “To whom do these Delectable Mountains belong? And who owns the sheep that are feeding here?”

SHEPHERDS: These Mountains are Immanuel’s Land, and they are within sight of his City; the sheep are also his and he laid down his life for them.

CHRISTIAN: Is this the way to the Celestial City?

SHEPHERDS: You are going in the right direction.

CHRISTIAN: How much farther do we have to go?

SHEPHERDS: It is too far for any except those who shall certainly arrive there.

CHRISTIAN: Is the way ahead safe or dangerous?

SHEPHERDS: It is safe for those for whom it is to be safe; but transgressors shall undoubtedly fall along the way.

CHRISTIAN: Is there a place here where pilgrims who are weary and faint may find temporary rest?

SHEPHERDS: The Lord of these Mountains has given us orders that we should not neglect the provision of hospitality for strangers. Therefore, the refreshing and good features of this place are at your disposal.

I also saw in my dream that when the Shepherds recognized that they were wayfaring men [travelers], they put some questions to them which were answered as in other places; for instance, “From where have you come?” and, “How did you enter the way?” and, “What means have you used to persevere thus far?” For they understood that few pilgrims who first set out and travel a distance yet show their face at these Mountains. But when the Shepherds heard their answers and were pleased with them, they looked upon them very lovingly and said, “Welcome to the Delectable Mountains.”

Now the Shepherds, whose names were Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere, took them by the hand and conducted them to their tents where they partook of a prepared feast. Moreover, they said, “We would like you to stay here for a while and become acquainted with us, though even more we recommend that you comfort yourselves with the good health that these Delectable Mountains provide.” The pilgrims indicated that they would be happy to stay, and so they retired to a restful sleep because it was now very late.

Then I saw in my dream that, in the morning, the Shepherds invited Christian and Hopeful to walk with them upon the Mountains. So they joined them and were escorted for a while with a pleasant view on every side. Then the Shepherds said to one another, “Shall we show these pilgrims some of the wonders that are to be seen here?” So upon agreeing that they should do this, the guests were first taken to the top of a hill called Error, which was very steep on the farthest side; there they were told to look down to the bottom. So Christian and Hopeful peered down and there at the bottom they saw several men all dashed to pieces having fallen from the top. Then said Christian, “What does this mean?” The Shepherds answered, “Have you not heard of those who were led into error through their listening to Hymenaeus and Philetus with regard to the faith [doctrine] of the resurrection of the body?” They answered, “Yes.” Then the Shepherds replied, “Those who you see lying dashed to pieces at the bottom of this Mountain are they; and to this day they have remained unburied, as you can see, being an example to others to take care lest they clamber too high, or come too near the brink of this Mountain.”

Then I saw that the Shepherds took them to the top of another Mountain named Caution, and directed them to look some distance away. Having done this, the pilgrims thought that they could discern several men walking up and down among a number of tombs. And they noticed that the men were blind because they sometimes stumbled over these tombs, and were unable to find their way out from among them. Then said Christian, “What does this mean?”

So the Shepherds answered, “Did you not notice, a little below these mountains, a stile that led into a Meadow on the left-hand side of this way?” They answered, “Yes.” Then said the Shepherds, “From that stile there goes a path that leads directly to Doubting Castle which is owned by Giant Despair. And these men (pointing to those wandering among the tombs) were once on pilgrimage even as you now are, that is until they came to that same stile. And because the right way was rough on their feet in that place, they chose to leave the way and cross over to the Meadow, and there they were taken captive by Giant Despair and cast into Doubting Castle.

Now after they had been kept in a dungeon for a while, the Giant eventually put out their eyes and led them to the tombs; there he has left them to wander to this very day, that the saying of the wise man might be fulfilled, “He who wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” Then Christian and Hopeful looked at one another while tears streamed down their faces; yet they said nothing to the Shepherds!

Then I saw in my dream that the Shepherds took them to another place located in a valley where there was a door in the side of a hill; so they opened the door and invited the pilgrims to look in. Therefore on looking inside they saw that it was very dark and smoky; they also thought that they heard a rumbling sound like a fire, as well as the crying of some tormented souls, and in addition, they smelled the stench of brimstone. Then Christian said, “What does this mean?” The Shepherds told them in reply, “This is a By-way to Hell where hypocrites are able to enter, that is those like Esau who would sell his birthright, or like Judas who would sell his Master, or like Alexander who would blaspheme the gospel, or like Ananias and Sapphira who would lie and dissemble [deceive].”

HOPEFUL: I notice that every one of these, at one time or another, put on a display of going on pilgrimage even as we are now doing. Is that not true?

SHEPHERDS: Yes, and they traveled for quite a great distance as well.

HOPEFUL: Exactly how far was it possible for pilgrims such as these to travel in their day, that is while appreciating the fact that they were miserably cast aside?

SHEPHERDS: Some can go even further, while others cannot reach as far as these Mountains.

Then the pilgrims spoke to each other, “We certainly have a need to cry to the Strong [One] for strength.”

SHEPHERDS: Yes, and you will need to use it when it is given to you.

By this time the pilgrims had a desire to press forward, and the Shepherds agreed that they should do this. So they all walked together toward the end of the Mountains. Then the Shepherds said to one another, “Let us show the pilgrims here a view of the gates of the Celestial City, provided they have the skill to look through our perspective glass [telescope].” So the pilgrims gratefully accepted the invitation; hence they were led to the top of a high hill called Clear and given the Shepherds’ telescope to look through. Then they essayed [attempted] to look ahead, but the remembrance of the previous sight that the Shepherds had shown them made their hands shake; with this impediment, they could not look steadily through the telescope; yet they thought they saw something like the gate and some of the glory of the place. Then they went on their way and sang:

Thus by the Shepherds, secrets are revealed,
Which from all other men are kept concealed.
Come to the Shepherds then, if you would see
Things deep, things hid, and that mysterious be.

When they were about to depart, one of the Shepherds gave them a note [written instructions] describing the way ahead. Another of them advised the pilgrims to beware of the Flatterer. The third told them to take care that they did not sleep on the Enchanted Ground. And the fourth commended them to God’s sustaining mercy as they traveled.

So I [Bunyan] awoke from my dream.