CH 30 - 32

 

30 CHRISTIAN AND HOPEFUL SNARED BY THE FLATTERER

SO they went on and Ignorance followed behind. They continued until they came to a place where another path joined in with the straight way. Now this new alternative way seemed as straight as the road to which they had become accustomed. Because of this the pilgrims were undecided as to which way they should take, for each seemed as straight as the other. So they stood still and pondered.

And as they were wondering which way to take, a black man, dressed in a light-colored robe, approached them; he then asked the pilgrims why they were standing there. They explained that they were going to the Celestial City, but did not know which of the two ways to now take. “Follow me,” said the man, “for it is the way in which I am now going.” So they followed him along the new way that had joined the old way, though this new path gradually veered away from the Celestial City so that they came to be facing the opposite direction. Now as time passed by, before they awakened to their guide’s deception, he led both pilgrims into a net that completely closed itself around them. As a result, they became so thoroughly entangled that they did not know what to do. Then the white robe fell off the black man’s back so that the captives began to understand what had happened. Therefore they lay crying for some time because they did not know how to escape.

CHRISTIAN: Now I understand that I have been caught in an error. Did not the Shepherds exhort us to beware of the flatterers? Today we have found to be true that which the wise man has declared, “A man that flatters his neighbor also spreads a net for his feet.”

HOPEFUL: They also gave us written instructions showing directions along the way so as to ensure our safe arrival; but we have forgotten to study them, and so have not kept ourselves from the paths of the destroyer. At this point David was much wiser than we for he said, “Concerning the deeds of men, by the word of your lips I have kept from the paths of the destroyer.” So they continued to bemoan themselves while lying enmeshed in the net.

At last they noticed a Shining One coming toward them with a small whip made of thin cord in his hand. When he had drawn near to the place where they were ensnared, he asked them from where they had come. They told him that they were poor pilgrims going to Mount Zion, but had been led out of their way by a black man clothed in white. “He advised us,” they said, “to follow him since he professed to be going to Mount Zion as well.” Then the Shining One with the whip responded, “This person was the Flatterer, a false apostle, who has transformed himself into an angel of light.” So he tore open the net and let the men out.

Then he ordered them, “Follow me so that I may redirect you back to the way again.” So he led them back to the old straight way which they had left to follow the Flatterer. Then he asked them, “Where did you stay last night?” They replied, “With the Shepherds on the Delectable Mountains.” Then he asked them, “Did they give you written instructions that included a map for the way ahead?” They replied, “Yes.” But the Shining One pressed further, “When you came to a halt there, did you refer to the map for guidance?” They answered, “No.” So he asked them, “Why?” They replied, “We forgot.” Then he asked, “Did the Shepherds exhort you to beware of the Flatterer?” They answered, “Yes, but we did not imagine that this fine-spoken man could possibly be he.”

Then I saw in my dream that the Shining One commanded the pilgrims to lie down; having done this, he severely chastised them so as to teach them the good way in which they should walk; and while he was whipping them he declared, “As many as I love, these I also rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.”

Having done this, he directed them to be on their way and pay particular attention to the other directions of the Shepherds. So thanking him for all of his kindness, they very softly proceeded along the right way, while singing:

Come hither, you that walk along the way;
See how the pilgrims fare, that go astray!
They are caught in an entangling net,
‘Cause they good counsel lightly did forget;
’Tis true, they rescued were, but yet you see,
They’re scourged as well; let this your caution be.

 

31 CHRISTIAN AND HOPEFUL MEET RETURNING ATHEIST

NOW after a while, they noticed someone in the distance coming softly and alone along the highway to meet them. Then said Christian to his companion, “Ahead of us is a man with his back toward Mount Zion, and he is coming to meet us.”

HOPEFUL: I see him, so let us be very careful now lest he should prove to be another flatterer.

So this man drew nearer and nearer until he came right up to them. His name was Atheist, and he immediately asked the pilgrims where they were going.

CHRISTIAN: We are going to Mount Zion.

ATHEIST: (Having burst into howling and scornful laughter) I cannot but help laugh on account of it being so obvious that you are both ignorant persons; for you have committed yourselves to a very tiring journey that will provide you with absolutely nothing for your trouble, other than a fruitless journey.

CHRISTIAN: Why man, do you think it possible that we will not be received at our destination?

ATHEIST: Received! But there is no such place that you dream of in all this world.

CHRISTIAN: But there is in the world to come.

ATHEIST: When I was at home in my country of origin, I also heard about what you are saying; and it was for this reason that I set out in search of this Celestial City, over twenty years ago. But from the day that I departed until now, no such place has ever been discovered.

CHRISTIAN: Both of us have heard about such a place and we definitely believe that it is possible to find it.

ATHEIST: Had I not first believed as you do, I would not have come this far in my search. You would think that I ought to have found such a place by now. But having traveled further than you have, I am returning home where I hope to refresh myself with the things that were earlier cast aside for a vain hope.

CHRISTIAN: (Seriously addressing Hopeful) Is it true what this man is telling us?

HOPEFUL: Be very careful, for this fellow is definitely one of the flatterers. Remember what it has already cost us for our listening to another sweet-talker like this one. What a thing to say, that there is no Mount Zion! Did we not see the very gate of the City from the top of the Delectable Mountains? Furthermore, are we not to walk by faith rather than sight? So let us be on our way lest the man with the whip should catch up with us again.

But my good companion, you should have been the one teaching this lesson to me. So let me plainly address you in both ears: “My son, cease listening to instruction that will cause you to depart from the words of knowledge.” I tell you my brother, do not listen to this man any more, but rather let us believe unto the saving of the soul.

CHRISTIAN: My brother, let me confess that I did not put that question to you on account of my own personal doubt of the truth. Rather, my intention was to test you and draw forth a response that indicated the real commitment of your heart. And as for this man, I know well that he is blinded by the god of this world. So let you and I go forward knowing that we have right belief of the truth, for no lie or false testimony can be of the truth.

HOPEFUL: Now I do rejoice in hope of the glory of God. So both pilgrims turned away from Atheist while he, raucously laughing, went on his way.

 

32 CHRISTIAN AND HOPEFUL CROSS THE ENCHANTED GROUND

THEN I saw in my dream that the travelers continued on their way until they came to a particular region where the nature of the air had a tendency to make one drowsy, that is, with regard to strangers passing through. And it was here that Hopeful began to feel lethargic and sleepy. Therefore he spoke to Christian, “I have now become so drowsy that I can hardly keep my eyes open; so let us lie down here and take a nap.”

CHRISTIAN: In no way, my brother, lest in sleeping we never awaken again.

HOPEFUL: Friend, why do you say that? To the working man, sleep is very sweet; in taking a nap, we will be refreshed and feel much better.

CHRISTIAN: Do you not remember that it was one of the Shepherds who exhorted us to beware of the Enchanted Ground? By this, he meant that we should be careful not to doze there. So let us not sleep as others do, but rather let us watch and be sober.

HOPEFUL: I do confess myself at fault, and had I been traveling here alone, by sleeping I would have been in danger of death. How true is the saying of the wise man, “Two are better than one.” Up to this point in our journey, your companionship has been a continual mercy; be assured that you shall have a good reward for your efforts.

CHRISTIAN: Now then, to prevent drowsiness in this place, let us commence with some profitable conversation.

HOPEFUL: Why, I wholeheartedly agree.

CHRISTIAN: Then where shall we begin?

HOPEFUL: Well, let us start where God began to work with us. But if you are agreeable, do begin first.

When saints do sleepy grow, let them come hither,
And hear how these two pilgrims talk together;
Yes, let them learn of them in any wise [way]
Thus to keep open their drowsy slumbering eyes.
Saints’ fellowship, if it be managed well,
Keeps them awake, and that in spite of Hell.

A. Hopeful Testifies to His Conversion at Vanity Fair

CHRISTIAN: (Suggesting a topic to Hopeful) Let me ask you a question. How did you first come to think about what you are doing now?

HOPEFUL: Do you mean, how did I first come to be concerned about the healthy condition of my soul?

CHRISTIAN: Yes, that is exactly what I mean.

HOPEFUL: For a long time I continued to delight in those things which were on display and marketed at Vanity Fair; these were things which I now believe, had I continued in them, would have certainly led to my eternal damnation and destruction.

CHRISTIAN: What were these things in particular?

HOPEFUL: All of the treasures and riches of the world. Also, I derived great pleasure from rioting, partying, drinking, swearing, dishonesty, lewdness, Sabbath-breaking, and much more, all of which tended to destroy my soul. But at last I discovered that, by listening to and thinking about spiritual truth, this ungodly lifestyle would eventually lead to my death; I further understood that because of these carnal things the wrath of God falls on the children of disobedience. Such truths I heard from you, as well as beloved Faithful who was put to death for his faith and godly living in Vanity Fair.

CHRISTIAN: And did this new understanding bring about an immediate burden of conviction?

HOPEFUL: No, because right then I was not willing to know about the evil of sin or the damnation that results from obeying it; on the contrary, when troubled with the Word of truth, I made every effort to shut my eyes to its revealing light.

CHRISTIAN: But what was the cause of your continual resistance to these first workings of God’s blessed Spirit upon you?

HOPEFUL: The causes were:

1.     I was ignorant that this was the work of God upon me. I never understood that by means of awakening me to sin in my life, God first begins the conversion of a sinner.

2.     Sin was very sweet to my flesh and I was most reluctant to forsake it.

3.     I could not contemplate parting with my established worldly companions, for their friendship and lifestyle continued to be desirable to me.

4.     Those periods in which convictions seized me were so troublesome and fearful to my heart that I could not endure them, no not so much as the mere remembrance of them.

CHRISTIAN: Then it would seem that sometimes you were able to be rid of your trouble.

HOPEFUL: Yes, that is true, but then it would return again into my mind so that I would be as bad, no even worse than I was before.

CHRISTIAN: Tell me then, what was it that brought your sins to mind again?

HOPEFUL: Many things, such as:

1.     If I merely met a good man in the street; or,

2.     If I heard anyone read from the Bible; or,

3.     If my head began to ache; or,

4.     If I was told that some of my neighbors were sick; or,

5.     If I heard the bell toll for someone who had died; or,

6.     If I thought of my own dying; or,

7.     If I heard that others had suddenly died; or,

8.     But especially, when I considered my own imminent appointment with judgment.

CHRISTIAN: And at any time could you easily be relieved of this guilt of sin, that is when any of these incidents confronted you?

HOPEFUL: No, not more recently, for on appearing they seemed so rapidly to grasp hold of my conscience. And then, if I did contemplate returning to my sin, though my mind was in opposition to this, the result would be double torment for me.

CHRISTIAN: And what did you think of doing then?

HOPEFUL: I concluded that I must make every effort to improve my life, otherwise I believed I was certain to be damned.

CHRISTIAN: And did you actually carry out this resolve to reform your life?

HOPEFUL: Yes, and I fled from not only my sins, but also sinful company as well. Furthermore, I devoted myself to religious duties such as praying, Bible reading, weeping over my sin, speaking the truth to my neighbors, and other matters. I was involved with so many of these practices that they are too numerous to mention.

CHRISTIAN: And did you regard yourself as better off on account of this religious involvement?

HOPEFUL: Yes, that is for a while; but eventually greater trouble seemed to overwhelm me and rise way above the level of my reformations.

CHRISTIAN: How could that possibly come about since you confessed to attaining reformation [improvement] in your life?

HOPEFUL: There were several things that brought this upon me, and especially sayings such as these, “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags,” and “By the works of the law no man shall be justified,” and “When you have done all things, say, We are unprofitable,” and many more like these besides. So from this I began to reason with myself as follows; if all my righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and if no man can be justified by the deeds of the law, and if when we have done all, we are still unprofitable, then it is sheer folly to think of attaining Heaven by means of the law. I further thought as follows: if a man runs up a debt of a hundred pounds at a local shop, and then subsequently pays cash for everything else that he buys, still the original debt will remain unsettled; and in this case the shopkeeper will probably sue him and have the debtor imprisoned until he pays the debt in full.

CHRISTIAN: Yes, I understand, but how does this apply to yourself?

HOPEFUL: Well, I reasoned as follows concerning my own condition. Because my sins cause me to be greatly indebted in God’s book, and all of my present reforming will not pay for what I owe, therefore I should ponder what use are all of these new improvements. For how shall I escape from the damnation that endangers me on account of my former transgressions?

CHRISTIAN: That is a very good application. But I do ask that you continue.

HOPEFUL: Another thing that troubled me, even concerning my recent amendments, was this; if I looked very closely into the best of what I now do, I still see sin, new sin, mixing itself with the best of what I do. So now I was forced to conclude that, notwithstanding my former fond conceits regarding myself and my duties, yet I had committed enough sin in one duty to send me to Hell, even though my former life had been faultless.

CHRISTIAN: And what did you then do?

HOPEFUL: What did I do? Why I was at a loss to know which way to turn, that is until I laid bare my heart to Faithful; for he and I were well acquainted with each other. So he told me that unless I could obtain the righteousness of a man who had never sinned, then neither mine own nor all of the righteousness of the world could save me.

CHRISTIAN: And were you convinced that he spoke the truth?

HOPEFUL: Had he told me this when I was pleased with my own improvements, then I would have called him a fool for his trouble; but now, having seen my own corruption, and the sin that is attached to my own best performances, I have been forced to agree with his opinion.

CHRISTIAN: But when he first recommended to you a man who could rightly be described as being sinless, did you believe that such a person could be found?

HOPEFUL: I must confess that at first this recommendation sounded strange, but after some further discussion and fellowship with Faithful, I became fully convinced that he was right.

CHRISTIAN: And did you ask him to identify this man and explain how you might be justified by him?

HOPEFUL: Yes, and he told me it was the Lord Jesus Christ who dwells at the right hand of the Most High. So he explained, “You must be justified by him, that is by trusting in what he accomplished in the days of his flesh when he suffered by hanging on the tree [cross].” Then I further asked, “How is it that this man’s righteousness could be effectual in justifying another man before God.” And he told me that he was the mighty God, and that what he did in dying was not for himself, but for me. Furthermore, the righteousness of his doings [obedient atoning work] and their worthiness [acceptability] would be imputed [reckoned] to me if I believed on him.

CHRISTIAN: And then what did you do?

HOPEFUL: I offered objections as to why I should not believe, and especially because I thought this Christ was not willing to save me.

CHRISTIAN: And what did Faithful then say?

HOPEFUL: He urged me to go to him and find out for myself. But I replied that I thought this was presumptuous. However, he said that this was not so since I was invited to come. Then he gave me a book of Jesus in which were his very words, and these only all the more encouraged me to freely come to him. He added that every jot and tittle in this book were more firmly established than Heaven and Earth. So I asked him what I must do when I came to Christ; he told me that I must first fall to my knees and plead with all of my heart and soul that the Father would reveal him to me.

Then I asked him how I should make my entreaty to this Jesus. He responded that I should go and find him sitting on a mercy-seat where he sits throughout each year providing mercy and forgiveness for those who come to him. Then I told him that I would not know what to say when I did come. And he directed me to speak in this manner, “God, be merciful to me a sinner, and enable me to know and believe in Jesus Christ; for I understand that if his righteousness was not available, or I did not have faith in that righteousness, then I would be utterly rejected. Lord, I have heard that you are a merciful God and have ordained that your Son Jesus Christ should be the Savior of the world; and moreover, I understand that you are willing to confer him [and his salvation] upon poor sinners such as myself, and indeed I am a poor sinner. Therefore Lord, take this opportunity to magnify your grace in the salvation of my soul, through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”

CHRISTIAN: And did you do exactly as you were told?

HOPEFUL: Yes, over and over and over again.

CHRISTIAN: And did the Father reveal his Son to you?

HOPEFUL: Not on the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth, or even the sixth occasion.

CHRISTIAN: Then what did you do?

HOPEFUL: What did I do? Why I could not tell what to do.

CHRISTIAN: Did you ever consider giving up on praying?

HOPEFUL: Yes, at least a hundred times, and then another hundred.

CHRISTIAN: And why was it that you did not give up?

HOPEFUL: I believed that what had been told me was true, that is that without the righteousness of this Christ, all of the world could not save me. And therefore I thought to myself, if I cease making these entreaties, then I die; though I can only die at the throne of grace. And moreover, this came to my mind, “If it delays, then wait for it, because it will certainly come, and will not delay.” So I continued praying until the Father revealed his Son to me.

CHRISTIAN: And how was he eventually revealed to you?

HOPEFUL: I did not see him with my physical eyes, but rather with the eyes of my understanding. Now this is how it happened. One day I was particularly sad; I think I was more sad [spiritually depressed] than at any other time in my life; and this bout of sadness came about through a fresh sight of the greatness and vileness of my sins. So as I was then anticipating nothing else but Hell and the everlasting damnation of my soul, suddenly, I thought I saw the Lord Jesus look down from Heaven toward me and beckon me with this invitation, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.”

But I replied, “Lord, I am a great, indeed a very great sinner;” to this he answered, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Then I said, “But Lord, what exactly is it to believe?” Immediately I understood from that saying, “He who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes on me shall never thirst,” that believing and coming mean the same thing. Therefore, he who comes to Christ, that is runs to him because of a heart overflowing with earnest desires for salvation by Christ, is he who truly believes in Christ. I further heard him say, “And he who comes to me, I will in no way cast out.” Then I said, “But Lord, how must I properly think about you in coming to you; that is, how should my faith rightly behold you?” Then he responded, “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. He is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. He died for our sins, and rose again for our justification. He loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. He is the mediator between God and us. He ever lives to make intercession for us.”

From all of this I came to understand that I must look for righteousness in his person, and for satisfaction for my sins through his blood; and that what he did in obedience to his Father’s law, and in submitting to its attending penalty, was not for himself, but for he who will accept it for his salvation and be thankful. As a consequence, my heart now became full of joy while my eyes flooded with tears; now my affections overflowed with love for the name, people, and ways of Jesus Christ.

CHRISTIAN: This was truly a revelation of Christ to your soul. But tell me in more detail what effect this encounter had upon your spirit?

HOPEFUL: It made me understand that all of the world, notwithstanding its vaunted righteousness, is yet in a state of condemnation. It made me see that God the Father, while being just, can also justify the coming [believing] sinner. It made me greatly ashamed of the vileness of my former lifestyle and amazed that I could be so ignorant in this condition. For up till that time no thought had come to my heart that revealed the beauty of Jesus Christ. It made me love a holy life and long to do something for the honor and glory of the name of the Lord Jesus. Yes, I now considered that if I had a thousand gallons of blood in my body, I would gladly spill it all for the sake of the Lord Jesus.

B. Closer Reacquaintance is Made with Ignorance

I then saw in my dream that Hopeful looked back and saw Ignorance, who they had earlier left behind, following after them. “Look,” said he, to Christian, “how far that youngster is lagging behind us.”

CHRISTIAN: Yes, yes, I see him, though he does not care for our companionship.

HOPEFUL: But I am sure that it would not have hurt him if he had decided to walk with us up to this point.

CHRISTIAN: That is true, though I am certain that he thinks very differently.

HOPEFUL: Yes, I agree with you here; however, let us wait for him to catch up (which they did).

Then Christian spoke to Ignorance, “Man, come and walk with us. Why do you lag behind us?”

IGNORANCE: Because I find it pleasurable to walk alone, and much more so than with company, that is unless I find some likable travelers.

Then Christian said to Hopeful (though softly), “Did I not tell you that he has no desire for our company? However, do join me in conversation with him so that we can better pass the time of day in this solitary place.” Then Christian addressed Ignorance with some questions, “My friend, how are you keeping at the present? How is your relationship between God and your soul?”

IGNORANCE: Well, I have hope that it is good right now; as I walk along, I always seem to be full of good motions [notions] that come to mind and comfort me.

CHRISTIAN: What are some of these good notions? Tell us.

IGNORANCE: Why, I think about God and Heaven.

CHRISTIAN: So do the devils, and souls that are consigned to Hell.

IGNORANCE: But I think about them and desire them.

CHRISTIAN: So do many who are never likely to reside there. The soul of the sluggard desires Heaven and yet has no inheritance there.

IGNORANCE: But I think about them and leave all that I have to obtain them.

CHRISTIAN: I doubt that very much, for to leave everything that you have is much harder to do than many are aware of. But why, or by what evidence are you persuaded that you have left all for God and Heaven?

IGNORANCE: My heart tells me so.

CHRISTIAN: The wise man declares, “He who trusts his own heart is a fool.”

IGNORANCE: But that saying refers to an evil heart, whereas mine is a good one.

CHRISTIAN: But how can you prove that your heart is as good as you say?

IGNORANCE: Because it comforts and assures me concerning my hope of reaching Heaven.

CHRISTIAN: That may well be, though on account of its deceitfulness; for a man’s heart may minister comfort with regard to his hope of something, even though he has no grounds for expecting the fulfillment of that hope.

IGNORANCE: But my heart and life are in agreement [harmony] with one another, and therefore my hope is well grounded.

CHRISTIAN: Who told you that your heart and life are in good harmony?

IGNORANCE: My own heart tells me this.

CHRISTIAN: My dear fellow, ask yourself if I am a thief. So your heart tells you so! Except the Word of God bears witness in this matter, any other testimony is of no value.

IGNORANCE: But is it not a good heart that produces good thoughts? And is it not a good life that is in harmony with God’s commandments?

CHRISTIAN: Yes, it is a good heart that produces good thoughts, and it is a good life that is in harmony with God’s commandments. But it is one thing to really have these qualities, and quite another to only think so.

IGNORANCE: Then tell me, what count as good thoughts and a good life according to God’s commandments?

CHRISTIAN: There are good thoughts of various kinds, some with regard to ourselves, some God, some Christ, and some other things.

IGNORANCE: What are good thoughts with regard to ourselves?

CHRISTIAN: Those that are in agreement with the Word of God.

IGNORANCE: When do thoughts about ourselves agree with the Word of God?

CHRISTIAN: When we pass the same judgment upon ourselves which the Word of God does. But let me explain further. The Word of God says of the natural man, “There is no one who is righteous; there is no one who does good.” It also says, “That every imagination of the heart of man is only evil, and continually so.” And again, “The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” Now then, when we think of ourselves in this sense, then our thoughts are good ones because they are in agreement with the Word of God.

IGNORANCE: But I will never believe that my heart is that bad.

CHRISTIAN: If that be so, then you have never had one good thought about yourself in your whole life. But let me continue. As the Word of God passes judgment upon our heart, so it also passes judgment upon our ways [actions]; and when the thoughts of our hearts, as well as our actions, are in agreement with the judgment that the Word brings upon both, then both types of thoughts are good because they are in agreement with that Word.

IGNORANCE: Please explain your meaning here.

CHRISTIAN: Why, the Word of God says that man’s ways are crooked ways; they are perverse, not good. It says that by nature they veer from the good way and have no inclination to know it. Now when a man seriously considers his ways in this manner, I mean when he is sensitive and full of heart-humiliation in his thinking, then he has good thoughts about his own ways because his thoughts now agree with the judgment of the Word of God.

IGNORANCE: Then what exactly are good thoughts about God?

CHRISTIAN: They are similar to what I have said concerning ourselves. In other words, they are good thoughts about God when they agree with what the Word of God says about him. And so we should think about his character and attributes exactly as the Word teaches us, though I cannot presently speak about this in more detail. However, to speak about God concerning ourselves, that is when we understand that he knows us better than we know ourselves, that he can see sin in us when we cannot see it ourselves, then we have right thoughts about God. When we understand that he knows our innermost thoughts, and that our heart, to its very depths, is always open to his scrutiny; also, when we know that all of our righteousness stinks in his nostrils, and that even with our best performances we still cannot stand with acceptable confidence before him, then we know that we have right thoughts about God.

IGNORANCE: Do you think that I am such a fool as to regard God as not being able to see any further than I do? Do you believe that I hope to come to God for acceptance offering only the best of my performances?

CHRISTIAN: Then tell me, what do you believe about this matter?

IGNORANCE: Why, to come to the point, I consider that I must believe in Jesus Christ for justification [right standing with God].

CHRISTIAN: But how could you consider believing in Jesus Christ when you do not see any need of him? You see neither your original sin nor your actual transgressions; rather you have such an opinion of yourself and what you do that you plainly qualify as one who has never acknowledged the necessity of Christ’s personal righteousness to justify you before God. How then can you possibly say, “I believe in Jesus Christ?”

IGNORANCE: In spite of what you say, I believe well enough.

CHRISTIAN: Exactly what is it that you believe?

IGNORANCE: I believe that Jesus Christ died for sinners, and that I shall be justified before God from the curse [of the law] through his gracious acceptance of my obedience to his law. Or to put it another way, Christ makes my religious duties acceptable to his Father by virtue of his merits, and for this reason I shall be justified.

CHRISTIAN: Let me give an answer to this confession of your faith.

1.     You believe with a fantastical [imaginary] faith, for such a faith is nowhere described in the Word of God.

2.     You believe with a false faith, because it takes away the personal righteousness of Christ from justification and replaces it with your own.

3.     This faith makes Christ a justifier of your actions rather than you as a person; then your person is justified for the sake of your actions, and this is patently false.

4.     Therefore this faith of yours is deceitful, and of the type that will leave you subject to the wrath of God Almighty at his day of final judgment. For true justifying faith directs the soul, being sensitive of its lostness through the law, to flee for refuge to Christ’s righteousness. Now this righteousness of Christ is not an act of grace by which he makes your obedience a justifying work that is acceptable to God; rather it is his personal obedience to the law in doing and suffering for us that which this same law justly required of us. Let me stress that true faith accepts this righteousness of Christ as if it were a skirt by which the soul may be completely covered; so by this means the soul is presented as spotless before God, and he accepts it and acquits such a covered person from condemnation.

IGNORANCE: What are you saying? Would you have us trust in what Christ in his own person has done without [outside of] us? This conceit would certainly encourage the loosening of the reins that restrict our lusts, and allow us to live as we are inclined. For what does it matter how we live when we may be justified from all our sin by Christ’s personal righteousness, that is when all that we have to do is simply believe?

CHRISTIAN: You are fittingly named Ignorance, for you are also ignorant as a person; your answer clearly demonstrates this to be true. You are ignorant of what justifying righteousness is, and equally as ignorant as to how the soul may be safe from the severe wrath of God through faith in it. Yes, you are also ignorant of the true [resultant] effects of saving faith in this righteousness of Christ; these include the conquest and winning over of the heart to God in Christ, so that it loves his name, his Word, his ways, and his people, and not as you ignorantly imagine.

HOPEFUL: Ask him if he has ever had Christ revealed to him from Heaven.

IGNORANCE: What now is this? Are you a man influenced by revelations? I believe that what you, and all the rest of your persuasion, say about this matter is nothing more than the fruit of distracted brains [an addled mind].

HOPEFUL: Why man, Jesus Christ is so hid in God from the natural understanding of all flesh that he cannot be savingly known by any man, that is unless God the Father reveals him to them.

IGNORANCE: That is your faith, but it is certainly not mine. On the other hand, I have no doubt that my faith is as good as yours; though in no way do I have

as many fanciful notions in my head as you do.

CHRISTIAN: Do allow me to add a further word here. You should not speak so scornfully of this matter; for I will boldly assert, even as my good companion has done, that no one can know Jesus Christ except through the revelation of the Father. Yes, and I will add as well that even the faith that lays hold upon Christ, that is assuming that it is true faith, must be wrought [forged] by the exceeding greatness of his mighty power. Now concerning this faith, I observe, poor Ignorance, that you are wholly ignorant of it. Therefore, wake up and acknowledge your own wretchedness, and then fly to the Lord Jesus; for only by his righteousness, which is the righteousness of God, he himself being God, shall you be delivered from condemnation.

IGNORANCE: You go so fast that I cannot keep up with you; so do go on ahead as before, and I will follow on some distance behind.

Then the pilgrims said:

Well Ignorance, will you yet foolish be,
To slight good counsel, ten times given thee?
And if you yet refuse it, you shall know
Before long the evil of your doing so.
Remember man in time; stoop, do not fear,
Good counsel taken well, saves, therefore hear;
But if you yet shall slight it, you will be
The loser, Ignorance, I’ll warrant thee.

Then Christian addressed his companion.

CHRISTIAN: Well, come with me my good friend Hopeful, for I see that you and I must walk by ourselves once again.

So I saw in my dream that they went on ahead at a steady pace while Ignorance limped along behind. Then Christian said to his companion, “I feel great pity for this man, because in the end his journey will come to a woeful conclusion.”

HOPEFUL: Sad to say, in our Town there is an abundance of his kind, whole families, yes even whole streets with many being pilgrims as well. So if there are many like him in our locality, then there must be a great multitude in the place where he was born.

CHRISTIAN: This is true for the Word says, “He has blinded their eyes lest they should see,” etc. But now that we are by ourselves, tell me what you think of such men. Do you think that at any time they have convictions of sin, and as a consequence have fears about the danger of their condition?

HOPEFUL: No, I would rather that you answer this question yourself since, being older, you have more experience.

CHRISTIAN: Then I would say, at least it is my opinion, that at times they may have such fears. But because they are naturally ignorant of spiritual truth, they do not understand that these convictions contribute toward their good; and therefore they strive with great effort to stifle them while presumptuously flattering themselves concerning the way [good state] of their own hearts.

HOPEFUL: I do agree with what you say, for fear does tend to benefit men such as when, at the beginning of their pilgrimage, they are prompted to go the right way.

CHRISTIAN: Without a doubt this is what happens, that is it is right fear. For in this regard the Word says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

HOPEFUL: How would you describe right fear?

CHRISTIAN: True or right fear is identified in three ways.

1.     By its arousal. It is caused by saving convictions of sin.

2.     It drives the soul to seize hold of [believe in] Christ for salvation.

3.     It gives birth to and maintains in the soul a great reverence for God, his Word, and ways; so this same soul is kept tender by making it afraid to turn from these affections, either to the right hand or to the left, or to anything that may dishonor God, rend its peace, grieve the Spirit, or cause the enemy to speak [of God] reproachfully.

HOPEFUL: Well spoken my brother, for I believe that you have said the truth. Have we now almost passed through the Enchanted Ground?

CHRISTIAN: Why do you ask? Have you become weary of this present conversation?

HOPEFUL: Not at all, but I would still like to know where we are.

CHRISTIAN: We now have no more than two miles to go in this region. Nevertheless, let us return to the topic under discussion. Now in general, the ignorant do not appreciate that such convictions of sin tend to cause them to fear, and thus are for their good; therefore they seek to stifle them.

HOPEFUL: Be more specific. How do they seek to stifle them?

CHRISTIAN: There are four ways.

1.     They think that those fears are forged by the devil, though in fact they are the work of God, and in thinking this way they resist them as things that would cause their overthrow [defeat].

2.     They also think that these fears tend to spoil their faith, even though as deluded poor men they do not have any, and therefore they harden their hearts against them.

3.     They presume that they ought not to have fears, and therefore in spite of them, they put on a vain show of confidence.

4.     They appreciate that these fears tend to strip them of their pathetic displays of self-righteousness; therefore they resist them with all of their might.

HOPEFUL: I confess to knowing something of this in my own experience; for before I knew the truth about myself, my condition was just as pitiful.

C. Christian Recalls his Acquaintance with Temporary

CHRISTIAN: Well, let us now leave our neighbor Ignorance by himself and decide upon another topic that is profitable for discussion.

HOPEFUL: I agree with all my heart; but still, you begin with a suggestion.

CHRISTIAN: Well then, about ten years ago, did you ever know a person named Temporary who came from your part of the country? At that time he was very enthusiastic about religion.

HOPEFUL: Did I know him? Yes, I certainly did, for he resided in Graceless, a town about two miles away from Honesty, and he lived next door to one named Turn-back.

CHRISTIAN: That is right, for Turn-back and he lived in the same terrace of houses. Well, at one time that man was very much awakened; I believe that he then had some appreciation of his sinfulness, and of the wages that were due to him in this regard.

HOPEFUL: I am of the same opinion as you, since, my house being less than three miles from him, he would frequently come to me while his face streamed with tears. I truly pitied that man, and I was not altogether without hope for him; but as one comes to understand, it is not everyone who cries out “Lord, Lord” [who proves to be a genuine pilgrim].

CHRISTIAN: He once told me that he was determined to go on pilgrimage, just as we presently are; but all of a sudden he became a friend of one Save-self, and after that he became a stranger to me.

HOPEFUL: Now since we are talking about him, let us enquire a little more closely into the reasons for his sudden backsliding and others like him.

CHRISTIAN: This may be very profitable, but you be the one to begin.

HOPEFUL: Well then, in my judgment there are four reasons for this falling away.

1.     Though the consciences of such men are awakened, yet their minds are not changed. Therefore, when the power of guilt fades away, that which stimulated them to become religious ceases to have any effect. Therefore they naturally turn to their former walk once again. We see this same reaction with a dog who becomes sick on account of what he has eaten; in continuing to be sick, he also continues to vomit; he does this not because of a free mind, if it can be said that a dog has a mind, but rather because his stomach troubles him. But when his sickness is ended, so his stomach is troubled no more, and he is no longer opposed to his vomit. So he turns about and licks it all up. And so it is true which is written, “The dog returns to his own vomit again.” Now I say that a person may be hot and enthusiastic for Heaven, chiefly because of a sense of fear regarding the torments of Hell; but as their sense of Hell’s terror, with its attending fears of damnation, diminishes, so also do their desires for Heaven and salvation cool as well. So then it comes to pass that when their guilt and fear are gone, likewise their desires for Heaven and happiness die, and they return to their former course once again.

2.     Another reason is this; they have slavish fears that overwhelm them. Now I speak here of fears that they have of men, “for the fear of men brings a snare.” So then, though they seem to be hot for Heaven while the flames of Hell are about their ears, yet when that terror abates a little, they propose to themselves some second thoughts; one is that it is good to be wise and not run the risk of losing all for something they know little about; another is that it is not prudent to bring themselves into unavoidable and unnecessary troubles; so they choose to fall in with the world once again.

3.     The shame that attends religion also lies as a roadblock in their way; they are proud and haughty, and in their opinion religion is low and contemptible. Therefore when they have lost their sense of Hell and the wrath to come, they again return to their former ways.

4.     Pangs of guilt and the thought of terror are extremely distressing to them; they prefer not to see their misery before they come to it. Though it is possible that the first sight of it, that is if they appreciate such a view, might make them flee to that refuge where the righteous hide and are safe. Yet because they do, as I hinted before, shun any thinking about guilt and terror, therefore, when they are eventually rid of those stirrings about the terrors and wrath of God, they gladly harden their hearts and choose ways that will harden them all the more.

CHRISTIAN: You are pretty close to the heart of this matter, for at the root of this problem in such people is a lack of any change in the mind and will. And therefore they are like the criminal who stands trembling and quaking before the judge; he appears to repent most heartily; but at the bottom of all this is his hatred of the noose, and not any detestation of his crime. This becomes evident when such a man is set free, for then he will continue to be a thief and a rogue. However, if his mind had been changed, he would live differently.

HOPEFUL: Now that I have explained the reasons for his backsliding, do point out to me the manner of his falling away?

CHRISTIAN: I will do so most willingly.

1.     They draw away as much of their thinking as they can from the remembrance of God, death, and judgment to come.

2.     Then they gradually neglect their private duties such as private prayer, the reigning in of their lusts, watchfulness, sorrow for sin, and the like.

3.     Then they shun the company of lively and warm Christians.

4.     After that, they grow cold toward public duty such as careful listening, reading of the Word, godly corporate worship, and the like.

5.     Then they begin to pick holes [find fault], as we say, in the coats [lives] of some of the godly; their devilish intent is to charge that religion is stained, on account of some weaknesses they have detected in these believers, and thus justify putting religion behind their backs.

6.     Then they begin to attach themselves to and associate with men who are carnal, immoral, and depraved.

7.     Then they yield to carnal and depraved conversation in secret; and they are glad if they can discover similar practices in those who are reputed to be honest, for these hypocrites only encourage them to be all the more bold.

8.     After this they begin to play with little sins more openly.

9.     And then, having become hardened, they reveal themselves for what they are. Therefore, in being launched again into the gulf of misery, unless a miracle of sovereign grace prevents it, they perish everlastingly in the ocean of their own deceit.