CHRISTIAN FLEES FROM THE CITY OF DESTRUCTION. 83

wide field), “Do you see yonder wicket-gate?”’ The man said, “No.” Then said
the other, “ Do you see yonder shining light?” He said, “I think I do.” Then
‘gaid Evangelist, “Keep that light in your eye, and go up directly thereto: so shalt
thou see the gate; at which, when thou knockest, it shall be told thee what thou shalt
do.” So I saw in my dream that the man began to run. Now, he had not run far
from his own door, when his wife and children perceiving it, began to ery after him
to return; but the man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying, “Life! life!
eternal life!”™ So he looked not behind him,” but fled towards the middle of the
plain.

The neighbors also came out to see him run;” and as he ran, some mocked, others
threatened, and some cried after him to return ; and among those that did so there were
two that resolved to fetch him back by force. The name of the one was Obstinate,
and the name of the other Pliable. Now, by this time the man was got a good dis-
tance from them; but, however, they were resolved to pursue him, which they did,
and in a little time they overtook him. Then said the man, “ Neighbors, wherefore
are ye come?” They said, “To persuade you to go back with us.” But he said,
“That can by no means be: you dwell,” said he, “ in the City of Destruction, the
place also where I was born: I see it to be so; and, dying there, sooner or later, you
will sink lower than the grave, into a place that burns with fire and brimstone. Be
content, good neighbors, and go along with me.”

Ozst. “What!” said Obstinate, “and leave our friends and comforts behind us?”

Curis. “ Yes,” said Christian (for that was his name), “because that all which you
forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that I am seeking to enjoy ;" and
if you would go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself; for there,
where I go, is enough and to spare.” Come away, and prove my words.”

Oxsst. What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find them?

Curis. I seek an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away,”
and it is laid wp in heaven, and safe there,” to be bestowed, at the time appointed, on

them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my book.

Oxst. “Tush!” said Obstinate, “away with your book: will you go back with us
or no?”

Ours. “No, not I,” said the other, “ because I have put my hand to the plough.”

Oxrst. Come, then, neighbor Pliable, let us turn again, and go home without him:
there is a company of these crazy-headed coxcombs, that, when they take a fancy by
the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason.

Pu Then said Pliable, “ Don’t revile; if what the good Christian says is true, the
things le looks after are better than ours; my heart inclines to go with my neighbor.”

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