GOODWILL POINTS OUT THE WAY. 45

sir, since I am informed that by this gate is the way thither, know if you are willing
to let me in.
Goon. “I am willing with all my heart,” said he ; and, with that, he opened the gate.
So, when Christian was stepping in, the

 

other gave him a pull. Then said Christian,
“ What means that?” The other told hin,
“A little distance from this gate there 1s
erected a strong castle, of which Beelzebub is
the captain; from whence both he and they
that are with him shoot arrows at those that
come up to this gate, if haply they may die
before they can enter in.” Then said Chris-
tian, “I rejoice and tremble.” So when he was
got in, the man of the gate asked him who
directed him thither.

Curis. Evangelist bid me come hither and
knock, as I did; and he said that you, sir,
would tell me what I must do.

 

Goop. An open door is set before thee, and
no man can shut it.
Curis. Now I begin to reap the benefit of

 

my hazards. « Beelzebub and they that are with him shoot arrows.”

Goop. But how is it that you came alone?

Curis. Because none of my neighbors saw their danger, as I saw mine.

Goop. Did any of them know you were coming? ’

Curis. Yes, my wife and children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn
again; also some of my neighbors stood crying and calling after me to return; but I
put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way.

Goop. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back?

Curis. Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable: but, when they saw that they could not
prevail, Obstinate went railing back, but Pliable came with me a little way.

Goop. But why did he not come through ?

Curis. We indeed came both together until we came to the Slough of Despond,
into the which we also suddenly fell. And then was my neighbor Pliable discouraged,
and would not venture farther. Wherefore, getting out again on the side next his