236 THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS.

Marr. I think God is wiser than I. I pray also that He will please to let me
know all therein that He knows will be for my good.

Prup. How believe you as touching the resurrection of the dead ?

Marr. I believe they shall rise the same that was’ buried; the same in nature,
though not in corruption. And I believe this upon a double account: first, because
God has promised it; secondly, because He is able to perform it.

Then said Prudence to the boys, “ You must still hearken to your mother, for she
can teach you more. You must also diligently give ear to what good talk you shall
hear from others ; for, for your sakes do they speak good things. Observe also, and
that with carefulness, what the heavens and the earth do teach you; but especially be
much in the meditation of that book that was the cause of your father’s becoming a
pilgrim. I, for my part, my children, will teach you what I can while you are here
and shall be glad if you will ask me questions that tend to godly edifying.”

Now, by that these pilgrims had been at this place a week, Mercy had a visitor
that pretended some good-will unto her; and his name was Mr. Brisk; a man of
some breeding, and that pretended to religion, but a man that stuck very close to
the world. So he came once or twice, or more, to Mercy, and offered love unto her.
Now, Mercy was of a fair countenance, and therefore the more alluring.

Her mind also was, to be always busying of herself in doing; for, when she had
nothing to do for herself, she would be making of hose and garments for others, and
would bestow them upon them that had need. And Mr. Brisk, not knowing where
or how she disposed of what she made, seemed to be greatly taken, for that he found
her never idle. “I will warrant her a good housewife,” quoth he to himself,

Mercy then revealed the business to the maidens that were of the house, and
inquired of them concerning him; for they did know him better than she. So they
told her that he was a very busy young man, and one who pretended to religion, but
was, as they feared, a stranger to the power of that which is good.

“ Nay, then,” said Mercy, “I will look no more on him; for I purpose never to
have a clog to my soul.” .

Prudence then replied that “There needed no great matter of discouragement to
be given to him; her continuing so as she had begun to do for the poor would quickly
cool his courage.”

So, the next time he comes, he finds her at her old work, a-making of things for the
poor. ‘Then said he, “ What! always at it?”

“Yes,” said she, “either for myself or for others.”

“And what canst thou earn a day?” quoth he.