The Pilgrim’s Progress

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Short Summary
The discourse offers an in-depth exploration of John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress,” highlighting its allegorical depiction of the Christian journey toward salvation, represented by the Celestial City. It details key characters, trials, and spiritual lessons encountered by the protagonist, Christian, emphasizing themes of faith, perseverance, and reliance on God’s grace amid challenges. The narrative underscores the importance of steadfastness on the narrow path despite temptations and tribulations, culminating in the ultimate reward of entering the heavenly city.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary of the Discourse on John Bunyan’s *Pilgrim’s Progress*

Introduction to John Bunyan and *Pilgrim’s Progress*
– John Bunyan (1628–1688), an English Christian author and preacher, is celebrated for *Pilgrim’s Progress*, a spiritual allegory depicting the Christian journey towards salvation and the Celestial City (heaven).
– The pastor emphasizes the book as a message of hope and a guide to making one’s “calling and election sure,” referencing the goal as the Celestial City.
– Characters in the book include Christian (the lead traveler), Evangelist, Prejudice, Hopeful, Giant Despair, Interpreter, the Shining Ones (angels), and adversaries like Apollyon and Mr. Worldly Wiseman.
– Places along the journey: City of Destruction, Slough of Despond, Vanity Fair, Doubting Castle, Valley of the Shadow of Death, Valley of Humiliation, Delectable Mountains, Beulah Land, and the Celestial City.

Historical Background of John Bunyan
– Born near Bedford, England; lived a sinful life early on.
– Married in 1649; baptized as a Baptist in 1655.
– Preached without a license, arrested in 1660 and imprisoned for 12 years; during imprisonment, wrote many religious works.
– Released in 1672, continued preaching but was arrested again in 1676 for six months, during which he wrote *Pilgrim’s Progress* (published in 1678).
– Wrote a second part of the book and other religious texts before dying in 1688.

Structure and Opening of *Pilgrim’s Progress*
– Begins with a scriptural reference: Hosea 12:10, emphasizing prophetic visions and similitudes.
– The story is a dream of a man imprisoned in a den.
– Christian, burdened with guilt and fearful of destruction, asks “What shall I do to be saved?”
– Evangelist guides Christian to the Wicket Gate (symbolizing salvation), illuminated by a shining light reminiscent of the Tabernacle’s gate.

Christian’s Early Journey and Challenges
– Christian is urged not to look back, referencing Luke 9:62 (“No man, having put his hand to the plough…”).
– He faces mockery and opposition from neighbors like Obstinate and Pliable; Pliable initially accompanies but deserts him in the Slough of Despond.
– Help rescues Christian from the Slough, symbolizing doubts and fears.
– Mr. Worldly Wiseman misguides Christian to seek relief through the law (Legality), which only increases his burden.
– Evangelist corrects Christian, urging him to enter through the “strait gate” (Matthew 7:13–14).

Entering the Wicket Gate and Receiving Guidance
– Christian narrowly escapes attacks from Beelzebub’s arrows and meets Goodwill who directs him on the narrow, straight path, established by biblical patriarchs and apostles.
– Goodwill advises Christian to bear his burden until he reaches the place of deliverance, where it will fall off (Matthew 11:28).
– Christian visits the House of the Interpreter who teaches spiritual lessons:
– Illustration of cleansing the heart through faith, not law.
– Two men, Passion and Patience, representing worldly impatience vs. godly endurance (James 1:3).
– Valiant, a warrior who gains eternal glory.
– A man in an iron cage who fell away, warning against apostasy (Hebrews 6:4–6).

Cross and Burden Removed
– At the cross, Christian’s burden (sins) falls off into the sepulcher.
– Three shining ones (angels) confirm his forgiveness (Psalm 32:1), clothe him with new garments (Zechariah 3:4), and give him a sealed scroll as his certificate to enter the Celestial City.
– This sealing parallels being sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).

Encounters on the Journey
– Christian meets three men asleep: Simple, Sloth, and Presumption, who ignore warnings of danger.
– Meets Formalist and Hypocrisy who take a shortcut and are labeled thieves and robbers (John 10:1).
– Christian chooses the difficult path up the Hill of Difficulty, while Formalist and Hypocrisy take easier but dangerous paths.
– Christian falls asleep, loses his roll, but finds it again after retracing his steps, emphasizing the need for vigilance (Proverbs 6:6).

Palace Beautiful and Armor of God
– Christian reaches Palace Beautiful, guarded by chained lions symbolizing adversaries that cannot harm the faithful (1 Peter 5:8–9).
– Welcomed by Prudence, Piety, and Charity, who question his pilgrimage motives.
– They discuss Christian’s renunciation of worldly delights and the Lord’s mission to raise beggars to princes (1 Samuel 2:8).
– Christian is shown the armor and weapons of the Christian warrior: helmet, breastplate, shield, sword, sandals, trumpets, sling and stone.
– He prepares to face Apollyon, the demon prince of the Valley of Humiliation.

Battle with Apollyon
– Apollyon tries to persuade Christian to return with promises but Christian remains loyal to the King of kings.
– A fierce battle ensues, with Christian shielding himself and using the sword (the Word of God), declaring Romans 8:37 (“more than conquerors”).
– Apollyon is defeated and Christian continues to the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Valley of the Shadow of Death
– A dangerous, dark wilderness filled with pitfalls, snares, and deathly threats (Jeremiah 2:6).
– Christian is warned by companions to turn back, but he presses forward with faith, supported by prayer and Psalm 23:4.
– He meets Faithful, a companion who shares his own trials against temptations and opposition, including encounters with Wanton, Adam the Deceiver, and Shame.
– Faithful rebukes shamelessness and worldly pride, citing Proverbs 3:35.

Encounter with Talkative and Evangelist’s Encouragement
– Talkative, a man who talks much of Scripture but whose life does not match his words, is exposed as a mere talker (1 Corinthians 13:1).
– Evangelist encourages Christian and Faithful to persevere, citing Galatians 6:9 (“let us not be weary in well doing”) and 1 Corinthians 9:24 (run to win the prize).
– Evangelist prophesies that Faithful will soon be martyred; indeed, Faithful is executed at Vanity Fair.

Vanity Fair and Aftermath
– Vanity Fair, based on Ecclesiastes 1:2 and 1:14, is a city filled with worldly vanities and temptations.
– Christian and Faithful are accused and tried under Lord Hategood; Faithful is martyred, Christian imprisoned but later escapes.
– Hopeful joins Christian after witnessing Faithful’s testimony.

Further Temptations and Dangers
– Mr. By-Ends and Demas try to lure Christian and Hopeful away with promises of gain and wealth; Christian resists.
– They pass the statue of Lot’s wife, a warning against looking back.
– They rest by the river of life (Revelation 22:1), then take a dangerous by-path leading to Doubting Castle.

Doubting Castle and Giant Despair
– Christian and Hopeful are imprisoned by Giant Despair and his wife Diffidence.
– They are tempted to give up but use the key of Promise to escape.
– They erect a warning monument about the dangers of that by-path.

Delectable Mountains and Shepherds’ Warnings
– The pilgrims meet four shepherds who guide them and warn against errors (e.g., Haemona and Philippius’s false teaching about resurrection, 2 Timothy 2:17-18).
– They warn against flattery, sleeping spiritually, and being led astray.
– Christian and Hopeful encounter Ignorance from the City of Conceit, who claims to be headed for the Celestial City but lacks proper credentials; Christian denounces him based on Proverbs 26:12.
– They are briefly trapped by a flatterer but rescued by a shining one (Revelation 3:19).

Encounter with Atheist and Enchanted Ground
– They meet an Atheist who denies the existence of the Celestial City; Christian and Hopeful reaffirm their faith.
– They enter enchanted ground, a place of spiritual sleepiness; Christian keeps Hopeful awake (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Faith and Justification Reflections
– Christian and Hopeful discuss their salvation, recognizing it comes not by works or law but through faith and grace (2 Corinthians 12:9; John 6:37).
– Ignorance departs, unwilling to accept this truth.

Beulah Land and Nearing the Celestial City
– They enter Beulah Land, a pleasant, fruitful land of spiritual refreshment (Isaiah 62:4).
– They become “sick of love,” a deep longing for the Lord.
– They see the Celestial City and prepare for final challenges.

Crossing the River and Entering the Celestial City
– They must cross a river, symbolic of death; Christian struggles but Hopeful helps him (Isaiah 43:2).
– They lose their mortal garments in the river and are welcomed by shining ones (Hebrews 1:14).
– At the city gate, they present their sealed scrolls and are admitted.
– They receive new shining garments, harps, and crowns, greeted with “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
– They witness the glory of the city with streets of gold and praises to God (Revelation 4:8).

Conclusion
– John Bunyan wakes from his dream, and the pastor reflects on the allegory as a profound portrayal of the Christian pilgrimage.
– The discourse ends with a prayer for God’s blessing and guidance.

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Key Bible Verses Referenced in the Discourse:

– Hosea 12:10 – “I have also written by the prophets…”
– Luke 9:62 – “No man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
– Matthew 7:13–14 – “Enter ye in at the strait gate…”
– John 6:37 – “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me…”
– Matthew 11:28 – “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden…”
– James 1:3 – “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience…”
– Hebrews 6:4–6 – Warning against falling away after enlightenment.
– Isaiah 26:1 – “In that day shall this song be sung… Salvation will God appoint…”
– Psalm 32:1 – “Blessed is the man whose sin is forgiven…”
– Zechariah 3:4 – God clothes the repentant with change of raiment.
– Ephesians 1:13 – “In whom ye also trusted… sealed with the Holy Spirit.”
– John 10:1 – “He that entereth not by the door… is a thief and a robber.”
– Proverbs 6:6 – “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”
– 1 Peter 5:8–9 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary… as a roaring lion…”
– Matthew 14:31 – “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
– 1 John 4:4 – “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.”
– James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation…”
– Romans 8:37 – “In all these things we are more than conquerors…”
– Jeremiah 2:6 – Description of the valley of the shadow of death.
– Psalm 23:4 – “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…”
– Proverbs 3:35 – “The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:1 – “Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity…”
– Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap…”
– 1 Corinthians 9:24 – “They that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize.”
– Revelation 3:11 – “Hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”
– Romans 2:10 – “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor…”
– Ecclesiastes 1:2, 14 – “Vanity of vanities… all is vanity.”
– Titus 2:7 – “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works…”
– 1 Samuel 2:8 – “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust… to set them among princes.”
– Hebrews 11:33–34 – “Who through faith subdued kingdoms…”
– Proverbs 21:16 – “The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.”
– Revelation 22:1 – “And he showed me a pure river of water of life…”
– Isaiah 62:4 – “Thou shalt be no more termed Forsaken… but shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah…”
– 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
– Revelation 3:19 – “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten…”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:6 – “Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”
– Matthew 25:21 – “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
– Revelation 4:8 – “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty…”

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Overall Themes and Lessons:

– The Christian life is portrayed as a pilgrimage fraught with trials, temptations, and dangers but with the promise of ultimate victory and eternal joy.
– Faithfulness, vigilance, and endurance are essential.
– False teachings, hypocrisy, slothfulness, and worldly enticements pose great dangers.
– Salvation is through grace and faith, not law or works.
– God’s promises and spiritual armor sustain the believer.
– The journey requires continual repentance, prayer, and reliance on God’s strength.
– The reward is entering the Celestial City and eternal fellowship with God.

This discourse offers a rich spiritual exposition of Bunyan’s allegory, reinforcing biblical truths and exhorting believers to persevere on the narrow path to salvation.

Transcript

Well, good afternoon, brethren. Now we’re going to consider the work of John Bunyan, a true Christian and author of the famous work Pilgrim’s Progress. Now we consider this book as a message of hope and success to reach the destination of our goal to make our calling and election sure with John Bunyan designates the Celestial City. I have been intrigued with his work for many years and have read it several times and have seen the unique manner in which he used to depict the path and journey of the true Christian struggling up the pathway of life to the goal of the High Calling. Let us not forget that the pastor refers to the characters in this book many times throughout the years with a name such as the Lead Traveler Christian and those who he meets in his journey Evangelist Prejudice, Ill Will, Hopeful Giant, Despair, Wicked One Interpreter and the Shining Ones the places he came from and visits such as the City of Destruction by Path, Meadow, Doubting, Castle Hill of Difficulty, Mount Innocence, Vanity Fair and his goal, the Celestial country and Celestial City.

The pastor in several of his references assumes the reader has read the book when he writes phrases such as well, you remember, referring to the characters and actions taken by Christian Now, John Bunyan was born in the year 1628 in England near Bedford, about 50 miles northwest of London. After leading a somewhat sinful life, marriage in 1649 and acquaintance with the Bible and his lessons, John was baptized, I believe, as a Baptist in 1655. He begins to write and preach the gospel, and after his first wife dies, he marries again and continues his preaching and is arrested in 1660 for preaching without a license. After 12 years, wherein he writes many poems and books, he is released in 1672 and continues to write religious articles and books and is again arrested in 1676 for six months, during which he writes the Pilgrim’s Progress, which is published in 1678. After writing several other books, such as the second part of Pilgrim’s Progress, he died in 1688, but his first work, the Pilgrim’s Progress, we are interested in this afternoon.

The opening of this book starts with Hosea 12:10 I have also written by the prophets, and have multiplied visions, and used more similitudes of by the ministry of the prophets. Thus begins the journey of Christian we find this is a dream of a man in a den’s imprisonment. Christian, living in the city of Destruction, finds himself overburdened with a load of guilt on his back, and worries that the city would soon meet with disaster. His cry was, what shall I do to be saved? Although married, he is determined to leave the city and find his way to salvation, not knowing which way to go.

The first man he meets is Evangelist. Troubled and worried of the fate which awaits him, Evangelist points him to the direction of the wicked gate. The wicked gate illuminated by a shining light. Here we see the reference to the gate of the court of the Tabernacle, a way of salvation to the true followers of Christ. The shining light.

Christian is told to run to the gate and not look back on what he had left. Reminder of our Lord’s words in Luke 9:62 no man having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Well, neighbors seeing him believe, mock him for his foolishness, and several named obstinate and pliable pursue him to return. Obstinate is most forceful, however. Christian seeks an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, which does not fade away.

Pliable is encouraged to walk with him for a time and believes the truth written in the book the Christian has in its possession. Soon they find themselves in the slough of despond. Christian is soon mired in the slough. Pliable berates Christian for leading him into this slough and leaves him no longer to follow. Christian is rescued by a man whose name is Help.

Now help pulls him from the slough, one in which doubts, fears and discouragements are found. Do you experience such things as you first learned the truth and were faced with a decision to either go forward or back into the previous worldly ways? No. We are told to love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. For if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Christian continues on his journey toward the wicket gate and meets Mr. Worldly Wiseman of the town of Carnal Policy. Worldly Wiseman tries to turn Christian from his goal and and counsels him to rid himself of his burden by going to the city of morality to meet with legality. Doing so, he was turned out of his way and his burden became heavier. Finding that the law only increased his guilt, Evangelist finds him in this condition and tells him of the false counsel given by worldly wise men and turning him out of his way, rendering the cross as being odious, and setting his feet on a path to death, Evangelist tells him to strive to enter the strait gate that leads unto life.

For the law, all that is found is bondage, and will not relieve the burden from his back. We are told in Matthew 7:13, Enter into the Strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is a way that leadeth to destruction, and many be there who go in thereat, because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few be there find it. Evangelist counsels Christian to continue to the wicket gate and to find comfort and relief from his sins and his burden at the gate knock, and it will be opened to him by good will. Narrowly escaping the arrows of Beelzebub, he enters.

Christian explains his journey to Goodwill and tells him that he was saved by God’s mercy. Through the instruction of evangelists, Goodwill tells Christian the way to the celestial city and the path is narrow and straight, and cast up by patriarchs, prophets, Christ and the apostles. Those traveling this path are not cast out, as we read in John 6:37 all that the Father giveth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me I will nowise cast out. This assures us that those drawn of the Father and brought to him are assured of his aid, his succor, assistance, and acceptance. Christian, still burdened with his heavy load, asked good will if he would help him take it off.

Good will tells him to be content to carry it when he reaches the place of deliverance, it will fall of its own accord.

Come unto me all ye labor, and are heavy laden I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 starting on his trek, he is told to stop at the house of Interpreter, who would show him excellent things. Now this is done in many pictures, one of which is that of an unsanctified man in a parlor of a house, trying to sweep away the dust his sin by use of the law his broom. This is impossible, because every sweep of the broom the dust gets thicker. A damsel saves the day with water to sprinkle on the dust, and the floor is then cleaned.

Interpreter tells Christian, that is how the sweet influences of the truth, through faith and not the law, are able to clean the heart and cleanse the soul the being making it suitable for the king of glory to inhabit. Interpreter chose him two men, Passion and Patience. Passion, a man of the world, one that must have everything now, whereas Patience, a man of wisdom and faith, awaits that which is to come, and the best things, and will eventually have the glory of when Passion has only rags. We are told in James 1:3 knowing this, that the triumph of your faith worketh patience but let patience have a perfect work, that you may be perfect in entire wanting nothing. Interpreter shows him valiant, clothed with armor, who fought his way to enter the palace and wear the garments of eternal glory.

Christian, anxious to begin the journey, is cautioned to first Observe a man in an iron cage who, after starting the journey, left it for the lusts, pleasures, and profits of the world, and subsequently denied the Lord, and accept for the judgment to be rendered. Interpreter tells Christian to remember this man his deeds, and his end. We are told in Hebrews 6:4,6 it is possible for those who were once enlightened to have tasted the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and to have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance, seeing that they crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Interpreter warns him to keep these things in mind, that they may prick or keep him alert as he starts on his journey to the celestial city. The pathway along which he is bordered by the wall is called salvation.

But being burdened it is difficult. We are told in Isaiah 26:1 in that day shall this song be sung. In the land of Judah we have a strong city. Salvation will God appoint for walls and boltworks. At last they come to an ascending place with a cross at the foot of the sepulcher.

It is at this point that the burden on its back falls of its own accord into the sepulcher, never to be found. Relieved to have such his burden gone due to the cross, Christ’s death, he is overwhelmed and weeps. This, we see, is his acceptance with the Lord. He is immediately confronted by three shining ones angels. The first tells him his sins are forgiven.

Yes, blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered. The second angel removes his rugged garments and clothes them with a change of raiment, as we are told in Zechariah 3, 4. He spake unto those that stood before him, saying, take away the filthy garments from him. Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with a change of raiment. The third angel sets a mark on his head, along with giving him a roll with a seal, a certificate to be given at the entrance into the celestial gate to the celestial city.

In Ephesians 1:13 we read, in whom we also trusted after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. With joy Christian goes on his way, where he meets three men fast asleep, simple sloth and presumption, trying to wake them from their sleep to escape the threat of a roaring lion. Simple sees no danger. Sloth needs more sleep and presumption, tells Christian to mind his own business. Christian, surprised by their response and disregard of his help, goes his way to meet two more men, Formalists and Hypocrisy.

These two are from the land of Vainglory, and were also bound for Mount Zion, the celestial city. However, they did not come by way of the wicked gate. It was too far, and they took a shortcut. Christian then warns them that they came the wrong way and are considered thieves and robbers. We are told in John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same as a thief and a robber.

Formulus is one who has only the appearance of religion partnered with hypocrisy. They tell Christian that they came by custom, and what matters by which way they came. Christian admonishes them that by the laws and ordinance they cannot be saved for they came not by the way of the door, nor do they have the coat the raiment given at the gate, with a sealed scroll for entrance to the celestial gate. To this they laughed Enter into the strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the road that leadeth to destruction and many there be there that go thereat. Matthew 7:13 all three now proceed to the hill of difficulty, which has three paths a narrow but steep path straight up the hill, and two other paths seemingly easier on either side, one called danger and the other called destruction.

Now formless and hypocrisy each take these paths to be seen no more. Christian chooses the more difficult path and runs up the hill halfway. After crawling on hands and knees, Christian finds a place to rest, and while reading his roll, falls asleep. Somewhat forgetting his goal, he is awakened by one who warns him to go to the ant, thou slugger. Consider her ways, and be wise.

Proverbs 6:6. Christian, being asleep, didn’t realize that he had dropped his sealed roll, and when he awakes, runs up the remainder of the hill to meet two other travelers. Timorous and mistrust, they tell Christian that the way ahead is filled with danger, with lions and such. They turn around, and they run down the hill. Christian, with confidence and faith, continues on his way.

Fear not, little flock, for his father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 and in Acts 14:22, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that they must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. In reprint 4468 the pastor tells us difficulties in the way would not prove that it is not the right way. Bunyan’s pilgrim, in traveling towards the heavenly city, found the hill of difficulty in his way, and our Lord forewarned all who would walk in his steps that their pathway must of necessity be full of tribulation testings. The reward is to them that overcome there can be no overcoming unless there were difficulties.

Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. John 6:68 Seeking the comfort of reading his roll, he finds it missing. Overwrought with the loss, he chides himself for sleeping on the way up the hill, and seeks forgiveness. In tears and sorrows he retraces his steps back down the hill in search of the roll, his ticket to the entrance to the heavenly celestial city.

Finding it, he praises God’s mercy and races back up the hill, and on the path marked out for him he comes to a palace named Beautiful. Now the entrance to the path in this palace was guarded by two roaring lions on each side of the path, and Christian was fearful of going any further for fear of death. However, a porter named Watchful tells him, do not fear, for they are chained and Marie print 5184 the pastor says in Pilgrim Progress his inability of the wicked one to touch him, the faithful people of God, is very beautifully pictured. While walking in the narrow way, Christian beheld two lions, and for a moment he was terror stricken. Christian studied the situation and decided to go forward.

When he came near the lions, he found that they were chained. So it is with our adversaries. They can do no harm to the children of God. Although they may roar, yet they cannot injure the new creature. We’re told in 1st Peter 5:8,9 be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, the roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour, whom resist steadfast in the faith.

And in Matthew 14:31 O thou of little faith, wherefore did thou doubt? And 1st John 4:4 Greater is he for you than he that is in the world. Krishna then seeks rest and sleep at the palace, and is welcomed by discretion and finds the place the palace was built by Lord of the hill for the comfort of weary travelers heading to Mount Zion. Three family members greet him, Prudence, Piety, and Charity, and ask him of his pilgrimage. Piety asks him of his trip, which he recounts in detail.

Prudence asks him of his thoughts on the life he left behind for the reasons for undertaking his journey, as well as his thoughts on those he encountered on his way, and its reasons for his trek. Christian recounts the desire to see the one who eased his burden, and to rid him of those things which were in annoyance to him, to no longer have fear of death, and to be enjoined with the Lord and those who have gone before. Charity then asks of his family, and the reasons for their staying in the city of destruction. He tells Charity that they feared losing the world and the foolish delights of youth, and declined to go. They all then sat for dinner, and talked at length about the Lord and the Lord’s mission, his mission of stripping himself of his former glory out of love for his country and those who would be joined with him in Mount Zion, those to be made princes while formerly being beggars.

We read in 1st Samuel 2. 8 he raiseth up the poor out of the dust he lifts up the beggar from the dunghill to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he has set the world upon them. In the morning they can talk of the Lord being the son of the ancient of days, and of the worthy acts of his servants, those described in Hebrews 11:33, 34 who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, and scaped the edge of the sword out of the weakness, or were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens. The next day they take him to the armory to show him the equipment set for those in the service of the Lord.

The helmet, the breastplate, the shield, the sword, the sandals that would never wear out. They show him also the various equipment that wrought wondrous things, such as trumpets, jawbones, lamps which put to flight armies, as well as a sling and stone used by David. Later they take him to the top of the palace to view Emmanuel’s land and the far mountains. When reached to see the gate to the Celestial city, Christian girds himself with armor and proceeds on his journey accompanied by discretion, piety, prudence, and charity to help him down the valley of humiliation, which is steep and slippery. Given food for the trip, he treks on to meet a foul fiend, Apollyon.

Not knowing to go forward or back, he remembers, oh, he has no armor on his back and he must make a stand. Apollyon, that is the destroyer, states that he is prince of this country and asks him the reasons for his journey. Christian says, to escape the wages of sin and death. Apollyon then promises him benefits if he will just return. Christian tells him that he has sworn his allegiance to another, the king of princes.

Apollyon tells him that he is facing a shameful death and this king will not deliver him, from which he faces. These experiences, Christian explains, are to test one’s love and test one’s persistence to keep in the way to the end. Apollyon, frustrated with his response, then throws darts at Christian, who is saved by his shield, only to be assaulted again and a fight ensues, which almost overwhelms Christian. Wounded, he is saved by using the sword and declares, nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors to him that loved us.

Apollyon, defeated, flies away, and Christian gives thanks to him that delivered him and continues on his journey to enter the valley of the shadow of death. He cannot avoid it, for it is the only way to the celestial city. This valley is described in Jeremiah 2:6 as a wilderness, a land of desert and of pits, a land of drought and of the shadow of death, a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt.

Two men meet Christian, those who follow the false report to the land of Moses, warning Christian of the dangers and hazards he would face, and he should go back with them. Christian, however, continues on. It is night. The path is narrow and flanked on one side by a deep ditch which stumbles the blind, and the other side by a quagmire into which many have become mired. Carefully he walks, sheathed with his sword, calling upon another weapon, all prayer, praying for the deliverance, and helping help to proceed through this valley.

Confronted by the horrors and darkness of this valley rather than to go back, Eve walks on in faith, repelling the discouraging thoughts put in his mind by Satan, and calls to mind Psalm 23:4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. As morning dawns, Christian sees his way to come more clearly, and the way before him to be yet more dangerous, full of snares, pits, nets, and traps, which, had it been dark, would have consumed him. At the end of the valley he spies bones, blood, and ashes of those who had gone before him and seized the cave of two giants, Pope and Pagan, by whose power many have died.

However, he knew that Pagan had died long ago, and as for Pope, he had grown crazy stiff and could only sit at the mouth of the cave and grin at pilgrims as they passed by. Christian walks on, seeing faithful one of his companions, who left the City of Destruction soon after Christian. They go on together in sweet discourse. Now Faithful tells Christian of his leaving the City of Destruction and the experiences he had, such as Wanton, who tried to flatter him with carnal desires, and Adam from the town of Deceit, who enticed him to work for him and marry his daughters. Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life.

However, looking at Adam he saw written on his forehead, put off the old man with his deeds. Colossians 3. Nine Faithful recounts his experiences and rejection of those he met in the valley of humility those being discontent, pride, arrogancy, self conceit, worldly glory, and others, as well as Shame who objected to religion, saying that it was a pitiful, low, and sneaking business, and that a tender conscience was an unmanly thing and those of religion who were of low estate ignorant, and it was a shame to ask forgiveness, or to make restitution for petty faults. Faithful responded, yea, ye are they which justify yourselves before men but God knoweth your hearts for that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

Faithful told Shame to go that God prefers a tender conscience, seeing that they who make themselves fools for the kingdom of heaven are wisest, and they that are poor, that love Christ, are richer than the greatest in the world who hates him. Christian, responding to Faithful’s retort of shame, recounts the wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools. Proverbs 3:35 as Christian and faithful walk on together, they meet Talkative. Now Takative loves to talk about the Scriptures and appears to be very knowledgeable as he converses with Faithful. Faithful is very enthused with the prospect of discussing scriptural subjects with him.

However, Christian takes Faithful aside and explains that he knows Talkative he is the son of Sewell of Pratling Ro, who lives in his village. Lived in his village. He explains that the man, although a good conversationalist, did not live his life in conformity to his talk. His heart was far from his knowledge of the Scriptures. Yea, though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, I have not loved I am become a soundy brass, a tinkling cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:1 to test him, Christian tells Faithful, just pick a subject on the Scriptures and question his understanding with regard to his knowledge and his work of grace in his soul. Faithful then asks Talkative if his life and conversation testify the same. Talkative cannot answer the question and wants to Know why? Yes, Faithful tells talkative the truth of the matter, that he is a man whose religion is talk, and that his wicked ways, ungodly conversation, uncleanliness, swearing, and lying, have stumbled. Some Talkative then leaves Christian, then cites perverse disputants of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness from such Withdraw thyself, faithful and Christian, walk on.

And coming after them was their old friend Evangelist. After telling him of their trials and experiences, Evangelist encourages them to press on, to obtain the incorruptible crown, and to run and not faint, to set their faces like a flint, with all power in heaven and earth on their side. We’re told in Galatians 6:9, and let us not be weary and well dealing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not, and in First Corinthians 9:24, they which run a race, run all but one receiveth a prize so run that you may obtain, and every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.

Now they that do it obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible, and we’re told in Revelation 3:11, hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. At their request, Evangelists prophesies of the coming experiences set before them in the next town, that they must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of heaven, and that one of them would be killed and enter the celestial city before the other, who would suffer many miseries before the end of his journey. He admonishes them to fear none of those things which shall thus suffer. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give the crown of life.

Romans 2:10. They both then reach this town called Vanity, and within it is a fair vanity fair. Here we’re told in Ecclesiastes 1:2. Vanity of vanity, saith the preacher, Vanity of vanities. All is vanity.

And in the 14th verse, I have seen all the works that thou hast done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. That which is crooked cannot be made straight, and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. Vanity, that is emptiness as well as self regard, is an ancient city set up by Beelzebub, Apollyon, and legion, and it was set in the pathway, so that pilgrims had to pass through it if they were to reach the celestial city.

A fair was set in the midst of the town, selling all sorts of vanity merchandise, houses, lands, honours, titles, countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures and delights. Of all sorts. The fair encompassed juggling, cheats, games, plays, fools, rogues of all kinds, and in addition for nothing, thefts and murders. Beelzebub, the lord of the fair, is said to have tried to entice the prince of princes to honor and give him all the kings of the world, if he would have reverence for him. But the prince did not even give a farthing for these vanities, and left the town.

Now Faithful and Christian go go to the town. As they go through the town, the residents made a hubbub, sodden about them for their dress, their speech, and ask their lack of interest in their merchandise. They are brought unto trial under the judge Lord Hategood, on charges of disturbance and divisions, and contempt of the law of their prince. Three testify against them, envy, superstition, and pick think after their false charges, and the verdict of guilty was read by the jury foreman, Mr. Blindman, Faithful, was put to a cruel death of stabbing, beating, and finally burnt the stake. Christian was sent back to prison, from which he escapes, and is joined by Hopeful, who witnessed the testimony and the suffering of the two, and no longer wished to remain in the town.

In Titus 2. 7 we read on all things showing thyself a pattern of good works in doctrine, showing uncorrupt corruptness, gravity and sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned thou, that he that is contrary apart may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Titus 2. 2. 7 Christian and hopeful travel on and meet Mr. By ends from the wealthy town of Fair Speech, inhabited by many wealthy men and a parson Mr. Two Tongues by Ends is a man who compromises for gains in status, and wishes to join with Christian and Hopeful, but is rejected.

Christian and Hopeful travel and reach the plain of ease, and on to the little town called Lucre, which has held a silver mine to lure travelers to the brink of a pit into which many fell and died, and here Christian and Hopeful meet Demas, the son of Judas and a great grandson of Gehazi, who wishes to turn them out of their way, enticing them to sea and to dig for rich treasure silver. Now Hopeful desires to look, just look at the treasure. However, Christian rejects the enticements of Demas and convinces Hopeful to not be drawn, seeing that it is similar to the steps of Judas and Gehazi, the love of riches and of wealth. Bayans and his comrades are enticed and never seen again.

Now Christian and Hopeful press onto the plane and see a statue in the form of a woman, and soon discover that it is a pillar of Salt Lot’s wife, who looked back on the life she left Hopeful, now sees the mercy of the Lord, seeing that his desire to look at the treasure of Demas was similar to that of Lot’s wife, and yet he was spared. They proceeded on to the pleasant river, said to be the river of God, the water of life. As we read in Revelation 22:1, an angel showed me a river that was crystal clear, and its waters gave life. The river came from the throne where God and the Lamb were seated. Well along the river were green trees with all manner of fruit and leaves of healing.

After resting several days, they go on the path, but leads away from the river, and the walk is hard on their feet. As they come to by path, meadow and a stile that is an arrangement of steps to go over a wall. On the other side of the style, the way seems easier. Hopeful cautions of Christian that this path may lead them out of the way. However, Christian, anticipating easier going, convinces Hopeful to follow, and so they go on over the stile.

Now they find this path. At first it’s easy on the feet, but it leads them out of the way and becomes very dangerous, for it is night and raining. In the morning they find themselves at Doubting Castle, owned by Giant Despair, who discovers their presence and imprison them in a dungeon without food. The giant’s wife Diffidence tells him that his giant despair to beat the two, and he does. Later John Despair, at the advice of his wife, tells Christian and Hopeful to kill themselves, seeing that their lives are filled with bitterness.

But they endure the danger of the giant and his wife, and Christian remembers that he has a key called Promise which unlocks every door to escape the castle to find the king’s highway safety, and they set a sign to warn fellow Christians of this path and the dangers it will lead to. In reprint 4276 the pastor tells us, to those about to enter or have entered the narrow way, as well as those who have already been in it for a time, there comes a suggestion that we must mark well the pathway that makes straight paths for our feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way. We are all lame according to the flesh, some more, some less, but all need to observe the heavenly course, to walk circumspectly, seeing that pride and ambition are greatest of foes to the humanity and faith. We are reminded here of one feature in the story of pilgrim progress, when Christian and Hopeful had escaped from the dungeon of Giant Despair and returned to the highway leading to the Celestial city. They erected a monument near the entrance by a bypath meadow, which led them astray.

On the monument they put the following over this stile is a way to Doubting Castle, which is kept by giant Despair. He despises the king of the celestial country and seeks to destroy his holy pilgrims. Yes, Satan is a great giant, who through all these many centuries seeks to draw us away from the narrow path, away from the full confidence in God, away from the reliance on God’s power and his wisdom and his truth, by which alone we can ever become heirs of the kingdom. Christian and hopeful. Then come to the delectable mountains in Emmanuel’s land, a beautiful and fruitful place owned by Lord of the Hill.

Here they meet four shepherds with sheep of the Lord, that is knowledgeable, experienced, watchful and sincere. They lead them to the hill of error, at the foot of which are the bodies of Haemona and Philippius, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past, and has overthrown the faith of some. Second Timothy 2, 1718. Next they are taken to the Mount of Caution, where they learn of the fate of those going out of the way, and the fate of that waits Arab pilgrims at Doubting Castle and the giant despair. Proverbs 21:16.

The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. Both Christian and hopeful cry, but say nothing. Then the shepherds lead into the valley with a door called by way to hell, and the fate of awaiting hypocrites such as and such. Now this for this we can forgive John Bunyan, as he still believed in such a fate. The shepherds then tell, tell and show them that this spot that they see is a gateway to the celestial city.

As they leave, one of the shepherds gives them a note by the way, another Bism to beware of the flatterer, another Bism not to sleep in the enchanted ground, and the last Bism Godspeed. Traveling they see, they meet Ignorance from the city of country of Conceit, and find that he came from a different way, bound for the celestial city. But he has no role the certificate to enter the celestial gate. He did not come by the way of the wicked gate.

Ignorance says that no man from his country knows the way to the gate entrance, nor do they need it, for their land is pleasant. Christian seized. The man came by another way, being wise in his own conceits, and leaves him. Proverbs 26:12. Seeing that a man wise in his own conceits, there is no hope for any fool than of him.

They went on followed by ignorance, but reached a division of the path. Both seemed straight. They don’t know which way to take. A black man clothed in white robe tells him the path to the city is on the road to which he will show. They follow only leads him away from their goal.

And at that point the white robe falls, and they are entangled in a net from which they cannot get out. This man was the flatterer. They remembered the warning of the shepherds to beware of him. Yes, a man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet.

A shining one with a whip of small cords released them from their bondage and led them back to the correct path and chastised them for their lack of following the vice given by the shepherds. As many as I love are rebuked and chastened. Be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19 continuing, they see one coming at them from a wrong direction. It is atheist.

And they relate where they are bound. Atheist laughs and promptly tells them that there is no such city. Realizing that he is blinded by the God of this world, they leave him reaffirmed the truth of the matter. They then come to a country whose heir is such to make them sleepy. Hopeful wants to lie down and rest while Christian remembers the warning of the shepherds, don’t sleep in the enchanted ground.

Christian keeps Hopeful awake, and they go on their way. We said in 1st Thessalonians 5, 6 Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober. Then Christian and hopeful have a long top on the events that led them to their present state. They testify of their need of righteousness to clean up their lives, to rid themselves of their filthy rags of their being, realizing that they could not do this by their own deeds, the deeds of the law, but only through the righteousness and justification found in the Lord Jesus. Hopeful relates his conversion and prayer at the throne of grace before the mercy seat, seeking salvation.

And he was told by the Lord, my grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness, 2 Corinthians 12:9 and in John 6535 and to him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out. Hopeful rejoices now my heart was full of joy, mine eyes full of tears, and mine afflictions runneth over my affections runneth over with love to the name, the people, and ways of Jesus Christ. As they travel on, they spy ignorance again behind them, preferring to walk alone. A discussion ensues on the faith and justification of ignorance to be through the obedience of the law, Christian tries to reason with him that righteousness and justification are through the saving faith of Christ. Ignorance, unconvinced, falls behind Christian and hopeful trek on and exit the enchanted ground to enter the country of Beulah, as we Read in Isaiah 62, 4 and thou shalt be no more termed forsaken, neither shall thy land any more be termed desolate, but thou shalt be called Hespalah, and thy land Beulah for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. This land is pleasant with flowers, and sun shines day and night, filled with abundance. It was within sight of the celestial city. It is the land where a contract between a bride and a bridegroom was renewed. Here Christian and hopeful fall Sick sick of love.

If ye find, my beloved that tell them that they that I’m sick of love.

8 they see the land is filled with orchards, vineyards, and gardens, and a gardener tells them that it was a king’s land. They sleep to awake to see the city. The reflection of the sun is on on it to be such that it cannot look upon it without an instrument Beholden is a glass and the glory often the Lord Two men in raiment shining like gold, with faces shining as light, ask them of their journey, and tell them that they have two more difficulties before entering the city, tests of their faith led in the side of the slit is the city and the gate it is separated by river they must cross by foot. The two men tell them that the depth is found to be in accord, as they believe in the Lord of the King of the place. Entering the water, Christian finds the depth to be over his head, however hopeful, finds it much shallower and and comes to help Christian, keeping his head above the water.

Hopeful tells Christian, the troubles and distresses that you are going through in these waters are no sign that God has forsaken you, but to try you, whether you will call to mind that which heretofore you have received of his goodness, and live upon him in your distresses, as we’re told in 4 Isaiah 43, 2 when thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee. After being helped and encouraged, Christian finds firm ground and comes up out of the river, and both are again met by two shining, bright shining ones.

Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister unto who shall be the heirs of salvation. Hebrews 1:14 being led toward the gate to the celestial city, they lose their mortal garments in the river. They then talk to the shining ones, who tell them about the glory of the city being inexpressible. They talk about the company of innumerable angels and spirits of just men made perfect who are in the city. The shining ones tell them of the prospects of their joy, and the benefits of the fruit of their prayers and tears.

There they will serve God continually with praise and thanksgiving, whom they served in the world through much difficulty. They are greeted by those who like them, have loved the Lord, and have left all for him. As they approach the gate a scripture is written over it, over the top of it. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

At the gate they present their certificates, which they received at the wicket gate, and are ushered in by the authority of the king, and are transfigured. Now wearing raiment that shines like gold, they are given harps and crowns as tokens of the honor, and are greeted with expressions of well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joys of thy Lord.

As the gates are open, Christian and hopeful. See the splendors of the city, streets paved with gold, and many men with crowns and singing praises, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was and is and is to come. Revelation 4:8. With that John Bunyan awakes from his dream, and so we can see the wonderful analogy of this book and its real understanding to those who, like Christian, have chosen the narrow way and escaped the broad road to destruction.

May the Lord have his blessing and overrule anything set amiss.

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