himself; there, I say, thou mayest be eased of thy burden; and if thou art not minded to go back to thy former habitation, as, indeed, I would not wish thee, thou mayest send for thy wife and children to thee to this village, where there are houses now stand empty, one of which thou mayest have at reasonable rates; provision is there also cheap and good; and that which will make thy life the more happy is, to be sure, there thou shalt live by honest neighbours, in credit and good fashion.

{44} Now was Christian somewhat at a stand; but presently he concluded, if this be true, which this gentleman hath said, my wisest course is to take his advice; and with that he thus further spoke.

{45} Chr.  Sir, which is my way to this honest man’s house?

World.  Do you see yonder hill?

Chr.  Yes, very well.

World.  By that hill you must go, and the first house you come at is his.

{46} So Christian turned out of his way to go to Mr. Legality’s house for help; but, behold, when he was got now hard by the hill, it seemed so high, and also that side of it that was next the wayside did hang so much over, that Christian was afraid to venture further, lest the hill should fall on his head; wherefore there he stood still and wotted not what to do.  Also his burden now seemed heavier to him than while he was in his way.  There came also flashes of fire out of the hill, that made Christian afraid that he should be burned. [Ex. 19:16,18] Here, therefore, he sweat and did quake for fear. [Heb. 12:21]

When Christians unto carnal men give ear, Out of their way they go, and pay for ’t dear; For Master Worldly Wiseman can but shew A saint the way to bondage and to woe.

{47} And now he began to be sorry that he had taken Mr. Worldly Wiseman’s counsel.  And with that he saw Evangelist coming to meet him; at the sight also of whom he began to blush for shame.  So Evangelist drew nearer and nearer; and coming up to him, he looked upon him with a severe and dreadful countenance, and thus began to reason with Christian.

{48} Evan.  What dost thou here, Christian? said he:  at which words Christian knew not what to answer; wherefore at present he stood speechless before him.  Then said Evangelist further, Art not thou the man that I found crying without the walls of the City of Destruction?

Chr.  Yes, dear Sir, I am the man.

Evan.  Did not I direct thee the way to the little wicket-gate?

Chr.  Yes, dear Sir, said Christian.

Evan.  How is it, then, that thou art so quickly turned aside? for thou art now out of the way.

{49} Chr.  I met with a gentleman so soon as I had got over the Slough of Despond, who persuaded me that I might, in the village before me, find a man that would take off my burden.

Evan.  What was he?