{58} Now Christian looked for nothing but death, and began to cry out lamentably; even cursing the time in which he met with Mr. Worldly Wiseman; still calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening to his counsel; he also was greatly ashamed to think that this gentleman’s arguments, flowing only from the flesh, should have the prevalency with him as to cause him to forsake the right way.  This done, he applied himself again to Evangelist in words and sense as follow: 

{59} Chr.  Sir, what think you?  Is there hope?  May I now go back and go up to the wicket-gate?  Shall I not be abandoned for this, and sent back from thence ashamed?  I am sorry I have hearkened to this man’s counsel.  But may my sin be forgiven?

Evan.  Then said Evangelist to him, Thy sin is very great, for by it thou hast committed two evils:  thou hast forsaken the way that is good, to tread in forbidden paths; yet will the man at the gate receive thee, for he has goodwill for men; only, said he, take heed that thou turn not aside again, `lest thou perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.’ [Ps. 2:12] Then did Christian address himself to go back; and Evangelist, after he had kissed him, gave him one smile, and bid him God-speed.  So he went on with haste, neither spake he to any man by the way; nor, if any asked him, would he vouchsafe them an answer.  He went like one that was all the while treading on forbidden ground, and could by no means think himself safe, till again he was got into the way which he left, to follow Mr. Worldly Wiseman’s counsel.  So, in process of time, Christian got up to the gate.  Now, over the gate there was written, `Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ [Matt 7:8]

{60} “He that will enter in must first without
Stand knocking at the Gate, nor need he doubt
That is A knocker but to enter in;
For God can love him, and forgive his sin.”

He knocked, therefore, more than once or twice, saying —­

“May I now enter here?  Will he within
Open to sorry me, though I have been
An undeserving rebel?  Then shall I
Not fail to sing his lasting praise on high.”

At last there came a grave person to the gate, named Good-will, who asked who was there? and whence he came? and what he would have?

{61} Chr.  Here is a poor burdened sinner.  I come from the City of Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come.  I would therefore, Sir, since I am informed that by this gate is the way thither, know if you are willing to let me in?

Good-will.  I am willing with all my heart, said he; and with that he opened the gate.

{62} So when Christian was stepping in, the other gave him a pull.  Then said Christian, What means that?  The other told him.  A little distance from this gate, there is erected a strong castle, of which Beelzebub is the captain; from thence, both he and them that are with him shoot arrows at those that come up to this gate, if haply they may die before they can enter in.