Chr.  Yes, said Christian, for that was his name, because that all which you shall forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that which I am seeking to enjoy [2 Cor. 4:18]; and, if you will go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself; for there, where I go, is enough and to spare. [Luke 15:17] Come away, and prove my words.

{21} Obst. What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find them?

Chr.  I seek an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away [1 Pet. 1:4], and it is laid up in heaven, and safe there [Heb. 11:16], to be bestowed, at the time appointed, on them that diligently seek it.  Read it so, if you will, in my book.

Obst. Tush! said Obstinate, away with your book; will you go back with us or no?

Chr.  No, not I, said the other, because I have laid my hand to the plough. [Luke 9:62]

{22} Obst. Come, then, neighbour Pliable, let us turn again, and go home without him; there is a company of these crazy-headed coxcombs, that, when they take a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason. [Prov. 26:16]

PLI.  Then said Pliable, Don’t revile; if what the good Christian says is true, the things he looks after are better than ours:  my heart inclines to go with my neighbour.

Obst. What! more fools still!  Be ruled by me, and go back; who knows whither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you?  Go back, go back, and be wise.

{23} Chr.  Nay, but do thou come with thy neighbour, Pliable; there are such things to be had which I spoke of, and many more glorious besides.  If you believe not me, read here in this book; and for the truth of what is expressed therein, behold, all is confirmed by the blood of Him that made it. [Heb. 9:17-22; 13:20]

PLI.  Well, neighbour Obstinate, said Pliable, I begin to come to a point; I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him:  but, my good companion, do you know the way to this desired place?

{24} Chr.  I am directed by a man, whose name is Evangelist, to speed me to a little gate that is before us, where we shall receive instructions about the way.

PLI.  Come, then, good neighbour, let us be going.  Then they went both together.

Obst. And I will go back to my place, said Obstinate; I will be no companion of such misled, fantastical fellows.

{25} Now, I saw in my dream, that when Obstinate was gone back, Christian and Pliable went talking over the plain; and thus they began their discourse.

{26} Chr.  Come, neighbour Pliable, how do you do?  I am glad you are persuaded to go along with me.  Had even Obstinate himself but felt what I have felt of the powers and terrors of what is yet unseen, he would not thus lightly have given us the back.