{277} Now, I beheld in my dream, that they had not journeyed far, but the river and the way for a time parted; at which they were not a little sorry; yet they durst not go out of the way.  Now the way from the river was rough, and their feet tender, by reason of their travels; so the souls of the pilgrims were much discouraged because of the way. [Num. 21:4] Wherefore, still as they went on, they wished for better way.  Now, a little before them, there was on the left hand of the road a meadow, and a stile to go over into it; and that meadow is called By-path Meadow.  Then said Christian to his fellow, If this meadow lieth along by our wayside, let us go over into it.  Then he went to the stile to see, and behold, a path lay along by the way, on the other side of the fence.  It is according to my wish, said Christian.  Here is the easiest going; come, good Hopeful, and let us go over.

{278} Hope.  But how if this path should lead us out of the way?

Chr.  That is not like, said the other.  Look, doth it not go along by the wayside?  So Hopeful, being persuaded by his fellow, went after him over the stile.  When they were gone over, and were got into the path, they found it very easy for their feet; and withal, they, looking before them, espied a man walking as they did, (and his name was Vain-confidence); so they called after him, and asked him whither that way led.  He said, To the Celestial Gate.  Look, said Christian, did not I tell you so?  By this you may see we are right.  So they followed, and he went before them.  But, behold, the night came on, and it grew very dark; so that they that were behind lost the sight of him that went before.

{279} He, therefore, that went before, (Vain-confidence by name), not seeing the way before him, fell into a deep pit [Isa. 9:16], which was on purpose there made, by the Prince of those grounds, to catch vain-glorious fools withal, and was dashed in pieces with his fall.

{280} Now Christian and his fellow heard him fall.  So they called to know the matter, but there was none to answer, only they heard a groaning.  Then said Hopeful, Where are we now?  Then was his fellow silent, as mistrusting that he had led him out of the way; and now it began to rain, and thunder, and lighten in a very dreadful manner; and the water rose amain.

Then Hopeful groaned in himself, saying, Oh, that I had kept on my way!

{281} Chr.  Who could have thought that this path should have led us out of the way?

Hope.  I was afraid on it at the very first, and therefore gave you that gentle caution.  I would have spoken plainer, but that you are older than I.

Christian’s repentance for leading of his brother out of the way

Chr.  Good brother, be not offended; I am sorry I have brought thee out of the way, and that I have put thee into such imminent danger; pray, my brother, forgive me; I did not do it of an evil intent.