THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

CHRISTIAN PASSES THROUGH THE WICKET GATE

By John Bunyan

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.  He knocked therefore more then once or twice, saying,—­

“May I now enter here?  Will he within
Open to sorry me, though I have bin
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?

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.

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 they that are with him shoot arrows at those that come up to this Gate, if haply they may dye before they can enter in.  Then said Christian, I rejoyce and tremble.  So when he was got in, the Man of the Gate asked him, Who directed him thither?

Chr. Evangelist bid me come hither and knock (as I did); and he said that you, Sir, would tell me what I must do.

Good-Will. An open door is set before thee, and no man can shut it.

Chr. Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards.

Good-Will. But how is it that you came alone?

Chr. Because none of my Neighbours saw their danger, as I saw mine.

Good-Will. Did any of them know of your coming?

Chr. Yes, my Wife and Children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn again; also some of my Neighbours stood crying and calling after me to return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way.

Good-Will. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back?

Chr. Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable; but when they saw that they could not prevail, Obstinate went railing back, but Pliable came with me a little way.

Good-Will. But why did he not come through?

Chr. We indeed came both together, until we came at the Slow of Dispond, into the which we also suddenly fell.  And then was my Neighbour Pliable discouraged, and would not adventure further.  Wherefore getting out again on that side next to his own house, he told me I should possess the brave countrey alone for him; so he went his way, and I came mine:  he after Obstinate, and I to this Gate.