man living can be rid of his burden: therefore, Mr. Worldly Wiseman is an alien, and Mr. Legality a cheat: as for his son Civility, notwithstanding his simpering looks, he is but an hypocrite, and cannot help thee. Believe me, there is nothing in all this noise that thou hast heard of these sottish men, but a design to beguile thee of thy salvation, by turning thee from the way in which I had set thee. (m) After this, Evangelist called aloud to the heavens for confirmation of what he had said; and with that there came words and fire out of the mountain under which poor Christian stood, that made the hair or his flesh stand up: the words were thus pronounced, "As * many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse;" for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." (n)

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

Gal. iii. 10.

(m) The gospel pays no respect to demure looks and a sanctified face; but pronounces such cheats, hypocrites, and beguilers, who turn souls from the Cross of Christ, and the way of salvation by him, to trust in any wise to their own works for justification and salvation.

(n) Legality is as great an enemy to the Cross of Christ, as Licentiousness; for it keeps the soul from coming to, believing in, and trusting wholly to the blood of Christ for pardon, and the righteousness of Christ for justification, so that it keeps the soul in bondage, and swells the mind with pride, while Licentiousness brings a scandal on the cross.

cause him to forsake the right way. This done he applied himself again to Evangelist in words and sense as follows:

Chr. Sir, (o) what tank you? Is there hope? May I now go back, and go up to the Wicket-gate? Shall I not be abandoned for this, and son: rack 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 Good-will 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. Then did Christian address himself to go back; and Evangelist, after he had kissed him, gave him one smile, and bid him God speed: (p) So he went on with haste: neither spake he to any man by the way; nor if any asked him would he vouchsafe 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

Psal. ii. 12.

(0) Christian inquires if he may yet be happy. Legal hopes will bring on distress of soul, and despondency of spirit, as well as outward sins, there is no hope of a sinner's being comforted by the cross of Christ, till he is made sensible of this.

(p) Nothing but the gospel of Christ can direct our steps in the right way, and bring peace and comfort to our souls. It salutes us with a cheering smile, a kiss of peace, and a blessing of consolation; and hence it wings our speed to Christ and holiness.

there was written, *"Knock, and it shall be opened unto you." He knocked, therefore, more than once or twice, (q) 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?

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 willing to let me in?

you are

Good-will. (r)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. (s) Then said Christian, What means that? The other told him, a little distance from this gate, there is erected a strong castle, of which Belzebub is the captain; from thence both he, and them that are with him, shoot arrows at those that come

* Matt. vii. 8.

(a) This is praying and pleading in faith with God, for mercy and forgiveness of sin, through the blood of Jesus Christ.

(r) The gate will be opened to broken hearted sinners. Here behold the love of Jesus, in freely and heartily receiving every poor sinner who comes unto him. No matter how vile they have been, nor what sins they have committed: he loves them freely, and receives them graciously. For he has nothing but GOOD-WILL to them. Hence the heavenly host sang at his birth, Good-will towards men. Luke ii. 14.

(s) Every saved sinner is a brand plucked out of the fire by the loving arm of Christ. Zech. iii. 2.

D