Faithful tempted by Wanton.

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'sh in the overthrow of the city. For it has g to the true proverb, "The dog is turned ow that was washed to her wallowing in

him too; but who can hinder that

istain, let us leave him, and ncern ourselves. Tell me

you came; for I know be writ for a wonder. ou fell into, and got

one whose name

▾d put to it have cost

ou?

at a

Faithful tempted by Wanton.

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now I fear he will perish in the overthrow of the city. For it has happened to him according to the true proverb, "The dog is turned to his vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." (2 Peter ii. 22.)

Faith. These are my fears of him too; but who can hinder that which will be?

Well, neighbour Faithful, said Christain, let us leave him, and talk of things that more immediately concern ourselves. Tell me now what you have met with in the way as you came; for I know you have met with some things, or else it may be writ for a wonder. Faith. I escaped the Slough that I perceived you fell into, and got up to the Gate without that danger; only I met with one whose name was Wanton, that had like to have done me a mischief.

Chr. It was well you escaped her net; Joseph was hard put to it by her, and he escaped her as you did; but it had like to have cost him his life. (Gen. xxxix. 11–13.) But what did she do to you?

Faith. You cannot think (but that you know something) what a flattering tongue she had; she lay at me hard to turn aside with her, promising me all manner of content.

Chr. Nay, she did not promise you the content of a good conscience. Faith. You know that I mean all fleshly and carnal content. Chr. Thank God you have escaped her. The abhorred of the Lord shall fall into her ditch. (Prov. xxii. 14.)

Faith. Nay, I know not whether I did wholly escape her or no. Chr. Why, I trow you did not consent to her desire?

Faith. No, not to defile myself; for I remembered an old writing that I had seen, which said, "Her steps take hold of hell" (Prov. v. 5.); so I shut mine eyes, because I would not be bewitched with her looks. (Job xxxi. 1.) Then she railed on me, and I went on my way.

Chr. Did you meet with no other assault as you came.

Faith. When I came to the foot of the hill called Difficulty, I met with a very aged Man, who asked me what I was, and whither bound? I told him that I was a Pilgrim going to the Celestial City. Then said the Old Man, Thou lookest like an honest fellow; wilt thou be content to dwell with me for the wages that I shall give thee? Then I asked him his name, and where he dwelt? He said his name was Adam the First, and that he dwelt in the town of Deceit. I asked

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Faithful tempted by the old Adam.

him then what was his work, and what the wages that he would give? He told me, that his work was many delights; and his wages, that I should be his heir at last. I further asked him what house he kept, and what other servants he had? So he told me, that his house was maintained with all the dainties of the world; and that his servants were those of his own begetting. Then I asked him how many children he had? He said that he had but three daughters, "The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John ii. 16.); and that I should marry them, if I would. Then I asked, how long time he would have me live with him? And he told me, as long as he lived himself.

Chr. Well, and what conclusion came the Old Man and you to at last?

Faith. Why, at first, I found myself somewhat inclinable to go with the Man, for I thought he spoke very fair; but looking in his forehead, as I talked with him, I saw there written, "Put off the old man with his deeds."

Chr. And how then?

Faith. Then it came burning hot into my mind, whatever he said, and however he flattered, when he got me home to his house, he would sell me for a slave. So I bid him forbear to talk, for I would not come near the door of his house. Then he reviled me, and told me, that he would send such a one after me, that should make my way bitter to my soul. So I turned to go away from him; but just as I turned myself to go thence, I felt him take hold of my flesh, and give me such a deadly twitch back, that I thought he had pulled part of me after himself; this made me cry, O wretched man! (Rom. vii. 24.) So I went on my way up the hill.

Now, when I had got about half the way up, I looked behind me, and saw one coming after me swift as the wind; so he overtook me just about the place where the settle stands.

Just there, said Christian, did I sit down to rest me; but, being overcome with sleep, I there lost this Roll out of my bosom.

Faith. But, good brother, hear me out. So soon as the man over

1 The old Adam, the corrupt nature, proves a constant snare to many believers, by its thirsting after the pleasures, riches, honours, and pride of the world,