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Heedless and Too-bold.

They went on then, in this Enchanted Ground, till they came to where there was another arbour; and it was built by the highway side. And in that arbour, there lay two men, whose names were Heedless, and Too-bold.

These two went thus far on pilgrimage: but here being wearied with their journey, sat down to rest themselves, and so fell fast asleep.

When the pilgrims saw them they stood still, and shook their heads: for they knew that the sleepers were in a pitiful case. Then they consulted what to do, whether to go on and leave them in their sleep, or step to them, and try to wake them.

So they concluded to go to them, and awake them; that is, if they could: but with this caution, namely, to take heed that themselves did not sit down, nor embrace the offered benefit of that arbour. (z)

So they went in and spake to the men, and called each by his name (for the guide it seems, did know them,) but there was no voice or answer.

Then the guide shook them, and did what he could to disturb them. Then said one of them, I will pay you when I take my money. At which, the Guide shook his head. I will fight so long as I can hold my sword in my hand, said the other. At that, one of the children laughed.

Then said Christiana, What is the meaning of this? Then the Guide said, They talk in their sleep: if you strike them, beat them, or whatever else you do to them, they will answer you after this fashion; or, as one of them said in old time, when the waves of the sea did beat upon him, and he slept as one

(z) It is the duty, and will be the practice of pilgrims, to strive to be instrumental to the good of others. But at the same time, it behoves them to take heed to themselves, and watch, lest they catch harm from them and their conduct.

The Pilgrims cautioned by the example of Heedless, and his companion.

upon the mast of a ship, "When I awake, I will seek it again." You know, when men talk in their sleep, they say any thing, but their words are not governed either by faith or reason. There is an incoherency in their words now, as there was before, betwixt their going on pilgrimage, and sitting down here. This then is the mischief on't, when heedless ones go on pilgrimage, twenty to one but they are served thus. For this enchanted ground is one of the last refuges that the enemy to pilgrims has: wherefore it is, as you see, placed almost at the end of the way, and so it standeth against us with the more advantage. For when, thinks the enemy, will these fools be so desirous to sit down, as when they were weary? And when so likely to be weary, as when almost at their journey's end? Therefore it is, I say, that the Enchanted Ground is placed so nigh at the land of Beulah, and so near to the end of their race. Wherefore, let pilgrims look to themselves, lest it happen to them as it has done to these, who, as you see, are fallen asleep, and none can wake them. (a)

Then the pilgrims desired, with trembling to go forward; only they prayed their guide to strike a light, that they might go the rest of their way by the help of a lanthorn. So he struck a light, and they went by the help of a light through the rest of this way, though the darkness was very great. (b) But the children began to be solely weary; and

(a) What a sound sleep of infatuation hath this enchanting world cast many a professor into! They are proof against all warnings, and dead as to any means of arousing them. When this sleep of death seizes the soul, it destroys faith, infatuates reason, and causes men to talk incoherently. They have lost the language of pilgrims; their state is awful;-beware of it; pray against it. For, if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (b) The word of God is the only light to direct our steps. He who

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They find Standfast on his knees.

they cried out unto him that loveth pilgrims, to make their way more comfortable.

So by that they had gone a little further, the wind arose, that drove away the fog, so the air be

came more serene.

Yet they were not off, by much, of the Enchanted Ground, only now they could see one another better, and the way wherein they should walk.

Now, when they were almost at the end of this ground, they perceived, that a little before them, was a solemn noise, of one that was much concerned.

So they went on and looked before them, and behold, they saw, as they thought, a man upon his knees, with hands and eyes lifted up, and speaking as they thought, earnestly, to one that was above. They drew nigh, but could not tell what he said so they went softly till he had done. When he had done, he got up, and began to run towards the Celestial City.

Then Mr. Great-heart called after him, saying, Soho, friend, let us have your company, if you go, as I suppose you do, to the Celestial City.

So the man stopped, and they came up to him. But so soon as Mr. Honest saw him, he said, I know this man.

Then said Mr. Valiant-for-truth, Pr'ythee, who is it? 'Tis one, said he, that comes from whereabouts I dwelt his name is Standfast: he is certainly a right good pilgrim.

;

So they came up to one another; and presently Standfast said to old Honest, Ho; father Honest, are you there? Ay, said he, that I am as sure as you are there. Right glad am I, said Mr. Stand

neglects this, is a fool. He who sets up and looks for any other light to direct him, is mad, and knows not what he does. As folly and madness beset him, danger and distress will come upon him. Trembling souls will attend closely to God's word.

Standfast relates his fears.

fast that I have found you upon this road. And as glad am I, said the other, that I espied you on your knees. Then Mr. Stand fast blushed, and said, But why, did you see me? Yes, that I did, quoth the other, and with my heart was glad at the sight. Why, what did you think, said Standfast? Think, said old Honest, What should I think? I thought we had an honest man upon the road, therefore should have his company by-an-by. If you thought not amiss, how happy am I; but if I be not as I should, it is I alone must bear it. That is true, said the other; but your fear doth farther confirm me, that things are right betwixt the Prince of Pilgrims, and your soul; for, saith he, "Blessed is the man that feareth always." (c)

Valiant. Well, but brother, I pray thee, tell us, what was it that was the cause of thy being upon thy knees even now? Was it some obligations laid by special mercies upon thee or how?

Standfast. Why, we are, as you see, upon the Enchanted Ground; and as I was coming along, I was musing with myself of what a dangerous nature the road in this place was; and how many that had come even thus far on pilgrimage, had been stopped and destroyed. I thought also of the manner of death with which this place destroyeth men. Those that die here, die of no violent distemper: the death which such die, is not grievous to them; for he that goeth away in a sleep, begins that journey with desire and pleasure; yea, such acquiesce in the will of that disease.

Hon. Then Mr. Honest, interrupting him said, Did you see the two men asleep in the arbour?

(c) He who feareth always will pray evermore. heart will bring pilgrims on their knees. wrong, will pray to be set right. The Lord and order the goings of all who cry to him. nand in hand. Joys shall attend them.

The fear of the

He who fears to be or go will direct the heart Fear and prayer go

He is accosted by Madam Bubble.

Standfast. Ay, ay, I saw Heedless and Too-bold there; and, for ought I know, there they will lie till they rot but let me go on with my tale. As I was thus musing, as I said, there was one in very pleasant attire, but old, who presented herself unto me, and offered me three things; to wit, her body, her purse, and her bed. Now the truth is, I was both weary and sleepy: I am also as poor as an owlet, and that perhaps, the witch knew. Well, I repulsed her once and twice; but she put by my repulses, and smiled. Then I began to be angry; but she mattered that nothing at all. Then she made offers again, and said, If I would be ruled by her, she would make me great and happy; for, said she, I am the mistress of the world, and men are made happy by me. Then I asked her name, and she told me it was Madam Bubble. This set me farther from her; but she still followed me with enticements. Then I betook me, as you saw, to my knees, and with hands lifted up, and cries, I prayed to him that had said he would help. So just as you came up, the gentlewoman went her way. Then I continued to give thanks for this great deliverance ; for I verily believe she intended no good, but rather sought to make a stop of me in my journey. (d)

Hon. Without doubt, her designs were bad. But stay, now you talk of her, methinks I either have seen her, or have read some story of her.

(d) O pilgrims! beware of this Madam Bubble. Know, and consider well, that ye have a nature exactly suited to accept of her offers, and to fall in love with her promises. The riches, honours, and pleasures of the world, what mortal can withstand? or who can forego them? No one but he who sees more charms in Jesus, more glory in his cross, and more comfort in the enjoyment of his love, and presence; and therefore is continually looking and crying to him," Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity. Instruct my soul in the way. Keep me closely following thee. Lord, thou art the portion of my soul!"

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