So, when the pilgrim was fully inside, Good-will asked him, “Who directed you to come this way?”
CHRISTIAN: Evangelist exhorted me to come this way and knock at the Gate, just as I did. He further told me that you, sir, would tell me what I must do next.
GOOD-WILL: An open door is set before you, and no man can shut it. (1)
CHRISTIAN: Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards.
GOOD-WILL: But how is it that you have come alone?
CHRISTIAN: Because none of my neighbors saw their danger as I saw mine.
GOOD-WILL: Did any of them know of your coming?
CHRISTIAN: Yes, my wife and children were the first to notice my departure, and they called out for me to return home. Also, some of my neighbors cried out as a group for me to come back. But I put my fingers in my ears and continued on my way.
GOOD-WILL: But did none of them follow you to persuade you to go back?
CHRISTIAN: Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable. But when they realized that their arguments had not been successful, Obstinate turned back in a rage, though Pliable did come with me for a short while.
GOOD-WILL: But why did he not persevere even to this place?
CHRISTIAN: Quite frankly, we did press on together, that is until we came to the Slough of Despond into which we both suddenly tumbled. At that point, my neighbor Pliable was immediately discouraged and refused to go any further. As a result, he drew himself out of the mire on that side which was nearest to his house; he then told me that I would possess brave country alone on his behalf. So, he went back in the direction of Obstinate and I proceeded forward to this Gate. (2)
The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan
- Rev. 3:8
- A pilgrim may have company when he first sets out for Heaven, and yet later find that he travels alone.
- What danger is Christian referring to?
- Think back to neighbors Pliable and Obstinate, what kept them from joining Christian in the journey to the Celestial City?
- Do think that The Lord purpose to have Christian travel alone up to this point? Why? Why not?
- Have you ever felt like God had you walk a certain road alone so He could your attention? Did He do it because others may distract you from the journey you are on?
- Do you see at this point God’s sovereignty at work in Christian’s life?
“The road to the Kingdom is not so pleasant, and comfortable, and easy, and flowery, as many dream. It is not a bright sunny avenue of palms. It is not paved with triumph, though it is to end in victory. The termination is glory, honor, and immortality; but on the way, there is the thorn in the flesh, the sackcloth, and the cross. Recompense later; but labor here! Rest later; but weariness here! Joy and security later; but here endurance and watchfulness – the race, the battle, the burden, the stumbling block, and oftentimes the heavy heart.” – Horatius Bonar
