THE SECOND STAGE
BigDog
Then did Christian address himself to go back; and Evangelist, after he
had kissed him, gave him one smile, and bid him God speed; So he went
on with haste, neither spake he to any man by the way; nor if any asked
him, would he vouchsafe them 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 had left to
follow Mr. Worldly Wiseman's counsel. So, 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." (Matt. 7:7.)
He knocked, therefore, more than once or twice, 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 Goodwill, who
asked who was there, and whence he came, and what he would have.
CHRISTIAN: 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.
GOODWILL: 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 die before they
can enter in. Then said Christian, I rejoice and tremble. So when he
was got in, the man of the Gate asked him who directed him thither. ...
read the complete SECOND STAGE here:
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bunyan/pilgrim.v.ii.html
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