THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
THE CHRISTIAN’S JOURNEY
TO THE CELESTIAL CITY
CHAPTER 11
WEEK 3 – FRIDAY
Read and pray: “For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:17-18)
Christian finds in Faithful an excellent companion;
The cautious fear he had in joining him teaches us that we must be very careful in choosing our companions in the faith. Profitable conversations they had together.
After all this, our Pilgrim reached a height purposely raised so that travelers could from there see the path they were to follow. He saw Faithful far ahead and called out to him, saying: Hello, hello, wait so that we may walk together!
Faithful looked back, heard Christian call him again, and replied: I cannot wait. My life is in danger, for the avenger of blood is behind me. This reply greatly saddened Christian, but summoning great effort, he soon overtook Faithful, even passing him, so the last became first.
He smiled, boasting of having gotten ahead of his brother; but as he wasn’t watching his steps, he suddenly stumbled and fell, unable to get up until Faithful came to his aid. I then saw in my dream that they walked together in great harmony, conversing pleasantly about all that had happened to them along the way. Christian began to speak in these terms:
Christian – Honored and dear brother Faithful, I’m so happy to have caught up with you, and that God has so prepared our hearts to walk together on this delightful path!
Faithful – I had intended to go with you from our city; but you went so fast that I had to come alone.
Christian – How long did you stay in the City of Destruction after I left?
Faithful – I remained there until I could endure no longer, for as soon as you left, it was being said that the city would be reduced to ashes by fire from heaven.
Christian – What’s that? Our neighbors were saying so?
Faithful – Yes, they said it; and for a while, it was all anyone talked about.
Christian – And despite that, were you the only one to try and escape?
Faithful – Though the danger was much spoken of, it seemed little believed; for in the heat of discussion, I heard some mock you and your journey, calling it desperate. But I believed, and still believe, that our city will be burned with fire and brimstone, and that’s why I fled.
Christian – Did you hear anything about our neighbor Pliable?
Faithful – I heard he kept going until the Slough of Despond, where he is said to have fallen, though he doesn’t want anyone to know what happened; but what he couldn’t hide from sight was the mud with which he returned.
Christian – And what did the neighbors say?
Faithful – Since he returned, he’s been the object of scorn and ridicule from everyone, so much that he can hardly find anyone to give him work. He is now in a worse state than before he left the city.
Christian – But how can they hold him in contempt if they despise the path he abandoned?
Faithful – They call him a renegade, for not staying true to his profession. I believe God stirred even his enemies to mock him for having forsaken his way (Jeremiah 38:18-19).
Christian – Did you speak to him before you left?
Faithful – I met him once in the street, but he turned his face away, ashamed of what he had done, so we did not speak.
Christian – Truly, when I started my journey, I had some hope for him; but now I fear he’ll perish in the city's ruins, for what happened to him is as that true proverb says: “The dog has returned to his vomit, and the washed sow to wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22)
Faithful – I fear the same; but who can know the future?
Christian – You are right. Let’s talk no more about him; instead, let’s turn to things that concern us more. Tell me what happened to you on the way. I suppose you encountered some things worth recounting.
Faithful – I didn’t fall into the Slough of Despond, as I see you did, and I reached the narrow gate without that danger; but I did meet a woman named Wanton, from whom I barely escaped.
Christian – Blessed are you for escaping her snares. For her sake, Joseph was in great peril, and he escaped her as you did, not without risking death. So, what did she do to you? (Genesis 39:11-12)
Faithful – Only one who has heard her can understand how flattering her tongue is: she did everything she could to ruin me, promising me every sort of pleasure.
Christian – Surely she didn’t offer the pleasure of a clear conscience.
Faithful – You know well that I speak of carnal pleasures.
Christian – Give thanks to God for delivering you from her.
“The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.” (Proverbs 22:14)
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