The Pilgrim's Progress from this world to that which is to come, delivered under the similitude of a dream

by John Bunyan

Wouldst thou read riddles, and their explanation? Or else be drowned in thy contemplation? Dost thou love picking meat?

Wouldst read thyself, and read thou knowest not what, And yet know whether thou art blest or not, By reading the same lines? Oh, then come hither, And lay my book, thy head, and heart together.

because that ALL which you shall forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that which I am seeking to enjoy

I seek an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away [1 Pet. 1:4], and it is laid up in heaven, and safe there [Heb. 11:16], to be bestowed, at the time appointed, on them that diligently seek it.

I will be no companion of such misled, fantastical fellows.

CHR. Sir, said Christian, I was bid go this way by a man called Evangelist, who directed me also to yonder gate, that I might escape the wrath to come; and as I was going thither I fell in here. {32} HELP. But why did not you look for the steps? CHR. Fear followed me so hard, that I fled the next way, and fell in. HELP. Then said he, Give me thy hand: so he gave him his hand, and he drew him out, and set him upon sound ground, and bid him go on his way. [Ps. 40:2]

This miry slough is such a place as cannot be mended; it is the descent whither the scum and filth that attends conviction for sin doth continually run, and therefore it is called the Slough of Despond; for still, as the sinner is awakened about his lost condition, there ariseth in his soul many fears, and doubts, and discouraging apprehensions, which all of them get together, and settle in this place. And this is the reason of the badness of this ground.

True, there are, by the direction of the Law-giver, certain good and substantial steps, placed even through the very midst of this slough; but at such time as this place doth much spew out its filth, as it doth against change of weather, these steps are hardly seen; or, if they be, men, through the dizziness of their heads, step beside, and then they are bemired to purpose, notwithstanding the steps be there; but the ground is good when they are once got in at the gate.

Mr. Worldly Wiseman, he dwelt in the town of Carnal Policy, a very great town,

I beshrew him for his counsel! there is not a more dangerous and troublesome way in the world than is that unto which he hath directed thee; and that thou shalt find, if thou wilt be ruled by his counsel.

why should a man so carelessly cast away himself, by giving heed to a stranger?

I care not what I meet with in the way, if so be I can also meet with deliverance from my burden.

When Christians unto carnal men give ear, Out of their way they go, and pay for 't dear; For Master Worldly Wiseman can but shew A saint the way to bondage and to woe.