Now，themostpartofushereto-nighthavebeenattheLord’sTableto-day。Wekeptourfeetfirmonthestepsasweskirtedorcrossedthesloughthatself-examinationalwaysfillsanddefilesforusbeforeeverynewcommunion。AndbeforeourLordletusrisefromHisTablethismorning。Heagainsaidtous:’YecallMeMasterandLord，andyesaywell，forsoIam。IfIthenhavegivenyouMyhand，andhavehelpedyou，yeoughtalsotohelponeanother。’Who，then，anymorewillwithholdsuchhelpasitisinhispowertogivetoasinkingbrother？Andyoudonotneedtogofarafieldseekingthesloughofdesponding，despairing，drowningmen。Thiswholeworldisfullofsuchsloughs。Thereisscarcesoundgroundenoughinthisworldonwhichtobuildaslough-

watcher’stower。Andafteritisbuilt，theverytoweritselfissoonstainedandblindedwiththescuddingslime。Whereareyoureyes，andfullofwhat？Doyounotseesloughsfullofsinkingmenatyourverydoor；ay，andinsideofyourbestbuiltandbestkepthouse？Yourverynextneighbour；nay，yourownfleshandblood，iftheyhavenothingelseofGreatheart’smosttroublesomepilgrimaboutthem，haveatleastthis，thattheycarryaboutasloughwiththemintheirownmindandintheirownheart。Haveyouonlyhenceforthaheartandahandtohelp，andseeifhundredsofsinkingheartsdonotcryoutyourname，andhundredsofslimyhandsgraspatyourstretched-outarm。Sloughsofallkindsofvice，openandsecret；sloughsofpoverty，sloughsofyouthfulignorance，temptation，andtransgression；sloughsofinwardgloom，familydisquietanddispute；lonelygrief；allmannerofsloughs，deepandmiry，wherenomanwouldsuspectthem。Andhowgood，howlikeChristHimself，andhowwell-pleasingtoHimtolaydownstepsforsuchslidingfeet，andtoliftoutanotherandanotherhumansouluponsoundandsolidground。’KnowyewhatIhavedonetoyou？ForIhavegivenyouanexample，thatyeshoulddoasIhavedonetoyou。Ifyeknowthesethings，happyareyeifyedothem。’

MR。WORLDLY-WISEMAN

’Wiseinthisworld。’——Paul。

Mr。Worldly-Wisemanhasalonghistorybehindhimonwhichwecannotnowenteratanylength。Asachild，thelittleworldling，itwasobserved，tookmuchafterhissecularfather，butmuchmoreafterhisschemingmother。Hewasalreadyaself-seeking，self-

satisfiedyouth；andwhenhebecameamanandbeganbusinessforhimself，noman’sbusinessflourishedlikehis。’Nothingofnews，’

sayshisbiographerinanotherplace，’nothingofdoctrine，nothingofalterationortalkofalterationcouldatanytimebesetonfootinthetownbutbesureMr。Worldly-Wisemanwouldbeattheheadortailofit。But，tobesure，hewouldalwaysdeclinethosehedeemedtobetheweakest，andstoodalwayswiththose，inhiswayofthinking，thathesupposedwerethestrongestside。’Hewasaman，itwasoftenremarked，ofbutonebookalso。SundayandSaturdayhewastobefounddeepinTheArchitectofFortune；or，AdvancementinLife，abookwrittenbyitsauthorsoasto’comehometoallmen’sbusinessandbosoms。’HedroveoverscrupulouslyonceaSundaytotheStatechurch，ofwhichhewasoneofthemostdeterminedpillars。HehadsethismindonbeingLordMayorofthetownbeforelong，andhewasdeterminedthathiseldestsonshouldbecalledSirWorldly-Wisemanafterhim，andhechosehischurchaccordingly。Anotherofhisbiographersinthisconnectionwroteofhimthus:’OurLordMayorpartedhisreligionbetwixthisconscienceandhispurse，andhewenttochurchnottoserveGod，buttopleasetheking。ThefaceofthelawmadehimwearthemaskoftheGospel，whichheusednotasameanstosavehissoul，buthischarges。’Such，inashortword，wasthis’sottishman’whocrossedoverthefieldtomeetwithourpilgrimwhenhewaswalkingsolitarybyhimselfafterhisescapefromtheslough。

’Hownow，goodfellow？Whitherawayafterthisburdenedmanner？’

Whatacontrastthosetwomenweretooneanotherinthemidstofthatplainthatday！Ourpilgrimwasfullofthemostlaboriousgoing；sighsandgroansroseoutofhisheartateverystep；andthenhisburdenonhisback，andhisfilthy，slimyragsallmadehimapicturesuchthatitwastoanyman’screditandpraisethatheshouldstoptospeaktohim。Andthen，whenourpilgrimlookedup，hesawagentlemanstandingbesidehimtowhomhewasashamedtospeak。Forthegentlemanhadnoburdenonhisback，andhedidnotgoovertheplainlaboriously。Therewasnotaspotoraspeck，arentorawrinkleonallhisfineraiment。Hecouldnothavebeenbetterappointedifhehadjuststeppedoutofthegateattheheadoftheway；theycanwearnocleanergarmentsthanhisintheCelestialCityitself。’Hownow，goodfellow？Whitherawayafterthisburdenedmanner？’’Aburdenedmanner，indeed，aseverI

thinkpoorcreaturehad。Andwhereasyouaskmewhitheraway，I

tellyou，sir，Iamgoingtoyonderwicketgatebeforeme；forthere，asIaminformed，Ishallbeputintoawaytoberidofmyheavyburden。’’Hastthouawifeandchildren？’Yes；heisashamedtosaythathehas。Butheconfessesthathecannotto-daytakethepleasureinthemthatheusedtodo。Sincehissinsocameuponhim，heissometimesasifhehadneitherwifenorchildnorahouseoverhishead。JohnBunyanwasofSamuelRutherford’sterribleexperience，——thatoursinsandoursinfulnesspoisonallourbestenjoyments。WedonothearmuchofRutherford’swifeandchildren，andthat，nodoubt，forthesufficientreasonthathegivesusinhissoopen-mindedletter。ButBunyanlamentsoverhisblindchildwithalamentworthytostandbesidethelamentofDavidoverAbsalom，andagainoverSaulandJonathanatMountGilboa。Atthesametime，JohnBunyanoftenfeltsoreandsadatheartthathecouldnotloveandgiveallhishearttohiswifeandchildrenastheydeservedtobelovedandtohaveallhisheart。

Heoftenfeltguiltyashelookedonthemandknewinhimselfthattheydidnothaveinhimsuchafatheras，Godknew，hewishedhewas，oreverinthisworldcouldhopetobe。’Yes，’hesaid，’butIcannottakethepleasureinthemthatIwould。IamsometimesasifIhadnone。Mysinsometimesdrivesmelikeamanbereftofhisreasonandcleandemented。’’Whobidtheegothiswaytoberidofthyburden？Ibeshrewhimforhiscounsel。Thereisnotamoretroublesomeanddangerouswayintheworldthanthisistowhichhehathdirectedthee。Andbesides，thoughIusedtohavesomeofthesameburdenwhenIwasyoung，notsinceIsettledinthattown，’

pointingtothetownofCarnal-Policyovertheplain，’haveIbeenatanytimetroubledinthatway。’AndthenhewentontodescribeanddenouncethewaytotheCelestialCity，andhediditlikeamanwhohadbeenalloverit，andhadcomebackagain。HisalarmingdescriptionoftheupwardwayreadstouslikeapageoutofJob，orJeremiah，orDavid，orPaul。’Hearme，’hesays，’forI

amolderthanthou。Thouartliketomeetwithinthewaywhichthougoestwearisomeness，painfulness，hunger，perils，nakedness，sword，lions，dragons，darkness，andinaword，death，andwhatnot。’YouwouldthinkthatyouwerereadingtheeighthoftheRomansatthethirty-fifthverse；onlyMr。Worldly-Wisemandoesnotgoontofinishthechapter。Hedoesnotgoontoadd，’Iampersuadedthatneitherdeath，norlife，norangels，norprincipalities，norpowers，northingspresent，northingstocome，norheight，nordepth，noranyothercreature，shallbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGod，whichisinJesusChristourLord。’No；Worldly-WisemanneverreadstheRomans，andheneverhearsasermononthatchapterwhenhegoestochurch。

Mr。Worldly-Wisemanbecamepositivelyeloquentandimpressiveandallbutconvincingashewentsographicallyandcumulativelyoverallthesorrowsthatattendedonthewaytowhichthispilgrimwasnowsettinghisface。But，staggeringasitallwas，themaninragsandslimeonlysmiledasadandsobbingsmileinanswer，andsaid:’Why，sir，thisburdenuponmybackisfarmoreterribletomethanallthethingswhichyouhavementioned；nay，methinksI

carenotwhatImeetwithintheway，sobeIcanalsomeetwithdeliverancefrommyburden。’ThisiswhatourLordcallsapilgrimhavingtherootofthematterinhimself。Thispoorsoulhadbythistimesomuchwearisomeness，painfulness，hunger，perils，nakedness，sword，lions，dragons，darkness，death，andwhatnotinhimself，thatallthesethreatenedthingsoutsideofhimselfwerebutsomanybugbearsandhobgoblinswherewithtoterrifychildren；

theywerebutthingstobelaughedatbyeverymanwhoisinernestintheway。’IcarenotwhatelseImeetwithifonlyIalsomeetwithdeliverance。’Therespeaksthetruepilgrim。TherespeaksthemanwhodrewdowntheSonofGodtothecrossforthatman’sdeliverance。Therespeakstheman，who，mire，andrags，andburdensandall，willyetbefoundintheheavenofheavenswherethechiefofsinnersshallseetheirDelivererfacetoface，andshallatlastandforeverbelikeHim。PeterexaminedDanteinheavenonfaith，Jamesexaminedhimonhope，andJohntookhimthroughhiscatechismonlove，andtheseercameoutofthetentwithalaurelcrownonhisbrow。Idonotknowwhotheexamineronsinwillbe，but，speakingformyselfonthismatter，Iwouldrathertakemydegreeinthatsubjectthaninalltheothersubjectssetforasinner’sexaminationonearthorinheaven。Fortoknowmyself，andespecially，asthewisemansays，toknowtheplagueofmyownheart，isthetrueandtheonlykeytoallothertrueknowledge:Godandman；theRedeemerandthedevil；heavenandhell；faith，hope，andcharity；unbelief，despair，andmalignity，andallthingsofthatkindelse，allknowledgewillcometothatmanwhoknowshimself，andtothatmanalone，andtothatmanintheexactmeasureinwhichhedoesreallyknowhimself。

Listenagaintothisslough-stained，sin-burdened，sighingandsobbingpilgrim，who，inspiteofallthesethings——nay，invirtueofallthesethings——isassureofheavenandofthefarendofheavenasifhewerealreadyenthronedthere。’Wearisomeness，’heprotests，’painfulness，hunger，perils，nakedness，sword，lions，dragons，darkness，death，andwhatnot——why，sir，thisburdenonmybackisfarmoreterribletomethanallthesethingswhichyouhavementioned；nay，methinksIcarenotwhatImeetwithintheway，sobeIcanalsomeetwithdeliverancefrommyburden。’O

God！letthissamemindbefoundinmeandinallthemenandwomenforwhosesoulsIshallhavetoansweratthedayofjudgment，andIshallbecontentandsafebeforeThee。

ThatstrongoutburstfromthissoforfoughtenmanforamomentquiteoverawedWorldly-Wiseman。Hecouldnotreplytoanearnestnesslikethis。Hedidnotunderstandit，andcouldnotaccountforit。Theonlythingheeverwasinsuchearnestnessasthataboutwashissuccessinbusinessandhistitlethatheandhiswifewereschemingfor。Butstill，thoughsilencedbythisunaccountableoutburstofourpilgrim，Worldly-Wiseman’senmityagainsttheupwardway，andespeciallyagainstallthemenandallthebooksthatmadepilgrimstaketothatway，wasnotsilenced。

’Howcamestthoubythyburdenatfirst？’ByreadingthisBookinmyhand。’Worldly-WisemandidnotfallfouloftheBookindeed，buthefellallthemorefoulofthosewhomeddledwithmatterstheyhadnotaheadfor。’Leavethesehighanddeepthingsfortheministerswhoarepaidtounderstandandexplainthem，andattendtomattersmorewithinthyscope。’Andthenhewentontotellofafarbetterwaytogetridoftheburdenthatmeddlesomemenbroughtonthemselvesbyreadingthatbooktoomuch——afarbetterandswifterwaythanattemptingthewicket-gate。’Thouwiltneverbesettledinthymindtillthouartridofthatburden，norcanstthouenjoytheblessingsofwifeandchildaslongasthatburdenliessoheavyuponthee。’Thatwassotruethatitmadethepilgrimlookup。Agentlemanwhocanspeakinthattruestylemustknowmorethanhesaysaboutsuchburdensasthisofmine；and，afterall，hemaybeable，whoknows，togivemesomegoodadviceinmygreatstraits。’Pray，sir，openthissecrettome，forI

sorelystandinneedofgoodcounsel。’LethimherewhohasnosuchburdenasthispoorpilgrimhadcastthefirststoneatChristian；Icannot。Ifonewholookedlikeagentlemancametometo-nightandtoldmehowIwouldonthespotgettoapeaceofconsciencenevertobelostagain，andhowIwouldgetaheartto-

nightthatwouldneveranymoreplagueandpolluteme，IwouldbemightilytemptedtoforgetwhatallmyformerteachershadtoldmeandtrythisnewGospel。Andespeciallyifthegentlemansaidthattheremedywasjustathand。’Pray，sir，’saidthebreathlessandspiritlessman，’wiltthou，then，openthissecrettome？’

Thewitandthehumourandthesatireoftherestofthescenemustbefullyenjoyedoverthegreatbookitself。ThevillagenamedMorality，hardbythehill；thatjudiciousmanLegality，whodwellsinthefirsthouseyoucomeatafteryouhaveturnedthehill；

Civility，theprettyyoungmanthatLegalityhathtohisson；thehospitalityofthevillage；thelowrentsandthecheapprovisions，andallthecharitiesandamenitiesoftheplace，——alltogethermakeupsuchapictureasyoucannotgetanywhereoutofJohnBunyan。Andthenthepilgrim’sstarkfollyinenteringintoWorldly-Wiseman’ssecret；hishorrorasthehillbegantothunderandlightenandthreatentofalluponhim；thesuddendescentofEvangelist；andthentheplain-spokenwordsthatpassedbetweenthepreacherandthepilgrim，——don’tsayagainthatthepoorestofthePuritanswerewithoutletters，orthattheyhadnottheirownesotericwritingsfulloffunandfrolic；don’tsaythatagaintillyouareapilgrimyourself，andhaveourJohnBunyanforoneofyourclassicsbyheart。

Wearenearanend，butbeforeyoudepart，standstillalittle，asEvangelistsaidtoChristian，thatImayshowyouthewordsofGod。

Andfirst，watchyourselveswell，foryouallhavealargepieceofthisworldly-wisemaninyourselves。Youalltakesomethingofsomeancestor，remoteorimmediate，whowaswiseonlyforthisworld。Yes，tobesure，foryoustilldeclineastheydid，anddesertastheydid，thoseyoudeemtobetheweakest，andstandwiththosethatyousupposetobethestrongestside。TheArchitectofFortuneisperhapstoostrongmeatforyourstomach；

butstill，ifyoueverlightuponitspowerfulpages，youwillsurelyblushinsecrettoseeyourselfturnedsocompletelyinsideout。Youmaynothavechosenyourchurchwhollywithaneyetoyourshop；butyoumustadmitthatyouseeasgoodandbettermenthanyouaredoingthateveryday。Anditisasuresigntoyouthatyoudonotyetknowtheplagueofyourownheart，unlessyouknowyourselftobeamanmoresetuponthepositionandthepraisethatthisworldgivesthanyouyetareonthepositionandthepraisethatcomefromGodonly。Setawatchonyourownworldlyheart。Watchandpray，lestyoualsoenterintoallWorldly-

Wiseman’stemptation。ThisisoneofthewordsofGodtoyou。

AnotherwordofGodisthis。Thewayofthecross，saidsevereEvangelist，isodioustoeveryworldly-wiseman；while，allthetime，itistheonlywaythereis，andthereneverwillbeanyotherwaytoeternallife。Theonlywaytolifeisthewayofthecross。Therearetwocrosses，indeed，onthewaytotheCelestialCity；thereis，first，theCrossofChrist，onceforyou，andthenthereisyourcrossdailyforChrist，andittakesbothcrossestosecureandtoassureanymanthatheisontherightroad，andthathewillcomeatlasttotherightend。’TheChristian’sgreatconquestovertheworld，’saysWilliamLaw，’isallcontainedinthemysteryofChristuponthecross。AndtrueChristianityisnothingelsebutanentireandabsoluteconformitytothatspiritwhichChristshowedinthemysterioussacrificeofHimselfuponthecross。EverymanisonlysofaraChristianashepartakesofthissamespiritofChrist——thesamesufferingspirit，thesamesacrificeofhimself，thesamerenunciationoftheworld，thesamehumilityandmeekness，thesamepatientbearingofinjuries，reproaches，andcontempts，thesamedyingtoallthegreatness，honours，andhappinessofthisworldthatChristshowedonthecross。Wealsoaretosuffer，tobecrucified，todie，torisewithChrist，orelseHiscrucifixion，Hisdeath，andHisresurrectionwillprofitusnothing。’ThisisthesecondwordofGoduntothee。Andthethirdthingto-nightisthis，thatthoughthysinbeverygreat，thoughthouhastapastliferoundthyneckenoughtosinktheeforeveroutofthesightofGodandallgoodmen；ayouthofsensualitynowlongandcloselycloakedoverwithanafterlifeofworldlyprosperity，worldlydecency，andworldlyreligion，allwhichonlymakestheethatwhitedsepulchrethatChristhasinHiseyewhenHespeaksoftheewithsuchasevereanddreadfulcountenance；yetifthouconfessthyselftobeallthewhitedsepulchreHeseestheetobe，andyetknockatHisgateinallthyragsandslime，HewillimmediatelylayasidethatseverecountenanceandwillshowtheeallHisgoodwill。Notwithstandingallthatthouhastdone，andallthoustillart，HewillnotdenyHisownwords，ordootherwisethanatoncefulfilthemalltothee。Ask，then，anditshallbegiventhee；seek，andthoushaltfind；knock，anditshallbeopeneduntothee。Andwithagreatgoodwill，HewillsaytothosethatstandbyHim，Takeawaythefilthygarmentsfromhim。AndtotheeHewillsay，Behold，Ihavecausedallthineiniquitytopassfromthee，andIwillclothetheewithchangeofraiment。

GOODWILL，THEGATEKEEPER

’Goodwill。’——Luke2。14。

’SoinprocessoftimeChristiangotuptothegate。Nowtherewaswrittenoverthegate，Knock，anditshallbeopeneduntoyou。Heknocked，therefore，morethanonceortwice，saying，MayInowenterhere？whenatlasttherecameagravepersontothegate，namedGoodwill，whoaskedhimwhowasthere？’Thegravityofthegatekeeperwasthefirstthingthatstruckthepilgrim。AnditwasthesamethingthatsostrucksomeofthemenwhosawmostofourLordthattheyhandeddowntotheirchildrenthetruetraditionthatHewasoftenseenintears，butthatnoonehadeverseenorheardHimlaugh。TheprophecyintheprophetconcerningourLordwasfulfilledtotheletter。Hewasindeedamanofsorrows，andHeearlyandallHislifelonghadacloseacquaintancewithgrief。

OurLordhadcomeintothisworldonaverysaderrand。Wearesostupefiedandbesottedwithsin，thatwehavenoconceptionhowsadanerrandourLordhadbeensenton，andhowsadataskHesoondiscoveredittobe。Tobeamanwithoutsin，amanhatingsin，andhatingnothingelsebutsin，andyettohavetospendallHisdaysinaworldlyinginsin，andintheendtohaveallthatworldofsinlaiduponHimtillHewasHimselfmadesin，——howsadataskwasthat！Great，nodoubt，aswasthejoythatwassetbeforeourLord，andsureasHewasofonedayenteringonthatjoy，yetthedailysightofsomuchsininallmenaroundHim，andthecrossandtheshamethatlayrightbeforeHim，madeHim，inspiteofthefuturejoy，alltheManofSorrowIsaiahhadsaidHewouldbe，andmadelight-mindednessandlaughterimpossibletoourLord，——asitis，indeed，toallmenamongourselveswhohaveanythingofHismindaboutthispresentworldandthesinofthisworld，theyalsoaremenofsorrow，andofHissorrow。They，too，areacquaintedwithgrief。Theirtears，likeHis，willneverbewipedoffinthisworld。TheywillnotlaughwithalltheirhearttilltheylaughwhereHenowlaughs。Thenitwillbesaidofthem，too，thattheybegantobemerry。’Whatwasthematterwithyouthatyoudidlaughinyoursleeplastnight？askedChristianaofMercyinthemorning。Isupposeyouwereinadream。SoIwas，saidMercy，butareyousurethatIlaughed？Yes，youlaughedheartily；but，prithee，Mercy，tellmethydream。Well，IdreamedthatIwasinasolitaryplaceandallalone，andwastherebemoaningthehardnessofmyheart，whenmethoughtIsawonecomingwithwingstowardsme。

Sohecamedirectlytome，andsaid，Mercy，whataileththee？Now，whenheheardmycomplaint，hesaid，Peacebetothee。Healsowipedmineeyeswithhishandkerchief，andcladmeinsilverandgold；heputachainaboutmyneckalso，andearringsinmineears，andabeautifulcrownuponmyhead。Sohewentup。Ifollowedhimtillwecametoagoldengate；andIthoughtIsawyourhusbandthere。ButdidIlaugh？Laugh！ay，andwellyoumight，toseeyourselfsowell。’

Buttoreturnandbeginagain。Goodwill，whoopenedthegate，was，aswesaw，apersonofaverygraveandcommandingaspect；somuchso，thatinhissuddenjoyourpilgrimwasagooddealoverawedashelookedonthecountenanceofthemanwhostoodinthegate，anditwassometimeafterwardsbeforeheunderstoodwhyheworesuchagraveandalmostsadaspect。Butafterwards，ashewentuptheway，andsometimesreturnedinthoughttothewicket-gate，hecametoseeverygoodreasonwhythekeeperofthatgatelookedashedidlook。Thesiteandsituationofthegate，foronething，wasofitselfenoughtobanishalllight-mindednessfromthemanwhowasstationedthere。ForthegatehousestoodjustabovetheSloughofDespond，andthatitselffilledtheairoftheplacewithadampnessandadepressionthatcouldbefelt。Andthenoutofthedownwardwindowsofthegate，thewatcher’seyealwaysfellontheCityofDestructioninthedistance，andonhersistercitiessittinglikeherdaughtersroundabouther。Andthatalsomademirthandhilarityimpossibleatthatgate。Andthenthekindofcharacterswhocameknockingallhoursofthedayandthenightatthatgate。Goodwillneversawahappyfaceorheardacheerfulvoicefromoneyear’sendtotheother。Andwhenanyonesofarforgothimselfastoputonanuntimelyconfidenceandself-

satisfaction，thegatekeeperwouldsoonputhimthroughsuchquestionsasquicklysoberedhimifhehadanythingatalloftherootofthematterinhim。Terror，horror，despair，remorse，chasedmenandwomenuptothatgate。Theywouldoftenfallbeforehisthresholdmoredeadthanalive。Andthen，afterthegatewasopenedandthepilgrimspulledin，thegatehadonlyopenedonapathofsuchpainfulness，toil，andterriblerisk，thatatwhateverwindowGoodwilllookedout，healwayssawenoughtomakehimandkeephimagrave，ifnotasad，man。Itwas，ashesometimessaid，hismeatandhisdrinktokeepthegateopenforpilgrims；buttheclassofmenwhocamecallingthemselvespilgrims；theconditiontheycamein；thepast，thatinspiteofallbothheandtheycoulddo，stillcameinthroughhisgateafterthem，andwentupallthewaywiththem；theirignoranceoftheway，onwhichhecouldonlystartthem；themultitudeswhostarted，andthehandfulswhoheldon；themanywhoforatimeranwell，butafterwardslefttheirbonestobleachbythewayside；andalltheimpossible-to-be-toldtroubles，dangers，sorrows，shipwrecksthatcertainlylaybeforethemoststeadfastandsingle-heartedpilgrim——allthatwasmorethanenoughtogivethemanatthegatehisgraveandanxiousaspect。

Notthathisgreatgravity，withallthecausesofit，evermadehimamelancholy，amorose，adespairing，orevenadespondingman。

Farfromthat。ThemanofsorrowsHimselfsometimesrejoicedinspirit。Notsometimesonly，butoftenHeliftedupHisheartandthankedHisFatherfortheworkHisFatherhadgivenHimtodo，andforthesuccessthathadbeengrantedtoHiminthedoingofit。

AndasoftenasHelookedforwardtothetimewhenheshouldfinishHisworkandreceiveHisdischarge，andreturntoHisFather’shouse，atthethoughtofthatHestraightwayforgotallHispresentsorrows。AndsomewhatsowasitwithGoodwillathisgate。Nomancouldbebutatbottomhappy，andevenjoyful，whohadapostlikehistooccupy，agatelikehistokeep，and，altogether，aworklikehistodo。Nomanwithhisnameandhisnaturecaneverinanycircumstancesbereallyunhappy。’Happinessisthebloomthatalwaysliesonalifeoftruegoodness，’andthisgatehousewasfullofthehappinessthatfollowsonandalwaysdwellswithtruegoodness。GoodwillcannothavemorehappinesstillheshutsinhislastpilgrimintotheCelestialCity，andthenhimselfentersinafterhimasashepherdafteralostsheep。

Thehappy，heavenly，divinedispositionofthegatekeeperwassuch，thatitoverflowedfromthepilgrimwhostoodbesidehimanddescendeduponhiswifeandchildrenwhoremainedbehindhiminthedoomedcity。Sofulloflovewasthegate-keeper’sheart，thatitranoutuponObstinateandPliablealso。Hisheartwassolargeandsohospitable，thathewasnotsatisfiedwithonepilgrimreceivedandassistedthatday。Howisit，heasked，thatyouhavecomeherealone？Didanyofyourneighboursknowofyourcoming？

Andwhydidhewhocamesofarnotcomethrough？Alas，poorman，saidGoodwill，isthecelestialgloryofsolittleesteemwithhimthathecountethitnotworthrunningthehazardsofafewdifficultiestoobtainit？Ourpilgrimgotalife-longlessoningoodwilltoallmenatthatgatethatday。Thegatekeepershowedsuchdeepandpatientandgenuineinterestinallthepilgrim’spasthistory，andinallhisfamilyandpersonalaffairs，thatChristianallhisdayscouldnevershowimpatience，orhaste，orlackofinterestinthemostlong-windedandegotisticalpilgrimheevermet。Healwaysremembered，whenhewasbecomingimpatient，howmuchofhisprecioustimeandofhislovingattentionhisoldfriendGoodwillhadgiventohim。OurpilgrimgottiredoftalkingabouthimselflongbeforeGoodwillhadceasedtoaskquestionsandtolistentotheanswers。SomuchwasChristiantakenwiththecourtesyandthekindnessofGoodwill，thathaditnotbeenforhiscrushingburden，hewouldhaveofferedtoremaininGoodwill’shousetorunhiserrands，tolighthisfires，andtosweephisfloors。SomuchwashetakencaptivewithGoodwill’sextraordinarykindnessandunweariedattention。Andsincehecouldnotremainatthegate，butmustgoontothecityofallgoodwillitself，ourpilgrimsethimselfallhisdaystocopythisgatekeeperwhenhemetwithanyfellow-pilgrimwhohadanystorythathewishedtotell。AndmanywerethelonelyandforgottensoulsthatChristiancheeredandhelpedon，notbyhisgoldorhissilver，norbyanythingelse，butjustbyhisopenear。Tolistenwithpatienceandwithattentiontoafellow-pilgrim’swrongsandsorrows，andevenhissmallestinterests，saidthisChristiantohimself，isjustwhatGoodwillsowinninglydidtome。

WithallhisgoodwillthegravegatekeepercouldnotsaythatthewaytotheCelestialCitywasotherthananarrow，astringent，andaheart-searchingway。’Come，’hesaid，’andIwilltelltheethewaythoumustgo。’Therearemanywidewaystohell，andmanytherebewhocrowdthem，butthereisonlyonewaytoheaven，andyouwillsometimesthinkyoumusthavegoneoffit，therearesofewcompanions；sometimestherewillbeonlyonefootprint，withhereandthereastreamofblood，andalwaysasyouproceed，itbecomesmoreandmorenarrow，tillitstripsamanbare，andsometimesthreatenstocloseuponhimandcrushhimtotheearthaltogether。OurLordinasmanywordstellsusallthat。Strive，Hesays，striveeveryday。Formanyshallseektoenterintothewayofsalvation，butbecausetheydonotearlyenough，andlongenough，andpainfullyenoughstrive，theycomeshort，andareshutout。Haveyou，then，anythinginyourreligiouslifethatChristwillatlastacceptasthestrivingHeintendedanddemanded？Doesyourreligioncauseyouanyrealeffort——ChristcallsitAGONY？

Haveyoueverhad，doyoueverhave，anythingthatHewouldsodescribe？Whatcrossdoyoueverydaytakeup？Inwhatthingdoyoueverydaydenyyourself？Nameit。Putyourfingeronit。

WriteitincipheronthemarginofyourBible。Wouldthemostliberaljudgmentbeabletosayofyouthatyouhaveanyfearandtremblingintheworkofyoursalvation？Ifnot，Iamafraidtheremustbesomemistakesomewhere。Theremustbegreatguiltsomewhere。Atyourparents’door，oratyourminister’s，or，iftheirhandsareclean，thenatyourown。Christhasmadeitplaintoaproverb，andJohnBunyanhasmadeitanurseryandaschoolboystory，thatthewaytoheavenissteepandnarrowandlonelyandperilous。Andthat，remember，notafewofthefirstmilesoftheway，butalltheway，andeventhroughthedarkvalleyitself。

’AlmostallthatissaidintheNewTestamentofmen’swatching，givingearnestheedtothemselves，runningtheracethatissetbeforethem，strivingandagonising，fighting，puttingonthewholearmourofGod，pressingforward，reachingforth，cryingtoGoddayandnight；Isay，almostallthatwehaveintheNewTestamentonthesesubjectsisspokenanddirectedtothesaints。Wherethosethingsareappliedtosinnersseekingsalvationonce，theyarespokenofthesaints’prosecutionoftheirsalvationtentimes’

(JonathanEdwards)。Ifyouhavealifeatalllikethat，youwillbesorelytemptedtothinkthatsuchsufferingandstruggle，increasingratherthandiminishingaslifegoeson，isasignthatyouaresobadasnottobeatrueChristianatall。Youwillbetemptedtothinkandsayso。Butallthetimethetruthis，thathewhohasnotthatlabouring，striving，agonising，fearing，andtremblinginhimself，knowsnothingatallaboutthereligionofChristandthewaytoheaven；andifhethinkshedoes，thenthatbutproveshimahypocrite，aself-deceived，self-satisfiedhypocrite；thereisnotanounceofatrueChristianinhim。SaysSamuelRutherfordonthismatter:’ChristcommandethHishearerstoastrictandnarrowway，inmortifyingheart-lusts，inlovingourenemy，infeedinghimwhenheishungry，insufferingforChrist’ssakeandthegospel’s，inbearingHiscross，indenyingourselves，inbecominghumbleaschildren，inbeingtoallmenandatalltimesmeekandlowlyinheart。’Letanymanlayallthatintelligentlyandimaginativelyalongsideofhisowndailylife。

Lethimnamesomesuchheart-lust。Lethimnamealsosomeenemy，andaskhimselfwhatitistolovethatman，andtofeedhiminhishunger；whatitisinwhichheiscalledtosufferforChrist’ssakeandthegospel’s，inhisreputation，inhisproperty，inhisbusiness，inhisfeelings。Lethimputhisfingeronsomethinginwhichheiseverydaytodenyhimself，andtobehumbleandteachable，andtokeephimselfoutofsightlikealittlechild；

andifthatmandoesnotfindouthownarrowandheart-searchingthewaytoheavenis，hewillbethefirstwhohassofoundhiswaythither。No，no；benotdeceived。Deceivenotyourself，andletnomandeceiveyou。Godisnotmocked，neitherareHistruesaints。’WouldtoGodIwerebackinmypulpitbutforoneSabbath，’saidadyingministerinAberdeen。’Whatwouldyoudo？’

askedabrotherministerathisbedside。’Iwouldpreachtothepeoplethedifficultyofsalvation，’hesaid。Allwhichthingsaretold，notforpurposesofdebateordefiance，buttocomfortandinstructGod’struepeoplewhoarefindingsalvationfarmoredifficultthananybodyhadevertoldthemitwouldbe。ComfortMypeople，saithyourGod。SpeakcomfortablytoMypeople。Come，saidGoodwill，andIwillteachtheeaboutthewaythoumustgo。

Lookbeforethee，dostthouseethatnarrowway？Thatisthewaythoumustgo。Andthenthoumayestalwaysdistinguishtherightwayfromthewrong。Thewrongiscrookedandwide，andtherightisstraightasarulecanmakeit，——straightandnarrow。

Goodwillsaidallthatinordertodirectandtocomfortthepilgrim；butthatwasnotallthatthisgoodmansaidwiththatend。For，whenChristianaskedhimifhecouldnothelphimoffwithhisburdenthatwasuponhisback，hetoldhim:’Astothyburden，becontenttobearituntilthoucomesttotheplaceofdeliverance，forthereitwillfallfromthybackofitself。’Getyouintothestraightandnarrowway，saysGoodwill，withhismuchexperienceofthewaysandfortunesoftruepilgrims；getyousureintotherightway，andleaveyourburdentoGod。Heappointstheplaceofdeliverance，anditliesbeforethee。Theplaceofthydeliverancecannotbebehindthee，anditisnotinmyhouse，elsethyburdenwouldhavebeenalreadyoff。Butitisbeforethee。Beearnest，therefore，intheway。Looknotbehindthee。Gonotintoanycrookedway；andoneday，beforeyouknow，andwhenyouarenotpullingatit，yourburdenwillfalloffofitself。Becontenttobearittillthen，saysboldandhonestGoodwill，speakingsotruetopilgrimexperience。Yes；becontent，OyepeopleofGod，cryingwiththispilgrimforreleasefromyourburdenofguilt，andnolessthoseofyouwhoarecallingwithPaulforreleasefromthestillmorebitterandcrushingburdenmadeupofcombinedguiltandcorruption。Becontenttilltheplaceandthetimeofdeliverance；

nay，evenunderyourburdenandyourbondsbeglad，asPaulwas，andgoupthenarrowway，stillchantingtoyourself，IthankGodthroughJesusChristourLord。ItisonlybecomingthatagreatsinnershouldtarrytheLord’sleisure；allthemorethatthegreatestsinnermaybesuretheLordwillcome，andwillnottarry。

Thetimeislong，butthethingissure。

AndnowtwolessonsfromGoodwill’sgate:-

1。ThegatewasshutwhenChristiancameuptoit，andnoonewasvisibleanywhereaboutit。Theonlythingvisiblewasthewritingoverthegatewhichtoldallpilgrimstoknock。Now，whenwecomeuptothesamegatewearedisappointedanddiscouragedthatthegatekeeperisnotstandingalreadyuponhisdoorstepandhisarmsroundourneck。Wekneltto-dayinsecretprayer，andtherewasonlyourbedorourchairvisiblebeforeus。Therewasnohumanbeing，muchlesstoallappearanceanyDivinePresence，intheplace。Andweprayedashort，indeed，butanotunearnestprayer，andthenweroseupandcameawaydisappointedbecausenooneappeared。Butlookathimwhoisnowinheritingthepromises。Heknocked，sayshishistory，morethanonceortwice。Thatistosay，hedidnotcontenthimselfwithprayingoneortwosecondsandthengivingover，buthecontinuedinprayertillthegatekeepercame。Andasheknocked，hesaid，soloudandsoimpatientthatallthoseinthegatehousecouldhearhim，’MayInowenterhere？WillhewithinOpentosorryme，thoughIhavebeenAwanderingrebel？ThenshallI

Notfailtosinghislastingpraiseonhigh。’

2。’Wemakenoobjectionsagainstany，’saidGoodwill；

’notwithstandingallthattheyhavedonebeforetheycomehither，theyareinnowisecastout。’HetoldmeallthingsthateverI

did，saidthewomanofSamaria，tellingherneighboursaboutourLord’sconversationwithher。And，somehow，therewassomethinginthegatekeeper’swordsthatcalledbacktoChristian，ifnotallthethingshehadeverdone，yetfromamongthemtheworstthingshehadeverdone。Theyallroseupblackashellbeforehiseyesasthegatekeeperdidnotnamethematall，butonlysaid’notwithstandingallthatthouhastdone。’Christianneverfelthispastlifesoblack，orhisburdensoheavy，orhisheartsobroken，aswhenGoodwilljustsaidthatoneword’notwithstanding。’

’Wemakenoobjectionsagainstany；notwithstandingallthattheyhavedonebeforetheycomehither，theyareinnowisecastout。’

THEINTERPRETER

’Aninterpreter，oneamongathousand。’——Elihu。

Wecometo-nighttotheInterpreter’sHouse。Andsinceeveryministerofthegospelisaninterpreter，andeveryevangelicalchurchisaninterpreter’shouse，letusgatherupsomeofthepreciouslessonstoministersandtopeoplewithwhichthispassageofthePilgrim’sProgresssomuchabounds。

1。Inthefirstplace，then，IobservethattheHouseoftheInterpreterstandsjustbeyondtheWicketGate。InthewholetopographyofthePilgrim’sProgressthereliesmanyadeeplesson。

ThechurchthatMr。Worldly-Wisemansupported，andonthecommunionrollofwhichhewassodeterminedtohaveourpilgrim’ssounpreparedname，stoodfardownontheothersideofGoodwill’sgate。Itwasafinebuilding，andithadaneloquentmanforitsminister，andthewholeservicewasanattractionandanenjoymenttoallthepeopleoftheplace；butourInterpreterwasneveraskedtoshowanyofhissignificantthingsthere；and，indeed，neitherministernorpeoplewouldhaveunderstoodhimhadheeverdoneso。

AndhadanyoftheparishionersfrombelowthegateeverbyanychancestumbledintotheInterpreter’shouse，hismostsignificantroomswouldhavehadnosignificancetothem。BothheandhishousewouldhavebeenamysteryandanoffencetoWorldly-Wiseman，hisminister，andhisfellow-worshippers。JohnBunyanhastheclearwarrantbothofJesusChristandtheApostlePaulfortheplaceonwhichhehasplantedtheInterpreter’shouse。’Itisgiventoyou，’saidourLordtoHisdisciples，’toknowthemysteriesoftheKingdomofHeaven，buttothemitisnotgiven。’

AndPaultellsusthat’thenaturalmanreceivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod，fortheyarefoolishnessuntohim:neithercanheknowthem，becausetheyarespirituallydiscerned。’And，accordingly，noreaderofthePilgrim’sProgresswillreallyunderstandwhatheseesintheInterpreter’sHouse，unlessheisalreadyamanofaspiritualmind。Intelligentchildrenenjoythepicturesandthepeoplethataresetbeforetheminthisillustratedhouse，buttheymustbecomethechildrenofGod，andmustbewelloninthelifeofGod，beforetheywillbeabletosaythatthehousenextthegatehasbeenaprofitableandahelpfulhousetothem。Allthatisdisplayedhere——allthefurnitureandallthevessels，alltheornamentsandalltheemploymentsandallthepeopleoftheInterpreter’sHouse——isfittedandintendedtobeprofitableaswellasinterestingtopilgrimsonly。Nomanhasanyrealinterestinthethingsofthishouse，orwilltakeanyabidingprofitoutofit，tillheisfairlystartedontheupwardroad。Inhisformerlife，andwhilestillontheothersideofthegate，ourpilgrimhadnointerestinsuchthingsasheisnowtoseeandhear；andifhehadseenandheardtheminhisformerlife，hewouldnot，withalltheInterpreter’sexplanation，haveunderstoodthem。Ashereamongourselvesto-night，theywhowillunderstandanddelightinthethingstheyhearinthishouseto-nightarethoseonlywhohavereallybeguntoliveareligiouslife。Therealitiesoftruereligionarenowthemostrealthingsinlife——tothem；theylovedivinethingsnow；andsincetheybegantolovedivinethings，youcannotentertainthembetterthanbyexhibitingandexplainingdivinethingstothem。Thereisnohouseinalltheearth，afterthegateitself，thatismoredeartothetruepilgrimheartthanjusttheInterpreter’sHouse。’Iwasgladwhenitwassaidtome，LetusgointothehouseoftheLord。Peacebewithinthywalls，andprosperitywithinthypalaces。’

2。Andbesidesbeingbuiltontheverybestspotinallthelandforitsowner’spurposes，everyseveralroominthatgreathousewasfurnishedandfittedupfortheentertainmentandinstructionofpilgrims。Everyinchofthatcapaciousandmany-chamberedhousewasgivenuptothedelectationofpilgrims。Thepublicroomswerethrownopenfortheirconvenienceanduseatallhoursofthedayandnight，andtheprivateroomswerekeptretiredandsecludedforsuchassoughtretirementandseclusion。Thereweredarkroomsalsowithironcagesinthem，tillChristianandhiscompanionscameoutofthoseterribleplaces，bringingwiththemaneverlastingcautiontowatchfulnessandasobermind。Therewereroomsalsogivenuptovileandsordiduses。Oneroomtherewasfullofstrawsandsticksanddust，withanoldmanwhodidnothingelsedaynornightbutwadeaboutamongthestrawsandsticksanddust，andrakeitallintolittleheaps，andthensitwatchinglestanyoneshouldoverturnthem。Andthen，strangetotellit，andnoteasytogettothefullsignificanceofit，thebravestroominallthehousehadabsolutelynothinginitbutahuge，ugly，poisonousspiderhangingtothewallwithherhands。’Istherebutonespiderinallthisspaciousroom？’askedtheInterpreter。AndthewaterstoodinChristiana’seyes；shehadcomebythistimethusfaronherjourneyalso。Shewasawomanofaquickapprehension，andthewaterstoodinhereyesattheInterpreter’squestion，andshesaid:’Yes，Lord，thereisheremorethanone。

Yea，andspiderswhosevenomisfarmoredestructivethanthatwhichisinher。’TheInterpreterthenlookedpleasantlyonher，andsaid:’Thouhastsaidthetruth。’ThismadeMercyblush，andtheboystocovertheirfaces，fortheyallbegannowtounderstandtheriddle。’Thisistoshowyou，’saidtheInterpreter，’thathoweverfullofthevenomofsinyoumaybe，yetyoumay，bythehandoffaith，layholdof，anddwellinthebestroomthatbelongstotheKing’sHouseabove。’Thentheyallseemedtobeglad，butthewaterstoodintheireyes。Awallalsostoodapartonthegroundsofthehousewithanalwaysdyingfireononesideofit，whileamanontheothersideofthewallcontinuallyfedthefirethroughhiddenopeningsinthewall。Awholepalacestoodalsoonthegrounds，theinspectionofwhichsokindledourpilgrim’sheart，thatherefusedtostayhereanylonger，ortoseeanymoresights——somuchhadhealreadyseenoftheevilofsinandoftheblessednessofsalvation。Notthathehadseenasyetthehalfofwhatthathouseheldfortheinstructionofpilgrims。Only，timewouldfailustovisitthehenandherchickens；thebutcherkillingasheepandpullingherskinoverherears，andshelyingstillunderhishandsandtakingherdeathpatiently；alsothegardenwiththeflowersalldiverseinstature，andquality，andcolour，andsmell，andvirtue，andsomebetterthansome，andallwherethegardenerhadsetthem，theretheystand，andquarrelnotwithoneanother。Therobin-red-breastalso，soprettyofnoteandcolourandcarriage，butinsteadofbreadandcrumbs，andsuchlikeharmlessmatter，withagreatspiderinhismouth。Atreealso，whoseinsidewasrotten，andyetitgrewandhadleaves。Sotheywentontheirwayandsang:

’Thisplacehathbeenoursecondstage，HerehaveweheardandseenThosegoodthingsthatfromagetoageToothershidhavebeen。

Thebutcher，garden，andthefield，Therobinandhisbait，Alsotherottentree，dothyieldMeargumentofweight；

Tomovemefortowatchandpray，Tostrivetobesincere，Totakemycrossupdaybyday，AndservetheLordwithfew。’

Thesignificantroomsofthatdivinehouseinstructusalsothatallthelessonsrequisiteforoursalvationarenottobefoundinanyonescriptureorinanyonesermon，butthatallthatisrequiredbyanypilgrimoranycompanyofpilgrimsshouldallbefoundineveryminister’sministryasheleadshisflockonfromoneSabbath-daytoanother，rightlydividingthewordoftruth。

Ourministersshouldhavesomethingintheirsuccessivesermonsforeverybody。Somethingforthechildren，somethingfortheslow-

wittedandthedullofunderstanding，andsomethingspeciallysuitedforthosewhoareofaquickapprehension；somethingatonetimetomakethepeoplesmile，atanothertimetomakethemblush，andatanothertimetomakethewaterstandintheireyes。

3。And，then，theInterpreter’slifewasasfullofworkashishousewasofentertainmentandinstruction。Notonlyso，buthislife，itwaswellknown，hadbeenquiteasfullofworkbeforehehadahousetoworkforaseverithadbeensince。TheInterpreterdidnothingelsebutcontinuallypresideoverhishouseandallthatwasinitandaroundit，anditwasallgoneoverandseentowithhisowneyesandhandseveryday。Hehadbeenpresentatthelayingofeverystoneandbeamofthatsolidandspacioushouseofhis。Therewasnotapinnoraloopofitsfurniture，therewasnotapictureonitswalls，norabirdnorabeastinitswoodsandgardens，thathedidnotknowallaboutandcouldnotholddiscourseabout。Andthen，afterhehadtakenyoualloverhishouse，withitssignificantroomsandwoodsandgardens，hewasfullallsupper-timeofallwisesawsandwittyproverbs。’Oneleakwillsinkaship，’hesaidthatnight，’andonesinwilldestroyasinner。’AndalltheirdaysthepilgrimsrememberedthatwordfromtheInterpreter’slips，andtheyoftensaidittothemselvesastheythoughtoftheirownbesettingsin。Now，ifitisindeedso，thateverygospelministerisaninterpreter，andeveryevangelicalchurchaninterpreter’shouse，whatanimportantpassagethisisforallthosewhoareproposingandpreparingtobeministers。Letthemreflectuponit:whatahousethisisthattheInterpreterdwellsin；howearlyandhowlongagohebegantolayouthisgroundsandtobuildhishouseuponthem；howcompleteinallitspartsitis，andhowhestillwatchesandlabourstohaveitmorecomplete。Understandestthouwhatthouherereadest？

itisaskedofallministers，youngandold，astheyturnoverJohnBunyan’spungentpages。Andeverynewroom，everynewbird，andbeast，andherb，andflowermakesusblushforshameaswecontrastourowninsignificantandill-furnishedhousewiththenoblehouseoftheInterpreter。LetallourstudentswhohavenotyetfatallydestroyedthemselvesandlosttheiropportunitylaytheInterpreter’sHousewelltoheart。Letthembestudentsnotinidlenameonly，assomanyare，butinintensereality，assofeware。LetthemreadeverythingthatbearsupontheBible，andletthemreadnothingthatdoesnot。Theyhavenotthetimenorthepermission。Letthembecontenttobemenofonebook。Letthemgivethemselveswhollytotheinterpretationofdivinetruthasitsriddlesaresetinnatureandinman，inscripture，inprovidence，andinspiritualexperience。Letthemstoretheirmemoriesatcollegewithallsacredtruth，andwithallseculartruththatcanbemadesacred。Andiftheirmemoriesareweakandtreacherous，letthembequietunderGod’swillinthat，andallthemorelabourtomakeupinotherwaysforthatdefect，sothattheymayhavealwayssomethingtosaytothepurposewhentheirfuturepeoplecomeuptochurchhungryforinstructionandcomfortandencouragement。Letthemlookaroundandseethesinthatsinkstheshipofsomanyministers；andletthembeginwhileyettheirshipisintheyardandseethatsheisfittedupandfurnished，storedandstocked，sothatsheshallinspiteofsurestormsandsunkenrocksdeliverherfreightintheappointedhaven。WhentheyarelyinginbedofaSabbathmorning，letthemforecastthedaywhentheyshallhavetogiveastrictaccountoftheireightyearsofgoldenopportunityamongthechurches，andtheclasses，andthesocieties，andthelibrariesofouruniversityseats。Letthembeabletonamesomegreatbook，ay，morethanonegreatbook，theymastered，foreveryyearoftheirpricelessandirredeemablestudentlife。Letthemalltheirdayshaveoldtreasure-housesthattheyfilledfullwithscholarshipandwithliteratureandwithallthatwillministertoacongregation’smanydesiresandnecessities，collectedandkeptreadyfromtheirstudentdays。

’Meditateuponthesethings；givethyselfwhollyuptothem，thatthyprofitingmayappearuntoall。’

4。Andthenwithaslystrokeatusoldministers，oursignificantauthorpointsouttoushowmuchbetterfurnishedtheInterpreter’sHousewasbythetimeChristianaandtheboysvisiteditcomparedwiththatearlytimewhenChristianwasentertainedinit。OurpilgrimgotfarmoreintheInterpreter’sHouseofdelightandinstructionthanhecouldcarryoutofit，butthatdidnottempttheInterpretertositdownandcontenthimselfwithtakingallhisfuturepilgrimsintothesameroom，andshowingthemthesamepictures，andrepeatingtothemthesameexplanations。No，forhereflectedthateachcomingpilgrimwouldneedsomenewsignificantroomtohimself，andtherefore，assoonashegotonepilgrimoffhishands，hestraightwaysetaboutbuildingandfurnishingnewrooms，puttingupnewpictures，andreplenishinghiswoodsandhiswaterswithnewbeastsandbirdsandfishes。Iamashamed，hesaid，thatIhadsolittletoshowwhenIfirstopenedmygatestoreceivepilgrims，andIdonotknowwhytheycametomeastheydid。Iwasonlyabeginnerinthesethingswhenmyfirstvisitorcametomygates。Leteverylong-settled，middle-aged，andevengrey-headedministerreadthelifeoftheInterpreteratthispointandtakecourageandhavehope。Letitteachusalltobreaksomenewgroundinthefieldofdivinetruthwitheverynewyear。Letitteachusalltobestudentsallourdays。Letusbuy，somehow，thepoorestandtheoldestofus，somenewandfirst-ratebookeveryyear。Letusnotindeedshutupaltogetherouroldroomsiftheyeverhadanythingsignificantinthem，butletusaddnowanewwingtoourspiritualhouse，nowanewpicturetoitswalls，andnowanewherbtoitsgardens。’Resolved，’wroteJonathanEdwards，’thatasoldmenhaveseldomanyadvantageofnewdiscoveries，becausethesearebesideawayofthinkingtheyhavebeenlongusedto；resolved，therefore，ifeverIlivetoyears，thatIwillbeimpartialtohearthereasonsofallpretendeddiscoveries，andreceivethem，ifrational，howlongsoeverIhavebeenusedtoanotherwayofthinking。’

5。Thefickle，frivolous，volatilecharacterofsomanydivinitystudentsisexcellentlyhitoffbyBunyaninourpilgrim’simpatiencetobeoutoftheInterpreter’sHouse。Nosoonerhadheseenoneortwoofthesignificantroomsthanthiseasilysatisfiedstudentwasaseagertogetoutofthathouseashehadbeentogetin。TwiceoverthewiseandlearnedInterpreterhadtobegandbeseechthisignorantandimpulsivepilgrimtostopandgetanotherlessoninthereligiouslifebeforeheleftthegreatschool-house。

Allourprofessorsofdivinityandallourministersunderstandtheparableatthispointonlytoowell。Theirstudentsareeagertogetintotheirclasses；likeourpilgrim，theyhaveheardthefameofthisandthatteacher，andthereisnotstanding-roomintheclassforthefirstweeksofthesession。ButbeforeChristmasthereisroomenoughforstrangers，andlongbeforethesessioncloses，halfthestudentsarecountingtheweeksandplottingtopetitiontheAssemblyagainstthelengthandlabourofthecurriculum。Wasthereeveraclassthatwasasfullandattentiveattheendofthesessionasitwasatthebeginning？Neversinceourpoorhumannaturewassostrickenwithlazinessandshallownessandself-sufficiency。Butwhatisthechafftothewheat？Itisthewheatthatdeservesandrepaysthehusbandman’sloveandlabour。WhenPlatolookedupfromhisdeskintheAcademy，afterreadingandexpoundingoneofhisgreatestDialogues，hefoundonlyonestudentleftintheclass-room，butthen，thatstudentwasAristotle。’Nowletmego，’saidChristian。’Nay，stay，’saidtheInterpreter，’tillIhaveshowedtheealittlemore。’’Sir，isitnottimeformetogo？’’DotarrytillIshowtheejustonethingmore。’

6。’HerehaveIseenthingsrareandprofitable，……ThenletmebeThankful，OgoodInterpreter，tothee。’

SydneySmith，withhisusualsagacity，saysthatthelastviceofthepulpitistobeuninteresting。Now，theInterpreter’sHousehadthisprimevirtueinit，thatitwasallinteresting。DonotourchildrenbegofusonSabbathnightstoletthemseetheInterpreter’sshowoncemore；itissoinexhaustiblyandunfailinglyinteresting？Itisonlystupidmenandwomenwhoeverwearyofit。But，’profitable’wastheoneanduniversalwordwithwhichallthepilgrimslefttheInterpreter’sHouse。’Rareandpleasant，’theysaid，andsometimes’dreadful；’butitwasalways’profitable。’Now，howseldomdowehearourpeopleatthechurchdoorstepdownintothestreetsaying，’profitable’？Iftheysaidthatoftenertheirministerswouldstudyprofitmorethantheydo。

Thepeoplesay’able，’or’notatallable’；’eloquent，’or’stammeringandstumbling’；’excellent’instyleandmannerandaccent，ortheoppositeofallthat；andtheirministers，topleasethepeopleandtoearntheirapproval，labouraftertheseapprovedthings。Butifthepeopleonlysaidthattheprayersandthepreachingwereprofitableandhelpful，evenwhentheytooseldomare，thenourpreacherswouldsettheprofitofthepeoplefarmorebeforethembothinselectingandtreatinganddeliveringtheirSabbath-daysubjects。Aladyononeoccasionsaidtoherminister，’Sir，yourpreachingdoesmysoulgood。’Andherministerneverforgotthegraveandlovinglookwithwhichthatwassaid。Notonlydidheneverforgetit，butoftenwhenselectinghissubject，andtreatingit，anddeliveringit，thequestionwouldriseinhisheartandconscience，Willthatdomyfriend’ssoulanygood？

’Rareandprofitable，’saidthepilgrimasheleftthegate；andhearingthatsenttheInterpreterbackwithnewspiritandnewinventiontofillhishouseofstillmoresignificant，rare，andprofitablethingsthaneverbefore。’Meditateonthesethings，’

saidPaultoTimothyhissoninthegospel，’thatthyprofitingmayappearuntoall。’’Thouartaministeroftheword，’wrotethelearnedWilliamPerkinsbesidehisnameonallhisbooks，’mindthybusiness。’

PASSION

’Amansubjecttolikepassionsasweare。’——James5。17。

ThatwasaverysignificantroomintheInterpreter’sHousewhereourpilgrimsawPassionandPatiencesittingeachoneinhischair。

Passionwasayoungladwhoseemedtoourpilgrimtobemuchdiscontented。Hewasneversatisfied。Hewouldhaveallhisgoodthingsnow。Hisgovernorwouldhavehimwaitforhisbestthingstillthebeginningofnextyear；butno，hewillhavethemallnow。

Andthen，whenhehadgotallhisgoodthings，hesoonlavishedandwastedthemalltillhehadnothingleftbutrags。ThensaidChristiantotheInterpreter，’Expoundthismattermorefullytome。’Sohesaid，’Thosetwoladsarefigures；Passion，ofthemenofthisworld；andPatienceofthemenofthatwhichistocome。’

’ThenIperceive，’saidChristian，’’tisnotbesttocovetthingsthatarenow，buttowaitforthingstocome。’’Yousaytruth，’

repliedtheInterpreter，’forthethingsthatareseenaretemporal，butthethingsthatarenotseenareeternal。’

NowfromthetextsthatIhavetakenoutofJamesandoutofthissosignificantroomintheInterpreter’sHouse，letmetrytotellyousomethingprofitable，ifsoitmaybe，aboutpassion；thenatureofit，theplaceitholds，andthepartitperformsbothinhumannatureandinthelifeandthecharacterofaChristianman。

ThenameofPassionhasalreadytoldushisnature，hispastlife，andhispresentcharacter。ThewholenomenclatureofThePilgrim’sProgressandofTheHolyWariscomposedonthedivine，original，andnaturalprincipleofembodyingthenatureofamaninhisname。

GodtakesHisownnamestoHimselfonthatprinciple。TheCreatorgaveAdamhisnamealsoonthatsameprinciple；andthenAdamgavetheirnamestoallcattle，tothefowlsoftheair，andtoeverybeastofthefieldonthesameprincipleonwhichhehadgothisownname。AndsoitwasatfirstwithalltheBiblenamesofmenandofnationsofmen。Theirnamecontainedtheirnature。AndJohnBunyanwassuchastudentoftheBible，andofnootherbookbuttheBible，thatallhisbestbooksareallfull，liketheBible，ofthemostdescriptiveandsuggestivenames。AssoonasBunyantellsusthenameofsomenewacquaintanceorfellow-

traveller，wealreadyknowhim，soexactlyishisnatureputintohisname。AndthusitisthatwhenwestopforamomentatthedoorofthislittlesignificantroomintheInterpreter’sHouseandaskourselvesthemeaningofthenamePassion，weseeatoncewhereweareandwhatwehaveherebeforeus。Fora’passion’isjustsomeexcitementoragitationofthemindcausedbysomeoutwardthingactingonthemind。Theinwardworldofthemindandheartofman，andthisoutwardworlddownintowhichGodhasplacedman，instantlyandcontinuallyrespondtooneanother。Andwhatarecalled，withsomuchcorrectnessandpropriety，ourpassions，arejustthoseinwardresponses，excitements，andagitationsthattheoutwardworldcausesintheinwardworldwhenthosetwoworldsmeettogether。’Passion’and’perturbation’aretheoldclassicalnamesthattheancientphilosophersandmoralistsgavetowhattheyfeltinthemselvesastheirmindsandtheirheartswereaffectedbytheworldofmenandthingsaroundthem。Andtheyusedtoillustratetheirteachingonthesubjectofthepassionsbythefigureofastormatsea。TheysaidthatitwasbecauseGodhadmadetheseasensitiveandresponsivetothewindsthatblewoveritthatastormatseaeverarose。Thestormdidnotariseandtheshipswerenotwreckedbyanythingfromwithintheseaitself；itwastheoutwardworldofthewindsstrikingagainstthequietandinwardworldofthewatersthatrousedthestormsandsanktheships。Andwiththatillustrationwellprintedinthemindsandimaginationsoftheirscholarstheoldmoralistsfelttheirworkamongtheirscholarswasalreadyallbutdone。For，sofullofadaptationandappealisthewholeoutwardworldtothemindandheartofman，andsosensitiveandinstantlyresponsiveisthemindandheartofmantoalltheapproachesoftheoutwardworld，thatthemindandheartofmanareconstantlyfullofallkindsofpassions，bothbadandgood。And，then，thisisourpresentlifeofprobationandopportunity，thatallourpassionsareplacedwithinusandarecommittedandentrustedtousassomanyfirstelementsandsomuchunformedmaterialoutofwhichwearesummonedtobuildupourlifeandtoshapeandcompleteourcharacter。Thespringsofallouractionsareinourpassions。Allouractivitiesinlife，tracethemalluptotheirsource，andtheywillallbefoundtorunupintothewellheadofourpassions。Allourvirtuesarecutaswithachiseloutofourpassions，andallourvicesarejustthedisordersandrebellionsofourpassions。Ourseveralpassions，astheyliestillasleepinourhearts，haveasyetnomoralcharacter；theyareonlytherawmaterialsotospeak，ofmoralcharacter。Ourpassionsarethelifeandtherichesandtheornamentsofhumannature，anditisonlybecausehumannatureinitspresentestateissocorruptanddisorderedanddegraded，thattheotherwisesohonourablenameofpassionhassuchasinistersoundtous。Andthefullregenerationandrestitutionofhumannaturewillbeaccomplishedwheneveryseveralpassionisinitsrightplace，andwhenreasonandconscienceandtheSpiritofGodshallinspireandruleandregulateallthatiswithinus。

’Onlife’svastoceandiverselywesail，Reasonthecard，butpassionisthegale。’

AndnotElijahonly，asJamessays，andnotPaulandBarnabasonly，astheythemselvessaid，weremenoflikepassionswithourselves，butourLordHimselfwasamanoflikepassionswithusalso。HetooktoHimselfatruebody，fullofalltheappetitesofthebody，andareasonablesoul，fullofalltheaffections，passions，andemotionsofthesoul。Only，inHimreasonandconscienceandthelawandtheSpiritofGodwerethecardandthecompassaccordingtowhichHesteeredHislife。Wehaveallourrulingpassion，andourLordalsohadHis。AsHisdisciplessawHisrulingpassionkindledinHisheartandcomingoutinHislife，theyrememberedthatitwaswrittenofHiminanoldMessianicpsalm:’ThezealofThinehousehatheatenmeup。’Theywerealleatenupoftheirrulingpassionsalso。Oneofambition，oneofemulation，oneofavarice，andsoon，——eachseveraldisciplewaseatenupofhisownbesettingsin。ButtheyallsawthatitwasnotsowiththeirMaster。HewaseatenupalwaysandwhollyofthezealofHisFather’shouse，andofabsolutesurrenderanddevotiontoHisFather’sservice，tillHisrulingpassionwasseentobeasstronginHisdeathasithadbeeninHislife。TheLairdofBrodie’sDiaryhasrepeatedlybeenofgreatusetousintheseinwardmatters，andhiswordsonthissubjectarewellworthrepeating。

’Wepoorcreatures，’hesays，’arecommandedbyouraffectionsandpassions。Theyarenotatourcommand。ButtheHolyOnedothexerciseallHisattributesatHisownwill；theyareatHiscommand；theyarenotpassionsnorperturbationsinHismind，thoughtheytransportus。WhenIwouldhate，Icannot。WhenI

wouldlove，Icannot。WhenIwouldgrieve，Icannot。WhenIwoulddesire，Icannot。ButitisthebetterforusthatallisasHewillsittobe。’

Andnow，tocomestillcloserhome，letuslookforamomentortwoatsomeofourownrulingandtyrannisingpassions。Andletuslookfirstatself-love——thatmaster-passionineveryhumanheart。

Letusgiveself-lovethefirstplaceintheinventoryandcatalogueofourpassions，becauseithasthelargestplaceinallourheartsandlives。Nay，notonlyhasself-lovethelargestplaceofanyofthepassionsofourhearts，butitisoutofself-

lovethatallourotherevilpassionsspring。Itisoutofthisparentpassionthatallthepoisonousbroodofourotherevilpassionsareborn。Thewholefallandruinandmiseryofourpresenthumannatureliesinthis，thatineveryhumanbeingself-

lovehastaken，inadditiontoitsownplace，theplaceoftheloveofGodandoftheloveofmanalso。Wenaturallynowlovenothingandnoonebutourselves。Andaslongasself-loveisintheascendantinourhearts，allthepassionsthatareawakenedinusbyourself-lovewillbeselfishwithitsselfishness，inhumanewithitsinhumanity，andungodlywithitsungodliness。Anditistokillandextirpateoursopassionateself-lovethatistheendandaimofallGod’sdealingswithusinthisworld。AllthatGodisdoingwithusandforusinprovidenceandingrace，intheworldandinthechurch，——itisalltocureusofthisdeadlydiseaseofself-love。Wemayneverhavehadthattoldusbefore，andwemaynotlikeit，andwemaynotbelieveit；buttherecanbenobetterproofofthetruthofwhatisnowsaidthanjustthis，thatwedonotlikeitandwillnothaveit。Self-lovewillnotletuslistentothetruthaboutourselves；itputsusinapassionbothagainstthetruthandagainsthimwhotellsthetruth，asthehistoryofthetruthabundantlytestifies。Yes，yourindignantprotestisquitetrue。Self-lovehasherdivinerights，——nodoubtshehas。Butyouarenotcommandedtoattendtothem。Yourself-

lovewilllookafterherself。Shewillmanagetohaveherfullshareofwhatisrightandproperforanypassiontopossessevenaftershecriesoutthatsheistrampleduponanddespoiled。Mybrethren，tillyoubegintocrucifyyourselvesandtopluckupyourself-lovebytheroots，youwillneverknowwhatacruelandhopelesstasktheChristianlifeis——IdonotsaytheChristianprofession。Nor，ontheotherhand，willyoueverdiscoverwhatanobletaskitis——whatadivinetaskandhowdivinelyassistedanddivinelyrecompensed。Youwillnotknowwhatakennelofhell-

houndsyourownheartistillyouhavelongsoughttoenteritandcleanseitout。Andafteryouhavedoneyourutmost，andyourbest，deathwillhurryyouawayfromyourbuthalf-accomplishedtask。Only，inthatcaseyouwillbeabletodieinthehopethatwhatisimpossiblewithmanispossiblewithGod，aspromisedbyHim，andthatHewillnotleaveyoursoulinhell，butwillperfectthatgoodthingwhichaloneconcernethyou，evenyoureverlastingdeliverancefromallsinfulself-love。

Andifself-loveisthefruitfulmotherofallourpassions，thensensualityissurelyhereldestson。Indeed，soshallowarewe，andsoshallowareourwords，thatwhenwespeakofsinfulpassionmostmeninstantlythinkofsensuality。Therearesomanyseductivethingsthatappealtoourappetites，andourappetitesaresoeasilyawakened，andaresoimperiouswhentheyareawakened，thatwhenpassionisspokenabout，fewmenthinkofthesoul，allmenthinkinstantlyofthebody。Andnowonder。For，stupidandbesottedasweare，wemustallatsometimeofourlifehavefeltthebondageanddegradationofthesenses。PassionintheInterpreter’sHousehadsoonnothingleftbutrags。Andinthishouseto-nighttherearemanymenwhoseconsciencesandheartsandcharactersareallinsuchragsfromsensualsin，thatwhentheScripturesspeakofuncleanness，orrags，orcorruption，theirthoughtsfleeatoncetosensualsinanditsconscience-rendingresults。Ceasefromsensuality，saidCicero，forifonceyougiveyourmindsuptosensuality，youwillneverbeabletothinkofanythingelse。

Ambition，emulation，andenvyaretheleadingmembersofawholeprolificfamilyofsatanicpassionsinthehumanheart。Indeed，thesepassions，takenalongwiththeirkindredpassionsofhatredandill-will，are，inourLord’swords，theverylustsofthedevilhimself。TheJewshatedourLordthemoreforwhatHesaidaboutthesedetestablepassions，butHisowndisciplesloveHimonlythemorethatHesowellknowstheevilaffectionsoftheirhearts，andsowelldescribesanddenouncesthem。Anybodycandenouncesensualsin，andeverybodywillunderstandandapprove。Butspiritualsin，——ambitionandemulationandenvyandill-will——thesethingsaremoreeasytodenouncethantheyaretodetectanddescribe，andmoreeasytodetectanddescribethantheyaretocastout。Thesesinsseemrathertomultiplyandtostrikeadeeperrootwhenyoubegintocastthemout。Whatanutterlyandabominablyevilpassionisenvywhichisawakenednotbybadthingsbutbythebestthings！Thatanotherman’stalents，attainments，praises，rewardsshouldkindleit，andthattheblame，thedepreciation，thehurtthatanothermansuffersshouldsatisfyit，——whatapieceofveryhellmustthatbeinthehumanheart！WhatmoredoweneedthanjustalittleenvyinourheartstomakeusprostratepenitentsbeforeGodandmanallourdays？Whatmoredoctrine，argument，proof，authority，persuasionshouldasanemanneedbeyondalittleenvyinhisheartathisbestfriendtomakehimanevangelicalbelieverandanevangelicalpreacher？How，inthenameofwonder，isitthatmencanbesoignorantoftheplagueoftheirownheartsastoremainindifferent，and，muchmore，hostile，tothegospelofloveandholiness？Pride，also，——whatahatefulandintolerablepassionisthat！Howstone-blindtohisownstatemustthatsinnerbewhoseheartisfilledwithpride，andhowimpossibleitisforthatmantomakeanyrealprogressinanykindoftruthorgoodness！Andresentment，——whatadeep-seated，long-lived，andsuicidalpassionisthat！Howithuntsdownhimithates，andhowsurelyitshutsthedoorofsalvationagainsthimwhoharboursit！

Forgiveusourdebts，theresentfulmansaysinhisprayer，asweforgiveourdebtors。Anddetraction，——howsomemen’sink-hornsarefilledwithdetractionforink，andhowitdropsfromtheirtonguelikepoison！Attheireverywordareputationdies。Lifeandallitsopportunitiesofdoinggoodandhavinggooddonetousislaidlikeabagoftreasureatourfeet，but，liketheprodigalsonintheInterpreter’sHouse，withallthosepassionsraginginourownheartsatothermen，andinothermen’sheartsatus，wehavesoonnothingleftusbutrags。Godbethankedforeverymanherewhoseesandfeelsthathehasnothinglefthimbutrags；and，stillmore，thanksforallthosewhoseeandfeelhow，bytheirbadpassions，sensualandspiritual，theyhaveleftonotherpeoplenothingbutrags。

Now，fromallthisletuslayittoheartthatoursanctificationandsalvationlieinourmasteryoveralltheseandovermanyotherpassionsthathavenotevenbeennamed。HeisanacceptedsaintofGod，who，takinghisandotherpeople’sragstoGod’smercyeveryday，everydayalsoinGod’sstrengthgrappleswith，bridles，andtameshisownwildandungodlypassions。Benotdeceived，myfriends；healoneisasaintofGodwhoisasanctifiedman；andhispassions，——astheyarethespringofhisactions，sotheyarethesphereandseatofhissanctification。Benotdeceived；thatman，andnoothermannerofman，is，oreverwillbe，apartakerofGod’ssalvation。YouoftenhearmerecommendingthosestudentswhohavefirsttosubduetheirownpassionsandthenthepassionsofthosewhohearthemtostudyJonathanEdwards’ethicalandspiritualwritings。Well，justatthispresentpoint，toshowyouhowwellthatgreatmanpractisedwhathepreached，letmereadtoyouafewlinesfromhisbiographer:’Fewmen，’saysHenryRogers，’everattainedamorecompletemasteryovertheirpassionsthanJonathanEdwardsdid。Thiswaspartlyowingtotheascendencyofhisintellect；partly，andinastillgreaterdegree，totheelevationofhispiety。Forthesubjugationofhispassionshewasnodoubtverygreatlyindebtedtotheprodigioussuperiorityofhisreason。Suchwasthecommandingattitudehisreasonassumed，andsuchthetremendouspowerwithwhichitcontrolledthewholeman，thatanyinsurrectionamonghissenseswashopeless；theyhadtheirtenureonlybydoingfealtyandhomagetohisintellect。Thoseotherandmoredangerousenemies，becausemoresubtleandmorespiritual，suchaspride，vanity，wrath，andenvy，whichlurkintheinmostrecessesofournature，andsomeofwhichhavesuchaffinitiesforageniuslikethatofEdwards，yieldnottosuchexorcism。Suchmorepowerfulkindofdemonsgonotforthbutbyprayerandfasting；totheircompletemortification，therefore，Edwardsbroughtincessantwatchfulnessanddevotion；andseldom，assuredly，havetheybeenmorenearlyexpelledfromthebosomofadepravedintelligence。’Weshallbeinthebestcompany，bothintellectuallyandspiritually，ifweworkoutourownsalvationamongthesinfulpassionsofourdepravedhearts。Andthen，aslifegoeson，andwecontinueinwell-doing，weshallbeabletomeasureandregisterourgrowthingracebestbywatchingtheeffectofoutwardtemptationsuponourstillsinfulandbuthalf-

sanctifiedhearts。Andamongmuchtobehumbledfor，andmuchtomakeusfearandtremblefortheissue，weshall，fromtimetotime，haveagoodconscienceandaholyandhumblejoythatthispassionandthatisatlastshowingsomesignsofcrucifixionandmortification。Andthusthatdeathtosinshallgraduallysetinwhichshallissueatlastinaneverlastinglifeuntoholiness。

’ThenwillIsprinklecleanwateruponyou，andyeshallbeclean:

fromallyourfilthiness，andfromallyouridolswillIcleanseyou。AnewheartalsowillIgiveyou，andanewspiritwillIputwithinyou……Behold，Ihavecausedthineiniquitytopassfromthee，andIwillclothetheewithchangeofraiment。InthatdaythereshallbeafountainopenedtothehouseofDavid，andtotheinhabitantsofJerusalem，forsinandforuncleanness……Bringforththebestrobeandputituponhim，forthismysonwasdead，andisaliveagain；hewaslost，andisfound……Whatarethesethatarearrayedinwhiterobes，andwhencecamethey？Thesearetheywhichcameoutofgreattribulation，andhavewashedtheirrobes，andmadethemwhiteinthebloodoftheLamb。’

PATIENCE

’Inyourpatiencepossessyeyoursouls。’(RevisedVersion:’Inyourpatienceyeshallwinyoursouls。’)——OurLord。

’IsawmoreoverinmydreamthattheInterpretertookthepilgrimbythehand，andhadhimintoalittleroom，wheresatetwolittlechildren，eachoneinhischair。ThenameoftheeldestwasPassionandoftheotherPatience。Passionseemedtobemuchdiscontent，butPatiencewasveryquiet。ThenChristianasked，WhatisthereasonofthediscontentofPassion？Theinterpreteranswered，Thegovernorofthemwouldhavehimstayforhisbestthingstillthebeginningofthenextyear；buthewillhaveallnow。ButPatienceiswillingtowait。’

PassionandPatience，likeEsauandJacob，aretwin-brothers。Andtheirnames，liketheirnatures，springupfromthesameroot。

’Patience，’saysCrabbinhisEnglishSynonyms，’comesfromtheactiveparticipletosuffer；whilepassioncomesfromthepassiveparticipleofthesameverb；andhencethedifferencebetweenthetwonames。Patiencesignifiessufferingfromanactiveprinciple，adeterminationtosuffer；whilepassionsignifieswhatissufferedfromwantofpowertopreventthesuffering。Patience，therefore，isalwaystakeninagoodsense，andPassionalwaysinabadsense。’Sofarthisexcellentetymologist。Thisis，therefore，anothercaseofblessingandcursingproceedingoutofthesamemouth，andofthesamefountainsendingforthatthesameplacebothsweetwaterandbitter。

OurLordtellsusinthisstrikingtextthatourverysoulsbyreasonofsinarenotourown。Hetellsusthatwehavelostholdofoursoulsbeforewehaveasyetcometoknowthatwehavesouls。

【推荐阅读】幽幽深宫，醒来一梦似千年，重生于下堂妃身躯中的她，将如何手刃仇人? 点击阅读