Weonlydiscoverthatwehavesoulsafterwehavelostthem。AndourLord，——ourbest，indeedouronly，authorityinthethingsofthesoul，——heretellsusthatitisonlybypatiencethatweshalleverwinbackourlostsouls。More，farmore，isneededtothewinningbackofalostsoulthanitsowner’spatience，andourLordknewthattoHiscost。ButthatisnotHispointwithusto-night。

Hissolepointwitheachoneofusto-nightisourpersonalpartintheconquestandredemptionofoursin-enslavedsouls。HewhohasredeemedoursoulswithHisownbloodtellsuswithallplainnessofspeech，thatHisbloodwillbeshedinvain，asfarasweareconcerned，unlessweaddtoHisatoningdeathourownpatientlife。

Everyhumanlife，asourLordlooksatit，andwouldhaveuslookatit，isavastfieldofbattleinwhichasoulislostorwon；

littleaswethinkofitorwillbelieveit，inHissighteverytrial，temptation，provocation，insult，injury，andallkindsandalldegreesofpainandsuffering，areallsomanydivinelyappointedopportunitiesaffordedusforthereconquestandrecoveryofoursouls。Sometimesfaithissummonedintothebattle-field，sometimeshope，sometimesself-denial，sometimesprayer，sometimesonegraceandsometimesanother；butaswiththesoundofatrumpettheCaptainofoursalvationheresummonsPatiencetotheforefrontofthefight。

1。Tobeginwith，howmuchimpatienceweareallfromtimetotimeguiltyofinourfamilylife。Amongtheveryfoundationsofourfamilylifehowmuchimpatiencethehusbandoftenexhibitstowardthewife，andthewifetowardherhusband。Patienceistheverylastgracetheylookforwardtohavinganyneedofwhentheyarestilldreamingabouttheirmarriedlife；but，intoomanycases，theyhavenotwellenteredonthatlife，whentheyfindthattheyneednograceofGodsomuchasjustpatience，iftheyokeoftheirnewlifeisnottogallthembeyondendurance。Howevermanygoodqualitiesofmindandheartandcharacteranyhusbandorwifemayhave，nohumanbeingisperfect，andmostofusareveryfarfrombeingperfect。Whentherefore，wearecloselyandindissolublyjoinedtoanotherlifeandanotherwill，itisnowonderthatsometimestheill-fittingyokeeatsintoalifelongsore。Wehaveallmanydefectsinourmanners，inourhabits，andinourconstitutionalwaysofthinkingandspeakingandacting，——defectsthattemptthosewholivenearestustofallintoannoyanceswithusthatsometimesdeepenintodislike，andevenpositivedisgust，tillithasbeenseen，insomeextremecases，thathome-lifehasbecomeaveryprison-house，inwhichtheimpatientprisonerchafesandjibsandstrikesoutashedoesnowhereelse。Now，whenanyunhappymanorwomanwakensuptodiscoverhowdifferentlifeisnowtobefromwhatitoncepromisedtobecome，letthemknowthatalltheirpastblindness，andprecipitancy，andallthepainfulresultsofallthat，mayyetbemadetoworktogetherforgood。Inyourpatiencewithoneanother，saysourLord，youwillmakeaconquestofyouradverselot，andofyoursoulstothebargain。

Saytoyourselves，therefore，thatperfection，faultlessness，andabsolutesatisfactionarenottobefoundinthisworld。Andsayalsothatsinceyouhavenotbroughtperfectiontoyoursideofthehouseanymorethanyourpartnerhastohisside，youarenotsofoolishastoexpectperfectioninreturnforsuchimperfection。

Youhaveyourownshareofwhatcausesfiresidesilence，aversion，disappointment，anddislike；and，withGod’shelp，saythatyouwillpatientlysubmittowhatmaynotnowbemended。Andthen，thesternerthebattlethenoblerwillthevictorybe；andthelonelierthefight，themorehonourtohimwhoflinchesnotfromit。Inyourpatiencepossessyeyoursouls。

Whatabeautiful，instructive，andevenimpressivesightitistoseeanursepatientlycherishingherchildren！Howshehashereyeandherheartatalltheirtimesuponthem，tillsheneverhasanyneedtolayherhanduponthem！Passionhasnoplaceinherlittlehousehold，becausepatiencefillsallitsownplaceandtheplaceofpassiontoo。Whatageniusshedisplaysinhertalkstoherchildren！Howshecheatstheirlittlehoursoftemptation，andtidesthemovertheroughplacesthathereyeseeslyinglikesunkenrocksbeforeherlittleship！Howskilfullyshestillsandhealstheirimpulsivelittlepassionsbyhersuddenandabsorbingsurpriseatsomemiracleinapicture-book，orsomeastonishingsightunderherwindow！Shehasathousandoccupationsalsoforherchildren，andeachofthemwithatouchofenterpriseandadventureandbenevolenceinit。Sheissofullofpatienceherself，thatthelittlegustsofpassionaresoonoverinherpresence，andthesunshineissoonbackbrighterthaneverinherlittleparadise。And，overandaboveherchildrenrisingupandcallingherblessed，whatwoundssheescapesinherownheartandmemorybykeepingherpatienthandsfromeverwoundingherchildren！Whatpeaceshekeepsinthehouse，justbyhavingpeacealwayswithinherself！PaulcanfindnobetterfigurewherewithtosetforthGod’smarvellouspatiencewithIsraelduringherfretfulchildhoodinthewilderness，thanjustthatofsuchanurseamongherprovokingchildren。Andweseethedeepholdthatsametouchingandinstructivesighthadtakenoftheapostle’sheartashereturnstoitagaintotheThessalonians:’Weweregentleamongyou，evenasanursecherishethherchildren。So，beingaffectionatelydesirousofyou，wewerewillingtohaveimparteduntoyou，notthegospelofGodonly，butalsoourownsouls，becauseyeweredearuntous。’Whataschoolofdivinepatienceiseveryman’sownfamilyathomeifheonlywereteachable，observant，andobedient！

2。Clever，quick-witted，and，themselves，much-giftedmen，areterriblyintolerantofslowandstupidmen，astheycallthem。Butthemany-talentedmanmakesagreatmistakehere，andfallsintoagreatsin。Inhisfulnessofallkindsofintellectualgifts，hequiteforgetsfromWhomhehashismanygifts，andwhyitisthathisdespisedneighbourhassofewgifts。Ifyouhavetenortwentytalents，andIhaveonlytwo，whoistobepraisedandwhoistobeblamedforthatallotment？Yourclevernesshasmisledyouandhashithertodoneyoufarmoreevilthangood。Youbearyourselfamongordinarymen，amonglessmenthanyourself，asifyouhadaddedallthesecubitstoyourownstature。Yourideoverusasifyouhadalreadygiveninyouraccount，andhadhearditsaid，Taketheonetalentfromthemandgiveittothismyten-talentedservant。Youseemtohavesetitdowntoyoursideofthegreataccount，thatyouhadsuchagoodstartintalent，andthatyourfinemindhadsomanytutorsandgovernorsalldevotingthemselvestoyouradvancement。AndyouconductyourselftousasiftheRighteousJudgehadcastusawayfromHispresence，becausewewerenotfoundamongthewiseandmightyofthisworld。Thetruthis，thatthewholeworldisonawhollywrongtackinitspraiseandinitsblame。Wepraisethemanofgreatgifts，andweblamethemanofsmallgifts，completelyforgetfulthatinsodoingwegivementhepraisethatbelongstoGod，andlayonmentheblame，which，ifthereisanyblameinthematter，oughttobelaidelsewhere。

Learnandlaytoheart，myrichly-giftedbrethren，tobepatientwithallmen，butespeciallytobepatientwithallstupid，slow-

witted，ungifted，God-impoverishedmen。Donotaddyourinsultsandyourill-usagetothelowestateofthoseonwhom，inthemeantime，God’shandliessocoldandsostraitened。Forwhomakeththeetodifferfromanother？andwhathastthouthatthoudidstnotreceive？Now，ifthoudidstreceiveit，whydostthougloryasifthouhadstnotreceivedit？Callthattomindthenexttimeyouaretemptedtocryoutthatyouhavenopatiencewithyourslow-wittedservant。

3。’Ispatientwiththebad’isoneofthetributesofpraisethatispaidinthefineparaphrasetothatheartthatisfullofthesamelovethatisinGod。Apatientlovetotheunjustandtheevilisoneoftheattributesandmanifestationsofthedivinenature，asthatnatureisseenbothinGodandinallgenuinelygodlymen。And，indeed，innootherthingisthedivinenaturesosurelyseeninanymanasjustinhislovetoandhispatiencewithbadmen。HeschoolsandexerciseshimselfeverydaytobepatientandgoodtoothermenasGodhasbeentohim。HerememberswhentemptedtoresentmenthowGoddidnotresenthisevil，but，whilehewasyetanenemytoGodandtogodliness，reconciledhimtoHimselfbythedeathofHisSon。Andeversincethegodlymansawthat，hehastriedtoreconcilehisworstenemiestohimselfbythedeathofhisimpatienceandpassiontowardthem，andhasmorepitiedthanblamedthem，evenwhentheirevilwasdoneagainsthimself。LetGodjudge，andifitmustbe，condemnthatbadman。

ButIamtoobadmyselftocastastoneattheworstandmostinjuriousofmen。Ifwesomuchpityourselvesforoursinfullot，ifwehavesomuchcompassiononourselvesbecauseofourinheritedandunavoidableestateofsinandmisery，whydowenotshareourpityandourcompassionwiththosemiserablemenwhoareinanevenworseestatethanourown？Atanyrate，ImustnotjudgethemlestIbejudged。ImusttakecarewhenIsay，Forgivememytrespasses，asIforgivethemthattrespassagainstme。NottoseventimesmustIgrudginglyforgive，butungrudginglytoseventytimesseven。ForwithwhatjudgmentIjudge，Ishallbejudged；

andwithwhatmeasureImete，itshallbemeasuredtomeagain。

’Loveharboursnosuspiciousthought，Ispatienttothebad:

Grievedwhenshehearsofsinsandcrimes，Andinthetruthisglad。’

4。Andthen，mostdifficultandmostdangerous，butmostnecessaryofallpatience，wemustlearnhowtobepatientwithourselves。

Everydaywehearofmiserablemenrushingupondeathbecausetheycannolongerendurethemselvesandthethingstheyhavebroughtonthemselves。AndtherearemoralsuicideswhocastoffthefaithandthehopeandtheenduranceofaChristianmanbecausetheyaresoevilandhavelivedsuchanevillife。Wespeakofpatiencewithbadmen，butthereisnomansobad，thereisnomanamongallourenemieswhohasatallhurtuslikethatmanwhoiswithinourselves。Andtobearpatientlywhatwehavebroughtuponourselves，——toenduretheinwardshame，theself-reproof，theself-

contemptbitterertodrinkthanblood，thelifelonginjuries，impoverishment，anddisgrace，——tobearallthesepatientlyanduncomplainingly，——toacquiescehumblyinthediscoverythatallthiswasalwaysinourhearts，andstillisinourhearts——whathumility，whatpatience，whatcompassionandpityforourselvesmustallthatcallforth！Thewisenurseispatientwithherpassionate，greedy，untidy，disobedientchild。Shedoesnotcastitoutofdoors，shedoesnotrunandleaveit，shedoesnotkillitbecauseallthesethingshavebeenandstillareinitssadlittleheart。Herpowerforgoodwithsuchachildliesjustinherpity，inhercompassion，andinherpatiencewithherchild。

Andthechildthatisinallofusistobetreatedinthesamepatient，hopeful，believing，forgiving，divineway。WeshouldallbewithourselvesasGodiswithus。Heknowethourframe。Heremembereththatwearedust。Heshowsallpatiencetowardus。Hedoesnotlookforgreatthingsfromus。Hedoesnotbreakthebruisedreed，norquenchthesmokingflax。HeshallnotfailnorbediscouragedtillHehavesetjudgmentintheearth。Andsoshallnotwe。

5。And，then，——itisasufficientlystartlingthingtosay，but——

wemustlearntobepatientwithGodalso。Allourpatience，andalltheexercisesofit，ifwethinkarightaboutit，allrunupinthelong-runintopatiencewithGod。ButtherearesomeexercisesofpatiencethathavetododirectlyandimmediatelywithGodandwithGodalone。Whenanyman’shearthasbecomefullyalivetoGodandtothethingsofGod；whenhebeginstoseeandfeelthathelivesandmovesandhashisbeinginGod；theneverythingthatinanywayaffectshimislookedonbyhimascometohimfromGod。

Absolutely，allthings。Theveryweatherthateverybodyissoatheisticabout，theclimate，thesoilhelabours，therain，thewinter’scoldandthesummer’sheat，——truepietyseesallthesethingsasGod’sthings，andseesGod’simmediatewillinthedispositionanddispensationofthemall。Hefeelstheuntameablenessofhistongueintheindecenttalkthatgoesoneverlastinglyabouttheweather。AllthesethingsmaybewithoutGodtoothermen，astheyonceweretohimalso，butyouwillfindthatthetrulyandtheintelligentlydevoutmannolongerallowshimselfinsuchunbecomingspeech。For，thoughhecannottraceGod’shandinallthechangesoftheseasons，inheatandcold，insunshineandsnow，yetheisassurethatGod’swisdomandwillarethereasthatScriptureistrueandtheScripture-taughtheart。

’GreatisourLord，andHisunderstandingisinfinite。Whocovereththeheavenswithclouds，andpreparethrainfortheearth，andmakeththegrasstogrowuponthemountains。Hegivethsnowlikewool；Hescattereththehoarfrostlikeashes；HecastethforthHisicelikemorsels。Whocanstandbeforehiscold？’Hereisthepatienceandthefaithofthesaints。HerearetheythatkeepthecommandmentsofGodandthefaithofJesusChrist。

And，then，whenthroughrainorfrostorfire，whenoutofanyterrorbynightorarrowthatfliethbyday，anycalamitycomesonthemanwhoisthuspointedandpractisedinhispatience，heisablewithJobtosay，’ThisistheLord。What，shallwereceivegoodatthehandofGodandnotalsoreceiveevil？’ByfarthebestthingIhaveeverreadonthissubject，andIhavereaditathousandtimessinceIfirstreaditasastudent，isDr。ThomasGoodwin’sPatienceanditsPerfectWork。ThatnobletreatisehaditsorigininthegreatfireofLondonin1666。ThelearnedPresidentofMagdalenCollegelostthehalfofhislibrary，fivehundredpoundsworthofthebestbooks，inthatterriblefire。Andhissontellsushehadoftenheardhisfathersaythatinthelossofhisnot-to-be-replacedbooks，Godhadstruckhiminaverysensibleplace。TolosehisAugustine，andhisCalvin，andhisMusculus，andhisZanchius，andhisAmesius，andhisSuarez，andhisEstiuswasasorestroketosuchaman。Ilovedmybookstoowell，saidthegreatpreacher，andGodrebukedmebythisaffliction。LetthestudentsherereadGoodwin’scostlytreatise，andtheywillbethebetterpreparedtomeetsuchcalamitiesastheburningoftheirmanseandtheirlibrary，asalsotocounselandcomforttheirpeoplewhentheyshalllosetheirshopsortheirstockyardsbyfire。

’Blindunbeliefissuretoerr，AndscanHisworkinvain；

GodisHisowninterpreter，AndHewillmakeitplain。’

And，then，inamultitudeofNewTestamentscriptures，wearesummonedtogreatexerciseofpatiencewiththeGodofoursalvation，becauseitisHispurposeandplanthatweshallhavetowaitlongforoursalvation。Godhasnotseenitgoodtocarryustoheavenonthedayofourconversion。HedoesnotglorifyusonthesamedaythatHejustifiesus。Weareappointedtosalvationindeed，butitisalsoappointedustowaitlongforit。Thisisnotourrest。WearecalledtobepilgrimsandstrangersforaseasonwithGodupontheearth。Wearetoldtoenduretotheend。

Itistobethroughfaithandpatiencethatwe，withourfathers，shallatlastinheritthepromises。HolinessisnotaJonah’sgourd。Itdoesnotcomeupinanight，anditdoesnotperishinanight。HolinessistheDivinenature，andittakesalifetimetomakeuspartakersofit。But，then，ifthetimeislongthethingissure。Letus，then，withaholyandasubmissivepatiencewaitforit。

’IsawmoreoverinmydreamthatPassionseemedtobemuchdiscontent，butPatiencewasveryquiet。ThenChristianasked，WhatisthereasonofthediscontentofPassion？TheInterpreteranswered，Thegovernorofthemwouldhavehimstayforhisbestthingstillthebeginningofthenextyear；buthewillhavethemallnow。ButPatienceiswillingtowait。’

SIMPLE，SLOTH，ANDPRESUMPTION

’Yedidrunwell，whodidhinderyou？’——Paul。

ItstartlesusnotalittletocomesuddenlyuponthreepilgrimsfastasleepwithfettersontheirheelsontheupwardsideoftheInterpreter’sHouse，andevenontheupwardsideofthecrossandthesepulchre。WewouldhavelookedforthosethreemiserablemensomewhereintheCityofDestructionorintheTownofStupidity，or，atbest，somewherestilloutsideofthewicket-gate。ButJohnBunyandidnotlaydownhisPilgrim’sProgressonanyabstracttheory，oronanyeasyandpleasantpresupposition，oftheChristianlife。HeconstructedhissolifelikebookoutofhisownexperiencesasaChristianman，aswellasoutofallhehadlearnedasaChristianminister。AndinnothingisBunyan’spowerofobservation，deepinsight，andfirmholdoffactbetterseenthanjustinthewayhenamesandplacesthevariouspeopleofthepilgrimage。LongafterhehadbeenattheCrossofChristhimself，andhadseenwithhisowneyesallthesignificantroomsintheInterpreter’sHouse，Bunyanhadoftentoconfessthatthefettersofevilhabit，unholyaffection，andahardheartwerestillfirmlyrivetedonhisownheels。Andhispastoralworkhadledhimtoseeonlytoowellthathewasnotaloneinthetemptationsandthedangersandthestill-abidingbondagetosinthathadsosurprisedhimselfafterhewassofaronintheChristianlife。Itwasthegreatestsorrowofhisheart，hetellsusinapowerfulpassageinhisGraceAbounding，thatsomanyofhisspiritualchildrenbrokedownandcameshortinthearduousandperilouswayinwhichhehadsohopefullystartedthem。’Ifanyofthosewhowereawakenedbymyministrydidafterthatfallback，assometimestoomanydid，I

cantrulysaythattheirlosshathbeenmoretomethanifoneofmyownchildren，begottenofmybody，hadbeengoingtoitsgrave。

Ithink，verily，ImayspeakitwithoutanoffencetotheLord，nothinghathgonesonearmeasthat，unlessitwasthefearofthesalvationofmyownsoul。IhavecountedasifIhadgoodlybuildingsandlordshipsinthoseplaceswheremychildrenwereborn；myhearthasbeensowrappedupinthisexcellentworkthatI

countedmyselfmoreblessedandhonouredofGodbythisthanifHehadmademetheemperoroftheChristianworld，orthelordofallthegloryoftheearthwithoutit。’AndIhavenodoubtthatwehaveherethethreethingsthataboveeverythingelsebereftBunyanofsomanyofhisspiritualchildrenpersonifiedandthenlaiddownbytheheelsinSimple，Sloth，andPresumption。

SIMPLE

LetusshakeupSimplefirstandaskhimwhatitwasthatlaidhimsosoonandinsuchaplightandinsuchcompanyinthisbottom。

Itwasnotthatwhichfromhisnamewemightatfirstthinkitwas。

Itwasnottheweaknessofhisintellects，norhisyouth，norhisinexperience。Thereisdangerenough，nodoubt，inallthesethingsiftheyarenotcarefullyattendedto，butnoneofallthesethingsinthemselves，norallofthemtakentogether，willlayanypilgrimbytheheels。Theremustbemorethanmereandpuresimplicity。Noblameattachestoasimplemind，muchlesstoanartlessandanopenheart。Wedonotblamesuchamanevenwhenwepityhim。Wetakehim，ifhewillletus，underourcare，orweputhimunderbettercare，butwedonotanticipateanyimmediateilltohimsolongasheremainssimpleinmind，untaintedinheart，andwillingtolearn。But，then，unlessheisbetterwatchedoverthananyyoungmanoryoungwomancanwellbeinthisworld，thatsimplicityandchild-likenessandinexperienceofhismaysoonbecomeafatalsnaretohim。Thereissomuchthatisnotsimpleandsincereinthisworld；thereissomuchfalsehoodandduplicity；therearesomanymenabroadwhoseendeavouristowaylay，mislead，entrap，andcorruptthesimple-mindedandtheinexperienced，thatitisnexttoimpossiblethatanyyouthormaidenshalllongremaininthisworldbothsimpleandsafealso。

Myson，saystheWiseMan，keepmywords，andlayupmycommandmentswiththee。ForatthewindowofmyhouseIlookedthroughmycasement，andbeheldamongthesimpleones，Idiscernedamongtheyouths，ayoungmanvoidofunderstanding；——andsoon，——

tilladartstrikethroughhisliver，andhegoethasanoxtotheslaughter。Andso，tooofteninourownland，themaideninhersimplicityalsoopenshereartothepromisesandvowsandoathsoftheflatterer，tillshelosesbothhersimplicityandhersoul，andliesburiedinthatsamebottombesideSlothandPresumption。

Itisnotsomuchhissmallmindandhisweakunderstandingthatisthefataldangeroftheirpossessor，itishisimbecilewayoftreatinghissmallmind。Inourexperienceofhimwecannotgethim，allwecando，toreadaninstructivebook。Wecannotgethimtoattendouryoungmen’sclasswithallthebaitsandtrapswecansetforhim。WheredoeshespendhisSabbath-dayandweek-dayevenings？Wecannotfindoutuntilwehearsomedistressingthingabouthim，that，tentoone，hewouldhaveescapedhadhebeenareaderofgoodbooks，orastudentwithus，say，ofDanteandBunyanandRutherford，andacompanionofthoseyoungmenandyoungwomenwhotalkaboutandfollowsuchintellectualtastesandpursuits。Now，ifyouaresuchayoungmanoryoungwomanasthat，orsuchanoldmanoroldwoman，youwillnotbeabletounderstandwhatintheworldBunyancanmeanbysayingthathesawyouinhisdreamfastasleepinabottomwithironsonyourheels。No；fortounderstandthePilgrim’sProgress，beyondanurseryandfive-year-

oldunderstandingofit，youmusthaveworkedandstudiedandsufferedyourwayoutofyourmentalandspiritualimbecility。Youmusthaveforyearsattendedtowhatistaughtfromthepulpitandthedesk，and，alongsideofthat，youmusthavemadeasoberingandsolemnisingapplicationofitalltoyourownheart。Andthenyouwouldhaveseenandfeltthattheheelsofyourmindandofyourheartareonlytoofirmlyfetteredwiththeironsofignoranceandinexperienceandself-complacency。Butasitis，ifyouwouldtellthetruth，youwouldsaytouswhatSimplesaidtoChristian，Iseenodanger。ThenexttimethatJohnBunyanpassedthatbottom，thechainshadbeentakenofftheheelsofthissleepingfoolandhadbeenputroundhisneck。

SLOTH

SlothhadafarbetterheadthanSimplehad；butwhatofthatwhenhemadenobetteruseofit？Therearemanyablemenwholiealltheirdaysinasadbottomwiththeironsofindolenceandinefficiencyontheirheels。Weoftenenvythemtheirabilities，andsayaboutthem，Whatmighttheynothavedoneforthemselvesandforushadtheyonlyworkedhard？Justaswearesurprisedtoseeothermenawayaboveusonthemountaintop，notbecausetheyhavebetterabilitiesthanwehave，butbecausetheytorethefettersofslothoutoftheirsoftfleshandsetthemselvesdowndoggedlytotheirwork。Andthesamesloththatstarvesandfettersthemindatthesametimecaststheconscienceandtheheartintoadeepsleep。IoftenwonderasIgoonworkingamongyou，ifyoueverattachanymeaningormakeanyapplicationtoyourselvesofallthosecommandsandcounselsofwhichtheScripturesarefull，——tobeupanddoing，towatchandpray，towatchandbesober，tofightthegoodfightoffaith，toholdthefort，toriseearly，andevenbynight，andtoendureuntodeath，andneverforonemomenttobefoundoffyourguard。Doyouattachanyrealmeaningtotheseexamplesofthepsalmists，tothesecontinualcommandsandexamplesofChrist，andtotheseurgentcounselsofhisapostles？Doyou？Againstwhomandagainstwhatdoyouthuscampaignandfight？Forfearofwhomorofwhatdoyouthuswatch？Whatfortdoyouhold？Whatoccupiesyourthoughtsinnight-watches，andwhatinspiresandcompelsyourearlyprayers？

Itisyourstupefyinglifeofspiritualsloththatmakesitimpossibleforyoutoanswerthesesimpleandsuperficialquestions。Slothisnotthewordforit。Letthemgivetherightwordtoinsanitylikethatwhosleepandsoakinsinfulslothnolonger。

Wehaveallenemiesinourownsoulsthatneversleep，whateverwemaydo。Therearenoironsontheirheels。Theyneverprocrastinate。Theyneversaytotheirmaster，Alittlemoreslumber。Now，couldyounameanyhatefulenemyentrenchedinyourownheart，ofwhichyouhaveofyourselfsaidfarmorethanthat？

And，ifso，whathaveyoudone，whatareyouatthismomentdoing，tocastthatenemyout？Haveyouanyarmouron，anyweaponsofoffenceandprecision，againstthatenemy？Andwhatsuccessandwhatdefeathaveyouhadinunearthingandcastingoutthatenemy？

Whatfortdoyouhold？Onwhatvirtue，onwhatgraceareyoupostedbyyourLordtokeepforyourselfandforHim？AndwithwhatcostofmeatanddrinkandsleepandamusementdoyouloseitorkeepitforHim？Alexanderusedtoleavehistentatmidnightandgoroundthecamp，andspeartohispostthesentinelhefoundsleeping。

Thereisnothingweareallsoslothfulinassecret，particular，importunateprayer。Wehaveanalmightyinstrumentinourhandinsecretandexactprayerifwewouldonlyimportunatelyandperseveringlyemployit。Butthereisanutterlyunaccountablerestraintofsecretandparticularisingprayerinallofus。Thereisasoaking，stupefyingsloth，thatsofillsourheartsthatweforgetandneglecttheimmenseconcessionandprivilegewehaveaffordedusinsecretprayer。Ourslothandstupidityinprayerissurelythelastproofofourfallandofthemiseryofourfallenstate。Ourslothwithagoldmineopenatourfeet；alittlemoresleeponthetopofamastwithagulfunderusthathathnobottom，——nolanguageofthislifecanadequatelydescribethebesottednessofthatmanwholieswithironsonhisheelsbetweenSimpleandPresumption。

PRESUMPTION

ThegreatesttheologianoftheRomanCatholicChurchhasmadeaninductionandclassificationofsinsthathasoftenbeenborrowedbyourProtestantandPuritandivines。Hisclassificationismade，aswillbeseen，onanascendingscaleofguiltandaggravation。

Intheworldofsin，hesays，thereare，first，sinsofignorance；

next，therearesinsofinfirmity；andthen，atthetop，therearesinsofpresumption。Andthis，itwillberemembered，wasthePsalmist’sinventoryandestimateofsinsalso。Hislastandhismostearnestprayerwas，thathemightbekeptbackfromallpresumptuoussin。Nowyouknowquitewell，withoutanyexplanation，whatpresumptionis。Don’tpresume，yousay，withrisingandscarcecontrolledanger。Don’tpresumetoofar。Takecare，yousay，withyourheartbeatingsohighthatyoucanscarcelycommandit，takecarelestyougotoofar。AndthewordofGodfeelsandspeaksaboutpresumptuoussinverymuchasyoudoyourself。Now，whatgavethisthirdmanwholayinfettersalittlebeyondthecrossthenameofPresumptionwasjustthis，thathehadbeenatthecrosswithhispastsin，andhadleftthecrosstocommitthesamesinatthefirstopportunity。Presumptionpresumeduponhispardon。HepresumedupontheaboundinggraceofGod。HepresumeduponthebloodofChrist。HewassohighontheAtonement，thatheheldthatthegospelwasnotsufficientlypreachedtohim，unlessnotpastsinonlyandpresent，butalsoallfuturesinwasatonedforonthetreebeforeitwascommitted。

ThereisareprobateinDante，who，allthetimehewasrepenting，hadhiseyeonhisnextopportunity。Now，ourPresumptionwaslikethat。Hepresumedonhisyouth，onhistemptations，onhisopportunities，andespeciallyonhisfuturereformationandthepermanenceandthefreenessofthegospeloffer。WhenhewasintheInterpreter’sHousehedidnothearwhattheInterpreterwassaying，thebloodwasroaringsothroughhisveins。Hiseyesweresofullofotherimagesthathedidnotseethemanintheironcage，northespideronthewall，northefirefedsecretly。Hehadnomoreintentionofkeepingalwaystothewaythatwasasstraightasarulecouldmakeit，thanhehadofcuttingoffbothhishandsandpluckingoutbothhiseyes。Whenthethreeshiningonesstrippedhimofhisragsandclothedhimwithchangeofraiment，hehadnomoreintentionofkeepinghisgarmentscleanthanhehadofflyingstraightuptoheavenonthespot。Now，leteachmannametohimselfwhatthatisinwhichheintentionally，deliberately，andbyforesightandforethoughtsins。Haveyounamedit？Well，itwasforthatthatthisreprobatewaslaidbytheheelsontheimmediatelyhithersideofthecrossandthesepulchre。Notthattheironmightnothavebeentakenoffhisheelsagainoncertainconditions，evenafteritwason；but，evenso，hewouldneverhavebeenthesamemanagainthathewasbeforehispresumptuoussin。Youwilleasilyknowamanwhohascommittedmuchpresumptuoussin，——thatistosay，ifyouhaveanyeyeforasinner。IthinkIwouldfindhimoutifIheardhimprayonce，orpreachonce，orevenselectapsalmforpublicorforfamilyworship；evenifIheardhimsaygraceatadinner-table，orreprovehisson，orscoldhisservant。Presumptuoussinhassomuchofthevenomandessenceofsininitthat，forgivenorunforgiven，evenalittleofitneverleavesthesinnerasitfoundhim。Evenifhisfettersareknockedoff，thereisalwaysapieceofthepoisonousironleftinhisflesh；thereisalwaysafangofhisfettersleftinthebrokenbone。Thepresumptuoussaintwillalwaysbedetectedbythewayhehaltsonhisheelsallhisafterdays。KeepbackThyservant，OGod，frompresumptuoussin。Lethimbeinnocentofthegreattransgression。

Dr。ThomasGoodwinsayssomewherethatthewormthatdiethnotonlycomestoitssharpeststingandtoitsdeadliestvenomwhenitishatchedupundergospellight。Theverylightofnatureitselfgreatlyaggravatessomeofoursins。Thelightofourearlyeducationgreatlyaggravatesothersofoursins。Butnothingwoundsourconscienceandthenexasperatesthewoundlikeapastexperienceofthesamesin，and，especially，anexperienceofthegraceofGodinforgivingthatsin。HadwefoundyoungPresumptioninhisironsbeforehisconversion，wewouldhavebeenafraidenoughatthesight。Hadwefoundhimlaidbytheheelsafterhisfirstuncleanness，itwouldhavemadeusshudderforourselves。

Butwearehorrifiedandspeechlessasweseehimapprehendedandlaidinironsontheverynightofhisfirstcommunion，andwiththewinescarcelydryonhisuncleanlips。Augustinepostponedhisbaptismtillheshouldhavehisfillofsin，andtillheshouldnolongerreturntosinlikeadogtohisvomit。Now，nextSabbathisourcommuniondayinthiscongregation。Letusthereforethisweekexamineourselves。Andifwemustsinaslongasweareinthisworld，letithenceforthbethesinofignoranceandofinfirmity。

Sothethreereprobateslaydowntosleepagain，andChristianasheleftthatbottomwentoninthenarrowwaysinging:

’OtogracehowgreatadebtorDailyI’mconstrainedtobeLetthatgrace，Lord，likeafetter，BindmywanderinghearttoThee。’

THETHREESHININGONESATTHECROSS

’SalvationshallGodappointforwalls。’——Isaiah。

JohnBunyan’sautobiography，GraceAboundingtotheChiefofSinners，isthebestofallourcommentariesonThePilgrim’sProgress，andagainto-nightIshallhavetofallbackonthatincomparablebook。’Now，IsawinmydreamthatthehighwayupwhichChristianwastogowasfencedoneithersidewithawall，andthatwalliscalledSalvation。Upthisway，therefore，didburdenedChristianrun，butnotwithoutgreatdifficulty，becauseoftheloadonhisback。’InthecorrespondingparagraphinGraceAbounding，ourauthorsays，speakingabouthimself:’Butforasmuchasthepassagewaswonderfulnarrow，evensonarrowthatIcouldnotbutwithgreatdifficultyenterinthereat，itshowedmethatnonecouldenterintolifebutthosethatwereindownrightearnest，andunlessalsotheyleftthiswickedworldbehindthem；

forherewasonlyroomforbodyandsoul，butnotforbodyandsoulandsin。’’Heranthustillhecametoaplacesomewhatascending，anduponthatplacestoodacross，andalittlebelowinthebottomasepulchre。SoIsawinmydream，thatjustasChristiancameupwiththiscross，hisburdenloosedfromoffhisshouldersandfellfromoffhisback，andbegantotumble，andsocontinuedtodotillitcametothemouthofthesepulchre，whereitfellin，andIsawitnomore。’TurningagaintotheGraceAbounding，wereadinthe115thparagraph:’IrememberthatonedayasIwastravellingintothecountryandmusingonthewickednessandblasphemyofmyheart，andconsideringoftheenmitythatwasinmetoGod，thatscripturecameintomymind，HehathmadepeacebythebloodofHisCross。

BywhichIwasmadetoseebothagainandagainandagainthatdaythatGodandmysoulwerefriendsbythatblood:yea，IsawthatthejusticeofGodandmysinfulsoulcouldembraceandkisseachotherthroughthatblood。Thatwasagooddaytome；IhopeI

shallnotforgetit。IthoughtIcouldhavespokenofHisloveandofHismercytomethatdaytotheverycrowsthatsatupontheploughedlandsbeforemehadtheybeencapabletohaveunderstoodme。WhereforeIsaidinmysoulwithmuchgladness，Well，IwouldIhadapenandinkhereandIwouldwritethisdownbeforeIgoanyfarther，forsurelyIwillnotforgetthisfortyyearshence。’

FromallthiswelearnthatthewaytotheCelestialCitylieswithinhighandclosefencingwalls。Thereisnotroomformanypilgrimstowalkabreastinthatway；indeed，thereisseldomroomfortwo。Therearesomepartsofthewaywheretwooreventhreepilgrimscanforatimewalkandconversetogether，butforthemostpartthepathisdistressinglylonely。Thewayissofencedupalsothatapilgrimcannotsomuchaslookeithertotherighthandortheleft。Indeed，itisoneofthelawsofthatroadthatnomanistoattempttolookexceptstraightonbeforehim。ButthenthereisthiscompensationforthesolitudeandstringencyofthewaythatthewallthatsoenclosesitisSalvation。AndSalvationissuchawallthatitiscompanionshipandprospectenoughofitself。Dantesawalongreachofthissamewallrunningroundthebottomofthemountthatcleanseshimwhoclimbsit，——alongstretchofsuchsculpturedbeauty，thatitarrestedhimandinstructedhimanddelightedhimbeyondhispowersufficientlytopraiseit。Andthus，thatbeingso，burdenedandboweddowntotheearthasourpilgrimwas，hewasonthesureway，soonerorlater，todeliverance。Somewhereandsometimeandsomehowonthatsteepandhighfencedwaydeliverancewassuretocome。And，then，astotheburdenedmanhimself。HisnamewasonceGraceless，buthisnameisGracelessnolonger。Nogracelessmanrunslongbetweenthesecloseandcramping-upwalls；and，especially，nogracelessmanhasthatburdenlongonhisback。ThatisnotGracelessanylongerwhoisleavingtheInterpreter’sHouseforthefencedway；

thatisChristian，andaslongasheremainsChristian，theclosenessofthefenceandtheweightofhisburdenareasmallmatter。Butlong-looked-forcomesatlast。Andso，stillcarryinghisburdenandkeepingclosewithinthefenced-upway，ourpilgrimcameatlasttoacross。Andaperfectmiracleimmediatelytookplaceinthatsomewhatascendingground。ForscarcelyhadChristiansethiseyesonthecross，when，withouthispullingatit，orpushingit，orevenatthatmomentthinkingofit，ereeverhewasaware，hesawhisburdenbegintotumble，andsoitcontinuedtodotillitfellfairlyoutofhissightintoanopensepulchre。

Theapplicationofallthatissurelyself-evident。Forourwayinaholylifeisalwayscloselyfencedup。Itisfarofteneralonelywaythanotherwise。Andthesteepness，sternness，andlonelinessofourwayareallaggravatedbytheremembranceofourpastsinsandfollies。Theystill，andmoreandmore，lieuponourheartsaheart-crushingburden。Butifwe，likeChristian，knowhowtokeepourbacktoourformerhouseandourfacetoheaven，soonerorlaterwetooshallsurelycometothecross。Andthen，eithersuddenly，orafteralongagony，ourburdenalsoshallbetakenoffourbackandshutdownintoChrist’ssepulchre。AndI

sawitnomore，saysthedreamer。Hedoesnotsaythatitsownersawitnomore。Hewastoowiseandtootrueadreamertosaythat。

Itwillberememberedthatthefirsttimewesawthisman，withwhoseprogresstotheCelestialCityweareatpresentoccupied，hewasstandinginacertainplaceclothedwithragsandwithaburdenonhisback。Afteralongjourneywithhim，wehavejustseenhisburdentakenoffhisback，anditisonlyafterhisburdenisoffandaShiningOnehassaidtohim，Thysinsbeforgiven，thatasecondShiningOnecomesandstripshimofhisragsandclotheshimwithchangeofraiment。Now，why，itmaybeasked，hasChristianhadtocarryhisburdensolong，andwhyishestillkeptsoraggedandsomiserableandhesofaroninthepilgrim’spath？Surely，itwillbesaid，JohnBunyanwasdreamingindeedwhenhekeptatrulyconvertedman，aconfessedlytrueandsincereChristian，solonginbondsandinrags。Well，astohisrags:filthyragsareonlyoncespokenofintheBible，anditistheprophetIsaiah，whoseexperienceandwhoselanguageJohnBunyanhadsoentirelybyheart，whoputsthemon。AndthatevangelistamongtheprophetsnotonlycallshisownandIsrael’ssinsfilthyrags，butIsaiahisverybold，andcallstheirveryrighteousnessesbythatopprobriousname。Hadthatboldprophetsaidthatallhisandallhispeople’sUNrighteousnesseswerefilthyrags，allIsraelwouldhavesubscribedtothat。Therewasnomansobrutishasnottoadmitthat。Butaslongastheyhadanysenseoftruthandanyself-

respect，multitudesofIsaiah’sfirsthearersandreaderswouldresentwhathesorudelysaidoftheirrighteousnesses。Ontheotherhand，theprophet’sterriblediscoveryandcomparison，justlikeourdreamer’sdramaticdistributionofChristianexperience，was，toacertainty，animmenseconsolationtomanymeninIsraelinhisday。TheygatheredroundIsaiahbecause，butforhimandhisevangelicalministry，theywouldhavebeenaloneintheirdespair。TothemIsaiah’sministrywasahouseofrefuge，andtheprophethimselfaveritabletowerofstrength。TheyfelttheywerenotalonesolongasIsaiahdweltinthesamecitywiththem。Andthus，whateverhemightbetoothers，hewasGod’sveryprophettothemashisdailyprayersinthetemplebothcastthemdownandliftedthemup。’OhthatThouwouldstrendtheheavensandcomedown……Butweareallasanuncleanthing，andallourrighteousnessesareasfilthyrags，andouriniquitieslikethewindhavetakenusaway。’ThousandsinIsraelfoundintheseterriblewordsadoorofhope，asenseoffellowship，andacalltotrustandthanksgiving。AndtensofthousandshavefoundthesamehelpandconsolationoutofwhathaveseemedtootherstheverydarkestandmostperplexingpagesofthePilgrim’sProgressandtheGraceAbounding。’Itmademegreatlyashamed，’saysHopeful，’ofthevilenessofmyformerlife，andconfoundedmewiththesenseofmineownignorance，fortherenevercameintomineheartbeforenowthatshowedmesobycontrastthebeautyoftheLordJesus。Myownvilenessandnakednessmademeloveaholylife。Yea，IthoughtthathadInowathousandgallonsofbloodinmybody，IcouldspillitallforthesakeoftheLordJesus。’Andifyou，mybrother，faroninthewayofSalvation，stillthinksometimesthat，afterall，youmustbeareprobatebecauseofyourfilthyrags，readwhatDavidBrainerdwrotewithhishalf-deadhandonthelastpageofhisseraphicjournal:’HowsweetitistoloveGodandtohaveaheartallforGod！Yes；butavoiceansweredme，YouarenotallforGod，youarenotanangel。Towhichmywholesoulreplied，IassincerelydesiretoloveandglorifyGodasanyangelinheaven。Butyouarefilthy，andnotfitforheaven。WhenhereuponthereinstantlyappearedabovemeandspreadovermetheblessedrobesofChrist’srighteousnesswhichIcouldnotbutexultandtriumphin。AndthenIknewthatIshouldbeasactiveasanangelinheaven，andshouldthenbeforeverstrippedofmyfilthygarmentsandclothedwithspotlessraiment。’LetmediethedeathofDavidBrainerd，andletmylatterendbelikehis！

ThethirdShiningOnethencameforwardandsetamarkontheforeheadofthishappyman。Anditwasamostancientandamosthonourablemark。ForitwasthesameredeemingmarkthatwassetbyMosesupontheforeheadsofthechildrenofIsraelwhentheLordtookthemintocovenantwithHimselfatthePassoverinthewilderness。Itwasthesamedistinguishingmarkalsothatthemanwiththeslaughter-weaponinhishandfirstsetupontheforeheadsofthemenwhosighedandcriedfortheabominationsthatweredoneinthemidstofJerusalem。AnditwasthesamegloriousmarkthatJohnsawintheforeheadsofthehundredandfortyandfourthousandwhostooduponMountZionandsangasongthatnomanknewbutthosemenwhohadbeenredeemedfromtheearthbythebloodoftheLamb。Themarkwassetforproprietyandforornamentandforbeauty。Itwassetuponhisforeheadsothatallwholookedonhimeveraftermightthusknowtowhatcompanyandwhatcountryhebelonged，andthatthiswasnothisrest，butthathehadbeencalledandchosentoaheavenlyinheritance。And，besides，itwasnosoonersetuponhisforeheadthanitgreatlyaddedtohisdignityandhiscomeliness。Hehadnowthegravityandbeautyofanangel；nay，thebeautyinhismeasureandthegravityofGoodwillatthegatehimself。And，then，asifthatwerenotenough，thethirdShiningOnealsogavehimarollwithasealuponit，whichhewasbiddenlookonasheran，andwhichhewastogiveinwhenhearrivedattheCelestialGate。Now，whatwasthatsealedrollbutjusttheinwardmemoryandrecordofallthispilgrim’sexperiencesofthegraceofGodfromthedayhesetoutonpilgrimagedowntothatdaywhenhestoodunburdenedofhisguilt，unclothedofhisrags，andclotheduponwithchangeofraiment？Therollcontainedhisownsecretlife，allsealedandshoneinuponbythelightofGod’scountenance。ThesecretoftheLordwiththispilgrimwaswrittenwithinthatroll，asecretthatnomancouldreadbuthehimselfalone。ItwasthesamerollthatthissameShiningOnegavetoAbraham，thefirstpilgrimandthefatherofalltruepilgrims，afterMelchizedek，thepriestoftheMostHighGod，hadbroughtforthbreadandwineandhadblessedthatgreatbeliever。’Fearnot，Abram:Iamthyshield，andthyexceedinggreatreward。’And，again，afterAbramhadlosthisroll，likeourpilgriminthearbour，whenherecoveredithereadthusinit:’IamtheAlmightyGod:walkbeforeMe，andbethouperfect。AndIwillmakeMycovenantbetweenMeandthee。’AndAbramfellonhisfaceforjoy。ItwasthesamerolloutofwhichthePsalmistproposedtoreadapassagetoallthoseinhisdaywhofearedGod。’Comeandhear，allyethatfearGod，andIwilldeclarewhatHehathdoneformysoul。’ItwasthesamerollalsothatGodsenttoIsraelinhissorecaptivity。’Fearnot，O

Israel，forIhaveredeemedthee；Ihavecalledtheebythyname，thouartMine。Whenthoupassestthroughthewaters，Iwillbewiththee。’ThehighpriestJoshuaalsohadthesamerollputintohishand，andthatnotonlyforhisowncomfort，buttomakehimthecomforterofGod’safflictedpeople。ForaftertheLordhadpluckedJoshuaasabrandoutofthefire，andhadmadehisiniquitytopassfromhim，andhadclothedhimwithchangeofraiment，andhadsetafairmitreonhishead，theLordgavetoJoshuaasealedroll，thecontentsofwhichmaybereadtothisdayinthebookoftheprophetZechariah。Nay，more:’Willyouhavemetospeakplainly？’saysgreatGoodwinonthismatter。’Then，thoughourLordhadtheassuranceoffaiththatHewastheSonofGod，forHeknewitoutoftheScripturesbyreadingalltheprophets，yet，tohaveitsealedtoHimwithjoyunspeakableandglorious，——thiswasdeferredtothetimeofHisbaptism。Hewasthenanointedwiththeoilofassuranceandgladnessinamorepeculiarandtranscendentmanner。’’InHisbaptism，’saysBengel，’ourLordwasmagnificentlyenlightened。HewaspreviouslytheSonofGod，andyetthepoweroftheDivinetestimonytoHisSonshipatHisbaptismlongaffectedHiminalivelymanner。’AndweseeourLordreadingHisrolltoassureandsustainHisheartwhenalloutwardacceptanceandsustenancefailedHim。’ThereisOnewhobearethwitnessofMe，andHiswitnessistrue。Ireceivenotwitnessfrommen。IhaveagreaterwitnessthaneventhatofJohn。

FortheFatherHimselfthathathsentMe，HebearethwitnessofMe。’Nowonderthatourheavy-ladenpilgrimofyesterdaygavethreeleapsforjoyandwentonsingingwithsucharollasthatinhisbosom。For，atthatsuprememomenthehadthatinwardilluminationandassurancesealedonhisheartthathadsogladdenedandsustainedsomanyprophetsandpsalmistsandapostlesandsaintsbeforehisday。Andthough，likeAbrahamandalltheothersaintswhoeverhadthatnoblerollputintotheirkeeping，exceptJesusChrist，heoftenlostit，yetasoftenasheagainrecoveredit，itbroughtbackagainwithitallhisfirstjoyandgladness。

But，aswassaidatthebeginning，theGraceAboundingisthebestofallourcommentariesonThePilgrim’sProgress。Asthusherealso:’NowhadIanevidence，asIthought，ofmysalvationfromheaven，withmanygoldensealsthereon，allhanginginmysight。

NowcouldIrememberthismanifestationandthatotherdiscoveryofgracewithcomfort，andshouldoftenlonganddesirethatthelastdaywerecome，thatImightbeforeverinflamedwiththesightandjoyofHimandcommunionwithHimwhoseheadwascrownedwiththorns，whosefacewasspiton，andbodybroken，andsoulmadeanofferingformysins。Forwhereas，before，Ilaycontinuallytremblingatthemouthofhell，now，methought，IwasgotsofartherefromthatIcouldnot，whenIlookedback，scarcediscernit。

Andoh！thoughtI，thatIwerefourscoreyearsoldnow，thatI

mightdiequickly，thatmysoulmightbegonetorest。’

ThenChristiangavethreeleapsforjoyandwentonsinging:

’ThusfardidIcomeladenwithmysin，NorcouldoughteasethegriefthatIwasinTillIcamehither:……

BlestCross！blestSepulchre！blestratherbeTheManthattherewasputtoshameforme。’

FORMALISTANDHYPOCRISY

’Aformofgodliness。’——Paul。

Weallbeganourreligiouslifebybeingformalists。Andwewerenotaltogethertoblameforthat。Ourparentswerefirsttoblameforthat，andthenourteachers，andthenourministers。Theymadeussayourpsalmandourcatechismtothem，andifweonlysaidoursacredlessonwithoutstumbling，wewerestraightwayrewardedwiththeirhighestpraise。Theyseldomtookthetroubletomakeusunderstandthethingswesaidtothem。Theyweremorethancontentwithourcorrectrepetitionofthewords。Wewerenevertaughteithertoreadorrepeatwithoureyesontheobject。Andwehadcometoourmanhoodbeforeweknewhowtoseekforthevisualimagethatliesattherootofallourwords。Andthustheill-taughtschoolboybecameinusthefatheroftheconfirmedformalist。Themischiefofthisneglectstillspreadsthroughthewholeofourlife，butitisabsolutelydisastrousinourreligiouslife。Lookatthereligiousformalistatfamilyworshipwithhishouseholdgatheredroundhimallinhisownimage。Hewouldnotonanyaccountlethisfamilybreakupanynightwithoutthehabitualduty。Hehasaseveremethodinhisreligiousdutiesthatnothingiseverallowedtodisarrangeorinanywaytointerferewith。Asthehourstrikes，thebigBibleisbroughtout。Heopenswhereheleftofflastnight，hereadstheregulationchapter，heleadsthesingingintheregulationpsalm，andthen，asfromabook，herepeatshisregulationprayer。Butheneversaysawordtoshowthatheeitherseesorfeelswhathereads，andhishouseholdbreakupwithoutanideaintheirheadsoranaffectionintheirhearts。

Hecomestochurchandgoesthroughpublicworshipinthesamewoodenway，andhesitsthroughtheLord’sTableinthesameformalandceremoniousmanner。Hehaseyesofglassandhandsofwood，andaheartwithouteitherbloodormotioninit。Hismindandhisheartweredestroyedinhisyouth，andallhisreligionisareligionofritesandceremonieswithoutsenseorsubstance。

’BecauseIknewnobetter，’saysBunyan，’Ifellinveryeagerlywiththereligionofthetimes:towit，togotochurchtwiceaday，andthat，too，withtheforemost。AndthereshouldIsingandsayasothersdid。Withal，IwassooverrunwiththespiritofsuperstitionthatIadored，andthatwithgreatdevotion，evenallthings，boththehighplace，priest，clerk，vestment，service，andwhatelsebelongedtothechurch:countingallthingsholythatwerethereincontained。ButallthistimeIwasnotsensibleofthedangerandevilofsin。Iwaskeptfromconsideringthatsinwoulddamnme，whatreligionsoeverIfollowed，unlessIwasfoundinChrist。Nay，IneverthoughtofChrist，norwhethertherewasoneorno。’

Aformalistisnotyetahypocriteexactly，butheisreadynowandwellonthewayatanymomenttobecomeahypocrite。Assoonnowassometemptationshallcometohimtomakeappearanotherandabettermanthanhereallyis:wheninsomewayitbecomeshisadvantagetoseemtootherpeopletobeaspiritualman:whenhethinksheseeshiswaytosomeprofitorpraisebysayingthingsanddoingthingsthatarenottrueandnaturaltohim，——thenhewillpassonfrombeingabareandsimpleformalist，andwillhenceforthbecomeahypocrite。Hehasneverhadanyrealpossessionorexperienceofspiritualthingsamidallhisformalobservancesofreligiousduties，andhehaslittleornodifficulty，therefore，inaddinganotherformalityortwotohisformerlifeofunreality。Andthusthetransitioniseasilymadefromacomparativelyinnocentandunconsciousformalisttoaconsciousandstudiedhypocrite。’Anhypocrite，’saysSamuelRutherford，’ishewhoonthestagerepresentsakingwhenheisnone，abeggar，anoldman，ahusband，whenheisreallynosuchthing。TotheHebrews，theywerefaciales，face-men；colorati，dyedmen，redmen，birdsofmanycolours。Youmaypaintaman，youmaypaintarose，youmaypaintafireburning，butyoucannotpaintasoul，orthesmellofarose，ortheheatofafire。Anditishardtocounterfeitspiritualgraces，suchaslovetoChrist，sincereintendingofthegloryofGod，andsuchlikespiritualthings。’Yes，indeed；itishardtoputonandtogothroughwithatrulyspiritualgraceeventothebestandmostspiritually-

mindedofmen；andasforthetruehypocrite，heneverhonestlyattemptsit。Ifheeverdidhonestlyandresolutelyattemptit，hewouldatonceinthatpassoutoftheranksofthehypocritesaltogetherandpassoverintoaverydifferentcategory。BunyanletsusseehowaformalistandahypocriteandaChristianallrespectivelydowhentheycometoarealdifficulty。Thethreepilgrimswereallwalkinginthesamepath，andwiththeirfacesforthetimeinthesamedirection。Theyhadnotheldmuchconferencetogethersincetheirfirstconversation，andastimegoeson，Christianhasnomoretalkbutwithhimself，andthatsometimessighingly，andsometimesmorecomfortably。When，allatonce，thethreemencomeonthehillDifficulty。Asevereactofself-denialhastobedoneatthispointoftheirpilgrimage。A

proudhearthastobehumbledtothedust。Asecond，athird，atenthplacehastobetakeninthepraiseofmen。Anoutbreakofangerandwrathhastobekeptunderforhoursanddays。Agreatinjury，ascandalouscaseofingratitude，hastobeforgivenandforgotten；inshort，asRutherfordsays，animpossible-to-be-

counterfeitedspiritualgracehastobeputintoitsseverestandsorestexercise；andtheresultwas——whatweknow。OurpilgrimwentanddrankofthespringthatalwaysrunsatthebottomofthehillDifficulty，andthusrefreshedhimselfagainstthathill；

whileFormalisttooktheonelowroad，andHypocrisytheother，whichledhimintoawidefieldfullofdarkmountains，wherehestumbledandfellandrosenomore。When，afterhisvisittothespring，Christianbegantogoupthehill，saying:

’Thishill，thoughhigh，Icovettoascend；

Thedifficultywillnotmeoffend；

ForIperceivethewaytolifelieshere；

Come，pluckupheart；let’sneitherfaintnorfear；

Better，thoughdifficult，therightwaytogo，Thanwrong，thougheasy，wheretheendiswoe。’

Now，allthisbringsustothelaststepintheevolutionofaperfecthypocriteoutofasimpleformalist。Theperfectandfinishedhypocriteisnotyourcommonplaceandvulgarscoundreloftheplaywrightandthepenny-novelisttype；thefinesthypocriteisacharactertheirartcannottouch。’Theworstofhypocrites，’

Rutherfordgoesontosay，’ishewhowhitenshimselftillhedeceiveshimself。Itisstrangethatamanhathsuchpoweroverhimself。Butaman’sheartmaydeceivehisheart，andhemaypersuadehimselfthatheisgodlyandrighteouswhenheknowsnothingaboutit。’’Preachinginacertainplace，’saysBoston，’aftersupperthemistressofthehousetoldmehowIhadterrifiedGod’speople。Thiswasbymydoctrineofself-love，self-

righteousness，self-ends，andsuchlike。Sherestrictedhypocritestothatsortthatdoallthingstobeseenofmen，andharpedmuchonthis——howcanonebeahypocritewhohateshypocrisyinotherpeople？howcanonebeahypocriteandnotknowit？Allthisledmetoseetheneedofsuchdoctrine。’AndifonlytoshowyouthatthisisnotthedismaldoctrineofantediluvianPresbyteriansonly，CanonMozleysays:’ThePhariseedidnotknowthathewasaPharisee；ifhehadknownithewouldnothavebeenaPharisee。Hedoesnotknowthatheisahypocrite。Thevulgarhypocriteknowsthatheisahypocritebecausehedeceivesothers，butthetrueScripturehypocritedeceiveshimself。’Andthemostsubtleteacherofourcentury，orofanycentury，hassaid:’Whatisahypocrite？

Weareapttounderstandbyahypocriteonewhomakesaprofessionofreligionforsecretendswithoutpractisingwhatheprofesses；

whoismalevolent，covetous，orprofligate，whileheassumesanoutwardsanctityinhiswordsandconduct，andwhodoessodeliberately，deceivingothers，andnotatallself-deceived。ButthisisnotwhatourSaviourseemstohavemeantbyahypocrite；

norwerethePhariseessuch。ThePhariseesdeceivedthemselvesaswellasothers。Indeed，itisnotinhumannaturetodeceiveothersforanylongtimewithoutinameasuredeceivingourselvesalso。Whentheybegan，eachinhisturn，todeceivethepeople，theywerenotatthemomentself-deceived。Butbydegreestheyforgotthatoutwardceremoniesavailnothingwithoutinwardpurity。

Theydidnotknowthemselves，andtheyunawaresdeceivedthemselvesaswellasthepeople。’Whataterriblelight，asofthelastdayitself，doesallthatcastupontheformalismsandthehypocrisiesofwhichourownreligiouslifeisfull！Andwhataterriblelightitcastsonthosemiserablemenwhoarecompleteandfinishedintheirself-deception！Forthecompleteandfinishedhypocriteisnothewhothinksthatheisbetterthanallothermen；thatishopelessenough；buttheparagonofhypocrisyishewhodoesnotknowthatheisworsethanallothermen。Andinhisstone-

blindnesstohimself，andconsequentlytoallrealityandinwardnessandspiritualityinreligion，youseehimintenselyinterestedin，anddayandnightoccupiedwith，theoutsidethingsofreligion，tillnothingshortofamiraclewillopenhiseyes。

Seehimintheministry，forinstance，sweatingathissermonsandinhisvisiting，tillyouwouldalmostthinkthatheistheministerofwhomPaulprophesied，whoshouldspendandbespentforthesalvationofmen’ssouls。Butallthetime，suchisthehypocrisythathauntstheministerialcalling，heisreallyandatbottomanimatedwithambitionforthepraiseofmenonly，andfortheincreaseofhiscongregation。Seehim，again，nowassailingornowdefendingachurch’ssecularprivileges，andheknowingnomore，allthetime，whatachurchhasbeensetupforonearththanthemaninthemoon。WhatapenaltyhisdefenceisandhissupporttoachurchofChrist，andwhatanincubushismembershipmustbe！

Or，seehim，again，makinglongspeechesandmanyprayersfortheextensionofthekingdomofChrist，andallthetimespendingtentimesmoreonwineorwhiskyortobacco，oronbooksorpicturesorforeigntravel，thanhegivestothecauseofhomeorforeignmissions。Andsoon，allthroughourhypocriticalandself-blindedlife。Throughsuchstages，andtosuchafinish，doestheformalistpassfromhisthoughtlessandneglectedyouthtohishardened，blinded，self-seekinglife，spentintheostensibleserviceofthechurchofChrist。Ifthelightthatisinsuchmenbedarkness，howgreatisthatdarkness！WemayallwellshudderaswehearourLordsayingtoministersandmembersandchurchdefendersandchurchsupporters，likeourselves:’Nowyesay，Wesee；thereforeyoursinremaineth。’

Now，thefirststeptothecureofallsuchhypocrisy，andtothesalvationofoursouls，istoknowthatwearehypocrites，andtoknowalsowhatthatisinwhichwearemosthypocritical。Well，therearetwoabsolutelyinfallibletestsofatruehypocrite，——

testswarrantedtounmask，expose，andcondemnthemostfinished，refined，andevenevangelicalhypocriteinthishouseto-night，orinalltheworld。Byfarandawaythebestandswiftestisprayer。

Trueprayer，thatis。Forhereagainourinexpugnablehypocrisycomesinandleadsusdowntoperditioneveninourprayers。ThereisnothingourLordmorebitterlyandmorecontemptuouslyassailsthePhariseesforthanjustthelength，theloudness，thenumber，andthepublicityoftheirprayers。Thetruthis，publicprayer，forthemostpart，isnotrueprayeratall。Itisatbestanopenhomagepaidtosecretprayer。Wemakesuchshipwrecksofdevotioninpublicprayer，thatifwehaveashredoftruereligionaboutus，wearegladtogethomeandtoshutourdoor。Wepreachinourpublicprayers。Wemakespeechesonpublicmenandonpubliceventsinourpublicprayers。Weseethereportersallthetimeinourpublicprayers。Wedoeverythingbutprayinourpublicprayers。Andtogetawayalone，——whatanescapethatisfromthetemptationsanddefeatsofpublicprayer！No；publicprayerisnotestwhateverofahypocrite。Ahypocriterevelsinpublicprayer。

Itissecretprayerthatfindshimout。Andevensecretprayerwillsometimesdeceiveus。Wearecrusheddownonoursecretkneessometimes，bysheershameandthestrengthofconscience。Fearofexposure，fearofdeathandhell，willsometimesmakeusshutourdoor。Afloodofpassingfeelingwillsometimesmakeusprayforaseasoninsecret。Jobhadallthatbeforehimwhenhesaid，’WillthehypocritedelighthimselfintheAlmighty？willhealwayscalluponGod？’No，hewillnot。AnditisjustherethatthehypocriteandthetrueChristianbestdiscoverthemselvesbothtoGodandtothemselves。ThetrueChristianwill，asJobagainsays，prayinsecrettillGodslayshim。Hewillprayinhisdreams；hewillpraytilldeath；hewillprayafterheisdead。Areyouinearnest，then，nottobeanymoreahypocriteandtoknowtheinfalliblemarksofsuch？Askthekeyofyourclosetdoor。Askthechairatyourbedside。Askthewatchmanwhatyouweredoingandwhyyourlightwasinsolong。Askthebirdsoftheairandthebeastsofthefieldandthecrowsontheploughedlandsafteryoursolitarywalk。

Almostabettertestoftrueandfalsereligionthanevensecretprayer，butatestthatisfarmoredifficulttohandle，isouropinionofourselves。InHislastanalysisofthetrulyjustifiedmanandthetrulyreprobate，ourLordmadethedeepesttesttobetheiropinionofthemselves。’God，IthankTheethatIamnotasthispublican，’saidthehypocrite。’Godbemercifultomeasinner，’saidthetruepenitent。Andthenthisfineprinciplecomesinhere——notonlytospeedthesuresanctificationofatrueChristian，butalso，ifhehasskillandcouragetouseit，forhisassuranceandcomfort，——thatthesaintlierhebecomesandtheriperforglory，themorehewillbeathisbreastoverwhatyetabideswithinhisbreast。Yes；aman’ssecretopinionofhimselfisalmostabettertestofhistruespiritualstatethanevensecretprayer。But，then，thesetwoarenotcompetingandexclusivetests；theyalwaysgotogetherandareneverfoundapart。AndatthemouthofthesetwowitnesseseverytruehypocriteshallbecondemnedandeverytrueChristianjustified。

Dr。PuseysayssomewherethattheperfecthypocriteisthemanwhohasthetruthofGodinhismind，butiswithouttheloveofGodinhisheart。’Truthwithoutlove，’saysthatsaintlyscholar，’makesafinishedPharisee。’NowweScottishandFreeChurchpeoplebelievewehavethetruth，ifanypeopleonthefaceoftheearthhaveit；andifwehavenotlovemixedwithit，youseewhereandwhatweare。Wearecalledtodisplayabannerbecauseofthetruth，butletlovealwaysbeourflag-staff。Letusbejealousforthetruth，butletitbeagodly，thatistosay，alovingjealousy。Whenwecontendforpurityofdoctrineandforpurityofworship，whenweprotestagainstpoperyandpriestcraft，whenweresistrationalismandinfidelity，whenwedobattlenowfornationalreligion，aswecallit，andnowforthefreedomofthechurch，letusdoitallinlovetoallmen，elsewehadbetternotdoitatall。Ifwecannotdoitwithcleanandall-men-lovinghearts，letusleavealldebateandcontentiontostrongerandbettermenthanweare。Thetruthwillneverbeadvancedorguardedbyus，norwilltheLordoftruthandloveacceptourserviceorblessoursouls，tillweputonthedivinenature，andhaveourheartsandourmouthsstillmorefulloflovethanourmindsandourmouthsarefulloftruth。Letuswatchourselves，lestwithallourso-calledloveoftruthwebefoundreprobatesatlastbecausewelovedthetruthforsomeselfishorpartyend，andhatedanddespisedourbrother，andbelievedallevilanddisbelievedallgoodconcerningourbrother。Truthwithoutlovemakesahypocrite，saysDr。Pusey；andevangelicaltruthwithoutevangelicallovemakesanevangelicalhypocrite，saysThomasShepard。OnlywherethewholetruthisunitedtoaheartfulloflovehavewetheperfectNewTestamentChristian。

TIMOROUSANDMISTRUST

’Thereisalionintheway。’——TheSlothfulMan。

’Imustventure。’——Christian。

’Iatanyratemustventure，’saidChristiantoTimorousandMistrust。’WhateveryoumaydoImustventure，evenifthelionsyouspeakofshouldpullmetopieces。I，forone，shallnevergoback。Togobackisnothingbutdeath；togoforwardisfearofdeathandeverlastinglifebeyondit。Iwillyetgoforward。’SoMistrustandTimorousrandownthehill，andChristianwentonhisway。GeorgeOfforsays，inhisnotesonthispassage，thatcivildespotismandecclesiasticaltyrannysoterrifiedmanyyoungconvertsinJohnBunyan’sday，thatmultitudesturnedbacklikeMistrustandTimorous；whileatthesametime，manylikeBunyanhimselfwentforwardandforatimefellintothelion’smouth。

CivildespotismandecclesiasticaltyrannydonotstandinourwayastheystoodinBunyan’sway——atleast，notinthesameshape:

buteveryagehasitsownlions，andeveryChristianmanhashisownlionsthatneithercivildespotsnorecclesiasticaltyrantsknowanythingabout。

Now，whoorwhatisthelioninyourway？Whoorwhatisitthatfillsyouwithsuchtimorousnessandmistrust，thatyouarealmostturningbackfromthewaytolifealtogether？Thefiercestofallourlionsisourownsin。Whenaman’sownsinnotonlyfindshimoutandcomesroaringafterhim，butwhenitdashespasthimandgetsintothewoodsandthicketsbeforehim，andstandspawingandfoamingonthesideofhisway，thatisatrialoffaithandloveandtrustindeed。Sometimesaman’spastsinswillfillallhisfuturelifewithsleeplessapprehensions。Heisneversureatwhatturninhisupwardwayhemaynotsuddenlyrunagainstsomeofthemstandingreadytorushoutuponhim。Anditneedsnolittlequiettrustandhumble-mindedresignationtocarryamanthroughthissloughandthatbottom，upthishillanddownthatvalley，allthetimewithhislifeinhishand；andyetateveryturn，ateveryrumourthattherearelionsintheway，tosay，Comelion，comelamb，comedeath，comelife，Imustventure，Iwillyetgoforward。

AsJobalso，thatwonderfulsaintofGod，said，’Holdyourpeace，letmealonethatImayspeak，andletcomeonmewhatwill。

WhereforedoItakemyfleshinmyteethandputmylifeinmyhand？ThoughHeslayme，yetwillItrustinHim。Healsoshallbemysalvation；foranhypocriteshallnotcomebeforeHim。’

Onefalsestep，onestumbleinlife，oneerrorinjudgment，oneoutbreakofanunbridledtemperament，onesmallsin，ifitisevensomuchasasin，ofignoranceorofinfirmity，willsometimesnotonlygreatlyinjureusatthetime，but，insomecases，willfillallourfuturelifewithtrialsanddifficultiesanddangers。Manyofusshallhaveallourdaystofaceafutureofdefeat，humiliation，impoverishment，andmanyhardships，thathasnotcomeonusonaccountofanypresumptuoustransgressionofGod’slawsomuchassimplyoutofsomecombinationofunfortunatecircumstancesinwhichwemayhaveonlydoneourduty，buthavenotdoneitinthemostserpent-likeway。Andwhenwearemadetosufferunjustlyordisproportionatelyallourdaysforourerrorofjudgmentorourwantofthewisdomofthisworld，orwhatnot，wearesorelytemptedtobebitterandproudandresentfulandunforgiving，andtogobackfromdutyandenduranceanddangeraltogether。Butwemustnot。Wemustrathersaytoourselves，Nowandhere，ifnotinthepast，Imustplaytheman，and，byGod’shelp，thewiseman。I

mustplucksafetyhenceforthoutoftheheartofthenettledanger。

Yes，Imadeamistake。IdidwhatIwouldnotdonow，andImustnotbetooproudtosayso。Iacted，Iseenow，precipitately，inconsiderately，imprudently。AndImustnotgloomandrebelandrunawayfromthecrossandthelion。Imustnotinsistorexpectthatthealwayswiseandprudentman’srewardistocometome。

Thelioninmywayisalionofmyownrearing；andImustnotturnmybackonhim，evenifheshouldbeletloosetoleaponmeandrendme。Imustpassunderhispawandthroughhisteeth，ifneedbe，toalifewithhimandbeyondhimofhumilityanddutyandquiet-heartedsubmissiontohisGodandmine。

Then，again，oursalvationitselfsometimes，ourtruesanctification，putsonalion’sskinandnotunsuccessfullyimitatesanangrylion’sroar。Somesavinggracethatuptillnowwehavebeenfatallylackinginliesundertheverylipofthatlionweseestandingstraightinourway。GodinHiswisdomsoordersoursalvation，thatwemustworkoutthebestpartofitwithfearandtrembling。Rightbeforeus，justbesideus，standingoveruswithhisheavypawuponus，isalion，fromunderwhosepawandfrombetweenwhoseteethwemustpluckandputonthatgraceinwhichoursalvationlies。Repentanceandreformationlieinthewayofthatlion；resignationalsoandhumility；thecrucifixionofourownwill；thesacrificeofourownheart；inshort，everythingthatisstilllackingbutisindispensabletooursalvationliesthroughthatdenoflions。Onemanhereishomelessandloveless；

anotherischildless；anotherhasahomeandchildren，andmuchenviesthemanwhohasneither；onehastalentsthereisnoscopefor；anotherhasthescope，butnotthesufficienttalent；anothermustnowspendallhisremaininglifeinaplacewhereheseesthatangerandenvyandjealousyandmalevolencewillbehisroaringlionsdailyseekingtodevourhissoul。ThereisnotaChristianmanorwomaninthishousewhosesalvation，worthbeingcalledasalvation，doesnotliethroughsuchalion’sthicketasthat。OurLordHimselfwasaroaringliontoJohntheBaptist。FortheBaptist’ssalvationlaynotinhispowerfulpreaching，butinhisbeinglaidasidefromallpreaching；notinhiscrowdsincreasing，butinhisSuccessor’scrowdsincreasingandhisdecreasing。TheBaptistwasthegreatestbornofwomaninthatday，notbecausehewasathunderingpreacher——anyordinarymotherinIsraelmighthavebeenhismotherinthat:buttodecreasesweetlyandtostealdownquietlytoperfecthumilityandself-oblivion，——thatsalvationwasreservedforthesonofElisabethalone。IwouldnotliketosayWhothatischampingandpawingforyourbloodrightinyourpresentway。ReverencewillnotletmesayWhoitis。Only，youventureonHim。

’Yes，Ishallventure！’saidChristiantothetwoterrifiedandretreatingmen。Now，everytrueventureismadeagainstriskanduncertainty，againstanxietyanddangerandfear。Anditisjustthisthatconstitutesthenoblenessandblessednessoffaith。

FaithsellsallforChrist。Faithrisksallforeternallife。

Faithfacesallforsalvation。Whenitisattheworst，faithstillsays，Verywell；evenifthereisnoCelestialCityanywhereintheworld，itisbettertodiestillseekingitthantoliveonintheCityofDestruction。EvenifthereisnoJesusChrist，——I

havereadaboutHimandheardaboutHimandpicturedHimtomyself，till，saywhatyouwill，IshalldiekissingandembracingthatDivineImageIhaveinmyheart。Evenifthereisneithermercy-

seatnorintercessioninheaven，Ishallhenceforthpraywithoutceasing。Farfarbetterformealltherestofmysinfullifetobeclothedwithsackclothandashes，evenifthereisnofountainopenedinJerusalemforsinanduncleanness，andnochangeofraiment。Christianprotestedthat，asforhim，lionsandall，hehadnochoiceleft。Andnomorehavewe。Hemustawaysomewhere，anywhere，fromhispastlife。Andsomustwe。Ifallthelionsthateverdrankbloodaretocollectuponhisway，letthemdoso；

theyshallnotallmakehimturnback。Whyshouldthey？Whatisawholeforestfulloflionstoaheartandalifefullofsin？

Lionsarelikelambscomparedwithsin。’Goodmorning！Iforonemustventure。Ishallyetgoforward。’SoMistrustandTimorousrandownthehill，andChristianwentonhisway。

SoIsawinmydreamthathemadehasteandwentforward，thatifpossiblehemightgetlodginginthehousecalledBeautifulthatstoodbythehighwayside。Now，beforehehadgonefarheenteredintoaverynarrowpassagewhichwasaboutafurlongofffromtheporter’slodge，andlookingverynarrowlybeforehimashewent，heespiedtwolionsintheway。Thenwasheafraid，andthoughtalsotogoback，forhethoughtthatnothingbutdeathwasbeforehim。

Buttheporteratthelodge，whosenamewasWatchful，perceivingthatChristianmadeahalt，asifhewouldgoback，crieduntohim，saying，’Isthystrengthsosmall？Fearnotthelions，fortheyarechained，andareonlyplacedthereforthetrialoffaithwhereitis，andforthediscoveryofthosewhohavenone。Keepthemidstofthepathandnohurtshallcometothee。’Yes，thatisallwehavetodo。Whateverourpastlifemayhavebeen，whateverourpastsins，pasterrorsofjudgment，pastmistakesandmishaps，whateverofpunishmentorchastisementorcorrectionorinstructionorsanctificationandgrowthingracemaybeunderthoselions’

skinsandbetweentheirteethforus，allwehavegottodoatpresentistoleavethelionstoHimwhosetthemthere，andtogoon，uptothemandpastthem，keepingalwaystothemidstofthepath。Thelionsmayroaratustilltheyhaveroaredusdeafandblind，butwearefarsaferinthemidstofthatpaththanwewouldbeinourownbed。Onlyletuskeepinthemidstofthepath。

【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