第5章

FAITHFULINVANITYFAIR{2}

’Bethoufaithful。’——Rev。2。10。

ThebreadthofJohnBunyan’smind，thelargenessofhisheart，andthetoleranceofhistemperallcomeexcellentlyoutinhisfineportraitofFaithful。Newbeginnersinpersonalreligion，whentheyfirsttakeupThePilgrim’sProgressinearnest，alwaystrytofindoutsomethinginthemselvesthatshallsomewhatcorrespondtotherecordedexperienceofChristian，thechiefpilgrim。Andtheyareafraidthatallisnotrightwiththemunlessthey，likehim，havehad，tobeginwith，aheavyburdenontheirback。TheylookforsomethingintheirreligiouslifethatshallanswertotheSloughofDespondalso，totheHillDifficulty，totheHouseBeautiful，and，especiallyandindispensably，totheplacesomewhatascendingwithacrossuponitandanopensepulchrebeneathit。

AndbecausetheycannotalwaysfindallthesethingsinthemselvesintheexactorderandinthefullpowerinwhichtheyaretoldofChristianinBunyan’sbook，theybegintohavedoubtsaboutthemselvesastowhethertheyaretruepilgrimsatall。ButhereisFaithful，withwhomChristianheldsuchsweetandconfidentialdiscourse，andyethehadcomethroughnotasingleoneofallthesethings。ThetwopilgrimshadcomefromthesameCityofDestructionindeed，andtheyhadmetatthegateofVanityandpassedthroughVanityFairtogether，but，tilltheyembracedoneanotheragainintheCelestialCity，thatwasabsolutelyalltheexperiencetheyhadincommon。FaithfulhadneverhadanysuchburdenonhisbackasthatwaswhichhadforsolongcrushedChristiantotheearth。AndtheallbutcompleteabsenceofsuchaburdenmayhavehelpedtoletFaithfulgetovertheSloughofDesponddryshod。HehadthegoodlottoescapeSinaialsoandtheHillDifficulty，andhispassingbytheHouseBeautifulandnotmakingtheacquaintanceofDiscretionandPrudenceandCharitymayhavehadsomethingtodowiththefactthatonenamedWantonhadliketohavedonehimsuchamischief。Hisremarkableexperiences，however，withAdamtheFirst，withMoses，andthenwiththeManwithholesinHishands，allthatmakesupapageinFaithful’sautobiographywecouldillhavespared。HisencounterwithShamealso，andsoonafterwardswithTalkative，areclassicalpassagesinhissoindividualhistory。Altogether，itwouldbealmostimpossibleforustoimaginetwopilgrimstalkingsoheartilytogether，andyetsocompletelyunlikeoneanother。Averyimportantlessonsurelyastohowweshouldabstainfrommeasuringothermenbyourselves，aswellasourselvesbyothermen；anexcellentlessonalsoastohowweshouldlearntoallowforallpossiblevarietiesamonggoodmen，bothintheiropinions，theirexperiences，andtheirattainments。TruePuritanastheauthorofThePilgrim’sProgressis，heisnoProcrustes。Hedoesnotcutdownallhispilgrimstoonesize，nordoesheclipthemallintoonepattern。Theyareallthinkingmen，buttheyarenotallmenofonewayofthinking。JohnBunyanisasfreshasNatureherself，andasfreeandfullasHolyScriptureherselfinthevariety，intheindividuality，andevenintheidiosyncrasyofhisspiritualportraitgallery。

VanityFairisoneofJohnBunyan’suniversally-admittedmasterpieces。Theverynameofthefairisoneofhishappieststrokes。Thackeray’sfamousbookoweshalfitspopularitytothehappynameheborrowedfromJohnBunyan。Thackeray’sauthor’sheartmusthaveleapedinhisbosomwhenVanityFairstruckhimasatitleforhisgreatsatire。’ThenIsawinmydreamthatwhentheyweregotoutofthewildernesstheypresentlysawatownbeforethem，andthenameofthattownisVanity，andatthattownthereisafairkeptcalledVanityFair。Thefairiskeptalltheyearlong，anditbeareththenameofVanityFair，becausethetownwhereitiskeptislighterthanVanity。And，also，becauseallthatissoldthereisvanity。Asisthesayingofthewise，Allthatcomethisvanity。Thefairisnonewerectedbusiness，butathingofancientstanding:Iwillshowyoutheoriginalofit。

AboutfivethousandyearsagotherewerepilgrimswalkingtotheCelestialCity，asthesetwohonestpersonsnoware，andBeelzebub，Apollyon，andLegion，withtheircompanions，perceivingthatbythepaththatthepilgrimsmade，thattheirwaytothecitylaythroughthistownofVanity，theycontrivedtheretosetupafair:afairwhereinshouldbesoldallsortsofvanity，andthatitshouldlastalltheyearlong。Thereforeatthisfairareallsuchmerchandisesoldashouses，lands，trades，places，honours，preferments，titles，countries，kingdoms，pleasures，anddelightsofallsorts，aswives，husbands，children，masters，servants，lives，blood，bodies，souls，silver，gold，preciousstones，andwhatnot。And，moreover，atthisfairatalltimesthereistobeseenjuggling，cheats，games，plays，fools，apes，knaves，androgues，andthatofeverykind。’Andthenourauthorgoesontotellusthenamesofthevariousstreetsandrowswheresuchandsuchwaresarevended。

AndfromthatagainhegoesontotellhowthePrinceofprincesHimselfwentatonetimethroughthissamefair，andthatuponafairdaytoo，andhowthelordofthefairhimselfcameandtookHimfromstreettostreettotrytogetHiminducedtocheapenandbuysomeofthevainmerchandise。ButasitturnedoutHehadnomindtothemerchandiseinquestion，andHethereforepassedthroughthetownwithoutlayingoutsomuchasonefarthinguponitsvanities。Thefair，therefore，youwillsee，isoflongstandingandaverygreatfair。Now，ourtwopilgrimshadheardofallthat，theyrememberedalsowhatEvangelisthadtoldthemaboutthefair，andsotheybuttoneduptheirpocketsandpushedthroughtheboothsinthehopeofgettingoutattheuppergatebeforeanyonehadtimetospeaktothem。Butthatwasnotpossible，fortheyweresoonsetuponbythemenofthefair，whocriedafterthem:

’Hail，strangers，lookhere，whatwillyoubuy？’’Webuythetruthonly，’saidFaithful，’andwedonotseeanyofthatarticleofmerchandisesetoutonanyofyourstalls。’Andfromthatbeganahubbubthatendedinariot，andtheriotintheapprehensionandshuttingupinapubliccageofthetwoinnocentpilgrims。LordHate-goodwasthejudgeonthebenchofVanityinthedayoftheirtrial，andthethreewitnesseswhoappearedinthewitness-boxagainstthetwoprisonerswereEnvy，Superstition，andPickthank。

ThetwelvejurymenwhosatontheircasewereMr。Blindman，Mr。No-

good，Mr。Malice，Mr。Love-lust，Mr。Live-loose，Mr。Heady，Mr。

High-mind，Mr。Enmity，Mr。Liar，Mr。Cruelty，Mr。Hate-light，andMr。Implacable，——Mr。Blindmantobetheforeman。AnditwasbeforethesementhatFaithfulwasbroughtforthtohistrialinordertohiscondemnation。AndverysoonafterhistrialFaithfulcametohisend。’NowIsawthattherestoodbehindthemultitudeachariotandacoupleofhorseswaitingforFaithful，who(sosoonashisadversarieshaddespatchedhim)wastakenupintoit，andstraightwaywascarriedupthroughtheclouds，withsoundoftrumpet，thenearestwaytotheCelestialgate。’

Now，Icannottellyouhowitwas，Icannotaccountforittomyself，butitisneverthelessabsolutelytruethatasIwasreadingmyauthorlastweekandwasmeditatingmypresentexposition，itcamesomehowintomymind，andIcouldnotgetitoutofmymind，thatthereisagreatandaclosesimilaritybetweenJohnBunyan’sVanityFairandageneralelection。And，allIcoulddotokeepthewholethingoutofmymind，onesimilarityafteranotherwouldleapupintomymindandwouldnotbeputoutofit。IprotestthatIdidnotgoouttoseekforsuchsimilarities，butthemoreIfrownedonthemthethickertheycame。

AndthenthefurtherquestionaroseastowhetherIshouldwritethemdownorno；andthenmuchmore，astowhetherIshouldsetthemoutbeforemypeopleorno。Asyouwilleasilybelieve，IwasimmediatelyinarealstraitastowhatIshoulddo。Isawontheonesidewhatwouldbesuretobesaidbyill-naturedpeopleandpeopleofahastyjudgment。AndIsawwithmuchmoreanxietywhatwouldbefeltevenwhentheyrestrainedthemselvesfromsayingitbytimidandcautiousandscrupulouspeople。Ihadthefullfearofallsuchjudgesbeforemyeyes；but，somehow，somethingkeptthisbeforemyeyesalso，that，asEvangelistmetthetwopilgrimsjustastheywereenteringthefair，so，foranythingIknewtothecontrary，itmightbeofGod，thatIalso，inmyownway，shouldwarnmypeopleoftherealandspecialdangerthattheirsoulswillbeinforthenextfortnight。AndasIthoughtofitaprocessionofpeoplepassedbeforemeallbearingtothisdaythestainsandscarstheyhadtakenontheirheartsandtheirlivesandtheircharactersatformergeneralelections。And，likeEvangelist，I

feltadivinedesiretakingpossessionofmetodoallIcouldtopullmypeopleoutofgun-shotofthedevilatthiselection。And，then，whenIreadagainhowboththepilgrimsthankedEvangelistforhisexhortation，andtoldhimwithalthattheywouldhavehimspeakfurthertothemaboutthedangersoftheway，Isaidatlasttomyself，thatthethanksofonetrueChristiansavedinanythingandinanymeasurefromthegunofthedevilarefarmoretobeattendedtobyaministerthantheblameandtheneglectofahundredwhodonotknowtheirhouroftemptationandwillnotbetoldit。AndsoItookmypenandsetdownsomesimilaritiesbetweenVanityFairandtheapproachingelection，withsomelessonstothosewhoarenotaltogetherbeyondbeingtaught。

Well，then，inthefirstplace，theonlywaytotheCelestialCityranthroughVanityFair；bynopossibilitycouldtheadvancingpilgrimsescapethetemptationsandthedangersofthefatalfair。

HethatwillgototheCelestialCityandyetnotgothroughVanityFairmustneedsgooutoftheworld。Andsoitiswiththetemptationsandtrialsofthenexttendays。Wecannotgetpastthem。Theyarelaiddownrightacrossourway。Andtomanymennowinthishousethenexttendayswillbeatimeofsimplyterribletemptation。IfIhadbeenquitesurethatallmypeoplesawthatandfeltthat，Iwouldnothaveintroducedhereto-nightwhatsomeofthem，judgingtoohastily，willcertainlycallthissosecularandunseemlysubject。ButIamsoafraidthatmanynotuntrue，andinotherthingsmostearnestmenamongstus，donotyetknowsufficientlytheweaknessandtheeviloftheirownhearts，thatIwishmuch，iftheywillallowme，toputthemontheirguard。’’Tishard，’saidContrite，whowasahouseholderandhadavoteinthetownofVanity，’’tishardkeepingourheartsandourspiritsinanygoodorderwhenweareinacumberedcondition。Andyoumaybesurethatwearefullofhurryatfair-time。Hethatlivesinsuchaplaceasthisis，andthathastodowithsuchaswehavetodowith，hasneedofanitemtocautionhimtotakeheedeveryhouroftheday。’Now，ifallmypeople，andallthisday’scommunicants，wereonlycontriteenough，Iwouldleavethemtothehurryoftheapproachingelectionwithmuchmorecomfort。Butasitis，IwishtogivethemsuchanitemasIamabletocautionthemforthenexttendays。Letthemknow，then，thattheirwayforthenextfortnightlies，Iwillnotsaythroughafairofjugglingsandcheatings，carriedonbyapesandknaves，but，tospeakwithoutfigure，theirwaycertainlyliesthroughwhatwillbetomanyofthemaseasonofthegreatesttemptationtotheveryworstofallpossiblesins——toangerandbitternessandill-will；

tonoendofevil-thinkingandevil-speaking；tothebreakingupoflife-longfriendships；andtowidespreadandlastingdamagetothecauseofChrist，whichisthecauseoftruthandlove，meeknessandaheavenlymind。Now，amidallthat，asEvangelistsaidtothetwopilgrims，lookwelltoyourownhearts。Letnoneofalltheseevilthingsenteryourheartfromtheoutside，andletnoneofalltheseevilthingscomeoutofyourheartsfromtheinside。Setyourfaceslikeaflintfromthebeginningagainstallevil-speakingandevil-thinking。Letyourownelectiontothekingdomofheavenbealwaysbeforeyou，andwalkworthyofit；andamidallthehurryofthingsseenandtemporal，believesteadfastlyconcerningthethingsthatareeternal，andwalkworthyofthem。

’Webuythetruthandwesellitnotagainforanything，’wasthereplyofthetwopilgrimstoeverystall-keeperastheypassedupthefair，andthisitwasthatmadethemtobesohatedandhunteddownbythemenofthefair。And，inlikemanner，thereisnothingmoredifficulttogetholdofatanelectiontimethanjusttheverytruth。Allthetruthonanyquestionisnotverylikelytobefoundputforwardintheprogrammeofanymanoranyparty，and，evenifitwere，ageneralelectionisnotthebesttimeforyoutofinditout。’Idesignthesearchaftertruthtobetheonebusinessofmylife，’wrotethefutureBishopButlerattheageoftwenty-one。AndwhetheryouaretobeamemberofParliamentorasilentvoterforamemberofParliament，you，too，mustlovetruthandsearchforherasforhidtreasurefromyouryouthup。Youmustsearchforallkindsoftruth，——historical，political，scientific，andreligious，——withmuchreading，muchobservation，andmuchreflection。Andthosewhohavesearchedlongestanddugdeepestwillalwaysbefoundtobethemosttemperate，patient，andforbearingwiththosewhohavenotyetfoundthetruth。Idonotknowwhofirstsaidit，buthewasatruediscipleofSocratesandPlatowhofirstsaidit。’Plato，’hesaid，’ismyfriend，andSocratesismyfriend，butthetruthismuchmoremyfriend。’

Thereisathrillofenthusiasm，admirationandhopethatgoesthroughthewholecountryandcomesdownoutofhistoryasoftenaswehearorreadofsomepublicmanpartingwithallhisownpast，aswellaswithallhisleadersandpatronsandalliesandcolleaguesinthepresent，andtakinghissolitarywayoutafterthetruth。ManymaycallthatmanQuixotic，visionary，unpractical，imprudent，andhemaybeallthatandmore，buttofollowconscienceandtheloveoftruthevenwhentheyareforthetimeleadinghimwrongisnoble，andiseverywayfarbetterbothforhimselfandforthecauseheserves，thanifhewerealwaysfoundfollowinghisleadersloyallyandevenwalkinginthewayofrighteousnesswiththeloveofselfandtheloveofpartyatbottomrulinghisheart。Howhealthfulandhowrefreshingatanelectiontimeitistohearaspeechrepletewiththeloveofthetruth，fullknowledgeofthesubject，andwiththedignity，thegoodtemper，therespectforopponents，andtheloveoffairplaythatfullknowledgeofthewholesubjectissowellfittedtobringwithit！Andnexttohearingsuchaspeakeristhepleasureofmeetingsuchahearerorsuchareaderatsuchatime。Now，Iwantsuchreadersandsuchhearers，ifnotsuchspeakers，tobefoundallthenextfortnightamongmyoffice-bearersandmypeople。Besureyousaytosomeofyourpoliticalopponentssomethinglikethis:-’Idonotprofesstoreadallthespeechesthatfillthepapersatpresent。Idonotreadalltheutterancesmadeevenonmyownside，andmuchlessalltheutterancesmadeonyourside。ButthereisoneofyourspeakersIalwaysread，andIalmostalwaysfindhiminstructiveandimpressive，agentleman，ifnotaChristian。Heisfair，temperate，frank，bold，andindependent；

and，tomymindatleast，healwaysthrowslightonthesesoperplexingquestions。’Now，ifyouhavetheintelligenceandtheintegrityandthefair-mindednesstosaysomethinglikethattoamemberoftheoppositepartyyouhavepouredoilonthewatersofparty；nay，youareinthatawilypolitician，foryouhavealmost，justinsayingthat，wonoveryourfriendtoyourownside。Sonobleistheloveoftruth，andsopotentisthehigh-principledpursuitandthefearlessproclamationofthetruth。

Ageneralelectionisatryingtimetoallkindsofpublicmen，butitisperhapsmosttryingofalltoChristianministers。Unlesstheyaretodisfranchisethemselvesandaretodetachandshutthemselvesinfromallinterestinpublicaffairsaltogether，anelectiontimeistoourministers，beyondanyotherclassofcitizensperhaps，apeculiarlytryingtime。HowtheyaretoescapetheScyllaofcowardiceandthecontemptofallfreeandtruemenontheonehand，andtheCharybdisofprideandself-willandscornofothermen’sopinionsandwishesontheother，isnoeasydilemmatoourministers。Somehappilyconstitutedandhappilycircumstancedministersmanagetogetthroughlife，andeventhroughpoliticallife，withouttakingorgivingawoundinalltheirway。Theyaresowiseandsowatchful；theyaresoinoffensive，unprovoking，andconciliatory；andevenwheretheyarenotalwaysallthat，theyhavearoundthemsometimesapeoplewhoaresopatientandtolerantandfulloftheold-fashionedrespectfortheirministerthattheydonotattempttointerferewithhim。

Then，again，someministerspreachsowell，andperformalltheirpastoralworksowell，thattheymakeitunsafeandimpossibleforthemostcensoriousandintolerantoftheirpeopletofindfaultwiththem。Butallourministersarenotlikethat。Andallourcongregationsarenotlikethat。Andthoseofourministerswhoarenotlikethatmustjustbelefttobearthatwhichtheirpastunwisdomormisfortunehasbroughtuponthem。Only，iftheyhaveprofitedbytheirpastmistakesormisfortunes，ameansofgrace，andanopportunityofbetterplayingthemanisagainattheirdoors。Iamsureyouwillalljoinwithmeintheprayerthatallourministers，aswellasalltheirpeople，maycomewelloutoftheapproachingelection。

Thereisyetoneotherclassofpublicmen，ifImaycallthemso，manyofwhomcomealmostworseoutofanelectiontimethanevenourministers，andthatclassiscomposedofthose，who，tocontinuethelanguageofVanityFair，keepthecagesofthefair。

IwishIhadto-night，whatIhavenot，theearoftheconductorsofourpublicjournals。For，whatanomnipotenceinGod’sprovidencetothisgenerationforgoodorevilistheirs！Iftheywouldonlyallconsiderwellatelectiontimes，andatalltimes，whotheyputintotheircagesandforwhatreason；iftheywouldonlyallaskwhatcanthatman’smotivesbeforthrowingsuchdirtathisneighbour；iftheywouldonlyallsetasidealltheletterstheywillgetduringthenextfortnightthatareavowedlycomposedontheoldprincipleofcalumniatingboldlyinthecertaintythatsomeofitwillstick，whataservicetheywoulddotothecauseofloveandtruthandjustice，whichis，surely，afterall，theirowncausealso！Theverybestpaperssinsadlyinthisrespectwhentheirconductorsarefullforthetimeofpartypassion。Anditisinexpressiblysadwhenareaderseesgreatjournalstowhichheowesalifelongdebtofgratitudeabsolutelypoisonedunderhisveryeyeswiththemalignantspiritofuntruthfulpartisanship。

Butsolongasourpubliccagesaresokept，letthosewhoareexposedinthemresolvetoimitateChristianandFaithful，whobehavedthemselvesamidalltheirill-usageyetmorewisely，andreceivedalltheignominyandshamethatwascastuponthemwithsomuchmeeknessandpatiencethatitactuallywontotheirsideseveralofthemenofthefair。

Mybrethren，thisisthelasttimethisseasonthatIshallbeabletospeaktoyoufromthispulpit；and，perhaps，thelasttimealtogether。But，ifitsoturnsout，IshallnotrepentthatthelasttimeIspoketoyou，andthat，too，immediatelyafterthecommuniontable，theburdenofmymessagewastheburdenofmyMaster’smessageafterthefirstcommuniontable。’Ifyeknowthesethings，happyareyeifyedothem。AnewcommandmentIgiveuntoyou，thatyeloveoneanother。BythisshallallmenknowthatyeareMydisciples，ifyehaveloveonetoanother。HereinisMyFatherglorified，thatyebearmuchfruit，soshallyebeMydisciples。ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyouthatinMeyemighthavepeace。Intheworldyeshallhavetribulation；butbeofgoodcheer，Ihaveovercometheworld。KnowyewhatIhavedoneuntoyou？YecallMeMasterandLord，andyesaywell，forsoIam。’

BY-ENDS

’YeseekMe，notbecauseyesawthemiracles，butbecauseyedideatoftheloaves。’——OurLord。

InnopartofJohnBunyan’singeniousbookishisstrongsenseandhissarcasticandhumorousveinbetterdisplayedthanjustinhisdescriptionofBy-ends，andinthefullandparticularaccounthegivesofthekinsfolkandaffinityofBy-ends。IsthereanothersinglestrokeinallsacredliteraturebetterfittedatoncetoteachthegayestandtomakethegravestsmilethanjustJohnBunyan’ssketchofBy-ends’great-grandfather，thefounderoftheegoisticalfamilyofFairspeech，whowas，tobeginwith，butawatermanwhoalwayslookedonewayandrowedanother？By-ends’

wifealsoisatruehelpmatetoherhusband。ShewasmyLadyFeigning’sfavouritedaughter，underwhosenurtureandexampletheyoungladyhadearlycometoaquiteextraordinarypitchofgoodbreeding；andnowthatshewasamarriedwoman，sheandherhusbandhad，sotheirbiographertellsus，twofirmpointsoffamilyreligioninwhichtheywerealwaysagreedandaccordingtowhichtheybroughtupalltheirchildren，namely，nevertostrivetoomuchagainstwindandtide，andalwaystowatchwhenReligionwaswalkingonthesunnysideofthestreetinhissilverslippers，andthenatoncetocrossoverandtakehisarm。ButabundantlyamusingandentertainingasJohnBunyanisattheexpenseofBy-

endsandhisfamilyandfriends，hehasfarotheraimsinviewthantheamusementandentertainmentofhisreaders。Bunyanusesallhisgreatgiftsofinsightandsenseandhumourandscornsoastomarkunmistakablytheroadandtoguidetheprogressofhisreader’ssoultoGod，hischiefestendandhiseverlastingportion。

ItwasnosmallpartofourLord’slifeofhumiliationontheearth，——muchmoresothanHisbeingborninalowconditionandbeingmadeunderthelaw，——tohavetogoaboutallHisdaysamongmen，knowingineverycaseandoneveryoccasionwhatwasinman。

ItwasarealhumiliationtoourLordtoseethosewatermenoftheseaofTiberiassweatingattheiroarsastheyrowedroundandroundthelakeafterHim；andHishumiliationcamestillmorehometoHimasoftenasHesawHisowndisciplesdisputingandpressingwhoshouldgetclosesttoHimwhileforashortseasonHewalkedinthesunshine；justasitwasHisestateofexaltationalreadybegun，whenHecouldenterintoHimselfandseetothebottomofHisownheart，tillHewasabletosaythatitwasHisverymeatanddrinktodoHisfather’swill，andtofinishtheworkHisFatherhadgivenHimtodo。ThemenofCapernaumwentoutafterourLordintheirboatsbecausetheyhadeatenofthemultipliedloavesandhopedtodosoagain。Zebedee’schildrenhadforsakenallandfollowedourLord，becausetheycountedtosittheoneonHisrighthandandtheotheronHislefthandinHissoon-comingkingdom。ThepainandtheshameallthatcostourLord，wecanonlyremotelyimagine。ButasforHimself，ourLordneveroncehadtoblushinsecretatHisownmotives。HeneveroncehadtohangdownHisheadatthediscoveryofHisownselfishaimsandby-ends。

Happyman！ThethoughtofwhatHeshouldeatorwhatHeshoulddrinkorwherewithalHeshouldbeclothednevertroubledHishead。

Thethoughtofsuccess，asHispoor-spiriteddisciplescountedsuccess，thethoughtofhonourandpowerandpraise，neveronceroseinHisheart。Allthesethings，andallthingslikethem，hadnoattractionforHim；theyawokenothingbutindifferenceandcontemptinhim。ButtopleaseHisFatherandtohearfromtimetotimeHisFather’svoicesayingthatHewaswellpleasedwithHisbelovedSon，——thatwasbetterthanlifetoourLord。TofindoutandfolloweverynewdayHisFather’smindandwill，andtofinisheverynightanotherpartofHisFather’sappointedwork，——thatwasmorethanHisnecessaryfoodtoourLord。Thegreatschoolmen，astheymeditatedonthesedeepmatters，hadasayingtotheeffectthatallcreatedthingstaketheirtruegoodnessortheirtrueevilfromtheendtheyaimat。AndthusitwasthatourLord，aimingonlyatHisFather’sendsandneveratHisown，bothmanifestedandattainedtoaDivinegoodness，justasthegreedycrowdsofGalileeandthedisputatiousdisciples，aslongandasfarastheymadetheirbellyortheirhonourtheirendandaim，tothatextentfellshortofalltruegoodness，alltruesatisfaction，andalltrueacceptance。

By-endswassocalledbecausehewasfulloflow，mean，selfishmotives，andofnothingelse。Allthatthiswretchedcreaturedid，hedidwithasingleeyetohimself。Thebestthingsthathedidbecamebadthingsinhisself-seekinghands。Hisveryreligionstankinthosemen’snostrilswhoknewwhatwasinhisheart。By-

endswasoneofourLord’swhitedsepulchres。Andsodeep，sopervading，andsoabidingisthiscorrupttaintinhumannature，thatlongafteramanhashadhisattentioncalledtoit，andisfarontoacleanescapefromit，hestill——nay，heallthemore——

languishesandfaintsandisreadytodieunderit。JusthearwhattwogreatservantsofGodhavesaidonthishumiliatinganddegradingmatter。Writingonthissubjectwithallhiswonteddepthandsolemnity，Hookersays，’Eveninthegoodthingsthatwedo，howmanydefectsarethereintermingled！ForGodinthatwhichisdone，respectethespeciallythemindandintentionofthedoer。

Cutoff，then，allthosethingswhereinwehaveregardedourownglory，thosethingswhichwedotopleasemen，ortosatisfyourownliking，thosethingswhichwedowithanyby-respect，andnotsincerelyandpurelyfortheloveofGod，andasmallscorewillserveforthenumberofourrighteousdeeds。Lettheholiestandbestthingswedobeconsidered。WeareneverbetteraffectedtoGodthanwhenwepray；yet，whenwepray，howareouraffectionsmanytimesdistracted！HowlittlereverencedoweshowtothatGoduntowhomwespeak！Howlittleremorseofourownmiseries！HowlittletasteofthesweetinfluenceofHistendermercydowefeel！

Thelittlefruitwehaveinholiness，itis，Godknoweth，corruptandunsound；weputnoconfidenceatallinit，wechallengenothingintheworldforit，wedarenotcallGodtoareckoningasifwehadHiminourdebt-books；ourcontinuedsuittoHimis，andmustbe，tobearwithourinfirmities，andtopardonouroffences。’

AndThomasShepard，adivineofaverydifferentschool，aswesay，butasaintandascholarequaltothebest，andindeedwithfewtoequalhim，thuswritesinhisSpiritualExperiences:-’OnSabbathmorningIsawthatIhadasecreteyetomyownnameinallthatI

did，forwhichIjudgedmyselfworthyofdeath。OnanotherSabbath，whenIcamehome，Isawthedeephypocrisyofmyheart，thatinmyministryIsoughttocomfortandquickenothers，thattheglorymightreflectonmeaswellasonGod。OntheeveningbeforethesacramentIsawthatmineownendsweretoprocurehonour，pleasure，gaintomyself，andnottotheLord，andIsawhowimpossibleitwasformetoseektheLordforHimself，andtolayupallmyhonourandallmypleasuresinHim。OnSabbath-day，whentheLordhadgivenmesomecomfortableenlargements，I

searchedmyheartandfoundmysin。IsawthatthoughIdidtosomeextentseekChrist’sglory，yetIsoughtitnotalone，butmyownglorytoo。AftermyWednesdaysermonIsawtheprideofmyheartactingthus，thatpresentlymyheartwouldlookoutandaskwhetherIhaddonewellorill。HereuponIsawmyvilenesstomakemen’sopinionsmyrule。TheLordthusgavemesomeglimpseofmyselfandagooddaythatwastome。’OnewouldthinkthatthiswasBy-endshimselfclimbedupintotheministry。Andsoitwas。

AndyetDavidBrainerdcouldwriteonhisdeathbedaboutThomasShepardinthisway。’HevaluednothinginreligionthatwasnotdonetothegloryofGod，and，oh！thatotherswouldlaythestressofreligionherealso。Hismethodofexamininghisendsandaimsandthetemperofhismindbothbeforeandafterpreaching，isanexcellentexampleforallwhobearthesacredcharacter。Bythismeanstheyareliketogainalargeacquaintancewiththeirownhearts，asitisevidenthehadwithhis。’

Butitisnotthosewhobearthesacredcharacteroftheministryalonewhoarefullofby-ends。Weallare。Youallare。Andthereisnotoneall-reaching，all-exposing，andall-humblingwayofsalvationappointedforministers，andanother，amoreexternal，superficial，easy，andself-satisfiedwayfortheirpeople。No。

Notonlymusttheambitiousanddisputingdisciplesenterintothemselvesandbecomewitnessesandjudgesandexecutionerswithinthemselvesbeforetheycanbesavedorbeofanyuseinthesalvationofothers——notonlythey，butthefishermenoftheLakeofTiberias，theyalsomustopentheirheartstothesestabbingwordsofChrist，andseehowtrueitisthattheyhadfollowedHimforloavesandfishes，andnotforHisgraceandHistruth。Andonlywhentheyhadseenandsubmittedtothathumiliatingself-

discoverywouldtheirtrueacquaintancewithChristandtheirtruesearchafterHimbegin。Come，then，allmybrethren，andnotministersonly，wakenuptothetremendousimportanceofthatwhichyouhaveutterlyneglected，itmaybeostentatiouslyneglected，uptothishour，——thetruenature，thetruecharacter，ofyourmotivesandyourends。Enterintoyourselves。Benotstrangersandforeignerstoyourselves。Letnotthedayofjudgmentbeanysurprisetoyou。Witnessagainst，judge，andexecuteyourselves，andthatespeciallybecauseofyourby-aimsandby-ends。Takeupthetouchstoneoftruthandlayituponyourmostsecretheart。Donotbeafraidtodiscoverhowdouble-mindedanddeceitfulyourheartis。Huntyourheartdown。Trackittoitsmostsecretlair。

Putitstruename，andcontinuetoputitstruename，uponthemainmotiveofyourlife。Extortananswerbybootandbywheel，onlyextortananswerfromtheinnermanoftheheart，tothetorturingquestionastowhatishistreasure，hishope，hisdeepestwish，hisdailydream。Watchnotagainstanyoutwardenemy，keepallyoureyesandallyourearstoyourownthoughts。GodkeepsHisawfuleyeonyourthoughts。Hiseyegoesateveryglancetothatgreatdepthinyou。EvenHisall-seeingeyecangonodeeperintoyouthantoyoursecretthoughts。GoyouasdeepasGodgoes，andyouwillbeawiseman；goasdeepandasoftenasHedoes，andthenyouwillsooncometoseeeyetoeyewithGod，notonlyaboutyourownthoughts，butaboutHisthoughtstoo，andabouteverythingelse。Tillyoubegintowatchyourownthoughts，andtowatchthemespeciallyintheiraimsandtheirends，youwillhavenoideawhatthatmoralandspirituallifeisthatallGod’ssaintslive；thatlifethatChristlived，andwhichHethisnightsummonsyoualltoenterhenceforthupon。

Itissuchahappyfactthatitcannotbetoooftentold，thatinthethingsofthesoulreallyandtrulytoknowandfeelthediseaseistohavealreadyenteredontheremedy。Youwillnotfeel，indeed，thatyouhaveenteredontheremedy；butthatdoesnotmuchmattersolongasyoureallyhave。Andthereisnothingmorecertainamongallthecertaintiesofdivinethingsthanthathewhofeelshimselftobeindeathandhellwithhisheartsofullofby-endsisallthetimeasfarfromdeathandhellasanyonecanbewhoisstillonthissideofheaven。Whenaman’swholewillanddesireissetonGod，asisnowandthenthecase，thatmanisperilouslynearasuddenandanabundantentranceintothatlifeandthatpresencewherehishearthasforsolongbeen。Whenamanishalfmadwithhisownheart，asThomasShepardforonewas，thatstrangerontheearthisatlastwithinastepofthathappycoastwhereallwishesend。Watchthatman。Takealastlookatthatman。Hewillsoonbetakenoutofyoursight。Ereeverheishimselfaware，hewillberaptupintothatlifewheresaintsandangelsseeknottheirownwill，labournotfortheirownprofitorpromotion，listennotfortheirownpraises，butfindtheirblessedness，thehalfofwhichhadnotherebeentoldthem，inglorifyingGodandinenjoyingHimforever。

Youmustallhaveheardthenameofabookthathashelpedmanyasaintnowinglorytotheexaminationandthekeepingofhisownheart。IrefertoJeremyTaylor’sHolyLivingandDying。TaketwoorthreeofTaylor’sexcellentruleswithyouasyougodownfromGod’shouseto-night。’Ifyouwouldreallyliveaholylifeanddieaholydeath，’saysTaylor，’learntoreflectinyoureveryactiononyoursecretendinit；considerwithyourselfwhyyoudoit，andwhatyoupropoundtoyourselfforyourreward。Prayimportunatelythatallyourpurposesandallyourmotivesmaybesanctified。Renewandrekindleyourpurestpurposesbysuchejaculationsasthese:”Notuntous，OGod，notuntous，buttoThynamebeallthepraise。IaminthisThyservant；letallthegainbeThine。”IngreatandeminentactionslettherebeaspecialandpeculiaractofresignationoroblationmadetoGod；

andinsmallerandmorefrequentactionsfailnottosecureapioushabitualintention。’Andsoon。Andaboveall，Iwilladd，labourandpraytillyoufeelinyourheartthatyouloveGodwithasupremeandanever-growinglove。And，farasthatmaybeaboveyouasyet，impressyourheartwiththeassurancethatsuchaloveispossibletoyoualso，andthatyoucanneverbesafeorhappytillyouattaintothatlove。OthermenonceasfarfromthesupremeloveofGodasyouarehaveafterwardsattainedtoit；andsowillyouifyoucontinuetosetitbeforeyourself。ThinkoftenonGod；readthebestbooksaboutGod；callcontinuallyuponGod；

holdanintimatecommunionwithGod，tillyoufeelthatyoualsoactuallyandcertainlyloveGod。AndthoughyoubeginwithlovingGodbecauseHefirstlovedyou，youwill，beginningwiththat，risefarabovethattillyoucometoloveHimforwhatHeisinHimselfaswellasforwhatHehasdoneforyou。’IhavedonethisinordertohaveaseatintheAcademy，’saidayoungman，handingthesolutionofaproblemtoanoldphilosopher。’Sir，’wasthereply，’withsuchdispositionsyouwillneverearnaseatthere。Sciencemustbelovedforitsownsake，andnotforanyadvantagetobederivedfromit。’Andmuchmoreisthattrueofthehighestofallthesciences，theknowledgeandtheloveofGod。LoveHim，then，tillyouarriveatlovingHimforHimself，andthenyoushallbeforeverdeliveredfromallself-loveandby-ends，andshallbothglorifyandenjoyGodforever。AsalltheynowdowhoengagedtheirheartsonearthtotheserviceandtheloveandtheenjoymentofGodissuchpsalmsandprayersasthese:’WhomhaveIinheavenbutThee？andthereisnooneonearththatIdesirebesideThee。

HowexcellentisThyloving-kindness，OGod！ThechildrenofmenshallputtheirtrustundertheshadowofThywings。ForwithTheeisthefountainoflife，andinThylightshallweseelight。Asforme，IwillbeholdThyfaceinrighteousness:IshallbesatisfiedwhenIawakewithThylikeness。Thouwiltshowmethepathoflife；inThypresenceisfullnessofjoy，andatThyrighthandtherearepleasuresforevermore。’

GIANTDESPAIR

’Awoundedspiritwhocanbear？’——Solomon。

EveryschoolboyhasGiantDespairbyheart。Theroughroadafterthemeadowoflilies，thestileintoBy-Path-Meadow，thenightcomingon，thethunderandthelightningandthewatersrisingamain，GiantDespair’sapprehensionofChristianandHopeful，theirdreadfulbedinhisdungeonfromWednesdaymorningtillSaturdaynight，howtheywerefamishedwithhungerandbeatenwithagrievouscrab-treecudgeltilltheywerenotabletoturn，withmanyothersufferingstoomanyandtooterribletobetoldwhichtheyenduredtillSaturdayaboutmidnight，whentheybegantopray，andcontinuedinprayertillalmostbreakofday；——JohnBunyanissurelythebeststory-tellerinalltheworld。And，then，overandabovethat，asoftenasaboyreadsGiantDespairandhisdungeontohisfatherandmother，thetwohearersarelikeChristianandHopefulwhentheDelectableshepherdsshowedthemwhathadhappenedtosomewhooncewentinatBy-Pathstile:thetwopilgrimslookedoneuponanotherwithtearsgushingout，butyetsaidnothingtotheshepherds。

JohnBunyan’sownexperienceentersdeeplyintotheseterriblepages。Incomposingtheseterriblepages，Bunyanwritesstraightandboldoutofhisownheartandconscience。Theblackandbitteressenceofawholeblackandbittervolumeiscrushedintothesefourorfivebitterpages。LastweekIwentoverGraceAboundingagain，andmarkedthepassagesinwhichitsauthordescribeshisownexperiencesofdoubt，diffidence，anddespair，tillIgaveovercountingthepassages，theyaresomany。Ihadintendedtoillustratethepassagebeforeusto-nightoutofthekindredmaterialsthatIknewweresoabundantinBunyan’sterribleautobiography，butIhadtogiveupthatidea。ItwouldhavetakentwoorthreelecturestoitselftotellallthatBunyansufferedallhislifelongfromaneasily-woundedspirit。ThewholebookisjustGiantDespairandhisdungeon，withagleamhereandthereofthatsunshinyweatherthatthrewthegiantintooneofhisfits，inwhichhealwayslostforthetimetheuseofhislimbs。Returnoften，mybrethren，tothatmasterpiece，GraceAboundingtotheChiefofSinners。Ihavereaditahundredtimes，butlastweekitwasasfreshandpowerfulandconsolingasevertomysin-woundedspirit。

Letmeselectsomeoftheincidentsthatofferoccasionforacommentortwo。

1。And，inthefirstplace，takenotice，andlaywelltoheart，howsudden，andalmostinstantaneous，isthefallofChristianandHopefulfromtheverygateofheaventotheverygateofhell。AlltheSabbathandtheMondayandtheTuesdaybeforethatfatalWednesday，thetwopilgrimshadwalkedwithgreatdelightonthebanksofaverypleasantriver；thatriver，infact，whichDavidtheKingcalledtheriverofGod，andJohn，theriverofthewateroflife。Theydrankalsoofthewateroftheriver，whichwaspleasantandenliveningtotheirwearyspirits。Oneithersideoftheriverwasthereameadowcuriouslybeautifiedwithlilies，anditwasgreenalltheyearlong。Inthismeadowtheylaydownandslept，forheretheymightliedownandsleepsafely。Whentheyawoketheygatheredagainofthefruitsofthetrees，anddrankagainofthewateroftheriver，andthenlaydownagaintosleep。

Thustheydidseveraldaysandnights。Now，couldyouhavebelieveditthattwosuchmenasourpilgrimswerecouldbeintheenjoymentofallthatthefirsthalfoftheweek，andthenbytheirowndoingshouldbeinGiantDespair’sdeepestdungeonbeforetheendofthesameweek？Andyetsoitwas。Andallthatiswrittenforthesolemnwarningofthosewhoareatanytimeingreatenlargementandrefreshmentandjoyintheirspirituallife。Itisintendedforallthosewhoareatanytimerevellinginaseasonofrevival:those，forexample，whoarejustcomehomefromKeswickorDunblane，aswellasforallthosewhoathomehavejustmadethediscoveryofsomegreatmasterofthespirituallife，andwhoarealmostbesidethemselveswiththeirdelightintheirdivineauthor。Iftheyarenewbeginnerstheywillnottakethiswarningwell，norwillevenalloldpilgrimslayitarighttoheart；butthereitisasplainastheplainest，simplest，andmostpracticalwriterinourlanguagecouldputit。

BeholdyehowthesecrystalstreamsdoglideTocomfortpilgrimsbythehighwayside；

Themeadowsgreen，besidestheirfragrantsmell，Yielddaintiesforthem:AndhethatcantellWhatpleasantfruits，yealeaves，thesetreesdoyield，Willsoonsellallthathemaybuythisfield。

Thusthetwopilgrimssang:only，addsourauthorinaparenthesis，theywerenot，asyet，attheirjourney’send。

2。’Now，Ibeheldinmydreamthattheyhadnotjourneyedfarwhentheriverandthewayforatimeparted。Atwhichthetwopilgrimswerenotalittlesorry。’Thetwopilgrimscouldnotperhapsbeexpectedtobreakforthintodancingandsingingatthepartingoftheriverandtheway，eventhoughtheyhadrecollectedatthatmomentwhatthebrotheroftheLordsaysaboutourcountingitalljoywhenwefallintodiverstemptations。Butitwouldnothavebeentoomuchtoexpectfromsuchexperiencedpilgrimsastheybythistimewere，thattheyshouldhavesuspectedandcheckedandcommandedtheirsorrow。Theyshouldhavesaidsomethinglikethistooneanother:Well，itwouldhavebeenverypleasanthaditbeenourKing’swillandwaywithusthatweshouldhavefinishedtherestofourpilgrimageamongtheapplesandtheliliesandonthesoftandfragrantbankoftheriver；butwebelievethatitmustinsomeasyethiddenwaybebetterforusthattheriverandourroadshouldpartfromoneanotheratleastforaseason。Come，brother，andletusgoontillwefindoutourMaster’sdeepandlovingmind。But，insteadofsayingthat，ChristianandHopefulsoonbecamelikethechildrenofIsraelastheyjourneyedfromMountHor，theirsoulwasmuchdiscouragedbecauseoftheway。Andalwaysastheywentontheywishedforasofterandabetterway。

Anditwassothattheyverysooncametotheverythingtheysomuchwishedfor。For，whatisthatonthelefthandofthehardroadbutastile，andoverthestileameadowassofttothefeetasthemeadowofliliesitself？’’Tisjustaccordingtomywish，’

saidChristian；’hereistheeasiestgoing。Come，goodHopeful，andletusgoover。’Hopeful:’Buthowifthepathshouldleadusoutoftheway？’’That’snotlike，’saidtheother；’look，dothitnotgoalongbythewayside？’SoHopeful，beingpersuadedbyhisfellow，wentafterhimoverthestile。

Calltomind，allyouwhoaredeliveredandrestoredpilgrims，thatsamestilethatonceseducedyou。Tokeepthatstileeverbeforeyouisatonceasafeandaseemlyoccupationofmindforanyonewhohasmadeyourmistakesandcomethroughyourchastisements。

Christian’seyesallhisafter-daysfilledwithtears，andheturnedawayhisfaceandblushedscarlet，asoftenashesuddenlycameuponanyopeninginawallatalllikethatopeningheherepersuadedHopefultoclimbthrough。Itistoomuchtoexpectthatthosewhoarejustmountingthestile，andhavejustcaughtsightofthesmoothpathbeyondit，willletthemselvesbepulledbackintothehardandnarrowwaybyanypersuasionofours。ChristianputdownHopeful’sobjectiontillHopefulbrokeoutbitterlywhenthethunderwasroaringoverhisheadandhewaswadingaboutamongthedarkwaters:’OhthatIhadkeptmyselfinmyway！’Areyoualittlesorryto-nightthattheriverandthewayarepartinginyourlife？Isyoursouldiscouragedinyoubecauseofthesorenessoftheway？Andasyougodoyoustillwishforsomebetterwaythanthestraitway？Andhaveyoujustespiedastileonthelefthandofyournarrowandflintypath，andonlookingoveritisthereapleasantmeadow？Anddoesyourcompanionpointouttoyoursatisfaction，and，almosttoyourgoodconscience，thatthesoftroadrunsrightalongthehardroad，onlyoverthestileandoutsidethefence？Then，good-bye。Foritisalloverwithyou。

Weshallmeetyouagain，pleaseGod；butwhenwemeetyouagain，yourmindandmemorywillbefullofshameandremorseandsufferingenoughtokeepyouinsongsofrepentanceforalltherestofyourlifeonearth。Farewell！

ThePilgrimsnow，togratifytheflesh，Willseekitsease；butoh！howtheyafreshDotherebyplungethemselvesnewgrievesinto:

Whoseektopleasethefleshthemselvesundo。

3。Thetwotransgressorshadnotgonefarontheirownwaywhennightcameonandwiththenightaverygreatdarkness。Butwhatsoonaddedtothehorroroftheirconditionwasthattheyheardamanfallintoadeeppitrightbeforethem，anditsoundedtothemasifhewasdashedtopiecesbyhisfall。Sotheycalledtoknowthematter，buttherewasnonetoanswer，onlytheyheardagroaning。ThensaidHopeful:Wherearewenow？Thenwashisfellowsilent，asmistrustingthathehadledHopefuloutoftheway。Now，allthatalsoistruetotheverylife，andhasbeentakendownbyBunyanfromtheverylife。Wehaveallheardmenfallingandheardthemgroaningjustalittlebeforeusafterwehadleftthestraitroad。Theyhadjustgonealittlefartherwrongthanwehadasyetgone，——justaverylittlefarther；insomecases，indeed，notsofar，whentheyfellandweredashedtopieceswiththeirfall。Itwaswellforusatthatdreadfulmomentthatweheardthesamevoicesayingtousforourencouragementassaidtothetwotremblingtransgressors:’Letthineheartbetowardthehighway，eventhewaythatthouwentest；turnagain。’Now，whatisitinwhichyouareatthismomentgoingofftherightroad？Whatisthatlifeofdisobedienceorself-indulgencethatyouarejustenteringon？Keepyourearsopenandyouwillhearhundredsofmenandwomenfallingandbeingdashedtopiecesbeforeyouandallaroundyou。Areyoufallingoflatetoomuchunderthepowerofyourbodilyappetites？Itisnotoneman，nortwo，wellknowntoyou，whohavefallennevertoriseagainoutofthathorriblepit。

Areyouwellenoughawarethatyouarebeingledintobadcompany？

Or，isyourcompanion，whoisnotabadmaninanythingelse，leadingyou，inthisandinthat，intowhatatanyrateisbadforyou？Youwillsoon，unlessyoucutoffyourcompanionlikearighthand，befoundsayingwithmisguidedandoverruledHopeful:OhthatIhadkeptmetomyrightway！Andsooninallmannerofsinandtrespass。Thosewhohaveearstohearsuchthingsheareverydayonemanafteranotherfallingthroughlustorprideormaliceoridlenessorinfidelity，tillthereisnonetoanswer。

4。’Allhopeabandon’wasthewritingthatDantereadoverthedoorofhell。AndthetwoprisonersallbutabandonedallhopewhentheyfoundthemselvesinGiantDespair’sdungeon。Only，Christian，theelderman，hadthemostdistressbecausetheirbeingwheretheynowwerelaymostlyathisdoor。AllthispartofthehistoryalsoiswritteninBunyan’sveryheart’sblood。’Ifoundithardwork，’hetellsusofhimself，’topraytoGodbecausedespairwasswallowingmeup。IthoughtIwasaswithatempestdrivenawayfromGod。AboutthistimeIdidlightonthatdreadfulstoryofthatmiserablemortal，FrancisSpira，abookthatwastomytroubledspiritassaltwhenrubbedintoafreshwound；everygroanofthatmanwithalltherestofhisactionsinhisdolours，ashistears，hisprayers，hisgnashingofteeth，hiswringingofhands，wasasknivesanddaggersinmysoul，especiallythatsentenceofhiswasfrightfultome:”Manknowsthebeginningofsin，butwhoboundstheissuesthereof？”’WeneverreadanythinglikeSpira’sexperienceandGraceAboundingandGiantDespair’sdungeoninthebooksofourday。Andwhynot，doyouthink？Istherelesssinamongusmodernmen，ordidsuchwritersasJohnBunyanoverdrawandexaggeratethesinfulnessofsin？Weretheywronginholdingsofastastheydidholdthatdeathandhellarethesurewagesofsin？Hasdivinejusticebecomelessfearfulthanitusedtobetothosewhorushagainstit，orisitthatwearesomuchbettermen？Isourfaithstrongerandmorevictoriousoverdoubtandfear？Isitthatourhopeisbetteranchored？Whateverthereasonis，therecanbenoquestionbutthatwewalkinalibertythatourfathersdidnotalwayswalkin。Whetherornoourlibertyisnotrecklessnessandlicentiousnessisanothermatter。

Whetherornoitwouldbeabettersignofusifwewerebetteracquaintedwithdoubtanddejectionanddiffidence，andevendespair，isaquestionitwouldonlydousgoodtoputtoourselves。Whenweproperlyattendtothesemattersweshallfindoutthat，theholieramanis，themoreliableheistotheassaultsofdoubtandfearandevendespair。Wehavewholepsalmsofdespair，sodeepwasDavid’ssenseofsin，sohighwerehisviewsofGod’sholinessandjustice，andsofullofdiffidencewashiswoundedheart。AndDavid’sSon，whenoursinwaslaiduponHim，feltthecurseandthehorrorofHisstatesomuchthatHissweatwasindropsofblood，andHiscryinthedarknesswasthatHisGodhadforsakenHim。Andwhenourspiritsarewoundedwithoursins，asthespiritsofallGod’sgreatsaintshavealwaysbeenwounded，wetooshallfeelourselvesmoreathomewithDavidandwithAsaph，withSpiraeven，andwithBunyan。Despairisnotgood，butitisinfinitelybetterthanindifference。’Itisacommonsaying，’saysSouth，’andanobservationindivinity，thatwheredespairhasslainitsthousands，presumptionhasslainitstenthousands。Theagoniesoftheformerareindeedmoreterrible，butthesecuritiesofthelatterarefarmorefatal。’

5。’Iwill，’saysPaultoTimothy，’thatmenprayeverywhere，liftingupholyhandswithoutdoubting。’And，justasPaulwouldhaveit，ChristianandHopefulbegantoliftuptheirhandseveninthedungeonofDoubtingCastle。’Well，’weread，’onSaturdaynightaboutmidnighttheybegantopray，andcontinuedinprayertillalmostbreakofday。Now，beforeitwasday，goodChristian，asonehalfamazed，brokeoutinthispassionatespeech:”Whatafool，”quothhe，”amIthustolieinastinkingdungeonwhenImayaswellwalkatliberty；Ihaveakeyinmybosom，calledPromise，thatwill，Iampersuaded，openanylockinallDoubtingCastle。”

ThensaidHopeful:”That’sgoodnews，goodbrother；pluckitoutofthybosomandtry。”’ThenChristianpulledthekeyoutofhisbosomandtheboltgaveback，andChristianandHopefulbothcameout，andyoumaybesuretheyweresoonoutofthegiant’sjurisdiction。

Now，IdonotknowthatIcandobetteratthispoint，andinclosing，thanjusttotellyouaboutsomeofthatbunchofkeysthatJohnBunyanfoundfromtimetotimeinhisownbosom，andwhichmadeallhisprisondoorsoneafteranotherflyopenattheirtouch。’Aboutteno’clockoneday，asIwaswalkingunderahedge，fullofsorrowandguilt，Godknows，andbemoaningmyselfformyhardhap，suddenlythissentenceboltedinuponme:ThebloodofChristremitsallguilt。Again，whenIwasfleeingfromthefaceofGod，forIdidfleefromHisface，thatis，mymindandspiritfledbeforeHim；forbyreasonofHishighnessIcouldnotendure；

thenwouldthetextcry:ReturnuntoMe；itwouldcrywithaverygreatvoice:Returnuntome，forIhaveredeemedthee。AndthiswouldmakemelookovermyshoulderbehindmetoseeifIcoulddiscernthatthisGodofgracedidfollowmewithapardoninHishand。Again，thenextday，atevening，beingundermanyfears，I

wenttoseektheLord，andasIprayed，Icried，withstrongcries:

OLord，IbeseechThee，showmethatThouhastlovedmewithaneverlastinglove。Ihadnosoonersaiditbut，withsweetness，thisreturneduponmeasanechoorsounding-again，Ihavelovedtheewithaneverlastinglove。Now，Iwenttobedatquiet；also，whenIawakedthenextmorningitwasfreshuponmysoulandI

believedit……Again，asIwasthenbeforetheLord，thatScripturefastenedonmyheart:Oman，greatisthyfaith，evenasifonehadclappedmeonthebackasIwasonmykneesbeforeGod……AtanothertimeIrememberIwasagainmuchunderthisquestion:WhetherthebloodofChristwassufficienttosavemysoul？InwhichdoubtIcontinuedfrommorningtillaboutsevenoreightatnight，andatlast，whenIwas，asitwere，quitewornoutwithfear，thesewordsdidsoundsuddenlywithinmyheart:Heisable。MethoughtthiswordABLEwasspokesolouduntomeandgavesuchajustletomyfearanddoubtasIneverhadallmylifeeitherbeforethatorafter……Again，onemorning，whenIwasatprayerandtremblingunderfear，thatpieceofasentencedashedinuponme:Mygraceissufficient。Atthis，methought:Oh，howgoodathingitisforGodtosendHisword！……Again，onedayasIwasinameetingofGod’speople，fullofsadnessandterror，formyfearswereagainstronguponme，andasIwasthinkingthatmysoulwasneverthebetter，thesewordsdidwithgreatpowersuddenlybreakinuponme:Mygraceissufficientforthee，Mygraceissufficientforthee，threetimestogether；and，oh！

methoughtthateverywordwasamightyworduntome；asMY，andGRACE，andSUFFICIENT，andFORTHEE。Thesewordswerethen，andsometimesstillare，farbiggerwordsthanothersare。Again，onedayasIwaspassinginthefield，andthat，too，withsomedashesinmyconscience，suddenlythissentencefelluponmysoul:Thyrighteousnessisinheaven。AndmethoughtwithalIsaw，withtheeyesofmysoul，JesusChristatGod’srighthand。Isawalso，moreover，thatitwasnotmygoodframeofheartthatmademyrighteousnessbetter，normybadframethatmademyrighteousnessworse，formyrighteousnesswasJesusChristHimself，thesameyesterday，to-day，andforever……Again，oh，whatdidIseeinthatblessedsixthofJohn:HimthatcomethtoMeIwillinnowisecastout。Ishouldinthosedaysoftenflouncetowardthatpromiseashorsesdotowardsoundgroundthatyetstickinthemire。Oh！

manyapullhathmyhearthadwithSatanforthisblessedsixthofJohn……And，again，asIwasthusinamuse，thatScripturealsocamewithgreatpoweruponmyspirit:Notbyworksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone，butaccordingtoHismercyHesavedus。NowwasIgotonhigh:IsawmyselfwithinthearmsofGraceandMercy，andthoughIwasbeforeafraidtothinkofadyinghour，yetnowIcried:Letmedie。Nowdeathwaslovelyandbeautifulinmysight；forIsawthatweshallneverliveindeedtillwebegonetotheotherworld。HeirsofGod，methought，heirsofGod！GodhimselfistheportionofHissaints。Thisdidsweetlyrevivemyspirit，andhelpmetohopeinGod；whichwhenI

hadwithcomfortmusedonawhile，thatwordfellwithgreatweightuponmymind:OhDeath，whereisthysting？OhGrave，whereisthyvictory？AtthisIbecamebothwellinbodyandmindatonce，formysicknessdidpresentlyvanish，andIwalkedcomfortablyinmyworkforGodagain。’

SuchweresomeofthemanykeysbytheuseofwhichGodletJohnBunyansooftenoutofdespairintofullassuranceandoutofdarknessintolight。Whichofthepromiseshavebeenofsuchhelptoyou？OverwhatScriptureshaveyouevercriedout:Oh，howgoodathingitisforGodtosendmeHisword！WhicharethebiggestwordsinalltheBibletoyou？Towhatpromisedidyoueverflounceasahorseflounceswhenheisstickinginthemire？

AndhasanywordofGodsomadeGodyourGodthatevendeathitself，sinceitaloneseparatesyoufromHispresence，islovelyandbeautifulinyoureyes？Haveyouaclusterofsuchkeysinyourbosom？Ifyouhave，takethemalloutto-nightandgooverthemagainwiththanksgivingbeforeyousleep。

KNOWLEDGE

’IwillgiveyoupastorsafterMineownheart，whichshallfeedyouwithknowledgeandunderstanding。’

TheDelectableMountainsriseoutoftheheartofImmanuel’sLand。

Thisfinerangeoffar-rollinghillsfallsawayontheonesidetowardtheplainofDestruction，andontheothersidetowardthelandofBeulahandtheCelestialCity，andthewaytotheCelestialCityrunslikeabee-lineoverthesewell-wateredpastures。

StandingonacleardayonthehighestpeakoftheDelectableMountains，ifyouhavegoodeyesyoucanseethehillDifficultyinthefar-backdistancewithaperpetualmistclingingtoitsbaseandclimbingupitssides，whichmisttheshepherdssaytoyourisesalltheyearroundofftheSloughofDespond，while，beyondthatagaintheheavysmokeofthecityofDestructionandthetownofStupidityshutsinthewholehorizon。Andthen，whenyouturnyourbackonallthat，infavourablestatesoftheweatheryoucanseehereandtheretheshimmerofthatriveroverwhichthereisnobridge；and，thenagain，sohighabovetheriverthatitseemstobeacitystandinginheavenratherthanupontheearth，youwillseethehightowersandshiningpalaceroofsandbroadbattlementsoftheNewJerusalemitself。ThetwotravellersshouldhavespentthepastthreedaysamongthesightsoftheDelectableMountains；

andtheywouldhavedonesohadnottheeldertravellermisledtheyounger。Butnowthattheyweresetfreeandfairlyontherightroadagain，thewaytheyhadspentthepastthreedaysandthreenightsmadethegardensandtheorchardsandthepasturesthatranroundthebottomandclimbedupthesidesoftheDelectableMountainsdelectablebeyondalldescriptiontothem。

Now，therewereonthetopsofthosemountainscertainshepherdsfeedingtheirflocks，andtheystoodbythehighwayside。Thetwotravellersthereforewentuptotheshepherds，andleaningupontheirstaves(asiscommonwithwearytravellerswhentheystandtotalkwithanybytheway)，theyasked:Whosedelectablemountainsarethese？andwhosebethesheepthatfeeduponthem？Thesemountains，repliedtheshepherds，areImmanuel’sLand，andtheyarewithinsightofthecity；thesheepalsoareHis，andHelaiddownHislifeforthem。Aftersomemoretalklikethisbythewayside，theshepherds，beingpleasedwiththepilgrims，lookedverylovinglyuponthemandsaid:WelcometotheDelectableMountains。

Theshepherdsthen，whosenameswereKnowledge，Experience，Watchful，andSincere，tookthembythehandtoleadthemtotheirtents，andmadethempartakeofwhatwasreadyatpresent。Theysaid，moreover:Wewouldthatyoushouldstaywithusawhiletobeacquaintedwithus，andyetmoretosolaceyourselveswiththecheeroftheseDelectableMountains。Thenthetravellerstoldthemtheywerecontenttostay；andsotheywenttorestthatnightbecauseitwasnowverylate。Thefourshepherdslivedallsummer-

timeinalodgeoftentswellupamongtheirsheep，whiletheirwivesandfamilieshadtheirhomesalltheyearroundinthelandofBeulah。Thefourmenformedahappyfraternity，andtheyworkedamongandwatchedovertheirMaster’ssheepwithoneunitedmind。

Whatoneofthoseshepherdscouldnotsowelldointhetentorinthefoldoroutonthehillside，someoftheothersbetterdid。

Andwhatoneofthemcoulddotoanyperfectionalltheothersbyoneconsentleftthattohimtodo。Youwouldhavethoughtthattheyweremadebyaperfectmiracletofitintooneanother，soharmoniouslydidtheyliveandworktogether，andsuchwasthebondofbrotherlylovethatheldthemtogether。Atthesametime，therewasoneofthehappyquaternitywho，fromhisyearsonthehills，andhisservicesintimesoftrialanddanger，andonethingandanother，fellalways，andwiththefinesthumilitytoo，intotheforemostplace，andhisname，asyouhavealreadyheard，wasKnowledge。OldMr。Know-allthechildreninthevillagesbelowranafterhimandnamedhimastheyclusteredroundhisstaffandhidinthegreatfoldsofhisshepherd’scoat。

Now，inallthisJohnBunyanspeaksasachildtochildren；but，ofsuchchildrenasJohnBunyanandhisreadersisthekingdomofheaven。Myveryyoungesthearerhereto-nightknowsquitewell，or，atanyrate，shrewdlysuspects，thatKnowledgewasnotashepherdgoingaboutwithhisstaffamongwoollysheep；norwouldthesimplest-mindedreaderofJohnBunyan’sbookgotoseektheDelectableMountainsandImmanuel’sLandinanygeographer’satlas，oronanyschoolroommap。Oh，no。IdonotneedtostoptotellthemostguilelessofmyhearersthatoldKnowledgewasnotashepherdwhosesheepwerefour-footedcreatures，butaministerofthegospel，whosesheeparemen，women，andchildren。NoraretheDelectableMountainsanyrangeofhillsandvalleysofgrassandherbsinEnglandorScotland。TheprophetEzekielcallsthemthemountainsofIsrael；butbythatyouallknowthathehadinhismindsomethingfarbetterthananyearthlymountain。ThatprophetofIsraelhadinhismindthechurchofGodwithitssynagoguesanditssacraments，withallthegraceandtruththatallthesethingsconveyedfromGodtothechildrenofIsrael。AsDavidalsosanginthetwenty-thirdPsalm:’TheLordismyShepherd，Ishallnotwant。Hemakethmetoliedowningreenpastures；Heleadethmebesidethestillwaters。’

Knowledge，then，isaminister；buteverycongregationhasnotsuchaministersetoveritasKnowledgeis。Allourcollege-bredandordainedmenarenotministerslikeKnowledge。Thisexcellentministertakeshisexcellentnamefromhisgreattalentsandhisgreatattainments。AndwhileallhisgreattalentsarehisMaster’sgifttohim，hisgreatattainmentsareallhisowntolayoutinhisMaster’sservice。Tobeginwith，hisMasterhadgivenHishighly-favouredservantagoodunderstandingandagoodmemory，andmanygoodandsuitableopportunities。Now，agoodunderstandingisagrandendowmentforaminister，andhisministerialofficewillallhisdaysaffordhimopportunityforthebestunderstandinghecanbringtoit。TheChristianministry，firstandlast，hashadanoblerollofmenofastrongunderstanding。Theauthorofthebooknowopenbeforeuswasamanofastrongunderstanding。JohnBunyanhadafineimagination，withgreatgiftsofeloquent，tender，andmostheart-winningutterance，butinhiscasealsoallthatwasbottomedinastrongEnglishunderstanding。Then，again，agoodmemoryisindispensabletoaministerofknowledge。Youmustbecontenttotakeasecond，athird，orevenalowerplacestillifyourMasterhaswithheldfromyouagoodmemory。Dr。GoodwinhasapassageonthispointthatIhaveoftenturnedupwhenIhadagainforgottenit。’Thoumayesthaveaweakmemory，perhaps，yetifitcananddothremembergoodthingsaswellandbetterthanotherthings，thenitisasanctifiedmemory，andthedefilementofthymemoryishealedthoughtheimperfectionofitisnot；and，thoughthouarttobehumbledforitasamisery，yetthouartnottobediscouraged；forGoddothnothatetheeforit，butpitiesthee；andthelikeholdsgoodandmaybesaidastothewantofotherlikegifts。’Youcannotbeamanofacommandingknowledgeanywhere，andyoumustbecontenttotakeaverysubordinateandsecondplace，evenintheministry，unlessyouhavebothagoodunderstandingandagoodmemory；butthen，atthelastdayyourMasterwillnotcallyouandyourcongregationtoanaccountforwhatHehasnotcommittedtoyourstewardship。Andonthatdaythatwillbesomething。Butnotonlymustministersofknowledgehaveagoodmindandagoodmemory；theymustalsobethemostindustriousofmen。Othermenmaysquanderandkilltheirtimeastheyplease，butaministerhadasgoodkillhimselfatonceoutofthewayofbettermenunlessheistohoardhishourslikegoldandjewels。Hemustreadonlythebestbooks，andhemustreadthemwiththe’painofattention。’Hemustreadnothingthatisnotthebest。Hehasnotthetime。Andifheispoorandremoteandhasnotmanybooks，hewillhaveButler，andlethimreadButler’sPrefacetohisSermonstillhehasitbyheart。Thebestbooksarealwaysfew，andtheymustbereadoverandoveragainwhenothermenarereadingthe’greatnumberofbooksandpapersofamusementthatcomedailyintheirway，andwhichmostperfectlyfallinwiththeiridlewayofreadingandconsideringthings。’And，then，suchaministermuststoreupwhathereads，ifnotinagoodmemory，theninsomeotherpigeon-holethathehasmadeforhimselfoutsideofhimself，sincehisMasterhasnotseenfittofurnishhimwithsucharepositorywithinhimself。And，then，afterallthat，——foragoodministerisnotmadeyet，——understandingandmemoryandindustrymustallbesanctifiedbysecretprayermanytimeseveryday，andthenlaidouteverydayintheinstruction，impression，andcomfortofhispeople。And，then，thatprivilegedpeoplewillbeashappyinpossessingthatmanfortheirministerasthesheepofImmanuel’sLandwereinhavingKnowledgesetoverthemfortheirshepherd。

Theywillneverlookupwithoutbeingfed。TheywilleverySabbath-daybeledbygreenpasturesandstillwaters。AndwhentheysingofthemerciesoftheLordtothemandtotheirchildren，andforgetnotallHisbenefits，amongthebestoftheirbenefitstheywillnotforgettoholdupandblesstheirminister。

But，then，thereis，nowadays，somuchsoundknowledgetobegained，nottospeakofsomanybooksandpapersofmerepastimeandamusement，thatitmaywellbeaskedbyayoungmanwhoistobeaministerwhetherheisindeedcalledtobelikethatgreatstudentwhotookallknowledgeforhisprovince。Yes，indeed，heis。For，iftheministerandinterpreterofnatureistolayallpossibleknowledgeundercontribution，whatmustnottheministerofJesusChristandtheinterpreterofScriptureandprovidenceandexperienceandthehumanheartbeabletomakethesanctifieduseof？Yes，allkindsandalldegreesofknowledge，tobecalledknowledge，belongbyrightandobligationtohisofficewhoistheministerandinterpreterofHimWhomadeallthings，WhoistheHeirofallthings，andbyWhomallthingsconsist。Atthesametime，sincethehumanmindhasitslimits，andsincehumanlifehasitslimits，aministerofallmenmustmakeuphismindtolimithimselftothebestknowledge；theknowledge，thatis，thatchieflyconcernshim，——theknowledgeofGodsofarasGodhasmadeHimselfknown，andtheknowledgeofChrist。HemustbeastudentofhisBiblenightanddayandallhisdays。IfhehasnotthestrengthofunderstandingandmemorytoreadhisBibleeasilyintheoriginalHebrewandGreek，lethimallthemoremakeupforthatbyreadingittheoftenerandthedeeperinEnglish。LethimnotonlyreadhisBibledeeplyforhissermonsandprayers，lecturesandaddresses，lethimdothatalldayeverydayoftheweek，andthenreaditallnight，andeverynightoftheweek，forhisownsoul。

LeteveryministerknowhisBibledowntothebottom，andwithhisBiblehisownheart。HewhosoknowshisBibleandwithithisownhearthasalmostbooksenough。Allelseisbutostentatiousapparatus。Whenaministerhasneitherunderstandingnormemorywherewithtofeedhisflock，lethimlookdeepenoughintohisBibleandintohisownheart，andthenbeginoutofthemtowriteandspeak。And，then，fortheoutsideknowledgeofthepassingdayhewillreadthenewspapers，andthoughhegivesupallthemorningtothenewspapers，andreturnstothemagainintheevening，hisconsciencewillnotupbraidhimifhereadsasJonathanEdwardsreadthenewslettersofhisday，——toseehowthekingdomofheavenisprosperingintheearth，andtoprayforitsprosperity。And，then，bythattime，andwhenhehasgotthatlength，allotherkindsofknowledgewillhavefallenintoitsownplace，andwillhavetakenitsownproperproportionofhistimeandhisthought。

Hewasamanofagreatunderstandingandagreatmemoryandgreatindustrywhosaidthathehadtakenallknowledgeforhisprovince。

Buthewasafarwisermanwhosaidthatknowledgeisnotourproperhappiness。Ourprovince，hewentontosay，isvirtueandreligion，lifeandmanners:thescienceofimprovingthetemperandmakingtheheartbetter。Thisisthefieldassignedustocultivate:howmuchithaslainneglectedisindeedastonishing。

Now，mybrethren，twodangers，twosimplyterribledangers，arisetoeveryoneofyououtofallthismatterofyourministersandtheirknowledge。1。Thefirstdangeris，——tobefrankwithyouonthissubject，——thatyouareyourselvessoignorantonallthemattersthataministerhastodowith，thatyoudonotknowoneministerfromanother，agoodministerfromonewhoisreallynoministeratall。Now，Iwillputittoyou，onwhatprincipleandforwhatreasondidyouchooseyourpresentminister，if，indeed，youdidchoosehim？Wasitbecauseyouwereassuredbypeopleyoucouldtrustthathewasaministerofknowledgeandknewhisownbusiness？Orwasitthatwhenyouwenttoworshipwithhimforyourselfyouhavenotbeenableeversincetotearyourselfawayfromhim，norhasanyoneelsebeenabletotearyouaway，thoughsomehavetried？Whenyoufirstcametothecity，didyougive，canyouremember，somerealanxiety，risingsometimesintoprayer，astowhoyourministeramongsomanyministerswastobe？Ordidyouchoosehimandyourpresentseatinhischurchbecauseofsomerealorsupposedworldlyinterestofyoursyouthoughtyoucouldfurtherbytakingyourletterofintroductiontohim？Hadyouheardwhileyetathome，hadyourfatherandmothertalkedofsuchthingstoyou，thatrichmen，andmenofplaceandpower，politicalmenandmenhighinsociety，satinthatchurchandtooknoticeofwhoattendeditandwhodidnot？Doyou，downtothisday，knowonechurchfromanothersofarasspiritualandsoul-savingknowledgeisconcerned？Doyouknowthattwobigbuildings，calledchurches，maystandinthesamestreet，andhavemen，calledministers，carryingoncertainservicesinthemfromweektoweek，andyet，forallthepurposesforwhichChristcameanddiedandroseagainandgaveministerstoHischurch，thesetwochurchesandtheirministersarefartherasunderthanthetwopoles？DoyouunderstandwhatIamsaying？DoyouunderstandwhatIhavebeensayingallnight，orareyouoneofthoseofwhomtheprophetspeaksinblameandinpityasbeingdestroyedforlackofknowledge？Well，thatisyourfirstdanger，thatyouaresoignorant，andasaconsequence，socareless，asnottoknowoneministerfromanother。

2。Andyourseconddangerinconnectionwithyourministeris，thatyouhave，andmayhavelonghad，agoodminister，butthatyoustillremainyourselfabadman。Mybrethren，beyouallsureofit，thereisaspecialandafearfuldangerinhavingaspeciallygoodminister。Thinktwice，andmakeupyourmindwell，beforeyoucallaspeciallygoodminister，orbecomeacommunicant，orevenanadherentunderaspeciallygoodminister。Iftwobadmengodowntogethertothepit，andtheonehashadagoodminister，as，Godhavemercyonus，sometimeshappens，andtheotherhasonlyhadonewhohadthenameofaminister，theevangelisedreprobatewilllieinadeeperbedinhell，andwillspendamoreremorsefuleternityonitthanwilltheother。Nomanamongyou，ministerornominister，goodministerorbad，willbeabletosinwithimpunity。

Buthewhosinsonandonaftergoodpreachingwillbebeatenwithmanystripes。’Woeuntothee，Chorazin！Woeuntothee，Bethsaida！

ForifthemightyworkswhichweredoneinyouhadbeendoneinTyreandSidon，theywouldhaverepentedlongagoinsackclothandashes。ButIsayuntoyou，itshallbemoretolerableforTyreandSidonatthedayofjudgmentthanforyou。’’Thouthathastknowledge，’saysapowerfuloldpreacher，’canstnotsinsocheapasanotherthatisignorant。Placesofmuchknowledge’——hewaspreachingintheuniversitypulpitofOxford——’andplentifulinthemeansofgracearedearplacesforamantosinin。Tobedrunkenoruncleanafterapowerfulsermon，andaftertheHolyGhosthasenlightenedthee，ismorethantohavesosinnedtwentytimesbefore。Thoumightesthavesinnedtentimesmoreandbeendamnedless。FordoesnotJesusChristtheJudgesaytothee，Thisisthycondemnation，thatsomuchlighthascometothee？’And，takingthethenwayofexecutionasasufficientlyawfulillustration，theoldOxfordPuritangoesontosaythattosinagainstlightisthehigheststepoftheladderbeforeturningoff。And，again，thatiftherearewormsinhellthatdienot，itissurelygospellightthatbreedsthem。

EXPERIENCE

’Myhearthadgreatexperience。’——ThePreacher。

’IwillgivethempastorsafterMineownheart。’

Experience，theexcellentshepherdoftheDelectableMountains，hadabrotherinthearmy，andhewasanequallyexcellentsoldier。

Thetwobrothers——theyweretwin-brothers——hadbeenbroughtuptogethertilltheyweregrown-upmeninthesametownofMansoul。

AlltheExperiencefamily，indeed，hadfromtimeimmemorialhailedfromthatpopulousandimportanttown，andtheirfamilytreeranawaybackbeyondtheoldestextanthistory。Thetwobrothers，whileinallotherthingsaslikeastwotwin-brotherscouldbe，atthesametimeveryearlyinlifebegantoexhibitverydifferenttalentsandtastesanddispositions；till，whenwemeetwiththemintheirfullmanhood，theoneisasoldierinthearmyandtheotherashepherdontheDelectableMountains。Thesoldier-brotheristhusdescribedinoneofthemilitaryhistoriesofhisday:’A

manofconductandofvalour，andapersonprudentinmatters。A

comelyperson，moreover，well-spokeninnegotiations，andverysuccessfulinundertakings。HiscolourswerethewhitecoloursofMansoulandhisscutcheonwasthedeadlionandthedeadbear。’