nd
dying there, sooner or later you will sink lower than the grave, into a
place that burns with fire and brimstone: be content, good neighbors,
and go along with me."

What! said Obstinate, and leave our friends and comforts behind us?

Yes, said Christian, for that was his name, because that all which you
forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that I am seeking
to enjoy; and if you will go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare
as I myself; for there, where I go, is enough and to spare. Come away,
and prove my words.

_Obst._ What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to
find them?

_Chr._ I seek an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth
not away; and it is laid up in heaven, and safe there, to be bestowed at
the time appointed, on them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you
will, in my book.

Tush, said Obstinate, away with your book; will you go back with us or
no?

No, not I, said the other, because I have laid my hand to the plow.

_Obst._ Come then, neighbor Pliable, let us turn again, and go home
without him; there is a company of these crazy-headed coxcombs, that
when they take a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than
seven men that can render a reason.

_Pli._ Then said Pliable, Don't revile; if what the good Christian says
is true, the things he looks after are better than ours; my heart
inclines to go with my neighbor.

_Obst._ What! more fools still? Be ruled by me and go back; who knows
whither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and be
wise.

_Chr._ Come with me, neighbor Pliable; there are such things to be had
which I spoke of, and many more glories beside. If you believe not me,
read here in this book; and for the truth of what is expressed therein,
behold, all is confirmed by the blood of him that made it.

_Pli._ Well, neighbor Obstinate, said Pliable, I begin to come to a
point; I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot
with him: but, my good companion, do you know the way to this desired
place?

_Chr._ I am directed by a man, whose name is Evangelist, to speed me to
a little gate that is before us, where we shall receive instruction
about the way.

_Pli._ Come then, good neighbor, let us be going.

Then they went both together.

_Obst._ And I will go back to my place, said Obstinate. I will be no
companion of such misled, fantastical fellows.

Now I saw in my dream,