tender, by reason of
their travels; so the souls of the pilgrims were much discouraged
because of the way. [Num. 21:4] Wherefore, still as they went
on, they wished for better way. Now, a little before them, there
was on the left hand of the road a meadow, and a stile to go over
into it; and that meadow is called By-path Meadow. Then said
Christian to his fellow, If this meadow lieth along by our wayside,
let us go over into it. Then he went to the stile to see, and
behold, a path lay along by the way, on the other side of the fence.
It is according to my wish, said Christian. Here is the easiest
going; come, good Hopeful, and let us go over.

{278} HOPE. But how if this path should lead us out of the way?

CHR. That is not like, said the other. Look, doth it not go along
by the wayside? So Hopeful, being persuaded by his fellow, went
after him over the stile. When they were gone over, and were got
into the path, they found it very easy for their feet; and withal,
they, looking before them, espied a man walking as they did, (and
his name was Vain-confidence); so they called after him, and asked
him whither that way led. He said, To the Celestial Gate. Look,
said Christian, did not I tell you so? By this you may see we are
right. So they followed, and he went before them. But, behold,
the night came on, and it grew very dark; so that they that were
behind lost the sight of him that went before.

{279} He, therefore, that went before, (Vain-confidence by name),
not seeing the way before him, fell into a deep pit [Isa. 9:16],
which was on purpose there made, by the Prince of those grounds,
to catch vain-glorious fools withal, and was dashed in pieces with
his fall.

{280} Now Christian and his fellow heard him fall. So they called
to know the matter, but there was none to answer, only they heard
a groaning. Then said Hopeful, Where are we now? Then was his
fellow silent, as mistrusting that he had led him out of the way;
and now it began to rain, and thunder, and lighten in a very dreadful
manner; and the water rose amain.

Then Hopeful groaned in himself, saying, Oh, that I had kept on my
way!

{281} CHR. Who could have thought that this path should have led
us out of the way?

HOPE. I was afraid on it at the very first, and therefore gave you
that gentle caution. I would have spoken plainer, but that you
are older than I.

Christian's repentance for leading of his brother out of the way

C