Page:The Pilgrims Progress (1890).djvu/49

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THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
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in the eyes of others: I once was, as I thought, fair for the celestial city, and had then even joy at the thoughts that I should get thither.

Chr. Well, but what art thou now?

Man. I am now a man of despair, and am shut up in it, as in this iron cage. I cannot get out; oh, now I cannot!

Chr. But how earnest thou into this condition?

Man. I left off to watch and be sober; I gave way to all my desires; I sinned against the light of the world, and the goodness of God; I have grieved the Spirit, and he is gone; I tempted the Evil One, and he is come to me; I have provoked God to anger, and he has left me: I have so hardened my heart, that I cannot repent.

Inter. Then said the Interpreter to Christian, Let this man’s misery be remembered by thee, and be an everlasting caution to thee.

Chr. Well, said Christian, this is fearful! God help me to watch and to be sober, and to pray that I may shun the cause of this man’s misery. Sir, is it not time for me to go on my way now?

Inter. Tarry till I show thee one thing more, and then thou shalt go on thy way.

So he took Christian by the hand again and led him into a chamber where there was one rising out of bed; and as he put on his raiment, he shook and trembled. Then said Christian, Why doth this man thus tremble? The Interpreter then bid him tell to Christian the reason of his so doing.

So he began, and said, “This night, as I was in my sleep, I dreamed, and behold the heavens grew exceeding black; also it thundered and lightened in most fearful wise, that it put me into an agony. So I looked