“He looked like a gentleman, and talked much to me, and got me at last to believe his words.  So I came hither, but when I beheld this hill and how it hangs over the way, I suddenly stood still lest it should fall on my head.”

“What said that gentleman to you?”

“Why, he asked me whither I was going, and if I had a wife and children, and he bid me make speed to get rid of my burden.  And I said, ‘I am going to yonder gate to be told how I may get rid of it.’

“So he said he would show me a better and a shorter way, and not so full of difficulties as the way that you directed me.  But when I came to this place, I stopped for fear of danger, and now I know not what to do!” So Christian stood trembling before Evangelist.

Then said Evangelist, “Give heed to the things I shall tell thee.  Mr. Worldly Wiseman sought to turn thee out of the way and to bring thee into danger.  In yonder village has no man ever yet got rid of his burden, nor is he ever likely to lose it there.  Therefore, Mr. Worldly Wiseman and his friend are deceivers, and cannot help thee.”

After this there came words and fire out of the mountain under which Christian stood.  Now Christian looked for nothing but death, and began to cry out, saying he would he had never met Mr. Worldly Wiseman or that he had never listened to him.  Then he turned to Evangelist and said, “Sir, what do you think?  Is there any hope?  May I now go back and go up to the Wicket-gate?  Or shall I be sent back from the gate ashamed?  I am sorry I have listened to this man’s counsel, but may my sins be forgiven?”

Evangelist said to him, “Thy sin is very great.  Thou hast left the good way and walked in forbidden paths.  Yet will the man at the gate receive thee, for he has good will for men.  Only,” said he, “take heed that thou turn not aside again.”

Then did Christian prepare to go back.  And Evangelist, after he had kissed him, gave him one smile, and bid him Godspeed.  So Christian went on with haste, neither spake he to any man by the way.  Even if any one spoke to him, he would not venture an answer.  He walked like one that was all the while treading on forbidden ground, and could by no means think himself safe, till again he had got into the way which he had left to follow Mr. Worldly Wiseman’s counsel.  So in process of time Christian got up to the gate.  Now over the gate there was written, “Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”  He knocked therefore more than once or twice.  At last there came a grave person to the gate, named Good-will.  He asked who was there, and whence he came, and what he desired.

“I am a sinner,” said Christian; “I come from the City of Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion.  I am told that by this gate is the way thither, and I would know if you are willing to let me in.”

“I am willing with all my heart,” said Good-will, and he opened the gate.  So when Christian was stepping in, the other gave him a pull.