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second half of part two, the sixth stage.Now the cook sent up to signify that supper was almost ready, and sent one to lay the cloth and the trenches, and to set the salt and bread in order.
Then said Matthew, The sight of this cloth, and of this forerunner of the supper, begetteth in me a greater appetite for my food than I had before. Gaius.
So let all ministering doctrines to thee in this life beget in thee a greater desire to sit at the supper of the great King in his kingdom.
For all preaching, books and ordinances here, abut as the laying of the trenches and the setting of salt upon the board, when compared with the feast which our Lord will make for us when we come to his house.
So supper came up, and first a heave shoulder and a rave breast were set on the table before them, to show that they must begin their meal with prayer and praise to God.
The heave shoulder David lifted up his heart to God with, and with the rave breast, where his heart lay, he used to lean upon his heart when he played. Leviticus 7, 32 to 34, 10, 14 and 15, Psalm 25, 1, Hebrews 13, 15.
These two dishes were very fresh and good, and they all ate heartily thereof. The next they brought up was a bottle of wine, as red as blood.Deuteronomy 32, 14.Judges 9, 13.John 15, 5.So Gaius said to them, drink freely.
This is the true juice of the vine that makes glad the heart of God and man.So they drank and were merry. The next was a dish of milk, well crumbed.Gaius said, let the boys have that, that they may grow thereby.1 Peter 2, 1 and 2.
Then they brought up in course a dish of butter and honey.Then said Gaius, eat freely of this, for this is good to cheer up and strengthen your judgments and understandings.This was our Lord's dish when he was a child.
Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and choose the good.Isaiah 7, 15.Then they brought them up a dish of apples, and they were very good-tasted fruit.
Then said Matthew, May we eat apples, since it was such by and with which the serpent beguiled our first mother? Then said Gaius, Apples were they with which we were beguiled, Yet sin, not apples, hath our souls defiled.
Apples forbid, if ate corrupt the blood, To eat such when commanded does us good.Drink of his flagons then, thou church, his dove, And eat his apples, who art sick of love.
Then said Matthew, I made the scruple because I a while since was sick with the eating of fruit.Gaius, forbidden fruit will make you sick, but not what our Lord has tolerated.
While they were thus talking, they were presented with another dish, and it was a dish of nuts.Song of Solomon, 611.Then said some at the table, Nuts spoil tender teeth, especially the teeth of children.
Which Rengeus heard, he said, Hard texts are nuts.I will not call them cheetahs. whose shells to keep the kernel from the eaters.Open the shells and you shall have the meat.They here are brought for you to crack and eat."
Then were they very merry and sat at the table a long time, talking of many things.Then said the old gentleman, "'My good landlord, while we are cracking your nuts, if you please, do you open this riddle?'
A man there was, though some did count him mad, The more he cast away, the more he had.Then they all gave good heed, wondering what good Gaius would say.
So he sat still a while, and then thus replied, He who bestows his goods upon the poor Shall have as much again, and ten times more. Then said Joseph, I dare say, sir, I did not think you could have found it out.
Oh, said Gaius, I have been trained up in this way a great while.Nothing teaches like experience.I have learned of my law to be kind, and have found by experience that I have gained thereby.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing.There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.Proverbs 11 24 13 7
Then Samuel whispered to Christiana, his mother, and said, Mother, this is a very good man's house.Let us stay here a good while, and let my brother Matthew be married here to Mercy before we go any further.
To which Gaius, the host overhearing, said, With a very good will, my child.So they stayed there more than a month, and Mercy was given to Matthew to wife.
While they stayed here, Mercy, as her custom was, would be making coats and garments to give to the poor, by which she brought a very good report upon the pilgrims.But to return again to our story.
After supper, the lads desired a bed, for they were weary with traveling.Then Gaius called to show them their chamber, but said, Mercy, I will have them to bed."So she had them to bed, and they slept well.
But the rest set up all night, for Gaius and they were such suitable company that they could not tell how to part.After much talk of their lord themselves and their journey, old Mr. Honest, he that put forth the riddle to Gaius, began to nod.
Then said Great Heart. What, sir, you begin to be drowsy?Come, rub up.Now here is a riddle for you."Then said Mr. Honest, "'Let us hear it.'Then replied Mr. Great Heart, "'He that would kill must first be overcome.
Who live abroad would first must die at home.'"'Ha!'said Mr. Honest."'It is a hard one, hard to expound and harder to practice. But come, landlord, said he, I will, if you please, leave my part to you.Do you expound it, and I will hear what you say.
No, said Gaius, it was put to you, and it is expected you should answer it.Then said the old gentleman, he first by grace must conquered be, that sin would mortify, who that he lives would convince me, and to himself must die.
It is right, said Gaius.Good doctrine and experience teach this.For, first, until grace displays itself and overcomes the soul with its glory, it is altogether without heart to oppose sin.
Besides, if sin is Satan's cords by which the soul lies bound, how should it make resistance before it is loosed from that infirmity?
Secondly, nor will anyone that knows either reason or grace believe that such a man can be a living monument of grace that is a slave to his own corruptions.And now it comes into my mind.I will tell you a story worth the hearing.
There were two men that went on pilgrimage.The one began when he was young, the other when he was old. The young man had strong corruptions to grapple with.The old man's were weak with the decays of nature.
The young man trod his steps as even as did the old one, and was every way as light as he.Who now, or which of them, had their graces shining clearest, since both seemed to be alike?
Mr. Honest, the young man's doubtless, for that which makes head against the greatest opposition, gives best demonstration that it is strongest, especially when it also holdeth pace with that which meets not with half so much, as to be sure old age does not.
Besides, I have observed that old men have blessed themselves with this mistake, namely, taking the decays of nature for a gracious conquest over corruptions, and so have been apt to beguile themselves.
Indeed, old men that are gracious are best able to give advice to them that are young, because they have seen most of the emptiness of things.
But yet, for an old and a young man to set out both together, the young one has the advantage of the fairest discovery of a work of grace within him, though the old man's corruptions are naturally the weakest.Thus they sat talking till break of day.
Now when the family were up, Christiana bid her son James that he should read a chapter.So he read 53rd of Isaiah.
When he had done, Mr. Honest asked why it was said that the Savior was to come out of a dry ground, and also that he had no form nor comeliness in him. Mr. Great Heart.
Then said Mr. Great Heart, to the first I answer, because the church of the Jews, of which Christ came, had then lost almost all the sap and spirit of religion.To the second I say,
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The words are spoken in the person of unbelievers, who because they want the eye that can see into our prince's heart, therefore they judge of him by the meanness of his outside.
Just like those who, not knowing that precious stones are covered over with a homely crust, when they have found one, because they know not what they have found, cast it away again, as men do a common stone.
Well, said Gaius, now you are here, and since, as I know, Mr. Great Heart is good at his weapons, if you please, after we have refreshed ourselves, we will walk into the fields to see if we can do any good.
About a mile from hence there is one slaygood, a giant, that doth much annoy the king's highway in these parts, and I know whereabout his haunt is. He is master of a number of thieves.It would be well if we could clear these parts of him."
So they consented and went.Mr. Great Heart with his sword, helmet, and shield, and the rest with spears and staffs.
When they came to the place where he was, they found him with one feeble mind in his hand, whom his servants had brought unto him, having taken him in the way.
Now the giant was rifling him, with a purpose after that to pick his bones, for he was of the nature of flesh eaters.Well, so soon as he saw Mr. Great Heart and his friends at the mouth of his cave, with their weapons, he demanded what they wanted.
Mr. Great Heart. We want thee, for we are come to revenge the quarrels of the many that thou hast slain of the pilgrims, when thou hast dragged them out of the king's highway, wherefore come out of thy cave."
So he armed himself and came out, and to battle they went, and fought for above an hour, and then stood still to take wind.Sleigud then said the giant, Why are you here on my ground?
Mr. Great Heart, to revenge the blood of pilgrims as I told thee before. So they went to it again, and the giant made Mr. Great Heart give back.
But he came up again, and in the greatness of his mind, he let fly with such stoutness at the giant's head and sides, that he made him let his weapon fall out of his hand.
So he smote him and slew him, and cut off his head, and brought it away to the inn.He also took Feeblemind the pilgrim, and brought him with him to his lodgings.
when they would come home they showed his head to the family and set it up as they had done others before for a terror to those that should attempt to do as he hereafter then they asked Mr. Feeblemind how he fell into his hands Mr. Feeblemind then said the poor man I am a sickly man as you see and because death did usually once a day knock at my door
I thought I should never be well at home.So I betook myself to a pilgrim's life, and have travelled hither from the town of Uncertain, where I and my father were born.
I am a man of no strength at all of body, nor yet of mind, but would if I could, though I can but crawl, spend my life in the pilgrim's way.When I came at the gate that is at the head of the way, the lord of that place did entertain me freely.
Neither objected he against my weakly looks, nor against my feeble mind, but gave me such things as were necessary for my journey, and bid me hope to the end.
When I came to the house of the interpreter, I received much kindness there, and because the hill of difficulty was judged too hard for me, I was carried up that by one of his servants.
Indeed, I have found much relief from pilgrims, the none were willing to go so softly as I am forced to do.
Yet still as they came on, they bid me be of good cheer, and said that it was the will of their Lord that comfort should be given to the feeble-minded.First Thessalonians 5.14.And so went on their own pace.
When I was come to a salt lane, then this giant met with me, and bid me prepare for an encounter. But, alas, feeble one that I was, I had more need of a cordial.So he came up and took me.I conceited he would not kill me.
Also, when he had got me into his den, since I went not with him willingly, I believed I should come out alive again.
For I have heard that not any pilgrim that is taken captive by violent hands, if he keeps heart whole towards his master, is, by the laws of providence, to die by the hand of the enemy.
Robbed I look to be, and robbed to be sure I am, but I have, as you see, escaped with life, for the which I thank my king as the author, and you as the means.
Other brunts I also look for, but this I have resolved on, to wit, to run when I can, to go when I cannot run, and to creep when I cannot go.
As to the main, I thank him that loved me, I am fixed, my way is before me, my mind is beyond the river that has no bridge, though I am, as you see, but of a feeble mind. Mr.Honest."
Then said old Mr. Honest, "'Have not you, some time ago, been acquainted with one Mr. Fearing, a pilgrim?'Mr. Feeblemind."'Acquainted with him!
Yes, he came from the town of Stupidity, which lieth four degrees to the northward of the City of Destruction, and is many off of where I was born.Yet we were well acquainted, for indeed he was my uncle, my father's brother.
He and I have been much of a temper.He was a little shorter than I, but yet we were much of a complexion.Mr. Honest, I perceive you knew him, and I am apt to believe also that you were related one to another.
For you have his whitely look, a cast like his with your eye, and your speech is much alike. Mr. Feeblemind.Most have said so that have known us both.And besides, what I have read in him, I have for the most part found in myself.
Gaius, come, sir, said good Gaius.Be of good cheer, for you're welcome to me and to my house.What thou hast a mind to, call for freely, and what thou wouldst have my servants do for thee, they will do it with a ready mind.
Then said Mr. Feeblemind, this is an unexpected favour, and as the sun shining out of a very dark cloud.Did giant Sleigurd intend me this favour when he stopped me, and resolved to let me go no further?
Did he intend that after he had rifled my pockets, I should go to Gaius, mine host?Yet so it is.
Now just as Mr. Feeblemind and Gaius were thus in talk, there came one running, and called at the door, and said, that about a mile and a half off, there was one Mr. Notwright, a pilgrim, struck dead upon the place where he was, with a thunderbolt.
Mr. Feeblemind.Alas, said Mr. Feeblemind, is he slain?He overtook me some days before I came so far as hither, and would be my company-keeper.He was also with me when Slaygrit the Giant took me, but he was nimble of his heels and escaped.
But it seems he escaped to die, and I was taken to live. What one would think doth seek to slay outright, Oft times delivers from the saddest plight.That very providence whose face is death Doth oft times to the lowly life bequeath.
I taken was, he did escape and flee, Hands crossed gave death to him and life to me. Now about this time, Matthew and Mercy were married.Also Gaius gave his daughter Phoebe to James, Matthew's brother, to wife.
After which time they yet stayed about 10 days at Gaius' house, spending their time and the seasons like as pilgrims used to do.When they were to depart, Gaius made them a feast and they did eat and drink and were merry.
now the hour was come that they must be gone wherefore Mr. Great Heart called for a reckoning but Gaius told him that at his house it was not the custom for pilgrims to pay for the entertainment he boarded them by the year but looked for his pay from the Good Samaritan who had promised him at his return whatsoever charge he was at with them faithfully to repay him Luke 10, 34 and 35 then said Mr. Great Heart to him
Mr. Great Heart.Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers, who have borne witness to thy charity before the church, whom if thou yet bring forward on their journey, after a godly sort, thou shalt do well.
Third John, five and six. Then Gaius took his leave of them all, and his children, and particularly of Mr. Feeblemind.He also gave him something to drink by the way.
Now Mr. Feeblemind, when they were going out of the door, made as if he intended to linger.The witch, when Mr. Greatheart aspired, he said, Come, Mr. Feeblemind, pray do you go along with us.I will be your conductor, and you shall fare as the rest.
Mr. Feeblemind.Alas, I want a suitable companion.You are all lusty and strong.
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But I, as you see, am weak.I choose, therefore, rather to come behind, lest by reason of my many infirmities I should be both a burden to myself and to you.
I am, as I said, a man of a weak and feeble mind, and shall be offended and made weak at that which others can bear.I shall like no laughing.I shall like no gay attire.I shall like no unprofitable questions.
Nay, I am so weak a man as to be offended with that which others have a liberty to do.I do not yet know all the truth.I am a very ignorant Christian man.Sometimes if I hear some rejoice in the Lord, it troubles me because I cannot do so too.
It is with me as it is with a weak man among the strong, or as with a sick man among the healthy, or as a lamp despised, so that I know not what to do.
He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease.Job 12.5 Mr. Great Heart But brother, said Mr. Great Heart, I have it in commission to comfort the feeble-minded and to support the weak.
You must needs go along with us.We will wait for you.We will lend you our help. We will deny ourselves of some things, both opinionative and practical, for your sake.We will not enter into doubtful disputations before you.
We will be made all things to you, rather than you shall be left behind.1 Thessalonians 5, 14 Romans 14 1 Corinthians 8, 9-13 9.22
Now all this while they were at Gaius's door, and behold, as they were thus in the heat of their discourse, Mr. Ready-to-Halt came by, with his crutches in his hand, and he also was going on pilgrimage.Mr. Feeblemind.
Then said Mr. Feeblemind to him, Man, how camest thou hither? I was but now complaining that I had not a suitable companion.But thou art according to my wish.Welcome, welcome, good Mr. Ready-to-Halt!I hope thou and I may be some help.
Mr. Ready-to-Halt!I shall be glad of thy company, said the other.And, good Mr. Feeblemind, rather than we will part, since we are thus happily met, I will lend thee one of my crutches. Mr. Feeblemind.
Nay, said he, though I thank thee for thy good will, I am not inclined to halt before I am lame.Howbeit, I think when occasion is, it may help me against a dog.Mr. Ready-to-Halt.
If either myself or my crutches can do thee a pleasure, we are both at thy command, good Mr. Feeblemind. Thus, therefore, they went on.Mr. Great Heart and Mr. Honest went before.Christiana and her children went next.
And Mr. Feeblemind came behind, and Mr. Ready-to-Halt with his crutches.Then said Mr. Honest, Mr. Honest, pray, sir, now we are upon the road.Tell us some profitable things of some that have gone on pilgrimage before us.
Mr. Great Heart, with a good will, I suppose you have heard how Christian of old did meet with Apollyon in the Valley of Humiliation, and also what hard work he had to go through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
Also, I think you cannot but have heard how faithful was put to it by Madam Wanton, with Adam the first, with one discontent and shame, for as deceitful villains as a man can meet with upon the road.
Mr. Honest, yes, I have heard of all this, but indeed good Faithful was hardest put to it with shame.He was an unwearied one. Mr. Great Heart, aye, for as the pilgrim well said, he of all men had the wrong name.
Mr. Honest, but pray sir, where was it that Christian and faithful met talkative?That same was also a notable one.Mr. Great Heart, he was a confident fool, yet many follow his ways.Mr. Honest, he had liked to have beguiled faithful,
Mr. Great Heart, I but Christian put him into a way quickly to find him out.Thus they went on till they came to the place where Evangelist met with Christian and Faithful, and prophesied to them what should befall them at Vanity Fair.
Then said their guide, Hereabouts did Christian and Faithful meet with Evangelist, who prophesied to them of what troubles they should meet with at Vanity Fair. Mr. Honest, say you so.I dare say it was a hard chapter that then he did read unto them.
Mr. Great Heart, it was so, but he gave them encouragement withal.But what do we talk of them?They were a couple of lion-like men.They had set their faces like a flint.Do not you remember how undaunted they were when they stood before the judge?
Mr. Honest, well faithful bravely suffered.Mr. Great Heart, so he did, and as brave things came on't, for Hopeful and some others, as the story relates, were converted by his death.
Mr. Honest, well, but pray go on, for you are well acquainted with things. Mr. Great Heart, above all that Christian met with after he had passed through Vanity Fair, one Bynes was the arch one.Mr. Honest, Bynes?What was he?
Mr. Great Heart, a very arch-fellow, a downright hypocrite, one that would be religious whichever way the world went, but so cunning that he would be sure never to lose or suffer for it.
He had his mode of religion for every fresh occasion, and his wife was as good at it as he.He would turn from opinion to opinion, yea, and plead for so doing, too. But, so far as I could learn, he came to an ill end with his buy-ins.
Nor did I ever hear that any of his children were ever of any esteem with any that truly feared God. Now by this time they were come within sight of the town of Vanity, where Vanity Fair is kept.
So when they saw that they were so near the town, they consulted with one another how they should pass through the town.And some said one thing, and some another.
At last Mr. Great Heart said, I have, as you may understand, often been a conductor of pilgrims through this town. Now I am acquainted with one Mr. Nathan, Acts 21, 16, a Cyprusian by nation, an old disciple, at whose house we may lodge.
If you think good, we will turn in there. "'Content,' said Old Honest."'Content,' said Christiana."'Content,' said Mr. Feeblemind.So they said all.Now you must think it was even-tied by that they got to the outside of the town.
But Mr. Great Heart knew the way to the old man's house.So thither they came, and he called at the door, and the old man within knew his tongue as soon as ever he heard it.So he opened the door, and they all came in.
Then said Nason, their host, How far have you come today?So they said, From the house of Gaius, our friend.I promise you, said he, You have gone a good stitch.You may well be weary.Sit down.So they sat down.Mr. Great Heart.
Then said their guide, Come, watch here, good sirs.I dare say you are welcome to my friend. Mr. Nason.I also, said Mr. Nason, do bid you welcome, and whatever you want do but say, and we will do what we can to get it for you.Mr. Honest.
Our great want, a while since, was harbour and good company, and now I hope we have both.Mr. Nason.For harbour you see what it is, but for good company that will appear in the trial. Mr. Great Heart.
Well, said Mr. Great Heart, will you have the pilgrims up into their lodging?Mr. Nason.I will, said Mr. Nason.
So he had them to their respective places, and also showed them a very fair dining room, where they might be, and sup together until the time should come to go to rest.
Now when they were seated in their places, and were a little cheery after their journey, Mr. Honest asked his landlord if there was any store of good people in the town.
Mr. Nason, we have a few, for indeed they are but a few when compared with them on the other side. Mr. Honest.But how shall we do to see some of them?
For the sight of good men to them that are going on pilgrimage is like the appearing of the moon and stars to them that are sailing upon the seas.Mr. Nason.Then Mr. Nason stamped with his foot, and his daughter Grace came up.
So he said unto her, Grace, go you, tell my friends, Mr. Contrite, Mr. Holy Man, Mr. Love Saints, Mr. Dare Not Lie, and Mr. Penitent, that I have a friend or two at my house, who have a mind this evening to see them.
So Grace went to call them, and they came, and after salutation made, they sat down together at the table.Then said Mr. Mason, the landlord, My neighbors, I have, as you see, a company of strangers come to my house.They are pilgrims.
They come from afar and are going to Mount Zion.But who, quoth he, do you think this is?"pointing his finger to Christiana.
It is Christiana, the wife of Christian, the famous pilgrim, who, with faith for his brother, was so shamefully handled in our town.At that, they stood amazed, saying, We little thought to see Christiana when Grace came to call us.
Wherefore this is a very comfortable surprise. They then asked her of her welfare, and if these young men were her husband's sons.
And when she had told them they were, they said, The king whom you love and serve make you as your father, and bring you where he is in peace.Mr. Honest.
Then Mr. Honest, when they were all sat down, asked Mr. Contrite and the rest, in what posture their town was at present.Mr. Contrite. You may be sure we are full of hurry and fair time.
Tis hard keeping our hearts and spirits in good order when we are in a cumbered condition.He that lives in such a place as this is, and has to do with such as we have, has need of an item to caution him to take heed every moment of the day.
Mr. Honest, but how are your neighbors now for quietness?Mr. Contrite, They are much more moderate now than formerly.You know how Christian and faithful were used at our town.But of late, I say, they have been far more moderate.
I think the blood of faithful lieth as a load upon them till now.For since they burned him, they have been ashamed to burn any more.In those days we were afraid to walk the street.But now we can show our heads.Then the name of a professor was Odious.
now especially in some parts of our town for you know our town is large religion is counted honorable then said mr contrite to them pray how fair is it with you and your pilgrimage how stands the country affected towards you
Mr. Honest, it happens to us as it happeneth to wayfaring men.Sometimes our way is clean, sometimes foul, sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill.We are seldom at a certainty.
The wind is not always on our backs, nor is everyone a friend that we meet within the way. We have met with some notable rubs already, and what are yet behind we know not.But for the most part, we find it true that has been talked of old.
A good man must suffer trouble.Mr. Contrite.You talk of rubs?What rubs have you met with all?Mr. Honest.Nay, ask Mr. Great Heart our guide, for he can give the best account of that. Mr. Great Heart, we have been beset three or four times already.
First, Christiana and her children were beset by two ruffians who they feared would take away their lives.We were beset by Giant Bloody Man, Giant Maul, and Giant Slaygood. Indeed, we did rather beset the last than were beset by him.
And thus it was, after we had been some time at the house of Gaius, mine host, and of the whole church, we were minded upon a time to take our weapons with us, and go see if we could light upon any of those that are enemies to pilgrims.
For we heard that there was a notable one thereabouts. Now Gaius knew his haunt better than I, because he dwelt thereabout.So we looked and looked, till at last we discerned the mouth of his cave.Then we were glad, and plucked up our spirits.
So we approached up to his den, and lo, when we came there, he had dragged by mere force into his net this poor man, Mr. Feeblemind, and was about to bring him to his end.
But when he saw us, supposing as we thought, he had another prey, he left the poor man in his hole and came out. So we fell to it full sore, and he lustily laid about him.
But in conclusion, he was brought down to the ground, and his head cut off, and set up by the wayside for a terror to such as should after practice such ungodliness.
That I tell you the truth, here is the man himself to affirm it, who was as a lamb taken out of the mouth of the lion. Mr. Feeblemind.
Then said Mr. Feeblemind, I found this true to my cost and comfort, to my cost when he threatened to pick my bones every moment, and to my comfort when I saw Mr. Greatheart and his friends with their weapons approach so near for my deliverance.
Mr. Holyman.Then said Mr. Holyman, There are two things that they have need to possess who go on pilgrimage.Courage and an unspotted life.If they have not courage, they can never hold on their way.
And if their lives be loose, they will make the very name of a pilgrim stink. Mr. Love Saints.
Then said Mr. Love Saints, I hope this caution is not needful among you, but truly there are many that go upon the road who rather declare themselves strangers to pilgrimage than strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Mr. Dare Not Lie.
Then said Mr. Dare Not Lie, "'Tis true, they have neither the pilgrim's reed nor the pilgrim's courage.They go not uprightly, but all awry with their feet.One shoe goeth inward, another outward, and their hosen are out behind.
Here a rag and there a rent, to the disparagement of their lord. Mr. Penitent.
These things, said Mr. Penitent, they ought to be troubled for, nor are the pilgrims like to have that grace put upon them and their pilgrims' progress as they desire, until the way is cleared of such spots and blemishes.
Thus they sat talking and spending the time until supper was set upon the table, unto which they went, and refreshed their weary bodies.So they went to rest.
Now they stayed in the fair a great while, at the house of Mr. Nason, who in process of time gave his daughter Grace unto Samuel, Christian's son to wife, and his daughter Martha to Joseph.
This time, as I said, that they stayed here was long, for it was not now as in former times, wherefore the pilgrims grew acquainted with many of the good people of the town, and did them what service they could.
Mercy, as she was wont, laboured much for the poor, wherefore their bellies and backs blessed her, and she was there an ornament to her profession.
And to say the truth for grace, Phoebe and Martha, they were all of a very good nature, and did much good in their places.They were also all of them very fruitful, so that Christian's name, as was said before, was like to live in the world.
While they lay here there came a monster out of the woods and slew many of the people of the town.It would also carry away their children and teach them to suck its whelps.
Now no man in the town durst so much as face this monster, but all fled when they heard the noise of his coming. The monster was like unto no one beast on the earth.Its body was like a dragon, and it had seven heads and ten horns.
It made great havoc of children, and yet it was governed by a woman.Revelations 17.3 So this monster propounded conditions to men, and such men as loved their lives more than their souls accepted of those conditions.So they came under
Now Mr. Great Heart, together with those who came to visit the pilgrims at Mr. Nason's house, entered into a covenant to go and engage this beast, if perhaps they might deliver the people of this town from the paws and mouth of this so devouring servant.
Then did Mr. Great Heart, Mr. Contrite, Mr. Holy Man, Mr. Dare Not Lie, and Mr. Penitent, with their weapons, go forth to meet him.
now the monster at first was very rampant and looked upon these enemies with great disdain but they so belabored him being sturdy men at arms that they made him make a retreat so they came home to Mr. Nason's house again the monster you must know had his certain seasons to come out in and to make his attempts upon the children of the people of the town
At these seasons did these valiant worthies watch him, and did still continually assault him, insomuch that in process of time he became not only wounded but lame.
Also he has not made that havoc of the townsman's children as formerly he had done, and it is verily believed by some that this beast will die of his wounds.
This, therefore, made Mr. Great Heart and his fellows of great fame in this town, so that many of the people that wanted their taste of things yet had a reverent esteem and respect for them.
Upon this account, therefore, it was that these pilgrims got not much hurt here. True, there were some of the baser sort, that could see no more than a mole, nor understand any more than a beast.
These had no reverence for these men, and took no notice of their valour and adventures.
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