Now about the midway to the top of the hill was a
pleasant Arbor, made by the
Lord of the hill for the refreshment of weary travellers. Thither, therefore,
Christian got, where also he sat down to rest him: then he pulled his roll out
of his bosom, and read therein to his comfort; he also now began afresh to take
a review of the coat or garment that was given to him as he stood by the cross.
Thus pleasing himself awhile, he at last fell into a slumber, and thence into a
fast sleep, which detained him in that place until it was almost night; and in
his sleep his roll fell out of his hand. Now, as he was sleeping, there came
one to him, and awaked him, saying, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her
ways, and be wise.” And with that, Christian suddenly
started up, and sped him on his way, and went apace till he came to the top of
the hill.
Now when he was
got up to the top of the hill, there came two men running amain; the name of
the one was Timorous, and of the other Mistrust: to whom Christian said, Sirs,
what’s the matter? you run the wrong way. Timorous answered, that they were
going to the city of Zion, and had got up that difficult place: but, said he,
the farther we go, the more danger we meet with; wherefore we turned, and are
going back again.
Yes, said
Mistrust, for just before us lie a couple of lions in the way, whether sleeping
or waking we know not; and we could not think, if we came within reach, but
they would presently pull us in pieces.
Christian: Then
said Christian, You make me afraid; but whither shall I fly to be safe? If I go
back to mine own country, that is prepared for fire and brimstone, and I shall
certainly perish there; if I can get to the celestial city, I am sure to be in
safety there: I must venture. To go back is nothing but death: to go forward is
fear of death, and life everlasting beyond it: I will yet go forward.
