The neighbours also came out to see him run; and, as he ran,
some mocked, others threatened, and some cried after him to
return; and, among those that did so, there were two that
resolved to fetch him back by force. The name of the one was
Obstinate and the name of the other Pliable. Now, by this time,
the man was got a good distance from them; but, however, they
were resolved to pursue him, which they did, and in a little
time they overtook him. Then said the man, Neighbours, wherefore
are ye come? They said, To persuade you to go back with us. But
he said, That can by no means be; you dwell, said he, in the
City of Destruction, the place also where I was born: I see it
to be so; and, dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower
than the grave, into a place that burns with fire and brimstone:
be content, good neighbours, and go along with me.

Obst. What! said Obstinate, and leave our friends and our
comforts behind us?

Chr. Yes, said Christian, for that was his name, because that
ALL which you shall forsake is not worthy to be compared with a
little of that which I am seeking to enjoy; and, if you will go
along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself; for
there, where I go, is enough and to spare. Come away, and prove
my words.

Obst. What are the things you seek, since you leave all the
world to find them?

Chr. I seek an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that
fadeth not away, and it is laid up in heaven,

and safe there, to be bestowed, at the time appointed, on them
that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my book.

Obst. Tush! said Obstinate, away with your book; will you go
back with us or no?

Chr. No, not I, said the other, because I have laid my hand to
the plough.

Obst. Come, then, neighbour Pliable, let us turn again, and go
home without him; there is a company of these crazy-headed
coxcombs, that, when they take a fancy by the end, are wiser in
their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason.

Pli. Then said Pliable, Don't revile; if what the good Christian
says is true, the things he looks after are better than ours: my
heart inclines to go with my neighbour.

Obst. What! more fools still! Be ruled by me, and go back; who
knows whither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back,
go back, and be wise.

Chr. Nay, but do thou come with thy neighbour, Pliable; there
are such things to be had which I spoke of, and many more
glorious besides. If you believe not me, read here in this book;
and for the truth of what is expressed therein, behold, all is
confirmed by the blood of Him that made it.

Pli. Well, neighbour Obstinate, said Pliable, I begin to come to
a point; I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in
my lot with him: but, my good companion, do you know the way to
this desired place?

Chr. I am directed by a man, whose name is Evangelist, to speed
me to a little gate that is before us, where we shall receive
instructions about the way.

Pli. Come, then, good neighbour, let us be going. Then they went
both together.

Obst. And I will go back to my place, said Obstinate; I will be
no companion of such misled, fantastical fellows.

Now, I saw in my dream, that when Obstinate was gone back,
Christian and Pliable went talking over the plain; and thus they
began their discourse.

Chr. Come, neighbour Pliable, how do you do? I am glad you are
persuaded to go along with me. Had even Obstinate himself but
felt what I have felt of the powers and terrors of what is yet
unseen, he would not thus lightly have given us the back.

Pli. Come, neighbour Christian, since there are none but us two
here, tell me now further what the things are, and how to be
enjoyed, whither we are going.

Chr. I can better conceive of them with my mind, than speak of
them with my tongue: but yet, since you are desirous to know, I
will read of them in my book.

Pli. And do you think that the words of your book are certainly
true?

Chr. Yes, verily; for it was made by Him that cannot lie.

Pli. Well said; what things are they?

Chr. There is an endless kingdom to be inhabited, and
everlasting life to be given us, that we may inhabit that