Back in the mid 1650’s, John Bunyan along with 50 or 60 other evangelicals who dissented from the official religion were thrown into an ancient jail constructed on one of the pillars of a bridge. He spent 12 1/2 years there during which time he wrote the classic Pilgrim’s Progress, an allegory about an ordinary Christian pilgrim travelling from the city of destruction to the gates of heaven. Imagine the agony with which Pilgrim parted from his wife and four children. The illustrations in this series are from engravings on wood by the brother Dalziel included in a 1861 edition.
In the allegory, Pilgrim reads the book, feels the burden of his own selfishness and sin even more weighty so he retires to his room to pray for deliverance.
Pilgrim tries to explain to his family why he is so burdened. They think his mind has been seized by some kind of mental anguish that sleep will relieve. But sleep doesn’t ease his concern for his spiritual state. They become hardened against his entreaties for them to read the book; they chide and deride him. (Families don’t often understand or welcome the conversion of a member. When I was converted at 19, my father and brothers thought I was taking the Christian faith too seriously; I was a bit crazy.)
Pilgrim realizes that he must leave the city of destruction in search of peace from his burden.
Burdened Pilgrim meets Evangelist who points him across a broad field to the wicket gate, the narrow gate that leads to everlasting life. When Pilgrim can’t see it due to distance, Evangelist instructs him to keep his eyes fixed on the light and when he gets to the gate to knock and it shall be told him what to do.
Spying the light in the distance leading to the wicket gate, Pilgrim sets off running toward it. His wife and children cry after him to return. He plugs his ears. Neighbours mock and threaten him. Two determine to fetch him back by force.
Pliable and Obstinate, run after Pilgrim to urge him to return to the city of destruction. Pliable is quickly convinced by Pilgrim of the way to eternal life, but Obstinate derides Pilgrim about all he leaves behind and the foolishness of the book containing the words of Life.
Pliable joins Pilgrim in his journey to the narrow gate of eternal life. Being careless, they both suddenly fall into a bog, the Slough of Despond, full of miry fears, doubts and discouragements due to awareness of one’s lost condition. Pliable becomes angry and offended that this path has not brought instant happiness. He turns around and struggles out, returning to his city. Christian struggles ahead toward the distant light.
Freed by Help from the Slough of Despond, Christian sets out again for the gate opening to eternal life. Mr. Worldly Wiseman who dwells in the town of Carnal Policy warns him about the Way which he terms dangerous and troublesome and instead directs him toward the village of Morality where he is to meet a very good man called, Legality. The way to that village is by yonder hill. Will Christian turn aside?
Christian does turn aside and begin to climb up Mt. Sinai. Evangelist finds Christian trembling beneath the shadow of Mt. Sinai, fearing lest the law crush him. “What are you doing here. Did I not direct you to the narrow gate leading to life?” “Yes,” replies Christian, “but Mr. World Wiseman said this was a better way.” Evangelist cries, “you cannot be justified by the works of the law…Mr. Worldly Wiseman abhors the cross of Christ which saves.”
Christian laments his misdirection…but fortunately is moved to go back to the straight way leading to the wicket gate. Finally after many delays, Christian arrives at the wicket gate over which is written, “Knock and it shall be opened onto you.” Christian does so. From inside, Good-will, asks who is there. Christian replies, “A poor burdened sinner fleeing the city of destruction.” The door is opened and Christian is pulled in quickly before Beelzebub, who resides in a nearby castle, can send arrows to wound him.
Have we knocked and found entrance? Have we heard Jesus’ cry, “Come onto me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
Good-Will, having helped Christian through the wicket gate directed him to keep on the straight and narrow way until he comes to the Interpreter’s house. Once there, the Interpreter welcomes Christian into his house, where he is to learn important lessons. The first thing Christian saw was the picture of a man with his eyes lifted to heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth on his lips. “What does this mean?” Christian asked. Interpreter explained that he should be guided only by those in the Master’s service who love the Master and explain the truth of the Word of God. Beware of those who distort the truth. (To be continued)
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