So I saw in my dream, that the man began to run. He had not run far, before his wife and children perceiving it, began to cry after him to return: But he stopped his ears and ran on, crying, Life, life! eternal life, without once looking behind him.
The neighbours also came out, and as he ran some mocked, others threatened, and some called to him to return. And of these, two resolved to fetch him back by force; the name of the one was Obstinate, of the other [♦]Pliable. He was now got a good distance from them; however, in a little time they overtook him. Then said the man, “Neighbours, wherefore are you come?” They said, “To persuade you to go back with us.” But he said, “That cannot be; you dwell in the city of Destruction, the place also where I was born. And if you die there, you will sink into a place that burns with fire and brimstone. Be content, good neighbours, and go along with me.”
[♦] “Pliablel” replaced with “Pliable”
What, said Obstinate, and leave our friends and all our comforts behind us?
Yes, said Christian, (that was his name) for all these are not worthy to be compared with the least part of what I seek; and if you will go with me, there is enough and to spare.
Obstinate. What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find them?
Christian. I seek an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away?
Obstinate. Tush, away with your cant. Will you go back with us or no?
Christian. No, not I. I have put my hand to the plough.
Obstinate. Come then, neighbour, let us go home without him. There is a company of these crazy coxcombs, that when they get a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason.