EVAN. From this little Wicket-gate, and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned thee, to the bringing of thee almost to destruction; hate therefore his turning thee out of the way, and abhor thyself for hearkening to him.
CHR. Sir, what think you? Is there hopes? May I now go back and go up to the Wicket-gate? Shall I not be abandoned for this, and sent back from thence ashamed? I am sorry I have hearkened to this man's counsel: But may my sin be forgiven?
EVAN. Then said Evangelist to him, Thy sin is very great, yet will the man at the Gate receive thee, for he has good-will for men. So Christian went on with haste, neither spake he to any man by the way; and in process of time he got up to the Gate. Now over the Gate there was written, Knock and it shall be opened unto you.
He knocked therefore more than once or twice, and at last there came a grave person to the gate named Good-will, who asked Who was there? and whence he came? and what he would have?
CHR. I come from the City of Destruction, but am going to
Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come.
I would therefore, Sir, since I am informed that by this Gate is
the way thither, know if you are willing to let me in.
GOOD-WILL. I am willing with all my heart, said he; and with that he opened the Gate. But how is it that you came alone?
CHR. Because none of my Neighbors saw their danger, as I saw mine.
GOOD-WILL. Did any of them know of your coming?
CHR. Yes, my Wife and Children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn again; also some of my Neighbors stood crying and calling after me to return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way.
GOOD-WILL. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back?