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Listen to Episodes 1-5 all in one
Pilgrim’s Progress text to follow along with
When Christian had traveled in this disconsolate con-
dition some considerable time, he thought he heard the
voice of a man, as going before him, saying, “Though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for Thou art with me”.100
Then he was glad, and that for these reasons:
First, Because he gathered from thence, that some who
feared God, were in this valley as well as himself.
Secondly, For that he perceived God was with them,
though in that dark and dismal state; and why not, thought
he, with me? though, by reason of the impediment that at-
tends this place, I cannot perceive it.101
Thirdly, For that he hoped, could he overtake them, to
have company by and by. So he went on, and called to him
that was before; but he knew not what to answer; for that
he also thought himself to be alone. And by and by the day
broke; then said Christian, He hath turned “the shadow of
death into the morning”.102
Now morning being come, he looked back, not out of
desire to return, but to see, by the light of the day, what
hazards he had gone through in the dark. So he saw more
perfectly the ditch that was on the one hand, and the quag
that was on the other; also how narrow the way was which
led betwixt them both; also now he saw the hobgoblins, and
satyrs, and dragons of the pit, but all afar off (for after break
of day, they came not nigh); yet they were discovered to
him, according to that which is written, “He discovereth
deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the
shadow of death”.103
Now was Christian much affected with his deliverance
100 Psa. 23:4
101 Job. 9:11
102 Amos 5:8
103 Job 12:2272
The Pilgrim’s Progress
from all the dangers of his solitary way; which dangers,
though he feared them more before, yet he saw them more
clearly now, because the light of the day made them con-
spicuous to him. And about this time the sun was rising,
and this was another mercy to Christian; for you must note,
that though the first part of the Valley of the Shadow of
Death was dangerous, yet this second part which he was
yet to go, was, if possible, far more dangerous: for from the
place where he now stood, even to the end of the valley, the
way was all along set so full of snares, traps, gins, and nets
here, and so full of pits, pitfalls, deep holes, and shelvings
down there, that had it now been dark, as it were when he
came the first part of the way, had he had a thousand souls,
they had in reason been cast away; but, as I said, just now
the sun was rising. Then said he, “His candle shineth upon
my head, and by His light I walk through darkness”.104
In this light, therefore, he came to the end of the valley.
Now I saw in my dream, that at the end of this valley lay
blood, bones, ashes, and mangled bodies of men, even of
pilgrims that had gone this way formerly; and while I was
musing what should be the reason, I espied a little before
me a cave, where two giants, POPE and PAGAN, dwelt in old
time; by whose power and tyranny the men whose bones,
blood, ashes, etc., lay there, were cruelly put to death. But
by this place Christian went without much danger, whereat
I somewhat wondered; but I have learnt since, that PAGAN
has been dead many a day; and as for the other, though he
be yet alive, he is, by reason of age, and also of the many
shrewd brushes that he met with in his younger days, grown
so crazy and stiff in his joints, that he can now do little more
than sit in his cave’s mouth, grinning at pilgrims as they go
by, and biting his nails because he cannot come at them.
104 Job 29:373
Combat with Appolyon
So I saw that Christian went on his way; yet, at the sight
of the Old Man that sat in the mouth of the cave, he could
not tell what to think, especially because he spake to him,
though he could not go after him; saying, “You will never
mend, till more of you be burned.” But he held his peace,
and set a good face on it, and so went by and catched no
hurt. Then sang Christian,
O world of wonders! (I can say no less)
That I should be preserv’d in that distress
That I have met with here! O blessed be
That hand that from it hath deliver’d me!
Dangers in darkness, devils, hell, and sin,
Did compass me, while I this vale was in:
Yea, snares and pits, and traps, and nets, did lie
My path about, that worthless, silly I
Might have been catch’d, entangled, and cast down;
But since I live, let JESUS wear the crown.
Now, as Christian went on his way, he came to a little as-
cent, which was cast up on purpose, that pilgrims might see
before them. Up there, therefore, Christian went; and look-
ing forward, he saw Faithful before him, upon his journey.
Then said Christian aloud, “Ho! ho! Soho! stay, and I will
be your companion.” At that, Faithful looked behind him;
to whom Christian cried again, “Stay, stay, till I come up to
you.” But Faithful answered, “No, I am upon my life, and
the avenger of blood is behind
At this, Christian was somewhat moved, and putting to
all his strength, he quickly got up with Faithful, and did
also overrun him; so the last was first. Then did Christian
vain-gloriously smile, because he had gotten the start of his
brother; but not taking good heed to his feet, he suddenly
stumbled and fell, and could not rise again, until Faithful
came up to help him.