take good heed to the other directions of the Shepherds. So they thanked him for all his kindness, and went softly along the right way, singing,—
Come hither, you that wall: alone the way,
See how the pilgrims fare that go astray:
They catched are in an entangled net,
'Cause they good counsel lightly did forget:
'Tis true they rescued were; but yet, you see,
They're scourg'd to boot. Let this your caution be.
Now after a while they perceived, afar off, one coming softly, and alone, all along the highway, to meet them. Then said Christian to his fellow, Yonder is a man with his back towards Zion, and he is coming to meet us.
Hope. I see him; let us take heed to ourselves now, lest he should prove a flatterer also. So he drew nearer, and at last came up to them. His name was Atheist; and he asked them whither they were going.
Chr. We are going to Mount Zion.
Then Atheist fell into a very great laughter.
Chr. What is the meaning of your laughter?
Ath. I laugh to see what ignorant persons you are, to take upon you so tedious a journey, and you are like to have nothing; but your travel for your pains.
Chr. Why, man, do you think we shall not be received?
Ath. Received! there is not such a place as you dream of in all this world.
Chr. But there is in the world to come.
'Ath. When I was at home, in mine own country, I heard as you now affirm, and from that hearing went out to see, and have been seeking this city these twenty years, but find no more of it than I did the first day I set out. (Eccles. X. 15, Jer. xvii. 153.)
Chr. We have both heard, and believe, that there is such place to be found.
Ath. Had not I, when at home, believed, I had not come
