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The Pilgrim's Progress.

to about the middle of the Valley; and then Christiana said, Methinks I see something yonder upon the road before us—a thing of such a shape as I have not seen. Then said Joseph, Mother, what is it? An ugly thing, child, an ugly thing, said she. But, mother, what is it like? said he. 'Tis like I cannot tell what, said she. And now it is but a little way off. Then said she, It is nigh.

Well, said Mr. Great~heart, let them that are most afraid, keep close to me. So the fiend came on, and the conductor met it; but when it was just come to him, it vanished to all their sights. Then remembered they what had been said some time ago, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

They went therefore on, as being a little refreshed. But they had not gone far, before Mercy, looking behind her, saw, as she thought, something most like a lion, and it came a great padding pace after; and it had a hollow voice of roaring; and at every roar that it gave, it made all the valley echo, and all their hearts to ache, save the heart of him that was their guide. So it came up; and Mr. Great-heart went behind, and put the pilgrims all before him. The lion also came on apace, and Mr. Great-heart addressed himself to give him battle. But when he saw that it was determined that resistance should be made, he also drew back, and came no further. (1 Pet. v. 9.)

Then they went on again, and their conductor went before them. till they came to a place where was cast up a pit the whole breadth of the way; and before they Could be prepared to go over that, a great mist and a darkness fell upon them, so that they could not see. Then said, the pilgrims, Alas! what now shall we do? But their guide made answer, Fear not; stand still, and see what an end, will be put to this also. So they stayed there, because their path marred. They then also thought that they did hear more apparently the noise and rushing of the enemies;