After reading · Section 9

Section 9Directions and Testimony

Summary

Descending from the mountains, Christian and Hopeful meet Ignorance, who entered by a crooked lane and trusts his religious conduct. They see a bound apostate whom Christian thinks may be Turn-away, though he cannot see the man’s face clearly, and discuss Little-faith, whose robbers take his spending money but not his jewels or certificate. By neglecting the Shepherds’ directions, they follow Flatterer into a net; a Shining One frees and disciplines them. They then reject Atheist’s claim that no Celestial City exists.

On Enchanted Ground, conversation keeps them awake. Hopeful recounts how fear of judgment first led him to reform his behaviour, but Faithful taught him that amendment could not cancel guilt. Through persistent prayer and Scripture, Hopeful came to trust Christ’s righteousness rather than his own. He describes the resulting joy, shame for his former life, love for Christ and holiness, and willingness to honour Christ at any cost.

Who’s who

• Ignorance — A morally confident traveller who entered from Conceit rather than by the appointed gate.
• The bound apostate — A captive whom Christian thinks may be Turn-away, although his lowered face prevents certain identification.
• Little-faith — A genuine but fearful pilgrim whose thieves steal usable money but not his essential valuables.
• Flatterer — A false guide whose bright covering conceals his nature and whose path turns travellers backward.
• Atheist — A laughing traveller who treats his failed search as proof that the pilgrims’ destination does not exist.