CHR. Well, come, my good Hopeful, I perceive that thou and I must
walk by ourselves again.
{368} So I saw in my dream that they went on apace before,
and Ignorance he came hobbling after. Then said Christian to his
companion, It pities me much for this poor man, it will certainly
go ill with him at last.
HOPE. Alas! there are abundance in our town in his condition,
whole families, yea, whole streets, and that of pilgrims too; and
if there be so many in our parts, how many, think you, must there
be in the place where he was born?
CHR. Indeed the Word saith, "He hath blinded their eyes, lest they
should see", &c. But now we are by ourselves, what do you think
of such men? Have they at no time, think you, convictions of sin,
and so consequently fears that their state is dangerous?
HOPE. Nay, do you answer that question yourself, for you are the
elder man.
CHR. Then I say, sometimes (as I think) they may; but they being
naturally ignorant, understand not that such convictions tend to
their good; and therefore they do desperately seek to stifle them,
and presumptuously continue to flatter themselves in the way of
their own hearts.
{369} HOPE. I do believe, as you say, that fear tends much to men's
good, and to make them right, at their beginning to go on pilgrimage.
CHR. Without all doubt it doth, if it be right; for so says the
Word, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." [Prov.
1:7, 9:10, Job 28:28, Ps. 111:10]
{370} HOPE. How will you describe right fear?