place where he was, to the place from whence he caine, there to be put to the most cruel death that could be invented.

They therefore brought him out, to do with him according to their law; and first they scourged him, then they buffeted him, then they lanced his flesh with knives, after that they stoned him with stones, then pricked him with their swords, and last of all they burnt him to ashes at the stake. Thus came Faithful to his end.

Now I saw that there stood behind the multitude a chariot and a couple of horses, waiting for Faithful, who (so soon as his adversaries had dispatched him) was taken up into it, and straightway was carried up through the clouds, with sound of trumpet, the nearest way to the cœlestial gate. But as for Christian, he had some respite, and was remanded back to prison; so he there remained for a space : but he that over-rules all things, having the power of their rage in his own hand, so brought it about, that Christian for that time escaped them, and went bis way. And as he went he sang, saying:

Well, Faithful, thou hast faithfully profest
Unto thy Lord, with whom thou shalt be blest;
When faithless ones with all their vain delights,
Are crying out under their hellish plights:
Sing, Faithful, sing, and let thy name survive,
For though they kill'd thee, thou art yet alive.

EXPLANATORY NOTES.

WE need not go far to see Vanity Fair. It is all around us, wherever we live: it is, "this present evil world." The scriptures declare, in the most solemn manner, that "all is vanity." This every real christian believes, and acts accordingly he is in the world, but is not of it; even as Jesus

was not of it: he is "crucified to the world" by the cross of Christ, and the "world is crucified" to him.

Our pilgrims had the unexpected pleasure of meeting with their dear friend Evangelist again; for whose former labours, and renewed inquiries and exhortations, they discovered becoming gratitude; and by whose cautions and encouragements they were prepared for a new scene of trials. Those who truly profit by the ministers of the gospel, will "esteem them very highly in love, for their work's sake."

Christian and Faithful had but just entered the fair, when they were observed and insulted. Those who, will live godly in Christ Jesus," cannot escape observation and persecution. On three accounts, the people of God are despised and rejected of men. First, "Their garment is unfashionable." Believers look for justification only by the Redeemer's righteousness: this is the "white raiment" which Christ has counselled them to buy: this is the "wedding garment" in which they hope to appear at the marriage-supper of the Lamb. But their profession of this, renders them hateful to the world, who generally hope to be saved by their good works. Hence they are thought fools and madmen" to expect salvation by the merits of another. Secondly, "Their language is despicable." What they speak of Christ-the glory and beauty of his person-the love of his heart-the grace of his Spirit-and their experience of communion with him-is unintelligible jargon to those who know him not. Thirdly, "They set light by the world, and all its wares ;" for their traffic is in heaven. Nothing irritates carnal men more than the contempt with which lively christians treat the vanities of life; for they love not the world, neither the things that are in the world."

In all ages and countries, a consistent, steady, and zealous profession of religion, will excite the spirit of persecution. At times the Lord permits the enmity of the carnal mind to have its full scope: then false accusations, bonds, and death may be expected. The deportment of our pilgrims was exemplary, and their patience conciliated the esteen of many, who became their friends. But even this served to aggravate the rage of their enemies. There was no real crime to lay to their charge; but the old pretext was at hand-" Christians are the enemies of the state." Thus Christ himself was accused as the enemy of Cæsar; and his meek and harmless followers have, in most times of persecution, been falsely comdemned as the adversaries of government, and the disturbers of public peace.

If the Lord were to leave us in the hands of men, we should still find that their tender mercios are cruel. Such a jury as tried Faithful, might be found in every county of Britain. Favy is yet alive, and ready to testify, and upon oath too, that "the principles of faith and holiness? are contrary to the course of this world, and consequently condemn its vo taries. Superstition would still rave at the religion of the Bible, because it reproaches a human faith, and formal desotion. And as to Pickthank, such a character will readily be found, while opposition to godliness is the road to perferment. But how illustrious does grace appear in the fiery trial! The Lord never forsakes his suffering saints; but will certainly bestow a crown of life upon every one who is faithful to death.

CHAP. XIV.

Christian meets with another excellent companion in Hopeful-Dialogues between them, By-ends, Moneylove, and Demas.

Now

OW I saw in my dream, that Christian went not forth alone; for there was one whose name was Hopeful,(being so made by the beholding of Christian and Faithful in their words and behaviour in their sufferings at the fair) who joined himself unto him, and entering into a brotherly covenant, told him, that he would be his companion. Thus one died to bear testimony to the truth, and another rises out of bis ashes to be a companion with Christian in his pilgrimage. This Hopeful also told Christian, that there were many more of the men in the fair, that would take their time, and follow after.

So I saw that quickly after they were got out of the fair, they overtook one that was going before them, whose name was By-ends; so they said to him, What countryman, Sir? and how for go you this way? He told them, that he came from the town of Fair-Speech,and he was going to the ccelestial city, buld them not his name.

From Fair-speech! said Christian; is there any good that lives there (a)?

By-ends. Yes, said By-ends, I hope.
Chr. Pray, Sir, what may I call you?

By-ends. I am a stranger to you, and you to me: If you be going this way, I shall be glad of your company; if not, I must be content.

Chr. This town of Fair-speech, said Christian, I have heard of, and, as I reaiember, they say it is a wealthy place.

By-ends. Yes, I will assure you, that it is; and I have very many rich kindred there.

Chr. Pray, who are your kindred there, if a man. may be so bold?

By-ends. Almost the whole town; and in particular my Lord Turn- bout, my Lord Time-server, my Lord Fair-speech (from whose ancestors that town first took its name), also Mr. Smooth-man, Mr. Facing-both-ways, Mr. Any-thing; and the parson of our parish, Mr. Two-tongues, was my mother's brother by the father's side: and, to tell you the truth, I am become a gentleman of good quality; yet my great grandfather was but a waterman, looking one way and rowing another; and I got most of my estate by the same occupatiou.

Chr. Are you a married man

By-ends. Yes, and my wife is a very virtuous woman; the daughter of a virtuous woman; she was my Lady Feigning's daughter, therefore she came of a very honourable family, and is arrived to such a pitch of breeding, that she knows how to carry it to all, even to prince and peasant. 'Tis true, we somewhat differ in religion from those of the stricter sort; but yet in two small points: First, We never strive against wind and tide. Secondly, We are always most zealous when religion goes in his silver slippers; we love much to walk with him in the streets, if the sun shines, and the people applaud him.

(a) Prov. xxxi. 25;

Then Christian stept a little aside to his fellow Hopeful, saying, it runs in my mind that this is one By-ends of Fair-speech; and, if it be he, we have as very a knave in our company as dwelleth in all these parts. Then said Hopeful, ask him; methinks he should not be ashamed of his name. So Christian came up with him again, and said, Sir, you talk as if you knew something more than all the world doth; and, if I take not my mark amiss, I deem I have half a guess of you: Is not your name Mr. By-ends, of Fair-speech?

By-ends. This is not my name, but indeed it is a nick-name that is given me by some that cannot abide me, and I must be content to bear it as a reproach, as other good men have borne theirs before me.

Chr. But did you never give an occasion to men to call you by this name?

By-ends. Never! never! The worst that I ever did to give them an occasion to give me this name, was, that I had always the luck to jump in my judgment with the present way of the times, whatever it was, and my chance was to get thereby; but if things are thus cast upon me, let me count them a blessing; but let not the malicious load me therefore with reproach.

Chr. I thought indeed that you were the man that I heard of; and to tell you what I think, I fear this name belongs to you more properly than you are willing we should think it doth.

By-ends. Well, if you will thus imagine, I cannot help it: you will find me a fair company-keeper, if you will still admit me your associate.

Chr. If you will go with us, you must go against wind and tide; the which, I perceive, is against your opinion; you must also own religion in his rags, as well as when in his silver slippers; and stand by him too when bound in irons, as well as when he walketh the streetswith applause.

By-ends. You must not impose, nor lord it over