Obstinate and Pliable
They that fly from the wrath to come are a gazing stock to the world.
The neighbours also came out to see him run, and as he ran, some mocked, others threatened, and some cried after him to return; and among those that did so, there were two that were resolved to fetch him back by force.11 The name of the one was Obstinate, and the name of the other Pliable. Now by this time, the man was got a good distance from them; but, however, they were resolved to pursue him; which they did, and in a little time they overtook him. Then said the man, Neighbours, wherefore are ye come? They said, to persuade you to go back with us. But he said, that can by no means be. You dwell, said he, in the City of Destruction, the place also where I was born; I see it to be so; and dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than the grave, into a place that burns with fire and brimstone. Be content, good neighbours, and go along with me.
11 Jer. 20:10
What, said Obstinate, and leave our friends and our comforts behind us?
Yes, said Christian, for that was his name, because that all “which you shall forsake”12 is not worthy to be compared with a little of that which I am seeking to enjoy; and if you will go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself, for there, where I go, is enough and to spare.13 Come away, and prove my words.
12 2 Cor. 4:18
13 Luke 15:17
OBSTINATE. What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find them?
CHRISTIAN. I seek an “inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away”14 and it is laid up in Heaven15, and safe there, to be bestowed, at the time appointed, on them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my book.
14 1 Peter 1:4
15 Heb. 11:16
OBSTINATE. Tush, said Obstinate, away with your book; will you go back with us, or no?
CHRISTIAN. No, not I, saith the other; because I have laid my hand to the plough.16
OBSTINATE. Come, then, neighbour Pliable, let us turn again, and go home without him; there is a company of these crazed-headed coxcombs, that when they take a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason.17
PLIABLE. Then said Pliable, Do not revile; if what the good Christian says is true, the things he looks after are better than ours; my heart inclines to go with my neighbour.
OBSTINATE. What! more fools still? Be ruled by me, and go back; who knows whither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and be wise.
CHRISTIAN. Nay, but do thou come with thy neighbour Pliable: there are such things to be had which I spoke of, and many more glories besides; if you believe not me, read here in this book, and for the truth of what is expressed therein, behold, all is confirmed by the blood of Him that made it.18
PLIABLE. Well, neighbour Obstinate, saith Pliable, I begin to come to a point; I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him. But, my good companion, do you know the way to this desired place?
CHRISTIAN. I am directed by a man whose name is Evangelist, to speed me to a little gate that is before us, where we shall receive instructions about the way.
Luke 9:62 Prov. 26:16 Heb. 13:20, 21; 9:17–21
PLIABLE. Come then, good neighbour, let us be going.
Then they went both together.
OBSTINATE. And I will go back to my place, said Obstinate; I will be no companion of such misled fantastical fellows.
