Quotes from The Pilgrim's Progress
21 notable lines from John Bunyan · 1678
As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place where was a den, and laid me down in that place to sleep; and as I slept, I dreamed a dream.
Who would true valour see, let him come hither; one here will constant be, come wind, come weather; there's no discouragement shall make him once relent his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim.
Mr. Valiant-for-Truth's song, Part II (the hymn "To Be a Pilgrim") So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side.
The death of Mr. Valiant-for-Truth, Part II He that is down needs fear no fall; he that is low, no pride.
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress It beareth the name of Vanity Fair, because the town where it is kept is lighter than vanity; and also because all that is there sold, or that cometh thither, is vanity.
Description of Vanity Fair, where Christian and Faithful are tried This miry slough is such a place as cannot be mended; it is the descent whither the scum and filth that attends conviction for sin doth continually run, and therefore it is called the Slough of Despond.
Help, explaining the Slough of Despond, into which Christian sinks under his burden Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven, as well as from the City of Destruction.
Closing line of Part I, after Ignorance is cast out He that is down needs fear no fall; he that is low, no pride; he that is humble ever shall have God to be his guide.
The Shepherd Boy's song in the Valley of Humiliation, Part II Just as Christian came up with the cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do, till it came to the mouth of the sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no more.
Christian's burden falls away at the Cross Death, where is thy sting? And as he went down deeper, he said, Grave, where is thy victory?
Mr. Valiant-for-Truth entering the river of death (echoing 1 Corinthians 15:55) I have a key in my bosom, called Promise, that will, I am persuaded, open any lock in Doubting Castle.
Christian, imprisoned by Giant Despair, remembering the key Then said the men, We buy the truth.
Christian and Faithful answering the merchants of Vanity Fair (alluding to Proverbs 23:23) Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy! when I fall, I shall arise.
Christian to Apollyon after their battle (quoting Micah 7:8) The man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on crying, Life! life! eternal life!
Christian fleeing the City of Destruction as his family calls him back He brake out with a lamentable cry, saying, What shall I do?
Christian, distressed by his burden of sin at the book's opening (echoing Acts 16:30) Do you see yonder shining light? He said, I think I do. Then said Evangelist, Keep that light in your eye, and go up directly thereto, so shalt thou see the gate.
Evangelist directing Christian toward the Wicket Gate My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it. My marks and scars I carry with me, to be a witness for me that I have fought His battles who will now be my rewarder.
Mr. Valiant-for-Truth's last words before crossing the river, Part II Apollyon: Whence come you, and whither are you bound? Christian: I am come from the City of Destruction, which is the place of all evil, and am going to the City of Zion.
Christian answering the fiend Apollyon in the Valley of Humiliation Now I saw in my dream, that the highway up which Christian was to go, was fenced on either side with a wall, and that wall was called Salvation.
The narrator describing the path before the Cross (alluding to Isaiah 26:1) This hill, though high, I covet to ascend; the difficulty will not me offend.
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Adapted in The Pilgrim's Progress