The Pilgrim’s Progress (Part VI):The Road of Conversation

The Road of Conversation

Lord Jesus, open our hearts and quicen our minds as we read Bunyan's aninted words. Change us as we walk withChristian draw us nigh to Thee. Help us be true pilgrims. Amen

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Christian had not gone far before he heard one coming after him.

Turning, he saw a man whose face he thought he recognized.

“Sir,” said Christian, “are you not Faithful, who once dwelt in the City of Destruction?”

“Yes,” said the man, “I am he. And you are Christian, who went before me on this journey.”

“Then come,” said Christian warmly, “let us walk together—for the road is better with company.”

Faithful Tells His Journey

As they walked, Christian said, “Tell me, brother, what have you met with since we parted?”

Faithful answered:

“I met with one called Wanton, who tempted me to turn aside with promises of pleasure.”

“And what did you do?” said Christian.

“I shut my eyes,” Faithful replied, “lest I should be bewitched by her beauty—and I fled.”

Christian nodded. “You did wisely.”

“But that was not all,” Faithful continued.“I came also to one named Adam the First, who offered me all manner of comforts if I would but dwell with him.”

“And why would you not?” asked Christian.

“Because,” said Faithful, “I saw that though his offers were fair, his end was death.”

Christian was silent a moment.

“Your words are a strengthening to me,” he said. “For I see that the enemy does not always come with terror—but often with kindness.”

Talkative Joins Them

While they spoke, another man drew near, smiling and eager.

“Gentlemen,” said he, “your conversation is most excellent. I delight to hear men speak of such noble matters.”

Christian said, “You are welcome to join us. What is your name?”

“My name is Talkative,” he answered, “and I am from the town of Prating.”

Faithful looked at him carefully.

Words Tested

Talkative began at once:

“Oh, I love to speak of faith—of prayer, of repentance, of the new birth! There is nothing more pleasant than discourse on these things.”

Faithful replied, “That is well. But tell me—how do these things show themselves in your life?”

Talkative hesitated.

“Why,” he said, “the speaking of them is a great delight.”

Faithful answered plainly:

“To talk of such things is good. But true religion is more than talk. It is a work of the heart, shown in the life.”

Talkative frowned.

“You are too severe. Will you condemn a man for speaking well?”

“I do not condemn speaking,” said Faithful, “but I question a life that does not follow the words.”

Talkative grew impatient.

“I see you are not fit for profitable conversation,” he said. “You judge too narrowly.”

And with that, he left them.

Christian Learns

Christian watched him go.

“I thought him a good man,” he said.

“So do many,” Faithful replied.“For he speaks much—and speaks well. But his house stands empty.”

Christian said, “I see now that a man may have truth upon his tongue, and yet not have it in his heart.”

“Just so,” said Faithful. “And such men are dangerous, because they make the way seem easier than it is.”

By-ends and His Company

Not long after, they saw ahead a company of men walking together.

One of them stepped forward.

“Good travelers,” he said, “you seem to be going our way. Join us, and we shall have pleasant company.”

“What is your name?” Christian asked.

“By-ends,” said the man, “of the town of Fair-Speech.”

“And how do you walk?” said Faithful.

“With discretion,” By-ends replied.“We follow religion when it suits our interest, and we step aside when it brings trouble. Surely this is wisdom.”

Christian answered:

“If you will follow the Lord only when it profits you, you will not follow Him long.”

By-ends smiled.

“Must a man lose everything to be religious? That seems a hard path.”

Faithful spoke:

“The path is hard—but it leads to life. Yours is easy—but where does it end?”

By-ends did not answer directly.

“We prefer a more comfortable way,” he said.

Parting of Ways

Christian said, “Then we cannot walk together.”

“Nor would we desire it,” said By-ends.

And so they parted—one company seeking ease, the other truth.

The Road Narrows Within

After they had gone some distance, Christian said quietly,

“The road feels lonelier now.”

“Yes,” said Faithful, “but it is also clearer.”

Christian looked ahead.

“Do you know what lies before us?”

“I have heard,” said Faithful, “of a town called Vanity, where there is a fair that never ends.”

Christian paused.

“What happens there?”

Faithful answered:

“There, the world sets itself against the pilgrim. And a man must choose—not only what he will say—but what he will stand for.”

Christian said, “Then we must go on with care.”

“With care—and with resolve,” said Faithful.

And together, they continued toward the town.

Join the Conversation

Whose voice stays with you?

• Faithful, who speaks from experience and truth?

• Talkative, whose words run ahead of his life?

• By-ends, who follows only when it is easy?

Or do you hear something of each within yourself?

Write your reflections below. The road is clearer when travelers speak honestly.

Let me know how to pray for you today. I will bring you and your needs to Jesus and asking Him to align our prayers with His. Ken

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SINCE JESUS CAME INTO MY HEART

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought

Since Jesus came into my heart!

I have light in my soul for which long I had sought,

Since Jesus came into my heart!

Refrain

Since Jesus came into my heart,

Since Jesus came into my heart,

Floods of joy o’er my soul

Like the sea billows roll,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

I have ceased from my wandering and going astray,

Since Jesus came into my heart!

And my sins, which were many, are all washed away,

Since Jesus came into my heart! Refrain

I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,

Since Jesus came into my heart!

And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,

Since Jesus came into my heart! Refrain

There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,

Since Jesus came into my heart!

And the gates of the City beyond I can see,

Since Jesus came into my heart! Refrain

I shall go there to dwell in that City, I know,

Since Jesus came into my heart!

And I’m happy, so happy, as onward I go,

Since Jesus came into my heart! Refrain

Rufus H. McDaniel, 1914. McDaniel wrote these words af¬ter the death of his son.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev 3;20