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PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

by John Cosper

THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

ACT 1

(Play music at rise. The stage is set like a dungeon prison cell, dank, musty, full of cobwebs. A cell door is placed at stage left. A bench is upstage right. John is curled up on the bench asleep. He jerks, and then his eyes open. He stretches and yawns—then in mid yawn suddenly snaps into action. He turns around and runs to the wall to grab a journal and pen and quill. He picks up the items and carries them to the bench. He opens the journal and begins to write. After writing a few lines, he looks up and sees the audience. He smiles. Setting aside the book and pen, he walks down center.)

JOHN- As made my journey through this life, I laid down to sleep within my prison cell, I

dreamed a dream. I saw a man clothed with rags, standing in a certain place, facing away from his house.

(Christian enters stage right with a heavy burden on his back and a Bible in his hands.)

JOHN- He held a book in his hand, and wore a great burden upon his back. I looked, and saw him

open the book and read. He wept and trembled as he read, until finally, unable to hold back his emotions, he cried out:

CHRISTIAN- What shall I do?

JOHN- He went home and kept the burden to himself as long as he could, hiding his stress from his

family; but he could not be silent very long, because the weight of the burden increased. Finally, he revealed the burden to his family:

(The Wife enters, stage right.)

CHRISTIAN- My dear wife, I am carrying a burden that weighs very heavily on me. I have learned

that our world will be burned with fire from heaven which will destroy us all, unless I can find some way of escape.

JOHN- At this his family was worried, but not because they believed his story…

WIFE- Dear, you’re not making any sense. All this talk of fire from heaven and destruction. How

can you believe such things?

JOHN- My dear one, I assure you I am not ill. It is written in this book that we shall all come to

destruction.

WIFE- Dear husband, you sound as if you have come down with a fever. Lie down and get some

rest, for it is nearly night time. Perhaps you will feel better in the morning. (exit)

JOHN- But the night was as painful as the day.

(Christian lies on his back, contorted into an upside down “U” because of the burden on his back.)

JOHN- Instead of sleeping, he spent the night in sighs and tears.

CHRISTIAN- Ow…

(The Wife enters stage right.)

WIFE- Morning, dear. And how do we feel?

CHRISTIAN- Worse and worse. Destruction is upon us. We must find some means of escape or

else we are indeed doomed.

WIFE- Please, keep your voice down. What if the neighbors hear you?

CHRISTIAN- They must! We must make them aware of their impending doom!

WIFE- You go around talking like that, they will drag you away and lock you up! You’ll embarrass

me and you’ll embarrass the children. Every where they go, other people will point and say, “Look! There go the children of that raving lunatic!”

(The Wife exits. Christian kneels to pray.)

JOHN- In spite of his family’s ridicule, he began to lock himself in his room, to pray for his family,

and find relief from his misery. He took long walks in the fields, sometimes reading, and sometimes praying. Greatly distressed, he cried out to Heaven:

(The Evangelist enters stage left.)

CHRISTIAN- What shall I do to be saved?

EVANGELIST- Forgive my intrusion, sir, but why do you cry out such things?

CHRISTIAN- Who are you?

EVANGELIST- I am called Evangelist. I have heard your cry, and would like to help if I may.

CHRISTIAN- Sir, the book in my hand tells me I am condemned to die, and after that to come to

judgement. I don’t want to die, nor am I ready to be judged.

EVANGELIST- Why are you unwilling to die, since this life is full of many evils?

CHRISTIAN- Because I am afraid that this burden is upon my back will cause me to sink lower

than the grave. And, Sir, I am not ready to go to judgement, and then to execution. The mere thought of these things makes me cry.

EVANGELIST- (hands Christian a roll of paper) Then flee, my friend, from the wrath that is

coming.

CHRISTIAN- Where?

EVANGELIST- Look out there. Do you see the light shining beyond the field?

CHRISTIAN- I think so.

EVANGELIST- Keep that light in your eye, and go directly towards it. You will find there a gate.

Knock on that gate, and you will be told what to do.

JOHN- And so he ran, leaving behind his family and friends, crying out as he went…

(The Wife enters stage right. Christian runs off stage left.)

CHRISTIAN- Life! Life! Eternal life!

WIFE- Where are you going? Come back!

(The Evangelist exits stage left. The Wife shakes her head, and exits.)

JOHN- Without looking behind him, he ran towards the middle of the plain. Seeing their neighbor

running with such passion, two of his friends set out to bring Christian home by force: a man named Obstinate, and another named Pliable. They called to him:

(Christian runs on stage left. Obstinate and Pliable run on from stage left.)

OBSTINATE- Hey, Christian!

JOHN- For Christian was his name.

(Christian turns to the men.)

OBSTINATE- We have come to bring you back with us to your home.

CHRISTIAN- I’m sorry, but I can’t go home, for our city is doomed to destruction. And you too

will be destroyed if you remain in that place. Come with me, and together we will escape such destruction!

OBSTINATE- What! And leave our friends and our homes behind us?

CHRISTIAN- Yes, because everything you will leave behind is nothing compared with what we

will enjoy at our journey’s end: an inheritance incorruptible and perfect that will never fade away! It’s right here in my book. Come and see!

OBSTINATE- Tush! Away with your book. Are you coming with us or not?

CHRISTIAN- No.

OBSTINATE- Come, then, Pliable, let’s go home without him.

PLIABLE- But if the things good Christian says are true, we would be wiser to follow with him.

OBSTINATE- What? You are not foolish enough to believe him, are you?

CHRISTIAN- No, Pliable, do come with me. Many blessings await us at this journey’s end. If you

don’t believe me, read here in this book, for every word is true.

PLIABLE- Very well, Christian, I shall go with you.

OBSTINATE- And I will go home alone. I will be no companion of such fools.

(Obstinate exits stage left.)

JOHN- So Obstinate returned home, leaving Pliable and Christian alone. As they continued on their

way, Christian opened his book and told Pliable of the wondrous journey that lie ahead.

PLIABLE- You are certain that we can take every word of this book as true?

CHRISTIAN- Yes, we can, for it was written by one who cannot lie.

PLIABLE- What does it say?

CHRISTIAN- There is a kingdom without any boundaries in which we will live, and we will be

granted everlasting life so we may inhabit that kingdom for ever.

PLIABLE- What else?

CHRISTIAN- Crowns and glory to be given us, and clothing that will make us shine like the sun.

PLIABLE- This is wonderful! What else does it say?

CHRISTIAN- In that place there shall be no more crying, for He that is owner of the place will

wipe all tears from our eyes. We shall be accompanied by angels, both seraphim and cherubim, creatures that will dazzle your eyes to look on them. There also will we see thousands that have gone before us to that place; none of them are hurtful, but loving and holy; every one walking in the sight of God, and standing in his presence forever. We will see the elders with their golden crowns, the holy virgins with their golden harps, and men that were murdered for the love that they bare to the Lord of the place. All will be clothed with immortality.

PLIABLE- But are you sure we will be welcome in this place?

CHRISTIAN- The Lord has said so in this book, that if we are willing to seek it, he will give it to

us freely.

PLIABLE- Well, my friend, I am glad to hear of these things: come on, let us hurry.

CHRISTIAN- I cannot go any faster because of this burden on my back.

(Christian leads and Pliable follows as the two walk toward center.)

JOHN- Indeed he was… for a time. But next I saw in my dream, that they drew near to a very

murky swamp; and not watching where their feet tread, both fell in.

(Christian and Pliable fall down, as if stuck in a swamp.)

CHRISTIAN- Yuck!

JOHN- The name of that place was the Slough was Despondence. Here in the murky swamp they

wallowed for a time. and Christian, because of the burden that was on his back, began to sink in the mire.

PLIABLE- Ah! neighbor Christian, where are you now?

CHRISTIAN- I don’t know.

PLIABLE- Is this the happiness you told me about? If we have become so slowed down in only our

first day’s journey, what may we expect between now and our journey's end? If I get out of this mess, you will go on alone.

JOHN- And with that, Pliable tugged himself out of the mire—

(Pliable pulls free and exits, stage left.)

JOHN- And returned to the safety of his home, leaving Christian was left to struggle in the Slough

of Despondence alone. Christian managed to struggle to that side of the swamp closest to the wicket-gate, yet he couldn’t pull out of the swamp.

(Help enters, stage right.)

JOHN- And thus, Help came.

HELP- May I help you?

CHRISTIAN- Sir, I was told to go this way by a man called Evangelist, who advised me to go

towards that gate so I might escape the wrath to come. And as I was going towards the gate, I fell in here.

HELP- Then give me your hand.

CHRISTIAN-If the Lord wanted to have travelers find the wicket gate, why hasn’t he made a safe

path through the swamp?

HELP- This swamp is a place that cannot be mended. It is called the Slough of Despondence, for

here flow the fear, doubts, and discouragement that accompany the conviction of sin. That is the reason for the worthlessness of this land. It is not the King's wish that it remains so poorly kept. His own people have tried for hundreds of years to mend this stretch of land, but to no avail. It remains a swamp in which many hopes are drowned in fear and doubt.

CHRISTIAN- So how can one cross this land safely?

HELP- There is, by direction of the King, good and safe steps placed evenly through the middle of

this swamp, but they are rarely seen or used, and even when they are, most pilgrims fall deep into the swamp. But once you reach the wicket-gate, you will find solid footing.

JOHN- Having completed his work, Help went on his way, and Christian resumed his walk toward

the wicket gate. He was not gone far before he ran into yet another new face.

(Help exits stage right. Mr. Worldly-Wiseman enters stage right.)

WORLDLY- Greetings, dear fellow. What brings you this way in such a burdened manner?

CHRISTIAN- I am headed towards the wicket-gate, for there, I hear, will I be relieved from my

heavy burden.

WORLDLY- Will you listen if I give you counsel?

CHRISTIAN- Certainly, if you would also care to introduce yourself.

WORLDLY- I am known as Worldly Wiseman of the town of Carnal Policy. And if relief from

your burden is what you seek, I would advise you, then, to get rid of it quickly. Until you do, your mind will be uneasy and you won’t be able to enjoy the full blessings of God.

CHRISTIAN- That is my desire, to have this burden removed from me. I was informed that if I

took this path, I would find relief.

WORLDLY- Who told you to go this way?

CHRISTIAN- A man whoappeared to be a very trustworthy person; his name was Evangelist.

WORLDLY- Oh, my friend, he has set you up for failure, for there is no more troublesome path in

the world than the one he directed to you. I can see you have already met some trouble in the Slough of Despondence.

CHRISTIAN- Indeed I have.

WORLDLY- The slough is only the beginning of the struggles you will face on this road. Listen to

one older and wiser: if you continue this path, you will face much pain, hunger, weariness, perils, swords, lions, dragons, darkness, and even death! These things I know to be true by the testimonies of those who have gone before you. And why should you so carelessly toss aside safety and comfort at the advice of a stranger?

CHRISTIAN- But, Sir, this burden upon my back is more terrible to me than all these things which

you have mentioned. I don’t care what trials lie in my path, so long as I may be relieved from my burden.

WORLDLY- And how did you first receive this burden?

CHRISTIAN- By reading this book in my hand.

WORLDLY- I thought so. That book has burdened many other weak men who in reaching for

truths too lofty for them to attain find themselves under such heavy burdens. Not only do these burdens rob them of their manhood, but they set them upon such aimless adventures seeking to obtain goals they can not define.

CHRISTIAN- But I know my goal, Sir, to be relieved of this heavy burden.

WORLDLY- But why take such a hard road when there is a safer remedy at hand?

CHRISTIAN- If there be a safer road, please tell me.

WORLDLY- In that village, a town named Morality, you will meet a man named Legality, a

judicious man, well respected within the town. He has the ability to relieve men such as yourself of their burdens. In fact, I know he has dome a great deal of good for many people, not only removing the physical burdens but easing the mind and the soul. Go to him, and you will find immediate relief. His home is not a mile away, and if he is not home, his son Civility will be there. There, as I said, you may be eased of your burden. And if you do not feel inclined to return to your former home, you can send for your wife and children to join you there. Lodging is very reasonable, as are the provisions of daily life. You can make quite a nice life for yourself in a town of good neighbors.

CHRISTIAN- If this be true, I shall quickly run to meet this man. Sir, which way do I go to this

honest man's house?

WORLDLY- (points down center) To that hill. Climb to its peak, and the very first home you reach will be his.

(Worldly Wiseman exits the way he came. Christian walks down center.)

JOHN- So Christian went out of his way to Mr. Legality's house for help; but, when he reached the

hill, he discovered it to be much higher than he anticipated.

CHRISTIAN- (looking up) Whoa.

JOHN- In fact, the peak of the hill stretched out over Christian’s head, far enough that Christian

was afraid to climb for fear the mountain would collapse on his head. He knew not what to do, and what’s more, his burden seemed all that much heavier now. There were also flashes of fire that came from the mountain—

(Christian reacts to an imaginary flame shooting out at him.)

JOHN- Making him afraid that he would be burned.

CHRISTIAN- When Christians unto carnal men give ear,

Out of their way they go, and pay for 't dear;

For Master Worldly Wiseman can but show

A saint the way to bondage and to woe.

(The Evangelist enters, stage right.)

EVANGELIST- What brings you here, Christian? (pause) Aren’t you he man I found crying at the

walls of the City of Destruction?

CHRISTIAN- Yes, Sir, I am.

EVANGELIST- Did I not direct you towards the little wicket-gate?

CHRISTIAN- Yes.

EVANGELIST- How were you so easily distracted, for you have gone long out of your way.

CHRISTIAN- After climbing out of the Slough of Despondence, I met a man who persuaded me

that a man of the town above could take off my burden.

EVANGELIST- Who was he?

CHRISTIAN- He looked like a gentleman, and his arguments were very persuasive. I told him

where I was going and why, and that because of my burden I can no longer enjoy my life or my family. So he advised me to come here, and with haste I came. But when I arrived here, I found this hill too high to climb.

EVANGELIST- Have you forgotten so quickly the word of the Lord? “See to it that you do not

refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?." [Heb. 12:25] And elsewhere we are told, "The just shall live by faith: but if any one shrinks away, I will not be pleased with him." [Heb. 10:38] By rejecting the word of the Lord, you are headed for certain misery and moving further away from peace.

CHRISTIAN- (falling to the ground) Woe is me, for I am ruined!

EVANGELIST- "All of the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven." [Matt. 12:31, Mark

3:28] "Stop doubting and believe!" [John 20:27] The man who misled you is the Worldly Wiseman. He is called such because he finds the doctrine of this world to his liking. He attends church in the town of Morality because there he both hears the doctrine he loves and is spared from the suffering that comes from following the cross. Because of his love of this world, he leads others astray from following the way I revealed you, even though that way is correct. You should avoid his counsel for three reasons. One, you must despise his counsel because he led you astray from the narrow path. In doing so, you rejected the word of God, who says, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate,” for "straight is the gate that leads to life, and few there be that find it." [Matt. 7:14] Second, despise his teaching because he made the cross offensive to you. The cross is of greater value than all the treasures in Egypt." [Heb. 11:25,26] And the King of glory has said that he who will save his life shall lose it." [Mark 8:35; John 12:25; Matt. 10:39] And, "If any one follows me that does not leave behind his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." [Luke 14:26] If any man tries to persuade you that obeying God will lead to death, when the truth is you cannot have eternal life without obedience, flee from that man’s teaching. And third, despise his teaching for sending you on the path that leads death.

CHRISTIAN- But he told me that the man named Legality could ease my burden.

EVANGELIST- The man named Legality is the son of a slave woman who is in bondage

with her children [Gal 4:21-27]. If she, with her children, are in bondage, how can you expect them to set you free? No man has ever been set free by Legality, nor ever is like to be. You cannot be justified by the works of the law. Mr. Worldly Wiseman is an alien, and Mr. Legality is a cheat; and for his son Civility, in spite of his handsome appearance, is nothing more than a hypocrite and cannot help you. There is nothing in what you were told by Mr. Worldly Wiseman except a scheme to rob you of your salvation by leading you astray.

CHRISTIAN- But how can I know that your words are true.

EVANGELIST- Because I speak the words of the one who is true. He is my testimony.

JOHN- At this, fire burst forth from the mountain over Christian and the Evangelist, and the voice

of the Lord rang loud and clear:

LORD- All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone

who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’

CHRISTIAN- It is true what you have told me, Mr. Worldly Wiseman is a cheat and a liar. I curse

the day I believed his lies. Sir, is there still hope? May I still continue to the wicket-gate? I am sorry I followed this crooked man’s counsel. May my sin be forgiven?

EVANGELIST- Your sin is very great because you have committed two evils: you have turned

aside from the way of good and tread in forbidden paths. Yet in spite of this, the man at the gate will admit you. He has goodwill for men; but he would warn you not to turn aside again, or else you shall die.

CHRISTIAN- I will remain true to the path you have shown me.

EVANGELIST- God speed you, good Christian.

(The Evangelist exits stage left. Christian walks to stage right. Move on a small gate at stage right.)

JOHN- So Christian went on with haste, not stopping to speak to any man. He walked as if he were

crossing forbidden ground, and could not imagine himself to be safe until he was back on the path he walked before his encounter with Mr. Worldly Wiseman. Finally, Christian arrived at the gate, and there he saw a sign: `Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.' [Matt 7:8]

CHRISTIAN- "May I now enter here? Will he within

Open to sorry me, though I have been

An undeserving rebel? Then shall I

Not fail to sing his lasting praise on high."

(Goodwill enters, stage right.)

GOODWILL- Greetings to you, pilgrim. Who are you, and why have you come?

CHRISTIAN- I am a burdened sinner. I have come from the City of Destruction in hopes of

reaching Mount Zion and escaping the wrath to come. I wish to know… are you willing to let me in?

GOODWILL- I am willing (opens the gate) with all my heart. Step quickly.

CHRISTIAN- (stepping through the gate) Why such haste?

GOODWILL- UP there, that castle is occupied by Beelzebub and his men. His archers are on

constant guard, aiming to kill anyone who seeks to enter this way.

CHRISTIAN- I thank you for you kindness. Tell me your name.

GOODWILL- I am called Goodwill. Now, tell me of your journey here.

(Christian and Goodwill mime a conversation.)

JOHN- Christian elated his tale to the gatekeeper: how Evangelist directed him to the gate; how his

family and friends tried to dissuade him; how he fell into the Slough of Despondence; and how he was side tracked by Worldly Wiseman.

GOODWILL- You have done well to come thus far. Now I will direct you further. (points stage

left) Look before you to the narrow road. That is the path made by the patriarchs, prophets, Christ, and his apostles. This is the way you must go.

CHRISTIAN- Are there any turnings or windings by which I could lose my way?

GOODWILL- There are many false turnings along this road, and they are crooked and wide. But

you can distinguish the right from the wrong. The right path is always straight and narrow.

CHRISTIAN- I have only one more question: I have grown weary of this burden on my back. Is

there any way that you can give me relief?

GOODWILL- There is nothing that I can do to release your burden. You must carry it until you

reach the place of deliverance; there it will fall from your back on its own.

(Christian shakes Goodwill's hand, turns, and walks to stage left. Goodwill exits stage right. Gate off stage.)

JOHN- As Christian prepared to leave, Goodwill directed him to the house of the Interpreter, who

would further prepare Christian for his journey.

CHRISTIAN- (Calls off) I am looking for the Interpreter.

INTERPRETER- (off) Who is it that seeks him?

CHRISTIAN- I am a traveler, who was advised to seek the man if this house for guidance in my journey.

(The Interpreter enters, stage left. Listening to Christian.)

CHRISTIAN- I am a man that has come from the City of Destruction, and I am going to the Mount

Zion. I was told by the man that stands at the wicket-gate that if I called here, you would show me things that would help me in my journey.

INTER- Indeed, I can. What is your name?

CHRISTIAN- I am called Christian.

INTER- Welcome, Christian. I have a great deal to show you.

(The Interpreter and Christian walk to down center. They look at the imaginary painting which is over the audience.)

JOHN- The Interpreter took Christian into his home. He began Christian's tour in a private room,

wherein Christian saw the picture of a very grave person hanging on the wall.

CHRISTIAN- What does it mean?

INTER- The man in this picture is one of a thousand. He can give birth to children, suffering

through child birth, and nursing them himself once they are born. And as you can see here, his eyes look to heaven. He holds the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth written on his lips. This is to show you that his work is to know and reveal hidden truths to sinners. He is posed here as if pleading with men, his back turned to the world. And a crown of gold sits on his head. This is to show that by rejecting the things of the present, he shows his affection for his master, and will be rewarded in the kingdom yet to come. I have shown you this picture first because this man only one whom the Lord has authorized to be your guide in all difficult times along the road ahead. Take good heed to what I have shown you, and bear in mind what I have said, lest in your journey you are led in a path which, though appearing right, leads only to death.

JOHN- The Interpreter led Christian into a large parlor full of dust, wherein Christian witnessed

another strange sight.

(Man with Broom enters. Begins to sweep. As he sweeps, he begins to cough from the dust.)

INTER- What do you see here?

CHRISTIAN- He is trying to sweep up the room I imagine, but the more he sweeps, the more he

stirs up the dust.

(The man exits. Woman with mop enters. She pours water on the floor and begins to mop.)

INTER- Now what do you see?

CHRISTIAN- By pouring water on the floor, the woman is much more able to sweep the room

clean. But what does it mean?

(The Woman exits.)

INTER- This parlor is the heart of a man that was never cleansed by the grace of God. The dust is

the sin that has made his heart filthy. The man who first began to sweep is the law of God. You saw how he stirred up the dust so much it nearly choked him, and that hard as he might try, he could not cleanse the room. This is to show you that the law cannot remove sin, but rather it increases sin. You saw, then the woman sprinkle the room with water, making the room much easier to clean. She represents the gospel, which cleans the heart of its sin just as the water cleansed the room of its dust, making the room habitable even for a king.

(Passion and Patience enter.)

JOHN- Next, the Interpreter introduced Christian to two children.

(Passion runs to the Interpreter.)

PASSION- Oh please, may I have my inheritance! Please, I want to receive it now! Would you

give it to me?

(The Interpreter mimes giving Passion a bag of treasure. Passion gives a "Yay!", laughs at Patience, and runs off.)

CHRISTIAN- What is meant by this vision?

INTER- The restless child is Passion. The quiet one is Patience.

CHRISTIAN- Why did Passion beg and plead so?

INTER- Their Master wished that they would both be willing to wait to receive their inheritance,

but Passion refused to wait. Patience, on the other hand, is willing to wait on his Master's timing.

(Passion enters in rags, down trodden. He sits on the stage, discontented.)

INTER- Passion represents the people of this world. Patience is a citizen of the world that is to

come. As you have witnessed, Passion will have his treasure here and now, that is, in this temporal world. They have no willingness to wait for greater glory, so they lavish themselves with pleasures of today. But as you can see, those treasures quickly give way to rags.

CHRISTIAN- I understand now. Patience is the wiser of the child, first because he hold out for the

best things, and has the best wisdom, and second because he will receive his glory when his brother has nothing but rags.

INTER- Not only that, but where the treasures of this world are quickly gone, the treasures of the

next world will never wear out. Therefore though Passion laughs at his present fortune, Patience will have the last laugh, as it is written, "The last shall become first."

CHRISTIAN- Which tells me that it is not best to desire things that are now, but to wait for things

to come.

INTER- You are correct, "For the things which are seen are temporary; but the things which are not

seen are eternal." [2 Cor. 4:18]

(Patience exits. Move a wall on stage. The devil enters and stands in front of the wall. Christ enters, stands behind the wall. He pretends to pour water on an imaginary fire on his side of the wall.)

JOHN- The Interpreter then led Christian to a wall. He saw a man standing before the wall and a

blazing fire. The man struggled to put the fire out, but it blazed hotter and hotter.

CHRISTIAN- What does this mean?

INTER- This fire is the work of grace that is changes the heart; the man trying to extinguish the fire

is the Devil. But as you can see, the more water he douses on the fire, the hotter it burns.

CHRISTIAN- But how is that possible?

(The Interpreter turns the wall 90 degrees. The devil continues to pour water on the imaginary fire, while Jesus pretends to pour oil on the fire.)

INTER- Look here. Hidden from the devil is Christ, who continually, with the oil of his grace,

maintains the work already begun in the heart, in spite of the devil's schemes. And as you saw Christ at work behind the wall, that is to teach you that it is hard for the sinner to see how this work of grace is maintained in the soul.

JOHN- Next the Interpreter showed Christian the entrance to a stately palace, a beautiful sight

which brought great delight to Christian.

(Christian and the Interpreter turn towards stage left and the palace.)

CHRISTIAN- What a magnificent sight! Even the men inside are dressed in gold. May we enter?

(Two armed guards enter stage left, blocking the exit at stage left. The Recorder enters, stands at center with Christian and the Interpreter, holding a book and feathered pen.)

INTER- Many men wish to enter as you do, but look. The door is heavily fortified. Therefore most

keep their distance.

JOHN- In front of the palace stood a legion of heavily armed soldiers, and a short distance from

them, a man who would record the names of all who would enter the palace. Christian looked further and saw a multitude of men, looking upwards at the palace. Though they desired to get in, the sight of the armed men at the palace entrance kept them at bay.

(The Valiant Man enters, stage right.)

JOHN- Then Christian saw a Valiant Man step forward from the crowd. Without a trace of fear, he

addressed himself to the Recorder.

VALIANT- Sir, put my name in the book.

(The Guards draw their swords. The Valiant Man runs to fight them. He defeats both the guards, disarming them. The Recorder walks to the Valiant Man.)

JOHN- And, after having fought his way through the palace guards, the man was welcomed into

the palace.

RECORDER- "Come in, come in; Eternal glory thou shalt win."

(The Valiant Man exits with the Recorder and the Guards.)

JOHN- So he went in, and was clothed with the same golden garments as his hosts.

CHRISTIAN- Truly you have taught me much in our time together. I feel I should be on my way.

INTER- No, stay just a while longer. I have a few more things to show you.

(Man of Despair enters, sits at down stage right sadly. He holds on to invisible iron bars as he looks at Christian.)

JOHN- The Interpreter took Christian into another room, where he met a very disturbed looking

Man, locked in an iron cage.

CHRISTIAN- What does this mean?

INTER- Why don't you ask him yourself?

CHRISTIAN- Who are you?

DESPAIR- I am what I was not once.

CHRISTIAN- What were you once?

DESPAIR- I was once well respected, accomplished professor, in my own eyes, and the eyes of

others; I once was, as I thought, fit to enter the Celestial City, and rejoiced at the thought of reaching that paradise.

CHRISTIAN- What has become of you?

DESPAIR- A man of despair, trapped in despair as I am this iron cage from which I cannot escape.

CHRISTIAN- But how did you sink to such a condition?

DESPAIR- I left the narrow path to pursue my own lusts; I sinned against the light of the Word

and the goodness of God; the Lord has left me, and in his place, the devil has come to haunt me. I have hardened my heart so much, that I cannot repent.

CHRISTIAN- (to the Interpreter) Is there no hope for a man like this?

INTER- Ask him yourself.

CHRISTIAN- Please ask for me.

INTER- Very well. (to Despair) Sir, Is there no hope for you? Or must you remain in the iron cage

of despair?

DESPAIR- There is no hope. I have crucified Christ a second time. I have despised him and his

righteousness. I have closed myself out of all the promises, and there now remains to me nothing but judgement.

INTER- But how did you allow yourself to fall into such disgrace?

DESPAIR- For the lusts, pleasures, and riches of this world, things I hoped would fill me with

delights. But now, they bite me and gnaw me like a burning worm.

INTER- Can't you repent and turn now?

DESPAIR- God has denied me repentance. His Word gives me no encouragement to believe. He

has shut me up in this iron cage, from which no one can set me free! Oh, how will I handle the misery that awaits me in eternity!

INTER- Remember this man's misery, Christian.

CHRISTIAN- This is frightening! God help me to guard my heart, and pray that I may avoid the

cause of this man's misery!

(Men of Despair exits.)

Is it not time for me to go on my way now?

INTER- I have one more thing you must see. Then you will go.

JOHN- The Interpreter led Christian into another room, where he saw a man rise out of bed,

trembling in fear.

(The Dreamer enters.)

CHRISTIAN- Why does this man tremble?

DREAMER- This night, I had a dream, in which the whole sky grew pitch black. The night was

filled with thunder and lightning that sent fear through my veins. I looked up and saw the clouds moving at an unusual rate. I heard a trumpet, and saw a man sitting on a cloud, attended by the thousands of heaven. The heavens were in a burning flame, and I heard a voice cry, "Arise, you dead, and come to judgement!" At his word, the rocks split, the graves opened, and the dead rose from their rest. Some were full of joy and looked upward; and some sought to hide themselves under the mountains. The man seated on the cloud opened a book. He bid the people draw close, and yet a wall of flame kept the people from him like an accused is separated from his judge. The man on the cloud called to his attendants, Gather together the chaff and stubble, and cast them into the burning lake. And with that, the bottomless pit opened right where I stood; out of the pit came smoke and coals of fire, with hideous noises. The one on the cloud also said, "Gather my wheat into the garner." At his word, I saw many souls caught up and carried into the clouds, but I was left behind. I tried to hide myself like the others, but I could not, for the man that sat upon the cloud kept his eye upon me. My sins also came into my mind; and my conscience accused me on every side. Upon this, I woke up.

CHRISTIAN- But what was so frightening about this sight?

DREAMER- I thought the day of judgement was come, and that I was not ready for it. But more

than that, I was frightened that the angels left me behind, and that the pit of hell opened beneath my feet.

(The Dreamer exits.)

INTER- Have you understood everything I have shown you?

CHRISTIAN- I have, and they fill me with hope and fear.

INTER- Keep all these things in mind, that they will keep you on your course. The Comforter will always be with you, to guide you on the road to the Celestial City.

(Christian shakes hands with the Interpreter. The Interpreter exits.)

JOHN- Christian thanked the Interpreter for his guidance, and set out on his way to the city.

CHRISTIAN- "Here I have seen things rare and profitable;

Things pleasant, dreadful, things to make me stable

In what I have begun to take in hand;

Then let me think on them, and understand

Wherefore they showed me were, and let me be

Thankful, O good Interpreter, to thee."

(Christian “runs” burdened, to stage right.)

JOHN- Now I saw in my dream, that the highway up Christian was to take, was fenced on either

side with a wall, and that wall was called Salvation. Christian ran up this road, but with great difficulty because of the burden on his back. He ran until he came a hill, upon which stood a cross. Just below, Christian saw a tomb. I saw in my dream, that just as Christian arrived at the cross his burden fell from off his shoulders, and tumbled into the tomb, where he saw it no more.

(The burden falls from Christian’s back and slides off stage, stage right. Christian falls to his knees, looking up at the cross.)

JOHN- Christian was overjoyed at his release.

CHRISTIAN- He has given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death. What a wonderful thing,

that this symbol of suffering and death, should bring my release from my burden!

(The Shining Ones enter. One carries a white robe. Another carries a scroll.)

JOHN- As he stared at the cross, with eyes wet with tears, three Shining Ones came to him.

SHINING 1- Peace be with you. Your sins are forgiven.

JOHN- The Shining Ones clothed him in white. They set a mark on his forehead, and handed him a

scroll.

SHINING 1- Read the scroll on your journey, and be careful not to lose it. You will be asked to

present it when you arrive at the Celestial City.

(The Shining Ones exit.)

CHRISTIAN- (full of JOY) "Thus far I did come laden with my sin;

Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in

Till I came hither: What a place is this!

Must here be the beginning of my bliss?

Must here the burden fall from off my back?

Must here the strings that bound it to me crack?

Blest cross! blest sepulchre! blest rather be

The Man that there was put to shame for me!"

(Christian exits.)

JOHN- And thus Christian journey began, into a strange and dangerous land on a narrow road that

leads to paradise.

END ACT 1