The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

5. Then they begin, as we say, to pick holes in the coats of some of the
godly — trying to find some blemish in them. They do so devilishly —
that they may have an excuse to throw religion behind their backs.
6. Then they begin to associate and join themselves with fleshly,
immoral, and worldly men.
7. Then they give way to fleshly and immoral discourses in secret. They
are glad if they can see such things in any who are reputed to be honest
— for the example of these hypocrites emboldens them.
8. After this, they begin to openly play with little sins.
9. Being hardened, they then show themselves as they truly are.
"Thus, being launched again into the gulf of misery, they will
everlastingly perish by their own deceptions — unless a miracle of
grace prevents it."
BEULAH LAND
TOC
Now I saw in my dream, that by this time the Pilgrims were now beyond
the Enchanted Ground, and had entered into the country of Beulah,
whose air was very sweet and pleasant. As their way went directly
through Beulah Land — they delighted themselves there for a season.
Yes, here they continually heard the singing of birds, and every day saw
new flowers appear, and heard the song of the turtle-dove in the land.
In this country the sun shines night and day. As it was beyond the Valley
of the Shadow of Death, and also out of the reach of Giant Despair —
they could not so much as see Doubting Castle.
Here they were within sight of the City they were traveling to. They also
met some of the inhabitants of that City — for in this land the Shining
Ones commonly walked, because it was upon the borders of Heaven.
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