The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

For you can never have happiness or peace of mind until you do!"
"That is what I am seeking for," answered Christian. "I desperately want
to be rid of this heavy burden — but I cannot get it off myself! Nor is
there any man in our country who can remove it from my shoulders.
Therefore I am going this way, as I told you — that I may be rid of my
burden!"
"Who told you that this was the way to rid you of your burden?" replied
Worldly-wiseman.
"A man who appeared to be a very noble and honorable person,"
answered Christian. "His name, as I remember, is Evangelist."
"I curse him for that counsel!" snarled Worldly-wiseman. "There is not a
more dangerous and troublesome way in all the world! You shall find
this out for yourself — if you follow his advice. I see that you have met
with trouble already — for I see that the mire from the Swamp of
Despond is upon you. That swamp is just the beginning of the sorrows
which attend those who continue in that dangerous way.
"Listen to me — for I am older than you. On that narrow way — you are
sure to meet with weariness, pain, hunger, peril, sword, lions, dragons,
darkness — and what not! In a word, you will meet with death! These
things are certainly true, having been confirmed by many testimonies.
And why should you so carelessly cast yourself away — by giving heed
to a stranger?"
"Why, Sir," answered Christian, "this burden upon my back is more
dreadful to me — than all the things which you have mentioned!
Page
26 of 253