Bunyan ... part 2

Our protagonist, now identified as "Christian" is met on his way by his neighbors, Obstinate and Pliable.

Pliable decides to follow Christian. Obstinate only follows along until it is clear that Christian will not turn back. Christian appeals for both to follow him. Pliable is convinced but Obstinate replies, "What! and leave our friends and our comforts behind us?" After mocking them both, Obstinate returns home, alone.

Pliable follows because he likes what Christian is seeking: an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, that does not fade away. The more Christian spoke of the blessings of Heaven, the more excited Pliable became.

Excited, of course until he met with resistance.

They both, together, fell headlong into a bog, which turns out to be the Slough of Despond. This is a difficult obstacle for them both. They both struggled for footing, and floundered in the Slough.

Christian, determined to reach his goal, pressed onward. Pliable, however did not fare as well. The seemingly distant rewards of Heaven were no longer enough motivation to sustain him through hardships. It was easier to return to the nearer edge of the Slough, so he gave up his Pilgrimage, and returned home, in shame.

Christian actually had a more difficult time of it. He carried his burden upon his back, which caused him to sink, and hampered his progress across the slough, but he continued steadfastly toward his goal. He met one called Help, who encouraged him, and lent Christian a hand that he could get his feet back on solid ground. Christian then continued toward the Wicket Gate.

The reader is given a chance to understand the significance of the Slough of Despond. It lies before the Wicket Gate, and is synonymous with the awareness of guilt that precedes repentance from sin. It is where one despairs of their own ability to shrug their own burden off, and which underscores the necessity of Another to remove the Burden.

En route to the Wicket Gate, he will next encounter Mr. Worldly Wiseman.