Thus they went on, till they came at the foot of the Hill Difficulty, where, again, their good friend, Mr. Great-heart, took an occasion to tell them of what happened there when Christian himself went by. So he had them first to the spring. Lo, said he, this is the spring that Christian drank of, before he went up this hill; and then it was clear and good, but now it is dirty with the feet of some that are not desirous that pilgrims here should quench their thirst. Thereat Mercy said, And why so envious, trow? But, said their guide, it will do, if taken up, and put into a vessel that is sweet and good; for then the dirt will sink to the bottom, and the water come out by itself more clear. Thus, therefore, Christiana and her companions were compelled to do. They took it up, and put it into an earthen pot, and so let it stand till the dirt was gone to the bottom, and then they drank thereof.
Notes and Commentary
Great-Heart continues to guide the pilgrims, retracing the steps of Christian in Part 1, to the “foot of Hill Difficulty.” Hill Difficulty represents the difficulties and struggles we as believers experience in this life. In a world that is fallen and marred by sin, the Way is often hard, especially as we seek to honor God and walk in the light of His Word.
Before going up the hill, Great-Heart takes the pilgrims to a spring. The spring represents God’s gracious provision to prepare and strengthen us to face life’s troubles and trials. As we live as pilgrims in the world making our way to the Celestial City, God is faithful to sustain us and provide for our needs. While God certainly provides for our physical needs, He also fortifies us spiritually. This is primarily accomplished through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.
Continue reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2025 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2