Refreshment at the Spring

Refreshment at the Spring

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.  

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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
.

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Met by Mr. Sagacity

Bunyan and Mr. Sagacity

And as I was in my dream, behold, an aged gentleman came by where I lay; and because he was to go some part of the way that I was traveling, methought I got up and went with him. So as we walked, and as travelers usually do, we fell into discourse; and our talk happened to be about Christian and his travels, for thus I began with the old man:

“Sir,” said I, “what town is that there below, that lies on the left hand of our way?”

Sagacity: Then said Mr. Sagacity—for that was his name: “It is the city of Destruction; a populous place, but possessed with a very ill conditioned and idle sort of people.”

“I thought that was that city,” I said; “I went once myself through that town, and therefore know that this report you give of it is true.”

Sagacity: Too true; I wish I could speak truth in speaking better of them that dwell therein.

Notes and Commentary

As Bunyan begins to dream, he meets a fellow traveler named Mr. Sagacity. Since they are traveling the same direction, Bunyan walks with him and engages him in conversation. Their “talk happened to be about Christian and his travels.”

Mr. Sagacity represents the wisdom we need to walk through this world. Someone who is sagacious has clarity of thought, soundness of mind, and acute perception. A sage (from the Greek sophos) is known and revered for being wise. Unlike Worldly Wiseman, who offered Christian ungodly counsel in Part 1, Mr. Sagacity brings true wisdom that comes from God.

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The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress
and images used are public domain
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2021 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

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