(Bunyan is sitting in his cell writing. Enter Warden.)
Warden: (to Joseph B) You have been in Bedford Jail for five years. Every year, we ask you to swear on the Holy Scriptures that you will give up preaching. Once again, if you swear, you     will be released immediately.
Bunyan: (resolutely) Sir, the Lord Jesus Christ has called me to preach. It is my duty. I can do  nothing else.
Warden: (angrily interrupting) Nay! It is your duty to mend pots and kettles. You are a tinker,     nothing more. Hold to that, agree to preach no more in England, and you will walk away from  this jail a free man.
Bunyan: The apostles said, "It is better to obey God rather than men."
Warden: (purple) In England every man will obey the King! (soften a little) Yet the King is ever merciful, say you will preach no more in England and you shall go free.
Bunyan: (with quiet firmness) If you let me out today, I will preach again tomorrow.
Warden: (angry and exasperated) You and you alone hold the key to releasing yourself.  Meditate   on that, Joseph Bunyan, as you rot in prison! (exit)
(Bunyan returns to his work and writes during this introduction after which he begins to read his finished book.)

Master of Ceremonies: John Bunyan remained in Bedford Jail for twelve years.  During this time he wrote   Pilgrim's Progress which has become one of the best-loved books of all time. However, it is  little known that he also wrote Christiana's Progress as a sequel to Pilgrim's Progress. The  story is about Pilgrim's wife Christiana, and their children left behind in the City of Destruction.  And so today, we have brought to you our adaptation of Christiana's Progress.

Narrator: As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I alighted upon a familiar place,     where was a den. And as I lay down in that place to sleep, I dreamed a dream. I dreamedt hat, behold, I saw a woman standing at the door of her home. Her face was turned away from her own house, and her eyes looked with longing across a distant wide field. And as she looked, she wept and trembled.
Christiana: Oh, my husband! my dear husband! I have treated you in a most vile manner! I have driven you away by my evil words and still more evil actions. And all the greater is my sorrow that now I believe your words; this city is indeed doomed to destruction. Oh, how I wish I had fled this place long before this. But now, I am lost, and upon my hands I bear the blood of my children who, but for my example, might have gone on with you.
(enter Matthew, Samuel, Joseph, and James)
Matthew: Mother, do you weep again?
Christiana: Yes, and that more than before. (wearily) I'm sorry.
Matthew: Father has been gone a long time. Why does our grief not grow dim as with others who have lost a loved one?
Christiana: Because I was the one who sent him away by my evil treatment of him.  For such as I, grief can only grow greater with the passing of time. And what makes my sorrow all the greater is that I kept you boys and James from going on with him, when he begged you to join him!
Samuel: Then Mother, let us put aside our tears and go on after him.
Joseph: Yes, let us start packing our clothes; then may be we can catch up with him.
Christiana: Nay, it is too late. Oh, if only we had gone with him in the day of his merciful invitation. Then things would have gone much better with us than they are ever like to do now.
Matthew: Then why did we not go with him? Would it not have been easier to follow after him then, than now?
Christiana: Yes, my son, much easier. But in my fleshly thoughts, I thought he was misled by foolish imaginings But now, I realize that he had his eyes fixed on something much greater. He has beheld the Kingdom of light and by beholding, he has become changed. He has entered the narrow pathway and thereby, escaped the snares of death.
James: Oh, Mama, how rudely we did behave toward him. He was only trying to lead us to a better land.
Matthew: Mother, is there still any hope for our souls?
Christiana: I do not know, my son, I do not know.
Matthew: Ahh.
Christiana: Well, let us be done for the day. Tomorrow will come all too soon.
Narrator: Now I saw in my dream that Christiana slept restlessly that night. And her in tossing     there came to her a dream. And behold, she saw and angel holding before her a broad parchment in which were recorded the total sum of her deeds. And as she looked, she saw that she must soon come to the judgment seat of God to answer for her evil treatment of his     friend. Therefore she did cry out for mercy.
Christiana: Ah, Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
James: (awakened suddenly) What's that!
Joseph: Go back to sleep. It is only mother, having another nightmare.
James: Another one?
Matthew: Aye, she cannot sleep while thinking of her evil treatment of Father. And to be the more honest, neither can I.
Joseph: Nor I. What do you think, Matthew, is there no way we could redeem the time and go on after our Father?
Matthew: I don't know, Joseph. I wish it could be, but since we did partake of the evil, I see no reason why the King of that country should look upon us with any favor.
Joseph: Ah, neither do I. (pause)
James: (sighs) Sleep tight.
Matthew: (sighs) How I wish I could.
Narrator: I saw next that Christiana had another dream wherein she thought she say two evil
     spirits come into the room and speak thus...
Demon #1: Did you hear her cry out for mercy?
Demon #2: Hear her?!! It sent chills down my spine. It was like to have sent me packing back to our master.
#1: Aye, I had thought to do the same, but I feared the wrath of him who pulled a third of us down from heaven.
#2: As well you might. But, back to this woman.
#1: Well, if she keeps going on like this, crying out for mercy, we will loose her as we lost her husband.
#2: Aye. And if she goes off on pilgrimage, it may be that Apollyon himself may not be able to stop her.
#1: Therefore, we must seek to take her mind off the thoughts of what shall be hereafter. If we fail in this, there is nothing in the world that would stop her from becoming a Pilgrim. And if that should come to pass, ahh. (shudder)
#2: Therefore, we must call for reinforcements and surround her with darkness.
#1: Aye, let us call for a legion.
#2: Or two, or ten! for she must not escape us.
#1: She will not, but if she does set out on Pilgrimage, we shall attack her virtue and thus send her packing back.
#2: As we did the Children of Israel, at the borders of Canaan.
#1: Aye, let us hope that our good advice to her will not be rejected.
(exit laughing)

Narrator: The next morning when Christiana had risen and breakfasted with her sons, there came a knock on the door.
(knock)

Christiana: If you come in God's name, come in.
Secret: Amen. (enter Secret)
Christiana: Good morning.
Secret: Peace be upon this house.
Christiana: Thank you.
Secret: My name is Secret; I dwell with those who are on high.
Christiana: Oh! I fear to meet one so good as that.
Secret: Fear not, Christiana, for I have come to bring you good tidings of peace.
Christiana: Say on.
Secret: It has been rumored, in heavenly places, that you have a desire to go there. It has also been rumored that you are aware of the evil you have done to your former husband and you know of the hardness of your heart and the wrong you did by keeping your children here in ignorance.
Christiana: My heart sinks at the thoughts there of. Hope! Hope! Oh, for one small pinch of hope.
Secret: (with compassion) Christiana, would you indeed have hope?
Christiana: Yes, I desire it with all my soul, for if I find it not, I am doomed to sink beneath the waves of despair.
Secret: Then hear the Word of the Lord who has sent me to tell you that He is a God ready to
     forgive and He delights in forgiving of offenses.
Christiana: (amazed) Even for one such as I?
Secret: Yes, truly!
Christiana: Bless Him! Bless Him!
Secret: Further more, He desires for you to come dwell with Him in heaven and sit with Him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Christiana: Oh, such words be too high for me!
Secret: I have something more than words for you. (bring out a letter, sealed and hand to Christiana:)
Christiana: More yet?!  A letter?  For me?
Secret: Aye, from thy husband's King. Here, take it.
(takes letter as if it were very brittle; smell letter)
Christiana: Ahh... sweet perfume such as a rose would covet to bear. May I open it?
Secret: (amused) Yes!
Christiana: Why it is written in letters of gold! (reads slowly and with increasing joy) "The King of the
     Celestial City doth invite thee, Christiana, to go on Pilgrimage as did thy husband. For that is the way to come to my city and to dwell in My presence with joy Forever."  Oh!  Did you hear?  It is a royal invitation to join my husband in the Celestial City!
Secret: Aye, will you accept?
Christiana: Yes, with all my heart.
Secret: (joyfully) Then I shall return to my King with glad tidings.
Christiana: Secret, take me and my children with you that we may also worship this King.
Secret: Christiana, the bitter is before the sweet. You must enter the Celestial City through trouble as did Christian before you.
Christiana: (resolutely) Then what do I next?
Secret: Go to the Wicket Gate over yonder plain for that is the beginning of the way you must go. Further more, I advise you to keep this with you 'till your journey's end for you must deliver this in at the farther Gate if you would gain admittance there in.
Christiana: I shall, dear Secret, I shall.
Secret: And now I must depart. I hope to meet thee on the farther shore.  Adieu, Christiana.
Christiana: Farewell, dear messenger. Rest assured that we shall meet again. (Secret leaves. Softly continue) Aye, we shall... and that right soon! Children! Come, come quickly.
(Enter Matthew, Samuel, Joseph, and James, all are concerned)
Matthew: What is it mother?
Samuel: Is all well?
Christiana: Yes! and more than well. Look!
James: What is it mama?
Joseph: (aside) 'Tis a letter silly head.
James: I know but what does it say?
Christiana: 'Tis an invitation from the King of Kings. We are invited to go on Pilgrimage as did your father!
Matthew: Can it be, even after the way we treated him?
Christiana: Aye. Look for thyself. (hand letter to Matthew) Is it not wonderful? (weeps) Is it not - . Oh me, oh me.
(Matthew takes letter and reads silently with all around him)
Samuel: Weep not, dear mother, this be good news.
Christiana: I know my son.
Joseph: Then why do you weep?
Christiana: It is the nature of womankind to do so when they are overflowing with joy.
Samuel: (aside to James) What did she say?
James: She's crying because she's happy.
Samuel: Oh. Why?
James: That's just the way ladies do.
Joseph: Why?
James: (importantly) Only girls know why.
Joseph: (giving up) Ohh.
Matthew: Mother, this is news greatly to be rejoiced over.
Christiana: Yea, more than you know. For the thoughts of how I had hardened my heart and yours  against your father - they were likely to have carried me to the grave with sorrow. But then there comes this letter from heaven itself to give me hope. Ahh, you cannot know the joy that     fills my soul!

Samuel: Three cheers for the King! Hip-hip-Hurrah! (all say Hurrah together with Samuel. leading on all) Hip-hip-Hurrah! Hip-hip-Hurrah!
James: Why do they do that, Mama?
Matthew: Only boys know why.
Christiana: Come, my children, let us pack up and go to the gate that opens toward the Celestial country.
Samuel: Yes!
All: Hurrah!
(Move set and pack bags)
James: Will I need my walking shoes, Mama?
Christiana: Yes, and a warm coat as well.
Narrator: Now there came to the door three neighbors who came to see the cause of such joyful shouting, for I must tell you that, in the City of Destruction, although there be much laughter, there is precious little joy.
(Timorous: knocks)
Christiana: If you come in God's name, come in.
Timorous: (scornfully) Did you hear? "In God's name," she said.
Inconsiderate: I suppose we could enter in God's name as well as the next, open the door.
(all enter)
Christiana: Greetings, Neighbor Timorous, Mrs. Inconsiderate.
Timorous: Good evening.
Inconsiderate: How do you do?
Christiana: Hello, Mercy.
Mercy: Good day, ma'am.
Christiana: Pardon if I do not stop to entertain thee, but I must be off on a journey this day.
Timorous: (shocked) What? So late in the day?
Christiana: (regretfully) Aye. 'Tis true I should have been gone long 'ere this. (resolutely) But late is better than never.
Timorous: And where will you journey take you?
Christiana: (tearfully) I do-, I -, I do follow in the steps of my dear husband.
Timorous and Inconsiderate: What?
Timorous: On pilgrimage?!
Christiana: Aye.
Timorous: (with dramatic sorrow) Oh, I hope not so, dear neighbor. Pray, for you own good, do not take such risks as that.
Christiana: I care not for this mortal flesh if I can only see the face of Him who sits on the throne.
Timorous: (somewhat flustered) Well, then for thy poor children's sake.
Matthew: Nay! But we will all go. Hip-hip- Hurrah.
Christiana: As you see, there is not one willing to stay behind.
Timorous: Well, what on earth has brought you to such a mind as this?
Christiana: Oh, dear friend, if you only knew as much as I, you would be with us in a flash.
Inconsiderate: And what knew knowledge is this that will separate you from your neighbors and send you packing off to who knows where?
Christiana: As you know, I have been sorely afflicted since my husband left...
Timorous: (with sympathy) Aye.
Christiana: But what made my grief greater was my evil treatment of him while he was under his great conviction.
Timorous: (vehemently) Bah! 'Twas a distracted brain from which he suffered.
Christiana: (with equal vehemence) Nay, but conviction from God. And that same conviction now presses itself upon me....
Timorous: (dramatically) Oh, no.
Christiana: ...and nothing will ease my mind but to follow after.
Timorous: Oh, woe the day.
Christiana: The Prince of that place has also sent for me with words and promises of hospitality if I shall come to him. His messenger was here but a moment ago.
Inconsiderate: You mean that distinguish lady we saw departing your door?
Christiana: Yes, the same.
Timorous: Hmmm. You say she brought you words of invitation?
Christiana: Yea, more than words. She brought a letter from the Lord of the Hill.
Timorous: (surprised) A letter! (aside to Inc) Perhaps there is more to this than we thought.
Christiana: (bring out letter and give to Mercy who stepped forward with interest) Look!
Mercy: (take letter) It smells heavenly.
Timorous: Shush Mercy. This is a serious matter.
(while all this is going on, Christiana sends children out.)
Mercy: Look! It is written in letters of gold. Do read it, please.
Timorous: The King of the Celestial City doth invite thee, Christiana, to go on Pilgrimage as did thy husband... Hmm, and you believe it to be genuine?
Christiana: Yea, with all my heart.
Timorous: Oh, the madness that has possessed thee and thy husband to run yourselves upon such difficulties. Certainly, you heard Obstinate and Pliable's report on the difficulties that did     attack him at his first setting out?
Christiana: Yes.
Timorous: And everyone has heard that he met with lions, Apollyon, the shadow of death and many other things, not to mention Vanity Fair and its inquisitors.
Christiana: (wearily) Aye.
Timorous: Well, if his companion was killed there and he, a man, scarcely escaped with his own life, what can you, being a poor woman, hope to do?
Christiana: Well, (thoughtfully) Having waited so long it may be that work which could have been done in relative peace and safety will now have to be done under more difficult circumstances. But the bitter must come before the sweet and the more bitterness endured the more sweetness enjoyed.
Timorous: But-
Christiana: And since you did not come to my house in God's name as I said, I pray you to be gone and not disquiet me further.
Timorous: (indignantly) Well, if you are determined to play the fool and cast yourself into the jaws of death, I am clear of thy blood. Come Neighbor Inconsiderate, Mercy.
Mercy: (hesitatingly) Uhh.
Timorous: Well, what be the catch girl?
Mercy: Ah, since Christiana is taking her last farewell of home and country, I think I shall walk with her a little way to help her.
Inconsiderate: (scornful) Help her! The only way you can help her is to try to talk her out of this madness.
Mercy: Yes, ma'am.
Inconsiderate: (with a wise air) Well, just be careful you do not fall into her same distraction. While we are out of danger we are out but when we are in, we are in.
Mercy: Yes, Ma'am.
Inconsiderate: (throw letter at Christiana:.) Then here, take thy foolish letter and I bid you adieu.
(Exit muttering with Inc.)
Christiana: Ah, Mercy. What an unexpected favor this is to have you join me a little way in my journey.
Mercy: If the truth be known, I should like to go more than but a little way.
Christiana: What? Go on Pilgrimage?!
Mercy: Aye. If I thought there was any hope for me I would never return to Destruction.
Christiana: Well, dear Mercy, do cast in thy lot with me. I well know what the end of our pilgrimage will be.
Mercy: But I was not invited.
Christiana: You go upon my invitation. Besides He has said Himself, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy." Did He not have you in mind as he spoke these words?
Mercy: I would fain to hope so, but-
Christiana: But what?
Mercy: (timidly) There have been many girls called Mercy.
Christiana: (earnestly) Aye, and all that were true to their name obtained mercy too. Besides, I can hire you as my maid and so get you through. We will go as sisters - all things in common, only set your mind to go with me.
Mercy: Oh, I want to. If only I could know that I would be accepted. If I could here it in a dream or visit I would go on no matter how tedious the way.
Christiana: Well then, loving Mercy, do this: go with me to the Wicket Gate and there I shall inquire for thee. And if you do not receive ample encouragement, I will let you return. I shall pay thee wages for thy good service. What do you think?
Mercy: (encouraged) Me thinks I will accept your advice. Whatever befalls I must at least give it a try.
Christiana: Good girl! You shall have no cause for regret.
Mercy: May the Lord of that place grant it to be so.

Narrator: Then Christiana was glad in her heart not only that she now had a suitable companion
     but also that she had persuaded this dear maid to fall in love with her own salvation. So they
     went on together. Through the course of their travel, they came to the Slough of Despond
     where, by beholding the light and making their way by faith, they made it across safely.

Narrator: Now having gotten over the Slough of Despond by faith, they journeyed on until they came to the great gate, called the Wicket Gate that stands at the head of the way through which all Pilgrims must enter if they wish to attain salvation.
Joseph: There's the Wicket Gate.
James: Aye. But it has no latchpull on this side. How shall we get in?
Matthew: Look at the sign above the door.
Samuel: "Knock and it shall be opened unto you." That sounds simple enough. Try it Mother.
Christiana: all right. (knock)
Good-will: (calling) Who goes there?
Christiana: Uhh, weary Pilgrims, sir, seeking the heavenly country.
Good-will: (opens gate) I am Goodwill, the gate keeper. Any pilgrim is welcome here. What is thy  name and where have you come from?
Christiana: I am Christiana, wife of Christian, and we are from the City of Destruction.
Good-will: (amazed) What?! Have you also become a Pilgrim? Oh, how we have prayed that you would. And these are your children?
Christiana: Yes, sir.
Good-will: (most pleased) Well. Indeed. Do come in, all of you.
(All enter except Mercy; Christiana:. realizes that Mercy is not there and intercedes for her.)
Good-will: And now -
Christiana: My lord, I have a companion of mine who yet stands outside the gate.
Good-will: Indeed?
Christiana: Yes, sir. She is worried that she shall not be accepted because she has come on my invitation alone. I have received a letter, dreams and even a visitor, but she has not. For this reason she is in great doubt as to her reception here.
Mercy: (in desperation) Oh, please let me in! (She faints by the gate from fear.)
Christiana: It is Mercy.
Good-will: Then we must let her in.
(Open door to find her fainted.)
Christiana: Ohh, poor girl! She was afraid that the gate would not be opened for her. (Kneel down beside Mercy and put her head in her lap.) Mercy, wake up!
Mercy: Christiana! (embarrassed) I am sorry - (for causing so much trouble.)
Christiana: (interrupting) Shh, dear Mercy. It's all right. Can you get up?
Good-will: Here. (Helps her up) Now, what did you fear?
Mercy: I feared that I was presumptuous because I wish to enter a Kingdom to which I was not invited.
Good-will: (amazed) What? Not invited?
Mercy: No, sir. Christiana has had dreams and visitors, even a letter, but I have my invitation only by her word. That, sir, is why I fear. And when I was left behind, my fears and doubts did seem confirmed.
Good-will: Didn't you know that an invitation from one of the King's subjects is regarded as if coming from the King himself?
Mercy: Indeed? Then there is grace and forgiveness to spare?
Good-will: There is grace and forgiveness for every child of Adam that ever breathed and for a million more besides. Only believe and you shall come out more than conqueror.
Mercy: (earnestly) Lord, I believe. Help thou my unbelief.
Good-will: Now, Come in.
(Goodwill brings Mercy in and shuts the gate.)
Mercy: (jubilantly) Christiana! Look, I am let in!
Christiana: I knew he would let you in.
James: Yes!
Matthew: We are glad to have you along with us, Mercy.
Mercy: Why, thank you, Matthew. I am glad to be along.
Good-will: Come with me. (pause) From here you can see the Skull Shaped Hill on which our Savior was crucified.
Christiana:  Oh, my Lord. Is it for such as I that you do suffer so?
Good-will: Aye. This is the price that was paid for thy soul. For you are precious in His sight.
Mercy: Yes, he has paid for me ten thousand times more than I am worth.
Christiana: 'Tis no wonder that Christian's eyes filled with tears at this place. Now I can see the blessing that he so longed to share with me. But wretch that I was, I sent him on all alone and for the time I thought it good riddance, but now I see.
Mercy: Oh, that we might never forget the value of the human soul in God's eyes.
Good-will: This hill is set in such a way as to be seen as well at the end of your journey as at the beginning.
Christiana: Indeed? Why?
Good-will: Because pride and self-worship can never take root in the soul that keeps fresh in mind the scenes of Calvary. (pause) Wait here and I will bring refreshments to strengthen you on your journey.
(Exit Goodwill. While he is gone they begin to talk thus.)
Christiana: We are in! Oh, how glad I am that we have gotten in. What do you think, children?
Boys: Hip-Hip-Hurrah! Hip-Hip-Hurrah! Hip-Hip-Hurrah!
Christiana: But we must remember, children, that being in is not the same as arriving in the Kingdom. For I am sure there are many trials ahead.
Mercy: But has he not promised that there is no temptation that shall come upon you, but that He shall provide a way of escape?
Christiana: Aye. 'Tis a saying that is sure and true.
Mercy: Then I for one, am determined to press forward to the prize of my high calling. I intend to make my hope and election sure.
Samuel: As do we all.

Narrator: And so he washed their feet, and fed them. After giving them instructions for their     journey, he sent them on their way. Now along one side of the straight and narrow way was a  wall. On the far side of the wall were fruit-bearing trees and some of the branches were trained to grow over the wall. The fruit of those trees was pleasant to the eye and fragrant to the nose, so that many that passed that way did pause and eat of it. Christiana would have passed by the fruit and not tarried, but her boys (as boys are apt to do) paused to gaze.

Samuel: Mama, look at that fruit. (points at fruit) Let's get some!
Christiana: (slight reprimand) 'Tis none of ours. Best to leave it be.
Samuel: (disagreeing but refraining from picking) But Mama, it smells good.
James: (smells fruit) Umm.
Matthew: (taking charge)  Here. (picks some and hands to Samuel & Joseph.)
Christiana: (alarmed) Boys!!
Samuel: (give fruit to James) Here James.
James: Thank you. (admire them) Look, Mother, aren't they pretty?
Christiana: (Inspect fruit) Hmm... . 'Tis not like any fruit I have seen in the market.
Mercy: Nor I.
Christiana: I think it best to leave it alone.
James: But it's already picked. Wouldn't it be a sin to waste?
Christiana: (reprimanding) Was that not a question to ask before you took that which is not ours?
Matthew: (Ignores Mother's displeasure and starts eating the fruit.) Umm.  It tastes good. (teasing) Want some Mother?
Christiana: Not I, thank you. We have just eaten our fill from Goodwill's table therefore what you eat is out of pleasure and not need.
Mercy: Moreover, the trees are growing in another man's garden.
James: Ohh. (Hand Matthew. her fruit) Here Matthew.
Matthew: What's the matter?
James: I don't want anything that comes someone else's garden.
Joseph: Me neither.
Matthew: Bah, you're cautious overmuch. (Continue eating) His fruit is more pleasant to the tongue than that which Goodwill gave to us.
Mercy: Did not Eve say the same?
Matthew: (insulted) I see no connection.
Christiana: No matter. They are not ours to eat.
Samuel: It seems to me that the owner of these trees owes us this fruit because we are in the way and he is not.
Christiana: Oh, boys, I fear that though you are in the way, your hearts are back in the city. What would your father say?
Samuel: Uhhh....
Christiana: Come, Samuel, obey your mother!
Samuel: Oh, all right. (gives his fruit to Matthew.) Here, Matthew.
Matthew: You're sure? They taste like honey.
Samuel: Yes, I'm sure.
Matthew: Suit yourself. (continue eating as they walk along)
Christiana: Thank you, Samuel.
(Meanwhile, Mercy has looked ahead and spied two men on the path....)
Mercy: Christiana, do you see those men?
Christiana: Yes.
Mercy: What should we do?
Christiana: Just keep going. Maybe they won't bother us.
(They walk towards the ruffians who won't let them by.)
Christiana: (strongly) Stand aside and let us pass.
Ruffian #1: No, we shall not let you pass. Go back to the city of Destruction.
Mercy: What?
Christiana: We are Pilgrims, bound for the Celestial City.
Ruffian #2: All the better, you must go back.
Christiana: We shall not.
#1: (challenging) You will.
Christiana: Never. Come, children.
(Attacked!)
Christiana: Stop.
Mercy: Let me go!
Christiana: Haven't I seen you before.
#1: (darkly) Nay!
Christiana: Yes, I have, but I can't remember where. Unhand me.
Mercy: Help, help!
#2: Be quiet!
Christiana: Matthew, help us.
#2: Watch out for him!
#1: Look what he has in his hands.
#2: Ahh, good.
Christiana: Help!
#1: Silence!
Christiana: Nay, but in the name of the One who's child I am, I call for help.
Good-will: Stop, knaves. What do you think you're doing?
#2: Why didn't you keep her quiet?
#1: How could I? She would have just cried out in her mind. Let's get out of here. (run down     aisle with Good-will. following a few steps)
Good-will: You ladies all right?
Christiana: Aye, a bit frightened but all right.
Mercy: (James (gratefully) Thanks to you.
Good-will: It is a shame I came as late as I did.
Christiana: But did you not come as soon as you were called?
Good-will: Aye, but I am surprised that you being but women without protection did not request an escort.
Christiana: An escort! Might we have had one?
Good-will: Of course, then those ruffians would have passed you by.
Christiana: Alas, we were enjoying the pleasures of your hospitality so much that we forgot that there would be future troubles. But it does seem that our Lord, knowing the danger would have sent you along as a matter of course.
Good-will: Nay, it is part of our Lord's policy to grant, by the prayer of faith, that which he would not otherwise bestow.
Christiana: Indeed?
Good-will: Aye. For if something is not worth the asking, it is held in small esteem by those who receive it.
Christiana: I see. Well, we shall be freer in our asking henceforth.
Good-will: And by asking, you will enable Him to be much freer in His giving. But at thy next stop, remember to ask for he is eager to hear your requests.
Christiana: We shall, sir. Thank you for your good advice.
Good-will: Adieu. (exit)
Christiana: Are you boys all right?
Joseph: I'm just bruised.
Samuel: I'll be all right.
Christiana: James, are you hurt?
James: (embracing) No, mother. I'm all right.
Christiana: Matthew?
Matthew: Uhh, I'm all right, I guess. I'm just feeling a bit dizzy.
Christiana: Is it serious?
Matthew: Nay, I think it shall pass.
Christiana: Very well. Come children, we have miles to travel before we may rest.
(all begin to gather their belongings and Mercy talks to Christiana.)
Mercy: How glad I am that we were so close to help - and to think, I thought we were past all     danger.
Christiana: So might you well believe in your youthful innocence, but I knew better. Before I left my house I knew better. Remember that I thought I had seen them before, I remember now where I saw them. They were the two demons who stood by me in a dream and plotted to keep me from becoming a Pilgrim, and if I became one, they were determined to send me and my     companions back to the City of Destruction.
Mercy: Vile wretches. May their master torment them for their failure. (pause) Christiana, why did Matthew not come to our aid? He is a strong man.
Christiana: I know not. Certainly the others were brave enough. Oh, I hope his heart is not turned away.
Mercy: I think not, but somehow he isn't the same.
Christiana: Aye, he needs some watching.
Mercy: Aye.
Christiana: But meanwhile, let us rejoice that in spite of our neglect, God has shown us the richness of his grace and might!
Mercy: Praise Him.

Narrator: Then these Pilgrims continued on their way and, as they traveled, praised God and thanked Him for their deliverance from the hand of these two evil ones.  They continued on until the came to a house on the side of the road where Christiana had been instructed to knock.


(Christiana knocks. Innocence opens the door)
Innocence: May I help you?
Christiana: I am Christiana, the wife of Christian the Pilgrim. His children and one of our friends have also come.
Innocence: (warmly) Welcome to the Interpreter's House. I am Innocence. (show them in) Please wait here while I go get the Interpreter. (exit)


(Enter Interpreter)
Interpreter:  Welcome, Christiana! We have been anticipating your arrival for a long time.
Christiana: Thank you. We were told that you would have much to share with us to encourage and help us on our way.
Interpreter: Yes. I will show you many lessons even as I showed Christian. Come.
Narrator: The Interpreter showed them the many lessons that she had shown to Christian before them. After they had seen all these things, the Interpreter brought them to another room.


Interpreter: His name is Passion and...
Passion: Give me that toy.
Interpreter: ... she is named Patience.
Passion: Hurry up, would ya?
Christiana: Why is Passion so discontent?
Interpreter: Because the governor would have him wait for his inheritance until next year, but he thinks he should have all things now.
(One came and brought in a bag of treasure and poured it at Passion's feet.)
Passion: (Mocking) Ha, ha! I got mine and you got none. You must cry while I have fun. Ha ha.
Mercy: (shocked) Such a rude child.
Passion: You think you're going to get yours later, don't you. Well, you're wrong. Our Lord delays his coming maybe forever. If you don't get wise like me, you won't get nothin'.
Patience: I believe the Governor will give me my reward at the right time.
Interpreter: By the end of the year, Passion has lost all interest in his treasure; it has become worthless to him and his smiles become tears when the governor arrives and gives Patience her reward.
Passion: Unfair, unfair! You came like a thief in the night. Unfair, unfair, unfair!
Governor: In your lifetime you enjoyed your good things and Patience evil things. Now she is     comforted and you will be tormented. (Passion has no reply) Take him away.
Interpreter: These two children are figures. Passion represents the men of this world and Patience of the world to come. The men of this world prefer to have all things now, rather than later.
Christiana: But they, like Passion, will one day be reduced to rags and sorrow at the very time Christians are but beginning to come to their finest treasures.
Interpreter: You have rightly said. Come.
(Come to the room with the Muckraker and the angel)
Muckraker: (sighing) Oh, weary dreary. My life is so uncheery. Sticks and straw, dust and muck which I must eternal rake with this infernal muckrake.


Angel: (invitingly) Friend, look up.
Muckraker: (disgustedly) Ugh! There is a flea. I must kill it lest it suck the world dry of all its blood. (disappointed) Missed it. He will likely spread the plague, wretched little beast.
Angel: (insistent) Friend, look up from the works of darkness.
Muckraker: What is this, a mole hill? Oh dear, what shall become of the gardens and flowers? (look around) Flowers, flowers, where are the flowers? Oh, I forgot, there are no flowers in this place. Only fleas and mole hills, dust and muck that I must keep on raking. (sighing) Oh, weary, dreary, my life is so uncheery.
Interpreter: Do you understand what you see?
Mercy: It seems the angel is quite eager to give her a Celestial crown but she can't here her.
Interpreter: Nay, will not hear her. She has ignored the call so many times that although her ears are good, she doesn't hear.
Christiana: Then she doesn't believe that the voice is for her.
Interpreter: (sadly) Aye, when once the things of earth capture our eyes, we count the crowns and kingdoms as the dreams and parables of deluded weaklings.
Christiana: Indeed. But please tell us why are the woman's clothes so, so filthy. It looks like she should turn the rake upon herself to get clean.
Interpreter: It is a law of life that by beholding we become changed. This woman by beholding the straws and sticks has become quiet like them.
Mercy: Aye, 'tis true. Wood, hay and stubble seem to be the life goal of nearly everyone I know to the neglect of heavenly things.
Christiana: Oh, let me never become like one such as this. May the Lord deliver me and mine from this muckraker's fate.
Interpreter: That prayer is so seldom prayed that it is almost forgotten. The wise man prayed "Give me not riches but wisdom" but scarcely one in then thousand pray that prayer.
(pause)
Interpreter: Is there anything I can do for you to assist you on your way?
Christiana: Yes. We were told to ask for someone to help us to the end of our journey.
Interpreter: Oh, certainly, I know the very one. Innocence, please go get Great-heart.
Interpreter: Yes, ma'am.
Interpreter: Christiana, Great-heart has guided many Pilgrims safely to the Celestial City. You will find him invaluable during you journey. Oh, and here is some dried fruit and nuts to sustain you on your journey. (Great-heart enters)
Great-heart: I am ready, Interpreter.
Interpreter: Christiana, this is Great-heart. (Introduction to Great-heart; as they leave...) God speed to you all.

Narrator: Now they began to go down the hill into the Valley of Humility where Christian fought his great combat with Apollyon. It was a steep hill and the way was slippery but they were careful and got down without a slip.
Joseph: Is this where our Father fought with Apollyon?
Great-heart: Aye, it is.
Christiana: (amazed) Here? But I don't understand. Why here? I imagined a fearful place with bones and skulls all along the way; but instead I see lovely farms and cottages. The people that live here seem to be prosperous and happy.
Great-heart: Remember how we were instructed to enter the Valley of Humility with great care? You and your companions took heed of those warnings. Not so with your husband. For although he had the same help as you, he came on so confidently that his Lord had to give the Devil leave to oppose him to prove that his heart was still pure.
Samuel: Then I take it that we must take even God's slightest suggestions very seriously.
Great-heart: Aye. God speaks nothing for the mere joy of hearing his own voice. Come.
(They march forward, farther into the Valley of Humility.)
James: Mama, look!
Christiana: I see.
James: She looks so content and happy. Is she a shepherdess, Mama?
Christiana: Aye. Don't you see her flocks in the distance. Listen.
Shepherdess: (sings) He that is down needs fear no fall/ He that is low no pride He that is humble ever shall/ Have God to be his guide.
     I am content with what I have/ Little be it or much
     And Lord contentment still I crave/ Because thou savest such.
Great-heart: Did you hear her?
Christiana: I did, such beauty of voice and sincerity of expression. Why, her happiness almost seems to shine from her face.
Great-heart: Aye, I dare say that this girl lives a merrier life and has a more peaceful heart than those who are clad in gold and silks.
Mercy: Is it because she is but a young maiden, or is it because such is the nature of all who dwell in Humility?
Great-heart: 'Tis true of all who inhabit this valley. The Prince of Glory Himself loved to walk these meadows and breathe the pure air of Humility. He also loved the quiet of this place.
Mercy: Aye, I too am enjoying the peace here. There is no rattling of coaches and rumbling of
     wheels. Here one may meditate upon who she is and to what the King has called her.
Great-heart: 'Tis true. Only in the valley of Humility can one find such peace. (pause) Off with us.

Narrator: Then the Pilgrims journeyed to Palace Beautiful, wherein dwelt four sisters named,
Discretion, Prudence, Piety and Charity. The Palace, built as a place of rest for weary Pilgrims, was set atop a high hill called Difficulty. This hill was well named for the way up was long and hard with danger on every side. The Pilgrims arrived shortly after dusk, greatly fatigued from their travel.


(Great-heart. knocks on the door. Prudence answers.)
Prudence: Yes, may I help you?
Christiana: My name is Christiana and I have come from the City of Destruction with my four children and a friend, and Great-heart, our guide.
Prudence: Are you the wife of Christian, the Pilgrim?
Christiana: (smiling) Aye.
Prudence: Oh, Christiana! Please come in! (calling) The wife of Christian and his children have come on pilgrimage!  These are my sisters: Charity, Piety and Discretion.
Charity: Oh, Christiana, I am so glad you have come! Ever since Christian told us about you and your children we have prayed that you would follow in his steps.
Christiana: The Lord did answer your prayers. How I long to be with him in the City. But we have come a long way and my children have been good followers. Oh, and this is my eldest son, Matthew.
Charity: (As she is leading us on) You look just like you father. (Piety interrupts all conversations)
Piety: Here we are talking and keeping you standing. Come in and rest yourselves from your     journey.
(Mercy speaks to Christiana. as they walk off stage.)
Mercy: Christiana, if they invite us to stay a few days, let us accept. I would love to get to know these maidens better.
Christiana: Good idea! If they ask us I shall certainly agree.
Charity: Christiana, you are welcome to stay here for a season if you wish.
Christiana: Oh, Charity, we would love to stay.
Narrator: They continued in that place for a long time. After they had been there only a few weeks, it was rumored abroad that a fair maiden lodged in Palace Beautiful, so there came a     merchant named, Mr. Brisk, to visit Mercy. After hearing of him, Mercy questioned     Discretion thus.
Mercy: This, Mr. Brisk, who is he?
Discretion: Oh, a well bred gentleman - as this world values breeding.
Mercy: He talks like one who professes religion.
Discretion: Aye, profess it he doth quite well, but he has none of the fruits of one who does truly believe it, therefore I have not encouraged his attentions toward me.
Mercy: Yes. I am wondering how to discourage him but, now that I am a Pilgrim, I do not wish to dishearten or offend him.
Discretion: There is no need of that at all.
Mercy: What should I do, then?
Discretion: Simply continue on as you have. Keep on acting out your faith.
Mercy: What will that do?
Discretion: When he sees that you prefer walking out your Christian life rather than just talking it, he will realize that there is no possibility of getting any profit from a union with you.


Mercy: And what will happen then?
Discretion: He will withdraw all attentions from you. In fact, he will be likely to bad mouth you when he sees your ways are too high for him.
Mercy: Well, that is certainly easy enough. I shall just continue to be me.
Discretion: A wise course for any pilgrim girl.
(Brisk knocks. Charity comes in to tell them Mr. Brisk is here.)
Charity: Mercy, Mr. Brisk wishes to visit with you.
Mercy: (surprised) Oh, well he may come here. Thank you.
(Discretion and Charity leave. Enter Brisk)
Brisk: Good-day, Miss Mercy.
Mercy: Good-day, Mr. Brisk. Won't you sit down?
Brisk: Well, Mercy. My, what fine knitting.
Mercy: Thank you.
Brisk: And you made this yourself?
Mercy: Yes, sir.
Brisk: My, this is extraordinarily fine work. And where did you learn to knit so finely?
Mercy: From my father.
Brisk: Ah, he is a tailor then.
Mercy: Yes. The robes he weaves are the most highly desired in all the world.
Brisk: (impressed) Indeed! Well you have certainly inherited his skill to be sure. My, my. Uh, tell me, Miss Mercy, what can you earn in a day? A pretty penny I'll wager eh, (aside) and a pretty penny for he who marries her as well.
Mercy: Actually, my work is not for sale.
Brisk: (shocked) Not for sale! Where does it go then?
Mercy: To those that need them.
Brisk: Ah, of course, to dukes and princes no doubt.
Mercy: No, to the poor and needy.
Brisk: What? They have no money to give you. Why, who pays you for your labors?
Mercy: My father.
Brisk: Is he a philanthropist as well?
Mercy: Among other things, yes.
Brisk: Hmm, how much does he pay?
Mercy: I don't know.
Brisk: (incredulous) Don't know?
Mercy: No, sir. I only know that I am building up credit from an account I hope to draw from one day soon.
Brisk: You mean that you have not yet got any cash in hand.
Mercy: No, sir.
Brisk: How long have you been at this?
Mercy: All my life.
Brisk: (He cannot believe his ears.) What! Are you sure your father is wise?
Mercy: Oh, yes. I have hung my life upon him.
Brisk: Hmm. When do you say you intend to collect your dues?
Mercy: Ohh, I'm not sure exactly. Just when I need them most.
Brisk: Hmm. (aside) Well, Brisk, my lad, there is obviously no gain to be made from a marriage to a woman so poor in business as this one. Therefore, excuse thyself and look for greener grass. (to Mercy ) Uh-hum, well, I'm very glad to have made your acquaintance, Miss Mercy, and I do hope all works well between you and your father, but I recall some rather pressing business that calls for my immediate attention. Farewell.
Mercy: Good-by.
(Brisk leaves and meets Discretion on his way out.)
Brisk: Oh, hello there, Miss Discretion.
Discretion: And a good day to you, Mr. Brisk. Did you find Mercy to be one to your liking?
Brisk: Oh, she is a nice enough girl, pretty and all that. But just between me and you, she does not have both oars in the water.
Discretion: Uh, I beg your pardon?
Brisk: She's not dealing form a full deck of cards.
Discretion: What?
Brisk: She's missing a screw.
Discretion: Sorry, but-
Brisk: (impatient) In plain English, Miss Discretion, she seems to be ever so slightly mad. Therefore I doubt you shall see much of me around here. Farewell. (exit)


Discretion: Oh, farewell, then. (laughing) Did I not tell thee that Mr. Brisk would soon forsake you?
Mercy: It was just as you said.
Discretion: Yea, he is not only gone but will raise up an evil report of thee.
Mercy: Well, if he will not share his riches with those needy ones who the Lord puts in his path, then he is a stranger to me and the love of God.
Discretion: (carefully) Does it make you sad to lose such a good prospect in marriage?
Mercy: Me? Oh, no. I have had many a man show interest in me, but when they saw that I could not be stopped form giving to the poor, they soon grew discouraged and fell away.
Discretion: Ah, then to lose Mr. Brisk was nothing new to you.
Mercy: Nay, and if no one will agree to help me and give his life in service for others, then I must die a maid.
Discretion: And that does not make you sad?
Mercy: Oh, no. My work brings my joy. Besides, God himself has promised to be my husband and at his right hand there is treasure forevermore. Therefore, until I meet someone who is as I am, I will be content to abide alone. Besides, to join myself with such a man, is to make a home from which the shadows are never lifted.
Discretion: You speak with wisdom.
Mercy: 'Tis born of observation, I assure you.
Discretion: And have you considered your traveling companion, Matthew?
Mercy: (searching for words) Yes, I have considered him, but...
Discretion: But what?
Mercy: I don't know for sure. He seems to be a good man and to know the theory of religion well enough, but he seems to have somewhere lost his courage and strength. He has been all too willing for rests & detours and to watch others fight his battles for him. Yea, frankly, I am concerned for his salvation.
Discretion: Hmm. (Joseph. comes running in at the conclusion of this conversation.)
Joseph: Mercy! Where's Mother?
Mercy: I don't know. What's the matter?
Joseph: (as he runs off) I don't but there's something really wrong with Matthew.

For background on this play we invite to to hear the entire original adaptation of:

Now! As the long awaited companion to our popular Audio Book dramatization of "The Pilgrim's Progress Part I", we proudly offer "Christiana: The Pilgrim's Progress Part II".

This is John Bunyan's brilliant sequel to "Part I" wherein Christian's wife and children start on their way toward the Celestial City.
On their journey they encounter several giants, Vanity Fair, the Enchanted Forest, the Grand Chasm and dozens of other adventures. Featuring:

• Original Music by Jeff Wood
• 58 Actors
• Realistic sound effects
• Easy to understand Olde English
• Six full length CDs 8 Hours of listening
• Adapted text by Jim Pappas
• To order CLICK HERE

You will find this heartwarming sequel to the original masterpiece chock full of romance, humor and adventure. Beginning in the city of Destruction and accompanied by her four sons and Mercy, a young neighbor, Christiana is in for an adventure to end all adventures.

Travel with them as they meet up with Great-heart and battle the giants Grim, Maul and Despair. Thrill as their little troupe overcomes every difficulty and picks up such colorful characters as Old-honest from the town of Stupidity, Mr. Fearing, Much-afraid, Stand-fast and several others