"Though strait be the way, with dangers beset" By Joseph Hart. Gadsby Hymn 778. Tune 'St Patrick'.

From John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress: So, in process of time, Christian got up to the gate. Now, over the gate there was written, “Knock, and it shall be opened unto you” He knocked, therefore, more than once or twice, saying— “May I now enter here? Will He within Open to sorry me, though I have been An undeserving rebel? Then shall I Not fail to sing His lasting praise on high.” At last there came a grave person to the gate, named Goodwill, who asked who was there? and whence he came? and what he would have? CHRISTIAN. Here is a poor burdened sinner. I come from the City of Destruction, but am going to Mount Zion, that I may be delivered from the wrath to come. I would, therefore, Sir, since I am informed that by this gate is the way thither, know if you are willing to let me in! GOOD-WILL. I am willing with all my heart, said he; and with that he opened the gate. So when Christian was stepping in, the other gave him a pull. Then said Christian, What means that? The other told him. A little distance from this gate, there is erected a strong castle, of which Beelzebub is the captain; from thence, both he and them that are with him shoot arrows at those that come up to this gate, if haply they may die before they can enter in. Then said Christian, I rejoice and tremble. So when he was got in, the man of the gate asked him who directed him thither? CHRISTIAN. Evangelist bid me come hither, and knock (as I did); and he said that you, Sir, would tell me what I must do. GOOD-WILL. An open door is set before thee, and no man can shut it. CHRISTIAN. Now I begin to reap the benefits of my hazards. GOOD-WILL. But how is it that you came alone? CHRISTIAN. Because none of my neighbours saw their danger, as I saw mine. GOOD-WILL. Did any of them know of your coming? CHRISTIAN. Yes; my wife and children saw me at the first, and called after me to turn again; also, some of my neighbours stood crying and calling after me to return; but I put my fingers in my ears, and so came on my way. GOOD-WILL. But did none of them follow you, to persuade you to go back? CHRISTIAN. Yes, both Obstinate and Pliable; but when they saw that they could not prevail, Obstinate went railing back, but Pliable came with me a little way. GOOD-WILL. But why did he not come through? CHRISTIAN. We, indeed, came both together, until we came at the Slough of Despond, into the which we also suddenly fell. And then was my neighbour, Pliable, discouraged, and would not adventure further. Wherefore getting out again on that side next to his own house, he told me I should possess the brave country alone for him; so he went his way, and I came mine—he after Obstinate, and I to this gate. GOOD-WILL. Then said Good-will, Alas, poor man! is the celestial glory of so small esteem with him, that he counteth it not worth running the hazards of a few difficulties to obtain it? CHRISTIAN. Truly, said Christian, I have said the truth of Pliable, and if I should also say all the truth of myself, it will appear there is no betterment betwixt him and myself. It is true, he went back to his own house, but I also turned aside to go in the way of death, being persuaded thereto by the carnal arguments of one Mr. Worldly-wiseman. GOOD-WILL. Oh! did he light upon you? What! he would have had you a sought for ease at the hands of Mr. Legality. They are, both of them, a very cheat. But did you take his counsel? CHRISTIAN. Yes, as far as I durst; I went to find out Mr. Legality, until I thought that the mountain that stands by his house would have fallen upon my head; wherefore, there I was forced to stop. GOOD-WILL. That mountain has been the death of many, and will be the death of many more; it is well you escaped being by it dashed in pieces. _______________ Gadsby Hymn 778: 1 Though strait be the way, with dangers beset, And we on the way are no farther yet, Our good Guide and Saviour has helped us thus far; And ’tis by his favour we are what we are. 2 [A favour so great we highly should prize; Not murmur, nor fret, nor small things despise. But what call we small things – sin’s whole cancelled sum? ’Tis greater than all things, except those to come.] 3 My brethren, reflect on what we have been, How God had respect to us under sin; When lower and lower we every day fell, He stretched forth his power, and snatched us from hell. 4 Then let us rejoice, and cheerfully sing, With heart and with voice, to Jesus our King, Who thus far has brought us from evil to good; The ransom that bought us, no less than his blood. 5 For blessings like these, so bounteously given, For prospects of peace and foretastes of heaven, ’Tis grateful, ’tis pleasant, to sing, and adore; Be thankful for present, and then ask for more.