The Pilgrim's Progress Justice and Judgment Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Paragraph (P#) or Line (Line #)

Quote #1

Christian: I walk by the Rule of my Master; you walk by the rude working of your fancies. You are counted thieves already, by the Lord of the way; therefore I doubt you will not be found true men at the end of the way. You come in by yourselves, without his direction; and shall go out by yourselves, without his mercy." (P206)

This is a great quote for thinking about how, for Bunyan, different systems of law are incompatible, just as one can't serve two masters. Christian is speaking to Formalist and Hypocrisy here and explaining the essential rift between living by one's own laws and living by God's laws. You might also think about this conflict in relation to the case of Ignorance much later in the story.

Quote #2

"By Laws and Ordinances you will not be saved, since you came not in by the door." (P209)

Speaking to Formalist and Hypocrisy here, Christian is asserting the presence of a higher judgment, a higher law, over the rules of institutional religions. This higher law is represented by the Wicket Gate, the humble place God demands all pilgrims begin their journeys.

Quote #3

Shall they who wrong begin yet rightly end?
Shall they at all have safety for their friend?No, no, in head-strong manner they set out,And headlong will they fall at last no doubt. (P212)

This inserted verse reflects on Formalist and Hypocrisy falling into Danger and Destruction (having taken the easier paths around the Hill of Difficulty). Because they were not willing to be humble and begin from the Wicket Gate, Bunyan shows the pair receiving their just deserts. A higher justice—serving the "head-strong" with the "headlong" fall—triumphs over their attempt to cut corners with their own mortal laws and customs.