Satan intends by the attractions of the
Merry Village to divert the thought of all such travelers and hold
them in the bounds of the Broad Highway. You will soon come to the
path on which more people go to the narrow, rugged way than on all
other paths combined. Were it not for this happy village, and the
places beyond, many more would drop out of our ranks."
I doubted not the words of Blackana, and as I looked out again upon
the Broad Highway, I saw that the two companions had just left the
Merry Village and had come to the well beaten road leading to the
right.
Here stood a preacher who, in tearful earnestness, urged all travelers
to go the right way. I saw many heeding his words and go running on
the new way after throwing away many cumbrous things.
At this place I saw some parting with their friends. One, in particular,
I noticed who was pleading with another not to go, and ever clinging
to him in bodily strength. Many who desired to leave the Broad Highway
were similarly prevented.
In the fork of the road stood a number of large churches in each of
which services were held every hour of the day. These were the Devil's
churches, and were supplied by a courteous and shrewd class of
ministers.
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