# Endnotes explained — The Pilgrim’s Progress > Chapter companion for The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. ## What happens The endnotes provide commentary on various episodes in The Pilgrim's Progress, including reflections on Christian's journey, the introduction of Hopeful, the dangers of spiritual pride, the temptations of Madam Wanton, the role of the law (Moses), the Valley of Humiliation, and the peril of Forgetful Green. They also include editorial notes on textual variants and biblical references. ## Themes in this chapter ### Community and Fellowship The commentary highlights the fellowship between Christian and Hopeful as a model of true saints' communion, sharing distresses, counsels, and joys. ### Sin and Guilt Discusses spiritual pride, carelessness, and the fall that follows, as well as the terror of the law (Moses) for sinners. ### Temptation and Perseverance Addresses temptations such as those from Madam Wanton, Shame, and the dangers of Forgetful Green, urging pilgrims to persevere in humility. ## Character check-ins ### Christian Discussed in relation to his journey, his fall due to spiritual pride, and his experience in the Valley of Humiliation. ### Hopeful Introduced as a companion to Christian after Faithful's death, sharing in the pilgrimage and fellowship. ### Faithful Mentioned as the martyr whose ashes give rise to Hopeful; his encounter with Madam Wanton and Shame is noted. ### Evangelist Referenced in the context of directing Christian to the Wicket Gate. ### Apollyon Mentioned as a danger encountered in the Valley of Humiliation. ### Moses Described as a threatening figure representing the law, who cannot pity penitent sinners. ## Key lines > Ah, what a smile was that! How much sin was there in it, instead of humble spiritual gratitude, and joy. Now see how he that exalteth himself shall be abased, and how surely, along with spiritual pride, comes carelessness, false security, and a grievous fall. That smile revealed sin rather than humble gratitude; pride leads to downfall, carelessness, and false security. _Cheever's commentary on the danger of spiritual pride after receiving grace._ > The very person’s hand we need to help us, whom we thought we had exceeded. The one we thought we had surpassed is actually the one whose help we need. _Mason's reflection on the necessity of humility and mutual aid among pilgrims._ > When a consciousness of superiority to other Christians leads to vain glory, a fall will be the consequence; but while it excites compassion, it also cements Christian friendship. Feeling superior to others leads to pride and a fall, but compassion strengthens Christian bonds. _Ivimey's observation on the dual effect of perceived superiority._ > As the law giveth no strength, nor life to keep it, so it accepteth none of them that are under it. Sin and Die, is forever its language. There is no middle way in the law. It hath not ears to hear, nor heart to pity, its penitent ones. The law offers no strength or life, only condemnation; it cannot pity or accept those under it. _Bunyan's commentary on the law's inability to save, from 'On Justification'._ > Nothing can be a stronger proof that we have lost the image of God, than shame concerning the things of God. This shame, joined to the fear of man, is a very powerful enemy to God’s truths, Christ’s glory, and our soul’s comfort. Being ashamed of God's things shows we have lost His image; such shame, with fear of man, opposes truth and comfort. _Commentary on the character Shame and its destructive influence._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pilgrim_s_progress_se/chapters/endnotes - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pilgrim_s_progress_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pilgrim_s_progress_se/chapters