Christian has to leave his home, his wife, and his children behind because he cannot persuade them to go with him. Traveling with Pliable, near the beginning of his journey, Christian and Pliable fall into a swampy area called the Slough of Despond. Pliable saves himself but abandons Christian after getting himself out; Christian cries out and struggles to the other side of the bog and is assisted by Help (who heard him). Christian is later diverted by Mr. Worldly Wiseman who tries to convince Christian that he can seek deliverance from his burden through the law (with the help of Mr. Legality and his son, Civility, in a village called Morality) rather than through Jesus Christ or the Wicket Gate. Evangelist meets up with Christian again, after Christian has been led astray, and convinces Christian that he has sinned and needs to turn around and go back to the Wicket Gate.

Christian faced the temptation to veer away from the path that he had originally set out upon. He met Mr. Worldly Wiseman along the way, who convinced him that he should leave the path and go visit Legality, telling him that this was the easiest way to salvation. Of course, this represents the idea that man can get to Heaven by doing works, rather than through faith alone.

Fortunately for Christian, he met up again with Evangelist, who reminded him that there is only one way to Heaven - the Wicket Gate, which is the narrow path that all men must stick to if they want to gain salvation. All the good works in the world (Legality) will not save one's soul.

The link below will take you to the eNotes summary of this book.  Good luck!