Works of John Bunyan Novel Chapters
List of most recent chapters published for the Works of John Bunyan novel. A total of 543 chapters have been translated and the release date of the last chapter is Apr 02, 2024
Latest Release: Chapter 1 : The Works of John Bunyan.Volume 1.by John Bunyan.MEMOIR OF JOHN BUNYAN THE FIRST PERIOD.
The Works of John Bunyan.Volume 1.by John Bunyan.MEMOIR OF JOHN BUNYAN THE FIRST PERIOD.THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGn.o.bLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER
- 443 They only who reject the counsel and mercy of G.o.d, shut heaven's gates against their own souls, and rush upon Jehovah's buckler like Judas, or Spira, or like one of Bunyan's early friends, John Childs, who apostatized for fear of persecution, and per
- 442 Alas for them, poor hearts! who could blame them, since their dead friends were come to life again? for it was to them as life from the dead, to see the ancients of the town of Mansoul s.h.i.+ne in such splendour. They looked for nothing but the axe and t
- 441 The townsmen also, so many of them as saw this sight, were as it were, while they looked, betwixt the earth and the heavens. True, they could not tell what would be the issue of things as to them, but all things were done in such excellent methods; and I
- 440 'Well sir,' said Mr. Loth-to-stoop, 'I have one thing more to propound, and then I am got to the end of my commission. Suppose that when my master is gone from Mansoul, any that shall yet live in the town should have such business of high concerns to d
- 439 Now, when the men of the town saw the mult.i.tude of the soldiers that were come up against the place, and the rams and slings, and the mounts on which they were planted, together with the glittering of the armour and the waving of their colours, they wer
- 438 UND. Then answered my Lord Understanding: 'It is even because that thou and thy master have carried it not rightly, and as you should, to the captains of Shaddai; for in three things you are faulty:--First, In that you would not let Mr. Conscience and my
- 437 rebellion--and thou hast already done more than this--then what follows but, cut it down? Nay, "After that thou shalt cut it down"(Luke 13:9). And dost thou think that these are but threatenings, or that our King has not power to execute his words? O Ma
- 436 3. 'My sword is a tongue that is set on fire of h.e.l.l (Psa 57:4), and that can bend itself to speak evil of Shaddai, his Son, his ways, and people (Psa 64:3). Use this; it has been tried a thousand times twice told; whoever hath it, keeps it, and makes
- 435 So he sent for him, and talked with him of that secret matter that lay in his breast, but there needed not much persuasion in the case; for as at first he was willing that Diabolus should be let into the town, so now he was as willing to serve him there.
- 434 [CONTENTS:--The original beauty and splendour of the town of Mansoul, while under the dominion of Shaddai--Its n.o.ble castle described--Its five gates--The perfection of its inhabitants--The origin of Diabolus--His pride and fall--Revenge meditated--A co
- 433 At first sight, it may seem strange that the armies, both within and without the city, should be so numerous, as it is but one man who is the object of attack and defence--one human body, containing one immortal Mansoul; but if the reader reflects that ev
- 432 [329] The view of the peaceful and joyful death of the pilgrims, cannot but affect every reader; and many, perhaps, may be ready to say, 'Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his'; but, except they make it their princ.i.p.a
- 431 [297] Mark how the ready hands of death prepare; His bow is bent, and he hath notch'd his dart; He aims, he levels at thy slumb'ring heart.The wound is posting; O be wise, beware!What, has the voice of danger lost the art To raise the spirit of neglecte
- 430 [263] This may refer to that n.o.ble band of eminent men who, in 1675, preached the morning exercises against Popery; among others were Owen, Manton, Baxter, Doolittle, Jenkyn, Poole, and many others. They were then, and ever will be, of great fame--(ED).
- 429 [219] Here is a very striking lesson for professors. Talk not of your great knowledge, rich experience, comfortable frames, and joyful feelings; all are vain and delusive, if the Gospel has not a holy influence upon your practice. On the other hand, be no
- 428 [175] Though this Valley of Humiliation, or a clear sight and abiding sense of the sinfulness of our nature, and the wickedness of our hearts, may be very terrifying to pilgrims, after they have been favoured with peace and joy, and comforted by the views
- 427 [139] When Christiana was admitted into the church, care was taken to inquire into the religious knowledge of her children. This is an important branch of ministerial and parental duty. The answers given by the children do their mother honour, and prove t
- 426 [98] Here Bunyan gives a very clear and distinct account of that righteousness of Christ, as Mediator, which He wrought out by His perfect obedience to the law of G.o.d for all His seed. And by this righteousness, and no other, are they fully justified fr
- 425 [64] When the soul is happy in the love of G.o.d, it is ready to conclude that dangers are past, that doubts and fears are entirely removed; but as long as we are in this world, we shall find the expediency of our Lord's exhortation--'Watch and pray.'-
- 424 [23] As the Spirit testifies of Christ, so He leads the soul to Christ, that He may be the sinner's only hope, righteousness, and strength.Thus He glorifies Christ--(Mason).But bring thou with thee a certificate, To show thou seest thyself most desolate;
- 423 12:3).Then Mr. Feeble-mind called for his friends, and told them what errand had been brought unto him, and what token he had received of the truth of the message. Then he said, Since I have nothing to bequeath to any, to what purpose should I make a will
- 422 Then the Pilgrims desired, with trembling, to go forward; only they prayed their guide to strike a light, that they might go the rest of their way by the help of the light, of a lantern.[306] So he struck a light, and they went by the help of that through
- 421 VALIANT. It glads me at heart. Good man! how joyful will he be when he shall see them that would not go with him, yet to enter after him in at the gates into the City!GREAT-HEART. Without doubt it will be a comfort to him; for, next to the joy of seeing h
- 420 When these men had thus bravely showed themselves against Doubting Castle, and had slain Giant Despair, they went forward; and went on till they came to the Delectable Mountains, where Christian and Hopeful refreshed themselves with the varieties of the p
- 419 CONTRITE. You may be sure we are full of hurry in fair-time. It is hard keeping our hearts and spirits in any good order, when we are in a c.u.mbered condition. He that lives in such a place as this is, and that has to do with such as we have, has need of
- 418 What, one would think, doth seek to slay outright, Ofttimes delivers from the saddest plight.That very providence, whose face is death, Doth ofttimes to the lowly life bequeath.I taken was, he did escape and flee; Hands cross'd gives death to him, and li
- 417 Apples were they with which we were beguil'd Yet sin, not apples, hath our souls defil'd.Apples forbid, if eat, corrupt the blood; To eat such, when commanded, does us good.Drink of His flagons, then, thou church, His dove, And eat His apples, who are s
- 416 HON. Why, he said he had the Scripture for his warrant.GREAT-HEART. Prithee, Mr. Honest, present us with a few particulars.HON. So I will. He said, To have to do with other men's wives, had been practised by David, G.o.d's beloved; and therefore he coul
- 415 GREAT-HEART. I believe it, father Honest, I believe it; for I know the thing is true.Then the old gentleman saluted all the Pilgrims with a holy kiss of charity; and asked them of their names, and how they had fared since they set out on their pilgrimage.
- 414 Now they were come to the place where the afore-mentioned battle was fought. Then said the guide to Christiana, her children, and Mercy, This is the place, on this ground Christian stood, and up there came Apollyon against him. And look, did not I tell yo
- 413 MATT. Why do the springs come from the sea to us, through the earth?PRUD. To show that the grace of G.o.d comes to us through the body of Christ.MATT. Why do some of the springs rise out of the tops of high hills?PRUD. To show that the spirit of grace sha
- 412 PRUD. I ask, then, if there were ever anything that had a being antecedent to, or before G.o.d?MATT. No; for G.o.d is eternal; nor is there anything excepting Himself, that had a being until the beginning of the first day.'For in six days the Lord made H
- 411 MERCY. Hark! Don't you hear a noise?CHRIST. Yes; it is, as I believe, a noise of music, for joy that we are here.[132]MERCY. Wonderful! music in the house, music in the heart, and music also in Heaven, for joy that we are here![133] Thus they talked a wh
- 410 MERCY. But could they persuade any to be of their opinion?GREAT-HEART. Yes; they turned several out of the way. There was Slow-pace that they persuaded to do as they. They also prevailed with one Short-wind, with one No-heart, with one Linger-after-l.u.s.
- 409 If the life that is attended with so many troubles, is so loath to be let go by us, what is the life above?Everybody will cry up the goodness of men; but who is there that is, as he should, affected with the goodness of G.o.d?We seldom sit down to meat, b
- 408 Now, they being, as I said, not far from the gate in at which they came, their voice was heard from where they were, thither; wherefore some of the house came out, and knowing that it was Christiana's tongue, they made haste to her relief. But by that th
- 407 And let Him gather them of mine, That I have left behind; Lord, make them pray they may be Thine, With all their heart and mind.[41]Now my old friend proceeded, and said: But when Christiana came up to the Slough of Despond, she began to be at a stand; fo
- 406 Then said she to her children, Sons, we are all undone. I have sinned away your father, and he is gone; he would have had us with him, but I would not go myself. I also have hindered you of life.[16]With that the boys fell all into tears, and cried out to
- 405 Some things are of that nature, as to make One's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache.When Jacob saw his Rachel with the sheep, He did at the same time both kiss and weep.Whereas some say, A cloud is in his head, That doth but show how wisdom's cove
- 404 [327]A certificate, To show thou seest thyself most desolate; Writ by the Master, with repentance seal'd. To show also that here [by Christ] thou would'st be healed. And that thou dost abhor thee for thy ways, And would'st in holiness spend all thy day
- 403 [284] Not governed by the Word of G.o.d, but by his own will, his grounds of confidence for salvation unfitted him for Christian fellows.h.i.+p, unless he happened to fall in with a man who had imbibed his own notions-(ED).[285] The desire of Heaven-when
- 402 [242] O beware of a light trifling spirit and a wanton behaviour.It is often the forerunner of apostasy from G.o.d. It makes one tremble to hear those who profess to follow Christ in the regeneration, crying, What harm is there in this game and the other
- 401 [200] The personification of Despair is one of the most instructive and beautiful portions of Bunyan's allegory. It appeals either to every man's experience, or to every man's sense of what may come upon him, on account of sin. It is at once, in some r
- 400 [159] This is a most exquisitely beautiful sketch; it is drawn to the life from many an era of pilgrimage in this world; there are in it the materials of glory, that const.i.tuted spirits of such n.o.ble greatness as are catalogued in the eleventh of Hebr
- 399 [120] The character now introduced under a most expressive name, is an admirable portrait, drawn by a masterly hand, from some striking original, but exactly resembling numbers in every age and place, where the truths of the Gospel are generally known.Suc
- 398 [77] How suddenly that straight and glittering shaft Shot 'thwart the earth! In crown of living fire Up comes the day! As if they, conscious, quaff'd The sunny flood, hill, forest, city, spire, Laugh in the wakening light. Go, vain Desire! The dusky lig
- 397 [33] With gnat propriety Bunyan places the house of the Interpreter beyond the strait gate; for the knowledge of Divine things, that precedes conversion to G.o.d by faith in Christ, is very scanty, compared with the diligent Christian's subsequent attain
- 396 Now, while they were thus drawing towards the gate, behold a company of the heavenly host came out to meet them; to whom it was said, by the other two s.h.i.+ning Ones, These are the men that have loved our Lord when they were in the world, and that have
- 395 CHR. We have not now above two miles further to go thereon. But let us return to our matter. Now the ignorant know not that such convictions as tend to put them in fear are for their good, and therefore they seek to stifle them.HOPE. How do they seek to s
- 394 IGNOR. When do our thoughts of ourselves agree with the Word of G.o.d?CHR. When we pa.s.s the same judgment upon ourselves which the Word pa.s.ses. To explain myself-the Word of G.o.d saith of persons in a natural condition, "There is none righteous, the
- 393 CHR. And did you do as you were bidden?HOPE. Yes; over, and over, and over.CHR. And did the Father reveal His Son to you?HOPE. Not at the first, nor second, nor third, nor fourth, nor fifth; no, nor at the sixth time neither.CHR. What did you do then?HOPE
- 392 HOPE. Do you mean, how came I at first to look after the good of my soul?CHR. Yes, that is my meaning.HOPE. I continued a great while in the delight of those things which were seen and sold at our fair; things which, I believe now, would have, had I conti
- 391 HOPE. I would it had been Great-grace for their sakes.CHR. If it had been, he might have had his hands full; for I must tell you, that though Great-grace is excellent good at his weapons, and has, and can, so long as be keeps them at sword's point, do we
- 390 Then I saw in my dream, that in the morning the Shepherds called up Christian and Hopeful to walk with them upon the mountains: so they went forth with them, and walked a while, having a pleasant prospect on every side. Then said the Shepherds one to anot
- 389 It is said of the men of Sodom, that they were sinners exceedingly, because they were sinners before the Lord, that is, in His eyesight, and notwithstanding the kindnesses that He had showed them (Gen.13:13), for the land of Sodom was now like the garden
- 388 MR. HOLD-THE-WORLD. Aye, and hold you there still, good Mr. By-ends; for, for my part, I can count him but a fool, that, having the liberty to keep what he has, shall be so unwise as to lose it.Let us be wise as serpents; it is best to make hay when the s
- 387 Then they called Superst.i.tion, and bid him look upon the prisoner.They also asked, what he could say for their lord the king against him. Then they sware him; so he began.SUPER. My Lord, I have no great acquaintance with this man, nor do I desire to hav
- 386 Now, according to the strength or weakness of his faith in his Saviour, so is his joy and peace, so is his love to holiness, so are his desires to know Him more, and also to serve Him in this world. But though I say it discovereth itself thus unto him, ye
- 385 TALK. That is it that I said; for to talk of such things is most profitable; for by so doing, a man may get knowledge of many things; as of the vanity of earthly things, and the benefit of things above. Thus, in general, but more particularly, by this, a
- 384 FAITH. You know what I mean; all carnal and fleshly content.CHR. Thank G.o.d you have escaped her; "the abhorred of the Lord shall fall into her ditch" (Pro. 22:14).FAITH. Nay, I know not whether I did wholly escape her or no.CHR. Why, I trow[110] you d
- 383 CHR. Why? what's the matter? said Christian.MEN. Matter! said they; we were going that way as you are going, and went as far as we durst; and indeed we were almost past coming back; for had we gone a little further, we had not been here to bring the news
- 382 So, in the morning, they all got up; and after some more discourse, they told him that he should not depart till they had shown him the rarities of that place. And first, they had him into the study, where they showed him records of the greatest antiquity
- 381 CHR. With a very good will, and I am glad that you are so well disposed.PIETY. What moved you at first to betake yourself to a pilgrim's life?CHR. I was driven out of my native country, by a dreadful sound that was in mine ears; to wit, that unavoidable
- 380 MAN. Why, I thought that the day of judgment was come, and that I was not ready for it: but this frighted me most, that the angels gathered up several, and left me behind; also the pit of h.e.l.l opened her mouth just where I stood. My conscience, too, af
- 379 INTER. Then said the Interpreter, Come in; I will show thee that which will be profitable to thee. So He commanded His man to light the candle,[35] and bid Christian follow Him: so He had him into a private room, and bid His man open a door; the which whe
- 378 EVAN. And what said he then?CHR. He bid me with speed get rid of my burden; and I told him it was ease that I sought. And, said I, I am therefore going to yonder gate, to receive further direction how I may get to the place of deliverance. So he said that
- 377 The Works of John Bunyan.Volume 3.by John Bunyan.THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS; IN THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM.PART I.As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place, where was a den;[1] and I laid me down in that place to sleep: an
- 376 The first use is this, To make a strict inquiry whether you be born of G.o.d or not; examine by those things I laid down before, of a child of nature and a child of grace. Are you brought out of the dark dungeon of this world into Christ? Have you learned
- 375 4. As there must be care used in choosing men to rule the church of G.o.d, so there must be a consideration had that there are many things darkly laid down in Scripture; this will temper our spirits, and make us live in peace and unity the more firmly in
- 374 (1 Cor 13:5), and, therefore, it cannot surmise, neither will it speak evil.(3.) Where unity and peace is wanting, there can be no great matters enterprised; we cannot do much for G.o.d nor much for one another.When the devil would hinder the bringing to
- 373 An Exhortationto Peace and Unity 'Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.'--Ephesians 4:3 Beloved, religion is the great bond of human society, and it were well if itself were kept within the bond of unity; and that it may so
- 372 26 An equally cruel scene took place in the presence of Stow, the historian, in the reign of Elizabeth. The bailiff of Romford coming to London, was asked by the curate of Aldgate the news: he replied, "Many men be up in Ess.e.x," [Qu. not in bed?]. For
- 371 Be not inclining to injure men behind their backs, speak evil of no man, reproach not the governor nor his actions, as he is set over thee; all his ways are G.o.d's, either for thy help or the trial of thy graces. Wherefore he needs thy prayers, not thy
- 370 We that are Christians have been trained up by his Son in his school this many a day, and have been told what a G.o.d our Father is, what an arm he has, and with what a voice he can thunder; how he can deck himself with majesty and excellency, and array h
- 369 (1.) Canst thou, after a due examination of thyself, say that as to these things thou art innocent and clear? I say, will thy conscience justify thee here? Hast thou made it thy business to give unto G.o.d the things that are G.o.d's, and unto Caesar the
- 368 [THE WILL OF G.o.d MEANS HIS ORDER AND DESIGNMENT.]Second, That by the will of G.o.d, we also understand his order and designment. For the will of G.o.d is active, to dispose of his people, as well as preceptive, to show unto us our duty. He then that suf
- 367 Fourthly, There is sometimes a call to suffer for righteousness by an immediate and powerful impulse of the Spirit of G.o.d upon the heart. This, I say, is sometimes, and but sometimes; for this is not G.o.d's ordinary way, nor are many of his servants c
- 366 That there have been such a people in the world, I think n.o.body will deny, because many of the prophets, Christ, and his apostles, thus suffered. Besides, since the Scriptures were written, all nations can witness to this, whose histories tell at large
- 365 So then, the man that has committed his soul to G.o.d to keep has not at all disengaged himself from his duty, or took himself off from a perseverance in that good work that, under a suffering condition, he was bound to do before. No; his very committing
- 364 A jail shall look as black as h.e.l.l, and the loss of a few stools and chairs, as bad as the loss of so many bags of gold. 13 Death for the Saviour of the world, shall seem to be a thing both unreasonable and intolerable. Such will choose to run the haza
- 363 BY JOHN BUNYAN.London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684.ADVERTIs.e.m.e.nT BY THE EDITOR.THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bu
- 362 Q. How is self-denial a proof of the truth of a man's affections to G.o.d?--A. In that for the sake of his service, he leaveth all his enjoyments in this world. Thus he proved Abraham's affections (Gen 22:12). Thus he proved Peter's affections (Matt 4:
- 361 Q. Pray what is that?--A. Thou must plead with G.o.d, the name and merits of Jesus Christ, for whose sake only G.o.d giveth thee these things. If we ask any thing in his name, he heareth us, and whatsoever you ask the Father in my name, saith Christ I wil
- 360 Q. How doth faith come gradually?--A. Perhaps at first it is but like a grain of mustard-seed, small, and weak (Matt 17:20).Q. Will you explain it further?--A. Faith, at first, perhaps may have its excellency lie in view only, that is, in seeing where jus
- 359 Q. If such a poor sinner as I am would be saved from the wrath to come, how must I believe?--A. Thy first question should be on whom must I believe? (John 9:35,36).Q. On whom then must I believe?--A. On the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).Q. Who is Jesus C
- 358 Q. Was this the way of the G.o.dly of old?--A. Yes; Nehemiah confessed his sins (Neh 1:6). David confessed his sins (Psa 32:5). Daniel confessed his sins (Dan 9:4). And they that were baptized by John in Jordan confessed their sins (Matt 3:6).Q. What sins
- 357 By their nature, and by the circ.u.mstances that attend them.Q. What do you mean by their nature?--A. I mean when they are very gross in themselves (2 Chron 33:2; Eze 16:42).Q. What kind of sins are the greatest?--A. Adultery, fornication, murder, theft,
- 356 Q. Is this G.o.d, being a Spirit, to be known?--A. Yes, and that by his works of creation, by his providences, by the judgments that he executeth, and by his word.Q. Do you understand him by the works of creation?--A. 'The heavens declare the glory of G.
- 355 Be as often in your closets as you will; the oftener there the better. This is your duty, this is your privilege: this place is sanctified to you for service by the holy Word of G.o.d. Here you may be, and not make ordinances interfere, and not presume up
- 354 The law of Christ is, "Is any sick among you? let him [and the woman is included in the man] call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him," &c. And to this injunction there is a threefold promise made. (1.) "And the prayer of faith sha
- 353 4. If Paul's call to Philippi had been by the vision of a woman, or woman's meeting: what an argument would this man have drawn from thence to have justified his women's meetings? But since it was by a man, he hath lost an argument thereby. Though he,
- 352 Second, Because this kind of wors.h.i.+p, when done in and by a company, is MINISTERIAL to that company, as well as pet.i.tionary to G.o.d.That is, they that, as the mouth in a.s.semblies pray to G.o.d, teach that a.s.sembly, as well as beg mercies of him
- 351 I do not say he designed our breach, but his arguments tended thereto; and had not our people been of a wise and quiet temper, his paper might have set us into a flame. But thanks be to G.o.d, we are at quiet, and walk in love, notwithstanding the LIFTS t
- 350 This I thank G.o.d for, that some of the brethren of this way, are of late more moderate than formerly, and that those that retain their former sourness still, are left by their brethren, to the vinegar of their own spirits, their brethren ingeniously con
- 349 I. Say you, 'Though G.o.d dispensed with their obedience to circ.u.mcision in that time (Gen 17; Exo 12) it follows not that you or I should dispense with the ordinance of water baptism now.'Ans. G.o.d commanded it, and made it the initiating ordinance
- 348 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you to
- 347 Ans. Where the Lord puts no limitation, men should be wary how they do it, for they must have a command or example, before they can limit this command; for although the Lord took this occasion from their difference about meats and days to give this comman
- 346 Your twelfth argument is, 'Why should professors have more light in breaking of bread, than baptism? That this must be so urged for their excuse: Hath G.o.d been more sparing in making out his mind in the one, rather than the other? Is there more precept
- 345 I know your reply, 'New Testament saints are all baptized first.'Ans. Suppose it granted: Were they baptized, that thereby they might be qualified for their right to communion of saints, so that, without their submitting to water, they were to be denied
- 344 Ans. What a many private things have we now brought out to public view? Private Christians, private means, and a private increase of grace. But, Sir, Are none but those of your way the public Christians? Or, ought none but them that are baptized to have t