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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
- 301 Ver. 13. "And G.o.d said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.""And G.o.d said unto Noah," or told Noah his purpose: The
- 302 Because in that family did now reside the whole of the visibility of the church upon the earth; all the rest were lost, as Peter also intimates, when he calleth Noah the eighth person, or one, and the chief of the eight that made up the visible church, or
- 303 Ver. 10. "And it came to pa.s.s after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth."Just as the Lord had denounced before: Look therefore, what G.o.d hath said, shall a.s.suredly come to pa.s.s, whether it be believed, or counted
- 304 In these words you have the effects of the flood, which was punctually according to the judgment threatened. But observe, I pray you, how the Holy Ghost, by repeating, doth amplify the matter. "All flesh," "All in whose nostrils was the bre
- 305 Note therefore, That G.o.d, in the overthrow of the kingdom of Antichrist, and at the a.s.swaging of the rage of her tumultuous waves, will send forth his birds amongst her fat ones, to partake of the banquet that he hath appointed; who when they shall be
- 306 why then should we desire life only for ourselves.The church cries thus, "G.o.d be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to s.h.i.+ne upon us." Why? "That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations&quo
- 307 Noah having thus waded through these great temptations, and being made also to partake of the mercy of G.o.d, in preserving and saving him from the evil thereof, and being brought to partake of the beginning of a new world, while the unG.o.dly that were b
- 308 The cloud then that here is spoken of, must be understood of the judgment of G.o.d for sin, like those before, and at the overthrow of the world; only with this difference, they were clouds, judgments without mercy, but these judgments mixed therewith; an
- 309 Ver. 22. "And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without."Ham was the unsanctified one, the father of the children of the curse of G.o.d. He saw the nakedness of his father, and he blazed abroad
- 310 Ver. 9. "He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD."He was a mighty hunter. That is, a persecutor: Wherefore Saul's persecuting of David is compared to hunting (1 Sam 26:2
- 311 "And the whole earth was of one language." By these words therefore, we may conceive the reason why so great a judgment as that great wickedness, Babel, should be contrived, and endeavoured to be accomplished. The mult.i.tude was one. Not but th
- 312 [34] "A graceless clergy"!! So numerous as to cover the ground of our land!! How awful a fact--taking the name of G.o.d on polluted lips, and professing to teach what they do not comprehend. Men in a state of rebellion against heaven, calling up
- 313 We know it is not the seeing, but taking of a potion, that maketh it work as it should, nor is the blood of Christ a purge to this or that conscience, except received by faith. (Heb. 9:14) Shall that then be counted right believing in Christ unto justific
- 314 31:22) (5.) And for those that have yet believed they were in his favour, this iniquity hath driven them to fear that G.o.d would cast them away, and take all his good things from them. (Psa. 51) Yea, he that would know the hurt that iniquity hath done to
- 315 Question. But some may say, I go from it and it follows me; I reject it and it returns upon me; I have said it nay, a thousand times, and yet it offereth itself and its deceits to me again, what would you have me do?Answer. I would answer thus; Departing
- 316 Second [Cause of falling away.] Therefore such persons upon the withdrawing of those influences that at present are mighty upon them, do forthwith; forget, both what they had, and what work it made upon them. Straightway they forget what manner of men the
- 317 We shun not the sins of others as we should. This is made appear, (1.) For that we shun not the company of base men as we should.(2.) Nor shun or refuse to imitate them in their evil, as we should.How easily are good men persuaded to comply with bad men&#
- 318 No fas.h.i.+on, no vanity, no profuseness, and yet no n.i.g.g.ardliness, but is found among professors. They pinch the poor, and nip from them their due, to maintain their own pride and vanity. I shall not need to instance particulars; for from the rich t
- 319 (3.) When the extravagancies of servants are not discountenanced and rebuked by their superiors, and the contrary taught them by word and life.Those to be imputed to the servants themselves are: (1.) Their want of reverence to their superiors. (2.) Their
- 320 Danger 2. Nor may men s.h.i.+ft this danger by their own neglect of inquiring into the truth of their separation from iniquity, for that G.o.d himself will search them. I search the reins and the heart, saith he, 'to give unto every one of you accord
- 321 Third, To this end, shun those professors that are loose of life and conversation: 'From such withdraw thyself,' saith Paul, and follow 'righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.' (1 Tim
- 322 Advertis.e.m.e.nt by the Editor This valuable practical treatise, was first published as a pocket volume about the year 1674, soon after the author's final release from his long and dangerous imprisonment. It is evident from the concluding paragraph
- 323 that is, by faith, 'should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again' (2 Cor 5:14,15).'Love,' saith the wise man, 'is strong as death; Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the flo
- 324 But if thou walk otherwise, know, thou walkest not charitably, and so not to edification, and so not to Christ's honour, but dost sin against Christ, and wound thy weak brother, for whom Christ died (Rom 14:15; 1 Cor 8:12). But I say, all this while
- 325 1. Do it in terms and words easy to be understood: affect not high expressions, they will drown your children. Thus G.o.d spake to his children (Hosea 12:10), and Paul to his (1 Cor 3:2).2. Take heed of filling their heads with whimsies, and unprofitable
- 326 Answer.Indeed there are some wives in great slavery by reason of their unG.o.dly husbands; and as such should be pitied, and prayed for; so they should be so much the more watchful and circ.u.mspect in all their ways.1. Therefore be thou very faithful to
- 327 CONCERNING SERVANTS.Servants also, they have a work to do for G.o.d, in their place and station among men.The apostles a.s.sert masters under a threefold consideration. First, The believing master. Second, The unbelieving master. Third, The froward master
- 328 OF PRIDE.Second, I come, in the second place, to speak a word of pride, and loftiness of heart and life.1. Pride, in general, it is that which causeth a man to think of man and his things, above what is written (1 Cor 4:6).2. It hath its seat in the heart
- 329 5. Consider, that this is the way to convince all men, that the power of G.o.d's things hath taken hold of thy heart I speak to them that hold the head 20and say what thou wilt, if thy faith be not accompanied with a holy life, thou shalt be judged a
- 330 19 This is a most beautiful pa.s.sage, unequalled by any ancient or modern author. Such a view of church fellows.h.i.+p does honour to the head and heart of the prince of allegorists. It is worthy to be printed in letters of gold, and presented to every c
- 331 FOOTNOTE: 1. This same sentiment is well expressed in Bunyan's verses at the conclusion of the Pilgrim, part First.'Nor let my figure or similitude Put thee into a laughter or a feud; Leave this to boys and fools, but as for thee, Do thou the su
- 332 Her gardens yield the chief, the richest spice, Surpa.s.sing them of Adam's paradise: Here be sweet ointments, and the best of gums; Here runs the milk, here drops the honey-combs.Here are perfumes most pleasant to the sense, Here grows the goodly tr
- 333 By this example too he shews them how To keep their garments clean, their knees to bow Before the king, when he comes into place; And when they do him supplicate for grace.Another bade this officer doth wear, Is that of overseer; because the care Of the w
- 334 Pride is the unbecoming'st thing of all: Besides, 'tis the forerunner of a fall.He that is proud, soon in the dirt will lie, But honour followeth humility.Let each then count his brother as his better, Let each esteem himself another's debt
- 335 This house then is no nurse to idleness; Fig-trees are here to keep, and vines to dress; Here's work for all; yea, work that must be done; Yet work, like that, to playing in the sun; The toil's a pleasure, and the labour sweet, Like that of Davi
- 336 Hast thou forgotten that most solemn vow Thou mad'st to G.o.d, when thou didst crave he bow His ear unto thee would, and give thee grace, And would thee also in his arms embrace?That vow, I say, whereby thou then didst bind Thyself to him, that now t
- 337 TO THE READER.Sir, I marvel not that both you and others do think my long imprisonment strange, (or rather strangely of me for the sake of that) for verily I should also have done it myself, had not the Holy Ghost long since forbidden me (1 Peter 4:12; 1
- 338 6. I believe, that this faith is effectually wrought in none, but those which before the world were appointed unto glory. 'And as many as were ordained unto eternal life believed' (Acts 13:48).'That he might make known the riches of his glo
- 339 (1.) 'The called of Christ Jesus' (Rom 1:6). (2.) Men that have drank into the Spirit of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 12:13). (3.) Persons in whom was G.o.d the Father (Eph 4:6). (4.) They were all made partakers of the joy of the gospel (Phil 1:7). (5.)
- 340 I say, it is of greater concernment with us, and of far more profit to our brother; than our agreeing in, or contesting for the business of water baptism (John 16:13; 1 Cor 14:26; 2 Cor 10:8, 12:19; Eph 4:12; 2 Tim 3:17; 1 Cor 8:1, 13:1-4). That the edifi
- 341 15. One of the most touching scenes in the Pilgrim's Progress beautifully ill.u.s.trates this fact. When Christian led Hopeful into Bye-path Meadow, so that they fell into the hands of Giant Despair, Hopeful says, 'I wold have spoke plainer, but
- 342 You have answered already, 'That they ought to be ashamed, and to repent of that abomination [their sprinkling] BEFORE they come to have a sight of the pattern of the house of G.o.d, the goings in and the comings out thereof' (Eze 43:10,11). But
- 343 Ans. The resurrection simply considered, is not the doctrine of baptism, but Christ's, and mine by him. Besides, there is more in it than the mystery of this resurrection; there is my death first, and then my rising with him.But you add, 'Under
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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,
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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,
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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