An Introduction To John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress
Here is a link to a great introduction to Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress...a great read(both the book and the article)....
http://www.banneroftruth.org/pages/articles/article_detail.php?876
AND
http://www.banneroftruth.org/pages/articles/article_detail.php?303
Have at it!!!
P.S. Heres a bit to whet your appitite :-)
"The story of Christian's dangerous journey illustrates the perseverance of every true Christian. The Christian life is a series of battles which must be fought in the strength of Christ. There will be failures - just as Christian fell into the Slough of Despond, sinfully listened to Mr Worldly-Wiseman, was wounded by Apollyon, and locked in Doubting Castle. But just like Bunyan's pilgrim, each obstacle is eventually overcome and 'progress' is made in one's journey to the Celestial City.
A strange scene in the Interpreter's house well illustrates the truth of perseverance. Christian sees a fire burning against a wall, and one standing by it always, casting much water upon it to quench it. Yet did the fire burn higher and hotter.
Again, he asks Interpreter, 'What means this?' Interpreter answers: 'The fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the heart; he that casts water upon it to extinguish and put it out is the Devil'. Then Interpreter takes him to the back side of the wall to show him why the fire burns higher and hotter, rather than going out. There Christian sees a man with a vessel of oil which he continually, but secretly, casts on the fire. The Interpreter says:
'This is Christ, who continually, with the oil of his grace, maintains the work already begun in the heart, by means of which, notwithstanding what the Devil can do, the souls of his people prove gracious still. '
What a beautiful picture of God's work to keep us persevering! Let us read this wonderful book. Read it more than once. Read it prayerfully and search intently for the rich spiritual lessons it contains. Use it to examine your own heart and to encourage you in your spiritual pilgrimage. For those not used to seventeenth-century language, it may in places be tough going, but it will be worth it to those who have a taste for spiritual things."
http://www.banneroftruth.org/pages/articles/article_detail.php?876
AND
http://www.banneroftruth.org/pages/articles/article_detail.php?303
Have at it!!!
P.S. Heres a bit to whet your appitite :-)
"The story of Christian's dangerous journey illustrates the perseverance of every true Christian. The Christian life is a series of battles which must be fought in the strength of Christ. There will be failures - just as Christian fell into the Slough of Despond, sinfully listened to Mr Worldly-Wiseman, was wounded by Apollyon, and locked in Doubting Castle. But just like Bunyan's pilgrim, each obstacle is eventually overcome and 'progress' is made in one's journey to the Celestial City.
A strange scene in the Interpreter's house well illustrates the truth of perseverance. Christian sees a fire burning against a wall, and one standing by it always, casting much water upon it to quench it. Yet did the fire burn higher and hotter.
Again, he asks Interpreter, 'What means this?' Interpreter answers: 'The fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the heart; he that casts water upon it to extinguish and put it out is the Devil'. Then Interpreter takes him to the back side of the wall to show him why the fire burns higher and hotter, rather than going out. There Christian sees a man with a vessel of oil which he continually, but secretly, casts on the fire. The Interpreter says:
'This is Christ, who continually, with the oil of his grace, maintains the work already begun in the heart, by means of which, notwithstanding what the Devil can do, the souls of his people prove gracious still. '
What a beautiful picture of God's work to keep us persevering! Let us read this wonderful book. Read it more than once. Read it prayerfully and search intently for the rich spiritual lessons it contains. Use it to examine your own heart and to encourage you in your spiritual pilgrimage. For those not used to seventeenth-century language, it may in places be tough going, but it will be worth it to those who have a taste for spiritual things."
Wow, that Banner of Truth site has some great stuff... just look at this article! It's fantastic! Or not.
Posted by
Julian Freeman |
March 15, 2006 11:17 a.m.