The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan Every Child Can ReadBunyan, John
Religion
The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan Every Child Can Read
Bunyan, John
Christian life -- Juvenile literature; Christian pilgrims and pilgrimages -- Juvenile literature
GREAT. But what more false than such a conclusion? For this is as much
as to say that, because good men heretofore have sinned through weakness
or forgetfulness, therefore he had an allowance to do it of a purpose;
or if, because a child, by the blast of the wind, or for that it
stumbled at a stone, fell down and defiled itself in the mire,
therefore he might wilfully lie down and wallow like a boar therein. Who
could have thought that any one could so far have been blinded by the
power of sin. But what is written must be true: they "stumble at the
Word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed." His
supposing that such may have the godly man's virtues, who accustom
themselves to their vices, is also a delusion as strong as the other. To
eat up the sin of God's people as a dog licks up filth, is no sign of
one that is possessed with their virtues. Nor can I believe that one who
is of this opinion can have faith or love in him. But I know you have
made strong objections against him: prithee, what can he say for
himself?
HON. Why, he says, "To do this openly and by way of opinion, seems
abundantly more honest than to do it and yet hold contrary to it in
opinion."
GREAT. A very wicked answer. For, though to let loose the bridle to
lusts while our opinions are against such things is bad; yet to sin, and
plead a toleration so to do, is worse. The one stumbles beholders
accidentally, the other _pleads_ them into the snare.
HON. There are many of this man's mind, that have not this man's mouth;
and that makes going on pilgrimage of so little esteem as it is.
GREAT. You have said the truth, and it is to be lamented; but he that
feareth the King of Paradise shall come out of them all.
CHR. There are strange opinions in the world. I know one that said it
was time enough to turn from sin when they come to die.
GREAT. Such are not overwise. That man would have been loth, might he
have had a week to run twenty miles in for his life, to have deferred
that journey to the last hour of that week.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account