The Riches of Bunyan: Selected from His WorksBunyan, John
Religion
The Riches of Bunyan: Selected from His Works
Bunyan, John
Theology, Doctrinal
This word, "in nowise," cutteth the throat of all objections; and it
was dropped by the Lord Jesus for that very end, and to help the
faith that is mixed with unbelief.
But I am a great sinner, sayest thou. I will in nowise cast out,
says Christ. But I am an old sinner, sayest thou. I will in nowise
cast out, says Christ. But I am a hard-hearted sinner, sayest thou.
I will in nowise cast out, says Christ. But I have served Satan all
my days, sayest thou. I will in nowise cast out, says Christ. But I
have sinned against light, sayest thou. I will in nowise cast out,
says Christ. But I have sinned against mercy, sayest thou. I will in
nowise cast out, says Christ. But I have no good thing to bring with
me, sayest thou. I WILL IN NOWISE CAST OUT, says Christ.
FEARS IN COMING TO CHRIST.
1. This fear that Christ will not receive thee is FOR CANT OF THE
KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST. Thou knowest but little of the grace and
kindness that is in the heart of Christ; thou knowest but little of
the virtue and merit of his blood; thou knowest but little of the
willingness that is in his heart to save thee. Slowness of heart to
believe flows from thy foolishness in the things of Christ; this is
evident to all that are acquainted with themselves, and are seeking
after Jesus Christ. The more ignorance, the more unbelief; the more
knowledge of Christ, the more faith. "They that know thy name, will
put their trust in thee."
2. Thy fears that Christ will not receive thee may be also A
CONSEQUENCE OF THY EARNEST AND STRONG DESIRES AFTER THY SALVATION BY
HIM. For this I observe, that strong desires to have are attended
with strong fears of missing. What man most sets his heart upon, and
what his desires are most after, he ofttimes most fears he shall not
obtain. So, the ruler of the synagogue had a great desire that his
daughter should live, and that desire was attended with fear that
she would not. Therefore Christ saith unto him, "Be not afraid."
Now thou fearest the sins of thy youth, the sins of thine old age,
the sins of thy calling, the sins of thy Christian duties, the sins
of thine heart, or something; thou thinkest something or other will
alienate the heart and affections of Jesus Christ from thee.
But be content. A little more knowledge of him will make thee take
better heart; thy earnest desires shall not be attended with such
burning fears; thou shalt hereafter say, "This is my infirmity."
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