The Riches of Bunyan: Selected from His WorksBunyan, John
Religion
The Riches of Bunyan: Selected from His Works
Bunyan, John
Theology, Doctrinal
Besides, he doth most gravely also, in that book, debate of the rise
of these temptations, namely, blasphemy, desperation, and the like;
showing that the law of Moses, as well as the devil, death, and
hell, hath a very great hand therein: the which, at first, was very
strange to me; but considering and watching, I found it so indeed.
But of particulars here I intend nothing; only this methinks I must
let fall before all men, I do prefer this book of Martin Luther upon
the Galatians, excepting the Holy Bible, before all the books that
ever I have seen, as most fit for a wounded conscience.
XVI. SECURITY OF CHRISTIANS.
Christians, were you awake, here would be matter of wonder to you,
to see a man assaulted with all the power of hell, and yet come off
a conqueror. Is it not a wonder to see a poor creature, who in
himself is weaker than the moth, stand against and overcome all
devils, all the world, all his lusts and corruptions? Or if he fall,
is it not a wonder to see him, when devils and guilt are upon him,
rise again, stand upon his feet again, walk with God again, and
persevere after all this in the faith and holiness of the gospel? He
that knows himself, wonders; he that knows temptation, wonders; he
that knows what falls and guilt mean, wonders: indeed, perseverance
is a wonderful thing and is managed by the power of God; for he only
"is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before
the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy."
He that is saved must, when this world can hold him no longer, have
a safe conduct to heaven; for that is the place where they that are
saved must to the full enjoy their salvation. Here we are saved by
faith and hope of glory; but there we that are saved shall enjoy the
end of our faith, and hope, even the salvation of our souls.
But now for a poor creature to be brought thither, this is the life
of the point. But how shall I come thither? There are heights and
depths to hinder. Rom. 8:38, 39. Suppose the poor Christian is upon
a sick-bed, beset with a thousand fears, and ten thousand at the end
of that--sick-bed fears, and they are sometimes dreadful ones:
fears that are begotten by the review of the sin perhaps of forty
years' profession--fears that are begotten by fearful suggestions of
the devil, the sight of death and the grave, and it may be of hell
itself--fears that are begotten by the withdrawing and silence of
God and Christ. But now, out of all these the Lord will save his
people; not one sin, nor fear, nor devil shall hinder, nor the grave
nor hell disappoint thee. But how must this be? Why, thou must have
a safe conduct to heaven. What conduct? A conduct of angels. "Are
they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them
that shall be heirs of salvation?"
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