The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan [most popular novels .txt] 📗

in the Divine Word, he recovers his sword, and gives his enemy a deadly plunge⁠—I shall rise. —⁠Drayton ↩

Micah 7:8. ↩

Romans 8:37. ↩

“For a season,” is only found in the first edition. These words may have been omitted, in Bunyan’s subsequent editions, by a typographical error, or have been struck out by him. My impression is, that they were left out by the printer in error; because, in the Second Part, when the pilgrims pass the spot and talk of the battle, we are told that “when Apollyon was beat, he made his retreat to the next valley.” And there poor Christian was awfully beset with him again. —⁠Editor ↩

James 4:7.

You will find, from the perusal of Bunyan’s own spiritual life, that he has here brought together, in the assault of Apollyon upon Christian, many of the most grievous temptations with which his own soul was beset, as also, in Christian’s answers against them, the very method of defence which he himself was taught by Divine grace in the midst of the conflict. It is here condensed into a narrow and vivid scene, but it extended over years of Bunyan’s life; and the wisdom that is in it, and the points of experience illustrated, were the fruit of many months of painfulness, danger, and desperate struggle with the adversary, which he had to go through. —⁠Cheever ↩

The literal history of this terrific conflict may be found in Bunyan’s experience recorded in Grace Abounding, (Nos. 131⁠–⁠173), when he recovered his sword, and put his enemy to flight. He describes his agonies in the combat as if he were being racked upon the wheel, and states that it lasted for about a year. Floods of blasphemies were poured in upon him, but he was saved from utter despair, because they were loathsome to him. Dr. Cheever eloquently says, “What made the fight a thousand times worse for poor Christian was, that many of these hellish darts were tipped, by Apollyon’s malignant ingenuity, with sentences from Scripture;” so that Christian thought the Bible was against him. One of these fiery darts penetrated his soul with the awful words, “no place for repentance;” and another with, “hath never forgiveness.” The recovery of his sword was by a heavenly suggestion that He begin did not “refuse him that speaketh;” new vigour was communicated. “When I fall, I shall arise,” was a home-thrust at Satan; who left him, richly to enjoy the consolations of the Gospel after this dreadful battle. —⁠Editor ↩

By “leaves” here (Revelation 22: 2), we are to understand the blessed and precious promises, consolations, and encouragements, that, by virtue of Christ, we find everywhere growing on the new covenant, which will be handed freely to the wounded conscience that is tossed on the reckless waves of doubt and unbelief. Christ’s leaves are better than Adam’s aprons. He sent His Word, and healed them. —⁠Bunyan’s Holy City ↩

Jeremiah 2:6. ↩

However terrible these conflicts are, they are what every Christian pilgrim has to encounter that is determined to win Heaven. Sin and death, reprobates and demons, are against him. The Almighty, all good angels and men, are for him. Eternal life is the reward. Be not discouraged, young Christian! “If God be for us, who can be against us?” We shall come off more than conquerors, through him that hath loved us. Equal to our day so shall be our strength. The enemies had a special check from our Lord, while Mr. Fearing passed through.

“Though death and hell obstruct the way
The meanest saint shall win the day.”

—⁠Editor ↩

Numbers 13. ↩

Psalms 44:19; 107:10. ↩

Job 3:5; 10:26. ↩

Jeremiah 2:6.

“Desired Heaven,” in some of Bunyan’s editions. —⁠Editor ↩

Psalms 69:14, 15.

The ditch on the right hand is error in principle, into which the blind, as to spiritual truth, fall. The ditch on the left hand means outward sin and wickedness, which many fall into. Both are alike dangerous to pilgrims: but the Lord “will keep the feet of his saints” (1 Samuel 2:9). —⁠Mason Dr. Dodd considers that by the deep ditch is intended “presumptuous hopes,” and the no less dangerous quag to be “despairing fears.” —⁠Editor ↩

Ephesians 4:18. ↩

Psalms 116:4. ↩

The sight of an immortal soul in peril of its eternal interests, beset with enemies, engaged in a desperate conflict, with hell opening her mouth before, and fiends and temptations pressing after, is a sublime and awful spectacle. Man cannot aid him; all his help is in God only. —⁠Cheever ↩

And as for the secrets of Satan, such as are suggestions to question the being of God, the truth of His Word, and to be annoyed with devilish blasphemies, none are more acquainted with these than the biggest sinners at their conversion; wherefore thus also they are prepared to be helps in the church to relieve and comfort others. —⁠Jerusalem Sinner Saved, vol. 1, p. 80 See also a very interesting debate upon this subject in Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ, volume 1, page 250. O, no one knows the terrors of these days but myself. —⁠Grace Abounding, Nos. 100⁠–⁠102 Satan and his angels trouble his head with their stinking breath. How many strange, hideous, and amazing blasphemies have some, that are coming to Christ, had injected upon their spirits against Him. —⁠Christ a Complete Saviour, vol. 1, p. 209 He brought me up also out of a horrible pit; a pit of noise of devils, and of my heart answering them with distrust and fear. —⁠Saint’s Knowledge of Christ’s Love ↩

Psalms 23:4.

The experience of other saints is very encouraging; for the