Bunyan Characters (1st Series) eBook

Alexander Whyte
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 283 pages of information about Bunyan Characters (1st Series).

Bunyan Characters (1st Series) eBook

Alexander Whyte
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 283 pages of information about Bunyan Characters (1st Series).
superiority of his reason.  Such was the commanding attitude his reason assumed, and such the tremendous power with which it controlled the whole man, that any insurrection among his senses was hopeless; they had their tenure only by doing fealty and homage to his intellect.  Those other and more dangerous enemies, because more subtle and more spiritual, such as pride, vanity, wrath, and envy, which lurk in the inmost recesses of our nature, and some of which have such affinities for a genius like that of Edwards, yield not to such exorcism.  Such more powerful kind of demons go not forth but by prayer and fasting; to their complete mortification, therefore, Edwards brought incessant watchfulness and devotion; and seldom, assuredly, have they been more nearly expelled from the bosom of a depraved intelligence.’  We shall be in the best company, both intellectually and spiritually, if we work out our own salvation among the sinful passions of our depraved hearts.  And then, as life goes on, and we continue in well-doing, we shall be able to measure and register our growth in grace best by watching the effect of outward temptations upon our still sinful and but half-sanctified hearts.  And among much to be humbled for, and much to make us fear and tremble for the issue, we shall, from time to time, have a good conscience and a holy and humble joy that this passion and that is at last showing some signs of crucifixion and mortification.  And thus that death to sin shall gradually set in which shall issue at last in an everlasting life unto holiness.

’Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean:  from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you.  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you . . .  Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.  In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness . . .  Bring forth the best robe and put it upon him, for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found . . .  What are these that are arrayed in white robes, and whence came they?  These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’

PATIENCE

   ‘In your patience possess ye your souls.’ (Revised Version:  ’In your
   patience ye shall win your souls.’)—­Our Lord.

’I saw moreover in my dream that the Interpreter took the pilgrim by the hand, and had him into a little room, where sate two little children, each one in his chair.  The name of the eldest was Passion and of the other Patience.  Passion seemed to be much discontent, but Patience was very quiet.  Then Christian asked, What is the reason of the discontent of Passion?  The interpreter answered, The governor of them would have him stay for his best things till the beginning of the next year; but he will have all now.  But Patience is willing to wait.’

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Project Gutenberg
Bunyan Characters (1st Series) from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.