For I have been in my preaching, especially when I have been engaged in the doctrine of life by Christ without works, as if an angel of God had stood at my back to encourage me.  Oh, it hath been with such power and heavenly evidence upon my own soul, while I have been laboring to unfold it, to demonstrate it, and to fasten it upon the consciences of others, that I could not be contented with saying, I believe, and am sure.  Methought I was more than sure—­if it be lawful thus to express myself—­that those things which then I asserted were true.

If any of those who were awakened by my ministry did after that fall back—­as sometimes too many did—­I can truly say, their loss hath been more to me than if my own children, begotten of my body, had been going to their grave.  I think verily I may speak it without any offence to the Lord, nothing has gone so near me as that; unless it was the fear of the loss of the salvation of my own soul.  I have counted as if I had goodly buildings and lordships in those places where my children were born:  my heart hath been so wrapped up in the glory of this excellent work, that I counted myself more blessed and honored of God by this, than if he had made me emperor of the Christian world or the lord of all the glory of the earth without it.  Oh these words:  “He that converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death.”  “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”  “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever.”  “For what is our hope, our joy, our crown of rejoicing?  Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  For ye are our glory and joy.”  These, I say, with many others of a like nature, have been great refreshments to me.

I have observed that a word cast in by the by, hath done more execution in a sermon, than all that was spoken besides:  sometimes also, when I have thought I did no good, then I did the most of all; and at other times, when I thought I could catch them, I have fished for nothing.

BUNYAN’S CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES

For my descent, it was, as is well known by many, of a low and inconsiderable generation; my father’s house being of that rank that is meanest and most despised of all the families of the land.  Wherefore I have not, as others, to boast of noble blood and of any high-born estate according to the flesh; though all things considered, I magnify the heavenly Majesty for that by this door he brought me into the world, to partake of the grace and life that is in Christ by the gospel.