Christian Book Notes

Bunyan, John.  The Pilgrim’s Progress 125th Anniversary Attic Books Collector’s Edition.  Forest Park: Master Books, 2005.  920 pp.  $59.99.  Purchase at Amazon for $40.03 or less!

Introduction

Those who know me and have read reviews here for awhile will know that I am HUGE fan of John Bunyan. Of all the Puritans, he has been the most influential on my life.  Bunyan really does not need an introduction.  Neither does Pilgrim’s Progress.  This edition, however, does.

Summary

This collector’s edition contains much more than just the Pilgrim’s Progress.  Also included in this collection is The Holy War, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, Bunyan’s final sermon preached from John 1:3, a discourse on the gospel entitled The Water of Life as well as two other discourse: Christian Behaviour and The Barren Fig-Tree both of which talk about fruit (or lack thereof) in the Christian life.

Two other writings are included the first of which is a fourteen page writing of the imprisonment of John Bunyan.  There are 63 pages of Bunyan’s dying sayings that are rich with content and show the end of this life for a man who was steeped in the Word of God.

There are vivid pictures of paintings interspersed throughout the book that are evidently from Adam & Co.  I really could not find out more information on this artwork though if you know of any more, please share it with us!

Review

I will not be reviewing the various books found in this 125th anniversary edition. The publisher’s website states:

This hardcover edition was originally published in 1876. Over 125 years later, Master Books has re-created this valuable and rare heirloom with today’s modern technology, but kept the original look and feel by painstakingly scanning in high-resolution every page of this 860-page tome – historic look and all!

The print for the two allegories is quite large and is great for the times when you read these works for your family read aloud time (and I do recommend you do this!). This also means that the book is not as big as it appears. About 2/3 of the entire book is comprised of The Pilgrim’s Progress and The Holy War.

The inclusion of Grace Abounding, which is perhaps the best “salvation testimony” ever written, is wonderful and will undoubtedly be a blessing to many who will read it – some for the first time.

Perhaps what brings me the greatest joy in this particular edition is that they kept the original language.  This may pose a problem to the modern reader, but it is absolutely worth wading through the language barrier with a dictionary to capture the true beauty and master story-telling that John Bunyan possesses.

The publisher is correct that this particular edition will be a wonderful resource to hand down to your children…that is, if you can part with it!

Recommendation

You may be asking why would someone recommend purchasing a $60 copy of these nine books when you can get them for much cheaper.  I’m glad you asked!  There are very few books I would recommend spending this much money on.  John Bunyan’s works (especially The Pilgrim’s Progress and Grace Abounding) are timeless yet timely.  I recall giving a copy to an older neighbor who was a new believer and he remarked that “this John Bunyan fella knows what he is talking about!”

For a book that is the number 2 selling of all time (behind the Bible) I recommend spending the money on this resource to honestly be able to hand down to your children.  My family has a family read aloud time most evenings and while we’ve read various children’s editions of Pilgrim’s Progress, this one resource presents 9 different books by John Bunyan that should be read by every Christian today.  Obviously, Pilgrim’s Progress is what Bunyan is known for, but his other works that are included in this anniversary edition.

This week’s family reading from Banner of Truth is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.  You can check out my reviews on no less than five of John Bunyan’s titles.

THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS: In the Similitude of a Dream

As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place, where was a Den, and I laid me down in that place to sleep: And as I slept, I dreamed a Dream. I dreamed, and behold I saw a Man cloathed with rags, standing in a certain place, with his face from his own house, a Book in his hand, and a great Burden upon his back. I looked, and saw him open the Book, and read therein; and as he read, he wept and trembled; and not being able longer to contain, he brake out with a lamentable cry, saying, What shall I do?

In this plight therefore he went home, and refrained himself as long as he could, that his wife and children should not perceive his distress; but he could not be silent long, because that his trouble increased: Wherefore at length he brake his mind to his wife and children; and thus he began to talk to them: O my dear Wife, said he, and you the Children of my bowels, I your dear friend am in myself undone, by reason of a Burden that lieth hard upon me: moreover, I am for certain informed, that this our City will be burned with fire from Heaven; in which fearful overthrow, both myself, with thee my wife, and you my sweet babes, shall miserably come to ruin, except (the which yet I see not) some Way of escape may be found, whereby we may be delivered. At this his relations were sore amazed; not for that they believed that what he had said to them was true, but because they thought that some frenzy distemper had got into his head; therefore it drawing towards night, and they hoping that sleep might settle his brains, with all haste they got him to bed: But the night was as troublesome to him as the day; wherefore, instead of sleeping, he spent it in sighs and tears. So when the morning was come, they would know how he did; he told them worse and worse; he also set to talking to them again, but they began to be hardened; they also thought to drive away his distemper by harsh and surly carriages to him: Sometimes they would deride, sometimes they would chide, and sometimes they would quite neglect him: Wherefore he began to retire himself to his Chamber, to pray for and pity them; and also to condole his own misery: He would also walk solitarily in the fields, sometimes reading and sometimes praying; and thus for some days he spent his time.

Now I saw, upon a time, when he was walking in the fields, that he was (as he was wont) reading in his Book, and greatly distressed in his mind; and as he read, he burst out, as he had done before, crying, What shall I do to be saved?

I saw also that he looked this way, and that way, as if he would run; yet he stood still, because (as I perceived) he could not tell which way to go. I looked then, and saw a Man named Evangelist coming to him, and asked, Wherefore dost thou cry?

He answered, Sir, I perceive by the Book in my hand, that I am condemned to die, and after that to come to Judgment; and I find that I am not willing to do the first, nor able to do the second.

Then said Evangelist, Why not willing to die, since this life is attended with so many evils? The man answered, Because, I fear that this Burden that is upon my back, will sink me lower than the grave; and I shall fall into Tophet. And, Sir, if I be not fit to go to Prison, I am not fit to go to Judgment, and from thence to Execution; and the thoughts of these things make me cry.

Then said Evangelist, If this be thy condition, Why standest thou still? He answered, Because I know not whither to go. Then he gave him a Parchment Roll, and there was written within, Fly from the Wrath to come.

The Man therefore read it, and looking upon Evangelist very carefully, said, Whither must I fly? Then said Evangelist, pointing with his finger over a very wide field, Do you see yonder Wicket Gate? The man said, No: Then said the other, Do you see yonder Shining Light? He said, I think I do. Then said Evangelist, Keep that Light in your eye, and go up directly thereto, so shalt thou see the Gate; at which, when thou knockest, it shall be told thee what thou shalt do. So I saw in my dream that the Man began to run: Now he had not run far from his own door, but his Wife and Children perceiving it, began to cry after him to return; but the Man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on crying, Life! Life! Eternal Life! So he looked not behind him, but fled towards the middle of the Plain.

The Neighbours also came out to see him run, and as he ran some mocked, others threatened, and some cried after him to return; Now among those that did so, there were two that were resolv’d to fetch him back by force. The name of the one was Obstinate, and the name of the other Pliable. Now by this time the Man was got a good distance from them; but however, they were resolved to pursue him, which they did, and in a little time they overtook him. Then said the Man, Neighbours, Wherefore are you come? They said, To persuade you to go back with us; but he said, That can by no means be: You dwell (said he) in the City of Destruction, (the place also where I was born) I see it to be so: And dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than the grave, into a place that burns with Fire and Brimstone: Be content, good neighbours, and go along with me.

What, said Obstinate, and leave our Friends and our Comforts behind us!

Yes, said Christian, (for that was his name) because that all which you shall forsake, is not worthy to be compared with a little of that, that I am seeking to enjoy; and if you will go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself; for there where I go, is enough and to spare; come away and prove my words.

Obst. What are the things you seek, since you leave all the World to find them?

Chr. I seek an Inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away: And it is laid up in Heaven, and safe there, to be bestowed, at the time appointed, on them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my Book.

Obst. Tush, said Obstinate, away with your book; will you go back with us, or no?

Chr. No, not I, said the other; because I have laid my hand to the Plough.

Obst. Come then, neighbour Pliable, let us turn again, and go home without him; There is a Company of these craz’d-headed coxcombs, that when they take a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a Reason.

Pli. Then said Pliable, Don’t revile; if what the good Christian says, is true, the things he looks after are better than ours; my heart inclines to go with my Neighbour.

Obst. What! more Fools still? Be ruled by me, and go back; who knows whither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back and be wise.

Chr. Nay, but do thou come with me, neighbour Pliable; there are such things to be had which I spoke of, and many more Glories besides; if you believe not me, read here in this Book, and for the truth of what is express’d therein, behold all is confirmed by the Blood of him that made it.

Pli. Well, neighbour Obstinate, (said Pliable) I begin to come to a point, I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my Lot with him; but, my good companion, do you know the way to this desired place?

Chr. I am directed by a man whose name is Evangelist, to speed me to a little Gate that is before us, where we shall receive instructions about the Way.

Pli. Come then, good neighbour, let us be going. Then they went both together.

Obst. And I will go back to my place, said Obstinate: I will be no companion of such misled fantastical fellows.

Now I saw in my dream, that when Obstinate was gone back, Christian and Pliable went talking over the plain; and thus they began their discourse.

Chr. Come, neighbour Pliable, how do you do? I am glad you are persuaded to go along with me; and had even Obstinate himself but felt what I have felt of the Powers and Terrors of what is yet unseen, he would not thus lightly have given us the back.

Pli. Come, neighbour Christian, since there are none but us two here, tell me now further, what the things are? and how to be enjoyed, whither we are going?

Chr. I can better conceive of them with my Mind, than speak of them with my Tongue: But yet since you are desirous to know, I will read of them in my Book.

Pli. And do you think that the words of your Book are certainly true?

Chr. Yes verily, for it was made by him that cannot lye.

Pli. Well said, what things are they?

Chr. There is an endless Kingdom to be inhabited, and everlasting Life to be given us, that we may inhabit that Kingdom for ever.

Pli. Well said; and what else?

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Purchase this classic edition of this classic tale, to learn the rest of Christian’s answer to Pliable’s question, “What else?” Travel along on their journey through the very miry Slough that was in the midst of the plain and on to the Wicket Gate. You, and your children or grandchildren, will treasure this edition for years to come (AND the time that you might spend reading it to them!).

Bunyan, John.  The Jerusalem Sinner Saved or, Good News for the Vilest of Men.  Edinburgh:  Banner of Truth Trust, 2005.  128 pp.  $10.00.  Purchase at Westminster for $7.00.

Introduction

Do you struggle with loving the person next to you?  Do you ever think that so-and-so cannot possibly be saved by Christ?  Reading The Jerusalem Sinner Saved will change your heart for those around you who you think cannot possibly be saved.  You can read reviews of more of John Bunyan’s works here.

Summary

John Bunyan looks at the importance of Christ’s commission for the disciples found in Luke 24:47, here the Lord tells them that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached to all the nations beginning at Jerusalem.

In showing that those in Jerusalem were to first be exhorted with the gospel, Bunyan explains that this shows the greatest of mercies by Jesus Christ.  This is so because it was the Jerusalem sinner that crucified Christ.  It was the Jerusalem sinner that mocked Christ.  It was the Jerusalem sinner that ultimately rejected Christ while here on earth.

By preaching first to the Jerusalem sinner, Christ is showing that there is no one having ever sinned so much or so bad that they are beyond salvation.  The only person beyond salvation is the one who has lived a complete life as an unrepentant sinner.  That is, the one who has died in his sin is the only one incapable of being saved.

Review

I was constantly humbled to see the grace and mercy extended by Christ to the worst of sinners.  While most believers I know will say they are (rightly) the worst sinner they know, Bunyan shows us how Christ viewed the absolute worst of sinners in His day–those who executed Him.

Bunyan, in fine Puritanical exposition, takes three English words, “Beginning at Jerusalem,” from Luke 24:47 and expounds upon it in such detail that the reader closes the book time and again asking to have this same heart for the sinner next door.

Recommendation

If you struggle with sharing the gospel, The Jerusalem Sinner Saved is the book for you.  If you know someone who makes the claim that they have done too much to be saved, then you need to read this book.  You will be better equipped to show the great grace and mercy that Christ has bestowed upon us!  To read Bunyan is to be exhorted practical Christian walk.

Bunyan, John. The Works of John Bunyan, 3 Volumes. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009. $99.00. Purchase at Westminster for $69.30.

Introduction

I read the book Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners in the first volume of the three volume complete works of Bunyan shown above in the picture. You are able to purchase this title as a separate volume for $15.83 at Westminster books though I would highly recommend purchasing the set.

Summary

Grace Abounding is John Bunyan’s (1628-1688) spiritual autobiography that was published in London in 1666. In this spiritual biography, Bunyan shows in great detail his wrestling with God for salvation. He lists how he often thought he was saved yet would willingly shun the Scriptures and correction by God in order to continue in his sinful ways. At one point, he actually began attending church because of the great name he was gaining within the village as a man changed by the workings of God.

After writing much of his false faith, he gloriously details his conversion and how he was changed, quite literally, overnight. Soon after, he was called to preach. While pastoring, he began writing. Bunyan is most well known for his The Pilgrim’s Progress which he wrote while in prison for preaching the gospel. Though that is his most famous book, he wrote many, many others all of which can be found in the three volume works.

Toward the end of this biography, Bunyan offers an apologetic (defense) against the charge of sexual immorality. I honestly do not know why he felt the need to address this particular topic in his spiritual biography (if anyone has insight, please comment!), but he does so at length. Also, toward the end of the book, he offers an account of his imprisonment which is when he wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress.

Review

Reading this spiritual biography was of great encouragement and blessing to me. It was a great encouragement for me personally as I read how he came with no Christian heritage or pedigree yet God saw fit to save his soul. I, too, came from no real Christian heritage (nominal Catholicism at best) nor do I have much of a spiritual pedigree in my family beforehand. To see how Bunyan, through Christ, was to live out his faith and come to grips with the sovereignty of God was refreshing to my souls. Many times I found myself thinking that I could relate to what Bunyan had written.

Bunyan is quite open with his life both before and after his conversion. He especially spends much time detailing his false faith leading up to his true salvation. This alone is worth the price of whichever book you purchase. There are many in the church today who, though they think they are Christian, are, in fact, anything but Christian.

Recommendation

Every Christian needs to read Grace Abounding not just for their own edification, but for their spiritual well-being as well. Bunyan tells it straight and in so doing, challenges everyone to take a hard look at their own standing in Christ. We need more testimonies like Bunyan’s (and I fear that there are many out there waiting to be told–Mt. 7:21) in today’s Americanized, apathetic Christian churches. Be sure to pick up a copy of Grace Abounding and rediscover the genius of Bunyan through his own eyes.

Bunyan, John, edited by C.J. Lovik.  Illustrated by Mike Wimmer.  The Pilgrim’s Progress.  Wheaton:  Crossway Books, 2009.  240 pp.  $24.99.  Purchase at Westminster Books for $16.24.

Review

What more can be said about The Pilgrim’s Progress than has already been said?  Truth be told, I would be spinning my wheels to heap praises on this timeless allegorical portrayal of the Christian life.  Did you know, though, that The Pilgrim’s Progress is actually the #2 selling book of all time?  Bet you can’t figure out which book is #1.

At any rate, the question should be running through your mind, “Why do we need another edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress?”  Glad you asked!  This particular edition has been meticulously updated and modernized in the areas that were needed.  In other words, the entire book has not been updated.  Only the antiquated metaphors and some of the allegorical phrases that are lost on modern readers today have been updated.

The end notes are extremely helpful in explaining what is being shared by Bunyan without interfering with the flow of the story.  These can be read before or after reading a particular chapter though I would recommend that they not be read while reading the chapter unless you are greatly confused.  Lovik, the editor, achieves his goal of maintaining the integrity of Bunyan’s writing while updating the language for the modern reader to understand (without the use of a 1600′s dictionary!) what is being said.

The beauty of this particular edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress is the illustrative work by Mike Wimmer.  The colorful pictures will keep your children engaged as you read aloud the travels of Christian on his way to the Celestial City.

The one downfall is that the book only contains Christian’s pilgrimage to the Celestial City and not his wife’s and children’s pilgrimage.

Recommendation

Reading this particular edition will be, for the many who have read The Pilgrim’s Progress, as though they are reading it for the first time.  The reader will stop frequently and say something like, “Oh, that is what that means!”  or “I never saw that before!”  I pray that this edition would bring back the grandeur of Bunyan’s imagination.

DVD

For those interested in introducing The Pilgrim’s Progress I highly recommend the DVD to the right entitled Pilgrim’s Progress: Journey to Heaven.  I have shown it to my children (5 and younger) and to the children at my church where I currently serve as the Children’s Minister.  While they remove much from the book to adapt it to the movie, it certainly piqued the curiosity of many of the kids to the point that they wanted to read the book for themselves.  It has become one of my own children’s favorite movies.

Bunyan, John.  The Acceptable Sacrifice.  Edinburgh:  Banner of Truth Trust, 2004.  117 pp.  $8.00.  Purchase at Westminster books for $5.60.

Review

Based on Psalm 51:17, John Bunyan writes on what exactly God looks for in the heart and mind of a man.  That is, God seeks a broken spirit and a contrite heart.  Without these two, Bunyan questions the authenticity of one’s conversion.

The Acceptable Sacrifice, as is the case with most anything written by the Puritans, needs to be read today.  In an age of walking an aisle and praying a prayer, John Bunyan lays it all out on the line regarding what kind of true emotions come with one’s salvation.  Even more, he argues that the Christian must remain with a contrite heart and broken spirit.

This does not mean that Christian’s will mope around and be bummed out all the time.  On the contrary, they are to have a broken heart because of their sin, while knowing that God has forgiven them through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.  Our spirit is to be contrite because we will see more and more the reality of our sinful natures.  At the same time, we will experience more and more the grace of God in forgiving a “wretch such as I.”

As I read The Acceptable Sacrifice I was reminded one again to remain humble before the foot of the cross.  I was also reminded of the only means by which men can truly have a broken spirit and a contrite heart–the Word of God.  It takes the work of the Holy Spirit in conjunction with the spoken Word (the gospel) to bring about the emotions necessary for forgiveness.

John Bunyan writes with a keen eye toward the Christian and the unrepentant sinner.  His words from 1688 may have well been written in 2008.  What we need today is more men and women to experience the emotions that lead to true salvation rather than simply praying a prayer and adding your name to a local church.  The Acceptable Sacrifice would make an excellent gift for a new believer in Christ.

The Pilgrim’s Progress needs no introduction nor would any review do it any justice. However, this particular rendition of the classic-that word does not suffice for the second most sold book of all time behind God’s Holy Word, the Bible-is not a well know resource for children. With the help of illustrator Alan Parry, Oliver Hunkin set out to arrange the story of Pilgrim so that young children could meet with Everyman who journeys from this world to the next. Read more…