Redimete Diem!

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of the time, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-16, ESV)

Home  |  The Pilgrim's Progress  |  Worship  |  Sermons | Courses
Christian Ethics  |  Miscellany  | Family |  Questions, etc.

Notes Regarding the Characters in
Pilgrim's Progress

Lesson #8

Discretion - "The subsequent discourse of Discretion with the pilgrim represents such precautions and inquiries into the character and views of a professor, as may be made use of by any body of Christians, in order to prevent the intrusion of improper persons. 

            "By giving him `something to eat before supper,' he probably referred to those prepatory sermons and devotions, by which the administration of the Lord's supper was then frequently and with great propriety introduced." (Scott, p. 136)

Piety - “The personification of this part of the church is important, for without true piety there can be no real Christianity and only a weak and ineffective church.  Piety has Christian review his journey thus far so that God’s glory, power and grace in his keeping of Christian may be demonstrated.  This is also a way of increasing Christian’s humility, gratitude and faith.” (Bradley, p. 36)

Prudence - Men may learn by human teaching to profess any doctrine, and relate any experience; nay, general convictions, transient affections, and distinct notions may impose upon the man himself, and he may mistake them for true conversion.  The best method of avoiding this dangerous rock consists in daily self examination, and constant prayer to be preserved from it; and, as far as we are concerned, to form a judgment of others, in order to perform our several duties towards them, prudence is especially required, and will suggest such questions as follow in this place." (Scott, p. 140)

            "And, then, we who are true pilgrims, are of all men the most miserable, on account of that `failing', that rankling sting in our hearts, when any of our friends has more of this world's possessions, honours, and praises than we have, that pain at our neighbor's pleasure, that sickness at his health, that hunger for what we see him eat, that thirst for what we see him drink, that imprisonment of our spirits when we see him set at liberty, that depression at his exaltation, that sorrow at his joy, and joy at his sorrow, that evil heart that would have all things to itself.  Yes, said Christian, I am only too conversant with all these sinful cogitations, but they are all greatly against my will, and might I but choose mine own thoughts, do you suppose that I would ever think these things any more?  `The cause is in my will,' said Caesar, on a great occasion.  But the true Christian, unhappily, cannot say that.  If

he could say that, he would soon say also that the snare is broken and that his soul has escaped.  And then the cause of all his evil cogitations, his vain thoughts, his angry feelings, his envious feelings, his ineradicable covetousness, his hell-rooted and heaven-towering pride, and his whole evil heart of unbelief would soon be at an end.  `I cannot be free of sin,' said Thomas Boston, `but God knows that He would be welcome to make havoc of my lusts tonight and to make me henceforth a holy man.  I know no lust that I would not be content to part with.  My will bound hand and foot I desire to lay at His feet.' ... `Now, what is it,' asked Prudence, as she wound up this so particular colloquy, `that makes you so desirous to go to Mount Zion?'  `Why,' replied the pilgrim, and the water stood in his eyes, `why, there I hope to see Him alive that did hang dead on the cross; and there I hope to be rid of all those things that to this day are an annoyance to me; there they say is no death, and there shall I dwell with such company as I love best.'" (Whyte, p. 156, 159)

Charity - "When a man knows the value of his own soul, he will become greatly solicitous for the souls of others.  It is, therefore, a very suspicious circumstance, when a professor shows no earnestness in persuading those he loves best to seek salvation also; and it is absurd to excuse this negligence by arguments taken from God's secret purposes, when these have no influence on the conduct of the same persons in their temporal concerns.  Charity's discourse with Christian shows what our author thought to be the duties of believers in this most important concern, and what he understood to be the real reasons why carnal men reject the Gospel."

The Supper - "The administration of the Lord's supper is here emblematically described.  In it the person, humiliation, sufferings, and death of Christ, with the motive and event of them, are kept in perpetual remembrance.  By seriously contemplating these interesting subjects, with the emblems of his body wounded, and his blood shed, before our eyes; and by professing our cordial acceptance of his purchased salvation, and surrender of ourselves to his service, we find every holy affection revived and invigorated, and our souls melted into deep repentance, inspired with calm confidence, animated to thankful, zealous, self-denying obedience, and softened into tender affection for our fellow Christians, with compassionate forgiving love of our most inveterate enemies. ... That peace of conscience and serenity of mind, which follow as humble upright profession of faith in Christ, and communion with him and his people, is not the effect of a mere outward observance; but of that inward disposition of the heart which is thus cultivated, and of the Lord's blessing on his own appointments." (Scott, p. 144-145)

Peace Chamber - After having his soul melted by the love of Christ exhibited at the table, Christian lie down in a large upper chamber the name of which is Peace.  Peace of conscience and serenity of mind are the results of a true profession of faith, communion with Christ, and fellowship with other believers.” (Bradley, p. 37)

Rarities in the Place - "Christian communion, properly conducted, tends to enlarge the believer's acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures: and this conduces to the increase of faith, hope, love, patience, and fortitude; to animate the soul in emulating the illustrious examples there exhibited, and to furnish instruction for every good work." (Scott, p. 146)

Pilgrim readies to leave Beautiful Palace - "The ordinances of public or social worship are only the means of being religious, not the essence of religion itself.  Having renewed our strength by waiting on the Lord, we must go forward, by attending with increasing diligence to the duties of our several stations, and preparing to resist temptation, which often assault us after special seasons of divine consolation.  Ministers, therefore, and experienced believers should warn young converts to expect trails and conflicts, and recommend to them such companions as may be a comfort and help in their pilgrimage." (Scott, p. 149)

------------------------------------

notes taken from:

                Bunyan Characters in the Pilgrim's Progress by Alexander Whyte, London:Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, 1902.

                The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan with Explanatory Notes by Thomas Scott, Swengel, PA:Reiner Pub., 1976.

                The Pilgrim’s Progress Study Guide by Maureen L. Bradley, Phillipsburg, NJ:P&R, 1994.

Redimete Diem! Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. (Eph. 5:15-16, ESV)

Home  |  The Pilgrim's Progress  |  Worship  |  Sermons | Courses Christian Ethics  |  Miscellany  | Family |  Questions, etc.

Notes Regarding the Characters in Pilgrim's Progress Lesson #8 Discretion - "The subsequent discourse of Discretion with the pilgrim represents such precautions and inquiries into the character and views of a professor, as may be made use of by any body of Christians, in order to prevent the intrusion of improper persons.  The answers, given to the several questions proposed, constitute the proper external qualifications for admission to the Lord's table, when there is nothing in a man's principles and conduct inconsistent with them: the Lord alone can judge how far they accord to the inward dispositions and affections of the heart." (Scott, p. 135)             "By giving him `something to eat before supper,' he probably referred to those prepatory sermons and devotions, by which the administration of the Lord's supper was then frequently and with great propriety introduced." (Scott, p. 136) Piety - “The personification of this part of the church is important, for without true piety there can be no real Christianity and only a weak and ineffective church.  Piety has Christian review his journey thus far so that God’s glory, power and grace in his keeping of Christian may be demonstrated.  This is also a way of increasing Christian’s humility, gratitude and faith.” (Bradley, p. 36) Prudence - Men may learn by human teaching to profess any doctrine, and relate any experience; nay, general convictions, transient affections, and distinct notions may impose upon the man himself, and he may mistake them for true conversion.  The best method of avoiding this dangerous rock consists in daily self examination, and constant prayer to be preserved from it; and, as far as we are concerned, to form a judgment of others, in order to perform our several duties towards them, prudence is especially required, and will suggest such questions as follow in this place." (Scott, p. 140)             "And, then, we who are true pilgrims, are of all men the most miserable, on account of that `failing', that rankling sting in our hearts, when any of our friends has more of this world's possessions, honours, and praises than we have, that pain at our neighbor's pleasure, that sickness at his health, that hunger for what we see him eat, that thirst for what we see him drink, that imprisonment of our spirits when we see him set at liberty, that depression at his exaltation, that sorrow at his joy, and joy at his sorrow, that evil heart that would have all things to itself.  Yes, said Christian, I am only too conversant with all these sinful cogitations, but they are all greatly against my will, and might I but choose mine own thoughts, do you suppose that I would ever think these things any more?  `The cause is in my will,' said Caesar, on a great occasion.  But the true Christian, unhappily, cannot say that.  If he could say that, he would soon say also that the snare is broken and that his soul has escaped.  And then the cause of all his evil cogitations, his vain thoughts, his angry feelings, his envious feelings, his ineradicable covetousness, his hell-rooted and heaven-towering pride, and his whole evil heart of unbelief would soon be at an end.  `I cannot be free of sin,' said Thomas Boston, `but God knows that He would be welcome to make havoc of my lusts tonight and to make me henceforth a holy man.  I know no lust that I would not be content to part with.  My will bound hand and foot I desire to lay at His feet.' ... `Now, what is it,' asked Prudence, as she wound up this so particular colloquy, `that makes you so desirous to go to Mount Zion?'  `Why,' replied the pilgrim, and the water stood in his eyes, `why, there I hope to see Him alive that did hang dead on the cross; and there I hope to be rid of all those things that to this day are an annoyance to me; there they say is no death, and there shall I dwell with such company as I love best.'" (Whyte, p. 156, 159) Charity - "When a man knows the value of his own soul, he will become greatly solicitous for the souls of others.  It is, therefore, a very suspicious circumstance, when a professor shows no earnestness in persuading those he loves best to seek salvation also; and it is absurd to excuse this negligence by arguments taken from God's secret purposes, when these have no influence on the conduct of the same persons in their temporal concerns.  Charity's discourse with Christian shows what our author thought to be the duties of believers in this most important concern, and what he understood to be the real reasons why carnal men reject the Gospel." The Supper - "The administration of the Lord's supper is here emblematically described.  In it the person, humiliation, sufferings, and death of Christ, with the motive and event of them, are kept in perpetual remembrance.  By seriously contemplating these interesting subjects, with the emblems of his body wounded, and his blood shed, before our eyes; and by professing our cordial acceptance of his purchased salvation, and surrender of ourselves to his service, we find every holy affection revived and invigorated, and our souls melted into deep repentance, inspired with calm confidence, animated to thankful, zealous, self-denying obedience, and softened into tender affection for our fellow Christians, with compassionate forgiving love of our most inveterate enemies. ... That peace of conscience and serenity of mind, which follow as humble upright profession of faith in Christ, and communion with him and his people, is not the effect of a mere outward observance; but of that inward disposition of the heart which is thus cultivated, and of the Lord's blessing on his own appointments." (Scott, p. 144-145) Peace Chamber - After having his soul melted by the love of Christ exhibited at the table, Christian lie down in a large upper chamber the name of which is Peace.  Peace of conscience and serenity of mind are the results of a true profession of faith, communion with Christ, and fellowship with other believers.” (Bradley, p. 37) Rarities in the Place - "Christian communion, properly conducted, tends to enlarge the believer's acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures: and this conduces to the increase of faith, hope, love, patience, and fortitude; to animate the soul in emulating the illustrious examples there exhibited, and to furnish instruction for every good work." (Scott, p. 146) Pilgrim readies to leave Beautiful Palace - "The ordinances of public or social worship are only the means of being religious, not the essence of religion itself.  Having renewed our strength by waiting on the Lord, we must go forward, by attending with increasing diligence to the duties of our several stations, and preparing to resist temptation, which often assault us after special seasons of divine consolation.  Ministers, therefore, and experienced believers should warn young converts to expect trails and conflicts, and recommend to them such companions as may be a comfort and help in their pilgrimage." (Scott, p. 149) ------------------------------------ notes taken from:                 Bunyan Characters in the Pilgrim's Progress by Alexander Whyte, London:Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, 1902.                 The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan with Explanatory Notes by Thomas Scott, Swengel, PA:Reiner Pub., 1976.                 The Pilgrim’s Progress Study Guide by Maureen L. Bradley, Phillipsburg, NJ:P&R, 1994.

David G. Barker dave@ephesians515.com