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.
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) |
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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 |
|