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Christian Behavior With a word of direction to all backsliders. By J O H N.B U N Y A N. 1674. Written in 1663, while imprisoned in Bedford Prison. This was John Bunyan's third book during his first incarceration. |
The Epistle to the Reader
ourteous Reader,
Having formerly writ some small matter touching the doctrine of faith, as justification
by grace through the faith of Christ's blood, &c., I do here, as the second to
that doctrine, present thee with a few lines touching good works, that I might, as
at first I showed thee the good and glory of the one, so now show thee the beauty
and excellency of the other: for though we are justified freely by grace through
Christ before God (Rom 3:24, &c.); yet we are justified before men by our works
(James 2:18): nay, a life of holiness flowing from faith in us that are saved by
grace, it doth justify that grace before the world, that justifies us before God
(2 Cor 6:1,3; 9:12,13; 1 Peter 2:11,12).
I have not here only in general treated of this doctrine of good works, but particularly,
after some discourse about works flowing from faith, and what makes it truly and
gospelly good, I discourse of them as we stand under our several relations in this
world among men.
As, The duty of the master of a family: Of the husband to his wife; and of hers to
him: Of the duty of parents to their children; and of children to their parents:
Of masters also to their servants; and of the servant again to his master: with a
brief touch upon good neighbourhood; and a discovery of covetousness, pride, and
uncleanness, which are great obstructions to a truly gospel conversation.
I know there are many that have treated of good works in large and learned discourses;
but I doubt all have not so gospelized their discourses as becomes them, and as the
doctrine of the grace of God calleth for. However, I thought it my duty to add this
discourse to all that are past; and that for these reasons.
1. To take away those aspersions that the adversaries cast upon our doctrine as also
in the days of Paul that because we preach justification without works of the law;
therefore they pretend we plead for looseness of life: 'whose damnation is just'
(Rom 3:8).
2. Because, though there be much discourse about works in general, yet a particular
discourse of them, as before is touched, is too much neglected; and by this means
every one too much left at uncertainties (as from them) of their several works under
their particular relations; which I think is one reason of that disorder in families
and places where God's people live; to their shame, and the dishonour of God.
3. Because these few books that do particularly treat thus of good works, are, I
think, now so scarce, or so big, that but few have them, and few buy them, if they
may be had, especially our new converts, for whose sakes principally this short discourse
is intended; and indeed, this is one reason of my brevity, that the price might neither
be burdensome, nor the reading long and tedious. Multitude of words drown the memory;
and an exhortation in few words may yet be so full, that the reader may find that
in one side of a sheet, which some are forced to hunt for in a whole book. The Lord
teach us this wisdom.
4. I have written this book, to show that I bear a fellow-testimony and witness,
with all that know God, of the operation that grace hath, and will have, in the heart
that hath savingly received it.
Lastly, I have thus written, because it is amiable and pleasant to God, when Christians
keep their rank, relation, and station, doing all as becometh their quality and calling.
When Christians stand every one in their places, and do the work of their relations,
[2] then they are like the flowers in the garden, that stand and grow where
the gardener hath planted them, and then they shall both honour the garden in which
they are planted, and the gardener that hath so disposed of them. From the hyssop
in the wall, to the cedar in Lebanon, their fruit is their glory. [3] And seeing the stock into
which we are planted, is the fruitfullest stock, the sap conveyed thereout the fruitfullest
sap, and the dresser of our souls the wisest husbandman, (John 15:1) how contrary
to nature, to example, and expectation, should we be, if we should not be rich in
good works!
Wherefore take heed of being painted fire, wherein is no warmth; and painted flowers,
which retain no smell; and of being painted trees, whereon is no fruit. 'Whoso boasteth
himself of a false gift, is like clouds and wind without rain' (Prov 25:14). Farewell.
The Lord be with thy spirit, that thou mayest profit for time to come.
J. BUNYAN.
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