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A By J O H N.B U N Y A N. "And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."—Revelation 22:17 L O N D O N, Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. First published seven years after John Bunyan's twelve year incarceration. |
ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR.
he fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,"
and "a fountain of life"—the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well
as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle so vastly important, all
the subtle malignity of Satan has been directed, if possible to mislead the very
elect; while the ungodly and impenitent fall under his devices. To the mind enlightened
by Divine truth, the difference between a filial fear of offending God and the dread
of punishment is very plain. Still, by the devil's sophistry, some of the most pious
Christians have been puzzled and bewildered. Bunyan was not ignorant of Satan's devices,
and he has roused the energies of his powerful mind, guided by Divine truth, to render
this important doctrine so clear and easy to be understood, that the believer may
not err.
This rare volume, first published in 1679, soon became so scarce that Chandler, Wilson,
Whitefield, and others, omitted it from their editions of Bunyan's works. At length
it appeared in the more complete collection by Ryland and Mason, about 1780. Since
then, it has been reprinted, somewhat modernized, by the Tract Society, from an original
copy, discovered by that ardent lover of Bunyan, the Rev. Joseph Belcher. Of this
edition, four thousand copies have been printed.
The great line of distinction that Bunyan draws is between that terror and dread
of God, as the infinitely Holy One, before whom all sin must incur the intensity
of punishment; and the love of God, as the Father of mercies, and fountain of blessedness,
in the gift of his Son, and a sense of adoption into his family; by the influences
of which the soul fears to offend him. This fear is purely evangelical; for if the
slightest dependence is placed upon any supposed good works of our own, the filial
fear of God is swallowed up in dread and terror—for salvation depends upon the perfection
of holiness, without which none can enter heaven, and which can only be found in
Christ.
Mr. Mason, on reading this treatise, thus expressed his feelings—"When the fear
of the Lord is a permanent principle, inwrought in the soul by the Divine Spirit,
it is an undoubted token of election to life eternal; for the most precious promises
are made to God's fearers, even the blessings of the everlasting covenant. Such are
sure to be protected from every enemy; to be guided by unerring counsel; and what
will crown all, to be beloved of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; till, by almighty
and effectual grace, he will be translated to those mansions of glory and blessedness
prepared for him, where he will sing the praises of his covenant-God while eternity
endures."
May this be the blessed experience of all those who prayerfully read this important
treatise.
Geo. Offor.
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