Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk3.djvu/124

124 some weariness, as foreseeing the bad consequence that would attend it, and laboured with his congregation to prevent their being imposed on in this kind; and when a great man in those days, coming to Bedford upon some such errand, sent for him, as it is supposed, to give him a place of public trust, he would by no means come at him, but sent his excuse.

When he was at leisure from writing and teaching he often came up to London, and there went among the congregations of the nonconformists, and used his talent to the great good-liking of the hearers; and even some to whom he had been misrepresented upon the account of his education were convinced of his worth in knowledge in sacred things, as perceiving him to be a man of sound judgment, delivering himself plainly and powerfully—insomuch that many who came spectators for novelty, rather than to be edified and improved, went away well satisfied with what they heard, and wondered as the Jews did at the apostles, namely, whence this man should have these things; perhaps not considering that God more immediately assists those that make it their business industriously and cheerfully to labour in this Vineyard.

Thus he spent his latter years in imitation of his great Lord and Master, the ever—blessed Jesus. He went about doing good, so that the most prying critic, or even Malice herself, is defied to find, even upon the narrowest search or confirmation; any sully or stain upon his reputation with hammer be justly charged. And this we note as a challenge to those that have the least regard for him or them of his persuasion and have one way or other appeared in the those that oppressed him, and for the turning whose hearts, in obedience to, the commission and commandment given him of God, he frequently prayed, and sometimes sought a blessing for them, even with tears, the effects of which they may peradventure, though undeservedly, have