Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk3.djvu/29

Rh I was much in the thoughts of this, But how if the day of grace is past? And to aggravate my trouble, the tempter presented to my mind those good people of Redford, and suggested thus unto me, That these losing converted already, they were all that God would save in those parts; and that I came too late, for these had got the blessing before I came.

67. Now I was in great distress, thinking in very deed that this might well be so; wherefore I went up and down bemoaning my sad condition for standing off thus long, and spending so many years in sin as I have done, still crying out, Oh that I had turned sooner! oh that I had turned seven years ago I It made me also angry with myself to think that I should have no more wit but to trifle away my time till my soul and heaven were lost.

68. But when I had been long vexed with this fear, and was scarce able to take one step more, just about the same place where I received my other encouragement these words broke in upon my mind, "Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled;" "and yet there is room" (Luke xiv. 23, 22). These words, "and yet there is room," were sweet words to me; for truly I thought that when the Lord Jesus did speak these words he then did think of me, and that he, knowing that the time would come that I should he afflicted with fear that there was no place left for me in his bosom, did before sneak this word, and leave it upon record that I might find help thereby against this vile temptation. This I then verily believed.

69. In the light and encouragement of this word I went a pretty while; and the comfort was the more when I thought that the Lord Jesus should speak those words on purpose my sake, for I did think, verily, that he did on purpose speak them to encourage me withal.

70. But I was not without my temptations to go back again—temptations, I say, both from Satan, mine own heart, and carnal acquaintance. But I thank God these were