Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk3.djvu/47

Rh narrow search of the Scriptures, and was not only enlightened, but greatly conﬁrmed in the truth; and, as I said, the guilt of sin did help me much, for still as that would come upon me, the blood of Christ did take it off again, and again, and again, and that too sweetly, according to the scripture. O friends, cry to God to reveal Jesus Christ unto you; there is none teacheth like him.

126. It would be too long here to stay to tell you in particular how God did set me down in all the things of Christ—yea, and how also he did open his words unto me, and make them shine before me, and cause them to dwell with me, talk with me, and comfort me over and over, both of his own being, and the being of his Son, and Spirit, and Word, and Gospel.

127. Only this, as I said before, I will say unto you again, that in general he was pleased to take this course with me: first, to suffer me to be afflicted with temptations concerning them, and then reveal them to me, as sometimes I should lie under great guilt for sin, even crushed to the ground therewith; and then the Lord would show me the death of Christ—yea, and so sprinkle my conscience with his blood that in that conscience, where but just now did reign and rage the law, even there would rest and abide the peace and love of God through Christ.

128. Now I had an evidence, as I thought, of my salvation, from heaven, with many golden seals thereon, all hanging in my sight. Now could I remember this manifestation, and would often long and desire that the last day were come, that I might be for ever inﬂamed with the sight and joy, and communion with him whose head was crowned with thorns, whose face was spit upon, and-body broken, and soul made an offering for my sins; for whereas before I lay continually trembling at the mouth of hell, now methought I was get so far therefrom that I could not, when I looked back, scarce discern it. And oh, thought I, that I were fourscore years, old now,