Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk3.djvu/73

Rh doth not fail, and that he hath not forgotten to be gracious, nor would in anger shut up tender mercy. Something also there was upon my heart at the same time which I now cannot call to mind, which, with this text, did sweeten my heart, and make me conclude that his mercy might not be quite gone, nor gone for ever.

203. At another time I remembered I was again much under this question, Whether the blood of Christ was sufficient to save my soul? In which doubt I continued from morning till about seven or eight at night; and at last, when I was as it were quite worn out with fear lest it should not lay hold on me, the words did sound suddenly within my heart, He is able: but methought this word "able" was spoke loud unto me. It showed a great word, it seemed to be writ in great letters, and gave such a jostle to my fear and doubt—I mean for the time it tarried with me, which was about a day was I never had from that all my life, either before or after. (Heb. vii. 25.)

204. But one morning as I was again at prayer, trembling under the fear of this, that no word of God could help me, that piece of a sentence darted in upon me, My grace is sufficient. At this methought I felt some stay, as if there might be hopes. But oh, how good a thing it is for God to send his word! for about a fortnight before I was looking on this very place, and then I thought it could not come near my soul with comfort; therefore I threw down my book in a pet. Then I thought it was not large enough for me—no, not large enough; but now it was as if it had arms of grace so wide that it could not only enclose me but many mere besides.

205. By these words I was sustained, yet not without exceeding conflicts, for the space of seven er eight weeks: for my peace would be in it and out sometimes twenty times a day—comfort now and trouble presently; peace now, and, before I could go a furlong, as full of fear and guilt as ever heart could hold. And this was not only now and then