Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk3.djvu/97

Rh in those days did continually run in my mind to encourage me and strengthen me in this my work for God; I hate also been encouraged from several other scriptures and examples of the godly, both specified in the word and other ancient histories. (Acts viii. 4, xviii. 24, 25; 1 Pet. iv. 10; Rom. xii. 6.)

271. Wherefore, though of myself of all the saints the most unworthy, yet I, but with great fear and trembling at the sight of my own weakness, did set upon the work, and did, according to my gift and the proportion of my faith, preach that blessed gospel that God has showed me in the holy Word of truth; which, when the country understood, they came in to hear the word by hundreds, and that from all parts, though upon divers and sundry accounts.

272. And I thank God he gave unto me some measure of bowels and pity for their souls, which also did put me forward to labour with great diligence and earnestness to send out such a word as might, if God would bless it, lay hold of and awaken the conscience; in which also the good Lord had respect to the desire of his servant, for I had not preached long before some began to be touched, and be greatly afflicted in their minds at the apprehension of the greatness of their sin, and of their need of Jesus Christ.

273. But I first could not believe that God should speak by me to the heart of any man, still counting myself unworthy; yet those who were thus touched would love me, and have a particular respect for me: and though I did put it from me that they should be, awakened by me, still they would confess it, and affirm it before the saints of God. They would also bless God. for me, unworthy wretch that I am, and count me God's instrument that showed to them the way of salvation.

274. Wherefore, seeing them in both their words and deeds to be so constant, and also in their hearts so earnestly pressing after the knowledge of Jesus Christ, rejoicing that