The Holy War – John Bunyan

i.e., furnished with written evidence to establish every doctrine.--Ed.
7. Mark, reader, how Bunyan, as the result of Divine teaching, leads the
soul to enter directly into communion with God the Holy Spirit. Here is
no need for any man to introduce you. O the blessedness of communion
with this Friend, that cleaveth closer than a brother! who ever liveth, and
never slumbereth-- always near, even in our hearts--able and willing to
help and save to the uttermost.--Ed.
8. Having shown Mansoul that the secret of being the wisest and most
blessed of all people is to seek the teaching and communion of the Holy
Spirit in the heart, he comes to human ministry, and probably draws his
portrait from his pastor Mr. Gilford, or from his own conduct. How
much is contained in the words, 'Moral virtues, and civil and natural
duties!' Here is love to God, because he first loved us, with all heavenly
blessednesses; the whole armour of God, to fit us for the good fight; and
the eternal reward of grace, and not of works: an inexhaustible fund for
Christian training.--Ed.
9. 'Whips and chastisements.' 'A wounded spirit who can bear?' 'Methought
I saw as if the sun did grudge to give me light.'--Grace Abounding, No.
187.--Ed.
10. Reader, conscience is the teacher with authority as God's only
vicegerent. Be guided by him in all things; swerve not one jot or tittle
from his dictates; especially, in your choice of a minister, examine him
for yourself prayerfully and carefully by the Word (1 Tim 3). There are
thousands of Diabolonians in the world, under the flimsy disguise of
apostolical descent. When you have made your choice, 'Esteem him very
highly in love for his works' sake'; but do not puff him up with pride.
One of Bunyan's hearers said to him, 'What an excellent sermon you
have preached'; to which he replied, 'The devil told me so before I left
the pulpit.'--Ed.
11. Admirably judicious is this charge to conscience. Its office is to compare
the heart and walk of the Christian with the Word of God, and so to
judge whether it be good or bad. It has no new doctrines to reveal; it is
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