The Holy War – John Bunyan

16. Godly ministers cannot be too careful in their conduct to guard against
the appearance of preferring the fleece to the flock. The worldling has,
alas, continual proofs that many are influenced by their own profit
instead of love to immortal souls.--Ed.
17. 'The devils believe and tremble'; so when Paul reasoned of
righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled. Alas!
many tremble who never turn.--Burder.
18. 'Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?' (Luke 13:7). 'A cumberground
professor is not only a provocation to God, a stumbling-block to
the world, and a blemish to religion, but a snare to his own soul also.'--
Bunyan's Barren Fig Tree, Preface.--Ed.
19. There is much energy in this speech; pungent addresses to the
conscience are often blessed of God to the conversion of souls. O sinner!
consult not flesh and blood--throw over that old Ill-pause; nor let
procrastination or 'a more convenient season' destroy thy soul.--Ed.
20. Thus reasons the flesh--We will not know; we will not believe; we will
not submit; we must not be disturbed; therefore begone ye faithful
teachers, or we will persecute you.--Burder.
21. If the Holy Spirit would let sinners sleep on, all mankind would lie in
carnal security until plunged into destruction and perdition. 'Go into the
highways and compel them to come in,' is the command of Divine
mercy and irresistible grace.--Ed.
22. How admirably is that great enemy 'Prejudice' pictured; old, angry, illconditioned,
with Deafness under his command.--Ed.
23. How often do poor mistaken sinners rejoice in their sins and misery--
glorying in their shame. Small cause for joy have they who reject the
counsel of God against themselves. Miserable is the state of that man
whose ears are shut against the gospel of salvation; who is deaf to all the
calls of God.--Burder.
66