The Holy War – John Bunyan

Notes:
1. As our Lord began with Nicodemus, so it behoves his followers to
commence with sinners. How startling the cry, Ye must be born again,
or perish everlastingly. 'If thou hast anything less than regeneration,
believe me, thou canst never see heaven. There is no hope of heaven till
then, till thou art born again.'--Archbishop Usher's Sermons.--Ed.
2. Pride and vain conceit puff up multitudes in every class of society. My
soul, art thou thus puffed up, or hast thou fallen into the arms of Divine
mercy? Almighty grace can bring the mountain low, and exalt the
valley. A learned persecuting Saul may become a chosen vessel.--Ed.
3. The opposition of a raging devil and inbred lusts would lead the most
able ministers to despair of success, but for the promise, 'I am with you
always'; and 'All that the Father giveth me SHALL come to me.'--
Mason.
4. Tradition, Human Wisdom, and Man's Invention have too often been
enlisted into the service of religion, but they are in their element when
engaged on the contrary side. Let Diabolus and his Captain Anything
have them, and welcome; the gospel of Jesus needs no such services.--
Burder.
5. It is curious to note the order in which open profanity hides its ugly
heads under the powerful alarms of conscience. Outward reformation
gives up very gross sins, but change of heart abhors them all.-- Ed.
6. Called 'Highmind and Heady,' founded by Mr. Puffup.--Ed.
7. Under awful convictions of sin, Bunyan suffered alarms in the night.--
See Grace Abounding, No. 139.--Ed.
8. Six aldermen, or great vices, slain; Heady and Highmind dismounted, or
pride laid in the dirt; conscience within and a faithful ministry without,
shaking Mansoul with terror upon terror. How plainly is all this
exhibited in Bunyan's startling experience, published in Grace
Abounding. Poor soul, mercy will prevail over all thy stubbornness.--Ed.
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