3 TO THE READER. SOME fay the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS is not mine, In name and fame by the worth of another, I'll father baftards, or, if need require, It came from mine own heart, fo to my head, On Manner and matter too were all mine own, Nor was it unto any mortal known, Till I had done it. Nor did any then My books, by wits, by tongues, or hand or pen The matter in this manner came from none JOHN BUNYAN. Peppan Pres. Assoin. 4-8-1934 PREFACE. THE HE merit of Mr. JOHN BUNYAN'S History of the HOLY WAR is fo univerfally known and acknowledged by Chriftians of all denominations, that to bestow any encomium upon it here would be both abfurd and unneceffary; all Mr. Bunyan's productions, particularly the following Hiftory of the Holy War, and his Pilgrim's Progrefs, have met with general approbation; few compofitions have been fo well received, and fewer indeed have kept their ground fo long. Such being therefore the great fame and merit of this work, it was prefumed a New Edition, at this time, would be highly acceptable to all lovers of intrinfic worth; it was therefore determined to prefent the public, as foon as poffible, with the defired acquifition, and it was further refolved, as the Writings of this great Author are for the chief part allegorical and figurative, to fubjoin fuch neceffary Notes, as may not only explain thofe paffages which appear dark, but point out the feveral beauties of the Author, and fhew, in a full and clear manner, the fpiritual end and defign of the work itself. Likewife, by these Notes and illuftrations readers will be induced to pay greater attention, and confequently from this New Edition, derive greater benefit and entertainment. This Edition will likewife be found the most complete of any now extant, feveral inaccuracies being removed, and many obfervations added; it is alfo prefumed that from its fize, it will be far preferable to its gigantic or diminutive rivals, it being certainly more adapted for convenience, than any hitherto offered to the public. It is the duty of all, poffeffed of capability, to refcue from oblivion the valuable productions of every excellent author.---And no author deferves attention more than the prefent, which is proved by the high estimation in which his compofitions are held, and the great fpiritual benefits which have refulted from them.---We trust therefore that our prefent labour will meet with that general fatisfaction from the public, which the former Editions, without even the benefit of explanatory notes, have fo eminently experienced; it is however neceffary to obferve, that no additions or fuperfluous comments is made, which is not abfolutely requifite, in order that readers fhould attend more closely, and understand more clearly the doctrinal, practical, experimental, and moral defign of this truly pious and wonderful Writer. The great popularity and utility of this moft excellent compofition, fufficiently evince the abfolute neceffity and propriety of a re-publication, and on account of the particular accuracy and illuftrative notes of the prefent Edition, there is little doubt, but through these evident advantages it will have an indifputable claim to fuperiority, and confequently find a place in the Library of every chriftian family. THE EDITOR. Το THE READER. "TIS ftrange to me, that they that love to tell Things done of old, yea, and that do excel Their equals in Hiftoriology, Speak not of Manfoul's wars, but let them lie When men, let them make what they will their own, But, readers, I have fomewhat else to do, you; What here I fay fome men do know fo well, True Chrifti. They can with tears of joy the story tell. ans. The town of Manfoul is well known to many, Nor are her troubles doubted of by any, The Scriptures. Then lend thine ear to what I do relate And Manfoul alfo under his oppreffion. Yea, I was there when the own'd him for lord, When (a) The quick'ning Spirit gives light and life through the word. vi MR. BUNYAN's ADDRESS, &c. Muft not her frights, then, be much more by far Manfoul her mighty wars they do portend Count me not, then, with them who, to amaze They are the only men that have science Of fome brave creatures; yea, a world they will But I have too long held thee in the porch, The margin JOHN BUNYAN. (a) Implying, that religion is of the utmost importance: holding out to mankind heaven or hell, happiness or mifery to all eternity. May we chufe the better part! THE |