The Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English Author: John Bunyan | Language: English | ISBN:
0882707574 | Format: EPUB
The Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English Description
About the Author
John Bunyan, author of the great Christian allegory Pilgrim's Progress, was born into a tinker family. As a youth, he was tormented by fits of depression, dreams of fiends trying to fly away with him, and voices telling him to 'sell Christ. 'He joined and preached to a Baptist society in Bedford, for which he was arrested and jailed for nearly 12 years. While in prison he wrote Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners and began his allegorical masterpiece.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
- Series: Pure Gold Classics
- Paperback: 474 pages
- Publisher: Bridge-Logos Publishers; Revised and Udated edition (July 1, 1998)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0882707574
- ISBN-13: 978-0882707570
- Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
I have not only recently read, but also studied, Part I of L. Edward Hazelbaker's unabridged revision of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Last summer I taught Pilgrim's Progress in my elementary Sunday School class and I wish I would have known of this book then. I have also done a college level research paper on Pilgrim's Progress. Not only does Hazelbaker make Pilgrim's Progress reader-friendly, he includes Bunyan's annotations in the text, as well as many annotations of his own. The annotations help the reader to experience more than a pilgrimage with Christian to Celestial City, but an in-depth Bible study as well. Other features the book includes are a brief description of Bunyan's life, a comparison outline of events in Parts I and II, and an index.
Access to Bunyan's scripture references gives the serious reader the opportunity to better his or her understanding of Bunyan's work while Hazelbaker's references and annotations also compliment the text. Hazelbaker, for example, elaborates on the importance of the seal that a Shining One (an angel) places upon Christian's forehead and on the Document given to him. Hazelbaker also offers his audience a clear and detailed understanding of the "Family" that resides in the palace called Beautiful. The reader will appreciate Hazelbaker's explanation of Bunyan's reference to "the goods of Rome" at Vanity Fair and why it would have been significant to the first readers of The Pilgrim's Progress. Hazelbaker also takes the time to explain to the reader why he uses the word "coat" for "bosom." These are only a few of the many helpful annotations Hazelbaker includes in his work.
In studying Hazelbaker's translation I referred to an early edition of Bunyan's several times.
This was an enjoyable read for me. The allegory of Christian on the road to eternal life was interesting for the sense of adventure. It was also revealing in its depiction of experiences common to myself. I was surprised to see my own journey described so clearly in some parts. Just knowing that I am not alone in my experience is a great source of comfort in my spiritual relationship. John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a remarkable and courageous individual. He was a tinker inspired to preach the gospel. He was rewarded for his effort with a prison term lasting 12 years. His time in prison was well-spent because he wrote his first book "Grace Abounding" and started "Pilgrim's Progress" during his incarceration. Up until the 20th century, there was hardly an English-speaking household which did not own a copy of this book. It was often used as a reading primer. After the Bible (KJV), this classic allegory has been the best-selling Christian book and has influenced English literature and thought through the four centuries in which it has been in print. There are so many delightful and thought provoking tales in this book, there is not enough room to tell nearly enough of them. I will relate but one example: Presenting the subtle diversion which a desire for worldly success can bring, Bunyan writes, "'First,' said Mr Moneylove, 'becoming religious is a virtue, regardless of the means he employed to be so. Second - it's not unlawful to get a rich wife or to bring more business to his shop. Third - the man who gets these by becoming religious gets things that are good from them who are good by becoming good himself.
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