05.04.2018 Views

The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan in 1678 . It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature, has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print. It has also been cited as the first novel written in English.

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan in 1678 . It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature, has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print. It has also been cited as the first novel written in English.

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

altering some of his principles so that he may better serve them — this<br />

indicates:<br />

(1). That he is of a self-denying temperament.<br />

(2). That he is of a sweet and winning demeanor.<br />

(3). That he is more fit for the ministerial office.<br />

"Finally, I conclude then, that a minister who changes a small salary for<br />

a greater one — should not, for so doing, be judged as a covetous<br />

person. Rather, since he has improved his abilities and industry — he<br />

should be counted as a worthy minister who has expanded his<br />

opportunities to do good.<br />

"And now to the second part of your question, which concerns the<br />

tradesman you mentioned. Suppose such a one has but a poor shop —<br />

but <strong>by</strong> becoming religious, he may increase his market, get more and far<br />

better customers to his shop, and perhaps even get a rich wife. For my<br />

part, I see no problem why this may not be lawfully done. I say this, for<br />

the following reasons:<br />

"First, to become religious is a virtue, regardless of whatever reason he<br />

becomes so.<br />

"Secondly, nor is it unlawful to get a rich wife, or more customers to his<br />

shop.<br />

"Lastly, the man who gets these <strong>by</strong> becoming religious, gets that which<br />

is good, from those who are good, <strong>by</strong> becoming good himself! So then,<br />

here is a good wife, and good customers, and good gain — and all these<br />

Page<br />

155 of 253

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!