The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

Witness Peter, of whom I just mentioned. He would boast — yes, his
vain mind prompted him to say that though all denied his Master, that
he never would. But who has ever been so foiled by these villains, as
Peter?
"When, therefore, we hear that such robberies are done on the
King's highway, there are two things that we should do:
"First, to go out with our armor on — and to be sure to take our shield
with us. It is for lack of this, that many Pilgrims are foiled. Only the
shield of faith can quench the fiery darts of the wicked one. If that is
lacking, the wicked one does not fear us at all.
"Secondly, it is good, also, that we ask the King for a guide as we journey
— yes, that He Himself would go with us. This made David rejoice when
in the Valley of the Shadow of Death — and Moses would rather die
where he stood, rather than to go one step without God. O my brother,
if He will but go with us — then we will not be afraid of tens of
thousands who set themselves against us. But, without Him, we will
only stumble along, or lie among the dead.
"Previously I myself have been in the fray — and through the mercy of
our good Master, I am still alive. Yet I cannot boast of having any
courage. I would be glad to meet with no further attacks — though, I
fear, we have not gotten beyond all danger. However, since the lion and
the bear have not as yet devoured us — I trust God will also deliver us
from the next uncircumcised Philistine."
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine
head. Psalm 3:3
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