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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.

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In this land also, the contract between the Bride and the Bridegroom<br />

was renewed. Yes, here, 'As the Bridegroom rejoices over His Bride —<br />

so does their God rejoice over them.' Here they had no lack of grain or<br />

wine — for in this place they met with abundance of what they had<br />

sought for in all their pilgrimage. Here they heard voices from out of<br />

the City — loud voices, saying, 'Say to the daughter of Zion: Behold,<br />

your salvation comes! Behold, His reward is with Him!' Here all the<br />

inhabitants of the country called them, '<strong>The</strong> holy people.' '<strong>The</strong><br />

redeemed of the Lord.' 'Sought out ones.'<br />

Now, as they walked in this land, they rejoiced more than they had in all<br />

the former parts of their journey. Drawing near to the City, they had<br />

even a more perfect view of it. It was built of pearls and precious stones<br />

— and the great street of the City was pure gold. So that <strong>by</strong> reason of<br />

the natural splendor of the City, and the reflection of the sunbeams<br />

upon it — Christian became lovesick with longing for it. Hopeful also<br />

had a fit or two of the same lovesickness. <strong>The</strong>refore, they stayed here<br />

for a while, calling out, because of their longings, "If you find my<br />

Beloved — tell Him that I am lovesick!"<br />

Now, being a little strengthened, and better able to bear their<br />

lovesickness — they walked on their way, and came yet nearer and<br />

nearer. <strong>The</strong>y saw orchards, vineyards, and gardens — and their gates<br />

opened into the highway. Now, as they came up to these places, behold,<br />

the gardener was standing there — and the Pilgrims asked, "Whose<br />

lovely vineyards and gardens are these?”<br />

<strong>The</strong> gardener answered, "<strong>The</strong>y are the King's, and are planted here for<br />

His own delight — and also for the refreshment of Pilgrims. "So the<br />

gardner brought them into the vineyards, and bid them to refresh<br />

Page<br />

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