Product Description

The premier line of Classic literature from the greatest Christian authors. The finest in quality and value.

Customer Reviews (2)

A "vision" worth paying attention too!
This book has clean text, not closely spaced. Wonderful story. I kept slapping my leg saying, So true, so true"! Truly inspired (not on par with the Bible). Immensely enjoyable and profound, at once. Gorgeous. Another valueable tool is Modern Reformation

Find your Eyes and Heart Opened!
Travel alongside Christian in his pilgrimage from The City of Destructionto The beautiful Celestial City as he seeks desparately to find deliverancefrom his heavy burden. Struggle through The Swamp of Despond finding Helpat the other side. Find Evangelist appearing with encouragement andguidance as Worldy Wiseman explains to you that there is a much easier waythan this road you are taking. Find Faithful a good companion and manyothers to assist in your journey through dangerous lands such as VanityFair and the Valley of the Shadow of Death.Find your eyes and heart opento not only the trials and triumphs of Christian in his journey, but toyour own as well. ... Read more

Product Description
Begun while John Bunyan was in Bedfordshire county jail serving time for holding religious services outside the auspices of the Church of England, Pilgrim's Progress is considered one of the greatest works of the English language. "Pilgrim's Progress" is a Christian allegory that concerns the path of one's soul to Heaven. John Bunyan published the first part of the "Pilgrim's Progress" in 1678 with a second part to follow in 1679. Contained here in this volume is both the first and second part of "Pilgrim's Progress." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

Tab.of .Cont. N.G.Search also No Good. A junky version even for 89 cents.
T.O.C. N.G.Search also No Good. A junky version even for 89 cents. And I can't seem to return it.We need accurate statements about the quality of the Kindle versions so we can choose appropriately.I do better formatting the books and uploading them myself.

What is the Kindle definition of "Table of Contents"?
I get books that say they have 'active table of contents' or the MOBI that also say that, but either the TOC is not even a choice in the menu, or if available to choose, it just goes to the beginning of the book. Very misleading.

Fast Delivery!
Book ordered on a Monday; received on a Wednesday in perfect condition.Thank you!

This edition is flawed.
This edition suffers from two flaws. There is no table of contents, which means there is no way to easily navigate through the book. Also the included scripture references are frequently mistyped, meaning they bare no relationship to the text you are reading. It should be noted that this edition only contains part one.

Tough read but worth it.
17th century english makes this a bit of a struggle to follow at times but the challenge is worth the effort. However the Kindle version could make better use of the hardware. That was dissapointing. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

el progreso del pelegrino
this book i recommended because its talks about the way that a christian reborn in christ should walk and how Jesus helps him through the path of the life

a must read, a must share
Enjoy a good book. Be encouraged if you are a Christian suffering for preaching the Word. Maybe share it with others and I think even kids will love it! This made me wanna read the whole original book.

muy bueno este libro
lo recomiendo es una obra antigua que nos hace pensar en la gracia , los antiguosen esa epoca sufrieron por la gracia de JESUSy esta obra es muy buena ... Read more

Product Description
The Holy war, made by King Shaddai upon Diabolus, for the regaining of the metropolis of the world; or, the losing and taking again of the town of Mansoul. please visit www.valdebooks.com for a full list of titles ... Read more

Product Description

Christian Encounters, a series of biographies from Thomas Nelson Publishers, highlights important lives from all ages and areas of the Church. Some are familiar faces. Others are unexpected guests. But all, through their relationships, struggles, prayers, and desires, uniquely illuminate our shared experience.

John Bunyan's world was a turbulent age of regicide, civil war, and revolution. Against this backdrop emerged a man whose matchless literary gifts were burnished amidst suffering and who profoundly influenced western culture. This Christian Encounters biography presents the life story you've never heard-how, amidst the crucible of repeated imprisonments, civil war, and violent persecution, John Bunyan crafted The Pilgrim's Progress, a testament unlike any other to the triumph of the human spirit.

Customer Reviews (46)

Concise, but fascinating history
For those who would like to read a biography of one of the greatest Christian men of all time, this is a good book!Concise yet thorough, it tells the story of John Bunyan, a man who lived in an age when regicide and revolution were the order of the day.Amidst repeated imprisonments and often violent persecution by his jailers, and during a time of civil war, Bunyan wrote The Pilgrim's Progress, an ode to the persistance of the human spirit unlike any other.

I liked John Bunyan because it gave me the history of the man in such a way that I didn't feel as if I was going to fall asleep halfway through (as often happens to me when I read lengthy tomes), while being as thorough as possible.I would recommend it to anyone.

A rather dry account
I have enjoyed several other biographies in these series, but unforunately found this particular book to be rather dry, hard to read, and much more about the Pilgrim's Progress than John Bunyan himself. Considering the age that John Bunyan lived I suppose that is to be understood somewhat as there is somewhat limited information on him but if you are going to write a biography about someone I just think it should be more about the person than the book they wrote. It's a small book but I still wasn't able to make it through it.

A Pilgrim on the way
I liked reading this short, biography of John Bunyan. He was a man of minimal education who came from a poor background but he learned a lot through the reading of books. He was a man of intelligence, even though unable to complete his schooling but that did not stop this artist. He was a man of sensitivity and thoughtfulness that he had seen modeled from his father. He fed his imagination through inexpensive books called chapbooks or pamphlets that target the poor, working class audience and they became his teacher. In fact, as Kevin Belmonte writes, it was the Bunyan's reading of these chapbooks that significantly influenced his writing of "The Pilgrim's Progress."

This book is also about the times, the difficulties and challenges of an early life of poverty and war that John Bunyan was raised in the 1600's in rural England. He was brought up in Bedfordshire, a place that was recognized as a place ofasylum for religious liberties and those fleeing persecution.He was troubled in his youth by nightmares and sometimes had difficulty distinguishing them from reality. There was a touch of melancholy in this young boy who was even more affected by the sudden deaths of his mother and sister and this war all around him. But this book is a book about the triumph of the human spirit in the midst of awful circumstances and where God shows up in the midst of pain and suffering.Read about the author of "The Pilgrim's Progress" and what shaped his life.

I'm not sure what the "Christian Encounters" series . . .
. . . is trying to prove, but this is the third volume I've read so far, and once again, it is a mis-mash of horrible writing, revisionist history, and questionable theology.

I wanted to give this book the benefit of the doubt.The author was an historical advisor on the bio-pic of the life of William Wilberforce "Amazing Grace", and I thoroughly enjoyed the film.Unfortunately, his work on this volume is nowhere near the level of his work on "Amazing Grace" and is, actually, a bitter disappointment.

Item:The author has a nasty habit of repeating sentences or phrases nearly word-for-word just a couple of paragraphs later.(Occasinally, entire quotes!)This is sloppy writing, and even worse editing.

Item:The idea that life in England under the Cromwells (Oliver and Richard) was somehow far superior to life in England under the two Kings Charles is just ignorant of history.

Item:The author does not delve sufficiently (indeed, hardly at all) into the tangle that was the religious/political scene in 17th century England.There WAS no separation of Church and State in England (under either the Kings Charles OR the Cromwells) and the historical context MUST be understood to see why Bunyan was imprisoned in the first place.(Was it more religious or more political?)Heck, we can't even enter the debate, because the debate is ignored by the author almost completely!

Item:Little accurate biographical information about Bunyan is available.This does not stop the author from making huge conjectures about possible influences in Bunyan's life.

Item:Most of the last quarter of the book is nothing more than a re-hash of a synopsis of "The Pilgrim's Progress".And not a good synopsis at that!It certainly has the feel of "padding".

I could go on, but believe that I've made my point.

Read "The Pilgrim's Progress" -- but give this book a miss.

A very thorough exploration of Bunyan's life.
John Bunyan is one of those names in Christian history that stands out as a powerful influence on our understanding of the cross and the price that Jesus paid for all of us. His work has truly made a difference in many people's lives, including my own. I found this biography to be very thorough and I learned many things about Bunyan that I did not know. I suggest this book as part of any Christian's library as a must-read. Though this wasn't the easiest biography to read, it is still well put-together and well researched. ... Read more

Product Description
Table of contents with links to each book added 5/17/2009 (in response to customer requests).This file includes:
* Memoir of John Bunyan by George Offor
* GRACE ABOUNDING TO THE CHIEF OF SINNERS
* A RELATION OF THE IMPRISONMENT OF MR. JOHN BUNYAN
* A CONTINUATION OF MR. BUNYAN'S LIFE, BEGINNING WHERE HE LEFT OFF
* MR. JOHN BUNYAN'S DYING SAYINGS.
* PRISON MEDITATIONS
* THE JERUSALEM SINNER SAVED
* THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS 0F THE LOSS THEREOF
* THE WORK OF JESUS CHRIST AS AN ADVOCATE
* CHRIST A COMPLETE SAVIOUR
* COME AND WELCOME TO JESUS CHRIST
* JUSTIFICATION BY AN IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS
* SAVED BY GRACE; OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE GRACE OF GOD
* THE STRAIT GATE; OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN
* LIGHT FOR THEM THAT SIT IN DARKNESS; OR, A DISCOURSE OF JESUS CHRIST:
* A TREATISE OF THE FEAR OF GOD
* THE DOCTRINE OF THE LAW AND GRACE UNFOLDED
* ISRAEL'S HOPE ENCOURAGED
* I WILL PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING
* THE SAINTS' PRIVILEGE AND PROFIT; OR, THE THRONE OF GRACE
* THE ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE; OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART
* PAUL'S DEPARTURE AND CROWN; OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8
* THE DESIRE OF THE RIGHTEOUS GRANTED
* OF ANTICHRIST, AND HIS RUIN: AND OF THE SLAYING THE WITNESSES.
* THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, AND ETERNAL JUDGMENT
* SOME GOSPEL TRUTHS OPENED, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES
* A VINDICATION of GOSPEL TRUTHS OPENED, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES;
* A DISCOURSE UPON THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN
* A DEFENCE OF THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
* REPROBATION ASSERTED: OR, THE DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL ELECTION AND REPROBATION PROMISCUOUSLY HANDLED, IN ELEVEN CHAPTERS.
* QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NATURE AND PERPETUITY OF THE SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH.
* OF THE TRINITY AND A CHRISTIAN, AND OF THE LAW AND A CHRISTIAN.
* SCRIPTURAL POEMS; BEING SEVERAL PORTIONS OF SCRIPTURE DIGESTED INTO ENGLISH VERSE
* An Exposition on the FIRST TEN CHAPTERS OF GENESIS, And Part of the Eleventh
* A HOLY LIFE THE BEAUTY OF CHRISTIANITY: or, AN EXHORTATION TO CHRISTIANS TO BE HOLY.
* CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR
* A CAUTION TO STIR UP TO WATCH AGAINST SIN
* A DISCOURSE OF THE BUILDING, NATURE, EXCELLENCY, AND GOVERNMENT OF THE HOUSE OF GOD; WITH COUNSELS AND DIRECTIONS TO THE INHABITANTS THEREOF.
* JOHN BUNYAN ON THE TERMS OF COMMUNION AND FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIANSAT THE TABLE OF THE LORD
* DIFFERENCES IN JUDGMENT ABOUT WATER BAPTISM, NO BAR TO COMMUNION: OR, TO COMMUNICATE WITH SAINTS, AS SAINTS, PROVED LAWFUL.
* PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES AND TRUE: OR, A BRIEF ANSWER TO MR. D'ANVER'S AND MR. PAUL'S BOOKS AGAINST MY CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND DIFFERENCES IN JUDGMENT ABOUT BAPTISM NO BAR TO COMMUNION.
* A CASE OF CONSCIENCE RESOLVED
* INSTRUCTION FOR THE IGNORANT
* SEASONABLE COUNSEL: OR, ADVICE TO SUFFERERS.
* AN EXHORTATION TO PEACE AND UNITY
* MR. BUNYAN'S LAST SERMON

* THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS; IN THE SIMILITUDE OF A DREAM.
* THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS FROM THIS WORLD TO THAT WHICH IS TO COME. THE SECOND PART.
* THE HOLY WAR, MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD
* THE HEAVENLY FOOTMAN; OR, A DESCRIPTION OF THE MAN THAT GETS TO HEAVEN
* THE HOLY CITY; OR, THE NEW JERUSALEM
* Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
* A DISCOURSE OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON.
* THE WATER OF LIFE; OR, A DISCOURSE SHOWING THE RICHNESS AND GLORY OF THE GRACE AND SPIRIT OF THE GOSPEL
* THE BARREN FIG-TREE; OR, THE DOOM AND DOWNFALL OF THE FRUITLESS PROFESSOR
* The Life and Death of Mr. Badman
* A Few Sighs From Hell
* ONE THING IS NEEDFUL; or, SERIOUS MEDITATIONS UPON THE FOUR LAST THINGS: DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN, AND HELL
* A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

No TOC + No search within the book = USELESS!!!
This edition of the works of John Bunyan is a huge, useless lump of text.For all functional purposes, it is broken.All the data is in one massive file.I read the reviews that said there was no Table of Contents.This is a HUGE inconvenience, but I wasn't bothered - I could just search the text and add bookmarks at the relevant sections, such as the beginning of Pilgrim's Progress.

Boy, was I wrong!!When I tried to search within the book, I was told that that feature was unavailable for this book - it hadn't been indexed.That means that in order to find anything, you have to choose random location numbers and hope you hit something interesting.

Avoid this version at all costs!You'll never find anything in this text.

Not usable
i should have read the other review. There is no way to look up material. A poor purchaise. Don't buy.

No Table of Contents
The addition of a Table of Contents would have made this work usable, but without one it isn't worth purchasing.All multiple-book Kindle offerings should have at least a rudimentary TOC. ... Read more

Product Description
This autobiography describes Bunyan's conviction of sin, his struggles against unbelief, his entrance into the meaning and comfort of the Holy Scripture and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Godsend
As someone who struggles with obsessive-compulsive thoughts and fears about my standing with the Lord it has been a tremendous blessing to read the spiritual autobiography of this great saint. Bunyan spent years in fear for his soul having thought he had committed an unforgiveable sin. But in the end he came through it and wrote "The Pilgrim's Progress" to encourage others. He died a courageous and much loved minister.

This book has been more important for my walk with God than any other except the Word of God itself. I totally recommend it for any one who wonders whether it is possible to survive feelings of despair and come to true peace in Christ. ... Read more

Product Description
This biography of John Bunyan for young readers presents the author of Pilgrim's Progress, which, besides the Bible, is the best-selling, most-widely read book in history. ... Read more

Product Description

Thirty all-new, full-page, color illustrations and editedtext for ease of reading make this the edition of JohnBunyan's classic allegorical tale to own and to give.

For more than three centuries both Christians andnon-Christians, young and old, have been fascinated by thecharacters and story of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress:From This World to That Which Is to Come-regarded as one ofthe most significant works of English literature. While keeping thedignity and beauty of Bunyan's language, editor C. J. Lovik hasupdated words and phrases for today's readers.

This deluxe edition of Pilgrim's Progress, brought tolife in thirty all-new, full-page, color illustrations byaward-winning illustrator Mike Wimmer, takes readers on a visuallystunning journey with protagonist Christian as he seeks theCelestial City. Along the way, readers encounter Evangelist, Mr.Worldly Wisdom, the Interpreter, Hypocrisy, Watchful, Faithful,Talkative, Hopeful, Ignorance, and others. Through word andpicture, readers will better understand the obstacles andencouragements they will face as they live out the Christian lifethis side of heaven.

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent Book
I have purchased other versions of the Pilgrim's Progress.While I still enjoy all of them, this particular version has everything to supplement the awesome story written by John Bunyan.The quality of the book is great; the binding and quality paper set this one in a league by itself.I love the pictures throughout the book.Along with the scripture references there are commentary notes as well.This is certainly a complete work.Without these additional aids and finishes, the Pilgrim's progress story is still 1 of the best ever written.And I can see why it has been translated into over 200 languages since originally written.The finish of this book just makes it all the better.Don't hesitate to purchase this book, even if you have other versions.

A Long Time on the Shelf
This book has been waiting a looooong time to be read, and not just by the Little Women. I finally cracked it late one stormy night, and found myself still reading into the sunshine of the next afternoon. Go. Read. "From the Delectable Mountains, the way lies through the fogs and briers of the Enchanted Ground, with here and there a bit of soft cushions spread under a green arbor..."

Book great, binding awful
This is an excellent edition of the Pilgrim's Progress. I would recommend it to anyone. BUT the pages were incorrectly bound and the book does not close properly - there is a definite "wave" to the pages and space between the pages and the covers when the book is closed. This has happened repeatedly with my orders - two from one account and one from another.

Preserving the Literary Beauty while Updating the Language
There is little argument that no book, outside of the Bible, has had more impact on Christians throughout the last 400 hundred years than Bunyan's classic The Pilgrim's Progress. It is a clear and instructive narrative of so much of the Christian experience of being drawn to Christ, preserved by grace, and delivered into his presence.In my own life I have anchored various moments in Bunyan's imagery, whether the slough of despond or Mr Wordly Wiseman or our friend Goodwill at the Sheep Gate.The book is just a literary and spiritual jewel.

But...there has often been a problem for me in personally getting all that I can get out of it and sharing it with my family.I have often felt like I had to do a lot of extra reading (commentaries) and personal paraphrasing in order to explain the details to my kids (ranging from 4 mos to 14 yrs).

Thankfully the good folks at Crossway publishing have given folks like me a hand.They have published this deluxe hardback edition filled with all kinds of helps to make things easier for us.There are Scripture references at the bottom 0f each page to indicate the passages that correlate to narrative.There is also a comprehensive commentary in the back of the book to further explain various passages.This is not just a few but dozens of explanations of passages that may be hard to understand at first.

Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, C.J. Lovik has done a fantastic job updating the language for modern readers without compromising the literary beauty of the book.

With this also are forty all-new, full-page, color illustrations by award-winning illustrator Mike Wimmer.This is truly a treat.Wimmer is a terrific artist.His art really serves to help you explain various features when reading the book aloud to a group, like in my case to my family.Our kids often grab the book individually when a picture comes up and stare at it, dissecting the details and processing the reading.It is truly a great combination.

This is a great tool to escort the younger generations into the world of Bunyan's allegorical masterpiece.

Well done, but
I've read a few versions of Pilgrim's Progress, including a childrens version that our family reads every summer (Little Pilgrim's Progress: From John Bunyan's Classic (The Message)). This one seems to be done well, preserving the story, adjusting the language, and including pictures. The book even has sewn binding. What I found disappointing is that it does not include the second half of the story about Christiana. It ends with Christian entering the celestial city. If you're okay with that, then I think you will appreciate this modern edition.
... Read more

Product Description
John Bunyan was a Baptist preacher and author with little education but much vision and purpose.Briefly imprisoned for preachingwithout a license, he is believed to havebegunwriting the most famousChristian allegory, ThePilgrim’s Progress, while in jail. ThePilgrim’sProgress was published in 1678 (Part I) and 1684(PartII). Edited and annotated with the studentreader in mind, this Norton CriticalEdition is the indispensableguide to the language,allusions, and historical references of this challenging text.An unusuallyrich “Contexts”section isthematically organized in four sections: “Biographical,” “Geographical andVisual,” “Theological andLiterary,” and “Abridgementsand Adaptation,” and includeseleven essential visuals.“Criticism” collects twenty major essays spanning twohundred years of thinking andwriting about The Pilgrim’s Progress, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, SirWalterScott, George BernardShaw, F. R. Leavis, DorothyVanGhent, J. Paul Hunter, Stanley Fish, BarbaraA. Johnson, and Cynthia Wall, amongothers. 10 illustrations; 1 map ... Read more

Product Description
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, written by legendary author John Bunyan is widely considered to be one of the greatest books of all time. This great classic will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this gem by John Bunyan is highly recommended. Published by Classic Books International and beautifully produced, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Sinners in Need of Great Grace
John Bunyan's "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners," is a priceless literary classic that communicates the author's anguish over his sin, the confession thereof, and the life-changing impact of God's saving grace. This masterwork was written while Bunyan (1628-1688) was imprisoned for holding unlicensed church services and was published in 1666.

Bunyan's eyes were opened to the wonder God's grace and Christ's imputed righteousness when he mused: "But one day, as I was passing in the field, and that too with some dashes on my conscience, fearing lest yet all was not right, suddenly this sentence fell upon my soul, Thy righteousness is in heaven; and methought withal, I saw, with the eyes of my soul, Jesus Christ at God's right hand; there, I say, as my righteousness; .. I also saw, moreover, that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better, nor yet my bad frame that made my righteousness worse; for my righteousness was
Jesus Christ himself, the same yesterday, and today, and for ever."

This treatise is a confessional account of John Bunyan's religious flight from unbelief and sacrilege to a lover of Jesus Christ.

He agonizingly records how the law revealed his sinfulness and his need of a Savior: "In my preaching of the Word, I took special notice of this one thing, namely that the Lord did lead me to begin where his Word begins with sinners; that is, to condemn all flesh, and to open and allege that the curse of God, by the law, doth belong to, and lay hold on all men as they come into the world, because of sin."

Bunyan is mostly known for his enormous bestselling classic "Pilgrim's Progress." This is a wonderful addition and makes for a stirring and edifying devotional.
God Does Exist!: Defending the faith using presuppositional apologetics, evidence, and the impossibility of the contrary ... Read more

Product Description

John Piper explores the lives, and especially thesufferings, of three of God's servants to exemplify the essentialfruit that affliction can produce in any Christian's life.

Customer Reviews (14)

Sorry, but I disagree
Sorry, I have to disagree with at least part of the premise of the book.While I agree that God can and does bring good out of bad...and I agree that the lives of Bunyan and Brainerd are wonderful illustrations of that fact; William Cowper's situation is very troubling to me. The assertion that his insanity and his fear that he was predestined for Hell was somehow a blessing from God just does not stand up to the scriptures which state: "God has NOT GIVEN us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a SOUND MIND." (2 Timothy 1:7) and "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has torment and he who fears has not been made perfect in love." (I John 4:18)And yes, I realize that the Bible says that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7), but doesn't that refer to reverance, rather than the debilitating, suicide-inducing fear from which Cowper suffered? If you have read some of the statements made by Cowper concerning his OVERWHELMING fear and fervent belief that he was damned, many of which are not included in Piper's book, you know how heartbreaking they are.Yet we are to believe that the "Prince of Peace" who promised his children "peace that passes understanding" and admonished us to "let not your heart be troubled" is the author of this mental torment and confusion?!
Additionally, if FAITH that the shed blood of Jesus has washed away one's sins is the basis for salvation, and that faith is given by God to his "elect", then Cowper's strict Calvinist upbringing and belief system must indeed convince him that he was not among the elect since he did not have this assurance.What other conclusion could he reach?
Sorry, but if you are a consistent Calvinist, you should probably conclude that Cowper was right to fear reprobation.

A remarkable book
I found this book profound and very helpful. It is very encouraging to read about the lives of people who didn't experience the happy endingtype of spirituality so popular today. John Bunyan imprisoned, William Cowper suicidal, David Brainerd ill and dying so young. John Piper doesn't spare us the dark moments of these heroes, to make the gospel more 'appealing. There are no illusions that, if we follow Christ, we will be spared. instead, by opening the window on their struggles, he makes it possible for us to identify, be strengthened, and know that the Christian life is a race , and no race is easy, and we are all in this together. I keep returning to this book. Don't miss it.

Helpful for the Christian Depressed
As a Christian, I have often struggled with depression and feelings of being lost.What a joy to discover that I was not alone in these feelings, and God has used even this to His glory.All the biographies were helpful - I was previously acquainted with John Bunyan and Daivd Brainerd, but had completely forgotten about William Cowper.I am sure this is a volume I will turn to again and again to remind myself that there is a purpose even in trials and sufferings, and what God can accomplish through them.

God-Glorifying Suffering
Piper's Hidden Smile of God is a journey through the sufferings of three men: John Bunyan, William Cowper and David Brainerd, with a view to how these sufferings were used by God to bring long-term spiritual influence through each man's life.Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, the second most important book in the English language for many years, was born of imprisonment and persecution.Cowper's legendary hymns, There is a Fountain and God Moves in a Mysterious Way, came from the pen of a tormented soul which had seen many times the frown of providence.Brainerd's diaries arose from a frail body and a heart given to discouragement and influenced many toward missions and lives of sacrificial service.Piper sees the incredible tragedies in the lives of each of these men as the unfolding of the plan of God for them.He contends that their impact would have been less without their sufferings.Their trials were the crucible where their faith was strengthened and where they were produced their lasting legacy to the Church, parable and poetry and diary.

Piper shows how each man affirmed the mysterious providence of God and affirmed His sovereignty.These giants of faith did not see life as a place of ease but as a spiritual war.

The book is a great encouragement that as we walk with a sovereign God He will order the steps of our lives for His glory and our everlasting joy.

For Sufferers
This book is perfect for those who are going through suffering. Many times, when a Christian experiences deep trials and suffering, there is little help available from their friends and family. This book has been like a balm to the soul. Highly recommended for those who are hurting. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

whole works of john bunyan
Great preaching and exposition of the holy scriptures. Bunyans writing is one of a kind. These volumes are for a serious student of the bible.

FALSE ADVERTISING
The above Title of this book clearly states "(3 Volume Set)" and yet I only received the 3rd volume.The ISBN that they have listed is for the 3 volume set and not just one volume.I called Amazon (actually they called me, it was nifty) and complained.They saw that it was a mistake, seemingly a common one judging by what some people have already said here.And now they are sending me all 3 volumes.My real complaint is that now I have to wait an entire month before receiving it and I needed volume 1 for school!!!Can't beat the price, so I will have to borrow a book until mine arrives.If this happens to you just call Amazon and force them to send you all 3 books because the ISBN is for a 3 volume set and not just one volume!! DONT LET THEM FOOL YOU!!

MAKE SURE YOUR ORDER IS THE (3 VOLUME SET)!
If you are paying close to eighty dollars, make sure that your order says (3 Volume Set).If not, then you are only recieving volume one!

only first of series
When you order this, you only get Volume 1 of a 3-volume set. Also, the type is very small. Otherwise, I like Bunyan and I like having his works collected together...

The Contents Are ...
"The Works of John Bunyan", edited by George Offor

This review intends to inform readers of the contents of these three volumes so they may buy these books without the risk of guessing.Fortunately for me I guessed correctly!

To answer your first question, reader: Yes, "Pilgrim's Progress" IS INCLUDED in volume 3!Part I, Christian's journey, begins on page 89 after an 88 page introduction by the editor.Part II, Christiana's journey begins on page 168.And part III, The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, begins later in the volume on page 586. All parts are included.(Note that the latter is not commonly included as a part of "Pilgrim's Progress" in most books.)

Having said the above, if you are *only* looking for "Pilgrim's Progress", especially parts I and II, then these collected works are not for you.These books are physically HEAVY to hold, much too heavy for comfortable reading; you will need a stand, table or desk to avoid cramping your hands while reading.

The print, while quite legible, is small; some sections seem 6pt or smaller, especially the footnotes.As is common with many reprints of early editions, a few letters per page are faint, and a few have slight blotches such as a filled "e" center or a slightly thicker "t" crossbar, etc.As mentioned before, the print is still quite legible; if you are looking for the collected works please do not let the print deter you!

The sturdy binding and covers on the volumes handles the unexpectedly heavy contents well.I suppose the dimensions are roughly 9x7x1.125".

The copyright information says "Reprinted from the edition of 1854 published by W.G Blackie and Son, Glasgow".Reprints from the middle of the 19th century somehow seem appropriate for the writings of Bunyan; it gives one a feeling of history.And I *DO* love old books!

The editor describes the difficulty of obtaining 1st edition prints of Bunyan, especially since most editions were cheaply and badly printed "for the poor".Another interesting editorial comment is that Bunyan was somewhat of a misogynist.

As expected from a 1854 reprint, there are many woodcuts throughout the volumes, and they are excellent.

The 19th century compiler and editor, George Offor, supplies many footnotes.The footnotes, especially in the "Pilgrim's Progress", are often of a devotional nature such as "Take heed reader!", etc.But there are also many other footnotes clarifying rare words, doctrinal points, cross references, circumstances of writing, etc.Many of the footnotes have initials next to them, presumably indicating selected editorial comments of other commentators.(I was unable to find a clear list relating the initials to full names.)

Volumes I & II are entitled "Experimental, Doctrinal and Practical".Volume III is titled "Allegorical, Figurative and Symbolical".

To help you decide for yourself whether to purchase these books, here are the contents:

Volume I: "Experimental, Doctrinal And Practical" (771 pages)

- Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners (his personal testimony)

- Bunyan's Prison Meditations

- The Jerusalem Sinner Saved

- The Greatness Of The Soul

- The Work Of Jesus Christ As An Advocate

- Christ: A Complete Saviour

- Come And Welcome To Jesus Christ

- Of Justification By An Imputed Righteousness

- Saved By Grace

- The Strait Gate

- Light For Them That Sit In Darkness

- A Treatise On The Fear Of God

- The Doctrine Of The Law And Grace Unfolded

- Israel's Hope Encouraged

- A Discourse Touching Prayer

- The Saint's Privilege And Profit

- The Acceptable Sacrifice

- Paul's Departure And Crown

- The Desire Of The Righteous Granted

Volume II: "Experimental, Doctrinal And Practical" (758 pages)

- The Saints' Knowledge Of Christ's Love

- Of Antichrist And His Ruin

- The Resurrection Of The Dead, And Eternal Judgement

- Some Gospel Truths Opened According To The Scriptures

- A Vindication Of Gospel Truths Opened According To The Scriptures

- A Discourse On The Pharisee And The Publican

- A Defence Of The Doctrine Of Justification By Faith In Jesus Christ

- Reprobation Asserted

- Questions About The Nature And Perpetuity Of The Seventh-Day Sabbath

- Of The Trinity And A Christian

- Of The Law And A Christian

- Scriptural Poems

- An Exposition On The First Ten Chapters Of Genesis

- A Holy Life: The Beauty Of Christianity

- Christian Behaviour

- A Caution To Stir Up To Watch Against Sin

- A Discourse Of The Building, NaTure, Excellecy, And Government Of The House Of God

- Bunyan On The Terms Of Communion, And Fellowship Of Christians, At The Table Of The Lord

- A Confession Of My Faith, And A Reason Of My Practice

- Differences In Judgement About Water Baptism No Bar To Communion

- Peaceable Principles And True

- On The Love Of Christ

- A Case Of Conscience Resolved

- John Bunyan's Catechism (called "Instruction For The Ignorant")

- Seasonable Counsel

- An Exhortation To Peace And Unity

- Bunyan's Last Sermon

Volume III: "Allegorical, Figurative And Symbolical" (790 pages)

(Note: the first 88 pages of this volume, called chapters I-IX, comprise an introduction written by the editor describing the writing of "Pilgrim's Progress" itself.That which you and I know as "Pilgrim's Progress", the journey of Christian begins on page 89 and is labeled "First Part" in the volume's table of contents.The "Second Part", the story of Christiana, begins on page 168.The third part appears later in the volume, beginning on page 586, and is labeled as "The Life And Death Of Mr. Badman.")

The editor writes the following introduction:

- The Pilgrim's Progress From This World To That Which Is To Come

- Chapter I: Life A Pilgrimage ...

- Chapter II: ... having been written in prison ...

- Chapter III: Bunyan's Extraordinary Qualifications To Write The Progress

- Chapter IV:Bunyan's release from jail ...

- Chapter V: The inquiry "Was Bunyan assisted in writing?"... No.

- Chapter VI:A bibliographical account of the Progress' editions ...

- Chapter VII: An account of the versions, commentaries, ...

- Chapter VIII:The opinions of learned men ...

- Chapter IX:Obervations upon ... some prominent parts

- First Part (this is the actual "Pilgrim's Progress")

- Second Part

- The Holy War Made By Shaddai Upon Diabolus, For The Regaining Of The Metropolis Of The World

- The Heavenly Footman

- The Holy City (Or "The New Jerusalem")

- Solomon's Temple Spiritualized

- Discourse On The House Of The Forest Of Lebanon

- The Water Of Life

- The Barren Fig-Tree

- The Life And Death Of Mr. Badman (This May Be Considered The Third Part Of The "Pilgrim's Progress")

- A Few Sighs From Hell

- One Thing Is Needful

- Ebal And Gerizim

- A Book For Boys And Girls ... Read more

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Works of John Bunyan - Volume 3 by John Bunyan
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Customer Reviews (1)

A welcome addition
The updating of the story of the Pilgrim's Progress is long overdue. The sidebar comments are entertaining and informative. This book should be read before tackling Bunyan's original.

I disagreed with comments that Bunyan was being "anti-semitic" in places. Bunyan disagreed with Judaism (and all religions besides his Protestantism), but his differences were theological, not racist.

Other classics of this era should be updated to modern language! ... Read more

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Indulge Yourself with the best classic literature on Your PDA. Navigate easily to any novel from Table of Contents or search for the words or phrases. Author's biography and reviews in the trial version.

Customer Reviews (1)

read and learn
Works of John Bunyan. The Pilgrim's Progress, The Holy War, The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, The Heavenly Footman and more. FREE Author's biography and ... Published by MobileReference (mobi).

This ebook is relevant to everyone who is a christian and should be read by those who seek a better knowledge of what it is to live a christian life. ... Read more

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"THAT YE - - - MAY BE ABLE TO COMPREHEND WITH ALL SAINTS, WHAT IS THE BREADTH, AND LENGTH, AND DEPTH, AND HEIGHT; AND TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST, WHICH PASSETH KNOWLEDGE." EPHESIANS 3:18,19The extent implied in the words breadth, length, depth, and height; as far beyond all other breadths, lengths, depths, and heights, as God is infinitely beyond allcreatures. Some degrees of this love may be known; he the happier who ascends the highest on Jacob's ladder; but the full extent can only be known in heaven. ... Read more