Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners [with Biographical Introduction]

by John Bunyan

Temptations, when we meet them at first, are as the Lion that roared upon Samson; but if we overcome them, the next time we see them, we shall find a Nest of Honey within them. The Philistines understand me not. It is something of a Relation of the Work of God upon my own Soul, even from the very first, till now, wherein you may perceive my Castings down, and risings up: for he woundeth, and his Hands make whole.

It is profitable for Christians to be often calling to mind the very Beginnings of grace with their Souls.

both for cursing, swearing, lying, and blaspheming the holy Name of God. 5. Yea, so settled and rooted was I in these things, that they became as a second Nature to me.

But God did not utterly leave me, but followed me still, not now with Convictions, but Judgments; yet such as were mixed with Mercy.

She also would be often telling of me, what a godly Man her Father was, and how he would reprove and correct Vice, both in his House, and among his Neighbours; what a strict and holy life he lived in his Days, both in Word and Deed.