I was introduced to Pilgrim’s Progress back in the Nineties. I’ve read it on and off since then, but three years ago I committed to reading it through once every year. It is a good way to start the New Year, that and reading the Bible, of course.
I think all Christians and non-Christians should read through this book at least once. It really is an excellent allegory of the Christian life, and each time through, we catch a glimpse of ourselves as we identify with Christian’s journey to the Celestial City.
Spurgeon spoke very highly of it, saying, “Next to the Bible, the book I value most is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. I believe I have read it through at least a hundred times. It is a volume of which I never seem to tire, and the secret of its freshness is that it is so largely compiled from the Scriptures.”
It was said of John Piper that he read it through once a year for fifty years. John Owen, who thought so highly of the book, found Bunyan a publisher, and the rest is history. With of 250 million copies sold and translated into hundreds of languages it is a book that’s made a lasting impact.
I would say that if the likes of Spurgeon, Piper, Owen, and many others encourage its reading, it may be worth considering adding to your to-read list.
There is much to take in in the various characters and places along Christian’s journey, and this year, as I was reading, I was struck by Christian’s lapse in judgment regarding By-Path-Meadow, so I decided to write this blog.
The following is a direct quote from Pg 128 Pilgrim’s Progress published by Banner of Truth
“Now, I beheld in my dream, that they had not journied far, but the River and the Way for a time parted; at which they were not a little sorry; yet they durst not go out of the way. Now the way from the river was rough, and their feet tender, by reason of their travels. So the Soul of the Pilgrims were much discouraged because of the way. Wherefore, still as they went on, they wished for a better Way. Now, a little before them, there was on the Left Hand of the road a Meadow, and a Stile to go over into it; and that meadow is called By-Path-Meadow. Then said Christian to his fellow, If this meadow lies along by our wayside, let us go over into it. Then he went to the stile to see, and behold, a Path lay along by the way, on the other side of the fence. Tis according to my wish, said Christian. Here is the easiest going; come, good Hopeful, and let us go over.
Hopeful: But how if this path should lead us out of the Way?
Christian: That is not likely, said the other. Look, doth it not go along by the Wayside? So Hopeful, being persuaded by his fellow, went after him over the stile. When they were gone over, and were got into the Path, they found it very easy for their feet; and withal, they, looking before them, espied a man walking as they did, (and his name was Vain-confidence); so they called after him, and asked him whither that way led. He said, To the Coelestial Gate. Look, said Christian, did not I tell you so? By this you may see we are right. So they followed, and he went before them. But, behold, the night came on, and it grew very dark; so that they that were behind lost the sight of him that went before.”
Before this, Christian had endured various challenges; he and Hopeful had recently escaped Vanity Fair and were getting along on their journey. As they make progress, things grow a little more difficult; their feet grow sore. They grow tired and weary on the path they are on and notice By-Path-Meadow. Taking note that it looks like an easier path, they decide to cross over in By-Path-Meadow, where they sought relief and an easier way. The stile (a small bridge) made it easy for them to cross over.
This is where many Christians, like Christian and Hopeful, fall into a trap. They grow weary on the journey and seek an easier route. It’s not God’s determined route but one that appeals to the flesh and, in doing this, places confidence in one’s own flesh rather than in God.
The By-Path-Meadow is, in some sense, a picture of the world and of our own efforts to work out a way of life that is easier. It shows our pride and our determined will to do things our way rather than the way God has chosen for us.
Christian and Hopeful show us how tempting the easier path is. And show us the danger we can encounter when we do, as indicated later in the story. While difficult at times, it is best always to obey and trust God. Yes, the journey can be difficult and wearisome at times, but God’s grace is always sufficient in all things.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
May God bless and keep you all as you live and labor for him!
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