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A Wherein is also shewed, the equally deplorable condition of the Pharisee, or hypocritical and self-righteous man; and of the Publican, or sinner that lives in sin, and in open violation of the Divine laws. Together with the way and method of God's F R E E - G R A C E in pardoning penitent sinners; proving that He justifies them by imputing Christ's righteousness to them. By J O H N.B U N Y A N, Author of "THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS." |
TO THE READER.
ourteous Reader,
I have made bold once again to present thee with some of my meditations; and they
are now about the PHARISEE and the PUBLICAN: Two men in whose condition the whole
world is comprehended, both as to their state now, and condition at the judgment.
Wherefore in reading this little book thou must needs read thyself. I do not say
thou must understand thy condition; for it is the gift of God must make thee do that.
Howbeit, if God will bless it to thee, it may be a means to bring thee to see whose
steps thou art treading, and so at whose end thou art like to arrive.
And let me beg this at thy hand, now thou art about to read; reserve thy judgment
or sentence as to me, until thou hast passed through the discourse.
Justification is treated of here, and the way for men to be saved.
I have also O PUBLICAN here, as my skill hath served me, for thy encouragement, set
before thee the Pharisee and the Publican in their colours, and shewed thee, that
though the Publican seemed to be far behind, yet in running he got the prize from
the lofty Pharisee. I say, Art thou a Pharisee? Here is a Pharisee for thee! Art
thou a Publican? Here is a Publican for thee!
God give thee the Publican's heart, if thou art in the Publican's sins, that thou
mayest partake with the Publican, of mercy.–So wisheth thy friend.
JOHN BUNYAN.
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