The Author's Apology. That gold, those pearls, and precious stones, that were Let me add one word more: O man of God! Put forth my matter in another dress? Put on the words, things, readers, or be rude In application; but all that I may Seek the advance of truth, this or that way. 2. I find that men (as high as trees) will write Which way it pleases God; for who knows how, 3. I find that holy writ, in many places, Use it I may then, and yet nothing smother Truth's golden beams: nay, by this method may And, now, before I do put up my pen, That pulls the strong down, and makes weak ones stand. This book, it chalketh out before thine eyes The man that seeks the everlasting prize; xlvii It shows you whence he comes, whither he goes; It shows too who set out for life amain, Art thou for something rare and profitable? This book is writ in such a dialect As may the minds of listless men affect: It seems a novelty, and yet contains Nothing but sound and honest gospel strains. Wouldst thou divert thyself from melancholy? Dost thou love picking meat? Or wouldst thou see Wouldst read thyself, and read thou know'st not what And yet know whether thou art blest or not, JOHN BUNYAN. |