October 4, 2009

Pilgrim's progress - Bunyan - XV

Required reading
Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read the section entitled, 'The Author's way of sending forth his second part of the pilgrim'.

My notes and thoughts
Now we begin the second part of the book.  The introduction is today's reading and is written like the introduction to the first part - basically an extended poem giving reasons for the publication of the second part of the book.
One of the main discussions is over the mixed success of the first part.  Some did not appreciate pilgrim's journey, but others Bunyan says 'prize him [Pilgrim] far above their gold.'  Therefore Bunyan has high hopes for his next part:
'...Behold, thou art sent [the second part]
To friends, not foes: to friends that will give place
To thee, thy pilgrims, and thy words embrace.
Besides, what my first pilgrim left concealed,
Thou my brave second pilgrim hast revealed;
What Christian left locked up and went his way,
Sweet Christiania opens with her key.
'
So if you enjoyed the first part and it left you hanging for more, please continue reading with me for the next week or so...
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.

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