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THE NEW AMPLIFIED
The New Amplified Pilgrim’s Progress Part II: Christiana Adapted from John Bunyan’s Original Text By Jim Pappas Jr.
DESTINY IMAGE® PUBLISHERS, INC. SHIPPENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
www.destinyimage.com
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Adaption © Copyright 2005 Orion’s Gate. All rights reserved. Published with the permission of Orion’s Gate. All rights reserved. This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. The use of short quotations or occasional page copying for personal or group study is permitted and encouraged. Permission will be granted upon request. Unless marked the scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Please note that Destiny Image’s publishing style capitalizes certain pronouns in Scripture that refer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and may differ from some Bible publishers’ styles. Take note that the name satan and related names are not capitalized. We choose not to acknowledge him, even to the point of violating grammatical rules. Cover illustration: Nathan Greene Body illustrations: Frederick Barnard and others
Destiny Image Fiction An imprint of
Destiny Image® Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 310 Shippensburg, PA 17257-0310 “Speaking to the Purposes of God for This Generation and for the Generations to Come” ISBN 0-7684-2253-1 For Worldwide Distribution Printed in the U.S.A. This book and all other Destiny Image, Revival Press, MercyPlace, Fresh Bread, Destiny Image Fiction, and Treasure House books are available at Christian bookstores and distributors worldwide. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 / 09 08 07 06 05 For a U.S. bookstore nearest you, call 1-800-722-6774. For more information on foreign distributors, call 717-532-3040. Or reach us on the Internet:
www.destinyimage.com
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 ............................................................................................13 CHAPTER 2 ............................................................................................19 CHAPTER 3 ............................................................................................27 CHAPTER 4 ............................................................................................35 CHAPTER 5 ............................................................................................45 CHAPTER 6 ............................................................................................49 CHAPTER 7 ............................................................................................57 CHAPTER 8 ............................................................................................71 CHAPTER 9 ............................................................................................77 CHAPTER 10 ..........................................................................................87 CHAPTER 11 ........................................................................................109 CHAPTER 12 ........................................................................................125 CHAPTER 13 ........................................................................................141 CHAPTER 14 ........................................................................................167 CHAPTER 15 ........................................................................................189 CHAPTER 16 ........................................................................................203 CHAPTER 17 ........................................................................................233 CHAPTER 18 ........................................................................................241 CHAPTER 19 ........................................................................................259 CHAPTER 20 ........................................................................................271 CHAPTER 21 ........................................................................................301 CHAPTER 22 ........................................................................................313 CHAPTER 23 ........................................................................................323 CHAPTER 24 ........................................................................................343 CHAPTER 25 ........................................................................................347 CHAPTER 26 ........................................................................................373 CHAPTER 27 ........................................................................................385 CHAPTER 28 ........................................................................................393 CHAPTER 29 ........................................................................................409 CHAPTER 30 ........................................................................................423 CHAPTER 31....................................................................................443
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SPECIAL THANKS TO Mr. and Mrs. Jim Pappas Sr. Linda Pappas for making this book possible
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Christiana's Dream
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O
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P R E FA C E
NCE AGAIN, I have undertaken to bring one of John Bunyan’s masterpieces to the modern reader in a style that retains some of the oulde English flavor and yet is simple of understanding. All biblical quotations are taken from the King James Version which was newly published in Bunyan’s time. Here and there I have quoted or nearly quoted authors who have worded the desired thoughts more beautifully than I could. In these instances I have enclosed their words in quotation marks. Like Part I, this work is totally unabridged except for the opening poetic defense of the work and perhaps a lengthy poem here or there. However, this is an amplification rather than a translation. Therefore, where I felt I could clarify Mr. Bunyan’s thoughts or add a bit of spice I have taken that liberty. I have undertaken this work with respect and loving reverence and have tried to remain faithful to the intent and content of the original. To any who think I may have amplified a bit over much here and there, my apologies. Should there be any mistakes in interpretation, I trust that in the resurrection Mr. Bunyan and I will be able to work it out. With a sincere prayer that this work will help speed thy way to THE CITY I deliver this work to your appraisal.
Jim Pappas Jr.
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John Bunyan
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Dedicated to the Christianas of the world. May their children rise up and call them blessed.
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INTRODUCTION
C
HRISTIANA,” like “Pilgrims Progress” is placed in the setting of a dream. And while Christiana and her boys traverse the same narrow path as did Christian, her husband, the experiences, conversations, lessons and characters met along the way are mostly new. While “Part I” was a solo journey, “Part II” is a family affair. I do hope that it will be an inspiration to four types of people. First to the mothers in Israel who must travel the narrow path alone. May God send you the experiences, the wisdom and the helpers needed to enter the city with all your little flock beside you. Second to the men of the priesthood of believers. May you be Great-hearts indeed; first to your own children and second to the fatherless lambs of Israel. Our children need heros. May you rise from your knees to be one. Third to the children and youth of the believers. May you be bold to hold up the hands of your parents and quick to obey. Be a Samuel—quick to help, pleasant to be with, easy to love. Fourth to the extended families of young mothers. May you be quick to search out young families in need. Be quick to help carry the burdens that otherwise might seem overwhelming. I close with the hope that this story may speed all of you in your journey to THE CITY. I believe that our crossing over is not far off. Jim Pappas Jr. ADAPTOR
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Portrait of John Bunyan
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CHAPTER 1
The Author’s Dream
T
O MY gentle readers:
Some time past I shared with you my amazing dream about Christian the Pilgrim. In that former work, “The New Amplified Pilgrim’s Progress,” I related in some detail the story of Christian’s hazardous journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. If you found that account to be of some interest, then you are sure to enjoy this account of his family’s adventures. As you may recall, I spoke therein of how his wife and children had been utterly unwilling to accompany him on pilgrimage. Yea, no matter how earnestly he begged them to flee from the soon-coming ruin of the City of Destruction, they would neither hear nor believe. Therefore, as I showed you, was he compelled to set off on pilgrimage alone. Now although I have been most eager to learn the fate of Christian’s dear wife and little ones, a multitude of pressing duties have kept me away from that pleasant task. However, I recently had occasion to return to the forest that lay within a mile of where I had my former dream. Coming to that place, I once again became very drowsy and laid me down to sleep. And, as I slept, I dreamed once again a dream. In my dream I saw an aged man named Mr. Sagacity come striding by at a goodly pace. Seeing that he was no common man and also noting that he was going my way, I hailed him, saying, “Ho, good sir. Do you mind if I join you on your way?” “Nay, not at all,” said he with a twinkle in his eye. “Delighted to have you. Come along.”
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The author and Mr. Sagacity
Now we had not gone far before we came to the brow of a hill that overlooked a rather unkempt town. It was all overhung with black clouds that growled angrily and occasionally licked at the town with tongues of forked lightning.
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THE AUTHOR’S DREAM
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“I say, sir,” said I, “What tumble-down town is this just before us?” “That is the City of Destruction,” he replied. “It lies in such a sad state of repair because those who dwell therein are more concerned with today’s pleasures than tomorrow’s realities.” “Ah, I thought so,” said I, “for I once passed near that town and know for a fact that your report is true. Those who dwell therein are indeed idle louts.” “Aye. I wish I could report some good thing about them and yet remain in the vale of truth, but alas, I fear I cannot. I shudder to think of what will soon befall this place.” “Well, Mr. Sagacity. Since you seem to be a man who enjoys the hearing and telling of truth, tell me: have you ever heard of a man named Christian? ’Tis said that he fled this town in search of a better city whose Maker and Builder is God.” “Heard of him! Oh my, yes! So wondrous was his story that I took it upon myself to verify every detail of it. And I can tell you, lad, that all is true. All his temptations, troubles, wars, captivities, frights and fears are famous throughout this whole countryside. Yea, although called a fool whilst dwelling amongst them—now that he has attained such glorious heights there is talk of making him a saint! And many there be who would gladly join him on the heights of Mount Victory—if they could somehow bypass the steep climb that got him there.” “And what do they say about him?” I asked. “Do they know much of his present life?” “Oh, indeed they do! They have heard all about how he walks in a robe of light; how he wears a chain of gold about his neck; how he has a golden crown on his head all laden with pearls. They know too how, in that place, he fellowships with saints and Shining Ones as commonly as we do with our family and neighbors here.” “Indeed!” said I. “And is there more?” “Oh, aye, much more. ’Tis said that he eats and drinks and walks and talks with the King of that place. Yea, he has a rich and pleasant post at the court.” “Ah, such a wondrous tale!” “Indeed. And there is more to tell. ’Tis said that his Prince, the Lord of that Country, will soon come to these parts in person.”
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“Indeed! On what cause?” “To exact payment in kind from those who so cruelly mocked and derided Christian in his pilgrimage.” “Verily? Is He angry enough to come so far to punish their rude behavior?” “He is more than angry, friend John. Christian is so firmly fixed in His affections that He regards every insult shown him as if it had been done to Himself.” “Indeed! And why so?” “Why because it was from pure love that he ventured all for His Lord.” “Ah. Well, I hope I am not about these parts when He comes clad in garments of vengeance! And I am very glad to hear of Christian’s many honors. It may be that his great fame might yet inspire some to follow after.” “Indeed. Yes, indeed.” “But pray tell, good sir. What do you hear about his wife and children?” “Christiana and sons?” “Yes, the same. How do the poor hearts fare?” “Haven’t you heard?” “Heard? Why, what is to hear?” “Good news, sir! Deliciously good news! She and her wee ones are like to end up nigh as good as the old pilgrim himself!” “What!” exclaimed I. “Surely you do not mean . . . !” “That is exactly what I mean, lad.” “Indeed! Off on pilgrimage! And what about her four sons?” “Gone, lad. Bag and baggage. Gone! Clean gone!” “Amazing. Why, I can scarce believe it.” “Well, look down there. See that winding street off to our left?” “Aye.” “Do you see that wee tumble-down shack?” “The one with the door hanging ajar?” “The same.” “What about it?” “That is Christian’s house. His wife departed in such a flutter that she took no thought to latch the door or close the shutters.”
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“My! I wish I could hear more.” “Well, we do have some traveling time before us. And I was there to see it all.” “Why, such good fortune! Please, sir. Do give me an exact account of the entire tale.” “Well, no doubt you know of her wicked abuse when Christian first fell under his deep convictions.” “Oh, aye,” said I. “I recall how stiffly she steeled her heart against his most loving entreaties, how she did deride and mock him even while he was trying to convince her of her mortal danger. Aye, I know the story well.” “Well,” continued he, rubbing hands together as he warmed to his tale, “when she realized that he was gone over the river and
"Her thoughts began to work in her mind"
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lost to her forever, her mind began to be plagued with second thoughts. Memory called to mind what a good man he had been: his diligence at his trade; his gentle fatherliness toward his four sons; his tender words and sweet caresses toward herself. All these things now rose up in her heart with distinct clarity. Yea, now, all his former ”craziness” now seemed no more irritating than a buzzing fly to lovers on a stroll.” “Ah. So she began to regret her foul treatment of her husband, did she?” “Oh, you cannot imagine. Why, the guilt upon her back was greater than that which her husband bore. So it was that she, with the same agony as he, began to cry out, ’O, wretched woman that I am! What shall I do to be saved?” “Ah! My heart cannot help but sense the agony of her soul,” said I. “Good! It shows you to be a man of tender heart.” “Thank you. But please, do go on.”