Puritan Poem of the Month

Contempt of the World 

Can ought below engross my thought
Or am I to the world confined
Nay, let my pure affections soar
To objects of a nobler kind

I know I'm but a pilgrim here
That seeks a better promised land
Then may I run and never tire
Till that celestial home's obtained

Resolved to tread the sacred way
That Jesus watered with His blood
I bend my fixed and cheerful course
Through that rough path my Master trod

Contemptuous of the world I live
A daily death rejoice to die
And while I move and walk below
My absent heart mounts up on high

O Light of life, still guide my steps
Without Thy friendly aid I stray
Lead me, my God, for I am blind
Direct me, and point out my way

Let the vain world applaud or frown
Still may I heaven's path pursue
Still may I stand unshook and keep
The center of my hopes in view

Though Satan, earth, and self oppose
Yet through Thy help I'll persevere
To Canaan's hills my eyes lift up
And choose my lot and portion there

Augustus Toplady
1740-1778

A Pilgrim's Way

I was inspired to create this blog from two different sources; the first one being the very biblical and strong-minded blog of a friend of mine (hi Stephanie). You can read my friend's blog here http://christianchron.blogspot.com/ (you will be blessed!!!).

The second being the book "A Pilgrim's Progress" by the 17th century Puritan John Bunyan (hence the name of my blog).  In this book Bunyan takes us through the travels, trials, and tribulations of two fictional characters (part one concerns a man named 'Christian', and part two concerns his wife 'Christiana' and their family).  Although the characters in the book are fictional, the circumstances the characters go through are based on real spiritual ordeals that we all experience as followers of Jesus Christ and as "aliens" in this world seeking our true home.  The purpose of the book is better understood in the full title Bunyan gave it, which is "A Pilgrim's Progress From This World To That Which Is To Come."

So just as John Bunyan narrated the travels and learning's of the pilgrims in his book, so should we Christians today give accounts to one another of our own pilgrimages in this world which is "not our home" to strengthen and encourage each other until we reach our heavenly destination.

"They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." - Hebrews 11:16.