' These troubles and
distresses that you go through in these waters, are no sign that God
hath forsaken you, but are sent to try you whether you will call to
mind that which heretofore you have received of his goodness, and
live upon him in your distresses."
Then I saw in my dream that Christian was in a muse a while. To whom
also Hopeful added these words: "Be of good cheer; Jesus Christ
maketh thee whole."
And with that Christian broke out with a loud voice, "Oh, I see him
again, and he tells me, 'When thou passest through the waters, I
will he with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow
thee.'"
Then they both took courage, and the enemy was after that as still
as a stone until they were gone over. Christian therefore presently
found ground to stand upon, and so it followed that the rest of the
river was but shallow; thus they got over.
Now upon the bank of the river, on the other side, they saw the two
shining men again, who there waited for them. Wherefore, being come
out of the river, they saluted them, saying, "We are ministering
spirits, sent forth to minister to those that shall be heirs of
salvation." Thus they went along towards the gate.
BUNYAN'S DEATH.
FROM THE FIRST BIOGRAPHY OF BUNYAN.
"He comforted those that wept about him, exhorting them to trust in
God, and pray to him for mercy and forgiveness of their sins;
telling them what a glorious exchange it would be, to leave the
troubles and cares of a wretched mortality to live with Christ for
ever, with peace and joy inexpressible; expounding to them the
comfortable scriptures by which they were to hope and assuredly come
unto a blessed resurrection in the last day.
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