of
the gospel. In a loathsome dungeon crowded with profligates and felons,
John Bunyan breathed the very atmosphere of heaven; and there he wrote his
wonderful allegory of the pilgrim's journey from the land of destruction
to the celestial city. For over two hundred years that voice from Bedford
jail has spoken with thrilling power to the hearts of men. Bunyan's
"Pilgrim's Progress" and "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" have
guided many feet into the path of life.

Baxter, Flavel, Alleine, and other men of talent, education, and deep
Christian experience, stood up in valiant defense of the faith which was
once delivered to the saints. The work accomplished by these men,
proscribed and outlawed by the rulers of this world, can never perish.
Flavel's "Fountain of Life" and "Method of Grace" have taught thousands
how to commit the keeping of their souls to Christ. Baxter's "Reformed
Pastor" has proved a blessing to many who desire a revival of the work of
God, and his "Saints' Everlasting Rest" has done its work in leading souls
to the "rest that remaineth for the people of God."

A hundred years later, in a day of great spiritual darkness, Whitefield
and the Wesleys appeared as light-bearers for God. Under the rule of the
established church, the people of England had lapsed into a state of
religious declension hardly to be distinguished from heathenism. Natural
religion was the favorite study of the clergy, and included most of their
theology. The higher classes sneered at piety, and prided themselves on
being above what they called its fanaticism. The lower classes were
grossly ignorant, and abandoned to vice, while the church had no courage
or faith any longer to support the downfallen cause of truth.

The great doctrine of justification by faith, so clearly taught by Luther,
had been almost wholly lost sight of; and the Romish principle of trusting
to good works for salvation, had taken its place. Whitefield and the
Wesleys, who were members of the established church, were sincere seekers
for the favor of God, and this they had been taught was to be secured by a
virtuous life and an observance of the ordinances of religion.

When Charles Wesley at one time fell ill, and anticipated that death was
approaching, he was asked upon what he rested his hope of eternal life.
His answer was, "I have used my best endeavors to serve God." As the
friend who had put the question seemed not to be fully satisfied with his