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Holy Life: The Beauty of Christianity

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Many Christians who have read 'Pilgrems Progress' are well aware of John Bunyans deep and thorough knowledge of the christians walk with the Lord. In 'The Holy Life' Bunyan gives an exposition of 2Timothy2:19 'and let every one that nameth the name of Christ ,depart from iniquity'. The detialed exposition and penetrating insights abound. Though it is not an allegory like 'Pilgrems Progress'there are many insights(in my judgement)that are every bit as helpful. He rightly points out that everyone wants to go to heaven and avoid going to hell ,but how many want to go to heaven to be saved from the inward pleasure of sin. The Puritans in general and John Bunyan in particular understood very well the important role that the mind and affections play in the sanctification of a believer. I think this quote on p.30 will help to prove that point: "Now this is that the apostle would have ,namely that the affections and passions of our souls should not choose,but depart from the affections and lusts of our old man, and should be renewed and made willing to be led by the Holy Ghost from them." He later writes that someone can depart in their mind and affections from that which will yet dwell in them as long as they live.
There are a multitude of books on sanctification that do not properly understand the important distinction that Bunyan so clearly gives us,(in portions of this book),on the mind departing from iniquity but yet the battle with indwelling sin still remaining as long as the believer lives in this world. Certainly those who espouse the possibility of sinless perfection do not comprehend this at all. This valuable and timeless book on Christian living is available in many editions of Bunyan's works. It may still be available as a seperate book from Gospel Mission in Choteau,Montana.