PREFACE. THE high estimation in which the "PILGRIM'S PROGRESS has been held for above a century, sufficiently evinces its intrinsic value: and there is every reason to suppose, that it will be read with admiration for ages to come; probably till the consummation of all things. The pious Christian, in proportion to his "growth in grace, and the knowledge of the Lord JESUS," derives more and more instruction from repeated perusals of this remarkable book; while his enlarged experience and extended observation enable him to unfold, with progressive evidence, the full meaning of the very agreeable similitudes employed by its truly ingenious author. And even the careless or uninstructed reader is fascinated to attention, by the simple and artless manner in which the interesting narrative is arranged. Nor should this be represented as a mere amusement, which answers no further purpose: for it has been observed by men of great discernment, and acquaintance with the human mind, that young persons, having pe |