Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan

(5 User reviews)   342
By Donna Ferrari Posted on Jan 12, 2026
In Category - Money Basics
Bunyan, John, 1628-1688 Bunyan, John, 1628-1688
English
Ever feel like you're not good enough? Like you're wrestling with your own thoughts and can't find peace? That's exactly what John Bunyan captures in this raw, honest memoir from 1666. Before he wrote 'Pilgrim's Progress,' Bunyan was just a man haunted by his past, convinced he was beyond saving. This isn't a polished story—it's his diary of a desperate, years-long fight for grace. Reading it feels like finding a centuries-old note from someone who felt just as lost as you might sometimes feel. It's surprisingly modern in its portrayal of a spiritual crisis.
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their generations_. Exod. xii. 42. _O my God_ (saith _David_), Ps. xlii. 6, _my soul is cast down within me_; _therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan_, _and of the Hermonites_, _from the hill Mizar_. He remembered also the lion and the bear, when he went to fight with the giant of _Gath_. 1 Sam. xvii. 36, 37. It was _Paul’s_ accustomed manner, Acts xxii., and that, when tried for his life, Acts xxiv., even to open before his judges the manner of his conversion: he would think of that day, and that hour, in which he first did meet with grace; for he found it supported him. When God had brought the children of Israel out of the Red Sea, far into the wilderness, yet they must turn quite about thither again, to remember the drowning of their enemies there, Numb. xiv. 25, for though they sang his praise before, yet they soon forgat his works. Psalm cvi. 11, 12. In this discourse of mine, you may see much; much I say, of the grace of God towards me: I thank God, I can count it much; for it was above my sins and Satan’s temptations too. I can remember my fears and doubts, and sad months, with comfort; they are as the head of _Goliah_ in my hand: there was nothing to _David_ like _Goliah’s_ sword, even that sword that should have been sheathed in his bowels; for the very sight and remembrance of that did preach forth God’s deliverance to him. Oh! the remembrance of my great sins, of my great temptations, and of my great fear of perishing for ever! They bring afresh into my mind, the remembrance of my great help, my great supports from heaven, and the great grace that God extended to such a wretch as I. My dear children, call to mind the former days, and years of ancient times: remember also your songs in the night, and commune with your own Hearts, Ps. lxxiii. 5–12. Yea, look diligently, and leave no corner therein unsearched for that treasure hid, even the treasure of your first and second experience of the grace of God towards you. Remember, I say, the word that first laid hold upon you: remember your terrors of conscience, and fear of death and hell: remember also your tears and prayers to God; yea, how you sighed under every hedge for mercy. Have you never a hill _Mizar_ to remember? Have you forgot the close, the milk-house, the stable, the barn, and the like, where God did visit your souls? Remember also the word, the word, I say, upon which the Lord hath caused you to hope: if you have sinned against light, if you are tempted to blaspheme, if you are drowned in despair, if you think God fights against you, or if heaven is hid from your eyes; remember it was thus with your father; _but out of them all the Lord delivered me_. I could have enlarged much in this my discourse, of my temptations and troubles for sin; as also of the merciful kindness and working of God with my soul: I could also have stepped into a style much higher than this, in which I have here discoursed, and could have adorned all things more than here I have seemed to do, but I dare not: God did not play in tempting of me; neither did I play, when I sunk as into the bottomless pit, when the _pangs of hell caught hold upon me_; wherefore I may not play in relating...

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John Bunyan's 'Grace Abounding' is his spiritual autobiography. He wasn't a famous author when he wrote it; he was a jailed tinker, locked up for preaching outside the official church. The 'story' here is the intense battle inside his own mind. He details his youth of profanity and rebellion, followed by a sudden, terrifying awareness of his sin. For years, he's trapped. Bible verses promising mercy are followed by others threatening doom, and he can't tell which apply to him. He's haunted by thoughts that he has committed the 'unpardonable sin' and that God's grace is for everyone but him.

Why You Should Read It

This book is powerful because it's so personal. Bunyan doesn't hide his doubts or his raw fear. You feel his panic when a casual thought feels like a curse, and his relief in moments of peace. It’s a masterclass in describing mental and spiritual struggle. The core theme is simple but deep: can grace really reach someone who feels like the worst of the worst? Bunyan’s answer, forged through immense pain, is a hard-won 'yes.' Reading this makes the hopeful allegory of 'Pilgrim's Progress' even more meaningful—you see the real-life valley he had to walk through first.

Final Verdict

This is for anyone interested in the human spirit under pressure. It’s essential for understanding Puritan thought, but you don't need to be religious to appreciate its psychological depth. If you've ever grappled with guilt, anxiety, or the feeling of not measuring up, Bunyan’s ancient struggle will feel eerily familiar. It’s a short, challenging, and ultimately hopeful look at one man's fight to believe he was loved.



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This title is part of the public domain archive. It is now common property for all to enjoy.

John Martin
5 months ago

I was searching for something reliable and the storytelling feels authentic and emotionally grounded. Don't hesitate to download this.

Karen Rivera
1 month ago

Believe the hype, the author anticipates common questions and addresses them well. I’ll be referencing this again soon.

Liam Robinson
1 month ago

I had low expectations initially, however it serves as a poignant reminder of the human condition. This was both informative and enjoyable.

Joseph Smith
5 months ago

In my opinion, the material builds progressively without overwhelming the reader. Don't hesitate to download this.

Margaret Martinez
4 months ago

After completing the first chapter, the examples used throughout the text are practical and relevant. Worth every second of your time.

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