'Do you see yonder wicket Gate?' Evangelist pointing Christian in Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress to the way of salvation BUNYAN'S EVANGELIST
The Pastor's Letter

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Dear Friends,

I would draw your attention to a man whose picture is one of a thousand. He can say in the words of the Apostle: "Though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus have I begotten you through the Gospel". And whereas thou seest him with his eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the law of truth writ on his lips, it is to show thee that this work is to know and unfold dark things to sinners; even as also thou seest him stand AS IF HE PLEADED WITH MEN.

This is the picture of the Evangelist that is shown and explained to Pilgrim in the House of Interpreter in Bunyan's famous book. Evangelist, in Bunyan's reckoning, is a man who begats children in the faith. The "tools of his trade", if we may use such an expression, are:

"His eyes lifted up to heaven"; this is him in prayer and communion with His God in whose Name he goes forward as an ambassador.

"The best of books in his hand"; this might mean either the best of all the available books that tell about man and his relation with God - the best of commentaries and histories and exposition of the Word of God; or it might mean the best Book of all ? The Bible itself which is the first and greatest tool of the true Evangelist.

"And the law of truth writ on his lips"; the law of God's truth is what ever proceeds from his lips.

These are the tools of the true, sincere Evangelist. When we know a plumber or a carpenter by the tools they carry – so, we know that man to be a man whose job it is "to know and unfold dark things to sinners"; he is an Evangelist – a bearer of the Evangel – the Good News. And see how he conducts his business, says Bunyan; he stands … "AS IF HE PLEADED WITH MEN".

Now, my brethren, could I leave you with that thought? If we are to have a watchword for the days that lie ahead could it be this? … PLEADING WITH MEN! But you see if we, or others are going to be PLEADING WITH MEN! PLEADING with them that they see their lost and ruined state before the God with whom they have to do, and turn and take the offer of the Gospel of pardon as it is delivered in the Name of Jesus Christ our Saviour, THEN … then, we should be PLEADING WITH GOD! Pleading with God that He will graciously use His servant in the salvation of souls and the begetting of many spiritual children; Pleading with God that the Evangelist will be given a voice to "raise the dead"; pleading with God that his "PLEADING WITH MEN" will bear much fruit, for "unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain who build it".

Prayer is an opportunity to plead with God for the outpouring of His Gracious Holy Spirit upon us. "Oh! Take care, take care, Church of Christ, that thou dost not cease thy prayers", said Spurgeon …"If you cease your prayers it is all up with me and all over with you". Pray for the preacher, brethren! Never mind praising him, PRAY for him, because an awful responsibility rests on his shoulders. "As I was walking in the fields", Murray McCheyne once wrote in his diary, "the thought came over me with almost overwhelming power, that every one of my flock must soon be in heaven or hell. Oh, how I wished that I had a tongue like thunder, that I might make all hear; or that I had a frame like iron, that I might visit every one and say: "Escape for thy life! Ah, sinners! You little know how I fear that you will lay the blame of your damnation at my door".

This is a thought that comes to every preacher – to every Evangelist, and which at times break in upon every Christian as well. "God forbid", said Samuel of old, "God forbid that I should sin against God in ceasing to pray for you".

Will you take this invitation to pray for the preachers and evangelists seriously? Will you pray for those who will and are PLEADING WITH MEN? Will you pray for those with whom they will be pleading?

Sincerely,

W.J. Seaton



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This Page Title – Bunyan's Evangelist (The Pastor's Letter)
The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness".
Internet Edition number 39 – placed on line November 2002
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