seven abominations in my heart

Austin Gardner • June 15, 2023

 yet the wisdom of God doth order them for my good

John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim's Progress wrote the following:


I find to this day seven abominations in my heart:

(1) Inclinings to unbelief.

(2) Suddenly to forget the love and mercy that Christ manifesteth.

(3) A leaning to the works of the law.

(4) Wanderings and coldness in prayer.

(5) To forget to watch for that I pray for.

(6) Apt to murmur because I have no more, and yet ready to abuse what I have.

(7) I can do none of those things which God commands me, but my corruptions will thrust in themselves,

“When I would do good, evil is present with me.”


These things I continually see and feel, and am afflicted and oppressed with: yet the wisdom of God doth order them for my good.

(1) They make me abhor myself.

(2) They keep me from trusting my heart.

(3) They convince me of the insufficiency of all inherent righteousness.

(4) They show me the necessity of flying to Jesus.

(5) They press me to pray unto God.

(6) They show me the need I have to watch and be sober.

(7) And provoke me to look to God, through Christ, to help me, and carry me through this world. Amen.


 “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners,” Christian History Magazine-Issue 11: John Bunyan and Pilgrim’s Progress (Worcester, PA: Christian History Institute, 1986).


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