{"id":18239,"date":"2015-05-05T11:57:52","date_gmt":"2015-05-05T10:57:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/\/uk\/?p=18239"},"modified":"2015-05-05T11:58:16","modified_gmt":"2015-05-05T10:58:16","slug":"the-puritan-odd-couple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.banneroftruth.org\/uk\/resources\/articles\/2015\/the-puritan-odd-couple\/","title":{"rendered":"The Puritan Odd Couple"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the 1600\u2019s a special relationship developed between John Owen (1616-1683), and John Bunyan (1628-1688). Although they were both English Puritans, there were some striking differences between the two men. And yet they were good friends. You might call them the Puritan odd couple.<\/p>\n

Bunyan had little education. He spent time in the army, and then worked as a tinker. A tinker was a person who mended household utensils. He learned his trade from his father. Bunyan was also known for simplicity in his preaching.<\/p>\n

John Owen was highly educated. He became Oliver Cromwell\u2019s chaplain. He was Vice Chancellor of Oxford University, and Dean of Christ Church. He wrote a number of theological works.1<\/a><\/sup> You probably know his books are always original and profound.2<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n

Bunyan spent twelve years in prison. He was released, and then spent another short period of time in jail. His time in prison was not easy. The prison conditions were not good. Besides he was separated from his wife and the people he loved.<\/p>\n

Owen never spent time in prison. Owen was for the most part free to preach his convictions. This was probably due to Owen\u2019s political connections. He had friends in high places. His political connections kept him safe.<\/p>\n

Owen tried his best to win Bunyan\u2019s release from prison. He used all his political connections to help Bunyan. But none of his political connections made a difference. Bunyan remained in prison for a long time.<\/p>\n

I would imagine Satan and his company of demons rejoiced when they succeeded in placing Bunyan in prison. They finally silenced this simple, but effective preacher. Even the well-educated Owen loved the simplicity of Bunyan\u2019s preaching.<\/p>\n

But Bunyan could not, in the end, be silenced. It was during his imprisonment that Bunyan wrote his famous book The Pilgrim\u2019s Progress<\/em>.3<\/a><\/sup> Today many scholars agree that Pilgrim\u2019s Progress<\/em> is the second most influential book in the English world. It is second only to the King James Bible.<\/p>\n

It is not always easy for us to see what God is doing in our lives. We do not always understand God\u2019s providence. But this has always been the course of church history. When it appears that Satan has won, God turns the tables on our enemies. He takes what appears to be defeat, and turns it into victory.<\/p>\n

This of course is the story of the cross. On the day Jesus was crucified all of hell rejoiced. In their minds Satan and the demons succeeded in destroying the King of Glory. But the cross became our sign of victory. For it was on the cross Jesus won salvation for his people. And after making payment for our sins Jesus resurrected from the dead three days later.<\/p>\n

Right now, you may not understand what God is doing in your life. But right now, you can trust God\u2019s providential care. You can rejoice and affirm that God will use your situation to sanctify your life, and to proclaim the gospel to the people around you. And at the right time you will be able to agree with the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:12. ‘What has happen to me, brothers, has really served to advance the gospel’ (ESV).<\/p>\n

Thus, in the midst of our pain and hurt we sing with confidence Edward Mote\u2019s hymn ‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand’:<\/p>\n

1. My hope is built on nothing less
\nThan Jesus\u2019 blood and righteousness;
\nI dare not trust the sweetest frame,
\nBut wholly lean on Jesus\u2019 name.<\/p>\n

2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
\nI rest on His unchanging grace;
\nIn every high and stormy gale
\nMy anchor holds within the veil.<\/p>\n

3. His oath, His covenant, and blood
\nSupport me in the whelming flood;
\nWhen all around my soul gives way,
\nHe then is all my Hope and Stay.<\/p>\n

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
\nOh, may I then in Him be found,
\nDressed in His righteousness alone,
\nFaultless to stand before the throne!<\/p>\n

Refrain<\/em>
\nOn Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
\nAll other ground is sinking sand.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Notes<\/h3>\n
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