Audio Books: Pilgrim's Progress and The Life of David Brainerd

Recently I was reminded of two great Christian books that I read when I was younger, The Life of David Brainerd and Pilgrim's Progress. Though I did not have the discernment in younger days to grasp the deep meaning of these books, it occurred to me (I believe by the Spirit) that it would greatly benefit me to read them once again.

"But!", said my inward self, "Ye hast not time wherewith to read them!"

How foolish is my inward self...

I then remembered that these books have audio versions that have been put out on the internet for all to hear for free (they are public domain). You can download them and listen whenever you have the opportunity.

Here are a couple of great sources:

* Pilgrim's Progress
* The Life of David Brainerd

May I be so bold to say, that if you hear these books and either think them trite or over-the-top, that you have a fundamental problem: you do not know what it is like to be a Christian. You are either dull in your hearing or too immature to comprehend it, like I was when I first read them. I cannot help but remember how self-righteous I felt when first reading Brainerd's diary -- how wonderful I felt that I too felt as guilty as he. Where I have so woefully faltered in the book is where Brainerd describes the majesty of God's glory, the richness of God's love for him and the overwhelming love Brainerd had for the Indians that he ministered to. It at these points that I have suddenly lost interest...like I have suddenly seen my own lack of love for God in the mirror and I'm horrified. It's the same feeling I get when I read of David dancing for joy for God's glory and wonder if I will ever have that same joy.

One more thing...

The people to whom Brainerd's book might be the most profound are to those who have grown up listening to the Law of God (in Christian homes) and whose vain hearts have found all manner of ways to conceal their hypocrisies (like me). I don't have to name names...you know who you are. To be able to peer into the heart of a man whose soul has been converted and that overflows with love for God and His people will, to those who can bare it, reveal the deep gap between vain, fleshly legalism and true Christianity. It will make you realize that becoming a follower of Christ truly requires an act of God (outside of your own filthy rags of service).

I trust that these will be a blessing to you.