Derek Thomas

We are about to meet him as we study together part two of Pilgrim's Progress.

We've had Faithful and Hopeful in part one, and in part two you have this wonderful character, Mr. Valiant-for-Truth.

This is the description we're given of his passing.

after this it was noised abroad that mr valiant for truth was taken with a summons by the same post as the other and had this for a token that the summons was true that his pitcher was broken at the fountain

When he understood it, he called for his friends and told them of it.

Then said he, I am going to my father's, and though with great difficulty I am got hither, yet now I do not repent me of all the trouble I have been at to arrive where I am.

My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage.

My courage and skill to him that can get it.

My marks and scars I carry with me to be a witness for me that I have fought the battles who now will be my rewarder.

When the day that he must go hence was come, many accompanied him to the riverside, into which, as he went, he said, Death, where is thy sting?

And as he went down deeper, he said, Grave, where is thy victory?

So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side.

Now, that's a very different description of death.

Mr. Valiant, for truth, citing those words from 1 Corinthians 15, death, where is thy sting?

Grave, where is thy victory?

Seems full of assurance and confidence.

Christian, on the other hand, was not.

Now, it makes us ask the question, why did Bunyan have his principal character, Christian,

who for all intents and purposes is Bunyan himself, I think.

It's almost autobiographical, part one.