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C. H. Spurgeon’s Pictures from Pilgrim’s Progress Introduction The book gathers C. H. Spurgeon’s beloved addresses, lectures on “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, once published in The Sword and the Trowel, now preserved as vivid portraits of Christian’s journey. Though some sketches were lost, those that remain reveal Spurgeon’s deep kinship with Bunyan, a preacher saturated in Scripture, speaking with warmth to pilgrims young and old. May these pages stir in every reader a deeper love for both the allegory and the Word of God it so richly reflects. Thomas Spurgeon Cliff Notes: Chapter One: Pliable Sets Out with Christian 1. Spurgeon’s Admiration for Bunyan: •Pilgrim’s Progress is Spurgeon’s favorite book after the Bible. •He read it over 100 times and praises its biblical richness and timeless relevance. 2. Christian’s Burden and Urgency: •Christian begins his journey burdened by the weight of sin and stirred by Scripture. •He cries, “What must I do to be saved?” and is guided by Evangelist toward the Wicket Gate. 3. Obstinate and Pliable Appear: •Obstinate mocks Christian and refuses to go. •Pliable is curious, listens, and decides to accompany Christian. 4. Christian’s Quiet Influence: •Christian doesn’t argue much, but his sincerity affects Pliable deeply. •Pliable rebukes Obstinate and says, “My heart inclines to go with my neighbour.” 5. Pliable’s Superficial Conversion: •Pliable has no burden on his back, unlike Christian. •Spurgeon explains this shows he lacks true conviction of sin. 6. False Motives for Religion: •Pliable is drawn by Christian’s glowing descriptions of Heaven. •He’s intrigued by gain, not repentance or fear of judgment. 7. Emotional Preaching Warning: •Spurgeon warns against preaching that focuses only on Heaven’s beauty. •It stirs emotions but misses the spiritual heart of the gospel. 8. Christian’s Grace-Filled Invitation: •Despite Pliable’s weakness, Christian kindly invites him along. •Spurgeon urges believers to do likewise: invite all, even uncertain ones. 9. No Counting the Cost: •Pliable joins thoughtlessly, unprepared for hardships. •He avoids deeper truths and prefers only to hear about benefits. 10. Lack of Prayer and Brokenness: •Christian reads, prays, and agonizes over his soul. •Pliable never prays or feels conviction—he is excited but not repentant. 11.Hollow Zeal and Shallow Emotion: •Pliable is all enthusiasm: “Let us mend our pace.” •Spurgeon criticizes such zeal when unrooted in repentance. 12.The “Revival Seeker” Without Depth: •Pliable enjoys revival meetings and outward religious excitement. •But like “thorns under a pot,” his zeal quickly burns out. 13. Fall into the Slough of Despond: •Christian and Pliable fall into a bog of discouragement. •Christian is weighed down by his burden; Pliable is careless and unprepared.