Hymns and Songs for Christian Sojourners
Come, trust in God, and walk in the light of His Word as we journey through this life to glory.
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Download free sheet music, chord charts, and lyrics to each of the hymns and songs on this album.
Now I saw in my dream, that they went on, and Great-Heart went before them; so they went and came to the place where Christian’s burden fell off his back and tumbled into a sepulchre. Here, then, they made a pause; and here also they blessed God. “Now,” said Christiana, “it comes to my mind what was said to us at the gate; to wit, that we should have pardon by word and deed: by word, that is, by the promise; by deed, to wit, in the way it was obtained. What the promise is, of that I know something; but what is it to have pardon by deed, or in the way that it was obtained? Mr. Great-Heart, I suppose you know? Wherefore, if you please, let us hear your discourse thereof.”
Great-Heart: Pardon by the deed done is pardon obtained by someone for another that has need thereof; not by the person pardoned, but in the way, says another, in which I have obtained it. So, then, to speak to the question more largely, the pardon that you and Mercy and these boys have attained was obtained by another: to wit, by Him that let you in at the gate. And He has obtained it in this double way: He has performed righteousness to cover you; and spilt blood to wash you in.
Christiana: But if He parts with His righteousness to us, what will He have for Himself?
Great-Heart: He has more righteousness than you have need of, or than He needs Himself.
Christiana Pray make that appear.
Continue Reading The Pilgrim’s Progress
Notes and Commentary
Under the care of Great-Heart, the pilgrims go first to the cross. It is here where Christian’s burden fell off in Part 1 of The Pilgrim’s Progress and it is here where the pilgrims stop to give praise to God.
It is significant that Great-Heart leads the pilgrims to the cross. In the allegory, he represents a pastor and preacher of the gospel. He serves as a guide and is determined to point those under his care to Christ. Paul tells the church in Corinth:
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1–2).
As the pilgrims look to the cross, an opportunity arises for Great-Heart to instruct them. Christiana remembers when she received pardon from the Lord at the Gate. At that time, the Lord assured the pilgrims: “I grant pardon by word and deed: by word, in the promise of forgiveness; by deed, in the way I obtained it. Take the first from my lips with a kiss, and the other as it shall be revealed.” She gladly received the promise, but does not yet understand the deed—how Christ secured her pardon. She has questions and looks to Great-Heart for answers.
Continue reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2025 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2
The Interpreter then called for a manservant of his, one Great-Heart, and bade him take sword, and helmet, and shield. “And take these my daughters,” said he, “and conduct them to the house called Beautiful, at which place they will rest next.” So he took his weapons, and went before them; and the Interpreter said, “God speed!” Those also that belonged to the family sent them away with many a good wish; so they went on their way, and sung:
“This place has been our second stage:
Here we have heard and seen
Those good things that, from age to age,
To others hid have been.
The Dunghill raker, Spider, Hen,
The Chicken, too, to me
Hath taught a lesson: let me then
Conformed to it be.
The Butcher, Garden, and the Field,
The Robin, and his bait—
Also the Rotten Tree—doth yield
Me argument of weight:
To move me for to watch and pray;
To strive to be sincere;
To take my cross up day by day,
And serve the Lord with fear.”
Notes and Commentary
As the pilgrims prepare to resume their journey, the Interpreter graciously provides for a pressing need. Since setting out for the Celestial City, they have lacked a guide. As they begin the next stage of their journey, the Interpreter commissions one of his male servants to “conduct them to the House called Beautiful.”
Early in their journey, the pilgrims encountered perils along the Way. They heard the barking of a menacing dog. They were enticed by forbidden fruit. And they were assaulted by two ill-favored ones. In all these circumstances, they lacked a guide to help them recognize and avoid danger.
Continue reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2025 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2
New Recording
Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:
“And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” (Luke 17:5).
Abiding Faith
A prayer that God would create in us a true and an abiding faith that will anchor us firmly in Christ and remain steadfast through all trials and troubles of this life.
A true and an abiding faith,
Create within our hearts,
A faith that carries us to Christ
And ne’er from Him departs.
Fashion us that we may be
Vessels ready to receive
Your Word, O Lord, help us to know
And ev’ry word believe.
Lord, give us an obedient faith
That comes with no demands,
But bows submissive to Your Word,
Delights in Your commands.
We want not faith that boasts itself
In pious words and deeds,
Nor faith that seeks the praise of men
Yet God’s Word will not heed.
Lord, give to us a humble faith
That boasts in Christ alone.
A faith that boldly speaks His name
And bows beneath His throne.
Create in us a saving faith,
A faith that will remain.
We need a faith not of ourselves,
Lest we believe in vain.
Search us now, our hearts expose;
Ev’ry spurious hope make known,
That we may flee from empty faith
And look to Christ alone.
Each day increase our faith, O Lord,
More firmly placed in You.
In mercy lift us when we fail
That we may walk anew.
We want not faith that rests content
In blessings of this life,
Nor faith that fails to persevere
Through trials, pain, and strife.
A true and an abiding faith,
Lord, grant to us, we pray;
A faith that will not fail or fade,
Create in us today!
Words and Music by Ken Puls
Set to the Tune: ABIDING FAITH
Words and Music ©2002 Kenneth A Puls
Download the lyrics and free sheet music for this song, including an arrangement of the tune ABIDING FAITH for classical guitar.
More Hymns and Songs by Ken Puls
Above image made from Unsplash
Then said the Interpreter again to the damsel that waited upon these women, “Go into the vestry, and fetch out garments for these people.” So she went, and fetched out white raiment, and laid it down before him; so he commanded them to put it on. It was fine linen, white and clean. When the women were thus adorned, they seemed to be a terror one to the other; for that they could not see that glory each one on herself which they could see in each other. Now therefore, they began to esteem each other better than themselves; “For you are fairer than I am,” said one; “And you are more comely than I am,” said another. The children also stood amazed to see into what fashion they were brought.
Notes and Commentary
Once the pilgrims are cleansed and sealed, the Interpreter instructs Innocent to bring them fine white garments. This mirrors Christian’s experience in Part 1 of The Pilgrim’s Progress. When Christian’s burden tumbles away at the cross, the Shining Ones tell him his sins are forgiven (cleansed) and they clothe him with a “change of raiment.” They also set a Mark on his forehead and give him a Roll with a Seal on it, identifying him as belonging to Christ.
The imagery of “fine linen, white and clean” comes from the book of Revelation.
Continue Reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2
When they were returned out of the garden from the bath, the Interpreter took them, and looked upon them, and said unto them, “Fair as the moon.” Then He called for the seal wherewith they used to be sealed that were washed in His bath. So the seal was brought, and He set his mark upon them, that they might be known in the places whither they were yet to go. Now the seal was the contents and sum of the Passover which the children of Israel did eat when they came out from the land of Egypt, and the mark was set between their eyes. This seal greatly added to their beauty, for it was an ornament to their faces; it also added to their gravity, and made their countenances more like those of angels.
Notes and Commentary
When the pilgrims return from the bath, the Interpreter describes them as “fair as the moon.” The moon has no light of its own, but it brilliantly reflects the glory of sun. We have no light in ourselves, but God has made us in His image to reflect His glory. We are saved “through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” that we might shine forth the glory of Christ.
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3–7).
Marked with a Seal
Now that the pilgrims are washed, the Interpreter has them marked with His seal. This seal represents the sealing by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption.
Continue Reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2
In the morning they arose with the sun, and prepared themselves for their departure; but the Interpreter would have them tarry awhile, “For,” said He, “you must orderly go from hence.” Then said He to the damsel that at first opened unto them, “Take them, and have them into the garden to the bath; and there wash them, and make them clean from the soil which they have gathered by traveling.” Then Innocent, the damsel, took them, and had them into the garden, and brought them to the bath; so she told them that there they must wash and be clean, for so her master would have the women to do that called at his house as they were going on pilgrimage. Then they went in and washed, yea, they and the boys and all; and they came out of that bath, not only sweet and clean, but also much enlivened and strengthened in their joints. So when they came in, they looked fairer a deal than when they went out to the washing.
Notes and Commentary
The next morning the pilgrims awake and prepare to resume their journey. Bunyan notes that they “arose with the sun.” After spending time in the House of the Interpreter, Christiana, her four boys, and Mercy arise with light for their path.
They have the light of Christ.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5–6).
And they have His Word that they might walk in its light and know what is pleasing to the Lord.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord (Ephesians 5:8–10).
Continue Reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2
New Recording
Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
O Spirit Now We Thank You
A prayer of thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit, who inspired and crafted God’s Word, asking that He “bless its proclamation” and help us rightly understand and apply its truths to our lives.
O Spirit, now we thank You
For giving us Your Word.
Please bless its proclamation,
The truths that we have heard.
Indwell us and empow’r us,
And cause us to obey;
Shine now the light of Scripture
On all we do and say.
Great Artist of the Scriptures,
In beauty You have made
God’s Word to shine in glory
That cannot fail or fade.
In poetry and proverbs,
Through narrative and line;
In prophecy and hist’ry,
God’s truth in splendor shines.
You, down through many ages,
Inspired men to write,
Progressively revealing,
You brought God’s truth to light.
O Spirit, come illumine
This truth for us today;
And guide us in sound doctrine,
The straight and narrow way.
Wield now Your Sword, O Spirit,
The quick and living Word,
And rend our hearts asunder
With truths that we have heard.
O search us now and know us,
Expose iniquity;
Conform us to our Savior,
And holy we shall be.
Words and Music by Ken Puls
Set to the Tune: GARRICK
Words and Music ©1998 Kenneth A Puls
Download the lyrics and free sheet music for this hymn, including an arrangement of the tune GARRICK for classical guitar.
More Hymns and Songs by Ken Puls
Above image made from Unsplash
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5–8)
Listen and download a recording of this hymn from Bandcamp:
Courage, brother! do not stumble,
Though thy path is dark as night;
There’s a star to guide the humble—
Trust in God and do the right.
Let the road be long and dreary,
And its ending out of sight,
Foot it bravely—strong or weary—
Trust in God and do the right.
Perish policy and cunning,
Perish all that fears the light;
Whether losing, whether winning,
Trust in God and do the right.
Trust no party, church, or faction,
Trust no leader in the fight;
But in every word and action
Trust in God and do the right.
Trust no forms of guilty passion—
Friends can look like angels bright;
Trust no custom, school, or fashion—
Trust in God and do the right.
Some will hate thee, some will love thee;
Some will flatter, some will slight;
Cease from man and look above thee—
Trust in God and do the right.
So take courage! do not stumble,
When the path is dark as night;
Find the star that guides the humble—
Trust in God and do the right.
Firmest rule, and safest guiding,
Inward peace and inward light;
Star upon our path abiding—
Trust in God and do the right.
Words by Norman Macleod, 1857, adapted
Arranged to the tune: BEACH SPRING from Sacred Harp, 1844
Words and Music ©Public Domain
Download a free chord chart for this hymn, set to the tune BEACH SPRING.
More Hymns from History
Above image from Unsplash
Interpreter: So he addressed himself to Mercy, and said unto her, “And what moved you to come here, sweetheart?”
Then Mercy blushed and trembled; and for awhile continued silent.
Interpreter: Then said he, “Be not afraid; only believe, and speak your mind.”
Mercy: So she began, and said, “Truly, sir, it is my want of experience that makes me covet to be in silence; and that also that fills me with fears of coming short at last. I cannot tell of visions and dreams, as my friend Christiana can; nor do I know what it is to mourn for my refusing of the counsel of those that were good relations.”
Interpreter: What was it, then, dear heart, that has prevailed with you to do as you have done?
Mercy: Why, when our friend here was packing up to be gone from our town, I and another went accidentally to see her; so we knocked at the door and went in. When we were within, and seeing what she was doing, we asked what was her meaning. She said she was sent for to go to her husband; and then she up and told us how she had seen him in a dream, dwelling in a curious place among immortals, wearing a crown, playing upon a harp, eating and drinking at his Prince’s table, and singing praises to Him for bringing Him there, etc. Now, it seemed to me, while she was telling these things unto us, that my heart burned within me. And I said in my heart, if this be true, I will leave my father and my mother, and the land of my nativity, and will, if I may, go along with Christiana.
So I asked her further of the truth of these things, and if she would let me go with her; for I saw now that there was no dwelling, but with the danger of ruin, any longer in our town. But yet I came away with a heavy heart; not for that I was unwilling to come away, but for that so many of my relations were left behind. And I am come with all the desire of my heart; and will go, if I may, with Christiana unto her husband and his King.
Interpreter: Your setting out is good; for you have given credit to the truth. You are a Ruth; who did, for the love that she bore to Naomi, and to the Lord her God, leave father and mother, and the land of her nativity, to come out, and go with a people that she knew not heretofore. “The Lord recompense your work; and a full reward be given you of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you are come to truth”.
Now supper was ended, and preparation was made for bed. The women were laid singly alone, and the boys by themselves. Now when Mercy was in bed, she could not sleep for joy, for that now her doubts of missing at last were removed farther from her than ever they were before; so she lay blessing and praising God, who had had such favor for her.
Notes and Commentary
After hearing Christiana’s testimony, the Interpreter asks Mercy to share her reasons for becoming a pilgrim. Mercy at first hesitates and is for awhile silent. Unlike Christiana, Mercy was quickly receptive to hearing truth. She does not carry the same measure of regrets and laments for past sins and rejection of the gospel. But she fears she lacks “experience” and “cannot tell of visions and dreams” like Christiana. Nor does she have the same boldness and assurance as Christiana. Her testimony is humble and unassuming. But it needs to be told.
Continue Reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2