Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

Chapter III · Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners is here in full — 143 sentences across 29 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners
Context Illustration Reading 1/28 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
60.
O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?
It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.
61.
By these things I was driven to my wits end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

Chapter III · Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners is here in full — 143 sentences across 29 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/28 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
60.
Line 2
O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?
/oʊ lɔːrd θɔːt aɪ wʌt ɪf aɪ ʃʊd nɑːt ˌɪnˈdiːd/
Line 3
It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.
Line 4
61.
Line 5
By these things I was driven to my witsend, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

assaulted verb US /əˈsɔːltɪd/

past form of “assault” — attack someone physically or emotionally

From this reading “By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.”

attained adjective US /əˈteɪnd/

achieved or reached

From this reading “By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.”

elect verb US /ɪˈlekt/

select by a vote for an office or membership

From this reading “By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.”

elected adjective US /ɪˈlektəd/

subject to popular election

From this reading “It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.”

Satan noun US /ˈseɪtən/

(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading “It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.”

scruple noun US /ˈskruːpəl/

a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains

From this reading “By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.”

strive verb US /straɪv/

attempt by employing effort

From this reading “It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.”

temptations noun US /temˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “temptation” — something that seduces or has the quality to seduce

From this reading “By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.”

All words in this reading · 90

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

60

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 60.

61

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 61.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

answerverbUS /ˈænsər/

react verbally

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

assaultedverbUS /əˈsɔːltɪd/

past form of “assault” — attack someone physically or emotionally

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

attainedadjectiveUS /əˈteɪnd/

achieved or reached

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

ByprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

chosennounUS /ˈtʃoʊzən/

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

drivenadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪvən/

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

electverbUS /ɪˈlekt/

select by a vote for an office or membership

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

electedadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektəd/

subject to popular election

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

endnounUS /end/

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

eternaladjectiveUS /ɪˈtɜːrnəl/

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

fartheradjectiveUS /ˈfɑːrðər/

more distant in especially space or time

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

GodnounUS /ɡɑːd/

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

heartilyadverbUS /ˈhɑːrtəli/

with gusto and without reservation

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

how

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

knowingadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊɪŋ/

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

layverbUS /leɪ/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

leaveverbUS /liːv/

go away from a place

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

LordnounUS /lɔːrd/

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

mercynounUS /ˈmɜːrsi/

leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?

OnounUS /oʊ/

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

offadverbUS /ɔːf/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

prudencenounUS /ˈpruːdəns/

discretion in practical affairs

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

runneth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

SatannounUS /ˈseɪtən/

(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

savedadjectiveUS /seɪvd/

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

sayverbUS /seɪ/

express in words

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

scruplenounUS /ˈskruːpəl/

a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?

showeth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

startverbUS /stɑːrt/

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

striveverbUS /straɪv/

attempt by employing effort

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

talkverbUS /tɔːk/

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

temptationsnounUS /temˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “temptation” — something that seduces or has the quality to seduce

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

Tempternoun

a person who tempts others

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?

thusadverbUS /ðʌs/

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading O Lord, thought I, what if I should not indeed?

WhynounUS /waɪ/

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

willeth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

withaladverb

despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

witsnounUS /wɪts/

the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception

From this reading By these things I was driven to my wits’ end, not knowing what to say, or how to answer these temptations: (indeed, I little thought that Satan had thus assaulted me, but that rather it was my own prudence thus to start the question): for that the elect only attained eternal life; that, I without scruple did heartily close withal; but that myself was one of them, there lay the question.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading It may be you are not, said the Tempter; it may be so indeed, thought I. Why then, said Satan, you had as good leave off, and strive no farther; for if indeed, you should not be elected and chosen of God, there is no talk of your being saved; _For it is not of him that willeth_, _nor of him that runneth_; _but of God that showeth mercy_.

Chapter 3 of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan holds 143 sentences, grouped into 29 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 3 of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners contain?

Chapter 3 holds 143 sentences of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, unabridged, divided into 29 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 3 of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 143 sentences, grouped into 29 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 3 of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners?

Work through the 29 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 29 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 3 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 3 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

Common questions about reading Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners?

Yes. All 2053 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #654 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #654, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners take to read?

About 171 minutes of reading across 411 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners section by section

How to work through Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 15 chapters of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

Words and structures a reader meets early in Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Taking
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Dunghill
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Converting
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Faith
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.