John Bunyan:

"Although I have been through all that I have, I do not regret the many hardships I met, because it was they who brought me to the place I wished to reach. Now all I have is this sword and i give it to whoever wishes to continue his pilgrimage. I carry with me the marks and scars of battles-they are the witnesses of what i suffered and the rewards of what i conquered...."

"These are the beloved marks and scars that will open the gates of paradise to me. There was a time when I used to listen to tales of bravery. There was a time when I lived only because I needed to live. But now I live because I am a Warrior and because I wish one day to be in the company of HIM for whom I have fought so hard."