John Bunyan

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a sovereign grace preacher, author and poet. He was appointed the pastor of a non-conformist church in Bedford. Although he was a baptized believer, it is questionably whether the Bedford congregation was a Baptist church. He was an open-communionist, welcoming to the Lord’s Table all who professed faith in Christ. An open Table of this kind sidelines the ordinance of Baptism, thereby undermining a ‘Baptist’ identity. Nevertheless, Bunyan nurtured strong views on sovereign grace and is best known for his Christian allegory, “The Pilgrim’s Progress”.

  • John Bunyan

    The Life And Death Of John Bunyan

    Mr. John Bunyan, Author of the Pilgrim’s Progress, Ob. 31st August, 1688, aet. 60. Tomb, E. and W. 25,26,—N. and 8. 26, 27. The above is all that is inscribed (so far as he is concerned) on the tomb which is erected over the vault that contains the remains of Bunyan. At least the bodies of twelve other persons, if not more, are interred in the same vault, whose names are respectively inscribed on the tomb, and on each side. See note, p. 16. The name and fame of Bunyan stand in no need of sculptured monument to perpetuate his memory. His eventful Biography, his twelve years incarceration in Bedford Jail for preaching the gospel, All is well known. And, doubtless, God will bless to…

  • John Bunyan,  Ken Connolly's Biographical Sketches

    The Life And Ministry Of John Bunyan

    Ken Connolly, "The Church in Transition", Page 121: The world into which John Bunyan was born was in a state of upheaval. Fierce political winds were blowing in shifting directions. Though the issue was political, those of Puritan persuasion defended the rights of citizens. When there was conflict between royal authority and the "responsibility" of Parliament, the Puritans always side with Parliament. Hence the debate became also a religious matter. The civil war erupted causing the king first to lose the throne, then his head. It also brought Puritanism, whether bane or benediction, to touch the moral conscience of the nation. These two factors would make the Bunyan years a time of stress. The excesses which normally result from political upheaval would be restrained by the equally…