
FROM:
CHRONOLOGY OF JOHN BUNYAN’S LIFE, PUBLICATIONS AND TIMES
By W. R. Owens and Anne Page
1628 Bunyan born at Elstow, near Bedford (baptized 30 November), the eldest child of Thomas Bunyan (1603–76), a brazier, and his second wife Margaret Bentley (1603–44).
(June) Petition of Right, an early attempt by Parliament to limit the royal prerogative, is accepted by Charles I. (August) George Villiers, Ist Duke of Buckingham, a favourite of Charles’s is assassinated.
1629 (March) Dissolution of Parliament and beginning of Charles I’s personal rule (to 1640).
1633 (February) William Prynne imprisoned for an attack on stage-plays. (August) William Laud appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. (October) Birth of Prince James (the future James II). Publication of George Herbert’s The Temple and John Donne’s Poems.
1637 (June) Puritans William Prynne, John Bastwick and Henry Burton are tried and punished (branded and ears cut off) for publishing pamphlets against episcopacy. (July) Riots in Edinburgh against imposition of the English Prayer Book. (November) Trial of John Hampden for refusing to pay Ship Money.
Read the rest at the link below. This timeline is loaded with facts about Bunyan’s life, times, and views.
Source: Bunyan chronology
Proverbs 25:13
Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Maria, Thanks for Bunyan’s interesting chronology. The 17th century prose intimidates me a bit. It’s been MANY years since I’ve read The Pilgrim’s Progress
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Hi, Tom! Yes, the language is challenging, but actually so is the allegory. There are so many awful types of professing Christians that show up on the narrow way that sometimes I’ve felt a little frightened as if where are the genuine Christians? But it is after all an allegory. I’m sure, though, that Bunyan actually did meet people who were like Mr. Formalism, etc. Give it a read on a snowy day. It would be fun to read your reaction.
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OK, Maria. I’ve added it to my “must read” list.
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yay!
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Maria, I looked at all the Christians as being in different stages of their walk, or, growth. Christians are taken home in all stages of their growth but they are all on the same truth seeking quest in their pilgrimage to the Celestial City where they will see their Beloved face to face. And weren’t there a couple of characters who were quite sure they were Christians yet they “climbed up another way?”
Have a blessed night! \o/
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Hi, Sherry! Right, I remember characters climbing over a wall onto the narrow way. Hirelings, I think. Poor Christian encountered them. They were smooth and convincing and not open to being persuaded themselves by godly words!
It’s true that the Christians in the book grew and learned, and during Christiana’s own pilgrimage, she met with all kinds of Christians, weak and strong.
Goodnight and God bless you, sister!!
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John Bunyan is one of my all time favorite writers, devoted to God with a brilliant creative mind. Thank you for sharing this! 😀
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M.K., that’s true, Pastor Bunyan did have a brilliant creative mind. Of all the different kinds of writing, this must be one of the hardest, I think, creating characters that are both people and concepts. Thank you for subscribing! My prayer is that you will find edification during your visits here!
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I agree completely! The analogical type of writing is the most rare too, it seems. That’s actually what I like to write when I do write fiction. Bunyan has been an inspiration for me in my writing. 🙂 You are most welcome–it is an honor! It’s great to meet you here. 😀
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Mary Kate, I went ahead and subscribed to your blog. I hope you will return to it! I will try to learn about analogical writing too.
I ordered The Holy War.
🙂
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Aw, thanks so very much! I really appreciate it, and I pray it’ll be a blessing. 😀 I pray to return to blogging very soon–I miss it so much! Oh yes, definitely do. Oh yay!! Tell me what you think of it! You’ve inspired me to make more time to read more of it; maybe we can share insights from it. 🙂
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Maybe we could both blog about this book. I hope so!
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That’s a terrific idea!! 😀 I think so!
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Oh, and I wanted to mention… I think I used the wrong word to describe that writing style.
I’ve always called it analogical writing because it is an analogy, but upon studying, the proper name for it would be allegorical. I learnt something new, haha. 😉
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Everyday we learn something, Mary Kate. Kind of fun!
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Mhm, you are surely correct there. 🙂 Life is like a big book with more knowledge on every page.
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yes!
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M.K. I think you probably realize this but my previous comment referred to his allegory Pilgrim’s Progress. Someone recommended his book The Holy War. I haven’t read it yet but want to.
😀
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Oh, I understand. 🙂 No worries at all! Oh yes! I recently started Holy War, but I haven’t been able to read past a couple chapters because of time, but it reminds me a lot of Pilgrim’s Progress. 😀
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Sounds like it will be something I will really like!
😀
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Mhm, I think so! 🙂
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Thank you for reminding me of John Bunyan and giving me the idea of reading “Pilgrims Progress” with my grandchildren over Thanksgiving vacation. Bless you, Maria.
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God bless you, Pam! Your grandchildren are blessed to have your loving influence.
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Thank you, Maria. I hope so.
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I’m certain this is your prayer, sister.
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Yes…
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