A Continuation of Mr Bunyan’s Life: From Where He Left Off, to the Time and Manner of His Death and Burial: With His True Character, etc.

Reader, the painful and industrious author of this book, has already given you a faithful and very moving relation of the beginning and middle of the days of his pilgrimage on earth; and since there yet remains somewhat worthy of notice and regard, which occurred in the last scene of his life, the which, for want of time, or fear, some over-censorious people should impute it to him as an earnest coveting of praise from men, he has not left behind him in writing. Wherefore, as a true friend, and long acquaintance of Mr Bunyan’s that his good end may be known, as well as his evil beginning, I have taken upon me, from my knowledge, and the best account given by other of his friends, to piece this to the thread too soon broke off, and so lengthen it out to his entering upon eternity.

Reader, the hardworking and diligent author of this book has already given you a faithful and very moving account of the beginning and middle of his earthly pilgrimage. Yet some things worthy of notice happened in the final stage of his life. He did not leave a written account of them, either for lack of time or because he feared that some overly critical people would accuse him of eagerly seeking praise from others. I am a true friend and longtime acquaintance of Mr Bunyan’s. I want his good end to be known as well as his evil beginning. So I have undertaken to add to the thread that was broken off too soon and extend it to his entrance into eternity. I have done this from my own knowledge and the best accounts given by his other friends.

He has told you at large, of his birth and education; the evil habits and corruptions of his youth; the temptations he struggled and conflicted so frequently with, the mercies, comforts, and deliverances he found, how he came to take upon him the preaching of the Gospel; the slanders, reproaches and imprisonments that attended him, and the progress he notwithstanding made (by the assistance of God’s grace) no doubt to the saving of many souls: therefore take these things, as he himself hath methodically laid them down in the words of verity; and so I pass on to what remains.

He has told you at length about his birth and education, and the evil habits and corruption of his youth. He has described the temptations he struggled with so often, and the mercy, comfort, and deliverance he found. He has explained how he came to preach the Gospel, and the slander, insults, and imprisonment he suffered. Despite these hardships, he made progress with the help of God’s grace, no doubt saving many souls. So take these accounts as he himself has carefully set them down in truthful words. I now turn to what remains.

After his being freed from his twelve years’ imprisonment and upwards, for nonconformity, wherein he had time to furnish the world with sundry good books, etc., and by his patience, to move Dr Barlow, the then Bishop of Lincoln, and other church-men, to pity his hard and unreasonable sufferings, so far as to stand very much his friends, in procuring his enlargement, or there perhaps he had died, by the noisomeness and ill usage of the place. Being now, I say, again at liberty, and having through mercy shaken off his bodily fetters,—for those upon his soul were broken before by the abounding grace that filled his heart,—he went to visit those that had been a comfort to him in his tribulation, with a Christian-like acknowledgment of their kindness and enlargement of charity; giving encouragement by his example, if it happened to be their hard haps to fall into affliction or trouble, then to suffer patiently for the sake of a good conscience, and for the love of God in Jesus Christ towards their souls, and by many cordial persuasions, supported some whose spirits began to sink low, through the fear of danger that threatened their worldly concernment, so that the people found a wonderful consolation in his discourse and admonitions.

He was freed after more than twelve years in prison for nonconformity. During that time, he had the opportunity to provide the world with several good books, among other things. His patience also moved Dr Barlow, then Bishop of Lincoln, and other churchmen to pity his harsh and unreasonable suffering. They became strong supporters and helped secure his release. Otherwise, he might have died there because of the filthy conditions and ill treatment. Now, I say, he was free again. Through mercy, his bodily chains had been removed. The chains on his soul had already been broken by the overflowing grace that filled his heart. He visited those who had comforted him in his troubles, acknowledging their kindness and generous charity in a Christian spirit. By his example, he encouraged them, if they too should suffer hardship or trouble, to bear it patiently. They should do so for the sake of a good conscience and for God’s love for their souls in Jesus Christ. He also offered heartfelt encouragement to some whose spirits were beginning to sink. They feared dangers that threatened their worldly affairs. As a result, people found wonderful comfort in his words and advice.

As often as opportunity would admit, he gathered them together (though the law was then in force against meetings) in convenient places, and fed them with the sincere milk of the Word, that they might grow up in grace thereby. To such as were anywhere taken and imprisoned upon these accounts, he made it another part of his business to extend his charity, and gather relief for such of them as wanted.

Whenever he had the opportunity, he gathered them in suitable places, although the law then forbade such meetings. He fed them with the pure milk of the Word so that they might grow in grace. He also made it his work to help those arrested and imprisoned anywhere for these reasons. He gave them charity and gathered relief for those who were in need.

He took great care to visit the sick, and strengthen them against the suggestions of the tempter, which at such times are very prevalent; so that they had cause for ever to bless God, Who had put it into his heart, at such a time, to rescue them from the power of the roaring lion, who sought to devour them; nor did he spare any pains or labour in travel, though to remote counties, where he knew or imagined any people might stand in need of his assistance; insomuch that some, by these visitations that he made, which was two or three every year (some, though in a jeering manner no doubt, gave him the epithet of Bishop Bunyan) whilst others envied him for his so earnestly labouring in Christ’s vineyard; yet the seed of the Word he (all this while) sowed in the hearts of his congregation, watered with the grace of God, brought forth in abundance, in bringing in disciples to the church of Christ.

He took great care to visit the sick and strengthen them against the tempter’s suggestions, which are especially common at such times. As a result, they had reason to bless God forever. God had moved him to rescue them, at such a time, from the power of the roaring lion who sought to devour them. He spared no effort or labor in traveling, even to distant counties, wherever he knew or thought people might need his help. He made two or three such visits every year. Because of these visits, some called him Bishop Bunyan, no doubt mockingly, while others envied him for working so earnestly in Christ’s vineyard. Yet all this while, he sowed the seed of the Word in the hearts of his congregation. Watered by God’s grace, the seed bore abundant fruit, bringing disciples into the church of Christ.

Another part of his time is spent in reconciling differences, by which he hindered many mischiefs, and saved some families from ruin, and in such fallings-out he was uneasy, till he found a means to labour a reconciliation, and become a peace-maker, on whom a blessing is promised in holy writ; and indeed in doing this good office, he may be said to sum up his days, it being the last undertaking of his life, as will appear in the close of this paper.

He spent another part of his time settling disputes. In doing so, he prevented much harm and saved some families from ruin. When people fell out, he was uneasy until he found a way to work for reconciliation and make peace. Holy Scripture promises a blessing to the peacemaker. Indeed, this good work may be said to sum up his life. It was his final undertaking, as the end of this account will show.

When in the late reign, liberty of conscience was unexpectedly given and indulged to dissenters of all persuasions, his piercing wit penetrated the veil, and found that it was not for the dissenters’ sakes they were so suddenly freed from the hard prosecutions that had long lain heavy upon them, and set in a manner, on an equal foot with the Church of England, which the papists were undermining, and about to subvert: he foresaw all the advantages that could have redounded to the dissenters would have been no more than what Polyphemus, the monstrous giant of Sicily, would have allowed Ulysses, viz.: That he would eat his men first, and do him the favour of being eaten last: for although Mr Bunyan, following the examples of others, did lay hold of this liberty, as an acceptable thing in itself, knowing God is the only Lord of conscience, and that it is good at all times to do according to the dictates of a good conscience, and that the preaching the glad tidings of the Gospel is beautiful in the preacher; yet in all this he moved with caution and a holy fear, earnestly praying for the averting impending judgments, which he saw, like a black tempest, hanging over our heads for our sins, and ready to break in upon us, and that the Ninevites’ remedy was now highly necessary: hereupon he gathered his congregation at Bedford, where he mostly lived, and had lived and spent the greatest part of his life; and there being no convenient place to be had for the entertainment of so great a confluence of people as followed him upon the account of his teaching, he consulted with them for the building of a meeting-house, to which they made their voluntary contributions with all cheerfulness and alacrity; and the first time he appeared there to edify, the place was so thronged, that many was constrained to stay without, though the house was very spacious, every one striving to partake of his instructions, that were of his persuasion, and show their good-will towards him, by being present at the opening of the place; and here he lived in much peace and quiet of mind, contenting himself with that little God had bestowed upon him, and sequestering himself from all secular employments, to follow that of his call to the ministry; for as God said to Moses, He that made the lips and heart, can give eloquence and wisdom, without extraordinary acquirements in an university.

During the late reign, dissenters of all persuasions were unexpectedly granted freedom of conscience. But his sharp mind saw through the pretense. He realized that dissenters had not been freed from their long and severe persecution for their own sake. Nor had they been placed on nearly equal footing with the Church of England for their own sake. The papists were undermining the Church and preparing to overthrow it. He foresaw that all the benefit dissenters could gain would be no more than what Polyphemus, the monstrous giant of Sicily, would have granted Ulysses: he would eat Ulysses’ men first and do Ulysses the favor of eating him last. Like others, Mr Bunyan took advantage of this freedom, since it was welcome in itself. He knew that God alone is Lord of conscience. He also knew that it is always good to follow the dictates of a good conscience, and that a preacher is beautiful when he brings the glad tidings of the Gospel. Yet Bunyan acted with caution and a holy fear. He prayed earnestly that the approaching judgments might be turned aside. He saw them hanging over our heads because of our sins, like a black storm ready to break upon us. He also saw that the Ninevites’ remedy was now greatly needed. He therefore gathered his congregation at Bedford, where he mostly lived and had spent the greater part of his life. No suitable place could hold the great crowds drawn by his teaching. So he discussed building a meeting-house with his congregation. They gave their voluntary contributions with great cheerfulness and eagerness. The first time he appeared there to teach, the place was so crowded that many had to remain outside, though the house was very spacious. All who shared his beliefs wanted to hear his instruction and show their goodwill toward him by attending the opening. There he lived in great peace and quiet of mind. He was content with the little God had given him, and he withdrew from all worldly work to follow his calling to the ministry. For, as God said to Moses, he who made the lips and heart can give eloquence and wisdom without advanced university learning.

During these things, there were regulators sent into all cities and towns corporate, to new model the government in the magistracy, etc., by turning out some, and putting in others: against this Mr Bunyan expressed his zeal with some weariness, as foreseeing the bad consequence that would attend it, and laboured with his congregation to prevent their being imposed on in this kind; and when a great man in those days, coming to Bedford upon some such errand, sent for him, as ’tis supposed, to give him a place of public trust, he would by no means come at him, but sent his excuse.

During this time, regulators were sent to all cities and incorporated towns to reshape their local governments. They removed some officials and appointed others. Mr Bunyan spoke out against this with zeal, though with some weariness. He foresaw the bad consequences it would bring and worked with his congregation to prevent such changes from being imposed on them. A powerful man of the time came to Bedford on a similar errand and sent for him. It was supposed that the man intended to offer him a position of public trust. But Bunyan refused to come and sent his excuses instead.

When he was at leisure from writing and teaching, he often came up to London, and there went among the congregations of the non-conformists, and used his talent to the great good-liking of the hearers; and even some to whom he had been mis-represented, upon the account of his education, were convinced of his worth and knowledge in sacred things, as perceiving him to be a man of round judgment, delivering himself plainly and powerfully; insomuch that many, who came mere spectators for novelty sake rather than to edify and be improved, went away well satisfied with what they heard, and wondered, as the Jews did at the Apostles, viz.: Whence this man should have these things; perhaps not considering that God more immediately assists those that make it their business industriously and cheerfully to labour in His vineyard.

When he was free from writing and teaching, he often came to London. There he visited nonconformist congregations and used his talent to the great delight of his listeners. Some had been given a false impression of him because of his education. But they became convinced of his worth and knowledge of sacred matters. They saw that he was a man of sound judgment who spoke plainly and powerfully. As a result, many who came merely out of curiosity, rather than to learn and improve themselves, left well satisfied with what they heard. Like the Jews who wondered about the Apostles, they wondered how: this man had learned such things. Perhaps they did not consider that God gives more direct help to those who devote themselves to working diligently and cheerfully in his vineyard.

Thus he spent his latter years in imitation of his great Lord and Master, the ever-blessed Jesus; he went about doing good, so that the most prying critic, or even Malice herself, is defied to find, even upon the narrowest search or observation, any sully or stain upon his reputation, with which he may be justly charged; and this we note, as a challenge to those that have the least regard for him, or them of his persuasion, and have one way or other appeared in the front of those that oppressed him; and for the turning whose hearts, in obedience to the commission and commandment given him of God, he frequently prayed, and sometimes sought a blessing for them, even with tears, the effects of which, they may, peradventure, though undeservedly, have found in their persons, friends, relations, or estates; for God will hear the prayer of the faithful, and answer them, even for them that vex them, as it happened in the case of Job’s praying for the three persons that had been grievous in their reproach against him, even in the day of his sorrow.

Thus he spent his later years following the example of his great Lord and Master, the ever-blessed Jesus. He went about doing good. Even the most searching critic, or Malice herself, is challenged to find any stain on his reputation that could justly be charged against him. They will find none, even with the closest scrutiny and observation. We note this as a challenge to those who care little for him or those of his faith and have in one way or another taken a leading part in oppressing him. In obedience to the commission and command God had given him, he often prayed that their hearts would be changed. Sometimes he even prayed with tears that they would be blessed. Though they did not deserve it, they may perhaps have received the benefit of his prayers in their own lives, their friends, their families, or their property. For God hears the prayers of the faithful and answers them, even on behalf of those who trouble them. This happened when Job prayed for the three people who had bitterly reproached him, even in his time of sorrow.

But yet let me come a little nearer to particulars and periods of time, for the better refreshing the memories of those that knew his labour and suffering, and for the satisfaction of all that shall read this book.

But let me now give more details and dates. I want to refresh the memories of those who knew of his work and suffering, and satisfy all who read this book.

After he was sensibly convicted of the wicked state of his life, and converted, he was baptized into the congregation, and admitted a member thereof, viz., in the year 1655, and became speedily a very zealous professor; but upon the return of King Charles to the crown in 1660, he was the 12th of November taken, as he was edifying some good people that were got together to hear the word, and confined in Bedford jail for the space of six years, till the act of Indulgence to dissenters being allowed, he obtained his freedom, by the intercession of some in trust and power, that took pity on his sufferings; but within six years afterwards he was again taken up, viz., in the year 1666, and was then confined for six years more, when even the jailor took such pity of his rigorous sufferings, that he did as the Egyptian jailor did to Joseph, put all the care and trust in his hand: When he was taken this last time, he was preaching on these words, viz.: Dost thou believe the Son of God? And this imprisonment continued six years, and when this was over, another short affliction, which was an imprisonment of half a year, fell to his share. During these confinements he wrote the following books, viz.: Of Prayer by the Spirit: The Holy City’s Resurrection: Grace Abounding: Pilgrim’s Progress, the first part.

After he became deeply aware of the wickedness of his life and was converted, he was baptized into the congregation. He was admitted as a member in 1655 and soon became a very zealous believer. But after King Charles returned to the crown in 1660, he was arrested on 12 November. He had been instructing some good people who had gathered to hear the word. He was confined in Bedford jail for six years. Then, when the act of Indulgence for dissenters was allowed, he gained his freedom. Some people in positions of trust and power had taken pity on his suffering and pleaded for him. But within six years afterward, in 1666, he was arrested again and confined for another six years. Even the jailer took pity on his severe suffering. The jailer did as the Egyptian jailer had done for Joseph, placing everything in his care and trusting him with it. When he was arrested this last time, he was preaching on these words: Dost thou believe the Son of God? This imprisonment lasted six years. After it ended, he suffered another short affliction, an imprisonment of half a year. During these confinements he wrote the following books: Of Prayer by the Spirit, The Holy City’s Resurrection, Grace Abounding, and the first part of Pilgrim’s Progress.

In the last year of his twelve years’ imprisonment, the pastor of the congregation at Bedford died, and he was chosen to that care of souls, on the 12th of December 1671. And in this his charge, he often had disputes with scholars that came to oppose him, as supposing him an ignorant person, and though he argued plainly, and by Scripture, without phrases and logical expressions, yet he nonplussed one who came to oppose him in his congregation, by demanding, Whether or no we had the true copies of the original Scriptures; and another, when he was preaching, accused him of uncharitableness, for saying, It was very hard for most to be saved; saying, by that he went about to exclude most of his congregation; but he confuted him, and put him to silence with the parable of the stony ground, and other texts out of the 13th chapter of St Matthew, in our Saviour’s sermon out of a ship; all his methods being to keep close to the Scriptures, and what he found not warranted there, himself would not warrant nor determine, unless in such cases as were plain, wherein no doubts or scruples did arise.

In the last year of his twelve-year imprisonment, the pastor of the congregation at Bedford died. He was chosen to care for the congregation’s souls on 12 December 1671. In this role, he often disputed with scholars who came to oppose him because they thought him ignorant. He argued plainly and from Scripture, without using learned phrases or the language of formal logic. Yet he baffled one man who came to oppose him in his congregation. He did so by asking whether we had true copies of the original Scriptures. Another man accused him of being uncharitable while he was preaching. He had said, It was very hard for most to be saved. The man claimed that, by saying this, he was trying to exclude most of his congregation from salvation. But he refuted the man and silenced him with the parable of the stony ground. He also used other passages from the 13th chapter of St Matthew, in our Saviour’s sermon from a boat. In all his methods, he kept close to the Scriptures. He would not endorse or settle anything he found no support for there, except in cases that were plain and raised no doubts or misgivings.

But not to make any further mention of this kind, it is well known that this person managed all his affairs with such exactness, as if he had made it his study, above all other things, not to give occasion of offence, but rather suffer many inconveniences, to avoid being never heard to reproach or revile any, what injury soever he received, but rather to rebuke those that did; and as it was in his conversation, so it is manifested in those books he has caused to be published to the world; where like the archangel disputing with Satan about the body of Moses, as we find it in the epistle of St Jude, brings no railing accusation (but leaves the rebukers, those that persecuted him) to the Lord.

But without saying more about this, it is well known that this person conducted all his affairs with great care. He seemed to make it his chief aim not to give offense, preferring to suffer many inconveniences instead. Whatever injury he received, he was never heard to insult or abuse anyone. Instead, he rebuked those who did. Just as this was true of his conduct, it is also clear in the books he published. In them, he is like the archangel disputing with Satan about the body of Moses, as described in the epistle of St Jude. He brings no abusive accusation, but leaves those who rebuked and persecuted him to the Lord.

In his family he kept up a very strict discipline in prayer and exhortation; being in this like Joshua, as the good man expresses it, viz., Whatsoever others did, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord: and indeed a blessing waited on his labours and endeavours, so that his wife, as the Psalmist says, was like a pleasant vine upon the walls of his house, and his children like olive branches round his table; for so shall it be with the man that fears the Lord, and though by reason of the many losses he sustained by imprisonment and spoil, of his chargeable sickness, etc., his earthly treasure swelled not to excess; he always had sufficient to live decently and creditably, and with that he had the greatest of all treasures, which is content; for as the wise man says, That is a continual feast.

In his family, he maintained a strict routine of prayer and exhortation. In this he was like Joshua, who said, Whatever others do, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. His work and efforts were indeed blessed. As the Psalmist says, his wife was like a fruitful vine along the walls of his house, and his children like olive branches around his table. For so shall it be for the man who fears the Lord. Though his earthly wealth never grew excessive, he always had enough to live decently and respectably. His wealth was limited because of the many losses he suffered through imprisonment and the seizure of his property, as well as his costly illness and other expenses. Along with enough to live on, he had the greatest of all treasures: contentment. As the wise man says, That is a continual feast.

But where content dwells, even a poor cottage is a kingly palace, and this happiness he had all his life long; not so much minding this world, as knowing he was here as a pilgrim and stranger, and had no tarrying city, but looked for one made with hands eternal in the highest heavens: but at length was worn out with sufferings, age, and often teaching, the day of his dissolution drew near, and death, that unlocks the prison of the soul, to enlarge it for a more glorious mansion, put a stop to his acting his part on the stage of mortality; heaven, like earthly princes, when it threatens war, being always so kind as to call home its ambassadors before it be denounced, and even the last act or undertaking of his, was a labour of love and charity; for it so falling out that a young gentleman, a neighbour of Mr Bunyan’s, happening into the displeasure of his father, and being much troubled in mind upon that account, and also for that he heard his father purposed to disinherit him, or otherwise deprive him of what he had to leave; he pitched upon Mr Bunyan as a fit man to make way for his submission, and prepare his father’s mind to receive him; and he, as willing to do any good office, as it could be requested, as readily undertook it; and so riding to Reading in Berkshire, he then there used such pressing arguments and reasons against anger and passion, as also for love and reconciliation, that the father was mollified, and his bowels yearned to his returning son.

But where contentment lives, even a poor cottage is a king’s palace. He enjoyed this happiness all his life. He paid little attention to this world, knowing he was a pilgrim and stranger here. He had no lasting city, but looked for one made with hands, eternal in the highest heavens. At last, suffering, age, and frequent teaching wore him out, and the day of his death drew near. Death unlocks the soul’s prison and sets it free for a more glorious home. It brought his part on the stage of mortal life to an end. Heaven is like earthly princes who, when they threaten war, always kindly call home their ambassadors before declaring it. Even his last undertaking was an act of love and charity. A young gentleman who was a neighbor of Mr Bunyan’s had fallen out of favor with his father. The young man was deeply troubled, having heard that his father intended to disinherit him or otherwise deprive him of his inheritance. He chose Mr Bunyan as a suitable man to help him submit to his father and prepare his father to receive him. Mr Bunyan was always as willing to do a good deed as anyone could wish, and readily agreed. He rode to Reading in Berkshire and made compelling arguments against anger and passion and for love and reconciliation. The father softened, and his heart went out to his returning son.

But Mr Bunyan, after he had disposed all things to the best for accommodation, returning to London, and being overtaken with excessive rains, coming to his lodgings extremely wet, fell sick of a violent fever, which he bore with much constancy and patience, and expressed himself as if he desired nothing more than to be dissolved, and be with Christ, in that case esteeming death as gain, and life only a tedious delaying felicity expected; and finding his vital strength decay, having settled his mind and affairs, as well as the shortness of time, and the violence of his disease would permit, with a constant and christian patience, he resigned his soul into the hands of his most merciful Redeemer, following his pilgrim from the City of Destruction, to the New Jerusalem; his better part having been all along there, in holy contemplation, pantings and breathings after the hidden manna and water of life, as by many holy and humble consolations expressed in his letters to several persons in prison, and out of prison, too many to be inserted at present. He died at the house of one Mr Struddock, a grocer, at the Star on Snow Hill, in the parish of St Sepulchre’s, London, on the 12th of August 1688, and in the sixtieth year of his age, [^241] after ten days’ sickness; and was buried in the new burying place near the Artillery Ground; where he sleeps to the morning of the resurrection, in hopes of a glorious rising to an incorruptible immortality of joy and happiness; where no more trouble and sorrow shall afflict him, but all tears be wiped away; when the just shall be incorporated as members of Christ their head, and reign with Him as kings and priests for ever.

But Mr Bunyan made the best arrangements he could for an accommodation. On his return to London, he was caught in heavy rain and arrived at his lodgings extremely wet. He fell ill with a severe fever, which he bore with great steadfastness and patience. He spoke as if he wanted nothing more than to die and be with Christ. He regarded death as a gain and life only as a weary delay before the happiness he expected. As he felt his strength failing, he put his mind and affairs in order, as well as time and his severe illness allowed. Then, with steadfast Christian patience, he gave up his soul into the hands of his most merciful Redeemer. He followed his pilgrim from the City of Destruction to the New Jerusalem. His better part had been there all along, in holy contemplation, longing and yearning for the hidden manna and water of life. He had expressed those longings in many holy and humble words of comfort in his letters to various people, both in prison and outside it. There are too many to include here. He died at the house of Mr Struddock, a grocer, at the Star on Snow Hill, in the parish of St Sepulchre’s, London. He died on the 12th of August 1688, in the sixtieth year of his age, [^241] after ten days of illness. He was buried in the new burying place near the Artillery Ground. There he sleeps until the morning of the resurrection, in the hope of a glorious rising to an immortal life of joy and happiness that cannot decay. There, trouble and sorrow will afflict him no more, and all tears will be wiped away. Then the righteous will be joined together as members of Christ, their head, and reign with him as kings and priests forever.