1628-1688
[Sidenote: Charles Doe’s _Life of John Bunyan_.]
“He appeared in countenance to be of a stern and rough temper. He
had a sharp, quick eye, accomplished, with an excellent discerning
of persons. As for his person, he was tall of stature, strong-boned,
though not corpulent; somewhat of a ruddy face, with sparkling eyes,
wearing his hair on the upper lip after the old British fashion; his
hair reddish, but in his later days time had sprinkled it with gray;
his nose well set, but not declining or bending, and his mouth moderate
large, his forehead something high, and his habit always plain and
modest.”
[Sidenote: Tulloch’s _English Puritanism_. *]
“It is impossible to look at his portrait, and not recognise the lines
of power by which it is everywhere marked. It has more of a sturdy
soldier than anything else--the aspect of a man who would face dangers
any day rather than shun them; and this corresponds exactly to his
description by his oldest biographer and friend, Charles Doe.... A more
manly and robust appearance cannot well be conceived, his eyes only
showing in their sparkling depth the fountains of sensibility concealed
within the roughened exterior. Here, as before, we are reminded of his
likeness to Luther.”
[Sidenote: Bunyan’s _Works_, 1692.]
“Give us leave to say his natural parts and abilities were not mean,
his fancy and invention were very pregnant and fertile; the use he
made of them was good, converting them to spiritual objects. His wit
was sharp and quick; his memory tenacious; it being customary with
him to commit his sermons to writing, after he had preached them. His
understanding was large and comprehensive; his judgments sound and deep
in the fundamentals of the Gospel, as his writings evidence. And yet,
this great saint was always, in his own eyes, the chiefest of sinners
and the least of saints; esteeming any, where he did believe the truth
of (their) grace, better than himself. There was, indeed, in him all
the parts of an accomplished man. His carriage was condescending,
affable, and meek to all; yet bold and courageous for Christ’s and the
Gospel’s sake. His countenance was grave and sedate, and did so, to
the life, discover the inward frame of his heart, that it did strike
something of awe into them that had nothing of the fear of God.... His
conversation was as becomes the Gospel.”