WHEN, by the good hand of my God, I had for five or six years together,
without any interruption, freely preached the blessed gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ; and had also, through His blessed grace, some encouragement
by His blessing thereupon; the devil, that old enemy of man’s salvation,
took his opportunity to inflame the hearts of his vassals against me,
insomuch that at the last, I was laid out for by the warrant of a
justice, and was taken and committed to prison. The relation thereof is
as followeth:—
Upon the 12th of this instant, November 1660, I was desired by some of
the friends in the country to come to teach at _Samsell_, by
_Harlington_, in _Bedfordshire_. To whom I made a promise, if the Lord
permitted, to be with them on the time aforesaid. The justice hearing
thereof (whose name is Mr _Francis Wingate_), forthwith issued out his
warrant to take me, and bring me before him, and in the meantime to keep
a very strong watch about the house where the meeting should be kept, as
if we that were to meet together in that place did intend to do some
fearful business, to the destruction of the country; when alas! the
constable, when he came in, found us only with our Bibles in our hands,
ready to speak and hear the word of God; for we were just about to begin
our exercise. Nay, we had begun in prayer for the blessing of God upon
our opportunity, intending to have preached the word of the Lord unto
them there present: {184} but the constable coming in prevented us. So I
was taken and forced to depart the room. But had I been minded to have
played the coward, I could have escaped and kept out of his hands. For
when I was come to my friend’s house, there was whispering that that day
I should be taken, for there was a warrant out to take me; which when my
friend heard, he being somewhat timorous, questioned whether we had best
have our meeting or not; and whether it might not be better for me to
depart, lest they should take me and have me before the justice, and
after that send me to prison (for he knew better than I what spirit they
were of, living by them): to whom I said, No, by no means, I will not
stir, neither will I have the meeting dismissed for this. Come, be of
good cheer; let us not be daunted; our cause is good, we need not be
ashamed of it; to preach God’s Word, is so good a work, that we shall be
well rewarded, if we suffer for that; or to this purpose—(But as for my
friend, I think he was more afraid of me, than of himself.) After this I
walked into the close, where I somewhat seriously considering the matter,
this came into my mind, That I had showed myself hearty and courageous in
my preaching, and had, blessed be grace, made it my business to encourage
others; therefore thought I, if I should now run, and make an escape, it
will be of a very ill savour in the country. For what will my weak and
newly-converted brethren think of it, but that I was not so strong in
deed as I was in word? Also I feared that if I should run now there was
a warrant out for me, I might by so doing make them afraid to stand, when
great words only should be spoken to them. Besides I thought, that
seeing God of His mercy should choose me to go upon the forlorn hope in
this country; that is, to be the first, that should be opposed, for the
gospel; if I should fly, it might be a discouragement to the whole body
that might follow after. And further, I thought the world thereby would
take occasion at my cowardliness, to have blasphemed the gospel, and to
have had some ground to suspect worse of me and my profession, than I
deserved. These things with others considered by me, I came in again to
the house, with a full resolution to keep the meeting, and not to go
away, though I could have been gone about an hour before the officer
apprehended me; but I would not; for I was resolved to see the utmost of
what they could say or do unto me. For blessed be the Lord, I knew of no
evil that I had said or done. And so, as aforesaid, I begun the meeting.
But being prevented by the constable’s coming in with his warrant to take
me, I could not proceed. But before I went away, I spake some few words
of counsel and encouragement to the people, declaring to them, that they
saw we were prevented of our opportunity to speak and hear the Word of
God, and were like to suffer for the same; desiring them that they would
not be discouraged, for it was a mercy to suffer upon so good account.
For we might have been apprehended as thieves or murderers, or for other
wickedness; but blessed be God it was not so, but we suffer as Christians
for well doing: and we had better be the persecuted, than the
persecutors, etc. But the constable and the justice’s man waiting on us,
would not be at quiet till they had me away and that we departed the
house. But because the justice was not at home that day, there was a
friend of mine engaged for me to bring me to the constable on the morrow
morning. Otherwise the constable must have charged a watch with me, or
have secured me some other way, my crime was so great. So on the next
morning we went to the constable, and so to the justice. {187a} He asked
the constable what we did, where we was met together, and what we had
with us? I trow, he meant whether we had armour or not; but when the
constable told him that there were only met a few of us together to
preach and hear the Word, and no sign of anything else, he could not well
tell what to say: yet because he had sent for me, he did adventure to put
out a few proposals to me, which were to this effect, namely, What I did
there? And why I did not content myself with following my calling? for
it was against the law, that such as I should be admitted to do as I did.
_John Bunyan_. To which I answered, That the intent of my coming
thither, and to other places, was to instruct, and counsel people to
forsake their sins, and close in with Christ, lest they did miserably
perish; and that I could do both these without confusion (to wit), follow
my calling, and preach the Word also.
At which words, he {187b} was in a chafe, as it appeared; for he said
that he would break the neck of our meetings.
_Bun._ I said, It may be so. Then he wished me to get sureties to be
bound for me, or else he would send me to the jail.
My sureties being ready, I called them in, and when the bond for my
appearance was made, he told them, that they was bound to keep me from
preaching; and that if I did preach, their bonds would be forfeited. To
which I answered, that then I should break them; for I should not leave
speaking the Word of God: even to counsel, comfort, exhort, and teach the
people among whom I came; and I thought this to be a work that had no
hurt in it: but was rather worthy of commendation, than blame.
_Wingate_. Whereat he told me, that if they would not be so bound, my
mittimus must be made, and I sent to the jail, there to lie to the
quarter sessions.
Now while my mittimus was making, the justice was withdrawn; and in comes
an old enemy to the truth, Dr Lindale, who, when he was come in, fell to
taunting at me with many reviling terms.
_Bun._ To whom I answered, that I did not come thither to talk with him,
but with the justice. Whereat he supposed that I had nothing to say for
myself, and triumphed as if he had got the victory; charging and
condemning me for meddling with that for which I could show no warrant;
and asked me, if I had taken the oaths? and if I had not, it was pity but
that I should be sent to prison, etc.
I told him, that if I was minded, I could answer to any sober question
that he should put to me. He then urged me again, how I could prove it
lawful for me to preach, with a great deal of confidence of the victory.
But at last, because he should see that I could answer him if I listed, I
cited to him that verse in Peter, which saith, _every man hath received
the gift_, _even so let him minister the same_, _etc._
_Lind._ Aye, saith he, to whom is that spoken?
_Bun._ To whom, said I, why to every man that hath received a gift from
God. Mark, saith the apostle, _As every man that hath received a gift
from God_, etc.; and again, _You may all prophesy one by one_. Whereat
the man was a little stopt, and went a softlier pace: but not being
willing to lose the day, he began again, and said:—
_Lind._ Indeed, I do remember that I have read of one Alexander a
coppersmith, who did much oppose, and disturb the apostles;—(aiming it is
like at me, because I was a tinker).
_Bun._ To which I answered, that I also had read of very many priests
and pharisees, that had their hands in the blood of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
_Lind._ Aye, saith he, and you are one of those scribes and pharisees:
for you, with a pretence, make long prayers to devour widows’ houses.
_Bun._ I answered, that if he had got no more by preaching and praying
than I had done, he would not be so rich as now he was. But that
scripture coming into my mind, _Answer not a fool according to his
folly_, I was as sparing of my speech as I could, without prejudice to
truth.
Now by this time my mittimus was made, and I committed to the constable,
to be sent to the jail in Bedford, etc.
But as I was going, two of my brethren met with me by the way, and
desired the constable to stay, supposing that they should prevail with
the justice, through the favour of a pretended friend, to let me go at
liberty. So we did stay, while they went to the justice; and after much
discourse with him, it came to this: that if I would come to him again,
and say some certain words to him, I should be released. Which when they
told me, I said if the words was such that might be said with a good
conscience, I should or else I should not. So through their importunity
went back again, but not believing that I should be delivered: for I
feared their spirit was too full of opposition to the truth to let me go,
unless I should, in something or other, dishonour my God and wound my
conscience. Wherefore, as I went, I lifted up my heart to God, for light
and strength to be kept, that I might not do any thing that might either
dishonour Him, or wrong my own soul, or be a grief or discouragement to
any that was inclining after the Lord Jesus Christ.
Well, when I came to the justice again, there was Mr _Foster_ of Bedford,
who, coming out of another room, and seeing me by the light of the candle
(for it was dark night when I went thither), he said unto me, Who is
there? _John Bunyan_? with such seeming affection, as if he would have
leaped on my neck and kissed {191a} me, which made me somewhat wonder,
that such a man as he, with whom I had so little acquaintance, and,
besides, that had ever been a close opposer of the ways of God, should
carry himself so full of love to me; but, afterwards, when I saw what he
did, it caused me to remember those sayings, _Their tongues are smoother
than oil_, _but their words are drawn swords_. And again, _Beware of
men_, _etc._ When I {191b} had answered him, that blessed be God, I was
well; he said, What is the occasion of your being here? or to that
purpose. To whom I answered, that I was at a meeting of people a little
way off, intending to speak a word of exhortation to them; the justice
hearing thereof, said I, was pleased to send his warrant to fetch me
before him, etc.
_Fost._ So (said he), I understand: but well, if you will promise to
call the people no more together, you shall have your liberty to go home;
for my brother is very loath to send you to prison, if you will be but
ruled.
_Bun._ Sir (said I), pray what do you mean by calling the people
together? my business is not anything among them, when they are come
together, but to exhort them to look after the salvation of their souls,
that they may be saved, etc.
_Fost._ Saith he, We must not enter into explication, or dispute now;
but if you will say you will call the people no more together, you may
have your liberty; if not, you must be sent away to prison.
_Bun._ Sir, said I, I shall not force or compel any man to hear me; but
yet, if I come into any place where there is a people met together, I
should, according to the best of my skill and wisdom, exhort and counsel
them to seek out after the Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of their
souls.
_Fost._ He said, That was none of my work; I must follow my calling; and
if I would but leave off preaching, and follow my calling, I should have
the justice’s favour, and be acquitted presently.
_Bun._ To whom I said, that I could follow my calling, and that too,
namely, preaching the Word: and I did look upon it as my duty to do them
both, as I had an opportunity.
_Fost._ He said, To have any such meetings was against the law; and,
therefore, he would have me leave off, and say, I would call the people
no more together.
_Bun._ To whom I said, that I durst not make any further promise; for my
conscience would not suffer me to do it. And again, I did look upon it
as my duty to do as much good as I could, not only in my trade, but also
in communicating to all people wheresoever I came the best knowledge I
had in the Word.
_Fost._ He told me that I was the nearest the Papists of any, and that
he would convince me of immediately.
_Bun._ I asked him, Wherein?
_Fost._ He said, In that we understood the Scriptures literally.
_Bun._ I told him that those that were to be understood literally, we
understood them so; but for those that was to be understood otherwise, we
endeavoured so to understand them.
_Fost._ He said, Which of the Scriptures do you understand literally?
_Bun._ I said this, _He that believes shall be saved_. This was to be
understood just as it is spoken; that whosoever believeth in Christ
shall, according to the plain and simple words of the text, be saved.
_Fost._ He said that I was ignorant, and did not understand the
Scriptures; for how, said he, can you understand them when you know not
the original Greek? etc.
_Bun._ To whom I said, that if that was his opinion, that none could
understand the Scriptures but those that had the original Greek, etc.,
then but a very few of the poorest sort should be saved (this is harsh);
yet the Scripture saith, _That God hides these things from the wise and
prudent_ (that is, from the learned of the world), _and reveals them to
babes and sucklings_.
_Fost._ He said there were none that heard me but a company of foolish
people.
_Bun._ I told him that there was the wise as well as the foolish that do
hear me; and again, those that were most commonly counted foolish by the
world are the wisest before God; also, that God had rejected the wise,
and mighty, and noble, and chosen the foolish, and the base.
_Fost._ He told me that I made people neglect their calling; and that
God had commanded people to work six days, and serve Him on the seventh.
_Bun._ I told him that it was the duty of people, (both rich and poor),
to look out for their souls on them days as well as for their bodies; and
that God would have His people exhort one another daily, while it is
called to-day.
_Fost._ He said again that there were none but a company of poor,
simple, ignorant people that come to hear me.
_Bun._ I told him that the foolish and the ignorant had most need of
teaching and information; and, therefore, it would be profitable for me
to go on in that work.
_Fost._ Well, said he, to conclude, but will you promise that you will
not call the people together any more? and then you may be released and
go home.
_Bun._ I told him that I durst say no more than I had said; for I durst
not leave off that work which God had called me to.
So he withdrew from me, and then came several of the justice’s servants
to me, and told me that I stood so much upon a nicety. Their master,
they said, was willing to let me go; and if I would but say I would call
the people no more together, I might have my liberty, etc.
_Bun._ I told them there were more ways than one in which a man might be
said to call the people together. As for instance, if a man get upon the
market-place, and there read a book, or the like, though he do not say to
the people, Sirs, come hither and hear; yet if they come to him because
he reads, he, by his very reading, may be said to call them together;
because they would not have been there to hear if he had not been there
to read. And seeing this might be termed a calling the people together;
I durst not say, I would not call them together; for then, by the same
argument, my preaching might be said to call them together.
_Wing. and Fost._ Then came the justice and Mr Foster to me again; (we
had a little more discourse about preaching, but because the method of it
is out of my mind, I pass it); and when they saw that I was at a point,
and would not be moved nor persuaded, Mr Foster, the man that did at
first express so much love to me, told the justice that then he must send
me away to prison. And that he would do well, also, if he would present
all those that were the cause of my coming among them to meetings. Thus
we parted.
And, verily, as I was going forth of the doors, I had much ado to forbear
saying to them that I carried the peace of God along with me; but I held
my peace, and, blessed be the Lord, went away to prison, with God’s
comfort in my poor soul.
After I had lain in the jail five or six days, the brethren sought means,
again, to get me out by bondsmen; (for so ran my mittimus, that I should
lie there till I could find sureties). They went to a justice at Elstow,
one Mr Crumpton, to desire him to take bond for my appearing at the
quarter sessions. At the first he told them he would; but afterwards he
made a demur at the business, and desired first to see my mittimus, which
ran to this purpose: That I went about to several conventicles in the
county, to the great disparagement of the government of the church of
England, etc. When he had seen it, he said that there might be something
more against me than was expressed in my mittimus; and that he was but a
young man, therefore he durst not do it. This my jailor told me; and,
whereat I was not at all daunted but rather glad, and saw evidently that
the Lord had heard me; for before I went down to the justice, I begged of
God that if I might do more good by being at liberty than in prison, that
then I might be set at liberty; but if not, His will be done; for I was
not altogether without hopes but that my imprisonment might be an
awakening to the saints in the country, therefore I could not tell well
which to choose; only I, in that manner, did commit the thing to God.
And verily, at my return, I did meet my God sweetly in the prison again,
comforting of me and satisfying of me that it was His will and mind that
I should be there.
When I came back again to prison, as I was musing at the slender answer
of the justice, this word dropt in upon my heart with some life, _For He
knew that for envy they had delivered Him_.
Thus have I, in short, declared the manner and occasion of my being in
prison; where I lie waiting the good will of God, to do with me as He
pleaseth; knowing that not one hair of my head can fall to the ground
without the will of my Father, which is in heaven. Let the rage and
malice of men be never so great, they can do no more, nor go any further,
than God permits them; but when they have done their worst, We know all
things shall work together for good to them that love God.
Farewell.
* * * * *
_Here is the Sum of my Examination before Justice_ KEELIN, _Justice_
CHESTER, _Justice_ BLUNDALE, _Justice_ BEECHER, _Justice_ SNAGG, _etc._
* * * * *
AFTER I had lain in prison above seven weeks, the quarter-sessions were
to be kept in Bedford, for the county thereof, unto which I was to be
brought; and when my jailor had set me before those justices, there was a
bill of indictment preferred against me. The extent thereof was as
followeth: That John Bunyan, of the town of Bedford, labourer, being a
person of such and such conditions, he hath (since such a time)
devilishly and perniciously abstained from coming to church to hear
Divine service, and is a common upholder of several unlawful meetings and
conventicles, to the great disturbance and distraction of the good
subjects of this kingdom, contrary to the laws of our sovereign lord the
King, etc.
_The Clerk_. When this was read, the clerk of the sessions said unto me,
What say you to this?
_Bun._ I said, that as to the first part of it, I was a common
frequenter of the Church of God. And was also, by grace, a member with
the people, over whom Christ is the Head.
_Keelin_. But, saith Justice _Keelin_ (who was the judge in that court),
do you come to church (you know what I mean); to the parish church, to
hear Divine service?
_Bun._ I answered, No, I did not.
_Keel._ He asked me, Why?
_Bun._ I said, Because I did not find it commanded in the Word of God.
_Keel._ He said, We were commanded to pray.
_Bun._ I said, But not by the Common Prayer-Book.
_Keel._ He said, How then?
_Bun._ I said, With the Spirit. As the apostle saith, _I will pray with
the Spirit_, _and with the understanding_. 1 Cor. xiv. 15.
_Keel._ He said, We might pray with the Spirit, and with the
understanding, and with the Common Prayer-Book also.
_Bun._ I said, that the prayers in the Common Prayer-Book were such as
was made by other men, and not by the motions of the Holy Ghost, within
our hearts; and as I said, the apostle saith, he will pray with the
Spirit, and with the understanding; not with the Spirit and the Common
Prayer-Book.
_Another Justice_. What do you count prayer? Do you think it is to say
a few words over before or among a people?
_Bun._ I said, No, not so; for men might have many elegant, or excellent
words, and yet not pray at all; but when a man prayeth, he doth, through
a sense of those things which he wants (which sense is begotten by the
Spirit), pour out his heart before God through Christ; though his words
be not so many and so excellent as others are.
_Justices_. They said, That was true.
_Bun._ I said, This might be done without the Common Prayer-Book.
_Another_. One of them said (I think it was Justice _Blundale_, or
Justice _Snagg_), How should we know that you do not write out your
prayers first, and then read them afterwards to the people? This he
spake in a laughing way.
_Bun._ I said, it is not our use, to take a pen and paper, and write a
few words thereon, and then go and read it over to a company of people.
But how should we know it, said he?
_Bun._ Sir, it is none of our custom, said I.
_Keel._ But said Justice _Keelin_, It is lawful to use the Common
Prayer, and such like forms: for Christ taught His disciples to pray, as
John also taught his disciples. And further, said he, Cannot one man
teach another to pray? Faith comes by hearing; and one man may convince
another of sin, and therefore prayers made by men, and read over, are
good to teach, and help men to pray.
While he was speaking these words, God brought that word into my mind, in
the eighth of the Romans, at the 26th verse. I say, God brought it, for
I thought not on it before: but as he was speaking, it came so fresh into
my mind, and was set so evidently before me, as if the scripture had
said, Take me, take me; so when he had done speaking,
_Bun._ I said, Sir, the scripture saith, that _it is the spirit that
helpeth our infirmities_; for we know not what we should pray for as we
ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with sighs and
groanings which cannot be uttered. Mark, said I, it doth not say the
Common Prayer-Book teacheth us how to pray, but the Spirit. And it is
_the Spirit that helpeth our infirmities_, saith the apostle; he doth not
say it is the Common Prayer-Book.
And as to the Lord’s prayer, although it be an easy thing to say, _Our
Father_, etc., with the mouth; yet there is very few that can, in the
Spirit, say the two first words in that prayer; that is, that can call
God their Father, as knowing what it is to be born again, and as having
experience, that they are begotten of the Spirit of God: which if they do
not, all is but babbling, etc.
_Keel._ Justice _Keelin_ said that that was a truth.
_Bun._ And I say further, as to your saying that one man may convince
another of sin, and that faith comes by hearing, and that one man may
tell another how he should pray, etc., I say men may tell each other of
their sins, but it is the Spirit that must convince them.
And though it be said that _faith comes by hearing_: yet it is the Spirit
that worketh faith in the heart through hearing, or else _they are not
profited by hearing_. Heb. iv. 12.
And that though one man may tell another how he should pray: yet, as I
said before, he cannot pray, nor make his condition known to God, except
the Spirit help. It is not the Common Prayer-Book that can do this. It
is the _Spirit that showeth us our sins_, and the _Spirit that showeth us
a Saviour_, Jn. xvi. 16, and the Spirit that stirreth up in our hearts
desires to come to God, for such things as we stand in need of, Matt. xi.
27, even sighing out our souls unto Him for them with _groans which
cannot be uttered_. With other words to the same purpose. At this they
were set.
_Keel._ But says Justice _Keelin_, What have you against the Common
Prayer-Book?
_Bun._ I said, Sir, if you will hear me, I shall lay down my reasons
against it.
_Keel._ He said I should have liberty; but first, said he, let me give
you one caution; take heed of speaking irreverently of the Common
Prayer-Book; for if you do so, you will bring great damage upon yourself.
_Bun._ So I proceeded, and said, My first reason was, because it was not
commanded in the Word of God, and therefore I could not use it.
_Another_. One of them said, Where do you find it commanded in the
Scripture, that you should go to _Elstow_, or _Bedford_, and yet it is
lawful to go to either of them, is it not?
_Bun._ I said, To go to _Elstow_, or _Bedford_, was a civil thing, and
not material, though not commanded, and yet God’s Word allowed me to go
about my calling, and therefore if it lay there, then to go thither, etc.
But to pray, was a great part of the Divine worship of God, and therefore
it ought to be done according to the rule of God’s Word.
_Another_. One of them said, He will do harm; let him speak no further.
_Keel._ Justice _Keelin_ said, No, no, never fear him, we are better
established than so; he can do no harm; we know the Common Prayer-Book
hath been ever since the apostles’ time, and it is lawful for it to be
used in the church.
_Bun._ I said, Show me the place in the epistles, where the Common
Prayer-Book is written, or one text of Scripture, that commands me to
read it, and I will use it. But yet, notwithstanding, said I, they that
have a mind to use it, they have their liberty; that is, I would not keep
them from it; but for our parts, we can pray to God without it. Blessed
be His name!
With that, one of them said, Who is your God? Beelzebub? Moreover, they
often said, that I was possessed with the spirit of delusion, and of the
devil. All which sayings I passed over; the Lord forgive them! And
further, I said, Blessed be the Lord for it; we are encouraged to meet
together, and to pray, and exhort one another; for, we have had the
comfortable presence of God among us. For ever blessed be His holy name!
_Keel._ Justice _Keelin_ called this pedler’s French, saying, that I
must leave off my canting. The Lord open his eyes!
_Bun._ I said that we ought to exhort one another daily, while it is
called to-day, etc.
_Keel._ Justice _Keelin_ said that I ought not to preach; and asked me
where I had my authority? with other such like words.
_Bun._ I said that I would prove that it was lawful for me, and such as
I am, to preach the Word of God.
_Keel._ He said unto me, By what Scripture?
_Bun._ I said, By that in the first epistle of Peter, chap. iv. 10, 11,
and Acts xviii., with other Scriptures, which he would not suffer me to
mention. But said, Hold; not so many, which is the first?
_Bun._ I said this: _As every man hath received the gift_, _even so let
him minister the same unto another_, _as good stewards of the manifold
grace of God_. _If any man speak_, _let him speak as the oracles of
God_, _etc._
_Keel._ He said, Let me a little open that Scripture to you: _As every
man hath received the gift_; that is, said he, as every one hath received
a trade, so let him follow it. If any man have received a gift of
tinkering, as thou hast done, let him follow his tinkering. And so other
men their trades. And the divine his calling, etc.
_Bun._ Nay, sir, said I, but it is most clear, that the apostle speaks
here of preaching the Word; if you do but compare both the verses
together, the next verse explains this gift what it is, saying, _if any
man speak_, _let him speak as the oracles of God_. So that it is plain,
that the Holy Ghost doth not so much in this place exhort to civil
callings, as to the exercising of those gifts that we have received from
God. I would have gone on, but he would not give me leave.
_Keel._ He said, We might do it in our families, but not otherways.
_Bun._ I said, If it was lawful to do good to some, it was lawful to do
good to more. If it was a good duty to exhort our families, it was good
to exhort others; but if they held it a sin to meet together to seek the
face of God, and exhort one another to follow Christ, I should sin still;
for so we should do.
_Keel._ He said he was not so well versed in Scripture as to dispute, or
words to that purpose. And said, moreover, that they could not wait upon
me any longer; but said to me, Then you confess the indictment, do you
not? Now, and not till now, I saw I was indicted.
_Bun._ I said, This I confess, we have had many meetings together, both
to pray to God, and to exhort one another, and that we had the sweet
comforting presence of the Lord among us for our encouragement; blessed
be His name therefore. I confessed myself guilty no otherwise.
_Keel._ Then, said he, bear your judgment. You must be had back again
to prison, and there lie for three months following; and at three months’
end, if you do not submit to go to church to hear Divine service, and
leave your preaching, you must be banished the realm: and if, after such
a day as shall be appointed you to be gone, you shall be found in this
realm, etc., or be found to come over again without special licence from
the king, etc., you must stretch by the neck for it, I tell you plainly:
and so he bid my jailor have me away.
_Bun._ I told him, as to this matter, I was at a point with him; for if
I were out of prison to-day, I would preach the Gospel again to-morrow,
by the help of God.
_Another_. To which one made me some answer: but my jailor pulling me
away to be gone, I could not tell what he said.
Thus I departed from them; and I can truly say, I bless the Lord _Jesus
Christ_ for it, that my heart was sweetly refreshed in the time of my
examination, and also afterwards, at my returning to the prison. So that
I found Christ’s words more than bare trifles, where He saith, _I will
give you a mouth and wisdom_, _which all your adversaries shall not be
able to gainsay_, _nor resist_. Luke xxi. 15. And that His peace no man
can take from us.
Thus have I given you the substance of my examination. The Lord make
this profitable to all that shall read or hear it. Farewell.
* * * * *
_The Substance of some Discourse had between the Clerk of the Peace and
myself_; _when he came to admonish me_, _according to the tenor of that
Law_, _by which I was in prison_.
* * * * *
WHEN I had lain in prison other twelve weeks, and now not knowing what
they intended to do with me, upon the third of April 1661, comes Mr Cobb
unto me (as he told me), being sent by the justices to admonish me; and
demand of me submittance to the church of England, etc. The extent of
our discourse was as followeth.
_Cobb_. When he was come into the house he sent for me out of my
chamber; who, when I was come unto him, he said, Neighbour _Bunyan_, how
do you do?
_Bun._ I thank you, Sir, said I, very well, blessed be the Lord.
_Cobb_. Saith he, I come to tell you, that it is desired you would
submit yourself to the laws of the land, or else at the next sessions it
will go worse with you, even to be sent away out of the nation, or else
worse than that.
_Bun._ I said that I did desire to demean myself in the world, both as
becometh a man and a Christian.
_Cobb_. But, saith he, you must submit to the laws of the land, and
leave off those meetings which you was wont to have; for the statute-law
is directly against it; and I am sent to you by the justices to tell you
that they do intend to prosecute the law against you if you submit not.
_Bun._ I said, Sir, I conceive that that law by which I am in prison at
this time, doth not reach or condemn either me, or the meetings which I
do frequent; that law was made against those, that being designed to do
evil in their meetings, making the exercise of religion their pretence,
to cover their wickedness. It doth not forbid the private meetings of
those that plainly and simply make it their only end to worship the Lord,
and to exhort one another to edification. My end in meeting with others
is simply to do as much good as I can, by exhortation and counsel,
according to that small measure of light which God hath given me, and not
to disturb the peace of the nation.
_Cobb_. Every one will say the same, said he; you see the late
insurrection {210} at _London_, under what glorious pretences they went;
and yet, indeed, they intended no less than the ruin of the kingdom and
commonwealth.
_Bun._ That practice of theirs, I abhor, said I; yet it doth not follow
that, because they did so, therefore all others will do so. I look upon
it as my duty to behave myself under the King’s government, both as
becomes a man and a Christian, and if an occasion were offered me, I
should willingly manifest my loyalty to my Prince, both by word and deed.
_Cobb_. Well, said he, I do not profess myself to be a man that can
dispute; but this I say, truly, neighbour _Bunyan_, I would have you
consider this matter seriously, and submit yourself; you may have your
liberty to exhort your neighbour in private discourse, so be you do not
call together an assembly of people; and, truly, you may do much good to
the church of Christ, if you would go this way; and this you may do, and
the law not abridge you of it. It is your private meetings that the law
is against.
_Bun._ Sir, said I, if I may do good to one by my discourse? why may I
not do good to two? And if to two, why not to four, and so to eight?
etc.
_Cobb_. Ay, saith he, and to a hundred, I warrant you.
_Bun._ Yes, Sir, said I, I think I should not be forbid to do as much
good as I can.
_Cobb_. But, saith he, you may but pretend to do good, and instead,
notwithstanding, do harm, by seducing the people; you are, therefore,
denied your meeting so many together, lest you should do harm.
_Bun._ And yet, said I, you say the law tolerates me to discourse with
my neighbour; surely there is no law tolerates me seduce any one;
therefore if I may by the law discourse with one, surely it is to do him
good; and if I by discoursing may do good to one, surely, by the same
law, I may do good to many.
_Cobb_. The law, saith he, doth expressly forbid your private meetings;
therefore they are not to be tolerated.
_Bun._ I told him that I would not entertain so much uncharitableness of
that Parliament in the 35th of _Elizabeth_, or of the Queen herself, as
to think they did, by that law, intend the oppressing of any of God’s
ordinances, or the interrupting any in way of God; but men may, in the
wresting of it, turn it against the way of God; but take the law in
itself, and it only fighteth against those that drive at mischief in
their hearts and meeting, making religion only their cloak, colour, or
pretence; for so are the words of the statute: _If any meetings_, _under
colour or pretence of religion_, _etc._
_Cobb_. Very good; therefore the king, seeing that pretences are usually
in and among people, so as to make religion their pretence only;
therefore he, and the law before him, doth forbid such private meetings,
and tolerates only public; you may meet in public.
_Bun._ Sir, said I, let me answer you in a similitude: Set the case
that, at such a wood corner, there did usually come forth thieves, to do
mischief; must there therefore a law be made, that every one that cometh
out there shall be killed? May not there come out true men as well as
thieves out from thence? Just thus is it in this case; I do think there
may be many that may design the destruction of the commonwealth; but it
doth not follow therefore that all private meetings are unlawful; those
that transgress, let them be punished. And if at any time I myself
should do any act in my conversation as doth not become a man and
Christian, let me bear the punishment. And as for your saying I may meet
in public, if I may be suffered, I would gladly do it. Let me have but
meeting enough in public, and I shall care the less to have them in
private. I do not meet in private because I am afraid to have meetings
in public. I bless the Lord that my heart is at that point, that if any
man can lay any thing to my charge, either in doctrine or in practice, in
this particular, that can be proved error or heresy, I am willing to
disown it, even in the very market-place; but if it be truth, then to
stand to it to the last drop of my blood. And, Sir, said I, you ought to
commend me for so doing. To err and to be a heretic are two things; I am
no heretic, because I will not stand refractorily to defend any one thing
that is contrary to the Word. Prove any thing which I hold to be an
error, and I will recant it.
_Cobb_. But, goodman _Bunyan_, said he, methinks you need not stand so
strictly upon this one thing, as to have meetings of such public
assemblies. Cannot you submit, and, notwithstanding, do as much good as
you can, in a neighbourly way, without having such meetings?
_Bun._ Truly, Sir, said I, I do not desire to commend myself, but to
think meanly of myself; yet when I do most despise myself, taking notice
of that small measure of light which God hath given me, also that the
people of the Lord (by their own saying), are edified thereby. Besides,
when I see that the Lord, through grace, hath in some measure blessed my
labour, I dare not but exercise that gift which God hath given me for the
good of the people. And I said further, that I would willingly speak in
public if I might.
_Cobb_. He said, that I might come to the public assemblies and hear.
What though you do not preach? you may hear. Do not think yourself so
well enlightened, and that you have received a gift so far above others,
but that you may hear other men preach. Or to that purpose.
_Bun._ I told him, I was as willing to be taught as to give instruction,
and I looked upon it as my duty to do both; for, said I, a man that is a
teacher, he himself may learn also from another that teacheth, as the
apostle saith, _We may all prophesy one by one_, _that all may learn_. 1
Cor. xiv. 31. That is, every man that hath received a gift from God, he
may dispense it, that others may be comforted; and when he hath done, he
may hear and learn, and be comforted himself of others.
_Cobb_. But, said he, what if you should forbear awhile, and sit still,
till you see further how things will go?
_Bun._ Sir, said I, _Wickliffe_ saith, that he which leaveth off
preaching and hearing of the Word of God for fear of excommunication of
men, he is already excommunicated of God, and shall in the day of
judgment be counted a traitor to Christ. {214}
_Cobb_. Ay, saith he, they that do not hear shall be so counted indeed;
do you, therefore, hear?
_Bun._ But, Sir, said I, he saith, he that shall leave off either
preaching or hearing, etc. That is, if he hath received a gift for
edification, it is his sin, if he doth not lay it out in a way of
exhortation and counsel, according to the proportion of his gift; as well
as to spend his time altogether in hearing others preach.
_Cobb_. But, said he, how shall we know that you have received a gift?
_Bun._ Said I, Let any man hear and search, and prove the doctrine by
the Bible.
_Cobb_. But will you be willing, said he, that two indifferent persons
shall determine the case; and will you stand by their judgment?
_Bun._ I said, Are they infallible?
_Cobb_. He said, No.
_Bun._ Then, said I, it is possible my judgment may be as good as
theirs. But yet I will pass by either, and in this matter be judged by
the Scriptures; I am sure that is infallible, and cannot err.
_Cobb_. But, said he, who shall be judge between you, for you take the
Scriptures one way, and they another?
_Bun._ I said the Scripture should: and that by comparing one Scripture
with another; for that will open itself, if it be rightly compared. As
for instance, if under the different apprehensions of the word
_Mediator_, you would know the truth of it, the Scriptures open it, and
tell us that he that is a mediator must take up the business between two,
and a mediator is not a mediator of one,—_but God is one_, _and there is
one Mediator between God and men_, _even the man Christ Jesus_. Gal.
iii. 20; 1 Tim. ii. 5. So likewise the Scripture calleth Christ a
_complete_, or perfect, or able _high priest_. That is opened in that He
is called man, and also God. His blood also is discovered to be
effectually efficacious by the same things. So the Scripture, as
touching the matter of meeting together, etc., doth likewise sufficiently
open itself and discover its meaning.
_Cobb_. But are you willing, said he, to stand to the judgment of the
church?
_Bun._ Yes, Sir, said I, to the approbation of the church of God; (the
church’s judgment is best expressed in Scripture). We had much other
discourse which I cannot well remember, about the laws of the nation, and
submission to governments; to which I did tell him, that I did look upon
myself as bound in conscience to walk according to all righteous laws,
and that, whether there was a king or no; and if I did any thing that was
contrary, I did hold it my duty to bear patiently the penalty of the law,
that was provided against such offenders; with many more words to the
like effect. And said, moreover, that to cut off all occasions of
suspicion from any, as touching the harmlessness of my doctrine in
private, I would willingly take the pains to give any one the notes of
all my sermons; for I do sincerely desire to live quietly in my country,
and to submit to the present authority.
_Cobb_. Well, neighbour _Bunyan_, said he, but indeed I would wish you
seriously to consider of these things, between this and the
quarter-sessions, and to submit yourself. You may do much good if you
continue still in the land; but alas, what benefit will it be to your
friends, or what good can you do to them, if you should be sent away
beyond the seas into _Spain_, or _Constantinople_, or some other remote
part of the world? Pray be ruled.
_Jailor_. Indeed, Sir, I hope he will be ruled.
_Bun._ I shall desire, said I, in all honesty to behave myself in the
nation, whilst I am in it. And if I must be so dealt withal, as you say,
I hope God will help me to bear what they shall lay upon me. I know no
evil that I have done in this matter, to be so used. I speak as in the
presence of God.
_Cobb_. You know, saith he, that the Scripture saith, _the powers that
be_, _are ordained of God_.
_Bun._ I said, Yes, and that I was to submit to the King as supreme, and
also to the governors, as to them who are sent by Him.
_Cobb_. Well then, said he, the King then commands you, that you should
not have any private meetings; because it is against his law, and he is
ordained of God, therefore you should not have any.
_Bun._ I told him that _Paul_ did own the powers that were in his day,
to be of God; and yet he was often in prison under them for all that.
And also, though _Jesus Christ_ told _Pilate_, that He had no power
against him, but of God, yet He died under the same _Pilate_; and yet,
said I, I hope you will not say that either _Paul_, or Christ, were such
as did deny magistracy, and so sinned against God in slighting the
ordinance. Sir, said I, the law hath provided two ways of obeying: the
one to do that which I, in my conscience, do believe that I am bound to
do, actively; and where I cannot obey actively, there I am willing to lie
down, and to suffer what they shall do unto me. At this he sat still,
and said no more; which when he had done, I did thank him for his civil
and meek discoursing with me; and so we parted.
O! that we might meet in heaven!
Farewell. J. B.
* * * * *
_Here followeth a discourse between my Wife and the Judges_, _with
others_, _touching my Deliverance at the Assizes following_; _the which I
took from her own Mouth_.
* * * * *
AFTER that I had received this sentence of banishing, or hanging, from
them, and after the former admonition, touching the determination of the
justices if I did not recant; just when the time drew nigh, in which I
should have abjured, or have done worse (as Mr Cobb told me), came the
time in which the King was to be crowned. {219} Now, at the coronation
of kings, there is usually a releasement of divers prisoners, by virtue
of his coronation; in which privilege also I should have had my share;
but that they took me for a convicted person, and therefore, unless I
sued out a pardon (as they called it), I could have no benefit thereby,
notwithstanding, yet, forasmuch as the coronation proclamation did give
liberty, from the day the King was crowned, to that day twelvemonth, to
sue them out; therefore, though they would not let me out of prison, as
they let out thousands, yet they could not meddle with me, as touching
the execution of their sentence; because of the liberty offered for the
suing out of pardons. Whereupon I continued in prison till the next
assizes, which are called _Midsummer assizes_, being then kept in
_August_, 1661.
Now, at that assizes, because I would not leave any possible means
unattempted that might be lawful, I did, by my wife, present a petition
to the judges three times, that I might be heard, and that they would
impartially take my case into consideration.
The first time my wife went, she presented it to Judge _Hale_, who very
mildly received it at her hand, telling her that he would do her and me
the best good he could; but he feared, he said, he could do none. The
next day, again, lest they should, through the multitude of business,
forget me, we did throw another petition into the coach to Judge
_Twisdon_; who, when he had seen it, snapt her up, and angrily told her
that I was a convicted person, and could not be released, unless I would
promise to preach no more, etc.
Well, after this, she yet again presented another to judge Hale, as he
sat on the bench, who, as it seemed, was willing to give her audience.
Only Justice _Chester_ being present, stept up and said, that I was
convicted in the court, and that I was a hot-spirited fellow (or words to
that purpose), whereat he waived it, and did not meddle therewith. But
yet, my wife being encouraged by the high-sheriff, did venture once more
into their presence (as the poor widow did before the unjust judge) to
try what she could do with them for my liberty, before they went forth of
the town. The place where she went to them, was to the _Swan-chamber_,
where the two judges, and many justices and gentry of the country, was in
company together. She then coming into the chamber with a bashed face,
and a trembling heart, began her errand to them in this manner:—
[Picture: Bunyan’s Wife pleading with the Judges]
_Woman_. My lord (directing herself to judge Hale), I make bold to come
once again to your Lordship, to know what may be done with my husband.
_Judge Hale_. To whom he said, Woman, I told thee before I could do thee
no good; because they have taken that for a conviction which thy husband
spoke at the sessions: and unless there be something done to undo that, I
can do thee no good.
_Woman_. My lord, said she, he is kept unlawfully in prison; they
clapped him up before there was any proclamation against the meetings;
the indictment also is false. Besides, they never asked him whether he
was guilty or no; neither did he confess the indictment.
_One of the Justices_. Then one of the justices that stood by, whom she
knew not, said, My Lord, he was lawfully convicted.
_Wom._ It is false, said she; for when they said to him, Do you confess
the indictment? he said only this, that he had been at several meetings,
both where there were preaching the Word, and prayer, and that they had
God’s presence among them.
_Judge Twisdon_. Whereat Judge _Twisdon_ answered very angrily, saying,
What, you think we can do what we list; your husband is a breaker of the
peace, and is convicted by the law, etc. Whereupon Judge _Hale_ called
for the Statute Book.
_Wom._ But, said she, my lord, he was not lawfully convicted.
_Chester_. Then Justice _Chester_ said, My lord, he was lawfully
convicted.
_Wom._ It is false, said she; it was but a word of discourse that they
took for a conviction (as you heard before).
_Chest._ But it is recorded, woman; it is recorded, said Justice
_Chester_; as if it must be of necessity true, because it was recorded.
With which words he often endeavoured to stop her mouth, having no other
argument to convince her, but it is recorded, it is recorded.
_Wom._ My Lord, said she, I was a while since at _London_, to see if I
could get my husband’s liberty; and there I spoke with my lord
_Barkwood_, one of the House of Lords, to whom I delivered a petition,
who took it of me and presented it to some of the rest of the House of
Lords, for my husband’s releasement; who, when they had seen it, they
said, that they could not release him, but had committed his releasement
to the judges, at the next assizes. This he told me; and now I am come
to you to see if any thing may be done in this business, and you give
neither releasement nor relief. To which they gave her no answer, but
made as if they heard her not.
_Chest._ Only Justice _Chester_ was often up with this,—He is convicted,
and it is recorded.
_Wom._ If it be, it is false, said she.
_Chest._ My lord, said Justice _Chester_, he is a pestilent fellow,
there is not such a fellow in the country again.
_Twis._ What, will your husband leave preaching? If he will do so, then
send for him.
_Wom._ My lord, said she, he dares not leave preaching as long as he can
speak.
_Twis._ See here, what should we talk any more about such a fellow?
Must he do what he lists? He is a breaker of the peace.
_Wom._ She told him again, that he desired to live peaceably, and to
follow his calling, that his family might be maintained; and moreover,
said, My Lord, I have four small children, that cannot help themselves,
one of which is blind, and have nothing to live upon, but the charity of
good people.
_Hale_. Hast thou four children? said Judge Hale; thou art but a young
woman to have four children.
_Wom._ My lord, said she, I am but mother-in-law to them, having not
been married to him yet full two years. Indeed, I was with child when my
husband was first apprehended; but being young, and unaccustomed to such
things, said she, I being smayed {224} at the news, fell into labour, and
so continued for eight days, and then was delivered, but my child died.
_Hale_. Whereat, he looking very soberly on the matter, said, Alas, poor
woman!
_Twis._ But Judge _Twisdon_ told her, that she made poverty her cloak;
and said, moreover, that he understood I was maintained better by running
up and down a preaching, than by following my calling.
_Hale_. What is his calling? said Judge Hale.
_Answer_. Then some of the company that stood by, said, A tinker, my
lord.
_Wom._ Yes, said she; and because he is a tinker, and a poor man,
therefore he is despised, and cannot have justice.
_Hale_. Then Judge _Hale_ answered very mildly, saying, I tell thee,
woman, seeing it is so, that they have taken what thy husband spake for a
conviction; thou must either apply thyself to the King, or sue out his
pardon, or get a writ of error.
_Chest._ But when Justice _Chester_ heard him give her this counsel; and
especially (as she supposed) because he spoke of a writ of error, he
chafed, and seemed to be very much offended; saying, My lord, he will
preach and do what he lists.
_Wom._ He preacheth nothing but the Word of God, said she.
_Twis._ He preach the Word of God! said Twisdon; and withal, she thought
he would have struck her; he runneth up and down, and doth harm.
_Wom._ No, my lord, said she, it is not so; God hath owned him, and done
much good by him.
_Twis._ God! said he, his doctrine is the doctrine of the devil.
_Wom._ My lord, said she, when the righteous Judge shall appear, it will
be known that his doctrine is not the doctrine of the devil.
_Twis._ My lord, said he, to Judge Hale, do not mind her, but send her
away.
_Hale_. Then said Judge Hale, I am sorry, woman, that I can do thee no
good; thou must do one of those three things aforesaid, namely, either to
apply thyself to the King, or sue out his pardon, or get a writ of error;
but a writ of error will be cheapest.
_Wom._ At which Chester again seemed to be in a chafe, and put off his
hat, and as she thought, scratched his head for anger: but when I saw,
said she, that there was no prevailing to have my husband sent for,
though I often desired them that they would send for him, that he might
speak for himself; telling them, that he could give them better
satisfaction than I could, in what they demanded of him, with several
other things, which now I forget; only this I remember, that though I was
somewhat timorous at my first entrance into the chamber, yet before I
went out, I could not but break forth into tears, not so much because
they were so hard-hearted against me, and my husband, but to think what a
sad account such poor creatures will have to give at the coming of the
Lord, when they shall there answer for all things whatsoever they have
done in the body, whether it be good, or whether it be bad.
So, when I departed from them, the book of statutes was brought, but what
they said of it I know nothing at all, neither did I hear any more from
them.
* * * * *
_Some Carriages of the Adversaries of God’s Truth with me at the next
Assizes_, _which was on the_ 19_th_ _of the first month_, 1662.
* * * * *
I SHALL pass by what befell between these two assizes, how I had, by my
jailor, some liberty granted me, more than at the first, and how I
followed my wonted course of preaching, taking all occasions that were
put into my hand to visit the people of God; exhorting them to be
steadfast in the faith of Jesus Christ, and to take heed that they
touched not the Common Prayer, etc., but to mind the Word of God, which
giveth direction to Christians in every point, being able to make the man
of God perfect in all things through faith in Jesus Christ, and
thoroughly to furnish him unto all good works. 2 Tim. iii. 17. Also how
I having, I say, somewhat more liberty, did go to see the Christians at
_London_; which my enemies hearing of, were so angry, that they had
almost cast my jailor out of his place, threatening to indict him, and to
do what they could against him. They charged me also, that I went
thither to plot and raise division, and make insurrection, which, God
knows, was a slander; whereupon my liberty was more straitened than it
was before; so that I must not now look out of the door. Well, when the
next sessions came, which was about the 10th of the 11th month (1661), I
did expect to have been very roundly dealt withal; but they passed me by,
and would not call me, so that I rested till the assizes, which was held
the 19th of the first month (1662) following; and when they came, because
I had a desire to come before the judge, I desired my jailor to put my
name into the calendar among the felons, and made friends of the judge
and high-sheriff, who promised that I should be called: so that I thought
what I had done might have been effectual for the obtaining of my desire:
but all was in vain; for when the assizes came, though my name was in the
calendar, and also though both the judge and sheriff had promised that I
should appear before them, yet the justices and the clerk of the peace,
did so work it about, that I, notwithstanding, was deferred, and was not
suffered to appear: and although I say, I do not know of all their
carriages towards me, yet this I know, that the clerk of the peace (Mr
Cobb) did discover himself to be one of my greatest opposers: for, first
he came to my jailor and told him that I must not go down before the
judge, and therefore must not be put into the calendar; to whom my jailor
said, that my name was in already. He bid him put it out again; my
jailor told him that he could not: for he had given the judge a calendar
with my name in it, and also the sheriff another. At which he was very
much displeased, and desired to see that calendar that was yet in my
jailor’s hand, who, when he had given it him, he looked on it, and said
it was a false calendar; he also took the calendar and blotted out my
accusation, as my jailor had written it (which accusation I cannot tell
what it was, because it was so blotted out), and he himself put in words
to this purpose: That John Bunyan was committed to prison; being lawfully
convicted for upholding of unlawful meetings and conventicles, etc. But
yet for all this, fearing that what he had done, unless he added thereto,
it would not do, he first ran to the clerk of the assizes; then to the
justices, and afterwards, because he would not leave any means
unattempted to hinder me, he came again to my jailor, and told him, that
if I did go down before the judge, and was released, he would make him
pay my fees, which he said was due to him; and further, told him, that he
would complain of him at the next quarter sessions for making of false
calendars, though my jailor himself, as I afterwards learned, had put in
my accusation worse than in itself it was by far. And thus was I
hindered and prevented at that time also from appearing before the judge:
and left in prison.
Farewell.