| John Bunyan (1628-1688)
English writer and Puritan minister, author
of The Pilgrim's Progress, one of the most famous religious allegories in the English
language
|
Lay Preacher Jailed
| November 12, 1660 |
Daily Miscellany Press |
On November 12, in 1660 John Bunyan was jailed for
preaching without a licence. The authorities in England agreed to release him on condition
that he stop preaching. John Bunyan remained adamant in his intent to preach. He said,
"If you let me go today, I will preach again tomorrow."
John Bunyan was the son of a tinker and goldsmith. He served in the Parlimentary Army
under Sir Samuel Luke. After the war he became very interested in religion. He studdied
the Bible at every opportunity. In 1653, after a long period of inner religious, he joined
the 'new' Baptist sect. He then began to preach to the poor in the rural villages around
Bedford. This caused conflict with the Quakers. John Bunyan aired his doctrinal
differences with the Quakers in two pamphlets: Some Gospel Truths Opened and A
Vindication. The preaching that led to his jailing brought him into conflict with a very
powerful adversary: the re-established Church of England.
Sources:
On This Day |