Part 14

_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_.

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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.

JOHN BUNYAN.

_A Continuation of_ Mr BUNYAN’S LIFE; _beginning where he left off_, _and concluding with the Time and Manner of his Death and Burial_: _together with his true Character_, _etc._