Bunyan and the Tradition of 'Pastoral' Writing in Early Modern England

• Published in: Bunyan studies no. 12; p. 6
• Main Author: Lund, Mary Ann
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Newcastle Upon Tyne Northumbria University, Department of Humanities, Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences 01.01.2006
• Subjects: British & Irish literature; Bunyan, John (1628-1688); English literature
• ISSN: 0954-0970

[...]the text is a practical aid to help the reader. [...]it is related to the writer's pastoral experience: in this case Luther's preaching is the origin of the text, and manifests his knowledge of the troubles and conflicts of the spiritual life. [...]we should not regard these works as equivalent to modern self-help books. Bolton cannot rely solely on the hope that a sequential reading of his work will produce the corresponding, necessary sequence of grief and terror for one's sinfulness and true desire for repentance which is the proper preparation for 'seasonable' application of God's mercy. [...]this would be contrary to his belief in the importance of face-to-face ministry.