Introductory Notice of the Author. HE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS is, without question, of all uninspired volumes, the most extraordinary book in the English language. Regard being had to the condition of its author, and the circumstances connected with its production, to its wide-spread popularity, and its suitableness for readers of every class, there is none to compare with it. It is so well known, that any information concerning either it or its author seems superfluous; and our ingenuity is at a loss to know how to write an introduction for a book for which, above all others, no introduction is required. We shall probably find few readers who are not already acquainted with the leading facts of Bunyan's life; and to whom a record of them would not appear like the rehearsal of an old story. It may suffice, therefore, if we present, in few words, such a summary as will refresh the memory, dwelling only on those which are fitted to shed a little light on his immortal production. Born at Elstow in Bedfordshire, in 1628, of parents who belonged to the humbler walks of life, he received little early education worthy of the name; but grew up in the ignorance which was then, and in England is still, common to his class. At an early age he learned the trade of tinker, and by that occupation earned his livelihood for a few years. Up to the time of his first marriage he lived, if not a desperately profligate, yet a thoroughly godless and openly wicked life. And though the character and conversation of his wife exerted a restraining influence, and awoke in him some desire for reformation, no real, and but little apparent, change took place until some time afterwards, when he became the subject of converting grace. The deep experiences through which he had passed in connection with this change, combined with his natural gifts, qualified him for profitably addressing others; a |