Grace Abounding: With Other Spiritual Autobiographies

by John Bunyan, John Stachniewski (Editor), Anita Pacheco (Editor)

Grace Abounding (1666) is a classic work of spiritual autobiography--a genre which flourished in Calvinist England as anxiety over the state or destiny of one's soul led to rigorous self-scrutiny and the sharing of holy experiences. This edition sets that book alongside other highly interesting and varied contemporary spiritual autobiographies, making its cultural milieu more meaningful to the modern reader. The search for proof of God's favor, in all its personal and psychological intensity, is offered not only from John Bunyan's perspective, but likewise from those of Richard Norwood, John Crook, Lawrence Clarkson, and Agnes Beaumont. Also featured are an introduction, a bibliography, several explanatory notes, and a useful appendix entitled Radical and Nonconformist Groups in 17th-Century England.

Genres: Biography, Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Christianity, Literature

336 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 1998

About the author

John Bunyan, a Christian writer and preacher, was born at Harrowden (one mile south-east of Bedford), in the Parish of Elstow, England. He wrote The Pilgrim's Progress, arguably the most famous published Christian allegory. In the Church of England he is remembered with a Lesser Festival on 30 August.

Reviews

[Benjamin Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent little volume containing Bunyan’s “Grace Abounding” and “A Relation of the Imprisonment” as well as Richard Norwood’s Confessions, a Quaker and a Ranter autobiography (disturbing!), and “The Persecution of Agnes Beaumont.”
Much in here which is encouraging, convicting, and imitable. Oh if I had half the knowledge of scripture which the upright here display! Or at least if the Spirit would work so powerfully in me to bring all things to remembrance.

[Emily Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Bunyan makes me feel like my clinical Generalized Anxiety Disorder doesn't exist.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read only Grace Abounding, not other biographies. For anyone who has ever wrestled with the devil in the arena of condemnation, this is one of the best books you could ever read. Bunyan is frank and unashamed to honestly recount the sordid details of his struggle. He reveals both the common tactics of the enemy as well as God's involvement, which is the most encouraging part.

[Bob Ladwig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bunyan's autobiography, great diagnosis of sin.

[Ij Losito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agnes Beaumont: The kind of Christian I feel so remote to. It makes one jealous to think that there are some who is this close to God. My favorite is how she draws out the Word of God out of her heart. How she finds strength in God. It really humbles a person & makes us long for God.

Took me almost two months but thank God, I've finally finished it!

Huzzah!

My favorites are Mr. Bunyan's and Agnes's biography. Especially Agnes. You can really tell her heart is close to God. Makes one jealous.