Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

John Bunyan (1628-1688) is most famously known for writing "The Pilgrim's Progress", a two-part allegory of the Christian pilgrimage toward salvation. The wildly popular book was written in Bedford during Bunyan's time in prison—he was sentenced to twelve years for holding unlicensed church services. During this time Bunyan also completed an autobiography recounting the story of his own conversion from a life of sin and impiety to one of virtue and spiritual regeneration. "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" illustrates the tenets of Puritanism through what Bunyan saw as God's saving grace in his own life. He reflects on a sinful youth, and how it led him towards an impious adulthood. Those who read the novel are comforted by Bunyan's honest admission to feelings of despair and doubt; even today, many people can identify with his struggles, and find inspiration in his faith and religious conviction.