John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a puritan Christian writer and preacher who wrote about 60 books (see here ) and pamphlets which are still read today. He lived in the turbulent 17th century of English history which saw the execution of Charles I (1600-1649) for treason after he had been defeated in a civil war with the 'Model Army' (Parliamentary army) organised by Oliver Cromwell. Bunyan, though born of poor parents , was sent to school and learned to read and write which would figure so prominently in his future. He served as a soldier on the Parliamentary side against the Royalist forces. According to his own words, he cursed, swore, lied, and blasphemed the Lord's name. Yet, he was at the same time troubled by visions of hell-fire.
we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen --Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles