"Tip-cat," cursing, dancing, and bell-ringing

Two pieces of trivia from last week's research into the life of John Bunyan (both from his autobiography):

(1) Before his conversion, after his "heart began to shake" when talking with the "three or four women" in Bedford, Bunyan had earlier been unmoved when he saw a vision of God while playing a game of tip-cat (Grace Abounding 22). I had never heard of that game before, but as the link explains, some people see it is a precursor to rounders, cricket, and baseball.

Tip-cat

(2) Bunyan states in his autobiography that before he joined the Independent congregation in Bedford he had been a "great and grievous sinner." Among his many sins were a great facility in and propensity for swearing (Grace Abounding 26-27), and he also confesses to dancing and bell-ringing (Grace Abounding 33-35).

One important aspect about Bunyan that is connected to the parables: Wakefield argues that it was the parables, in Bunyan’s view, that justified the use of allegorical interpretations of the Bible (1992: 36).

Tomorrow I will post a few observations about Wazo, vegetarianism, heresy, and some connections that others have made between one's diet and piety/holiness. That will conclude the discussion of Aquinas, Wazo, and the parable of the Wheat and Weeds.

Then on to Clement of Alexandria late in the week.