When it is considered that Bunyan was very severe in his remarks
upon the Quakers, the event reflects no ordinary degree of honour
upon the Society of Friends, at whose sole charge, and entirely
by their own exertions, this great deed of benevolence was begun,
carried on, and completed. It is difficult to ascertain the exact
duration of this sad imprisonment, because we cannot discover any
record of the day of his release. His imprisonment commenced November
13, 1660, and his pardon under the great seal is dated September
13, 1672. As the pardon included nearly 500 sufferers, it occupied
some time to obtain official duplicates to be exhibited at the
assizes and sessions for the various counties. A letter from E. Hooks
to Mrs. Fox intimates that none were released on the 1st November
1672. Another letter shows that the Bedfordshire prisoners were
discharged before January 10, 1673;[279] confirming Bunyan's own
account, published by him in the Grace Abounding, 1680, that his
imprisonment lasted complete twelve years.[280]

During the latter period of his imprisonment, probably from the
time of his receiving the royal license to preach, May 15, 1672,
he enjoyed extraordinary liberty--visiting those who had been kind
to his family, and preaching in the surrounding counties. An entry
in the records of the city of Leicester proves that he was there,
and claimed the liberty of preaching--'John Bunyan's license bears
date the 15th of May 1672, to teach as a Congregational person,
being of that persuasion, in the house of Josias Roughed, Bedford,
or in any other place, room, or house, licensed by his Majestie's
memorand. The said Bunyan shewed his license to Mr. Mayor, Mr.
Overinge, Mr. Freeman, and Mr. Browne, being then present, the 6th
day of October, 1672, that being about two months before his final
release from jail.'[281]