Final answer:
By-ends from 'The Pilgrim's Progress' sees religion as a way to get ahead in life, as he practices faith only when it is convenient for material gain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character who sees religion as a way of getting ahead in life is A) By-ends from John Bunyan's allegory 'The Pilgrim's Progress'. By-ends is a man who only follows religion when it is profitable for him or when it aligns with his own material and social advancement. He essentially represents those who are opportunistic in their faith, using religion as a means to improve their worldly status rather than out of genuine belief or spiritual commitment. This character contrasts with those who are faithful regardless of whether it brings them any immediate benefit.