CH18-19 (Eng)

 

18 CHRISTIAN OVERTAKES AND CONVERSES WITH FAITHFUL

Now as Christian went on his way, he came to a slight ascent which was specially designed so that pilgrims could more easily see ahead of them; therefore Christian went up and, looking forward, he saw Faithful in the distance intent on his journey. Then did Christian call out loudly, “Ho, ho, So-ho [Here, here, look here]; wait, let me catch up and I will be your companion.” At this Faithful looked behind him, causing Christian to again cry out, “Wait, wait till I catch up with you.” But Faithful replied, “No, I travel with my life at stake, and the Avenger of Blood is close behind.” This reply somewhat moved Christian, so mustering all his strength he quickly caught up with Faithful and in fact raced past him so that the last had become first! As a result Christian smiled with a sense of self-congratulation; he felt proud of now being ahead of his brother. Yet not paying attention to his feet, he suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground, and was unable to get up, that is until Faithful came up to help him.

Then I saw in my dream that both of them went on very lovingly together; and they had delightful conversation about all of the things that had happened to them on their pilgrimage. So Christian spoke:

CHRISTIAN: My honored and well-beloved brother Faithful, I am glad that I have caught up with you, and that God has so tempered our spirits that we can walk as companions along such a pleasant pathway.

FAITHFUL: Dear friend, I had thought of enjoying your company even from our Town, but you did get quite a start on me; therefore I was forced to come this far on my own.

CHRISTIAN: For how long did you stay in the City of Destruction, that is before you set out after me on your pilgrimage?

FAITHFUL: Till I could stay no longer; since after you had departed, there was so much discussion concerning the near prospect of our City being burned to the ground by means of fire from Heaven.

CHRISTIAN: Is that so? Did your neighbors really talk this way?

FAITHFUL: Yes, this sober conversation was in everybody’s mouth, at least for a while.

CHRISTIAN: But tell me, were there no more than yourself who came away to escape the danger?

FAITHFUL: As I said, there was certainly a lot of talk going on, though I do not think that they really believed it. For in the heat of this exchange I heard some of them speak of you with ridicule. Your pilgrimage was contemptuously called a desperate journey, though I did believe, and still do, that the end of our City will be with fire and brimstone from above; so as a result I made my escape.

CHRISTIAN: Did you hear of any talk concerning neighbor Pliable?

FAITHFUL: Yes, Christian, for I heard that he accompanied you till he came to the Slough of Despond; there, as some have reported, he fell in. Even so he would not let on about this; but I am quite sure that he was thoroughly bedaubed [foully covered] with the dirt of that place.

CHRISTIAN: And what did the neighbors say to him?

FAITHFUL: Since his return he has been the subject of considerable derision, and that by all sorts of people. Some quite mock and despise him, while scarcely anyone will give him employment. He is now seven times worse than if he had never departed from the City.

CHRISTIAN: But why is it that they were so set against him, especially since they also despised the way that he eventually abandoned?

FAITHFUL: Oh they said “Hang him, since he is a turn-coat; he was not true to his profession.” I think God has stirred up even his enemies to hiss [jeer] at him so as to make him a proverb [standing example], because he deserted the way.

CHRISTIAN: Did you ever talk with him before your departure?

FAITHFUL: I did meet him once in the streets, but he only leered at me from a distance on the other side, as if ashamed of what he had done; so I did not actually speak to him.

CHRISTIAN: Well, when I first set out on pilgrimage, I did have some hope for that man. But now I fear he will perish in the imminent destruction of the City, just as his case is described according to the true proverb, “The dog has turned to his vomit again, and the sow that was washed has gone back to her wallowing in the mire.”

FAITHFUL: They are my fears for him as well. But who can hinder that which is to be?

CHRISTIAN: Well neighbor Faithful, let us cease wondering about him, and rather talk of things that more immediately concern us. Tell me now, what have you met with and experienced having come thus far? Truly it would be a wonder worth recording if you had not met with at least some notable things.

FAITHFUL: I escaped the Slough of Despond which, I understand, you fell into; and so I reached the Wicket-gate without any danger, except that there I was propositioned by a woman named Wanton [Promiscuous] who intended to do me considerable harm.

CHRISTIAN: It was just as well you escaped her clutches. Joseph [in Egypt] was severely tested by her, though he escaped her just as you did; otherwise she would have cost him his life. But what else did she do to you?

FAITHFUL: You cannot imagine, except through personal experience, just how flattering her tongue was; she pressed me hard to go with her by promising all sorts of sensual pleasure.

CHRISTIAN: But she did not promise you the enjoyment of a good conscience.

FAITHFUL: No, for you well understand that what she really offered was strictly carnal and fleshly.

CHRISTIAN: Thank God you have escaped her, since it is the abhorred of the Lord who shall fall into her ditch.

FAITHFUL: True, but I am still not sure if I have totally escaped her pleading.

CHRISTIAN: Why I trust you did not agree to her solicitation, did you?

FAITHFUL: No, I did not defile myself with her, for I remembered an old writing which I had seen that declared, “Her steps descend down to Hell.” So I shut my eyes to prevent myself from being bewitched with her seductive looks. Then she suddenly became angry and abused me, at which I quickly departed from her.

CHRISTIAN: Did you meet with any other assaults as you went on your way?

FAITHFUL: When I came to the foot of the Hill Difficulty, I met a very old man who asked me, “Who I was and where I was going?” I replied that I was a pilgrim going to the Celestial City. Then he commented, “You look like an honest fellow. Will you consider the contentment that is available by living with me, and especially the wages I am prepared to offer?” Then I asked him his name and where he lived. He said that his name was Adam the First, and that he resided in the Town of Deceit. Then I enquired of him what his line of business was and what exactly the wages were that he offered. To this he responded that his employment offered many delights, and that his wages were full heirship in his family.

I further asked him details concerning the support of his household and the servants that he kept. So he explained that his household was maintained with a great variety of exotic dainties gleaned from the four corners of the world; further, his servants were his own children. Then I asked him how many children he had, and he replied that there were only three, all daughters, named The Lust of the Flesh, The Lust of the Eyes, and The Pride of Life, and that I could marry them if I so wished. Then I asked how long I could expect to live with him, and he answered, as long as he himself lived.

CHRISTIAN: Well, and what agreement eventually came between the old man and yourself?

FAITHFUL: Why at first I felt somewhat inclined to go with the man because his manner was quite appealing. However, on looking at his forehead as I talked with him I saw inscribed there, “Put off the old man with his deeds.”

CHRISTIAN: How did you respond then?

FAITHFUL: Why, it came burning hot into my mind that whatever he said, and however he flattered, yet when he lured me into his house, then he would sell me as a slave. So I insisted that he cease his talk since I had not the slightest intention of even going near the door of his house. Then he reviled me, and told me he would set a certain person onto me who would cause the way ahead to become bitter to my soul. So I turned to depart from him: but just as I was leaving to proceed on my journey, I felt him grasp hold of my flesh with such a deadly seizure that I felt he had torn away part of my body to himself. This made me cry out in pain, “Oh wretched man [that I am]!” So I went on my way up the Hill.

Now when I had proceeded about halfway up, I looked behind me and saw someone coming after me, as swift as the wind; so he overtook me just about where the Shady Resting-place is located.
CHRISTIAN: Yes, it was there that I sat down to rest myself; but being quite overcome with sleep, I lost my scroll there because it fell out of my chest pocket.
FAITHFUL: But my good brother, do hear me out. Just as soon as the man overtook me, without a word he struck me down and left me for dead. However, upon reviving a little from unconsciousness, I asked him why he had treated me so brutally. He indicated that it was on account of my secret inclination to heed old Adam the First; and with that he struck me another deadly blow on my chest and beat me down to the ground; so once again I lay at his feet as if dead. So when I regained consciousness, I pleaded with him for mercy; but he replied that he did not know how to show mercy, and then he knocked me down once more. Undoubtedly he would have completely finished me off had it not been for another person who came and demanded that he immediately cease with his assault.
CHRISTIAN: Who was it that ordered him to stop?
FAITHFUL: At first I did not recognize him; but then as he passed by I noticed the holes in his hands as well as his side. Then I concluded that he was our Lord. So I continued on up the Hill.
CHRISTIAN: That man who overtook you was Moses; he does not spare anyone, nor does he know how to show mercy to those who disobey his law.
FAITHFUL: I well know what you say to be true because this was not the first time that we had met. When securely living in the City of Destruction, it was he who came and threatened to burn down my house if I continued to live in that place.
CHRISTIAN: But did you not see the House that stood on the top of that Hill? It lay on the same side of the way where Moses met you.
FAITHFUL: Yes, and I saw the lions as well before I came to it, though it being noon, these beasts seemed asleep. So because I had so much of the day ahead of me, I passed by the Porter of that House and came down the other side of the Hill.
CHRISTIAN: When I spoke to him he told me that he had seen you pass by, though I wished that you had stayed awhile. Those at the House would have showed you so many uncommon treasures that you would have hardly forgotten them in a lifetime. But do tell me, did you not meet with anyone in the Valley of Humiliation?
FAITHFUL: Yes, I met with a certain Discontent, who was so intent on persuading me to go back with him. He reasoned that the Valley ahead was dishonorable; further, to go ahead would be to displease all my friends such as Pride, Arrogancy, Self-conceit, Worldly-glory, and many others. These, he said, would be very much offended if I made such a fool of myself as to wade through this Valley.
CHRISTIAN: Well then; how did you answer him?
FAITHFUL: I told him that though all of these that he had named might claim to be my friends, and rightly so in terms of they’re being relatives in the flesh, yet since becoming a pilgrim they had in fact disowned me; I also had rejected them, and therefore they were now no more to me than if they had never been family members. Furthermore I told him that concerning this Valley, he had quite misrepresented it, “For before honor is humility, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Therefore I explained that I would rather go through this Valley to obtain the honor which the wise so highly value than choose that which he esteemed to be worthy of our affections.
CHRISTIAN: Did you meet with anyone else in that Valley?
FAITHFUL: Yes, I met with Shame. But of all the men that I met with in my pilgrimage, I believe he bears the most inappropriate name. Although he would not accept it, a variety of evidence would more correctly suggest that he be called Shameless.
CHRISTIAN: Why do you say this? What did he say to you?
FAITHFUL: “What?” you ask. Why he objected against religion itself; he said that it was a pitiful, low, sneaking business for a man to esteem religion; he said that a tender conscience was an unmanly thing, and that for a man to watch over his words and ways so as to curtail that swaggering spirit which the heroes of this modern age freely parade, would be to make him the most popular object of scorn. He also objected that very few of the mighty [and influential], the rich [and famous], and the [intellectually] wise were ever of my persuasion. Further, on being invited to become fools, very few would freely venture the loss of all for the sake of a nebulous dividend. Moreover, he objected to the base and low standard of living to which most pilgrims submitted themselves; he sneered at their ignorance of the times in which they lived, and thus their lack of understanding of the physical sciences.
Yes, and he pressed me with a great deal more besides that which I have told you. He said that it was a shame to sit grieving and mourning under a sermon, and it was a shame to return home sighing and groaning. Further, he said that it was a shame to ask my neighbor for forgiveness on account of my petty faults, or to make restitution when I had stolen from somebody. He also said that religion caused a man to appear strange before the great of this world, for he became so concerned about a few petty vices spoken of in ever so serious terms, and this perception caused him to fraternize with the basest of society, solely on the ground of religious convictions. So he concluded, “And is not this a shame?”
CHRISTIAN: Then what did you say to him?
FAITHFUL: Say? Why, at first I did not know what to say. Yes, he pressed me so hard that my face became red with embarrassment, as if I had myself become ashamed and nearly beaten down in defeat. But at last I began to consider that, “that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” And I realized that this Shame was describing what men are about, but nothing concerning what God or the Word of God reveals. I thought as well that at the final day of judgment, we shall not be awarded death or life by the swaggering spirits of this modern world, but rather according to the wisdom and law of the Highest.
Therefore I thought, what God says is best, even though all the men in the world are against it. Seeing then that God prefers his religion, seeing that God prefers a tender conscience, seeing that those who yield themselves as fools for the kingdom of Heaven are wisest, and that the poor man who loves Christ is richer than the greatest man in the world who hates him; then I said, “Shame, depart from me because you are an enemy of my salvation. Shall I listen to you contrary to my sovereign Lord? Otherwise, how shall I look him in the face at his coming? If I should now be ashamed of his ways and servants, how then can I expect the future blessing?”
Nevertheless, this Shame was a bold villain indeed. I could hardly get rid of his clinging company; yes, he would even shadow me and continually whisper in my ear countless other weaknesses that he associated with religion. Eventually I told him that it would be in vain for him to continue in this manner, for those things which he derided were in fact those in which I boasted most of all. And so at last I was able to leave behind this persistent one.
Then when I had finally shaken him off, I began to sing:
The trials that those men do meet withal
That are obedient to the heavenly call,
Are manifold and suited to the flesh,
And come, and come, and come again afresh;
That now, or sometime else, we by them may
Be taken, overcome, and cast away.
Oh let the pilgrims, let the pilgrims then,
Be vigilant, and quit [behave] themselves like men.
CHRISTIAN: My brother, I am glad that you did so bravely withstand this villain; for I think as you do, that of all the people you met, he undoubtedly has the wrong name. How bold he is to follow us in the streets and attempt to put us to shame before a watching world, that is to embarrass us concerning that which is good. For if he was not so audacious, he would never attempt to be so bold. But let us resist him, for notwithstanding all of his bravado, he exclusively promotes himself as a fool. Remember that Solomon said, “the wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools.”
FAITHFUL: I think we ought to cry out to him for help against Shame so that we might be valiant for truth upon the Earth.
CHRISTIAN: You certainly speak the truth. But did you meet with anybody else in that Valley?
FAITHFUL: No, I did not; for I experienced only sunshine along the remainder of that Valley, as well as through the following Valley of the Shadow of Death.
CHRISTIAN: Then it was far better for you since I fared much worse. Almost as soon as I entered the Valley of Humiliation I endured a prolonged and dreadful battle with that foul fiend Apollyon. Yes, I thought that he would surely kill me, and especially when he struck me to the ground and attempted to crush me; he seemed intent on breaking me in pieces. For as he threw me down, my sword flew out of my hand; then he exclaimed that he would now certainly destroy me. Yet I cried out to God and he heard me and delivered me from all of my troubles.
Then I entered into the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and from then on had no light until almost halfway through that terrible place. Over and over again I felt sure that I would be killed there; but at last the morning broke, and with the rising of the sun I continued through that wilderness with far more ease and quiet.

 

19 CHRISTIAN AND FAITHFUL CONVERSE WITH TALKATIVE

MOREOVER, I saw in my dream that as they went on, Faithful happened to look to one side of the way and saw a man whose name is Talkative; he was beside them though at a distance, for at this place it was wide enough for all of them to walk. He was a tall man and somewhat handsome if viewed from a distance. So Faithful introduced himself to this man in the following manner.

FAITHFUL: Why friend, which way are you going? Is it toward the heavenly country?
TALKATIVE: Yes, I am headed toward that very same place.
FAITHFUL: Then that is good. I do hope that we may have your fine company.
TALKATIVE: Do be assured that I have every intention of being your companion.
FAITHFUL: Then join us right now and let us proceed together, and let us spend our time discussing some profitable things as we travel.
TALKATIVE: Certainly, for it is most enjoyable to talk with you, or others, of things that are good. I am so glad that I have met with those who are inclined toward such a good activity. For to tell you the truth, there are few to be found who care to spend their traveling time in this way; rather they eagerly choose to discuss things that are quite unprofitable, and this matter has often troubled me.
FAITHFUL: Indeed that is a thing to be disturbed about; for what things are more worthy of the use of the tongue and mouth of men on Earth than those which concern the God of Heaven?
TALKATIVE: I do admire you for your attitude here, and especially your strong sense of conviction. Only let me add to what you say; for what thing is so pleasant and so profitable in discussion as that which concerns the things of God. For instance, if a man really delights in such wonderful things, then what could be more pleasurable than talking about the history or mystery of certain matters? More specifically, if a man enjoys talking about miracles, wonders, or signs, then where shall he find such things so delightfully and sweetly recorded as in Holy Scripture?
FAITHFUL: That is very true, though to profit from the discussion of such things should be our real purpose.
TALKATIVE: That is exactly what I was getting at; for to talk of such things is most profitable since by so doing a man may get the knowledge of a variety of topics. For example, to speak generally, he may gain knowledge of the vanity of earthly things and the benefit of things above. But more particularly, he may learn of the necessity of the new birth, the insufficiency of our works, the need of Christ’s righteousness, and so forth. Besides, by this talk about religion, a man may learn what it is to repent, to believe, to pray, to suffer, or the like; further, by this type of conversation a man may learn what are the great promises and consolations of the gospel, and consequently gain much personal comfort. Moreover, by such discussion a man may learn how to refute false opinions, to vindicate the truth, and also to instruct the ignorant.
FAITHFUL: All of this is very true, and how glad I am to hear you say these things.
TALKATIVE: Alas, the lack of this perspective is the reason why so few understand the need of faith and the necessity of a work of grace in their soul so that they might obtain eternal life. So they ignorantly live according to the works of the law, by which means no man can enter the kingdom of Heaven.
FAITHFUL: But do allow me to say that heavenly knowledge of these truths is the gift of God; no man can attain these things by means of human effort, let alone mere talk about them.
TALKATIVE: All of this I know very well. For a man can receive nothing except it has been given to him from Heaven; all is of grace, not of works. I could quote to you a hundred Scripture passages that confirm this.
FAITHFUL: Well then, what is one good topic that we ought to talk about at this time?
TALKATIVE: Whatever you would like? I will talk of heavenly things or earthly things, of moral things or evangelical things, of sacred things or secular things, of past things or future things, of foreign things or domestic things, of essential things or incidental things, provided that any such discussion is profitable.
FAITHFUL: (Now having become impressed with his newfound conversationalist, he stepped aside to Christian, who was walking by himself, and softly spoke to him) What a brave companion we have here! Surely this man will make a very excellent pilgrim.
CHRISTIAN: (With a restrained smile) This man who you admire so much is able to beguile a multitude with his tongue, provided they are unfamiliar with him.
FAITHFUL: Then do you know him very well?
CHRISTIAN: Do I know him? Why yes, and even better than he knows himself.
FAITHFUL: Then seriously, do tell me who he is.
CHRISTIAN: His name is Talkative and he dwells in our former home Town; I am surprised that you do not know him, except for the reason that the City of Destruction is so large.
FAITHFUL: Who is his father? And exactly where does he live?
CHRISTIAN: He is the son of Say-well and he lives in Prating [Foolish Chatter] -row. All who really know him call him Talkative of Prating-row, and in spite of his eloquent manner of speaking, yet he remains a wretched fellow.
FAITHFUL: Well he seems to me to be a rather attractive sort of person.
CHRISTIAN: Yes, he does appear that way to those who are not well acquainted with him; for he looks at his best from a distance, but close up he is quite ugly. Your description of him as a handsome man brings to mind what I have noticed with regard to the painter; his pictures look best from a distance; but up close they are noticeably unpleasant.
FAITHFUL: But since you smile, can I conclude that you are offering merely an amusing comment?
CHRISTIAN: Even though I did smile, God forbid that I should make this a laughing matter, or that I should bring a false accusation against this man. I will simply reveal to you more about him. This man will accept any company, that is provided he is allowed to talk. Though this man will now talk with you, yet he will just as freely talk on the ale-bench [enjoying tavern conversation]. And the more drink he consumes, the more appropriate tavern talk he brings forth. Religion has no place in his heart, or home, or manner of living. All that he stands for is based upon his tongue; to make a noise with it is of the very essence of his religion.
FAITHFUL: What you say amazes me! Then I have been greatly deceived by this man.
CHRISTIAN: Deceived? Why you may be certain of it. Remember the proverb, “They say and do not: but the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” He talks of prayer, of repentance, of faith, and of the new birth; but he only knows how to talk about them. I have visited with his family and observed him both at home and far away, so I know what I say about him is the truth. His home is as empty of true religion as is the white of an egg void of flavor. At his residence there is neither prayer nor any sign of repentance for sin. Yes, even an animal species serves God better than he. To all who know him, he is the very stain, reproach, and shame of true religion; because of his reputation, the neighborhood in the City of Destruction where he lives hardly has a good word to say about him. The common people there know him as, “A saint abroad and a devil at home.”
His poor family can certainly agree with this because of their suffering of his extreme meanness and abusive language; even his servants are at a loss, in view of his unreasonableness, as to how they can satisfactorily fulfil their duties and address him. Men that do business with him say that, where a fair contract is sought, it is better to deal with a Turk [barbarian trader] than he. This Talkative, if it be possible, will defraud, beguile, and outsmart the most notorious of such foreign merchants.
In addition to this he brings up his sons to follow in his steps; and if he notices in any of them “a foolish timidness,” as he caricatures the first appearance of a tender conscience, then he bawls them out as being stupid and blockheads; for this cause he will rarely employ them or recommend them to others. It is my opinion that he has, by his wicked lifestyle, caused many to stumble and fall; except that God should intervene, he will undoubtedly lead many more to ruin.
FAITHFUL: Well, my brother, from what you say I am compelled to believe you, not only because you have personally known Talkative, but also because you give such a report with the right Christian attitude. I cannot imagine that you speak these things out of a malicious motive, but rather because of your love for the truth.
CHRISTIAN: Had I known him no more than you do, perhaps I might have thought of him as you did at first. Yes, and had I received such a report as this from the hands of those known to be the enemies of true religion, I would have thought it to be slanderous; sadly, the names and reputations of good men often suffer the lot of being defamed by bad men. But in addition to all these things, yes I have knowledge to prove him guilty of a great many more sorry matters that are equally as bad. Besides, good men are ashamed of him; they can neither call him brother nor friend; to those who know him, the mere mention of his name in their midst makes them blush.
FAITHFUL: Well, I see that saying and doing are two different things, and from now on I shall more carefully observe this distinction.
CHRISTIAN: They are two things indeed, and are as diverse as are the soul and the body. For as the body without the soul is but a dead carcass, so saying that excludes doing is but a dead carcass as well. The soul of true religion is the practical part. Pure and undefiled religion, in the sight of God the Father, is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. Talkative is not aware of this; he thinks that hearing and saying alone will make a good Christian pilgrim, and thus he deceives his own soul.

hearing is like the sowing of the seed; talking is not sufficient to prove that fruit is actually in the heart and life; and let us be perfectly clear that at the final day of doom, men shall be judged according to their fruit. It will not be said then, “Did you believe?” but, “Were you doers and talkers only?” and accordingly they will be judged. The end of this world is compared to our earthly harvesting, and you know that men at harvest time regard nothing but fruit or grain. This is not to say that anything can be accepted without faith. But I speak to you this way to show you how insignificant the mere profession of Talkative will be at that day.

FAITHFUL: This brings to my mind that word from Moses in which he describes the clean type of beast. He is one that divides the hoof and chews the cud, not that divides the hoof alone or chews the cud alone. The rabbit chews the cud, yet is unclean because he does not divide the hoof. This truth is applicable to Talkative, for he chews the cud, that is he seeks knowledge and chews upon the Word, but he does not divide the hoof, that is he does not separate himself from a sinful lifestyle; rather, as the rabbit, he retains the feet of a dog or bear, and therefore he is unclean.

CHRISTIAN: As far as I know, you have spoken the true gospel sense of those texts, and I will add one further thing. Paul calls some men sounding brass and tinkling cymbal, and he includes great talkers as well; that is, as he expounds about these sayers elsewhere, he describes them as noisy and yet lifeless. In being without life they lack true faith and the grace of the gospel. Consequently, these pilgrims shall never be placed in the kingdom of Heaven among those that are the children of life; and this remains true though their talk sounds like the voice of an angel.

FAITHFUL: Well, I was not so fond of his company to start with, but now I am quite sick of it. What shall we do to be rid of him?
CHRISTIAN: Just take my advice and do as I tell you; then you will find that he will soon be sick of your company too, that is except God should touch his heart and convert it.
FAITHFUL: What would you have me to do?
CHRISTIAN: Why go to him and enter into some serious discussion about the power of true religion. And ask him plainly, after he has agreed with this topic, which he will readily do, whether this power of true religion has been set up in his heart, house, or daily behavior.
FAITHFUL: (Stepping forward again, he addresses Talkative) Come, my friend, what comfort do you have? How are you keeping?
TALKATIVE: Thank you; I am well. Though I thought we would have had considerable talk by now.
FAITHFUL: Well, if you agree, let us now have some useful discussion; and since you allowed me to nominate a question, let it be this: How does the saving grace of God show itself when it indwells the heart of a man?
TALKATIVE: I notice then that our talk must be about the power of things? Well, this is a very good question, and I shall be more than willing to reply. So do accept my brief answer as follows. First, where the saving grace of God indwells the heart, there it causes a great outcry against sin. Secondly—
FAITHFUL: No, hold it there for a moment; let us consider each item one at a time. I think you should have rather said: It shows itself by inclining the soul to abhor its own sin.
TALKATIVE: But why do you say this? What difference is there between crying out against, and the abhorring of [personal] sin?
FAITHFUL: Oh a great deal; a man may cry out against sin in principle; but he cannot abhor it except by virtue of his having a profound godly aversion to it. I have heard many cry out against sin in the pulpit, who yet can willingly embrace it in the heart, and house, and daily behavior.
Joseph’s mistress cried out with a loud voice, as if she were godly and virtuous; but notwithstanding this, she would have agreeably committed adultery with him. Some cry out against sin, even as the mother cries out against her child in her lap, when she calls it a rude and naughty girl; then she quickly changes her mood and passionately devotes herself to hugging and kissing it.
TALKATIVE: I now see that you are trying to be clever and catch me out.
FAITHFUL: No, not I, for I am only attempting to set things straight. But what is the second thing that you would offer as proof of an evident work of grace in the heart?
TALKATIVE: It is a great knowledge of gospel mysteries.
FAITHFUL: This evidence should have been mentioned at the first, though it is false whether it be first or last. Knowledge, great knowledge may be obtained in the mysteries of the gospel, and yet no work of grace be present in the soul. Further, even if a man may have all knowledge, yet he may be nothing, and so consequently be no child of God. When Christ said, “Do you know all these things?” and the disciples answered, “Yes.” Then he added, “Blessed are you if you do them.” He does not offer this blessing in the mere knowing of his commands, but in the doing of them.
Consequently there is a knowledge that is not accompanied with doing; it is found in the servant who knows his master’s will, and yet fails to do it. A man may know like an angel, and yet not be a Christian at all. Therefore your proof is not valid. Indeed, to know is something which talkers and boasters find very pleasing. But to do is that which is pleasing to God.
Not that the heart can be good without knowledge. However, knowledge that is based upon the bare speculation of things and knowledge that is accompanied with the grace of faith and love, which constrains a man to do the will of God from the heart, these are not the same. The first of these is sufficient for the talker, but without the second the true Christian is not content. As the psalmist has written, “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law, yes, I shall observe it with my whole heart.”
TALKATIVE: You seem to be attempting to be clever again so as to catch me out; this has not become an edifying [spiritually profitable] conversation.
FAITHFUL: Well then, do offer another proof concerning how a work of grace in the heart is clearly evident.
TALKATIVE: No, not this time, for I now realize that we shall not agree.
FAITHFUL: Well, if you will not propose something, may I have your permission to speak in this way?
TALKATIVE: Do feel at liberty to go ahead.
FAITHFUL: A true work of grace in the heart is recognized either by the person himself or by others who observe him.
When the person himself gains this evidence, he receives conviction of sin, especially that conviction concerning the defilement of his nature and the sin of unbelief, for the sake of which he is certain to be damned unless he finds mercy at God’s hand through faith in Jesus Christ. This perspective and sensibility produces in him sorrow and shame for sin; moreover, he finds the Savior of the world revealed to him, and the absolute necessity of his closing with him for life, in which case he discovers a hunger and thirst for him, he to whom indeed the promise has been made.
Now according to the strength or weakness of his faith in his Savior, so is his joy and peace, so is his love for holiness, so are his desires to know him more, and also to serve him in this world. But though I explain that this is a revelation unto himself; yet it is seldom that he is able to conclude that this is a work of grace, because his present corruptions and his abused reason cause his mind to misjudge in this matter. Therefore, in he who has such an inward work, there is required very sound judgment before he can confidently conclude that this is a work of grace.
To others this work of grace is externally evidenced as follows. First, by a confession of faith in Christ born of genuine experience. Second, by a life that is in agreement with such a confession, that is a life of holiness, specifically heart holiness, family holiness (if he has a family), and by daily behavior holiness in the world.
So this holiness in general inwardly teaches him to abhor his sin and himself in the privacy of his heart; to suppress his sin in family life; and to promote holiness in the world. This he does, not by talk alone as the hypocrite or talkative person is accustomed to do, but by a practical subjection, through faith and love, to the power of the Word. And now Sir, concerning this brief description of the work of grace and its evidence in true religion, if you have any objections to what I have said, then do declare them right now. But if not, then allow me to propose to you a second question.
TALKATIVE: No, I have nothing more to say; it seems pointless to object; rather let me hear. So what is your second question?
FAITHFUL: It is this. Do you personally experience the first part of my description of a true work of grace? And do your life and daily behavior testify to this same experience? Or is your religion based solely upon word and speech, exclusive of deed and truth? By all means respond if you feel inclined to do so; but only speak that which you know the God of Heaven will accept as true, as well as that which your conscience can justify. For not he who commends himself is in reality approved, but he whom the Lord commends. Besides, to say that I am such and such, when my daily behavior and neighbors plainly testify that I lie, surely this is great wickedness.
TALKATIVE: (Beginning to blush, though recovering) You now focus upon experience and conscience and God, as well as appeals to Him for justification of what you say. I did not expect this kind of conversation, nor am I inclined to give an answer to such questions because I do not feel obliged to do so, that is unless you have appointed yourself as my catechizer [examiner]; and even if you had, I would probably refuse to have you as my judge. But I do long to know why you have asked me such questions.
FAITHFUL: Because I noticed your eagerness to talk while having no reason to believe that this was any more than notion [speculation]. Besides, to be very truthful with you, I have heard that by reputation you are a man whose religion is based upon pure talk, and that your daily behavior betrays the hypocrisy of your mouth-profession.
They say you are a stain in the midst of Christians, and that true religion suffers on account of your ungodly lifestyle, that some have already stumbled because of your wicked ways, and that more are in danger of making shipwreck of their faith. Your religion involves fellowship with tavern life and covetousness and uncleanness and swearing and lying and worldly company and more. The proverb that describes a prostitute is also descriptive of you; in that she is a shame to women, so you are similarly a shame to all genuine Christians.
TALKATIVE: Since you are quick to listen to reports about me, and to judge so rashly, I cannot but conclude that you are some irritable or mournful fellow who is not worthy of being conversed with, and so adieu [farewell].
CHRISTIAN: (Having approached his companion) Did I not tell you how this encounter would end? Your words and Talkative’s lusts could not agree. He preferred to leave your company rather than reform his life. But as I said, he is gone; so let him go. This loss belongs to none other than himself, and he has saved us the trouble of our departing from him. And assuming that he will continue as he is, he would only have been a stain on our company. Besides, the apostle says, “From such withdraw yourself.”
FAITHFUL: But I am glad that we had this short discussion with him; it may happen that he will further think about it. However, I have spoken plainly with him so that if he perishes, I am innocent of his blood.
CHRISTIAN: You did well to speak so frankly to him as you did; there is little of this faithful dealing with men today, and it is for this reason that true religion is so understandably odorous in the nostrils of many. For there are these talkative fools whose religion is only in word; they are morally corrupt and vain in their conversation, and on being so numerously admitted into the fellowship of the godly, do confuse the world, blemish Christianity, and grieve the sincere. I wish that all men would deal with these imposters as you have done; then they would either be made more agreeable to true religion, or else the fellowship of true pilgrims would prove to be too hot for them.

Then did Faithful say:
How Talkative at first lifts up his plumes!
How bravely does he speak! How he presumes
To drive down all before him! But so soon
As Faithful talks of heartwork, like the moon
That’s past the full, into the wane he goes;
And so will all, but he that heartwork knows.