The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

new birth — but he only knows how to talk of them. I have been in his
family, and have observed him both at home and abroad — and I know
what I say about him is the truth.
"His house is as empty of religion, as the white of an egg is of flavor. At
his home, there is neither prayer, nor repentance for sin — even the
brute animals serve God far better than he. To all who know him, he is
the very stain, reproach, and shame of religion! Because of him, God's
name is blasphemed at that end of town where he dwells. Thus the
people who know him say, 'A saint abroad — and a devil at home!' His
poor family finds it so, as he is such an ogre. He is so unreasonable with
his servants and scolds them so — that they neither know what to do
for him, or how to speak to him.
"Men who have any business with him, say that it is better to deal with
infidels than with him — for then they would have fairer dealings. For
Talkative would go beyond them to defraud, beguile and cheat them.
"He also brings up his sons to follow his steps; and if he finds in any of
them a foolish timidity — for so he calls the first appearance of a tender
conscience — then he calls them fools and blockheads, and will neither
employ them, nor recommend them to others. For my part, I am of the
opinion that he has, by his wicked life, caused many to stumble and fall;
and will be, if God does not prevent it, the ruin of many more."
FAITHFUL: "Well, my brother, I am bound to believe you; not only
because you say that you know him — but also because, like a Christian,
you give honest reports of men. For I know that you do not speak these
things out of ill-will — but because it is the truth."
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