The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

notwithstanding that, she would have willingly 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 naughty girl — and then begins
hugging and kissing it."
TALKATIVE: "I perceive that you are trying to trap me in my words.”
FAITHFUL: "No, not I! I am only trying to be precise. But what is the
second sign whereby you would prove a work of grace in the heart?"
TALKATIVE: "Great knowledge of Gospel mysteries."
FAITHFUL: "This sign should have been first — but first or last, it is also
false. For knowledge, great knowledge of the mysteries of the Gospel
may be obtained — and yet there be no work of grace in the soul. Yes, a
man may have all knowledge — and yet be nothing, and consequently
not be a child of God.
"When Christ said, 'Do you know all these things?' and the disciples had
answered, 'Yes' — He adds, 'Blessed are you if you do them.' He does not
lay the blessing in the knowing of them — but in the doing of them. For
there is a head knowledge which is not attended with a corresponding
practice: 'He who knows his master's will, and does not carry out those
instructions, will be severely punished!' A man may have the
knowledge of an angel — and yet not be a Christian. Therefore your
sign of it is not true.
"Indeed, to know is a thing that pleases talkers and boasters; but to do is
that which pleases God. Not that the heart can be good without
knowledge; for without knowledge, the heart knows nothing. There are
Page
122 of 253