The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

two very distinct kinds of knowledge. There is a knowledge which rests
in the bare speculation of things — and there is a knowledge which is
accompanied with the graces of faith and love; which puts a man upon
obeying the will of God from the heart. The first of these will serve the
mere talker — but the true Christian is not content without obedience.
'Give me understanding — and I shall keep Your law. Yes, I shall observe
it with my whole heart!’”
TALKATIVE: "You are trying to trap me in my words again! This is not
pleasing conversation.”
FAITHFUL: "Well, if you please, propound another sign which shows
how this work of grace reveals itself in the heart."
TALKATIVE: "Not I, for I see that we shall not agree."
FAITHFUL: "Well, if you will not, will you give me permission to do it?"
TALKATIVE: "You may if you desire."
FAITHFUL: "A work of grace in the soul reveals itself, both to him who
has it — and to others. To him who has it, thus: It gives him conviction
of sin, especially of the defilement of his nature and the sin of unbelief
— for the sake of which he is sure to be damned, if he does not find
mercy at God's hand, by faith in Jesus Christ. This sight and sense of
sin, works in him sorrow and shame for sin. He finds, moreover, that
Jesus is revealed as the Savior of the world — and the absolute necessity
of believing in Him for eternal life, whereby he hungers and thirsts
after Him; to which hungerings and thirstings, the promise of salvation
is made.
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