The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

"Now, according to the strength or weakness of his faith in his Savior —
so is his joy and peace — so is his love to holiness — so are his desires to
know Him more, and to serve Him in this world.
"But though it reveals itself thus unto him — yet it is but seldom that he
is able to conclude that this is a true work of grace. For his corruptions,
along with his sin-tainted reason, cause his mind to misjudge in this
matter. Therefore, a very sound judgment in him who has this divine
work, is required before he can, with certainty, conclude that he has a
genuine work of grace in his heart.
"Now to others, this work of grace is thus manifested:
"First, by a heart-felt confession of his faith in Christ.
"Secondly, by a life consistent with that confession. Namely, a life of
holiness — heart-holiness, family-holiness — if he has a family, and by
conduct-holiness in the world. This work of grace in his heart teaches
him, inwardly, to abhor his sin, and himself for his sin, in secret. It also
teaches him outwardly to suppress sin in his family, and to promote
holiness in the world — not by talk only, as a hypocrite or talkative
person may do — but by a practical obedience, in faith and love, to the
Word of God.
"And now, Sir, as to this brief description of the work of grace, and also
the manifestation of it, if you have anything to object — then object.
But if not, then give me permission to propose a second question to
you.”
TALKATIVE: "My part is not now to object — but to hear.
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