The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

Let me, therefore, have your second question."
FAITHFUL: "It is this: Do you experience this first part of this
description of a saving work of grace? That is, does your life and
conduct testify to the same? Or is your religion only in word and tongue
— but not in deed and truth? Please, if you decide to answer me — then
say no more than you know that God will acknowledge as true. Also, say
nothing but what your conscience will justify you in — for it is not he
who commends himself who is approved — but he whom the Lord
commends. Besides, to say that you are such and such — when your
daily conduct, and all your neighbors can tell that you are lying, is great
wickedness."
Talkative then began to blush; but, recovering himself, he thus replied:
"You are now discoursing upon a person's experience and conscience,
and appealing to God for justification of what is spoken. I was not
expecting this kind of discourse — nor am I disposed to answer such
questions, because I am not obligated to do so — unless you have
appointed yourself to be my teacher. And even if you should do so — I
refuse to make you my judge. But, please, tell me why you ask me such
questions?"
FAITHFUL: "Because I saw that you were so eager to talk, and because I
did not know if you had anything but mere notions. Besides, to tell you
the truth, I have heard of you — that you are a man whose religion lies
only in talk, and that your conduct gives your profession the lie. They
say that you are a blemish among Christians; and that religion fares the
worse because of your ungodly conduct; that some already have
stumbled because of your wicked ways, and that more are in danger of
being destroyed thereby. Your religion — and an ale-house, and
Page
125 of 253