The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

just by becoming religious, which is good! Therefore, to become
religious to get all these, is a good and profitable endeavor.”
This answer, made by Mr. Money-love to Mr. By-end's question, was
highly applauded by them all. They therefore concluded that it was
most wholesome, advantageous and unable to be contradicted. Because
Christian and Hopeful had opposed Mr. By-ends previously — they
jointly agreed to challenge them with the same question as soon as they
caught up with them — for they were still within sight. But they decided
that old Mr. Hold-the-world — and not Mr. By-ends, should propose
the question to them. For they supposed that Christian and Hopeful's
discussion with Mr. Hold-the-world would be less heated.
So they called after Christian and Hopeful — and they stopped and
stood still until the four men caught up to them. After a short greeting,
Mr. Hold-the-world put forth the question to Christian and Hopeful,
and asked them to answer it if they could.
CHRISTIAN: "Even a babe in religion may answer ten thousand such
questions. For if it is unlawful to follow Christ for mere loaves — then
how much more abominable it is to attempt to make Him and religion
into an instrument to gain and enjoy the world. Nor do we find any
other than heathen, hypocrites, devils, and sorcerers, who are of this
opinion.
"First, the Heathen are of this religion. For when Hamor and Shechem
desired to obtain the daughter and the cattle of Jacob — they were told
that there was no way for them to procure them but by becoming
circumcised. So they reasoned, 'Will not their livestock and their
property all become ours? Therefore let us consent to their request.'
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