The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

mind at first began to be shaken with the Word, I endeavored to shut my
eyes against its light.”
CHRISTIAN: "But what was the cause for your resistance to the first
workings of God's blessed Spirit upon you?"
HOPEFUL: "There were several causes:
"First, I was ignorant that this was the work of God upon me. I never
thought that God begins the conversion of a sinner through convictions
of sin.
"Secondly, sin was yet very sweet to my flesh — and I was reluctant to
leave it.
"Thirdly, I could not tell how to part with my old companions — their
presence and actions were so desirable to me.
"Finally, my convictions of sin were so troublesome and heartaffrighting
— that I could not endure the thought of them in my heart."
CHRISTIAN: "Then, as it seems, sometimes you got rid of your
convictions of sin?”
HOPEFUL: "Yes, truly — but they would come into my mind again, and
then I would be as bad — nay, worse than I was before."
CHRISTIAN: "Why, what was it that brought your sins to mind again?"
…He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment… John 16:8
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