The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

of sin; but being naturally ignorant, they do not understand that such
convictions tend to their good. Therefore they desperately seek to stifle
them, and presumptuously continue to flatter themselves in the way of
their own hearts."
HOPEFUL: "I do believe, as you say, that fear tends much to men's good
— to set them right at their beginning to go on pilgrimage."
CHRISTIAN: "Without doubt it does — if it is right fear; for so says the
Word, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.'"
HOPEFUL: "How would you describe the right fear?"
CHRISTIAN: "True or right fear is manifested by three things:
"First. By its rise — it is caused by saving convictions for sin.
"Second. It drives the soul to lay fast hold on Christ for salvation.
"Third. It begets and continues in the soul a great reverence of God, His
Word, and His ways — keeping the soul tender, and making it afraid to
turn from them, to the right hand or to the left — to anything that may
dishonor God, break its peace, grieve the Spirit, or cause the enemy to
speak reproachfully."
HOPEFUL: "Well said! I believe you have explained the truth. Have we
now almost gotten past the Enchanted Ground?"
CHRISTIAN: "Why, are you weary of this discourse?”
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