_Faith._ This sign should have been first: but, first or last, it is good for nothing. For there may be great knowledge, of the mysteries of the gospel, and yet no work of grace in the heart: yea, though a man have all knowledge, he may yet be nothing; and consequently no child of God. When Christ said, Do ye know all these things? And the disciples answered, yes: he said, _Happy are ye if ye do them_. He doth not lay the blessing in knowing, but in doing them. Therefore this sign also is not true.
_Talk._ You lie at the catch again. This is not for edification.
_Faith._ Well, if you please, mention any other sign how this work of grace is discovered.
_Talk._ Not I; for I see we shall not agree.
_Faith._ Will you give me leave to do it?
_Talk._ You may use your pleasure.
_Faith._ A work of grace in the soul is discovered to him that has it thus: first, He is convinced of sin, especially of the entire corruption of his nature, and of unbelief; for which he is condemned already, and hath the wrath of God abiding on him. Secondly, He receiveth redemption in _Christ_’s blood, the ♦forgiveness of sins. Thirdly, Being justified by faith, he hath that peace of God which passeth all understanding. Fourthly, He rejoiceth in hope of the glory of God; he rejoiceth that he hath now received the atonement, the Spirit of God bearing witness with his spirit, that he is a child of God. Fifthly, The love of God is shed abroad in his heart, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto him. And, lastly, Hereby he knoweth he is of God, because he keepeth his commandments and sinneth not.
♦ “foregiveness” replaced with “forgiveness”
It is discovered to others. 1. By his open confession of this faith, and peace, and joy, and love, and power over sin. 2. By a life answerable thereto; by universal obedience, by holiness in all manner of conversation.
Would you object any thing to this? If not, give me leave to propose a second question.
_Talk._ Nay, propose what you will.
_Faith._ Do you experience these things in your own heart? And doth your life answer thereto? Pray, say no more than your conscience can justify you in, and what you know God will say Amen to. For _not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth_.
_Talk._ This kind of discourse I did not expect, nor am I disposed to answer such questions. I am not bound to take you for my catechizer; and I do not understand why you ask them.
_Faith._ I ask them, because (to tell you the truth) I have heard that your religion lies in talk; that your life gives the lie to your profession; that you are a spot among Christians; and, by your unholy conversation, bring a reproach on that worthy name whereby we are called.
_Talk._ Since you judge so rashly, and are so ready to take up evil reports, you are not company for me; so farewel.
Then came up _Christian_, and said, I told you how it would be. You did well to speak plainly. I wish all men would deal with such men as you have done, and then either they would themselves come to be truly religious, or the company of those that are so would be too hot for them.
While he was yet speaking, they saw _Evangelist_ coming after them, who soon overtook them, and said, “Peace be unto you. How hath it fared with you, my friends, since the time of our last parting?”
Then _Christian_ and _Faithful_ told him of all things that had happened to them on the way.
_Evangelist._ I am glad that in all things ye are more than conquerors. I have sowed, and ye have reaped; and the day is coming, when both he that sowed, and they that reaped, shall rejoice together; that is, if ye endure to the end. For in due time ye shall reap, if ye faint not.
“My sons, you have heard in the words of the truth of the gospel, that ye must, thro’ much tribulation, enter into the kingdom of heaven. Therefore you cannot expect to go long on your pilgrimage, without meeting that whereto ye are called. You have found something of the truth of these testimonies already, and more will soon follow. For you will come to a town by and by, where you will be hard beset with enemies. But be ye faithful unto death, saith the Lord, and I will give you a crown of life.”
Then I saw in my dream, that almost as soon he had left them, they came in sight of a town called _Vanity_, where a great fair is kept all the year long, called _Vanity-fair_.
At this fair are sold houses, lands, trade, places, honours, preferments, titles, countries, kingdoms; delights of all sorts, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, silver, gold, precious stones, blood, lives, bodies and souls of men.
Moreover, here are at all times to be seen jugglings, cheats, games, plays, fools, knaves, and those of every kind. Here are to be seen too, and that for nothing, extortion, rapine, revenge, thefts, murders, adulterers, false swearers, and that of a blood-red colour.