Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/151

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147
The Pilgrim's Progress.

Then said Christian to Hopeful (but softly), Did I not tell you he cared not for our company? But, however. some up, and let us tall: away the time in this solitary place. Then, directing his Speech to Ignorance, he said, Come, how do you do? How stands it between God and your soul now?

Ignor. I hope well; for I am always full of good motions, that come into my mind to comfort me as I walk.

Chr. What good motions? Pray tell us.

Ignor. Why, I. think of God and heaven.

Chr. So do the devils and damned souls.

Ignor. But I think of them and desire them.

Chr. So do many that are never like to come there. "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing." (Prov. xiii. 4.)

Ignor. But I think of them, and leave all for them.

Chr. That I doubt; for leaving of all is a very hard matter—yea, a harder matter than many are aware of. But why, or for what, art thou persuaded that thou hast left all for God and heaven?

Ignor. My heart tells me so.

Chr. The wise man says, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool." (Prov. xxviii. 26.)

Ignor. That is spoken of an evil heart; but mine is a good one.

Chr. But how dost thou prove that?

Ignor. It comforts me in hopes of heaven.

Chr. That may be through its deceitfulness; for a man's heart may minister comfort to him in the hopes of that thing for which he has yet no ground to hope.

Ignor. But my heart and life agree together, and therefore my hope is well grounded.

Chr. Who told thee that the heart and life agree together?

Ignor. My heart tells me so.

Chr. Ask my fellow if I he a thief! Thy heart tells thee so! Except the word of God heareth Witness in this matter, other testimony is of no value.