Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/275

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The Pilgrim's Progress.
271

as her custom was, made coats and garments to give to the poor, by which she brought a very good report upon pilgrims.

But to return again to our story. After supper the lads desired a bed, for they were weary with travelling. Then Gaius called to show them to their chamber; but, said Mercy, I will have them to bed. So she had them to bed, and they slept well: but the rest sat up all night; for Gains and they were such suitable company, that they could not tell how to part. After much tall: of their Lord, themselves, and their journey, old Mr. Honest, he that put forth the riddle to Gaius, began to nod. Then said Great-heart, What, sir, you begin to be drowsy! some, rub up; here is a riddle for you. Then said Mr. Honest, Let us hear it. Then replied Mr. Great-heart,—

He that will kill, must first he overcome:
Who live abroad would, first must die at home.

Ha! said Mr. Honest, it is a hard one; hard to expound, and harder to practise. But come, landlord, said he, I will, if you please, leave my part to you; do you expound it, and I will hear what you say.

No, said Gaius; it Was put to you, and 'tis expected you should answer it. Then said the old gentleman,—

He first by grace must conquered be,
That sin Would mortify:
Who that he lives would convince me,
Unto himself must die.

It is right, said Gains; good doctrine and experience teach this. For, first, until grace displays itself, and overcomes the, soul with its glory, it is that together without heart to oppose sin. Besides, if sin is Satan's cord, by which the soul lies bound, how should it make resistance before it is loosed from that infirmity? Secondly, Nor will any one that knows either reason or grace, believe that such a man can be a living, monument of grace that rise slave to his own corrup-