Then Faithful stepped forward again, and said, Come, what cheer? How is it now?
Talk. I thank you, I thought we should have had a great deal of talk by this time.
Faith. Well then, let us begin; and since you leave me to chuse the question, let it be this? How does the saving grace of God discover itself, when it is in the heart of man?
Talk. I perceive then our talk is to be about the power of things. Well, ’tis a very good question. I answer thus; first, where the grace of God is in the heart, it causes a great outcry against sin. Secondly,—
Faith. Nay, hold. Let us consider one at once. I think you should rather say, it causeth the soul to abhor sin.
Talk. Why, what difference is there between crying out against, and abhorring sin?
Faith. O, a great deal. I have heard many cry out against sin, who could abide it well enough in the heart, house, and conversation. Some cry out against sin, as a mother cries out against the child in her lap: when she calls it slut and naughty girl; and then falls to kissing and hugging it.
Talk. You lie at the catch, I perceive.
Faith. No, not I. I am only for setting matters right. But what is the second thing, which discovers a work of grace in the heart?
Talk. Great knowledge of gospel mysteries.