Page:The Pilgrim's Progress, the Holy War, Grace Abounding Chunk1.djvu/145

Rh Chr. Why, What was it that brought your sins to mind again?

Hope. Many things; as,—

1. If I did but meet a good man in the streets; or

2. if I have heard any read in the Bible; or,

3. If mine head did begin to ache; or,

4. If I were told that some of my neighbours were sick; or,

5. If I heard the hell toll for some that were dead; or,

6. If I thought of dying myself; or,

7. If I heard that sudden death happened to others;

8. But especially when I thought of myself, that I must quickly some to judgment.

Chr. And could you at any time, with ease, get off the guilt of sin, when by any of these ways it came upon you?

Hope. No, not I: for then they got faster hold of my conscience; and then, if I did but think of going back to sin (though my mind was turned against it), it would be double torment to me.

Chr. And how did you then?

Hope. I thought I must endeavour to mend my life; for else, thought I, I am sure to be damned.

Chr. And did you endeavour to mend?

Hope. Yes; and fled from not only my sins, but sinful company too, and betool: me to religious duties, as praying, reading, weeping for sin, speaking truth to my neighbours, etc. These things did I, with many others, too much here to relate.

Chr. And did you think yourself well then?

Hope. Yes, for a While; but at the last my trouble came tumbling upon me again, and that over the neck of all my reformations.

Chr. How came that about, since you were now reformed?

Hope. There were several things brought it upon me, especially such sayings as these: "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags"—"By the works of the law shall no flesh be