Season 5 Podcast 97 John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Episode 28 Chapter 5 G, “Talkative cont. Grace and Works.”

A New Voice of Freedom

Season 5 Podcast 97 John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Episode 28 Chapter 5 G, “Talkative cont. Grace and Works.”

In last week’s episode we were introduced to Talkative. Faithful was taken in by Talkative; however, Christian, who knew him previously said, “He is the son of one Say-well. He dwelt in Prating Row, and is known to all that are acquainted with him by the name of Talkative of Prating Row; and notwithstanding his fine tongue, he is but a sorry fellow. In this episode Christian continues to unveil the true character of Talkative.

Chris. Had I known him no more than you, I might, perhaps, have thought of him as at first you did; yea, had he received this report only from those that are enemies to religion, I should have thought it had been a slander, a lot that often falls from bad men's mouths upon good men's names and professions. But all these things, yea, and a great many more as bad, of my own knowledge I can prove him guilty of. Besides, good men are ashamed of him: they can neither call him brother nor friend; the very naming of him among them makes them blush, if they know him.

Faithful promises to be more discerning.

Faith. Well, I see that saying and doing are two things, and hereafter I shall better observe the difference between them.

Faithful, who intertwines scripture, appeals to James in the New Testament who gives us a better understanding of Talkative.

Chris. They are two things, indeed, and are as diverse as are the soul and the body; for, as the body without the soul is but a dead carcase, so saying, if it be alone, is but a dead carcase also. The soul of religion is the practical part. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." This, Talkative is not aware of: he thinks that hearing and saying will make a good Christian, and thus he deceiveth his own soul. Hearing is but as the sowing of the seed; talking is not sufficient to prove that fruit is indeed in the heart and life. And let us assure ourselves that, at the day of doom, men shall be judged according to their fruits.

4 RON

It is the purpose of James to make the scriptures live by personifying the virtues and vices taught by the Apostles and Prophets. Faithful symbolizes those Christians who are humble enough to be taught.

5 LINDA

Faith. Well, I was not so fond of his company at first, but I am as sick of it now. What shall we do to be rid of him?

Faithful personifies the following words of Christ.

Matthew 18:2-4

“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Christian advises Faithful on how to deal with Talkative.

Chris. Take my advice, and do as I bid you, and you shall find that he will soon be sick of your company too, except God shall touch his heart and turn it.

Faith. What would you have me to do?

Chris. Why, go to him, and enter into some serious conversation about the power of religion and ask him plainly (when he has approved of it, for that he will) whether this thing be set up in his heart, house or conduct.

Christian has taken the part of Evangelist who taught him how to navigate the treacherous waters of Satan. It reminds one of the Savior’s words to Peter, “And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” That is how the true gospel works. We teach each other. Notice in the following dialogue how easily Talkative is manipulated to reveal his true feelings.