Chapter 12

As Christian left the Palace Beautiful where he had been so kindly entertained, he asked the Porter at the gate if he had seen any other pilgrims pass that way recently.

"Yes," replied the Porter, "One went by not very long ago.  I inquired his name and he told me it Faithful."

"Oh," said Christian with great joy, "I know him.  How long has it been since he went by?"

"Quite some time," answered Watchful.  "I suppose he has reached the foot of the hill by this time."

"I hope I can overtake him," said Christian.  "He would be a pleasant companion."

With the four sisters whose guest he had been, accompanying him, Christian started hastily down the hill.  Soon, however, he discovered that he must go more slowly and carefully for the hill was very steep and there was constant danger of slipping.  Once Christian slipped and slid a considerable distance before he stopped himself and prevented a fall.

"I believe it is harder going down the hill than it was climbing up the other side," he said to Prudence, who was walking beside him."

"That is right," she replied.  "This is the Valley of Humiliation, and many who climb the Hill Difficulty with strength and fortitude, find it very trying to descend into the valley."

Watching their steps carefully, they arrived safely at the foot of the hill.  There the sisters handed Christian some small parcels which they had carried and which he discovered contained bread and raisins and other refreshments for the journey.  Then his friends returned to the Palace Beautiful and Christian continued alone into the Valley of Humiliation.

He had gone but a short distance when he saw a terrible fiend coming through the narrow valley to meet him.  Such a terrifying creature as this he had never seen.  Christian stood still.  What should he do?  He had no desire to fight such a monster.  He thought of his new armor.  It was untried but he knew it was of the best.

He thought, I am fully protected except for my back.  If I turn and run I will make a fine target for his fiery darts and will be without covering.  I will stand my ground.

Apollyon, for that was what the monster was called, although his name was really Satan, came on quickly and looked with scorn upon the brave pilgrim.

"Who are you and where are you going?" he demanded.

"I am Christian.  I have come from the City of Destruction and am on my way to Mount Zion."

"Aha," replied Apollyon, "you are a subject of mine.  I am prince of all the country where the City of Destruction lies.  What do you mean by running away from my service?"

"I was indeed born in your dominion," answered Christian fearlessly, "but your service was hard, and no man can live on the wages you give, for 'the wages of sin is death,' and so when I heard the way of salvation I received it gladly."

"I will not have you leave my service so," argued the other.  "If you will return to me I will give you a much better time than you have ever had.  What do you say?"

"I will not," replied Christian.  "I have pledged my allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ, and no matter what passing pleasure you might give me, it could not compare for one moment with the joy He gives.  His blessings are eternal and are so many that it is impossible to number them.  I do not care to return  to your service."

Then Apollyon changed his argument.  "You have already been unfaithful to your Lord and do you expect Him to keep such a servant as you?"

"Wherein have I been unfaithful?" asked Christian.

Then Apollyon recounted how Christian had slept in the arbor and had lost the precious roll.  He told also of his fear of the lions that were chained before the Palace Beautiful, and of the times he had slipped on the descent into the Valley of Humiliation.

"It is all true," answered Christian, "and more beside, but I have confessed it all to my Lord and He is faithful and just to forgive all my sin and to cleanse me from it."

At that Apollyon broke into a rage and screamed at Christian, "I hate your Lord!  I hate His laws and I hate His people.  I will not let you serve Him.  I will slay you first."

With that Apollyon threw a flaming arrow at Christian's heart, hoping to defeat him with a single blow.  But Christian did not carry the Shield of Faith

for nothing, and the dart fell to the ground.  Then his adversary grew more angry than before and threw his burning darts faster and faster.  Doubts and fears and whispers of unbelief flew around Christian.  He defended himself valiantly and even drew his sword to make a thrust at his enemy.  Thicker and faster came Satan's darts until finally Christian realized that he was wounded in the foot.  That startled him for an instant, and while he was off guard he received an arrow in the hand.  Then his head was struck just below the helmet.

Christian was now growing rapidly weaker and Apollyon saw his advantage.  Rushing in close to the weary pilgrim, he thought to finish the fight quickly.  With a quick thrust he knocked Christian's sword from his hand and thought surely this would end his opponent's resistance.

However, Apollyon had failed to take into account Christian's secret weapon: prayer.  With a prayer in his heart Christian was again able to grasp his sword, the Word of God, and to give Apollyon such a thrust that he drew back wounded.  He saw that he could not conquer Christian and with a final roar he sped away.

The fight had lasted nearly half a day and Christian was weak and wounded, but he rejoiced in his victory and knelt to give thanks to God who had caused him to triumph.  He sat and ate the refreshments which had been given him by Prudence and her sisters; then he applied some leaves from the Tree of Life to his wounds.  Soon he felt ready to continue his journey.  He went cautiously forward with his sword drawn, for he expected to meet other enemies in the valley.  But there were no other conflicts to hinder him and before long he reached the end of the valley and came again into open country.

We admire Christian's armor and the fight he waged against Apollyon-Satan.  God offers the same armor to every child of His, for in Ephesians 6, He tells us to "put on the whole armor of God."  The parts of it are listed and they are the same that Christian had.  Let's name them: