Pilgrim's Progress, continued

Lesson 3

Do you remember where we left Pilgrim?  Yes, he and Mr. Pliable were on their way to the Wicket Gate and the shining light, while Mr. Obstinate, who was like his name, refused to hear God's word and returned to the City of Destruction.

As Pilgrim and Mr. Pliable walked along, Mr. Pliable was very impatient to get to the good land of which he had read in Pilgrim's Book.

"Come on," he said, "Let's go faster."

"I cannot go faster," answered Pilgrim, 'because of this great burden I carry."

Mr. Pliable had no burden for he did not realize that he was a sinner, and you will remember that it was Pilgrim's sins which made the great burden he carried.

Then, as they walked along, talking and not watching where they were going, they suddenly found themselves in a great mud hole.  It was terrible--far worse than any mud hole you or I have ever seen.  The thick, black, slimy mud seemed to grip their feet and legs, and the more they struggled, the deeper they sank into the mire.  It was the Slough of Despond!

"If you are so sure of where you are going, Pilgrim, tell me where we are now," exclaimed Mr. Pliable angrily.

"I do not know," replied Pilgrim, sadly.

"Is this the happiness you spoke of?" jeered Mr. Pliable.  "Well, let me tell you that if I ever get out of this terrible place alive I will be quite satisfied to return to my old home, and you can possess your wonderful country by yourself."

Pulling with all his strength, he succeeded in getting out of the mud on the side of the Slough nearest the City of Destruction and returned there as quickly as he could.

You see, Mr. Pliable had no load of sins.  He had many sins but they were not a burden to him because he did not realize how holy and righteous God is.  He did not know that he needed to be saved.  His name means "easily persuaded" and he, like Mr. Obstinate, resembled his name.  So, when he heard Pilgrim speaking of the glories of the Celestial city, he thought it would be pleasant to go there, but because he did not think himself a sinner, he did not know that he had to have his sins washed away before he could enter the Celestial City.  That was the reason he was satisfied to return to the City of Destruction when the way became difficult.

But, Pilgrim would not return to the City of Destruction.  he had set his face toward the Celestial (Heavenly)  City; so he struggled in the mire and finally reached the opposite side of the slough.  Here he found that because of the great load he carried, he could not climb the bank.  He was almost in despair when he heard a voice above him say, "What are you doing there, my man?"

Pilgrim looked up and saw a man whose name was Help.  He was standing on the firm ground and seemed ready to extend a hand and help Pilgrim out of the mire and mud.

"I was fleeing from the judgment that is coming," replied Pilgrim, "and was so afraid that I fell into this terrible mire."

Then Help gave him his hand, drew him out of the Slough and helped him to stand on solid ground.  help told something of the history of the Slough for he had been there often to assist those who were caught in the mire.  He said many people seeking the way to the Celestial City fell into it, although there were steps across the Slough which would enable one to cross safely if he were careful.

Do you know what the word "despond" means?  Before we can understand this part of our story we will have to find out, for this name, like all the names in our story of Pilgrim's Progress, is very important.  "Despond" mans "to be without hope."  So, you see, as Pilgrim and Pliable were on their way talking about Heaven and the fact that no sin was allowed there, each began to think, I don't believe I'll ever be good enough to go to a place like that.  Suddenly they found themselves in the Slough of Despond because they had no hope of ever being good enough to go to Heaven.

They were right, of course.  They never could be good enough to go to Heaven.

But, Mr. Pliable, who did not consider himself a sinner, did not stay there long, for he did not even want to think about being lost, so he took the easiest way.  He returned to the place from which he had come and was never saved.

Pilgrim acted differently.  He knew he had a great load of sins from which he wanted to be free.  He knew that judgment was coming upon the city which he had left.  But the more he thought of God's holiness, the heavier his load of sins became.  The more he tried to escape his hopeless condition, the worse it seemed to get.

Then Help came.  I think Help must have really been a message from the Word of God. Perhaps through this verse, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (I Timothy 1:15).

But, remember that Pilgrim had to take hold of Help before he could help him.  We must take hold of the precious promises of God before they can help us.  We must believe His Word to be blessed by it!
 

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