Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1909-02-17
CHRISTIAN ENDEAv0R.
Prayer Meeting Topic Fer the Week
Beginning Feb. 81, 1909.
BY REV. s. IT. DOYLE.

0e9enutn9 rep. ~, tSCS.
By REV. 8. H. DOYLE.
Topic.-"Piigrim's Progress series.-II.
The Slough of Despond.-Ps. Xix. IA.
ELS; xl, 1-3.
In leaving the City of Destruction
Christian was directed by Evangelist
n to what to do, and he started on
his march to the wicket gate. On the
way he met two men. one Obstinate
and the other Pliable. He told them
his purpose and urged them to accom-
pany him. Obstinate. as his name In
aicates, refused, but Pliable, as also
indicated by his name, was easily per-
suaded to journey with him toward
the kingdom where they were to have
everlasting life, wear crowns of glory
and garments Of splendor, all was to
be pleasant and free from evil and
where they would associate with heav-
emily creatures.
Conversing about these things as
they walked, they drew nigh to a
very miry slough that was in the
midst of the plain, and they, being
needless, did both fall suddenly INTO
the bog. The name of the slough was
Despond."
The Slough of Despond represents
The Encouragement and fears of those
lust starting upon the Christian life.
They start with buoyancy, perhaps
thinking that they are to be carried
10 the skies on f1owery beds of ease"
But they soon learn their mistakes.
All temptations come back. The way
Is sometimes rough ard hard, and
they become Respondent. Instead OF
rejoicing they feel, as the psalmist ex-
presses it, that they are in mire Of
clay, that they are vile and loath-
some, and, like Christian, they seem
to sink deeper and deeper into the
mire of the slough. And happy are
those who II they get into such con-
dition rise above 1t by the grace and
help of Cod But He is able to help
us, and in the deepest hours Of de-
spondency we should trust Him, for
He Is thereabout to raise us up into
the clear light of firm faith. as 'the
darkest hour is just before the dawn"
Pllable in the Slough Of FDespond be-
came offended and angry He rallied
at Christian. saying: as this the hap
piness you have told me of all the
while? If we have such i'll speed at
our first setting out, what may we ex-
pect between this and our journeys
end? May I get out again with my
life you shall possess the whole coun-
,J1 20 he 10
desperate struggle and got out of the
mire next to his own home, toward
which he went, and Christian saw
him no more. The picture of Pliable
is a familiar one How many start
toward the heavenly city and soon
But this is, against divine teaching
and typifies weak character. Christ
has said, mo man having put his
hand to the plow and looking back is
fit for the kingdom of God"
Christian after the departure Of PHI
able was left to struggle alone in the
slough. But he did not become dis
couraged The burden upon his shout
der made the struggle difficult, but he
kept on, striving to reach the bank
nearest the wicket gate. At last he
reached it. but could not ascend be-
cause of the burden upon his back.
Then appeared one named Help, who
took him by the hand land drew him
out and set him upon the sound
ground and let him go on his way"
But before his departure Help ex-
planned to him that the slough could
not he filed up because after CONVEX
sion sinners still had fears and
doubts and must pass through these
that their faith might become firm
and strong Christians attitude to-
ward the Slough of Despond is the
proper one and should be an example
to all Christians. We should struggle
on and pray on, and Help will come.
God Is our refuge and strength, a
present help In all time Of trouble"
II waited patiently for the Lord"
says the psalmist. 'and He inclined
unto me and heard my cry. He
brought me up also out Of the horrible
pit and the miry clay and set my feet
upon rock and established my GO
tngs."
BIBLE READINGS.
Ps. xvii, IA; xviii, 10; XVI, 1, 2;
Prov. iv. 1927; John xiv, 1-3; Luke *,
e.; Cor. XIV. So; Gal. vi, 8; Rev. II,
10; vii, 11-17; xxi, IT.