The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-08-14

2 been great bonfires of opium parapher-
2 MALTA in China Similarly there have
f been heaps of idols whose burning has
= spelled out the power of the name OF
t Jesus. For from this old Ephesian in
} cident we are reminded that naught
Y should be permitted to stand between a
t soul and it's loyalty to God.
; The Great Duel.
Terse Comments for August Is, "Pil-
grim's Progress Series. VIII. Two
Valleys" Ps. 22:1-s; Mic. 7:7, g.;
Rom. $3.50.
BY WILLIAM T. ELLIS.
Unfortunate is the young person who
has never read, and been thrilled by the
great duel between Apollyon and Chris
tian in the Valley of Humiliation, as
John Bunyan has described it. Neither
the theology nor the imagery of this
great allegory is in all points peri ect.
yet it is true to life in this chapter.
Well it is for youth to know that who
soever sets out on the way of right
eousness will have hot foes to face and
bitter fighting to undergo. We are so
emphasizing the beauty and dignity of
human nature in these days, that We
are in danger of losing sight OF the fact
that character must be fought for. The
battles on the field of Man-soui are the
| fiercest heaven witnesses. The duel
| with evil is one that no person can
| escape, and yet win to celestial heights.
Moreover, though the teaching is not
not be forgotten that in this life there
| are malignant forces within US ana
! about us that seek to destroy all holy
aspirations and endeavOrs.
The devil has gone out of fashion, but
not out Of business.
After the Palace comes the Valley.
! Pilgrim had enjoyed the delights and
| comforts of Christian fellowship. He
had been given transporting expert
ences. He had been newly armed and
prepared for his journey. Never had
| his choice seemed so wise, his way SO
desirable or his end so sure, as when
the sweet maidens escorted him forth
age. Right ahead. though. lay the Val
ley of Humiliation, and the foul f1end
Apollyon. The picture is true to ma
ture. Reaction always follows exalta-
ton. Depression travels close in the
train of elation. The hour of danger Is
the hour following the most inspiring
experiences. The Valley lies just past
the Palace.
The Palace precedes the Valley; there
Is a special preparation for every ex-
traordinary experience that is to be un-
dergone God arms his soldiers for all
approaching battles.
This has been rare summer to
many Christians. They have been per-
mitted to attend great conventions aud
conferences which have seemed to them |
veritable Mountains of Transfgurat on-
Or, to adhere to the figure of Pilgrim 8 |
furnished in the Palace Beautiful, |
whence they have caught visions of the |
Detachable Mountains. 1t has seemed
as If life can never again be the same
to them. But let them beware. 1t may
be that the Valley of Humiliation lies
Just before them. All the equipment Of
their great experience will be needed to
deliver them from peculiar besetments
az for Yf that await them The
power Of the palace Will be their sue
cor in the valley.
No arnor was provided for Chris
tian's back There is no provision made
for the defeat of the Kings soldiers on
the Kings highway. ~
No amount of emotion or glow, and
no sublime and ecstatic experience, can
deliver a Christian from the necessity
of fighting with the powers of dark
ness.
The worlds greatest wars are spirit
ual. The soul is the bloodiest battle
ground. And in these conflicts there
are no ubiquitous war correspondents,
no spectators, and no glory except the
victory itself and the consciousness of
the Kings well done" A man may
be fighting for his very life, spiritually,
at the time when his neiGhbors are adj
miring or envying him.
Talk plainly to the tempter. Don't
bubble and evade and try to be polite.
A victory is almost won when a Chris
tan can look the devil in the face and
tell him that he is the devil. Listen to
the ring of these words of Christian:
20 thou destroying Apollyon, like his
(my Princess, service. his wges. his
government, his company, and his !
country better than thine"
Evil can rarely stand being called by
It's proper name.
lies the valley of the shadow of
ieath This is the dread Of most
souls. Death has come to be called
the king of terrors." Before him {
the most daring spirits quail. The
world will not soon forget the picture
IF the Sultan of Turkey, when the
committee from the Young Turks
vent to Yildiz Kiosk to announce his
deposition, as he fell cringing and C
covering before them, bidding them a
AXE ALL but only spare his life. t
Death is most dreadful to the worst
md least fearful to the best. For it
S one Of the enemies conquered by
christ, so that Christians have G
earned to cry, with the apostle. 20
Ieath. where is thy sting? o grave!
where is thy victory?" r
Not until he was through the val r
ev did the Pilgrim realize what he =
Iad escaped The full significance of
fe can only be understood when it Il,
) viewed from the farther bank of fe
he river. The greatness of the souls w
can be appreciated only Re
nmmm&ammA.mm E