Hi. All. There is a book that is the most published in the world only beaten by the Bible. I refer to "The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan. I am sure a lot of you have read it but has it occurred to you how it parallels our condition? Christian, (Bunyan's hero) sets out on a journey. He leaves the 'City of Destruction'. It begins with Christian looking at a book, "with a great burden on his back". As he read he "wept and trembled". (recognise this?). I believe Christian was having a breakdown. He left his wife and family and began a journey to the "Celestial City' where he hoped to find peace. He had many strange adventures and met many strange people (Haven't we all!) Now Christian and his friend, HOPEFUL, stray from the true path (because the other way seemed better)!. They spend the night, unknowingly, in a field owned by GIANT DESPAIR who lived in DOUBTING CASTLE.
He caught them and locked them up in a dungeon. Giant Despair had a wife called DIFFIDENCE. (Lacking self confidence!). She told the Giant to beat the prisoners, which he did. When this did not seem to have any effect she suggested that they should be encouraged to 'do away with themselves' for their situation was hopeless as they would never get out of their state! He even gave them a knife with which to do this. "Brother ,said Christian, what shall we do? The life we now lead is miserable. For my part, I know not whether it is best to live thus, or to die out of hand". Giant Despair subjected them to all forms of torture. Finally, shaking, trembling and depressed they thought it may be right to give up. The Giant's wife counselled that she felt the prisoners were waiting for someone to come and help them! One night Christian awoke. "What a fool am I to thus to lie in this stinking dungeon, when I may well walk at liberty. I have a key in my bosom called PROMISE which will open any door in Doubting Castle". He plucked the key out of his bosom and opened the door easily. They had been locked up in SELF DOUBT and FEAR but had the key to their problem all along.
Best wishes and Love. jonathan.
