I.
IN the estimation of not a few one of the finest passages in the Pilgrim’s Progress is the account of the Pilgrims gathering at the River the last obstacle between them and the gate of the City. Most of their trials are over, the gate of the City is within sight and there is now but two difficulties to meet. Right before them was the Bridgeless River. Oh! that deep flowing dark River. Was there no bridge across? By a few masterly strokes of his pen the great allegorist sketches the reactions to the new and formidable obstacle that confronts them. They were stunned at the sight of the River. They were told they must go through the River to get to the gate. Then they began to inquire if there was no other way to the gate. They were answered, Yes; but that none but two since the foundation of the world, to wit Enoch and Elijah got by that way until the last trumpet shall sound. At this news Christian began to despond and began to look about, to look this way and that but no way could be found by which they could escape the River. They then asked if the waters were all of a depth and they were told by the men who were with them No; they were also told they would find the waters deeper and shallower as they believed in the King of the Country.
CHRISTIAN PASSES OVER.
As he entered the waters he began to sink and cried out to his friend, Hopeful, “I sink in deep waters; the billows go over my head, all His waves go over me, Selah.” Then said Hopeful “Be of good cheer my brother, I feel the bottom and it is good. Then said Christian: “Ah my friend, the sorrows of death hath compassed me about, I shall not see the land that flows with milk and honey.” A great darkness and horror now fell on Christian. He could not remember any of the sweet refreshments that he had met with in his pilgrimage. He was not troubled by the thoughts of his sins before and after he began his pilgrimage. Sometimes he seemed to be quite gone and then for a while he would rise again half dead when Hopeful would comfort him by saying: “Brother, I see the gate, and men standing by it to receive us.” But Christian would not be comforted. “‘Tis for you they wait,” he would reply. “Ah, brother,” said he if I was right He would now rise to help me. But for my sins He hath brought me into the snare and hath left me. Hopeful reminded him that he had forgotten the text which says of the wicked, “There is no bands in their death but their strength is firm; they are not troubled as other men neither are they plagued like other men.” These troubles and distresses that you go through in these waters are no sign that God hath forsaken you; but are sent to try you whether you will call to mind that which you heretofore have received of His goodness and live upon Him in your distresses.