Christian Routs Apollyon

CHRISTIAN ROUTS APOLLYON "For half a day they fought. Apollyon struck his sword from his hand and pressed him almost to death, but Christian got his sword again and struck Apollyon such a blow that he spread his dragon's wings and flew away." wherein dwelt hobgoblins, satyrs, and dragons of the pit. But Christian drew his sword and went stead fastly on. At last he came safely through, and he thought he heard a voice going before him saving: " Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me." Two Friends that Meet in the Dawn In the dawn he overtook Faithful who was on the same journey. Very glad of good company they went on together, and as they emerged from a great Wilder ness, Christian saw Evangelist again, behind them. He gave them much good counsel, but predicted that one of them should die a martyr's death.

Then, presently, they came to a city in which was being held a fair called Vanity Fair, wherein were sold all sorts of vanities. And because they would not stop for the many pleasures of this world, they were beaten, and covered with mud, and cast into prison.

Faithful was cruelly put to death, and was immediately carried in a chariot to the Celestial City. But Christian escaped, and as he left the town he met with Hopeful, who continued with him on his way. They had a terrible time on rough roads. They lost their way and were nearly drowned in rushing waters. Giant Despair drove them into the gloomy dungeon under his Doubting Castle, and beat and starved them. But Christian opened the huge door with the Key of Promise.

Giant Despair heard them making their escape, but as he tried to pursue them he fell in a fit, to which he was subject, and so failed to overtake them.

At last the two Pilgrims stood among Shepherds on the top of the Delectable Mountains. Afar off they saw the gate of the Celestial City shining in the sun. The Shepherds then advised them concerning the rest of their journey and sent them on their way.

Flatterer led them into a net, but an angel set them free. Then they came to the Enchanted Land, and to the Land of Beulah, whose air was very sweet and pleasant. The fields and woods were full of flowers and singing birds and bright streams.

Nearer and nearer they drew to the gate of the Celestial City that was built of gleaming pearl and sparkling jewels, with streets paved with gold. But before it rolled the wide, deep, raging River of Death. There was no bridge; only faith could bear them across the flood.

In fear and trembling they entered the cold rushing water.

Christian began to sink, but Hopeful held him up. Then they took courage and their feet touched bottom. The billows fell back and they crossed in safety. The Shining Ones came out to meet them. They helped the Pilgrims up a mighty hill.

When their rolls were at last given to the angel at the gate, their garments became like gold. With harps and crowns they entered the Celestial City.

The bells pealed out in joy, and all the angels sang.

When Great Heart brought Christian's wife and chil dren out of the City of Destruction to join him, he was the happiest of all the hosts in Heaven.

—Retold from Bunyan's Tilgrim's Progress'.