11. The Slough of Despond

Now I saw in my dream that just as they had ended this talk, they drew near to a very miry slough [filthy quagmire] that was in the middle of the plain. And not watching where they were going, they both suddenly fell into the bog. The name of the Slough was Despond. Here therefore they wallowed for some time, being shamefully bedaubed with the dirt; and Christian, because of the burden that was on his back, began to sink into the mire. (1) Then Pliable spoke:

PLIABLE: Ah, neighbor Christian, where are you now?

CHRISTIAN: To be sure, I do not know.

PLIABLE: (Offended and angry) Is this the happiness you have told me about as we have traveled? If we have such a halting [crippling] disaster at this early stage, then what may we expect from now on till the end of our journey? If I escape out of this with my life, you shall possess the brave country alone for me.(2)

Hence Pliable, making several toilsome attempts, eventually struggled out of the mire on that side of the Slough which was closest to his own house. So, he went back and Christian saw him no more. Therefore, Christian was left to tumble in the Slough of Despond alone. But he still endeavored to struggle to that side of the Slough that was further from his own house and closer to the Wicket-gate.(3) And this he did, yet he was unable to get out because of the burden that was upon his back.

(1) Bunyan describes a similar experience in Grace Abounding, § 82. (2) It is not enough to be pliable. (3) Christian in trouble still seeks to get further from his own house.

John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress

1. Are you surprised that so soon into the journey that they have come into difficulty?
2. Have you ever felt that you have spent time in a place like this in your Christian journey?
3. What do you think of Pliable leaving so soon? Does his name not fit him well?
4. Think of verses from the Bible that reminds us we are not on our own in this journey.

Christian has joyously traveled along,
But now has fallen in the Slough of Despond.
And as his Neighbor Pliable now returns home,
Christian is left with his burden alone.
Will he get out, will he be consumed, 
Have faith good pilgrim, the King will send help soon.