Two Lions

"These lions were placed in a narrow path, so that there appeared but little way of escape for those that would pass by that way.

Many apparent spiritual dangers seem formidable until they are more closely examined by the eye of faith and with confidence in God. Ignorance ofttimes exaggerates threatening danger, as it sees not and knows not the restraining power of Divine grace. MISTRUST and TIMOROUS could not tell whether the lions were 'sleeping' or 'waking;' the very sight of the lions in the distance alarmed them. CHRISTIAN’S ignorance, too, had well nigh driven him back; for 'the lions were chained, but he saw not the chains.' It was the kind and timely voice of the porter, WATCHFUL, that dispelled his fears by dispelling his ignorance, informing him that these lions were for the probation of faith, and would be harmless if he would only walk in the middle of the path.

How greatly do these messages of God’s ambassadors strengthen the pilgrims of Sion and embolden them in the midst of danger! Here were rampant, roaring lions; not asleep, but awake, in a narrow passage, and very near; but they were 'chained.' This announcement makes all the difference. MISTRUST and TIMOROUS might also have heard the good Porter’s news, only they came not near enough, but fled at the first view of the seeming danger. Suspicion is the child of little knowledge; therefore let it know more, and see more thoroughly. Knowledge looks with open face, and therefore sees all things plainly."[1]