#19: Our pilgrims continued their journey toward the Celestial City. They ‘remembered Lot’s wife’ at a Pillar of Salt-determined to never turn back + refreshed themselves in the meadow by The River of God/Water of Life. But the path parted from the river + they became ‘discouraged because of the way’. So they looked for an easier way + turned aside into By-Path Meadow, which appeared to run parallel. Here they met Vain-Confidence - trusting his own ability – who assured them this easier route would reach the same destination, but with less effort. However, darkness fell, Vain-confidence ran ahead, fell into a deep pit + perished! Christian + Hopeful tried to return to the original way, but by then it had become too dangerous. ‘It is easier going out of the way where we are in, than going in when we are out.’ Wearied, they fell asleep =victims to Giant Despair, who imprisoned them in Doubting Castle for trespassing. They lay captive in his dungeon without food/drink/light for 4 days. Despair will do that to you! His wife, Diffidence – distrusting her own ability – told him to beat them without mercy till they so despaired they would take their own lives. The 2 seriously considered this; but decided rather to encourage one another, be patient + endure. They reminded themselves how they’d already come through so many trials + remembered they possessed a Key called Promise. By simply putting it into the lock, the prison door opened + they escaped! Safe again on the King’s Highway, they erected a pillar to warn others not to take the seemingly easier (?) detour – a warning for us today!?