Pilgrim's Progress Step #6: the Slough of Despond: not just a swamp, but the accumulated scum/filth: fears, doubts + apprehensions that attends sin's conviction. It runs continuously; it cannot be mended. Heedless, Pliable +Christian both fall in. Pliable loses hope, changes his mind... again +turns back; Christian in desperation cries for help + Help rescues him from this mire of depression! 'But why was Christian distracted/missed the clearly marked steps?' // Why do we not heed those simple warnings X sin ourselves: abhorrence/repentance of pride? unforgiveness? selfish ambition? = all that seeks to hinder, ensnare, entangle, suffocate + drown us? + so often fall into this Slough ourselves? We need Help!