October 23, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." — Luke 22:46 · KJV

When is the Christian most likely to sleep? Is it not when his temporal circumstances are prosperous? Have you not found it so? When you had daily troubles to take to the throne of grace, were you not more wakeful than you are now? Easy roads make sleepy travelers. Another dangerous time is when all goes pleasantly in spiritual matters. Christian did not fall asleep when lions were in the way, or when he was wading through the river, or when fighting with Apollyon; but when he had climbed halfway up the Hill Difficulty and came to a delightful arbor, he sat down, and at once fell asleep, to his great sorrow and loss. The Enchanted Ground is a place of balmy breezes, laden with fragrant scents and soft influences, all tending to lull pilgrims to sleep. Remember Bunyan's description: "Then they came to an arbor, warm, and promising much refreshing to the weary pilgrims; for it was finely wrought overhead, beautified with greenery, and furnished with benches and settles; it had also in it a soft couch, where the weary might rest. The arbor was called the Slothful's Friend, and was made on purpose to lure, if it might, some of the pilgrims to take up their rest there when weary." Depend on it, it is in easy places that men shut their eyes and wander into the dreamy land of forgetfulness. Old Erskine wisely remarked, "I like a roaring devil better than a sleeping devil." There is no temptation half so dangerous as not being tempted. The distressed soul does not sleep; it is after we enter into peaceful confidence and full assurance that we are in danger of slumbering. The disciples fell asleep after they had seen Jesus transfigured on the mountaintop. Take heed, joyous Christian; good frames are near neighbors to temptations. Be as happy as you will — only be watchful.