THERE are only three steps between a good Christian experience and a hopeless condition of the soul. The first is doubt, the second is defeat, the third is despair. The first step, unless it is retraced, involves the last step. Giant Despair still dwells in Doubting Castle. We may frequently recall with profit the inscription which Christian and Hopeful engraved upon the pillar which they set up at the point where they departed from the narrow path: “Over this stile is the way to Doubting Castle, which is kept by Giant Despair, who despiseth the King of the celestial country, and seeks to destroy his holy pilgrims.” Their experience in Doubting Castle cost the poor pilgrims much suffering, until Christian in despair said: “For my part I know not whether is best, to live thus, or to die out of hand. ‘My soul chooseth strangling rather than life,’ and the grave is more easy for me than this dungeon.” It was only when Christian remembered that he had a key called Promise, which, he was persuaded, would open any lock in Doubting Castle, that they regained their liberty. Doubting Thomas escaped from becoming Despairing Thomas only because he was led to say, “My Lord and my God.” Doubting Peter was saved from drowning simply because “Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him.” We must avoid the first step toward despair by maintaining a steadfast faith in Jesus. “Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with steadfastness the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.” “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” “Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”