Once again, former procrastinators, the Lord has drawn my attention to an area and shines a light on it from several angles. I’m reading a book published by Lamplighter Ministries called Sir Knight of the Splendid Way (https://store.lamplighter.net/sir-knight-of-the-splendid-way-p309.aspx), an allegory by W. E. Cule in the style of Pilgrim’s Progress. I just finished a chapter I believe you’ll agree is rather fitting for us. I’ll summarize …
Sir Constant is a knight in the service of the Great King. While journeying to the City of the Great King, he comes to an attractive town filled with flowers and sunshine. He’s struck by how calm and peaceful this city is. He hears no sound of industry. He cautiously remains outside the city gate because he has been warned about a city called Dangerous. Could this be it? As he watches, an old man rings a large bell, loudly disturbing the peace. Some people slap their foreheads and appear momentarily alert; others quickly move away.
Sir Constant approaches the old man for he too wears the Emblem of the Great King. “Many a gallant knight has ventured here thinking no evil: but he comes out no more. The city’s danger lies in its beauty and peace. It is one of the most false and deadly of the perils that beset the Knights of the King’s Service. The victims dream of great and noble deeds and know not that they are dreaming only. While they dream, the swift hours fly, and the years, until their time is gone… I seek to wake them.”
Sadly, Constant learns his friend Sir Ardent had entered the city with eager, gallant heart – but never departed. Warning Constant to keep ever before him the Vision of the Face – Christ – so that he not fall prey to the lure of the city, the old man escorts Constant to Ardent. People they pass are troubled by Constant’s drawn sword and purposeful step.
They find Ardent lying in his garden. His eyes on a vision of his own, Ardent sees himself entering a great city, greeted with great praise for his deeds. Yet his real armor lies beside him, rusted and damp, the Emblem of the King dishonored.
With effort Constant shows Ardent his dreams are barren and reminds him of the love of the Great King. At last, grieved by his long months in the City of Good Intent, Ardent struggles into his rusty armor. With troubled gaze, dreamers watch them passing – one knight in shining armor, one in rusty. Some awake, arm themselves, and leave the city.
Blessed by the old man, the knights turn to the road. Sir Ardent’s heart is heavy for the rusted armor and the wasted days. But, lo! The Emblem of the King is shining once more.
Are you comfortable in the City of Good Intent? Is a God-given dream or an ordinary task rusting neglected as you enjoy a dangerous peace? Our Great King still bids us come!
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