Before you
begin your Bible study, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, be sure you
have named your sins privately to God the Father.
If we confess our sins, He
is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. [Known, Unknown and Forgotten sins] (1Jn 1:9)
You will then be in
fellowship with God, Filled with God the Holy Spirit and ready to learn Truth
from the Word of God.
God is spirit, and those who worship
Him must worship in Spirit and Truth. (Joh 4:24)
ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR.
Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an
extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and Spiritual
knowledge, exceeding even that displayed in the 'Pilgrim's Progress. To use the
words of Mr. J. Montgomery, It is a work of that master intelligence, which was
privileged to arouse kindred spirits from hibernation and inactivity, to zeal,
diligence, and success.
It was first published in 1682, in a small octavo
volume, and, like the first edition of the Pilgrim, it was printed in a very
superior manner to all the subsequent editions, even to a recent period. The
portrait of the author, by White, which faced the title-page, is without doubt
the best likeness that has ever appeared of our great allegorist. In addition
to this is a whole length figure of the author, with a representation of
Heart-castle on his left breast; the town of Mansoul, behind, being partly seen
through him; Emmanuel and his army on the heart side, and Diabolus with his
dragons on his right. From the publication of this popular book in 1682, it has
been constantly kept in print, so that it is impossible to calculate the
numbers that have been circulated. As time rolls on, the Holy War, allegorized
by John Bunyan, becomes more and more popular; nor can there be a doubt, but that so long as the internal conflict and Spiritual
warfare between the renewed soul and its deadly enemies are maintained, this
book will become increasingly popular.
The Holy War, although so very extraordinarily an
allegory, has not been translated into so many languages, nor has it been so
much read in English, as Pilgrim's Progress. This would naturally arise from
the Pilgrimage being a more simple narrative. It is a journey full of the most
striking scenery and incidents, which is read with the deepest interest by all
classes, from the children in a work-house to the profoundest Christian
philosopher. The facts which are intended to be impressed upon the mind by the
force of the allegory, are seen and appreciated by the Christian without requiring
much investigation; while the Holy War is carried on under an allegorical
representation by no means so transparent. Man's soul is figured under the
simile of a town, which having surrendered to an insidious and mortal enemy, is
besieged by its Lawful Sovereign with all the 'pomp and circumstances' of war;
the arch-enemy is driven out, the town retaken, new-modeled, and garrisoned by
Emmanuel.
To the Christian, whose aim and end is peace, war
presents a most forbidding aspect. He loves not to see the garments rolled in
blood, nor to hear the dying groans of the wounded, nor the heart-rending cries
of the bereaved, especially those of the widow and the orphan. Spoliation and
robbery are not the pastimes of the child of God, nor is cruelty the element of
his happiness or peace. To read of such scenes, produces painfully interesting
sensations; but even these are not so strong or intense as those delightful
feelings which pervade the mind while watching the poor pilgrim in his
struggles to get through the Slough of Despond, his terror under the flames of
Mount Sinai, his passing unhurt the darts from Beelzebub's castle, and his
finding refuge at the Wicket Gate. It is true, that the most delicate Christian
must become a stern warrior-the most sensitive ear must be alarmed with the
sound of Diabolus' drum, and at times feel those inward groanings which cannot
be uttered — pass
through 'the fiery trial,' and 'endure hardness, as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ'; while
at other periods of his experience, flushed with victory, he will cry out, 'Who
shall separate us from the love of Christ?' We must fight the good fight
of faith, or we can never lay hold on eternal
life. We must be engaged in this holy war, and
FIGHT or PERISH. There is no neutrality,
no excuse that can be awaiting at the Day of Judgment. The
servant of Christ is therefore found trusting in the Captain of Salvation,
furnished with the whole armor of God, with which his soul is clothed by the
Holy Spirit — having
the shield of faith, the helmet, the breastplate, the two-edged sword. It was being thus mysteriously, invulnerably
armed, that gave the delicate, learned, pious Lady Anne Askew strength to
triumph over her agonies, when the Papists disjointed every bone and sinew of
her body on the rack. Her Spiritual armor enabled her with patience to bless
God at the stake, when, for refusing to worship Antichrist, she was burned in
Smithfield, and her soul ascended to heaven in a flaming fiery chariot. It is
the same Spiritual armor, the same Captain to guide, the same Spirit to
sanctify, the same Father to bless us, by which alone we can become more than
conquerors over our vigilant and powerful enemies. The Holy War is in this
volume presented to us by an old, experienced, faithful warrior; it is an allegorical
narrative, written by a master hand, guided by deeply penetrating, searching
powers of mind. It is his own severe brunts with the great enemy, who is aided
by his army of pomps, vanities, lusts, and allurements, many lurking within,
disguised to appear like angels, while under their masquerade dress they are
very devils. It is written by one who possessed almost boundless resources of
imagination. It is more profound, more deeply Spiritual than the pilgrimage
from Destruction to the Celestial City; and to understand its hidden meaning,
requires the close and mature application of the renewed mind. There are, alas!
comparatively few that are blessed with Spiritual discernment; and even of
these, there are but few inclined to mental investigation and research. These
are reasons why it has not been so popular a book as the Pilgrim's Progress. To
aid those whose time for reading is limited, notes are given, by which obsolete
words and customs are explained, and the reader assisted to appreciate the
beauties, and to understand the meaning of this allegory. It is earnestly hoped
that many will richly enjoy the comforts, instructions, consolations, and
strength which the author ardently wished to convey to Zion's warriors, by the
study of this important subject.
I have already, in my long Introduction to the
Pilgrim's Progress, noticed the peculiar genius and originality which are
prominent in all Bunyan's works, and which most gorgeously appear in his
allegorical writings. That genius became hallowed and
sanctified by prison discipline, by an intense study of the Sacred Scriptures,
and by his controversies with great men of various sects and parties. In
the 'Holy War' Bunyan's peculiar genius shines forth in its most beautiful
luster; the whole is new, genuine, flowing forth from his own deep and rich
experience. It is, in fact, the same narrative that he had published under the
title of 'Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, or a brief and faithful
relation of the exceeding mercy of God, in Christ, to his poor servant John
Bunyan.' This simple, heart-affecting narrative, is here related under the
allegorical representation of the Holy War. In this, all the circumstances of
his conviction of sin, and his conversion to God, are narrated with startling
interest from the first alarm — his being roused from a state of death-like
lethargy, his opposition to the grace of God, his refusals of the invitations
of Emmanuel, and his being at length conquered to become a monument of divine
mercy — a temple of the Holy Spirit. Then came his descent by carnal security,
and his misery in that state, until he was finally reconquered; and his heart
is permanently occupied by Emmanuel. The 'Grace Abounding,' aided by the
marginal notes of the author to the 'Holy War,' forms a very valuable key to
the mysteries of this allegory; without their aid some passages would be found
deeply mysterious, and hard to be understood. Nor can this be considered extraordinary, when it
is recollected that the whole of the allegory is a revelation of scenes,
feelings, hopes, fears, and enjoyments, which are unknown, unfelt, and
invisible to all except to those whose minds are enlightened by Divine Truth;
and even of these, very few have had the deep and trying experience with which
the author was exercised.
That the 'Holy War' allegorically represents
Bunyan's personal feelings, is clearly declared by him in the poetical
Introduction or Address to the Reader, prefixed to the book. He adverts to
books of fiction, and solemnly declares-
'I have somewhat else to do,
Than with vain stories thus to trouble you,
For my part, I (Myself) was in the town,
Both when it was set up, and when pulled down;
I saw Diabolus in his possession, —
Yes, I was there when she owned him for Lord.'
Than with vain stories thus to trouble you,
For my part, I (Myself) was in the town,
Both when it was set up, and when pulled down;
I saw Diabolus in his possession, —
Yes, I was there when she owned him for Lord.'
A remarkable verse describes his state before
conversion:
'When Mansoul trampled upon things Divine,
And wallowed in filth as does a swine;
When she took herself unto her arms,
Fought her Emmanuel, despised his charms,
Then I was there, and did rejoice to see
Diabolus and Mansoul so agree.'
And wallowed in filth as does a swine;
When she took herself unto her arms,
Fought her Emmanuel, despised his charms,
Then I was there, and did rejoice to see
Diabolus and Mansoul so agree.'
Some editor, imagining that Bunyan could never
have so rejoiced, forgetting his own words in the fourth section of his 'Grace
Abounding' — 'It
was my delight to be taken captive by the devil, at his will' —
altered these words to-
'Then I
was there, and grieved for to see
Diabolus and Mansoul so agree.'
Diabolus and Mansoul so agree.'
This alteration, which perverts the author's
meaning, appears in a London edition, 1752, and has been copied into many
modern editions, even into those by Mason and Burder.
The author having in the above lines described his
unconverted state, goes on to delineate his convictions in these words:
'What is here in view,
Of mine own knowledge, I dare say is true.
I saw the Prince's armed men come down,
I saw the captains, heard the trumpets sound;
Yes, how they set themselves in battle array,
I shall remember to my dying day.'
Of mine own knowledge, I dare say is true.
I saw the Prince's armed men come down,
I saw the captains, heard the trumpets sound;
Yes, how they set themselves in battle array,
I shall remember to my dying day.'
The whole of this address is descriptive of what
the author saw, felt, or heard
'What shall I say? I heard the people's
cries,
And saw the Prince wipe tears from Mansoul's eyes;
I heard the groans, and saw the joy of many,
Tell you of all, I neither will, nor can I;
But by what here I say, you well may see
That Mansoul's matchless wars no fables be.'
And saw the Prince wipe tears from Mansoul's eyes;
I heard the groans, and saw the joy of many,
Tell you of all, I neither will, nor can I;
But by what here I say, you well may see
That Mansoul's matchless wars no fables be.'
The narrative of this eventful war is
authenticated by his personal feelings while under the chastising, correcting,
hand of his heavenly Father; in his new birth and subsequent experience; in
bringing his soul from darkness to marvelous light, and from the wretched
bondage of sin to the glorious liberty of the Gospel. This address is closed
with a very important notice, which all our readers should keep constantly in
mind — it is
to attend to the author's key to the allegory, and that is his marginal notes:
'Nor do
you go to work without my key,
(In mysteries men soon do lose their way)
And also turn it right, if you would know
My riddle, and would with my heifer plough,
It lies there in the window, fare you well,
My next may be to ring thy passing-bell.'
(In mysteries men soon do lose their way)
And also turn it right, if you would know
My riddle, and would with my heifer plough,
It lies there in the window, fare you well,
My next may be to ring thy passing-bell.'
The last
line strongly reminds us of the author's difficulty to quit the gin and
beer-drinking practice of bell-ringing, to which in his youth he was so much
addicted. It is recorded in his 'Grace Abounding.'
The form
and order of the narrative is exceedingly beautiful, and deeply interesting to
those who have been engaged in a similar warfare. Passing over the short and
vivid narration of the fall of man, our personal feelings are excited by
witnessing the methods of grace, adapted by a covenant-keeping God and Father,
to rescue his people from their natural state of Diabolonian slavery. Many of
the incidents will bring, to the enlightened reader's recollection, the solemn
and powerful impressions under which he struggled, when opposing the
invitations of Emmanuel. His holy joy, when a sense of pardoning love and mercy
came over his soul; and his anxieties, when in conflict with doubts, and fears,
and blood men.
Our
young readers must be cautioned not to give way to doubts and fears for their
soul's safety, because they have never passed through the same feelings which
fitted Bunyan for a sphere of extraordinary usefulness. God brings his lambs
and sheep into the fold by such means as are agreeable to his infinite wisdom
and grace. Some surrender at the first summons; others hold out during a long
and distressing siege. 'God's ways
are not our ways.' All our
anxious inquiries should be, Is Emmanuel in Heart-castle? is he 'formed in
me the hope of glory?' do I live and believe in Him who has immutably
Decreed that 'whosoever'-be he rich or poor, learned or unlearned — if he
'lives and believes in Me, shall never die?' (Joh 11:26) It matters not, as
to my Salvation, whether the siege was long or short. The vital question is,
Has my heart been conquered; do I love Emmanuel? If I do, it is because He
first loved me, and He does not change not. In proportion to the trouble that I
gave to my Conqueror, so should be my zealous, holy, happy obedience to His
Commands. Much is expected from those to whom much as been forgiven. (Luk 7:47; Luk 12:48)
The Conqueror, by His victory, fits us for those peculiar duties to which
He intends to devote us in extending His kingdom. In the history of this war,
the reader's attention will be naturally arrested by the fact that Mansoul,
having voluntarily surrendered to the dominion of Satan, made no effort to
relieve herself. No Spiritual feelings lurked in the walls to disturb the reign
of Diabolus; not even a prayer or a sigh breaks forth from her heart for
deliverance; she felt not her degradation nor her danger; she was dead while
she yet lived-dead in sin; and from this state would have sunk, as thousands
have, from Spiritual and temporal death into eternal and irretrievable ruin.
The first conception of a scheme for her deliverance from such awful danger,
arises in the celestial court of her Creator; grace lays the foundation, and
raises the top-stone. All the redeemed of God will unite in one song, 'Not
unto us, O Lord; not unto us, but unto your name give glory.' A Covenant is
made, ordered in all things and sure, to save Mansoul; and from this emanates
the vast, the costly design of her deliverance. To effect this great object,
the Mosaic dispensation — the Law, with all its terrors, is sent, in
fearful array, to conquer or destroy. This is allegorically represented under
the similitude of an army of forty thousand warriors, 'stout, rough-hewn men, fit
to break the ice, and make their way by means of sword.' They are under the
command of four captains, each with his ensign-Boanerges and Thunder,
Conviction and Sorrow, Judgment and Terror, Execution and Justice. To resist
this force, Diabolus arms the town, hardens the conscience, and darkens the
understanding. He places at Eargate a guard of DEAF MEN, under old Mr.
Prejudice, and plants over that important gate two great guns, Highmind and
Heady. He arms Mansoul with the whole armor of Satan, which is very graphically
described. Summons after summons is unheeded. The death of friends, sickness,
and troubles, pass by apparently without any good result. They 'will not
hearken to the voice of charmers, charming ever so wisely.' (Psa 58:3) At length, the town is assaulted,
conscience becomes alarmed, but the will remains stubborn. The beleaguering of
the town —
planting the ensigns — throwing up batteries — the slings casting, with
irresistible force, portions of the Word into the mind — the battering-rams beating
upon the gates, especially Eargate — exciting alarm under the fear of the just
and awful punishment due to sin — all are described with an extraordinary
knowledge of military terms and tactics. The episode of the three volunteers
who enlisted under Shaddai, into Captain Boanerges' company — Tradition,
Human-wisdom, and Man's-invention-are unreproducible beauty. When they were
nothing in the rear, and taken prisoners — 'as they did not live so much by religion as by
the fates of fortune' — they offer their services to Diabolus, and are joined
to Captain Anything's company. After a few sharp assaults, convictions of sin
alarm the conscience, and six of Diabolus' new Aldermen are slain with one
shot. Their names are well worth an attentive consideration, showing what open vices are abandoned upon the soul being first terrified with the fear of
retribution-Swearing, Whoring, Fury, Stand-to-lies, Drunkenness, and Cheating.
Alarms are continued by day and night, until it is
said to Mansoul, 'Upon all her pleasant things there was a blast, and burning
instead of beauty; with shows of the shadow of death.' Thus was it with David — 'My soul is cast down within me: deep calls unto
deep at the noise of Your waterspouts; all thy waves and Your billows are gone
over me.' (Psa 42:6-7)
All the assaults of Moses and the Law are
ineffectual; the gates remain closed against her King and God. The thunders of Sinai and the voice of the prophets may
alarm, but cannot conquer Mansoul. The thundering, terrifying captains
appeal to the celestial court, and Emmanuel — God with us — condescends to
fight the battle, and secure the victory. The angelic hosts desire to look into
these things — they are the peers of the heavenly realm — the news 'flew like
lightning round about the court' — and the greatest peers did desire to have
commissions under Emmanuel. The
captains that accompany Him in this grand expedition are Faith, Hope, Love,
Innocence, and Patience. Mansoul is to
be won by persuasion to receive her Savior. The cost of the enterprise is vast
indeed; the army is numerous as our thoughts, and
who can number 'the multitude of his thoughts?' (Psa 40:5) The battering rams and slings, we are told by the
margin, mean the books of Sacred Scripture, sent to us by the influence of the
Holy Spirit. Emmanuel is irresistible — Mansoul is taken — Diabolus is
dragged out, stripped of his armor, and sent to the parched places in a salt
land, 'seeking rest, but finding none.'
The heart at first trembles for fear that
punishment should be justly poured out upon her for treason, but it becomes the
throne of its lawful King; and instead of God's anger, His pardon and blessings
are proclaimed, and Mansoul is filled with joy, happiness, and glory.
Reader, can you call to mind the peace and holy
enjoyment which took possession of your soul, when having passed through the
fears and hopes, the terrors and alarms, of the new birth you sat down, for the
first time, at the table of the Lord, to celebrate the wonders of his grace?
Then you rejoiced in hope full of immortality; then you could exclaim, 'O
tidings! glad tidings! good tidings of good, and of great joy to my soul!'
'Then they leaped and skipped upon the walls for joy, and shouted, Let Emmanuel
live forever!' And then you fondly thought that happiness was secure for the
rest of your pilgrimage, until your glorified spirit should enter into the
celestial city. Alas! your enemies were not dead. They
insidiously seized an unguarded moment. Remiss
in watchfulness and formal in prayer, Carnal security invaded the mind. Your
ardent love is cooled — communication with heaven is slight and by slow
degrees, and almost unperceived, Emmanuel leaves Heart-castle; and the prince
of the power of the air promotes the treason, and agitates rebellion, by the
introduction of loose thoughts, under the name of harmless mirth. The news soon reached Diabolus, and an infernal
conference, or dialogue of devils, is revealed by our author; who had watched
the course and causes of Spiritual declension, and was not 'ignorant of
Satan's devices.'
The malignant craft and subtlety displayed in
Satan's counsel, are described in a manner far beyond an ordinary imagination.
They display the almost unbounded resources of genius and invention so richly
possessed by the prince allegorists, John Bunyan. It reminds us of the dialogue
between Lucifer and Beelzebub, in that rare work by Barnardine Ochine, a
reformer, published in 1549, called, A Tragedy or Dialogue of the unjust
usurped Primacy of the Bishop of Rome. In this is
represented, in very popular language, the designs of Lucifer to ruin
Christianity by the establishment of Popery. Lucifer thus addresses his
diabolical conclave — I
have devised to make a certain new kingdom, replenished with idolatry,
superstition, ignorance, error, falsehoods, deceit, compulsion, extortion,
treason, contention, discord, tyranny, and cruelty; with spoiling, murder,
ambition, filthiness, injuries, factions, sects, wickedness, and mischief; in
the which kingdom all kinds of abomination shall be committed. And notwithstanding that it shall be heaped up
with all kinds of wickedness, yet shall the (Professed) Christian men
think it to be a Spiritual kingdom, most holy and most godly. The supreme head of this kingdom shall be a man which is not
only sinful, and an abominable robber and thief, but he shall be sin and
abomination itself; and yet, for all that,
shall be thought of as a Christian man of God in the earth, and his members,
being most wicked, shall be called men most holy. God sent His Son into
the world, for the Salvation of mankind, and has humbled himself even to the
death of the cross. I will send my son into the world,
who, for the destruction and condemnation of mankind, shall so advance himself
that he shall take upon him to be made equal with God. 'I will, by craft and diligence, shadow and cover
superstition and idolatry with a fair face, and beauty of holy ceremonies, that
men shall be made so drunken and so amazed with this outward pomp and show,
that they shall not be able to discern Truth from falsehood, when they are
drowned in a flood of idolatry and superstition.' 'I will cause them to
be most cruel tyrants and butchers of Christ and his members, under a pretense
of zeal to the house of God. They shall hide their uncleanness and filthy
behavior with an exceeding wide cloak of hypocrisy, and with glorious shining
titles.' Thus this intrepid reformer opened up the origin, the development, the
desolations, of Popery; and, with a similar knowledge of Satan's devices, the
Nonconformist Bunyan shows the means by which Diabolus urges the young
Christian into a backsliding state. 'Let our Diabolonian friends in Mansoul
draw it into sin, for there is nothing like sin to devour Mansoul; while we
will send against it an army of twenty or thirty thousand sturdy terrible
doubters. Sin renders Mansoul sick and faint, while doubts are by it made
fierce and strong.' At length Diabolus and his army of doubts march from
Hellgate Hill to Mansoul: the order in which they are placed, and the names of
the officers, are very instructive, as well as curious. Election-doubteres,
under Captain Rage — Vocation-doubters, commanded by Captain Fury — Grace-doubters, led by
Captain Damnation — Faith-doubters, under Captain Insatiable —
Perseverance-doubters, led by Captain Brimstone — Resurrection-doubters, by
Captain Torment — Salvation-doubters, under Captain Noease — Glory-doubters,
commanded by Captain Sepulchre — Happiness-doubters, led by Captain Pasthope.
Incredulity was Lord-general, and Diabolus was King and Commander-in-chief. The
roaring of the drum — their alarming outcries, Hell-fire! Hell-fire! — their
furious assaults — the multitude of doubts and the perplexity of poor
distracted Mansoul, are admirably and truly narrated. The town makes a sortie
in the night, but Diabolus and his legions, experienced in night work, drive
them back, and severely wound Captains Faith, Hope, and Experience. Again the
gates are assaulted, and Diabolus and his doubters gain an entrance, by the
senses, into the town, but cannot force the heart; and Mansoul is reduced to
the greatest straits and sadness. In this extremity, prayers are incessantly
offered up to Emmanuel; but, for a long time, they can obtain no satisfactory
answers. Both parties are on the alert; but Diabolus finds it impossible, either
by treachery or by storming with his legion of doubts, to gain possession of
Heart-castle. Being beat in a general engagement, the doubters are slain, and
are buried with their armor; yes, all that did but smell of a Diabolonian
Doubter. The arch-fiend now enters upon a new mode of assault — he sends for a
reinforcement, to try the effect of persecution; and obtains an army of fifteen
thousand Bloodmen, from the province of Loathgood. To these were added ten
thousand new Doubters, under their commander old Incredulity. These Bloodmen
were 'rugged villains, and had done feats as yet'; 'they were mastiffs, and
would fasten upon father, mother, brother, yes, upon the Prince of princes.
Among their officers is Captain Pope, whose colors were the stake, the flame,
and the good man in it.' To these I would humbly suggest the propriety of
adding one more — it is Captain State-religion, upon whose standard should be
represented the Nonconformist John Bunyan in a damp, dreary dungeon, writing
his 'Pilgrim's Progress,' with his poor blind child at his feet. O persecutor,
whether you burn or imprison a Nonconformist, or harass him in Ecclesiastical
courts, or seize his goods to support forms or ceremonies which he believes to
be Antichristian, your commander is old Incredulity and your king is Diabolus!
The Bloodmen send a summons to Mansoul 'as hot as a red hot iron,' threatening
fire and sword, and utter destruction; but the God who visited our virtuous
author in prison, and cherished and comforted him in his twelve years'
sufferings under persecution, came to the relief of Mansoul. The Diabolonian
army is routed-the Doubters are slain, excepting a few who escaped the Bloodmen
or persecutors were not to be slain, but to be taken alive. The prisoners are
brought to trial, with all the forms and solemnities of Law; and the narrative concludes with a most
admirable charge from Emmanuel to keep Mansoul in a state of the most prayerful
vigilance. Enemies still lurk
within, to keep her humble; that she may feel her dependence upon God, and be
found much in communion with him. 'Believe
that My love,' says Emmanuel, 'is constant toward you. Watch, hold fast, till I
come.'
In the whole detail of this war, very singular
skill is manifested. A keen observer of all that passed before him, aided by a
most retentive memory, and a fertile imagination, enabled our pilgrim
forefather to gain much knowledge in a short time. He had been engaged, as a
private soldier, in the Civil war; and was at the siege of Leicester, when it
was taken by Prince Rupert. This gave him a knowledge of the meaning of the
trumpet or bugle sounds; so that, when the trumpeters made their best music, in
the expectation of Emmanuel's speedy assistance to help Mansoul, Diabolus
exclaims, 'What do these madmen mean? they neither sound to boot and saddle,
nor horse and away, nor a charge.'
Bunyan had been released from his tedious and
cruel imprisonment for conscience sake for about ten years, when he published
the 'Holy War.' In this interval of time, although laboring incessantly to win
souls to Christ, being a very popular preacher, yet he must have found time to
gratify his incessant thirst for knowledge; gaining that he might communicate,
and in imparting it, receiving into his own mind a rich increase. This would doubtless
lead him to read the best of our Puritan and Nonconformists' works, so that we
find him using the Latin words primum mobile, carefully noting in the
margin that he meant 'the soul'; and from hence he must have scraped
acquaintance with Python, Cerberus, and the furies of mythology, whom he uses
in this war, describing accurately their names and qualities.
At first sight, it may seem strange
that the armies, both within and without the city, should be so numerous, as it
is but one man who is the object of attack and defense —
one human body, containing one immortal Mansoul; but if the reader reflects that every soldier represents a thought,
who can number them? At one time, by the sin-sickness, eleven thousand men,
women, and children died in Mansoul! this is
interpreted by Bunyan to mean, that the men represented 'good thoughts' —
the women, 'good conceptions' — and the children, — 'good desires.' The town is assaulted by thirty or
forty thousand doubts, very curiously and methodically arranged.
The value of the marginal notes is very great,
throwing immediate light upon many difficult passages. Every reader should make
free use of the key which lies in the window. [The margin] The value of this
key is seen by a few quotations. Thus, when Diabolus beat a charge against the
town, my Lord Reason was wounded in the head — the brave Lord Mayor, Mr.
Understanding, in the eye — and 'many also of the inferior sort were not only
wounded, but slain outright.' The margin explains this as meaning 'Hopeful thoughts.' When the enemy broke into the town at Feelgate,
during a night of terror, and got possession, it is described as being
accompanied by all the horrors of war-by atrocities probably even greater than
those perpetrated by Rupert's cavaliers at Leicester. 'Young children were
dashed in pieces, yes, those unborn were destroyed.' 'The women were beastlike
abused.' This is interpreted by two marginal notes — 'Good and tender thoughts,' 'Holy conceptions of
good.'
The storming of Leicester took place in the night,
and furnished Bunyan, who was an eyewitness, with a correct notion of
raising the standard, beleaguering the city, and forcing the gates, and a
lively view of the desolations he describes. Awful as is his account of the
sacking of Mansoul, with its murders and desolations, yet it may prove to be a
good description of the conduct of Prince Rupert and his cavaliers at the
storming of Leicester. Strike out the name of Diabolus, and insert Rupert, and
put Leicester instead of Mansoul, and the account of the brutal conduct of the
Royal army will be found accurately described. Lord Clarendon, who wrote to
gain the smiles of royalty, plainly tells us that, when Prince Rupert and the
King took Leicester, 'The conquerors pursued their advantage with the usual
license of rapine and plunder, and miserably sacked the whole town, without any
distinction of persons and places. Churches and hospitals, as well as other
houses, were made a prey to the enraged and greedy soldier, to the exceeding
regret of the King.' Clarendon goes on to account for the exceeding regret of
Charles: it was because many of his faithful friends had suffered, in the
confusion of this murderous scene of rapine and plunder.
In the 'Holy War,' Bunyan has not been, nor can he
ever be, charged with copying from any author who preceded him. Erasmus, Gouge,
and many other of our Reformers, Puritans, and Nonconformists, commented upon
the Christian's armor and weapons. Benjamin Keach, about the time that the
'Holy War' appeared, published his War with the Devil, or, the Young
Man's Conflict with the Powers of Darkness. It is a series of admirable
poetical dialogues on the corruption and vanity of youth, the horrible nature
of sin, and deplorable condition of fallen man; with the rule of conscience and
of true conversion. It has nothing allegorical in it, but is replete with
practical warnings and exhortations. No one had ever
attempted, under the form of an allegory, to describe the internal conflict
between the powers of darkness and of the mind in the renewed man; the
introduction of evil thoughts and suggestions, their unnatural union with the
affections, and the offspring of such union, under the name of Diabolonians,
who, when Mansoul is watchful unto prayer, lurk in the walls; but when
in a backsliding state, are tolerated and encouraged openly to walk the
streets. Some have supposed that there is a slight similarity between
the description, given by John Chrysostom of the battle between the hosts of
hell and mankind, and John Bunyan's 'Holy War.' It is not at all probable that
Bunyan was acquainted with Chrysostom on the Priesthood, which was then locked
up in the Greek language, but has been since translated into English. Nor can
we find any similarity between the work of the pious apostolically descended
tinker, and the learned Greek father. Chrysostom's picture of the battle is
contained in a letter to Basil, urging him to become a minister of the Gospel.
It is in words to this effect: 'Pent up in this body, like a dungeon, we cannot
discern the invisible powers. Could you behold the black army of the devil and
his mad conflict, you would witness a great and arduous battle, in which there
is no brass or steel, no horses or wheeled chariots, no fire and arrows, but
other instruments much more formidable. No breastplates, or shields, or swords,
or darts. The very sight of this accursed host is alone sufficient to paralyze
a soul which is not imbued with the courage furnished by God, and with even
greater foresight than valor. Could you calmly survey all this array and war,
you would see, not torrents of blood or dead bodies, but fallen souls! You would see wounds so grievous, that human war, with all
its horrors, is mere child's play or idle pastime, in comparison to the sight
of so many souls struck down every day by Satan.' Thus this learned
Greek father very eloquently represents the great battle of Satan and his
hosts, against all mankind. But for a description of the internal conflict, Diabolus
and his army of Doubters and Bloodmen arrayed against the powers of Mansoul,
Bunyan stands alone and most beautiful.
In this war there is no combination of souls to
resist Satan, nor can any human powers in any way assist us in the trying
battle. Here, O my reader, you and I must stand alone
far from the aid of our fellow-men. We must call upon all the resources
of our minds, and while there is unity within, no resisting or treason while the Holy Spirit strengthens and
inclines the will, the understanding, the conscience, the affections, and all
our powers are united to resist Satan, God fights for us, and the heart is safe
under the gracious smiles of our Emmanuel. May we never forget that our
Spiritual life is totally dependent upon Him, in whom, as to the body, we
live, and move, and have our being. But when
doubts enfeeble us, and Bloodmen harass us, there is no help from man.
No pope, cardinal, archbishop, minister, or any human power can aid us; ALL our
hope is in God alone; every effort for deliverance must be by fervent prayer
and supplication, from the heart and conscience, directly to God. Our petitions
must be framed by the Holy Spirit, and presented unto Shaddai, not by priest or
prelate, but by our Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, the only intercessor and mediator.
The attentive reader of Bunyan's works will notice
the difference between the trial of Faithful in 'Pilgrim's Progress,' and that
of the prisoners brought to the bar as traitors in the 'Holy War.' The judge
and jury are particularly overbearing to Faithful, much more so than to the
Diabolonians. Still there is one very strong feature in which they all agree.
The prisoners are all brought to their trial, not that their guilt or innocence
might be proved, but for their condemnation and execution. All are
brought up in chains, a custom which then was very prevalent, if not
universal, but which is now only read of as a cruel practice of a bygone age.
There are a few riddles or questions arising out
of this narrative, the solving of which may afford instructive amusement to the
reader. What is meant by the drum of Diabolus, which so terrified Mansoul?
Refer to Gal 3:10; Heb 6:4-8; 1Jn 5:16;
Heb 12:29. Why were the troops numbered
at forty thousand, that came up to alarm and convince Mansoul
of sin, righteousness, and of judgment, while Emmanuel's army is not
numbered? See Jos 4:13; Heb 12:22. When the Doubters are slain or driven
from Mansoul, after her conversion, they go straggling up and down the country
enslaving the barbarous people. (The margin informs us that the unbeliever
never fights the Doubters) Why do they go by fives, nines, and seventeens? Do
these odd numbers refer to the nine companies of Doubters, and eight of
Bloodmen, who were under the command of five fallen angels —
Diabolus, Beelzebub, Lucifer, Legion, and Apollyon? Fearful odds against a poor
fallen sinner, five evil spirits, or nine classes of doubts, or these nine
doubts united to eight kinds of Bloodmen or persecutors.
In a work so highly allegorical, and founded upon
a plain narrative of facts in the experience of the author, the editor deemed
it needful to add numerous notes. These contain all that appeared to be
explanatory or illustrative in other commentaries, with many that are original;
obsolete terms and customs are explained; references are given to about fifty
passages in the 'Grace Abounding,' that the reader's attention may be
constantly directed to the solemn Truths which are displayed under this
delightful allegory. The editor has the consolation of hoping that the result
of great labor can do no injury. Those whose deep experience in the Spiritual
warfare enables them to understand and enjoy the allegory, can pass them by;
while many of the poor but immortal souls engaged in this warfare, who are not
deeply experienced, may receive aid and encouragement to persevere, until they
shall exclaim, The battle is fought, the victory is won, eternal praises to the
great and gracious Emmanuel.
Reader, I must not detain you much longer from the
pleasure of entering upon a narrative so deeply interesting to all who possess
the understanding heart — an allegory, believed by very many to be the
most beautiful and extraordinary that mere human genius ever composed in any
language. O consider the worth of an immortal soul! God sent his servants,
Moses and the prophets, with their slings and battering-rams, their great and
precious Promises to the early prophets, who have faithfully handed them down to us; and
then came Emmanuel and his heavenly army, and all this to conquer Mansoul!
Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. The blood of bulls
and of goats cannot wash out our stains. We must be found in Christ as part of
his mystical body, and thus in perfection obey the Divine Law, and then, through
the sin-atoning offering of Emmanuel, God's equal, eternal Son, a fountain is
opened for sin and uncleanness, in which our souls, being purified, shall be
clothed with the garment of Salvation. Who can calculate the worth of his
immortal soul, that God himself should pay so costly a price for its
redemption! May the desire of every reader be, O
that my soul may be engaged in this holy war, my ears be alarmed by the
infernal drum of Diabolus, that my Heart-castle may receive the King of
Salvation, and Christ be found there the hope of glory. Then may we feel
the stern necessity of incessant watchfulness and prayer against carnal
security, or any other cause of backsliding, with its consequent miseries.
Well may the world wonder, how a poor travelling
tinker could gain the extraordinary knowledge, which enabled him to become the
greatest allegorical writer that the world has ever seen. The reason is obvious, he lived and moved and had his being
in the atmosphere of God's revealed will. It was this that enabled him
to take the wings of the morning, and fly not only to the uttermost parts of
the visible but of the invisible world; to enjoy scenes of light and glory,
such as Gabriel contemplated when he came from heaven to Nazareth, and revealed
to Mary her high destiny — that her Son should be the Promised Savior, who
should bear the government of the universe upon His shoulders — whose name was
Wonderful-Counsellor-the Mighty God-the everlasting Father-the Prince of
Peace-Emmanuel, God with us.
Bunyan's industry and application must have been
intense, he could not by possibility for a single moment say, 'soul take your ease,' (Luk 12:19)
inglorious, destructive ease. His hands had to labor for his bread, and to
provide for a most exemplary wife and four children, one of them blind. There
was no hour of his life when he could have said to his soul, Let all thy noble
powers be absorbed in eating, drinking, being merry — mere animal gratifications.
The Holy War, the solemn results depending upon it, Salvation or eternal ruin,
the strong desire to glorify Emmanuel, the necessity to labor for his household
— that blessed industry left him no opportunity for weaving a web of unmeaning
casuistic subtleties, in which to entangle and engulf his soul, like a Puseyite
or a German Rationalist. The
thunders and lightings of Sinai had burnt up all this wood, hay, and stubble,
and with child-like simplicity he depended upon the Holy Spirit, while drawing
all his consolations and all his Spiritual supplies from the sacred Scriptures.
Bunyan's narrative of the Holy War, from its
commencement in the fall of man to that splendid address of Emmanuel with which
it concludes, has been the study of the Editor for more than forty years,
and he hopes that no future year of the residue of his life will be spent
without reading this solemn, soul-stirring, delightful narrative.
GEO. OFFOR.
Hackney, April 1851
A RELATION OF THE HOLY WAR
[CHAPTER I.]
[CONTENTS: The original beauty and splendour of
the town of Mansoul, while under the dominion of Shaddai — Its
noble castle described — Its five gates — The perfection of its inhabitants —
The origin of Diabolus — His pride and fall-Revenge meditated — A council of
war held to deliberate on the best means of seducing the town of Mansoul —
Diabolus marches to the town, and sits down before Eye-gate — His orator
Captain Resistance slain — My Lord Innocence killed — The town taken]
In my
travels, as I walked through many regions and countries, it was my chance to
happen into that famous continent of Universe; a very large and spacious
country it is. It lies between the two poles, and just amidst the four points
of the heavens. It is a place well-watered, and richly adorned with hills and
valleys, bravely situated; and for the most part (At least where I was) very
fruitful, also well populated and a very sweet air.
The
people are not all of one complexion, nor yet of one language, mode, or way of
religion; but differ as much as, it is said, do the planets themselves. Some
are right, and some are wrong, even as it happens to be in lesser regions.
In this
country, as I said, it was my lot to travel, and travel I did; and that so
long, even till I learned much of their mother-tongue, together with the
customs and manners of them among who I was. And to speak the truth, I was very
delighted to see and hear many things which I saw and heard among them. Yes, I
had (To be sure) even lived and died a native among them, I was so taken with
them and their doings, had not my Master sent for me to come home to his house,
there to do business for him, and to over-see business done I would have
stayed. [With what Christian simplicity was this most important history
introduced. The author, a traveler in the world, delighted with its customs,
would have perished in his sins, but that God called him to His service and
Salvation.]
Now
there is in this gallant country of Universe a fair and delicate town, a
corporation called Mansoul. A town for its building so curious, for its
situation so commodious, for its privileges so advantageous — I mean with
reference to its original state — that I may say of it, as was said before of
the continent in which it is placed, There is not its equal under the whole
heaven.
As to
the situation of this town, it lies just between the two worlds; and the first
founder and builder of it, so far as by the best and most authentic records I
can gather, was one Shaddai; and He built it for his own delight. [The name
Shaddai, one of the names of God, means 'the pourer forth,' the source of
existence, the all-bountiful, the all-mighty, in whom we live, and move, and
have our being. If he withholds his blessings, the universe must perish. 'Lord,
what is man, that you should be mindful of him?] He made it the mirror and
glory of all that he made, even the top-piece, beyond anything else that he did
in that country. (Gen
1:26) Yes, so goodly a town was Mansoul when first
built, that it is said by some, the gods, (Angels) at the setting up thereof,
came down to see it, and sang for joy. And as he made it goodly to behold, so
also mighty to have dominion over all the country round about. Yes, all were
commanded to acknowledge Mansoul for their metropolitan, all was enjoined to do
homage to it. Yes, the town itself had positive commission and power from her
King to demand service of all, and also to subdue any that denied to do it.
There was built in the midst of this town a most
famous and stately palace. For strength, it might be called a castle; for
pleasantness, a paradise; for largeness, a place so copious as to contain all
the world. (Ecc 3:11) This place the King Shaddai intended but for Himself alone,
and not another with Him; partly because of His own delights, and partly
because He would not have the terror of strangers to be upon the town. In this
place Shaddai also made a garrison, but committed the keeping of it only to the
men of the town.
The wall of the town was well built, yes, so fast
and firm was it knit and compact together, that, had it not been for the
townsmen themselves, they could not have been shaken or broken forever.
For here lay the excellent wisdom of Him that
built Mansoul, that the walls could never be broken down, nor hurt, even by the
most mighty adverse potentate, unless the townsmen
gave the consent.
This famous town of Mansoul had five gates, in
which to come and go out, and these were made likewise answerable to the walls,
namely, impregnable, and such as could never be opened nor forced but by the
will of those within. The names of the gates were these, Ear-gate, Eye-gate, Mouth-gate, Nose-gate,
and Feel-gate.
Other things there were there that belonged to the
town of Mansoul, which, if you learn of these, will yet give farther demonstration
to all of the glory and strength of the place. It had always a sufficiency of
provision within its walls; it had the best, most wholesome and excellent Law
that then was extant in the world. There was not a rascal, rogue, or traitorous
person then within its walls. They were all true men, and joined fast together;
and this, you know, is a great matter. And to all
these, it had always so long as it had the goodness to keep true to Shaddai the
king — His countenance, His protection, and
it was His delight, etc.
Well, upon a time, there was one Diabolus, a
mighty giant, who made an assault upon this famous town of Mansoul, to take it,
and make it his own habitation. This giant was king of the criminals, sinners,
slaves and demons, and a most raving prince he was. We will, if you please,
first discuss the origin of this Diabolus, and then of his taking of this
famous town of Mansoul.
This Diabolus is indeed a great and
mighty prince, and yet both poor and beggarly. As to his
origin, he was at first one of the servants of King Shaddai, made, and taken,
and put by Him into a most high and mighty place; yes, was put into such
principalities as belonged to the best of his territories and dominions. This
Diabolus was made son of the morning, and a
brave place he had of it. (Isa 14:12)
It brought him much glory, and gave him much brightness, an income that might
have contented his Luciferian heart, had it not been insatiable, and enlarged
as hell itself.
Well, he seeing himself thus exalted to greatness
and honor, and raging in his mind for a higher state and degree; and does begin
to think with himself how he might be set up as Lord over all, and have the
sole power under Shaddai! Now that did the King reserve for his Son, yes, and
had already bestowed it upon him. Wherefore he first consults with himself what
had best to be done, and then breaks his mind to some other of his companions,
to the which they also agreed. So, in fine, they came to this issue, that they
should make an attempt upon the King's Son to destroy him, that the inheritance
might be theirs. (Mat 21:38) Well, to
be short, the treason, as I said, was concluded, the time appointed, the word
given, the rebels got together, and the assault attempted. Now the King and His
Son being ALL and always EYEING EVERYTHING, could not but discern all passages
in His dominions; and He having always love for His Son as for Himself, could
not but be greatly provoked and offended; therefore, what does He do, but takes
them in the very nick of time; and, first trip that they made towards their
design, convicts them of the treasonous, horrid rebellion, and conspiracy that
they had devised, and now attempted to put into practice; and casts them altogether out of all place of trust,
benefit, honor, and preferment. This done, He banishes them the court;
turns them down into the horrible pits, bound fast in chains, never more to
expect the least favor from His hands, but to abide the judgment that He had
appointed, and that forever. (2Pe 2:4; Jude 1:6)
And yet, now, they being thus cast out of all
place of trust, profit, and honor, and also knowing that they had lost their
Prince's favor forever, being banished from His courts, and cast down to the
horrible pits, you may be sure they would now add to their former pride, malice
and rage against Shaddai, and against His Son, as they could. Therefore, roving
and ranging in much fury from place to place, if perhaps they might find
something that was the King's, to revenge (By spoiling of that themselves) on
Him; (1Pe 5:8) at last they passed into
this spacious country of Universe, and steered their course towards the town of
Mansoul; and considering that this town was one of the chief works and delights
of King Shaddai, what do they but, after counsel is taken, make an assault upon
it! I say they knew that Mansoul belonged to Shaddai; for they were there when
he built it, and beautified it for himself. So when they had found the place,
they shouted horribly for joy, and roared at it as a lion upon the prey,
saying; Now we have found the prize, and how to revenge King Shaddai for what
He has done to us. So they sat down, and called a council of war, and
considered with themselves what ways and methods they had best to engage in,
for the winning to themselves this famous town of Mansoul; and these four
things were then propounded to be considered. First. Whether it was best
for them, to show themselves in this design to the town of Mansoul. Second.
Whether it was best to go and sit down against Mansoul, in their now ragged and
beggarly guise. Third. Whether it was best to show to Mansoul their
intentions, and what design they came about, or whether to assault it with
words and ways of deceit. Fourth. Whether it was best, to some of their
companions, to give out private orders to take the advantage, if they see one
or more of the principal townsmen, to shoot them; if thereby they shall judge
their cause and design will the better be promoted.
First. It was answered to the first of these proposals in the negative,
namely, that it would not be best that all should show themselves to the town,
because the appearance of many of them might alarm and frighten the town;
whereas a few, or but one of them, was not likely to do so. And to enforce this
advice to take place, it was added further, that if Mansoul was freighted, or
did take the alarm, it is impossible, Diabolus said — for he spoke now — that we
should take the town; for that none can enter into it without its own consent.
Let therefore but few or but one assault Mansoul, and in my opinion, said
Diabolus, let me be him. Therefore to this they all agreed, and then to the
second proposal they came, namely:
Second. Whether they had best go and sit down before Mansoul in their now
ragged and beggarly guise. To which it was answered also in the negative, By no
means; and that because though the town of Mansoul had been made to know and to
have to do, with the things that are invisible, they did never as yet see any
of their fellow creatures in so sad and rascally a condition as they. And this
was the advice of that fierce Alecto. (Another name of Satan in mythology) Then
Apollyon said, the advice is pertinent, for even one of us appearing to them as
we are now, will both beget and multiply such thoughts in them as will both put
them into a consternation of spirit, and necessitate them to put themselves
upon their guard. And if so, he said, then, as my Lord Alecto said but now, it
is in vain for us to think of taking the town. Then that mighty giant Beelzebub
said, the advice that already is given is safe; for though the men of Mansoul
have seen such things as we once were, yet so far they did never behold such
things as we are now. And it is best, in my opinion, to come upon them in such
a guise as is common to, and most familiar among them. To this, when they had
consented, the next thing to be considered was, in what shape, hue, or guise,
Diabolus had best to show himself, when he went about to make Mansoul his own.
Then one said one thing, and another the contrary; at
last Lucifer answered, that in his opinion it was best that his lordship should
assume the body of some of those creatures that they of the town had dominion
over. For, he said, these are not only familiar to them, but being under
them, they will never imagine that an attempt should be made upon the town by
them; and to blind them, let Diabolus acquire the body of one of these beasts
that Mansoul deems to be wiser than any of the rest. (Gen 3:1; Rev 20:1-2)
This advice was applauded by all; so it was determined that the giant Diabolus
should acquire the dragon, for that he was in those days as familiar with the
town of Mansoul as now is the bird to a boy. For nothing that was in its
primitive state was at all amazing to them. [In this infernal conference the
names are well chosen. Apollyon signified the Destroyer; Beelzebub, the Prince
of Devils; Lucifer, the Star of the Morning, a fallen angel, the arch-devil;
Alecto, a heathen name of one of the furies, whose head was covered with
snakes, and who was full of vengeance; Tisiphone, another of the furies.] Then
they proceeded to the third thing, which was:
Third. Whether they had best to show their intentions or the design of his
coming to Mansoul, or not. This also was answered in the negative, because of
the weight that was in the former reasons, namely, that Mansoul is a strong
people, a strong people in a strong town, whose wall and gates were
impregnable, to say nothing of their castle, nor can they by any means be won
but by their own consent. Besides, said Legion, a discovery of our intentions
may make them send to their King for aid, and if that be done, I know quickly
what time of day it will be with us. Therefore let us
assault them in all pretended fairness, covering our intentions with all manner
of lies, flatteries, delusive words; pretending things that never will be, and
promising things to them that they shall never find. This is the way to win Mansoul, and to make them, from
themselves, to open their gates to us; yes, and to desire for us, to come in
through them.
And the reason why I think that this project will
work is, because the people of Mansoul now are every one simple and innocent;
all honest and true; nor do they as yet know what it is to be assaulted with
fraud, guile, and hypocrisy. They are strangers to
lying and deceiving lips; therefore we cannot be found out, if we be disguised
by these or at all be discerned; our lies shall be accepted for true sayings,
and our deceptions for upright dealings. What we
promise them, they will in this believe us, especially if in all our lies and
feigned words we pretend great love for them, and that our design is only for
their advantage and honor. Now there was not one bit of a reply against
this; this went down as a current; as does the water down a steep descent;
therefore they went to consider the last proposal, which was:
Fourth. Whether they had not best to give out orders to some of their
company, to shoot someone or more of the leaders of the townsmen, if they judge
that their cause may be promoted by it.
This was carried in the affirmative, and the man
that was designed by this stratagem to be destroyed was one Mr. Resistance,
otherwise called Captain Resistance. And a great man
in Mansoul was this Captain Resistance; and a man that the giant Diabolus and
his band feared more than they feared the whole town of Mansoul. [Resistance
to the first sin is of the utmost importance. (1Pe 5:8-9)
'Sin will at first, just like a beggar crave
One penny or one halfpenny to have;
And, if you grant its first suit, it will aspire
From pence to pounds, and so will still mount higher to the whole soul.']
One penny or one halfpenny to have;
And, if you grant its first suit, it will aspire
From pence to pounds, and so will still mount higher to the whole soul.']
Now who should be the actor to do the murder, that
was the next part, and they appointed one Tisiphone, a fury of the lake, to do
it.
They thus having ended their council of war, rose
up, and essayed to do as they had determined. They marched towards Mansoul, but
all in a manner invisible, save one, only one; nor did he approach the town in
his own likeness, but under the shape and in the body of a dragon.
So they drew up, and sat down before Ear-gate, for
that was the place of hearing for all throughout the town, as Eye-gate was the
place of perception. So, as I said, he came up with his train to the gate, and
laid his ambush for Captain Resistance within bow-shot of the town. This done,
the giant ascended up close to the gate, and called to the town of Mansoul for
audience. He did not take any with him, but one Ill-pause, who was his orator
in all difficult matters. Now, as I said, he came up to the gate, as the manner
of those times were, sounded his trumpet for audience. At which the chief of
the town of Mansoul, such as my Lord Innocent, my Lord Will-be-will, [The will
by which we determine for or against an action] my Lord Mayor, Mr. Recorder,
[The Recorder is the conscience, by which we judge an action as good or bad]
and Captain Resistance came down to the wall to see who was there, and what was
the matter. And my Lord Will-be-will, when he had looked over and saw who stood
at the gate, demanded what he was and where he came from and why he roused the
town of Mansoul with so unusual a sound.
Diab. Diabolus then, as
if he had been a lamb, began his oration, and said; Gentlemen of the
famous town of Mansoul, I am, as you may perceive, no far dweller from you, but
near, and one that is bound by the King to do you my homage, and what
service I can; therefore, that I may be faithful to myself, and to you, I
have somewhat of a concern to impart to you. Therefore grant me your audience,
and hear me patiently. And, first, I will assure you, it is not myself, but
you; not mine, but your advantage that I seek, by what I now do, as will full
well be made manifest by that I have opened my mind to you. For, gentlemen, I am, to tell you the truth, come to show you how you may
obtain great and ample deliverance from a bondage that, unawares to yourselves,
you are captivated and enslaved under. At this the town of Mansoul began
to prick up its ears, and what is it, please, what is it, they thought;
and he said, I have somewhat to say to you concerning your King, concerning his
Law, and also concerning yourselves. Concerning your King, I know He is great
and powerful, but yet all that He has said to you is neither true, nor yet for
your advantage.
1. It is not true, for that which He has so far
awed you shall not come to pass, nor be fulfilled, though you do the thing that
he has forbidden. But if there was danger, what a slavery is it to live always
in fear of the greatest of punishments, for doing so small and trivial a thing
as eating of a little fruit is?
2. Touching His Laws, this I say further, they are
both unreasonable, intricate, and intolerable. Unreasonable, as was hinted
before, for that the punishment is not proportioned to the offence. There is a
great difference and disproportion between the life and an apple; yet the one
must go for the other, by the Law of your Shaddai. But it is also intricate, in
that He said, first, you may eat of all; and yet after, forbids the eating of
one. And then, in the last place, it must needs be intolerable, forasmuch as
that fruit which you are forbidden to eat of, if you are forbidden any, is
that, and that alone, which is able, by your eating, to minister to you good as
yet unknown by you. This is manifest by the very name of the tree; it is called
the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; and have you that knowledge
as yet? (Gen 3:1-24) No, no, nor can you conceive how good, how pleasant, and how
much to be desired to make one wise it is, so long as you stand by your
King's Commandment. Why should you be held in ignorance and blindness? Why should you not be enlarged in knowledge and
understanding? And now, be amazed! you inhabitants of the famous town of
Mansoul, to speak more particularly to yourselves, you are not a free people
You are kept both in bondage and slavery, and that by a grievous threat; no
reason being annexed but, so I will have it, so it shall be. And is it not grievous to think on, that the very thing that
you are forbidden to do, if you but do it, would yield you both wisdom and
honor; for then your eyes will be opened, and you shall be as gods.
Now, since this is so, he said, can you be kept by any prince in more slavery,
and in greater bondage, than you are under this day? You are made underlings,
and are wrapped up in inconveniences, as I have made them to appear to you. For
what bondage greater than to be kept in blindness? Will not reason tell you
that it is better to have eyes than to be without them; and so to be at
liberty, to be better than to be shut up in a dark and stinking cave.
And just now, while Diabolus was speaking these
words to Mansoul, Tisiphone shot at Captain Resistance, where he stood on the
gate, and mortally wounded him in the head; so that he, to the amazement of the
townsmen, and the encouragement of Diabolus, fell down dead quite over the
wall. [Satan may tempt, but cannot force the soul to sin; (Jas 1:14) we are therefore Commanded to resist
the devil, that he may flee from us. To destroy this resistance, therefore,
must be a great point with the enemy] Now, when Captain Resistance was dead, and he was the only man of war in the town, poor
Mansoul was wholly left naked of courage, nor had she now any heart to resist. But
this was as the devil would have it. [God says, Sinner, you shall die; Satan
says, You shall not die. Which of these ought we to believe?] Then stood forth
that, Mr. Ill-pause, that Diabolus brought with him, who was his orator,
[Resistance failed in our first mother. She paused, and it was an Ill-pause; whatever contradicts God's Word should be instantly resisted
as diabolical] and he addressed himself to speak to the town of Mansoul:
the meaning of whose speech here follows.
ILL-PAUSE. Gentlemen, it is my master's happiness
that he has this day a quiet and teachable audience, and it is hoped by us that
we shall prevail with you not to cast off good advice; my
master has a very great love for you, and although, as he very well knows, that
he runs the hazard of the anger of King Shaddai, yet love to you will make him
do more than that. [Beware of flattery and hypocrisy, especially of that
cunning craftiness of false teachers whereby they lie in wait to deceive unwary
souls, and keep them in darkness. The moral devil that elates the sinner with
vain confidence, is much more dangerous than the immoral one who instigates to
lust, profaneness, and despair] Nor does there need that a word more should be
spoken to confirm for truth what he has said; there is not a word but carries
with it self-evidence in its bowels; the very name of the tree may put an end
to all controversy in this matter. I therefore at this time shall only add this
advice to you, under, and by the leave of my Lord. [And with that he made
Diabolus a very low bow] Consider his words, look on
the tree, and the promising fruit; remember also that yet you know but little,
and that this is the way to know more; and if your reasons be not conquered to
accept of such good counsel, you are not the men that I took you to be.
But when the towns-folk saw that the tree was good for
food, and that it was pleasant to the eye, and a tree to be desired to make one
wise, they did as old Ill-pause advised, they took and did eat thereof. Now
this I should have told you before, that even then, when this Ill-pause was
making his speech to the townsmen, my Lord Innocency — whether by a shot from the
camp of the giant, or from some sinking qualm that suddenly took him, or
whether by the stinking breath of that treacherous villain old Ill-pause, for
so I am most apt to think — sunk down in the place where he stood, nor could he
be brought to life again. Thus these two brave men died; brave men I call them,
for they were the beauty and glory of Mansoul, so long as they lived therein;
nor did there now remain any more a noble spirit in Mansoul, they all fell
down, and yielded obedience to Diabolus, and became his slaves and vassals, as
you shall hear.
Now
these being dead, what do the rest of the towns-folk do, as men that had found
a fool's paradise, they presently, as earlier was hinted, fall to prove the
truth of the giant's words; and first they did as Ill-pause had taught them, they looked, they considered, they were
taken with the forbidden fruit, they took thereof, and did eat; and having
eaten, they became immediately drunken with it; so they opened the gate, both Ear-gate and Eye-gate, and let in
Diabolus with all his bands, quite forgetting their good Shaddai, His Law, and
the judgment that He had annexed with solemn threatening to the breach thereof.
[CHAPTER II.]
[CONTENTS: Diabolus takes possession of the castle
— The
Lord Mayor, Mr. Understanding, is deposed, and a wall built before his house,
to darken it — Mr. Conscience, the Recorder, is put out of office, and becomes
very obnoxious both to Diabolus and to the inhabitants — My Lord Will-be-will,
heartily adopting the cause of Diabolus, is made the principal governor of the
town — The image of Shaddai defaced, and that
of Diabolus set up in its place — Mr.
Lustings is made Lord Mayor, and Mr. Forget-good, Recorder — New alderman
appointed — Three forts built to defend the town against Shaddai.]
Diabolus
having now obtained entrance in at the gates of the town, marches up to the
middle thereof, to make his conquest as sure as he could, and finding by this
time the affections of the people warmly inclining to him, he, as thinking it
was best striking while the iron is hot, made this further deceivable speech to
them, saying, Alas, my poor Mansoul! I have done you indeed this service, as to
promote you to honor, and to increase your liberty, but alas! unfortunately!
poor Mansoul, you now want one to defend you, for assure yourself that when
Shaddai shall hear what is done, He will come; for He will be sorry that you
have broken his bonds, and cast His cords away from you. (Psa 2:1-3) What will you do — will you after enlargement suffer your
privileges to be invaded and taken away? what will you decide? Then they all
with one consent said to this bramble, Do reign over us. So he accepted the motion, and became the king of the town of Mansoul.
This being done, the next thing was to give him possession of the castle,
and so of the whole strength of the town. Therefore into the castle he goes
— it was
that which Shaddai built in Mansoul for His own delight and pleasure — this now was become a den and hold for
the giant Diabolus.
Now having possession of this stately palace or
castle, what does he but make it a garrison for himself, and strengthens and
fortifies it with all sorts of provision against the King Shaddai, or those
that should endeavor the regaining of it to him and his obedience again.
This done, but not thinking himself yet secure
enough, in the next place, he thinks himself of remodeling the town; and so he
does, setting up one, and putting down another at pleasure. [God's image of holiness being obliterated, Satan,
with all his horrid crew of lusts and vile affections, gained admittance; the
understanding was perverted, and the affections estranged] Therefore my Lord
Mayor, whose name was my Lord Understanding, and Mr. Recorder, whose name was
Mr. Conscience, these he puts out of place and power.
As for my Lord Mayor, though he was an
understanding man, and one too that had complied with the rest of the town of
Mansoul in admitting the giant into the town, yet Diabolus thought it not
fitting to let him abide in his former luster and glory, because he was a
seeing man. Wherefore he darkened it, not only by taking from him his office
and power, but by building of a high and strong tower, just between the sun's
reflections, and the windows of my Lord's palace; (2Co
10:4-5) by which means his house and all, and the whole of his
habitation, was made as dark as darkness itself. And thus being alienated from
the light, he became as one that was born blind. (Eph
4:18-19) To this his house my Lord was confined as to a prison; nor
might he be upon his parole go farther than within his own bounds. And now had
he had a heart to do for Mansoul, what could he do for it or wherein could he
be profitable to her? So then, so long as Mansoul was under the power and
government of Diabolus — and so long as it was under him as it was
obedient to him; which was even until by a war it was rescued out of his hands
— so long as my Lord Mayor was a hindrance, rather than an advantage to, the
famous town of Mansoul.
As for
Mr. Recorder, before the town was taken he was a man well read in the Laws of
His King, and also a man of courage and faithfulness, to speak Truth at every
occasion; and he had a tongue as bravely hung as he had an head filled with
judgment. Now this man, Diabolus could by no means abide him, because, though
he gave his consent to his coming into the town, yet he could not, by all
wiles, trials, stratagems, and devices that he could use, make him wholly his
own. True, he was much degenerated from his former King, and also much pleased
with many of the giant's laws and service; but all this would not do, forasmuch
as he was not wholly his. He would now and then think upon Shaddai, and have
dread of his Law upon him, and then he would speak with a voice as great
against Diabolus as when a lion roars; yes, and would also at certain times
when his fits were upon him — for you must know that sometimes he had terrible
fits — he would make the whole town of Mansoul shake with his voice: and,
therefore, the now king of Mansoul could not abide him. [The office and power
of conscience, the old recorder, is beautifully described. He would sometimes
speak, yes, war aloud, testifying for God, and against sin]
Diabolus
therefore feared the Recorder more than any that was left alive in the town of
Mansoul, because, as I said, his words did shake the whole town; they were like
the rattling thunder, and also like thunder-claps. Since therefore the giant
could not make him wholly his own, what does he do but studies all that he
could to debauch the old gentleman; and by debauchery to stupefy his mind, and more harden his heart in
ways of vanity. And as he attempted, so
he accomplished his design; he debauched the man, and little by little so drew
him into sin and wickedness, (Religion) that at last he was not only debauched
as at first, and so his conscience defiled, but was almost, at last, I say,
past all conscience of sin. And this was the furthest Diabolus could go.
Therefore he thought of another project; and that was to persuade the men of
the town that Mr. Recorder was mad, and so not to be regarded: and for this he
urged his fits, and said, If he be himself, why does
he not do so always? but, he said, as all mad folks have their fits, and
in them their raving language, so has this old and doting gentleman.
Thus, by one means or another, he quickly got
Mansoul to slight, neglect, and despise whatever Mr. Recorder could say. For
besides what already you have heard, Diabolus had a way to make the old
gentleman, when he was merry, unsay and deny what he in his fits had affirmed;
and, indeed, this was the next way to make himself ridiculous, and to cause
that no man should regard him. Also, now he never spoke freely for King
Shaddai, but always by force and constraint; besides, he would at one time be
hot against that at which at another he would hold his peace, so uneven was he
now in his doings. Sometimes he would be as if fast asleep, and again sometimes
as dead, even then when the whole town of Mansoul was in her career after
vanity, and in her dance after the giant's pipe.
Therefore, sometimes, when Mansoul was frightened
from the thundering voice of the Recorder, and when they did tell Diabolus of
it, he would answer that what the old gentleman said was neither of love to him
nor pity to them, but of a foolish fondness that he had to be prating; and so
would hush, still, and put all to quiet again. And that he might leave no
argument un-urged that might tend to make them secure, he said, and said it
often, O Mansoul! consider that notwithstanding the old gentleman's rage, and
the rattle of his high and thundering words, you hear nothing of Shaddai
himself, when, liar and deceiver that he was, every outcry of Mr. Recorder
against the sin of Mansoul was the voice of God in him to them. But he goes on
and says, You see that he values not the loss, nor rebellion of the town of
Mansoul, nor will he trouble himself with calling of his town to a reckoning
for their giving of themselves to me. He knows that
though you were His, now you are Lawfully mine; so, leaving us one to
another, He now has shaken his hands of us. [Liars ought to have good memories;
earlier the devil said, When Shaddai shall hear what is done, He will come. Now
he tells them, He has shaken His hands of us, entirely given up on us]
Moreover, O Mansoul! he said, consider how I have
served you, even to the uttermost of my power; and that with the best that I
have — could
get or obtain for you in all the world; besides, I dare say, that the Laws and
customs that you now are under, and by which you do homage to me, do yield you
more solace and contentment than did the paradise that at first you possessed.
Your liberty also, as yourselves do very well know, has been greatly widened
and enlarged by me; whereas I found you a pent-up people. I have not laid any restraint upon you; you have no law,
statute, or judgment of mine to frighten you; I call none of you to account for
your doings, except the madman. (You know who I mean) I have granted you to
live, each man, like a prince, in his own reality, (Jdg
17:6) even with as little control from me as I myself have from you.
And thus would Diabolus hush up, and quiet the
town of Mansoul, when the Recorder, that was, did at times preach to them; yes,
and with such cursed orations as these, would set the whole town in a rage and
fury against the old gentleman; yes, the rascal crew at some times would be for
destroying him. They have often wished, in my hearing, that he had lived a
thousand miles off from them: his company, his words, yes, the sight of him,
and especially when they remembered how in old times he did use them to threaten
and condemn them — for all were now so debauched — that it did terrify and afflict them
sore.
But all
wishes were vain; for I do not know how, unless by the power of Shaddai, and
His wisdom, he was preserved in being amongst them. Besides, his house was as
strong as a castle, and stood hard to a stronghold of the town. Moreover, if at
any time any of the crew or rabble attempted to take him away, he could pull up
the sluices, and let in such floods, as would drown all, round about him.
But to
leave Mr. Recorder, and to come to my Lord Will-be-will, another of the
aristocracy of the famous town of Mansoul. This Will-be-will was as high-born
as any man in Mansoul, and was as much, if not more, a property owner than many
of them were; besides, if I remember my tale right, he had some privileges
peculiar to himself in the famous town of Mansoul. Now, together with these, he
was a man of great strength, resolution, and courage; nor in his occasion could
any turn him away. But I say, whether he was proud of his estate, privileges,
strength, or whatever — but sure it was through pride of something — he scorns
now to be a slave in Mansoul; and therefore resolves to bear office under
Diabolus, that he might, be as one that he was, and be a petty ruler and governor
in Mansoul. [The will scorns to be a slave, but plunges into the worst of
slavery — that to Satan and to sin; and in that slavery must perish, unless
emancipated and redeemed by Christ] And, headstrong man that he was, thus he
began early; for this man, when Diabolus did make his oration at Ear-gate, was one of the first that was for
consenting to his words, and for accepting of his counsel as wholesome, and
that was for the opening of the gate, and for letting him into the town: therefore Diabolus had a kindness for him and
therefore he designed for him a place; and perceiving the valor and stoutness
of the man, he coveted to have him for one of his great ones, to act and to do
in matters of the highest concern. [The will is a Lord, a person of great importance,
a governing faculty; and there could be no sin till the will consented to the
temptation. In fallen man, the will of the old sin nature is not subject to the
Law of God, (Rom 8:7) but obstinately
opposed to it, and therefore a fit deputy for the devil]
So he sent for him, and talked with him of that
secret matter that lay in his breast, but there needed not much persuasion in
the case; for as at first he was willing that Diabolus should be let into the
town, so now he was as willing to serve him there. When the tyrant therefore
perceived the willingness of my Lord to serve him, and that his mind stood
bending that way, he immediately made him the captain
of the castle, governor of the wall, and keeper of the gates of Mansoul;
yes, there was a clause in his commission that nothing without him should be
done in all the town of Mansoul. So that now, next to Diabolus himself, who but
my Lord Will-be-will in all the town of Mansoul; could anything now be done, but at his will
and pleasure, throughout the town of Mansoul. He had also one Mr. Mind; (The
mind or judgment, whereby we distinguish between good and evil, lawful and
unlawful; 2Co 3:14; Tit 1:15) for his clerk, a man to speak, every
way like his master; for he and his Lord were in principle one, and in practice
not far asunder. (Rom 8:5-8) And now was Mansoul brought under his purpose, and made to
fulfill the lusts of the will and of the mind. (Eph 2:3) cf. (Num 15:39)
But it will not go out of my thoughts, what a
desperate one this Will-be-will was, when power was put into his hand. First,
he flatly denied that he owed any suit or service to his former prince and
liege Lord. This done, in the next place he took an oath, and swore fidelity to
his great master Diabolus, and then, being declared and settled in his places,
offices, advancements, and preferment’s, oh! you cannot think, unless you had seen it,
the strange work that this workman made in the town of Mansoul!
First,
he maligned Mr. Recorder to death; he would neither endure to see him, nor to
hear the words of his mouth; he
would shut his eyes when he saw him, and stop his ears when he heard him speak: also, he could not
endure that so much as a fragment of the Law of Shaddai should be anywhere seen
in the town. For example, his clerk, Mr. Mind, had some old, rent, and
torn parchments of the Law of good Shaddai in his house, [The carnal believer
has no pleasure in the Holy Scriptures; they are to him like old, rent, torn
Law parchments, which are written in a language that he cannot understand, and
he casts them away] but when Will-be-will saw them, he cast them behind his
back. (Neh 9:26) True, Mr. Recorder had
some of the Laws in his study, but my Lord could by no means come toward them:
he also thought, and said, that the windows of my old Lord Mayor's house were
always too light for the profit of the town of Mansoul. The light of a candle
he could not endure. Now, nothing at all pleased Will-be-will but what pleased
Diabolus his Lord.
There was none like him to trumpet about the
streets the brave nature, the wise conduct, and great glory of the King
Diabolus. He would range and rove throughout all the streets of Mansoul to cry
up his illustrious Lord, and would make himself even as the lowest, among the
base and rascal crew, to cry up his valiant prince. And I say, when and
whosesoever he found among these vassals, he would even make himself as one of
them. [Diabolus uses the same style to enslave (1Co
9:22)} In all ill courses he would act without request, and do
mischief without commandment.
The Lord Will-be-will also had a deputy under him,
and his name was Mr. Affection; one that was also greatly debauched in his
principles, and answerable thereto in his life. (Rom
1:25) He was wholly given to the flesh, and therefore they called
him Vile-affection. Now there was he, and one Carnal-lust, the daughter of Mr.
Mind (Just alike, said the devil to a member of his crew) that fell in love,
and made a match, and were married; and, as I take it, they had several
children, as Impudent, Blackmouth, and Hate-reproof; these three were black
boys. And besides these they had three daughters, as Scorn-Truth, and
Slightgod, and the name of the youngest was Revenge; these were all married in
the town and also begot and yielded many bad brats; too many to be here
inserted. [What a progeny! but they are the genuine fruits of sin, which is of
an impudent, scornful, and revengeful nature; and they have made mansoul an
enemy to justice, mercy, and Truth] But to pass by this.
When the giant had thus garrisoned himself in the
town of Mansoul, and had put down and set up whom he thought good; he took
himself to defacing. Now there was in the market-place in Mansoul, and also
upon the gates of the castle, an image of the blessed King Shaddai; this image
was so exactly engraved, and it was engraved in gold, that it did the most
resemble Shaddai himself of anything that then was extant in the world. This he
basely commanded to be defaced, and it was as basely done by the hand of Mr.
No-truth. Now you must know, that as Diabolus had commanded, and that by the
hand of Mr. No-truth, the image of Shaddai was defaced. He likewise gave orders
that the same Mr. No-truth should set up in its stead the horrid and formidable
image of Diabolus; to the great contempt of the former King, and debasing of
his town of Mansoul.
Moreover, Diabolus made havoc of all remains of
the Laws and Statutes of Shaddai that could be found in the town of Mansoul;
namely, such as contained either the Doctrines of morals, with all civil and
natural documents. Also relative severities he sought to extinguish. [Relative
severities are the duties we owe to God, to ourselves, and to man, as private
prayer, reading the Word, obedience and affection to parents and relatives, and
that duty so essential to our spirit's welfare — self-examination. (1Co 11:31) These being neglected, the sinner becomes to every good work —
reprobate] To be short, there was nothing of the remains of good in Mansoul which
he and Will-be-will sought not to destroy; for their design was to turn Mansoul
into a brute, and to make it liken to the sensual sow, by the hand of Mr.
No-truth.
When he
had destroyed what Law and good orders he could, then, further to effect his design-namely,
to alienate Mansoul from Shaddai, her King — he commands, and they set up his
own vain edicts, statutes, and commandments, in all places of resort or
concourse in Mansoul; namely,
such as gave liberty to the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the
pride of life, which are not of Shaddai, but of the world. (1Jn 2:16) He encouraged, permitted, and promoted
lasciviousness, and all ungodliness there. Yes, much more did Diabolus to
encourage wickedness in the town of Mansoul; he promised them peace,
contentment, joy, and bliss in doing his commands, and that they should never
be called to an account for their not doing the contrary. And let this serve to
give a taste to them that love to hear tell of what is done beyond their
knowledge, afar off in other countries. [Great is the danger of seeking to be
wise above what is Written. (1Co 4:6) The Bible is the limit of all real knowledge in matters of
religion. (The Spiritual life) To the
Law and to the Testimony, if any Doctrine or practice is not to be found there,
reject it instantly and for ever; it is poisonous, and tends to death and hell]
Now Mansoul being entirely at his beck and call,
and brought entirely to his bow, nothing was heard or seen therein but that
which tended to set him up.
But now, he having disabled the Lord Mayor and Mr.
Recorder from bearing the office in Mansoul, and seeing that the town; before
he came to it, was the most ancient of corporations in the world; and
fearing, if he did not maintain greatness, that they at any time should object
that he had done them an injury, therefore, I say, that they might see that he
did not intend to lessen their grandeur, or to take from them any of their
advantageous things, he did choose for them a Lord Mayor and a Recorder himself;
and such as contented them at the heart, and such also as pleased him
wondrously well.
The name of the Mayor that was of Diabolus' making
was the Lord Lustings; a man that had neither eyes nor ears; all that he did,
whether as a man or as an officer, he did it naturally, as does the beast. [How
degraded! Man becomes a compound of devilish and beastly lusts. Lord, what
is man that You should be mindful of him] And that which made him yet the
more ignoble, though not to Mansoul, yet to them that beheld and were grieved
for its ruins, was, that he never could savor good, but evil.
The Recorder was one whose name was Forget-good;
and a very sorry fellow he was. He could remember nothing but mischief, and to
do it with delight. He was naturally prone to do things that were hurtful; even
hurtful to the town of Mansoul, and to all the dwellers there. These two,
therefore, by their power and practice, example and smiles upon evil, did much
more to instil into the mind, and settle the common people in hurtful ways. For
who does not perceive, but when those that sit on high
are vile, and corrupt themselves, they corrupt the whole region and country
where they are?
Besides these, Diabolus made several subjects and
representatives in Mansoul; such as out of whom the town, when it needed, might
choose them officers, governors, and magistrates. And these are the names of
the chief of them, Mr. Incredulity, Mr. Haughty, Mr. Swearing, Mr. Whoring, Mr.
Hard-heart, Mr. Pitiless, Mr. Fury, Mr. No-truth, Mr. Stand-to-lies, Mr.
False-peace, Mr. Drunkenness, Mr. Cheating, Mr. Atheism —
thirteen in all. Mr. Incredulity is the eldest, and Mr. Atheism the youngest,
of the company. [What a vile set of wretches! the reader will exclaim; but are
you sure that they do not rule your heart? Unbelief is the first, and how natural the
graduation to Atheism, the last — the
scorner's seat. Christ purged his temple, so you must, your heart. All sinful
thoughts are thieves, together assembled to deceive you]
There
was also an election of common councilmen, and others; as bailiffs, sergeants,
constables, and others; but all of them like to those afore-named, being either
fathers, brothers, cousins, or nephews to them; whose names, for brevity's
sake, I omit to mention.
When the giant had thus far proceeded in his work,
in the next place he began to build some strongholds in the town. And he built
three that seemed to be impregnable. The first he called
the Hold of Defiance, because it was made to command the whole town, and to
keep it from the knowledge of its ancient King. The second he called
Midnight-hold, because it was built on purpose to keep Mansoul from the true
knowledge of itself. The third was called Sweet-sin-hold, because by that he
fortified Mansoul against all desires of good. The first of these holds stood
close by the Eye-gate, that as much might be light might be darkened there. The
second was built hard by the old castle, to the end that that might be made
more blind, if possible. And the third stood in the market-place.
He that Diabolus made governor over the first of
these, was one Spite-god, a most blasphemous wretch. He came with the whole
rabble of them that came against Mansoul at first, and was himself one of
themselves. He that was made the governor of Midnight-hold, was one
Love-no-light, he was also of them that came first against the town. And he
that was made the governor of the hold called Sweet-sin-hold, was one whose name
was Love-flesh; he was also a very lewd fellow, but not of that country where
the other are bound. [Loveflesh was one of the corrupted Mansoulians, and,
therefore, not bound to the place where Spitegod and Love-no-light came from;
these were Diabolonians] This fellow could find more sweetness when he stood
sucking of a lust, than he did in all the paradise of God.
And now Diabolus thought himself safe; he had
taken Mansoul; he had garrisoned himself therein; he had put down the old
officers, and had set up new ones; he had defaced the image of Shaddai, and had
set up his own; he had spoiled the old Law-books, and had promoted his own vain
lies; he had made him new magistrates, and set up new representatives; he had
built new holds, and had named them after himself. [How awful and complete is
the revolution! The understanding is darkened, the conscience debauches, the
will perverted, the image of God defaced, the Law of God suppressed, and lusts
triumphant; while the proud sinner defies God, loves midnight darkness, and
wallows in sin. What an awful, but accurate, picture of apostate man! God,
be merciful to us sinners] And all this he did to make himself secure, in
case the good Shaddai, or His Son, should come to make an attack upon him.
[CHAPTER III.]
[CONTENTS: Information of the revolution carried
to the court of King Shaddai — His great resentment of the rebellion — His
gracious intention of restoring Mansoul — Some intimations of this
published-Care of Diabolus to suppress them — His artifices to secure the town,
and prevent its return to Shaddai.]
Now you
may well think, that long before this time word, by some or other, could not
but be carried to the good King Shaddai, how His Mansoul in the continent of
Universe was lost; and that the renegade giant Diabolus, once one of his
Majesty's servants, had, in rebellion against the King, made sure Mansoul for
himself; yes, tidings were carried and brought to the King of it, and that to
the very circumstances.
At
first, how Diabolus came upon Mansoul — they being a simple people, and
innocent, with craft, subtlety, lies, and guile. Item, That he had
treacherously slain the right noble and valiant captain, their Captain
Resistance, as he stood upon the gate, with the rest of the townsmen. Item, How
my brave Lord Innocent fell down dead — with grief, some say, or with being
poisoned with the stinking breath of one Ill-pause, as say others — at the
hearing of his just Lord and rightful prince Shaddai so abused by the mouth of
so filthy a Diabolian as that varlet Ill-pause was. The messenger further told,
that after this Ill-pause had made a short oration to the townsmen, in behalf
of Diabolus, his master, the simple town believing that what was said was true,
with one consent did open Ear-gate, the chief gate of the corporation, and did
let him, with his crew into a possession of the famous town of Mansoul. He
further showed how Diabolus had served the Lord Mayor and Mr. Recorder, namely,
that he had put them from all place of power and trust. Item, He showed also
that my Lord Will-be-will was turned a very rebel and renegade, and that so was
one Mr. Mind, his clerk; and that they two did range and revel it over all the
town, and teach the wicked ones their ways. He said, moreover, that this
Will-be-will was put into great trust; and, particularly, that Diabolus had put
into Will-be-will's hand all the strong places in Mansoul; and that Mr. Affection was made my Lord
Will-be-will's deputy in his most rebellious affairs. Yes, said the messenger, this monster, Lord Will-be-will, has openly
disavowed his King Shaddai, and hath horribly given over his faith and pledged
his betrothal to Diabolus. (Isa 28:15)
Also, said the messenger, besides all this, the
new king, or rather rebellious tyrant, over the once famous, but now perishing,
town of Mansoul, has set up a Lord Mayor and a Recorder of his own. For Mayor,
he has set up one Mr. Lustings, and for Recorder, Mr. Forget-good; two of the
vilest of all the town of Mansoul. This faithful messenger also proceeded, and
told what a sort of new political officials Diabolus had made, also that he had
built several strong forts, towers, and strongholds in Mansoul. He told too,
the which I had almost forgot, how Diabolus had put the town of Mansoul into
arms, the better to change them on his behalf to make resistance against
Shaddai their king, should he come to reduce them to their former obedience.
Now this tidings-teller did not deliver his
communication in private, but in open court, the King and His Son, high lords,
chief captains, and nobles, being all there present to hear. But by that they
had heard the whole of the story, it would have amazed one to have seen, had he
been there to behold it, what sorrow and grief, and regret of spirit, there was
among all sorts, to think that famous Mansoul was now taken; only the King, and his Son foresaw all this long before,
yes, and sufficiently provided for the relief of Mansoul, though they told not
everybody thereof. Yet, because they also would have a share in
sympathizing of the misery of Mansoul, therefore they also did, and that at a
rate of the highest degree, bewail the losing of Mansoul. The King said
plainly, That it grieved Him in his heart, and you may be sure that His
Son was not a bit behind Him. (Gen 6:5-6;
Luk 17:26-33) Thus they gave conviction
to all about them, that they had love and compassion for the famous town of
Mansoul. Well, when the King and his Son were retired into the private chamber,
there they again consulted about what they had designed before, namely, that as
Mansoul should in time be suffered to be lost, so as certainly it should be
recovered again; recovered I say, in such a way as that both the King and His
Son would get themselves eternal fame and glory thereby. Therefore after this
discussion, the Son of Shaddai, a pleasing and becoming person, and one that
had always great affection for those that were in affliction, but one that had
mortal enmity in his heart against Diabolus, because he was designed for it,
and because he sought His crown and dignity. This Son of Shaddai, I say, having
entered into an agreement with His Father, and Promised that He would be His
servant to recover His Mansoul again, stood by His resolution, nor would He
repent of the same. (Isa 49:5; 1Ti 1:15; Heb 13:14)
The propose of which agreement was this: namely, That at a certain time
prefixed by both, the King's Son should take a journey into the country of
Universe; and there, in a way of justice and equity, by making of amends for
the follies of Mansoul, he should lay a foundation of her perfect deliverance
from Diabolus, and from his tyranny. (Joh 3:16)
Moreover, Emmanuel resolved to make, at a
convenient time, a war upon the giant Diabolus, even while he was possessed of
the town of Mansoul; and that He would fairly, by strength of hand, drive him
out of his hold, his nest, and take it to Himself, to be His habitation.
This now being resolved upon, order was given to
the Lord Chief Secretary, to draw up a fair record of what was determined, and
to cause that it should be published in all the corners of the kingdom of
Universe. A short outline of the contents thereof you may, if you please, read
here as follows:
Let all men know who are concerned, That the Son
of Shaddai, the great King, is engaged, by Covenant to His Father, to bring His
Mansoul to Him again; yes, and to put Mansoul too, through the power of His
matchless love, into a far better, and more happy condition than it was in
before it was taken by Diabolus.
These papers, therefore, were published in several
places, to the no little abuse by the tyrant Diabolus, for now, he thought, I
shall be attacked, and my habitation will be taken away from me.
But when this matter, I mean this purpose of the King
and His Son, did at first take air at court, who can tell how the high lords,
chief captains, and noble princes, that were there, were taken with this
business. First, they whispered it one to another, and after that it began to
ring out throughout the King's palace; all wondering at the glorious design
that between the King and His Son was on foot for the miserable town of
Mansoul. Yes, the courtiers could scarce do anything, either for the King or
kingdom, but they would mix with the doing thereof a noise of the love of the
King and His Son, that they had for the town of Mansoul.
Nor could these lords, high captains, and princes
be content to keep this news at court, yes, before the records thereof were
perfected, they came down and told it in Universe. At last it came to the ears,
as I said, of Diabolus, to his no little discontent. For you must think it
would perplex him to hear of such a design against him; well, but after a few
plans in his mind, he concluded upon these four things.
First. That this news, this good tidings, if
possible, should be kept from the ears of the town of Mansoul. [It is the
interest of Satan to keep men in ignorance of the Gospel. His great instrument,
in all ages and class, has been a wicked priestcraft. All that tends to prevent
anxious personal inquiry for Salvation; is from beneath, from the father of
lies] For, he said, if they shall once come to the knowledge that Shaddai,
their former King, and Emmanuel, His Son, are contriving of good for the town
of Mansoul; what can be expected by me, but that Mansoul will make a revolt
from under my hand and government, and return again to Him.
Now, to accomplish his design, he renews his
flattery with my Lord Will-be-will, and also gives him
strict charge and command, that he should keep watch by day and by night at all
the gates of the town, especially Ear-gate and Eye-gate. For I hear of a
design, he said, a design to make us all traitors, and that Mansoul must be
reduced to its first bondage again. I hope they are but flying stories;
however, let no such news by any means be let into Mansoul, lest the people be
dejected by them; I think, my Lord, it can be no welcome news to you, I am sure
it is none to me. And I think that at this time it should be all our wisdom and
care to nip the head of all such rumors as shall tend to trouble our people.
Therefore, I desire, my Lord, that you will in this matter do as I say, let
there be strong guards daily kept at every gate of the town. Stop also and
examine from where such come from, that you perceive do come from faraway here
to trade; nor let them by any means be admitted into Mansoul, unless you shall
plainly perceive that they favor of our excellent government. I command,
moreover, that there be spies
continually walking up and down the town of Mansoul, and let them have power to
suppress, and destroy, any that they shall perceive to be plotting against us,
or that shall speak of what by Shaddai and Emmanuel have intended.
This, therefore, was accordingly done; my Lord
Will-be-will hearkened to his Lord and master, went willingly after the
commandment, and, with all the diligence he could, kept any that would from
going out abroad, or that sought to bring these tidings to Mansoul, from coming
into the town.
Secondly. This done, in the next place, Diabolus,
that he might make Mansoul as sure as he could, frames and imposes a new oath
and horrible covenant upon the townsfolk: namely, That
they should never desert him, nor his government, nor yet betray him, nor seek
to alter his laws; but that they should own, confess, stand by, and acknowledge
him for their rightful king, in defiance to any that do, or hereafter shall, by
any pretence, law, or title whatever, lay claim to the town of Mansoul.
Thinking probably that Shaddai had not the power to absolve them from this
covenant with death, and agreement with hell. (Isa
28:15) Nor did the silly Mansoul stick or hesitate at all at this
most monstrous engagement, but, as if it had been a herring in the mouth of a
whale, they swallowed it without any chewing. Were they troubled at it? No,
they rather bragged and boasted of their so brave fidelity to the tyrant, their
pretended King, swearing that they would never be changelings, nor forsake
their old Lord for a new. [They glory in their shame, (Php 3:19) Reject the sustenance Divine, To
beggarly vile appetites descend; Ask alms of earth, for guests that came from
heaven; Sink into slaves; and sell for present hire Their rich reversionism]
Thus did Diabolus tie poor Mansoul fast; but
jealousy, that never thinks itself strong enough, put him, in the next place,
upon another exploit, which was yet more, if possible, to debauch this town of
Mansoul. Wherefore he caused, by the hand of one Mr.
Filth, an odious, nasty, lascivious piece of beastliness to be drawn up
in writing, [Odious atheistical pamphlets, and filthy ballads and romances,
full of lewdness. Bawdry; obscenity. The abounding of such depraved
publications affords a good criterion of the moral state of a country — China,
very degraded; France, degraded; Italy, under the Pope's nose, most degraded;
few, in comparison, are now to be found in England, and they hide themselves as
Christian knowledge progressives. In Bunyan's time, under the depraved Charles
II, they awfully abounded under the care of Mr. Filth] and to be set upon the
castle gates; whereby he granted and gave license to all his true and trusty
sons in Mansoul, to do
whatsoever their lustful appetites prompted them to do, and that no man was to prevent, hinder, or control them, upon pain of
incurring the displeasure of their prince.
Now this he did for these reasons:
1. That the town of Mansoul might be yet made
weaker and weaker, and so more unable, should tiding come that their redemption
was designed, to believe, hope, or consent to the Truth. For reason says, the bigger the sinner, the less grounds of
hopes of mercy. [Not so, says the
Scripture, it is a saying worthy of all acceptation, that Christ came to
save sinners, even the chief of sinners]
2. The second reason was, If perhaps, Emmanuel,
the Son of Shaddai their King, by seeing the horrible and profane doings of the
town of Mansoul, might repent, though entered into a Covenant of redeeming
them, of pursuing that Covenant of their redemption; for he knew that Shaddai was
holy, and that his Son Emmanuel was holy; yes, he knew it by woeful experience;
for, for his iniquity and sin was Diabolus cast from the highest heavens.
Therefore what is more rational than for him to conclude, that thus for sin it
might fare with Mansoul. But fearing also in case this knot should break, he
thought of another, namely:
3. To endeavor to possess all hearts in the town
of Mansoul said that Shaddai was raising an army, to come to overthrow and
utterly to destroy this town of Mansoul, and this he did to forestal any news
that might come to their ears of their deliverance; for, he thought, if I first
report this, the tidings that shall come after, will all be swallowed up by
this report; for what else will Mansoul say, when they shall hear that they
must be delivered, but that the true meaning is, Shaddai intends to destroy
them; therefore, he summons the whole town into the market-place, and there,
with deceitful tongue, thus he addresses himself to them:
Gentlemen, and my very good friends, You are all,
as you know, my legal subjects, and men of the famous town of Mansoul; you know
how, from the first day that I have been with you until now, I have behaved
myself among you, and what liberty, and great privileges you have enjoyed under
my government, I hope to your honor, and mine, and also to your contentment and
delight. Now, my famous Mansoul, a noise of trouble there is abroad, of trouble
to the town of Mansoul, sorry I am thereof for your sakes. For I received but
now by the post from my Lord Lucifer — and he use to have good intelligence — that your
old King Shaddai is raising an army to come against you, to destroy you root
and branch. [This is one of the great lies with which Satan and his emissaries would
keep sinners in bondage, by leading them to think that Christ came not to save,
but to destroy, and that true religion (Spiritual growth) is a dull,
melancholy, pursuit, tending only to misery and melancholy; the very reverse of
all Christian experience and Truth. (Luk 9:56)] And this, O Mansoul, is now the
cause that at this time I have called you together; namely, to advise what in
this juncture is best to be done; for my part, I am but one, and can with ease
shift for myself, did I list to seek my own ease, and to leave my Mansoul in
all the danger. But my heart is so firmly united to you, and so unwilling am I
to leave you, that I am willing to stand and fall with you, to the utmost
hazard that shall befall me. [Well may Satan be called the father of lies; all
his aim is to destroy souls. He is a merciless tyrant; his service is the
vilest drudgery; his wages are pain, sorrow, sickness, disease, temporal, and
eternal death. O for that Spiritual wisdom from heaven by which alone we
can detect his devices] What say you, O my Mansoul? Will you now desert your
old friend, or do you think of standing by me? Then as one man, with one mouth,
they cried out together, Let him die the death that will not.
Then Diabolus said again, It is in vain for us to
hope for mercy, for this King does not know how to show it: true, perhaps, He
at His first sitting down before us will talk of, and pretend to, mercy, that
thereby, with the more ease, and less trouble, He may again make himself the
master of Mansoul. Whatever therefore He shall say, believe not one syllable or
tittle of it, for all such language is but to overcome us, and to make us,
while we wallow in our blood, the trophies of His merciless victory. My mind
is, therefore, that we resolve, to the last man, to resist Him, and not to
believe Him upon any terms; for in at that door will come our danger. [The strength of Satan's kingdom lies in preventing men from
thinking or examining for themselves] But shall we be flattered out of
our lives? I hope you know more of the rudiments of politics than to suffer
yourselves so pitifully to be served.
But suppose He should, if He gets us to yield,
save some of our lives, or the lives of some of them that are underlings in
Mansoul, what help will that be to you that are the chief of the town;
especially of you whom I have set up, and whose greatness has been procured by
you through your faithful sticking to me? And suppose again, that He should
give mercy to every one of you, be sure He will bring you into that bondage under
which you were captivated before, or a worse; and then what good will your
lives do you? Shall you with Him live in pleasure as you do now? No, no, you
must be bound by Laws that will pinch you, and be made to do that which at
present is hateful to you; I am for you, if you are
for me, and it is better to die valiantly, than to live like pitiful
slaves. [How do the most wretched slaves, even the devil's dirtiest drudges,
hug their chains, and try to imagine themselves free. The
believer alone knows what liberty is; Christ's
service is perfect freedom, and His ways — all His ways, and none but His ways — are
pleasantness and peace] But I say,
the life of a slave will be counted a life too good for Mansoul now; blood,
blood, nothing but blood is in every blast of Shaddai's trumpet against poor
Mansoul now. [Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins; but
with the blood shedding of Jesus, the Gospel of peace and Salvation is brought
to the guilty conscience. How malignantly the father of lies can pervert the
plainest Gospel Truths] Pray, be concerned, I hear He is coming up; and stand
to your arms, that now while you have any leisure, I may teach you some feats
of war. For I have Armor for you, and by me it is; yes, and it is sufficient
for Mansoul from top to toe; nor can you be hurt by what His force can do, if
you shall keep it well girt and fastened about you. Come therefore to my
castle, and welcome, and harness yourselves for the war. There is helmet,
breastplate, sword, and shield, and what not, that will make you fight like
men.
1. My helmet, otherwise called an head-piece, is
hope of doing well at last, what lives so ever as you live. This is that which
they had, who said, I have peace though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart
, "in order to destroy the watered land with the dry." (Deut 29:19) A piece of approved armor this is,
and whoever has it and can hold it, and no arrow, dart, sword, or shield can
hurt him; this therefore, keep on, and you will keep off many a blow, my
Mansoul.
2. My breastplate is a breastplate of iron; I had
it forged in mine own country, and all my soldiers are armed therewith; in plain
language it is a hard heart, a heart as hard as iron, and as much past feeling
as a stone; the which if you get, and keep, neither mercy shall win you, nor
judgment fright you. (Rev 9:9) This,
therefore, is a piece of armor most necessary for all to put on that hate
Shaddai, and that would fight against him under my banner.
3. My sword is a tongue that is set on fire of
hell, (Psa 57:4) and that can bend
itself to speak evil of Shaddai, His Son, His ways, and people. (Psa 64:3) Use this; it has been tried a thousand
times twice told; whoever has it, keeps it, and makes that use of it as I would
have him, can never be conquered by my enemy. (Jas
3:3-5)
4. My, shield is unbelief, or calling into
question the Truth of the Word, or all the sayings that speak of the judgment
that Shaddai has appointed for wicked men. Use this shield. (Job 15:26) Many attempts He has made upon it,
and sometimes, it is true, it has been bruised. (Psa
76:3) But they that have written of the wars of Emmanuel against my
servants, have testified that He could do no mighty work there because of their
unbelief. (Mat 13:58) Now, to handle this weapon of mine right, it
is not to believe things because they are true, of what sort or by whomsoever
asserted. If He speaks of judgment, care not for it; if He speaks of mercy,
care not for it; if He Promises, if He Swears that He would do to Mansoul, if it changes its mind, no hurt but good, regard not what is said; question the Truth of all; for this is to wield the shield of unbelief rightly,
and as my servants ought and do; and he that does otherwise does not love me,
nor do I count him but an enemy to me. [This shield of the devil is used to an
extent that few persons imagine. All the impenitent disbelieve the punishment
of sin, and use this shield to ward off conviction; and how many of the
children of God, when in a state of doubt, use the same shield, to prevent the
entrance of those Promises which would bring consolation to their wounded
souls! Strangely has sin perverted the mental faculties of Mansoul]
5. Another part or piece, said Diabolus, of my
excellent armor is a dumb and prayerless spirit — a spirit that scorns to cry
for mercy; therefore be you, my Mansoul, sure that you make use of this. [How
skilfully Satan provides his suggestions, to keep poor sinners from their
knees. He knows that he cannot withstand godly, fervent, prayer] What! cry for
quarter, (Mercy) never do that if you would be mine; I know you are stout men,
and am sure that I have clad you with that which is sword proof; therefore, to
cry to Shaddai for mercy, let that be far from you. Besides all this, I have a
maul, fire-brands, arrows and death, all good hand-weapons, and such as will do
execution. [Reader, we have here presented to our view the whole armor of the
devil — presumption, hardness of heart, a blasphemous tongue, unbelief, and a
prayerless spirit. This is Satan's armor; the very reverse of that which God
has provided for Christian soldiers]
After he
had thus furnished his men with armor and arms, he addressed himself to them in
such like words as these: Remember, he said, that I am your rightful king, and
that you have taken an oath, and entered into covenant to be true to me and my
cause; I say, remember this, and show yourselves stout and valiant men of
Mansoul. Remember also the kindness that I have always showed to you, and that
without your petitions: I have granted to you external things, therefore the
privileges, grants, immunities, profits and honors herewith I endowed you, do
call for at your hands returns of loyalty, my lion-like men of Mansoul; and
when so fit a time to show it as when another shall seek to take my dominion
over you, into their own hands? One word more, and I am done, Can we but stand,
and overcome this one shock or brunt, I doubt not but in a little time all the
world will be ours; and when that day comes, my true hearts, I will make you
kings, princes, and captains, and what brave days shall we have then? [Thus
Satan deceives the world, promising liberty and pleasure, while slavery and
destruction are his only aim. All these things, he said to our Lord, will I give to You, if You will worship me. O that we may be enabled to say, Get behind me,
Satan — Satan
first beguiles, then destroys, and lastly torments; he flatters only to betray
and ruin]
Diabolus
having thus armed, and forearmed his servants and vassals in Mansoul, against
their good and lawful King Shaddai; in the next place, he doubles his guards at
the gates of the town, and he takes himself to the castle, which was his
stronghold. His vassals also, to show their wills, and supposed, but ignoble,
gallantry, exercise themselves in their arms every day, and teach one another
feats of war; they also defied their enemies, and sang up the praises of their
tyrant; they threatened also what men they would be, if ever things should rise
so high as a war between Shaddai and their king. [Reader, having accompanied
Bunyan thus far in his Holy War, pause and consider whether you understand his
Spiritual meaning: the original perfection of the human nature — the
temptations of the enemy of souls — the loss of innocency — the admission of
Diabolus into the heart of Mansoul — his reign of sin — the first intimations
of Divine mercy — Satan's precautions to prevent it to resist the grace of God
— and to keep the soul in slavery, — have I felt all this in my own
experience?]
[CHAPTER IV]
[CONTENTS: Shaddai sends an army of forty thousand
to reduce Mansoul, under the direction of four captains, Boanerges, Conviction, Judgment, and Execution, who
address the inhabitants with great energy, but to little purpose —
Diabolus, Incredulity, Ill-pause, and others, interfere to prevent submission —
Prejudice defends Ear-gate with a guard of sixty deaf men]
Now all
this time, the good King, the King Shaddai was preparing to send an army to
recover the town of Mansoul again, from under the tyranny of their pretended
king Diabolus. But He thought it good, at first, not to send them by the hand
and conduct of brave Emmanuel His Son, but under the hand of some of his
servants, to see first, by them, the temper of Mansoul; and whether by them
they would be won to the obedience of their King. The army consisted of above
forty thousand, all true men; for they came from the King's own court, and were
those of His own choosing.
They
came up to Mansoul under the conduct of four stout generals, each man being a
captain of ten thousand men, and these are their names, and their signs. The
name of the first was Boanerges; the name of the second was Captain Conviction;
the name of the third was Captain Judgment; and the name of the fourth was
Captain Execution. These were the captains that Shaddai sent to regain Mansoul.
These
four captains, as was said, the King thought it fitting, in the first place, to
send to Mansoul, to make an attempt upon it; for indeed, generally in all His
wars He did use to send these four captains in the vanguard, for they were very
stout and rough-hewn men, men that were fit to break the ice, and to make their
way by means of sword, and their men were like themselves. (Psa 60:4)
To each of these captains the King gave a banner
that it might be displayed, because of the goodness of His cause, and because
of the right that He had to Mansoul.
First to Captain Boanerges, for he was the chief;
to him, I say, was given ten thousand men. His ensign was Mr. Thunder; he
carried the black colors, and his escutcheon was three burning thunderbolts. (Mar 3:17) The second captain was Captain
Conviction; to him was also given ten thousand men. His ensign's name was Mr.
Sorrow; he did bear the pale colors, and his escutcheon was the book of the Law
wide open, from where issued a flame of fire. (Deut
33:2) The third captain was Captain Judgment; to him was given ten
thousand men. His ensign's name was Mr. Terror; he bare the red colors, and his
escutcheon was a burning fiery furnace. (Mat 13:40-41)
The fourth captain was Captain Execution; to him was given ten thousand men.
His ensign was Mr. Justice; he also carried the red colors, and his escutcheon
was a fruitless tree, with an axe lying at the root thereof. (Mat 3:10)
These four captains, as I said, had every one of
them under his command ten thousand men; all of good fidelity to the King, and
stout at their military actions. ['Boanerges,' a powerful awakening ministry;
'Conviction,' an awful display of the requirements of the Law; 'Judgment,' the
dreadful expectation of the great day; 'Execution,' the destruction of
unrepentant sinners. These are means of conviction, although in many cases, as
that of Lydia, (Act 16:14) the heart is
gently opened to admit Emmanuel]
Well, the captains, and their forces, their men
and under officers, being had upon a day by Shaddai into the field, and there
called all over by their names, were then and there put into such equipment for
fighting men as became their degree, and the service that now they were doing
for their King. [The great question is, Do I love the Lord? Does that love lead
to obedience]
Now, when the King had mustered his forces-for it
is he that mustered the host to the battle — he gave to the captains their
several commissions, with charge and commandment, in the audience of all the
soldiers, that they should take heed faithfully and courageously to do and
execute the same. Their commissions were, for the substance of them, the same
in form; though as to name, title, place, and degree of the captains, there
might be some, but very small variation. And here let me give you an account of
the matter and sum contained in their commission.
A commission from the great Shaddai, King of
Mansoul, to his trusty and noble Captain Boanerges, for His making war upon the
town of Mansoul. [A son of thunder, meaning a powerful proclamation of the
Gospel, which when made effectual in the heart by the Holy Spirit, becomes the
power of God to Salvation]
O you Boanerges, one of My stout and thundering
captains, over ten thousand of my valiant and faithful servants; go you in My
name, with this force, to the miserable town of Mansoul; and when you come
there, offer them first conditions of peace, (Mat 10:11;
Luk 10:5) and Command them, to be
casting off the yoke and tyranny of the wicked Diabolus, and return to me,
their rightful Prince and Lord; Command them, also, that they cleanse
themselves from all that is his in the town of Mansoul, and look to yourself
that you have good satisfaction touching the Truth of their obedience. Thus
when you have Commanded them, if they in Truth submit thereto, then do, to the
uttermost of your power, what lies in you, to set up for Me a garrison in the
famous town of Mansoul; nor do you hurt the least native that moves or breathes
therein, if they will submit themselves to Me, but
treat them such as if they were your friend or brother — for all such I love, and they shall be
dear to Me — and tell them that I will take a time to come to
them, and to let them know that I am merciful. (1Th 2:7-10)
But if they shall — notwithstanding your summons,
and the production of your authority — resist, stand out against you, and
rebel, then I Command you to make use of all your cunning, power, might, and
force, to bring them under by strength of hand. Farewell.
Thus you
see the sum of their commissions, for, as I said before, for the substance of
them they were the same that the rest of the noble captains had.
Wherefore
they having received each commander his authority, at the hand of their King,
the day being appointed, and the place of their rendezvous prefixed, each
commander appeared in such gallantry as became his cause and calling. So, after
a new entertainment from Shaddai, with flying colors, they set forward to march
towards the famous town of Mansoul. Captain Boanerges led the vanguard; Captain
Conviction and Captain Judgment made up the main body, and Captain Execution
brought up the rear. (Eph
2:13, Eph 2:17)
They then having a great way to go, for the town of Mansoul was far off from
the court of Shaddai, they marched through the regions and countries of many
people, not hurting or abusing any, but blessing wherever they came. They also
lived upon the King's expense in all the way they went. [Although Bunyan was not a hireling preacher, for a great
portion of his life maintained himself and his family by the labor of his
hands, yet he plainly suggests that moving around and missionary laborers
in the Lord's vineyard must be maintained at the King's cost while away from
home]
Having travelled thus for many days, [The distance
to which man has fallen from God, is well set forth in the Church Homily on the
Nativity: Before he was beloved, now he is abhorred; before he was most
beautiful and precious, now he is vile and wretched. Instead of the image of
God, he is now the image of the devil; instead of being the citizen of heaven,
he is the bond-slave of hell; having not one part of his former purity and
cleanness, but is altogether spotted and defiled, and is nothing but a lump of
sin, and condemned to everlasting death. What strange ideas must pass over the
mind of an unconverted clergyman, who prides himself on the dignity of the human old sin nature, and yet reads this to his
congregation] at last they came within sight of Mansoul; the which, when they
saw, the captains could for their hearts do no less than for a while bewail the
condition of the town, for they quickly saw how that it was prostrate to the
will of Diabolus, and to his ways and designs. Well, to be short, the captains
came up before the town, marched up to Ear-gate, and sat down there, for that
was the place of hearing. So, when they had pitched their tents and entrenched
themselves, they addressed themselves to make their assault.
Now the townsfolk at first, beholding so gallant a
company, so bravely accoutered, and so excellently disciplined, having on their
glittering armor, and displaying of their flying colors, could not but come out
of their houses and gaze. But the cunning fox, Diabolus, fearing that the
people, after this sight, should on a sudden summons, open the gates to the
captains, came down with all haste from the castle, and made them retire into
the body of the town, who, when he had them there, made this lying and
deceptive speech to them:
Gentlemen, although you are my trusty and
well-beloved friends, yet I cannot but a little chide you for your late
uncircumspect action, in going out to gaze on that great and mighty force that
but yesterday sat down before, and have now entrenched themselves, in order to
the maintaining of a siege against, the famous town of Mansoul. Do you know who
they are, where they come from, and what is their purpose in setting down before
the town of Mansoul? They are they of whom I have told you long ago, that they
would come to destroy this town, and against whom I have been at the cost to
arm you with cap-a-pie [Armed all over from head to feet] for your body,
besides great fortifications for your mind. Therefore, then, did you not
rather, even at the first appearance of them, cry out, fire the beacons, and
give the whole town an alarm concerning them, that we might all have been in a
posture of defense, and been ready to have received them with the highest acts
of defiance, then you showed yourselves men to my liking; whereas, by what you
have done, you have made me half-afraid; I say half-afraid, that when they and
we shall come to push a spear, I shall find you lack the courage to stand any
longer. Therefore I have commanded a watch, and that you should double your
guards at the gates? Therefore have I endeavored to make you as hard as iron,
and your hearts as a piece of the nether millstone? Was it, think you, that you
might show yourselves women, and that you might go out like a company of
innocents to gaze on your mortal foes? Shame, shame, put yourselves into a
posture of defense, beat the drum, gather together in warlike manner, that our
foes may know that, before they shall conquer this corporation there are
valiant men in the town of Mansoul.
I will leave off bawling you out now, [To alarm
and to persuade are the two principal means by which the devil tempts men; and
it is not uncommon among Christians to feel the influence of both on one
occasion. Now, as two things so dissimilar are not likely to arise out of the
self-same mind, is not this an evidence of the power of some foreign and
infernal influence over the human heart? Let us, then, be always awake to a
sense of our danger, and put on the whole armor of God] and will not further
rebuke you; but I charge you that from now on, do not let me see more such
actions. Let not from now on a man of you, without order first obtained from
me, so much as show his head over the wall of the town of Mansoul. You have now
heard me, do as I have commanded, and you shall cause me to dwell securely with
you, and that I take care of you as myself, so also for your safety and honor
also. Farewell.
Now were the townsmen strangely changed; they were
as men stricken with a panic fear; they ran to and fro through the streets of
the town of Mansoul, crying out, Help, help! the men that turn the world
upside down are come here also; (Act 17:6)
nor could any of them be quiet, but like, as men bereft of wit, they cried out,
The destroyers of our peace and people have come. This went down with Diabolus.
Yes! he said to himself, this I like
well, now it is as I would have it; now you show your obedience to your prince,
hold but here, and then let them take the town if they can.
Well, before the King's forces had sat before
Mansoul three days, Captain Boanerges Commanded his trumpeter to go down to
Ear-gate, and there, in the name of the great Shaddai, to summon Mansoul to
give audience to the message that he, in his Master's name, was to them
Commanded to deliver. So the trumpeter, whose name was Take-heed-what-you-hear,
went up, as he was Commanded, to Ear-gate, and there sounded his trumpet for a
hearing; but there was none that appeared that gave answer or regard; for so
had Diabolus commanded. So the trumpeter returned to his captain, and told him
what he had done, and also how he had sped. Whereat the captain was grieved,
but bid the trumpeter go to his tent.
Again Captain Boanerges sent his trumpeter to
Ear-gate, to sound, as before, for a hearing. But they again kept closed, and
did not come out, nor would they give him an answer, so observant were they of
the command of Diabolus their king. [Faith comes by hearing; but, alas! how
often, at the instigation of Satan, is the ear shut against the messages of
grace. The Christian inquirer's duty is to hear and search all things, and hold
fast that which is good]
Then the captains, and other field-officers,
called a council of war, to consider what further was to be done for the
gaining of the town of Mansoul, and, after some close and thorough debate upon
the contents of their commissions, they concluded yet to give to the town, by
the hand of the forenamed trumpeter, another summons to hear; but if that shall
be refused, they said, and that the town shall remain firm still, then they
determined, and bid the trumpeter tell them so, that they would endeavor, by
whatever means they could, to compel them by force to the obedience of their
King. (Luk 14:23)
So Captain Boanerges commanded his trumpeter to go
up to Ear-gate again, and, in the name of the great King Shaddai, to give it a
very loud summons, to come down without delay to Ear-gate, there to give
audience to the King's most noble captains. So the trumpeter went and did as he
was commanded. He went up to Ear-gate and sounded his trumpet, and gave a third
summons to Mansoul; he said, moreover, that if they should still refuse, the
captains of his Prince would with might come down upon them, and endeavor to
reduce them to their obedience by force. (Isa 58:1)
Then my Lord Will-be-will stood up, who was the
governor of the town; this Will-be-will was that apostate of whom mention was
made before, and the keeper of the gates of Mansoul. He, therefore, with big
and ruffling words, demanded of the trumpeter who he was, where he came from,
and what was the cause of his making so hideous a noise at the gate, and
speaking such insufferable words against the town of Mansoul?
The trumpeter answered, I am servant to the most
noble captain, Captain Boanerges, general of the forces of the great King
Shaddai, against whom both yourself, with the whole town of Mansoul, have
rebelled, and lifted up the heel; and my master, the captain, has a special
message to this town, and to you as a member thereof; the which, if you of
Mansoul shall peaceably hear; and if not, you must take what follows.'
Then the Lord Will-be-will said, I will carry your words to my Lord, and
will know what he will say. But the trumpeter soon replied, saying. Our message
is not to the giant Diabolus, but to the miserable town of Mansoul. Nor shall
we at all regard what answer by him is made, nor yet by any for him. We are
sent to this town to recover it from under his cruel tyranny, and to persuade it
to submit, as in former times it did, to the most excellent King Shaddai.
Then the Lord Will-be-will said, I will do your
errand to the town. The trumpeter then replied, Sir, do not deceive us,
otherwise in so doing, you deceive yourselves much more. He added, moreover,
For we are resolved, if in peaceable manner you do not submit yourselves, then
to make a war upon you, and to bring you under by force. And of the Truth of
what I now say, this shall be a sign to you: you shall see the black flag, with
its hot-burning thunder-bolts, set upon the mount to-morrow, as a token of
defiance against your prince, and of our resolutions to humble you to your Lord
and rightful King.
So the said Lord Will-be-will returned from off
the wall, and the trumpeter came into the camp. When the trumpeter was come
into the camp, the captains and officers of the mighty King Shaddai came
together to know if he had obtained a hearing, and what was the effect of his
errand. So the trumpeter told them, saying, When I had sounded my trumpet, and
had called aloud to the town for a hearing, my Lord Will-be-will, the governor
of the town, and he that has charge of the gates, came up, when he heard me
sound, and looking over the wall, he asked me what I was, where I came from,
and what was the cause of my making this noise? So I told him my errand, and by
whose authority I brought it. Then, he said, I will tell it to the governor and
to Mansoul; and then I returned to my Lords.
Then the brave Boanerges said, Let us yet for a
while lie still in our trenches, and see what these rebels will do. Now when
the time drew nigh that audience by Mansoul must be given to the brave
Boanerges and his companions, it was commanded that all the men of war,
throughout the whole camp of Shaddai, should as one man stand to their arms,
and make themselves ready, if the town of Mansoul shall hear, to receive it
forthwith to mercy, but if not, to force a subjection. So the day being come,
the trumpeters sounded, and that throughout the whole camp, that the men of war
might be in a readiness for that which then should be the work of the day. But
when they that were in the town of Mansoul heard the sound of the trumpets
throughout the camp of Shaddai, and thinking no other thing but that it must be
in order to storming the corporation, they at first were put to great
consternation of spirit; but after they were a little settled again, they also
made what preparation they could for a war, if they did storm, so as to secure
themselves.
Well, when the utmost time was come, Boanerges was
resolved to hear their answer; therefore he sent out his trumpeter again, to
summons Mansoul to a hearing of the message that they had brought from Shaddai.
So he went and sounded, and the townsmen came up, but made Ear-gate as sure as they
could. (Zec 7:11) Now when they came up
to the top of the wall, Captain Boanerges desired to see the Lord Mayor, but my
Lord Incredulity was then Lord Mayor, for he came in the room of my Lord
Lustings. So Incredulity came up and showed himself over the wall; but when the
Captain Boanerges had set his eyes upon him, he cried out aloud, This is not
he, where is my Lord Understanding, the ancient Lord Mayor of the town of
Mansoul? for to him I would deliver my message?
Then the giant-for Diabolus who was also come
down-to the captain said, Mr. Captain, you have by your boldness given to
Mansoul, at least, four summonses to subject herself to your King, by whose
authority I do not know, nor will I dispute that now; I ask, therefore, what is
the reason of all this ado, or what are you doing, if you even know yourselves?
Then Captain Boanerges, whose was the black
colors, and whose escutcheon was the three burning thunder-bolts, taking no
notice of the giant or of his speech, thus addressed himself to the town of
Mansoul: Be it known unto you, O unhappy and rebellious Mansoul, that the most
gracious King, the great King Shaddai, my Master, has sent me to you with a
commission, and so he showed to the town his broad seal, to humble you to His
obedience. And He has Commanded me, in case you yield upon my summons, to carry
it to you as if you were my friends, or brother; but He also has bid, that if
after the summons to submit, you still hold out and rebel, we should endeavor
to take you by force.
Then Captain Conviction stood forth and said Hear,
O Mansoul! — his
was the pale colors, and for an escutcheon, he had the book of the Law wide
open [From where issued a flame of fire] — You, O Mansoul, was once famous for
innocency, but now you are degenerated into lies and deceit. (Rom 3:3, Rom 3:10-23, Rom 16:17-18) You have heard what my brother the
Captain Boanerges has said; and it is your wisdom, and will be your happiness,
to stoop to, and accept of, conditions of peace and mercy when offered;
especially when offered by one against whom you have rebelled, and one who is
of power to tear you in pieces, for so is Shaddai our King; nor, when He is
angry, can anything stand before Him. (Psa 2:12)
If you say you have not sinned, nor acted in rebellion against our King, the
whole of your doings, since the day that you cast off His service — and
there was the beginning of your sin — will sufficiently testify against you.
What else means your hearkening to the tyrant, and your receiving him for your
king? What else does it mean your rejecting of the Laws of Shaddai, and your
obeying Diabolus? Yes, what does it mean by your taking up of arms against, and
the shutting of your gates upon us, the faithful servants of your King? Be
ruled then, and accept of my brother's invitation, and do not resist the time
of mercy, but agree with your adversary quickly. (Luk 12:58-59) Ah, Mansoul, suffer yourself not to be kept from mercy, and to be run
into a thousand miseries, by the flattering wiles of Diabolus. Perhaps that
piece of deceit may attempt to make you believe that we seek our own profit in
this our service; (1Co 10:33) [Godly ministers cannot be too careful in their conduct to
guard against the appearance of preferring the fleece to the flock] but
know, it is obedience to our King, and love for you to have God's happiness,
that is the cause of this undertaking of ours.
Again, I say to you, O Mansoul, consider if it be
not amazing grace that Shaddai should so humble himself as He does. Now He, by
us reasons with you, in a way of entreaty and sweet persuasions, that you would
subject yourselves to Him. Has He that much need of you, that we are sure you
have of Him? No, no; but He is merciful, and wills not that Mansoul should die,
but turn to Him and live. (2Co 5:18-21)
Then Captain Judgment stood forth, whose was the
red colors, and for an escutcheon he had the burning fiery furnace, and he
said, O you, the inhabitants of the town of Mansoul, that have lived so long in
rebellion and acts of treason against the King Shaddai; know that we come not
to-day to this place, in this manner, with our message of our own minds, or to
revenge our own quarrel; it is the King, my Master, that has sent us to reduce
you to your obedience to Him, the which if you refuse in a peaceable way to yield,
we have commission to compel you thereto. And never think of yourselves, nor
yet suffer the tyrant Diabolus to persuade you to think, that our King, by His
power, is not able to bring you down, and to lay you under His feet; for He is
the former of all things, and if He touches the mountains, they smoke. Nor will
the gate of the King's clemency stand always open; for the day that shall burn
like an oven is before Him, yes, it hurries greatly, it sleeps not. (Mal 4:1; 2Pe 2:3)
O Mansoul! is it little in your eyes that our King
does offer you mercy, and that, after so many provocations? Yes, He still holds
out His golden scepter to you, and will not yet suffer His gate to be shut
against you. Will you provoke Him to do it? If so, consider of what I say. To You
it is opened no more forever. (Job 36:14)
If you say you shall not see Him, yet judgment is before Him; therefore trust
in Him. Yes, "because there is wrath, beware lest He take you away with
his stroke; then a great ransom cannot deliver you" KJV. (Job 36:18) Will He esteem your riches? (Job 36:19) No; not gold, nor all the forces of
strength. "He has prepared His throne for judgment." (Psa 9:7) "For behold, the LORD will come
in fire And His chariots like the whirlwind, To render His anger with fury, And
His rebuke with flames of fire." (Isa 66:15)
Therefore, O Mansoul, take heed, lest after you hast fulfilled the judgment of
the wicked, justice and judgment should take hold of you.
Now, while the Captain Judgment was making this
oration to the town of Mansoul, it was observed by some that Diabolus trembled.
But he proceeded in his parable, and said, 'O you woeful town of Mansoul! will
you not yet set open your gate to receive us, the deputies of your King, and
those that would rejoice to see you live? "Can your heart endure, or
can your hands be strong in the days that I will deal with you? I, the LORD,
have spoken and will act." (Eze 22:14)
I say, can you endure to be forced to drink, as one would drink sweet wine, the
sea of wrath that our King has prepared for Diabolus and his angels? Consider
early, consider.
Then stood forth the fourth captain, the noble
Captain Execution, and said; O town of Mansoul! once famous, but now like the
fruitless bough; once the delight of the high ones, but now a den for Diabolus:
Listen also to me, and to the words that I shall speak to you in the name of
the great Shaddai. Behold "The axe is already laid at the root of the
trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and
thrown into the fire." (Mat 3:7-10)
You, O town of Mansoul! has as yet been this
fruitless tree; you bear nothing but thorns and briars. Your evil fruit
indicates that you are not a good tree. Your "grapes are grapes of
poison, Their clusters, bitter." (Deut 32:32)
You have rebelled against your King, and behold! we, the power and force of
Shaddai, are the axe that is laid to your roots. What do you say, will you
turn? I say again, tell me before the first blow is given, will you turn? Our
axe must first be laid to your root, before it be laid at your
root; it must first be laid to your root in a way of threatening, before
it is laid at your root by way of execution; and between these two is
required your repentance, and this is all the time that you have. What will you
do? will you turn, or shall I strike? If I fetch my blow, Mansoul, down you go;
for I have commission to lay my axe at as well as to your roots,
nor will anything but yielding to our King prevent doing of the execution. What
are you fit for, O Mansoul, if mercy does not prevent you, but to be hewn down,
and cast into the fire and burned?
O Mansoul! patience and forbearance do not act for
ever; a year or two, or three, they may; but if you provoke for a three years
rebellion — and
you have already done more than this — then what follows but, cut it down? No, "After that you shall cut it down." (Luk 13:9)
And do you think that these are but threatening’s, or
that our King has no power to execute His Words? O Mansoul! you will find that
in the Words of our King, when they are by sinners made little or light of,
there is not only threatening, but burning coals of fire. You have been using
up the ground, long already, [Cut it down; why use up the ground? (Luk 13:7) A using up the ground professor is not only a provocation to God, a
stumbling-block to the world, and a blemish to the Spiritual life, but also a
snare to his own soul] and will you continue so still? your sin has brought
this army to your walls, and shall it bring it in judgment to do execution into
your town? You have heard what the captains have said, but as yet you have kept
shut your gates; speak out, Mansoul, will you do so still, or will you accept
the conditions of peace?
These brave speeches of these four
noble captains the town of Mansoul refused to hear, yet a sound thereof did beat against Ear-gate, though the force
thereof could not break it open. In fineness, the town desired a time to
prepare their answer to these demands. The captains then told them, that if
they would throw out to them one Ill-pause,
that was in the town, that they might reward him according to his works, then
they would give them time to consider; but if they would not cast him to them
over the wall of Mansoul, then they would give them none; for, they said, we
know that so long as Ill-pause draws breath in Mansoul, all good consideration
will be confounded, and nothing but mischief will come from it.
Then Diabolus, who was there present, being loth
to lose his Ill-pause, because he was his orator, (And yet be sure he had,
could the captains have laid their fingers on him) was resolved at this instant
to give them an answer by himself; but then, changing his mind, he commanded
the then Lord Mayor, the Lord Incredulity, to do it, saying, My Lord, do you
give these renegades an answer; and speak out, that Mansoul may hear, and
understand you.
So Incredulity, at Diabolus' command, began and
said: 'Gentlemen, you have here, as we do behold, to the disturbance of our
prince, and the harassment of the town of Mansoul, camped against it: but from
where you come we will not know, and what you are we will not believe. Indeed,
you tell us in your terrible speech that you have this authority from Shaddai;
but by what right He Commands you to do it, of that we shall yet be ignorant.
You have also, by the authority aforementioned, summoned this town to desert
her Lord; and for protection, to yield up herself to the great Shaddai, your
King; flatteringly telling her, that if she will do it, He will pass by, and
not charge her with her past offences. Further, you have also, to the terror of
the town of Mansoul, threatened, with great and sore destructions, to punish
this corporation, if she consents not to do as your wills would have her.
Now, captains, from whencesoever you come, and
though your designs be never so right, yet know you, that neither my Lord
Diabolus, nor I his servant Incredulity, nor yet our brave Mansoul, does regard
either your persons, message, or the King that you say has sent you: his power,
his greatness, his vengeance, we fear not; nor will we yield at all to your
summons.
As for the war that you threaten to make upon us,
we must therein defend ourselves as well as we can; and know, that we are not
without wherewithal to bid defiance to you. And, in short, for I will not be
tedious, I tell you that we take you to be some vagabond renegade crew, that,
having shaken off all obedience to your King, have came together in tumultuous
manner, and are ranging from place to place to see if, through the flatteries
you are skilled to make on the one side, and threats wherewith you think to
fright on the other, to make some silly town, city, or country, to desert their
place and leave it to you; but Mansoul is none of them. To conclude, we dread
you not, we fear you not, nor will we obey your summons: our gates we will shut
upon you, of our place we will keep you out; nor will we long suffer you to sit
down before us. Our people must live in quiet; your appearance does disturb
them; (Luk 11:21) wherefore arise with
bag and baggage, and be gone, or we will let fly from the walls against you. [Thus reasons the flesh — We will not know; we will not believe;
we will not submit; we must not be disturbed; therefore be gone you faithful teachers, or we will persecute you]
This oration, made by old Incredulity, was
seconded by desperate Will-be-will, in words to this effect: Gentlemen, we have
heard your demands, and the noise of your threats, and have heard the sound of
your summons, but we do not fear your force; we regard not your threats, but
will still abide as you found us. And we command you, that in three days’ time
you cease to appear in these parts, or you shall know what it is once to dare
offer to rouse the dragon Diabolus, when asleep in his town of Mansoul.
The
Recorder, whose name was Forget-good, he also added as follows: Gentlemen, my
Lords, as you see, have, with mild and gentle words, answered your rough and
angry speeches; they have, moreover, in my hearing, given you leave quietly to
depart as you came. Wherefore, take their kindness, and be gone. We might have
come out with force upon you, and have caused you to feel the dint of our
swords; but as we love ease and quiet ourselves, so we love not to hurt or
assault others. [If the Holy Spirit would let sinners sleep on, all mankind
would lie in carnal security until plunged into destruction and perdition. Go
into the highways and compel them to come in, is the Command of Divine mercy
and resistible grace]
Then did the town of Mansoul shout for joy; as if,
by Diabolus and his crew, some great advantage had been received of the
captains. They also rang the bells, and made merry, and danced upon the walls.
Diabolus also returned to the castle, and the Lord Mayor and Recorder to their
place; but the Lord Will-be-will took special care that the gates should be
secured with double guards, double bolts, and double locks and bars. And that
Ear-gate especially might the better be looked to — for that was the gate in at
which the King's forces sought most to enter — the Lord Will-be-will made one
old Mr. Prejudice, an angry and ill-conditioned fellow, captain of the ward at
that gate, and put under his power sixty men, called Deafmen; men advantageous
for that service, forasmuch as they heeded no words of the captains, nor of
their soldiers.
[CHAPTER V.]
[CONTENTS: The captains resolve to give them
battle — The
town resolutely resists, and the captains retire to winter quarters —
Tradition, Human-wisdom, and Man's invention enlist under Boanerges, but are
taken prisoners, and carried to Diabolus; they are admitted soldiers for him,
under Captain Anything — Hostilities are renewed, and the town assaulted — A
famine and mutiny in Mansoul — The town sounds a negotiation — Propositions
made and rejected — Understanding and Conscience quarrel with Incredulity — A
skirmish ensues, and mischief is done on both sides]
Now,
when the captains saw the answer of the great ones, and that they could not get
a hearing from the old natives of the town, and that Mansoul was resolved to
give the King's army battle, they prepared themselves to receive them, and to
try it out by the power of the armor. And first, they made their force more
formidable against Ear-gate; for
they knew that unless they could penetrate that, no good could be done upon the
town. This done, they put the rest of their men in
their places; after which they gave out the word, which was, YOU MUST BE BORN
AGAIN. Then they sounded the trumpet; then they in the town made them answer,
with shout against shout, charge against charge, and so the battle began. Now
they in the town had planted upon the tower over Ear-gate, two great guns, the
one called Highminded, and the other Heady. Unto these two guns they trusted much; they
were cast in the castle by Diabolus' founder, whose name was Mr. Puff-up; and
mischievous pieces they were. But so vigilant and watchful, when the captains
saw them, were they, that though sometimes their shot would go by their ears
with a whiz, yet they did them no harm. By these two guns the towns-folk made no
question but greatly to annoy the camp of Shaddai, and well enough to secure
the gate, but they had not much cause to boast of what execution they did, as
by what follows will be gathered.
The famous Mansoul had also some other small
pieces in it, of the which they made use against the camp of Shaddai.
They from the camp also did as stoutly, and with
as much of that as may in Truth be called valor, let fly as fast at the town
and at Ear-gate: for they saw that unless they could break open Ear-gate, it would
be but in vain to batter the wall. Now the King's captains had brought with
them several slings, and two or three battering-rams; with their slings,
therefore, they battered the houses and people of the town, and with their rams
they sought to break Ear-gate open.
The camp and the town had several skirmishes, and
brisk encounters, while the captains, with their engines, (Catapults) made many
brave attempts to break open, or beat down, the tower that was over Ear-gate,
and at the said gate to make their entrance. But Mansoul stood it out so
lustily, through the rage of Diabolus, the valor of the Lord Will-be-will, and
the conduct of old Incredulity, the Mayor, and Mr. Forget-good, the Recorder,
that the charge and expense of that summer's wars, on the King's side, seemed
to be almost quite lost, and the advantage to return to Mansoul. But when the
captains saw how it was, they made a fair retreat, and entrenched themselves in
their winter quarters. Now in this war, you must realize there was much loss on
both sides, of which be pleased to accept of this brief account: [The
opposition of a raging devil and inbred lusts would lead the most able
ministers to despair of success, but for the Promise, I am with you always;
and All that the Father gives Me SHALL come to Me]
The King's captains, when they marched from the
court to come up against Mansoul to war, as they came crossing over the
country, they happened to light upon three young fellows that had a mind to go
for soldiers; proper men they were, and men of courage and skill, to
appearance. Their names were Mr. Tradition, Mr. Human-wisdom, and Mr.
Man's-invention. So they came up to the captains, and proffered their
services to Shaddai. The captains then told them of their design, and bid them
not to be rash in their offers; but the young men told them they had considered
the thing before, and that hearing they were upon their march for such a
design, came here on purpose to meet them, that they might be listed under
their excellences. Then Captain Boanerges, for that they were men of courage,
listed them into his company, and so away they went to the war.
Now when the war was begun, in one of the briskest
skirmishes, so it was, that a company of the Lord Will-be-will's men burst
forth out at the sally-port, or gate of the town, and fell in upon the rear of
Captain Boanerges' men, where these three fellows happened to be, so they took
prisoners, and away they carried them into the town; where they had not lain
long in captivity, but it began to be noised about the streets of the town what
three notable prisoners the Lord Will-be-will's men had taken, and brought in
prisoners out of the camp of Shaddai. At length tidings thereof were carried to
Diabolus to the castle, namely, what my Lord Will-be-will's men had done, and
whom they had taken prisoners.
Then Diabolus called for Will-be-will, to know the
certainty of this matter. So he asked him, and he told him; then the giant sent
for the prisoners, who, when they came, demanded of them who they were, where
they came from, and what they did in the camp of Shaddai; and they told him.
Then he sent them to the prison again. Not many days after, he sent for them
again, and then asked them if they would be willing to serve him against their
former captains. They then told him that they did not so much live by religion,
as by the fates of fortune; and that since his lordship was willing to
entertain them, they should be willing to serve him. Now while things were thus
in hand, there was one Captain Anything, a great doer in the town of Mansoul,
and to this Captain Anything did Diabolus send these men, with a note under his
hand to receive them into his company; the contents of the letter were thus:
Anything, my darling, the three men that are the
bearers of this letter have a desire to serve me in the war, nor know I better
to whose conduct to commit them than to yours; receive them, therefore, in my
name, as need shall require, make use of them against Shaddai and His men.
Farewell. So they came, and he received them; and he made of two of them
sergeants, but he made Mr. Man's-invention his
armor-bearer. But so much for this, and now to return to the camp. [Tradition, Human Wisdom, and Man's Invention have too
often been enlisted into the service of religion, but they are in their element
when engaged on the contrary side. Let Diabolus and his Captain Anything have
them, and welcome; the Gospel of Jesus needs no such services]
They of the camp did also some execution upon the
town, for they did beat down the roof of the Lord Mayor's house, and so laid
him more open than he was before. They had almost, with a sling, slain my Lord
Will-be-will outright; but he made a shift to recover again. But they made a
notable slaughter among the aldermen, for with one only shot they cut off six
of them; namely, Mr. Swearing, Mr. Whoring, Mr. Fury, Mr. Stand-to-lies, Mr.
Drunkenness, and Mr. Cheating. [Outward reformation gives up very gross sins, but change of heart abhors them all]
They also dismounted the two guns that stood upon
the tower over Ear-gate, and laid them flat in the dirt. I told you before,
that the King's noble captains had drawn off to their winter quarters, and had
entrenched themselves and their carriages, so as with the best advantage to
their King, and the greatest annoyance to the enemy, they might give seasonable
and warm alarms to the town of Mansoul. And this design of them did so hit,
that, I may say, they did almost what they would to the harassment of the
corporation.
For now Mansoul could not sleep securely as
before, nor could they now go to their debaucheries with that quietness as in
times past. For they had from the camp of Shaddai such frequent, warm, and
terrifying alarms; yes, alarms upon alarms, first at one gate, and then at
another, and again at all the gates at once, that they were broken as to former
peace. Yes, they had their alarms so frequently, and that when the nights were
at their longest, the weather coldest, and so consequently the season most
unseasonable; that this winter was to the town of Mansoul a winter by itself.
Sometimes the trumpets would sound, and sometimes the slings would whirl the
stones into the town. Sometimes ten thousand of the King's soldiers would be
running round the walls of Mansoul at midnight, shouting, and lifting up the
voice for the battle. Sometimes, again, some of them in the town would be
wounded, and their cry and lamentable voice would be heard, to the great
harassment of the now languishing town of Mansoul. Yes, so distressed with
those that laid siege against them, that, I dare say, Diabolus their king had,
in these days, his rest much disturbed.
In these days, as I was informed, new
thoughts, and thoughts that began to run counter one to another, began to
possess the minds of the men of the town of Mansoul. Some would say, There is no living like this; others would then reply,
This will be over shortly. Then would a third stand up and answer, Let us turn to the King Shaddai, and so put an end to these
troubles. And a fourth would come in with a fear, saying, I doubt He
will receive us. [Six aldermen, or great vices, slain; Heady and Highminded
dismounted, or pride laid in the dirt; conscience within and a faithful
ministry without, shaking Mansoul with terror upon terror] The old gentleman
too, the Recorder, that was so before Diabolus took Mansoul, he also began to
talk aloud; and his words were now to the town of Mansoul as if they were great
claps of thunder. No noise now so terrible to Mansoul as was his, with the
noise of the soldiers, and shoutings of the captains.
Also, things began to grow scarce in Mansoul; now
the things that her soul lusted after were departing from her. Upon all her
pleasant things there was a blast, and burning instead of beauty. Wrinkles now,
and some shows of the shadow of death, were upon the inhabitants of Mansoul. [A
famine in Mansoul; the pleasures of sin fail; the prodigal would be glad of the
most beggarly service in his father's house; the dreary winter of affliction
succeeds the summer of gaiety; the messages of mercy are renewed, but unbelief yet prevails] And now, O how glad would
Mansoul have been to have enjoyed quietness and satisfaction of mind, though
joined with the most beggarly condition in the world!
The captains also, in the deep of this winter, did
send, by the mouth of Boanerges' trumpeter, a summons to Mansoul to yield up
herself to the King, the great King Shaddai. They said it once, and twice, and
thrice; not knowing but that at some times there might be in Mansoul some
willingness to surrender up themselves unto them, might they but have the color
of an invitation to do it under. Yes, so far as I could gather, the town had
been surrendered up to them before now, had it not been for the opposition of
old Incredulity, and the fickleness of the thoughts of my Lord Will-be-will.
Diabolus also began to rave, therefore Mansoul, as to yielding, was not yet all
of one mind, therefore, they still lay distressed under these perplexing fears.
I told you but now that they of the King's army
had this winter sent three times to Mansoul, to submit herself.
First. The first time the trumpeter went, he went with words of peace,
telling them, That the captains, the noble captains of Shaddai, did pity and
bewail the misery of the now perishing town of Mansoul; and were troubled to
see them stand in the way of their own deliverance. He said, moreover, That the
captains bid him tell them, that if now poor Mansoul would humble herself, and
turn, her former rebellions and most notorious treasons should, by their
merciful King, be forgiven them, yes, and forgotten too. And having bid them
beware that they stand not in their own way, that they not oppose themselves,
nor make themselves their own losers, he returned again into the camp.
Second. The second time the trumpeter went; he did treat them a little more
roughly. For after sounding the trumpet, he told them, That their continuing in
their rebellion did but chafe and heat the spirit of the captains, and that
they were resolved to make a conquest of Mansoul, or to lay their bones before
the town walls.
Third. He went again the third time, and dealt with them yet more roughly;
telling of them, That now, since they had been so horribly profane, he did not
know — not
certainly know — whether the captains were inclining to mercy or judgment;
only, he said, they commanded me to give you a summons to open the gates to
them. So he returned, and went into the camp.
These
three summons, and especially the two last, did so distress the town, that they
presently called a consultation; the result of which was this, that my Lord
Will-be-will should go up to Ear-gate, and there, with sound of trumpet, call
to the captains of the camp for a negotiation. Well, the Lord Will-be-will
sounded upon the wall, so the captains came up in their harness, [Warlike
equipment, and accoutrements] with their ten thousands at their feet. The
townsmen then told the captains that they had heard and considered their
summons, and would come to an agreement with them, and with their King Shaddai,
upon such certain terms, articles, and propositions as, with and by the order
of their prince, they to them were appointed to propound — namely, they would
agree upon these grounds to be one people with them.
1. If
that those of their own company, as the now Lord Mayor and their Mr.
Forget-good, with their brave Lord Will-be-will, might, under Shaddai, be still
the governors of the town, castle, and gates of Mansoul.
2.
Provided that no man that now serves under their great giant Diabolus, be by
Shaddai cast out of house, harbor, or the freedom that he has so far enjoyed in
the famous town of Mansoul.
3. That
it shall be granted them, that they of the town of Mansoul shall enjoy certain
of their rights and privileges — namely, such as have formerly been granted
them; and that they have long lived in the enjoyment of, under the reign of
their king Diabolus, that now is, and long has been, their only Lord, and great
defender.
4. That
no new Law, officer, or executioner of Law or office, shall have any power over
them, without their own choice and consent.
These
are our propositions or conditions of peace; and upon these terms, they said,
we will submit to your King. [Sinners, when alarmed by the fears of hell, are
willing to become religious externally, provided they may retain their lordly lusts: they are ready to assume the form of godliness, but dislike
its power. (2Ti 3:5)]
But when the captains had heard this weak and
feeble offer of the town of Mansoul, and their high and bold demands, they made
to them again, by their noble captain, the Captain Boanerges, this speech:
O you inhabitants of the town of Mansoul, when I
heard your trumpet sound for a negotiation with us, I can truly say I was glad;
but when you said you were willing to submit yourselves to our King and Lord,
then I was yet more glad. But when, by your silly provisions and foolish
evasions, you laid the stumbling-block of your iniquity before your own faces,
(Eze 14:7) then my gladness turned into
sorrows, and my hopeful beginnings of your return into languishing and fainting
fears.
I count that old Ill-pause, the ancient enemy of
Mansoul, did draw up those proposals that now you present us with as terms of
an agreement, but they deserve not to be admitted to sound in the ear of any
man that pretends to have service for Shaddai. We do, therefore, jointly, and that
with the highest disdain, refuse and reject such things as the greatest of
iniquities. (2Ti 2:19)
But, O Mansoul! If you will give yourselves into
our hands, or rather into the hands of our King; and will trust Him to make
such terms with, and for you, as shall seem good in His eyes — and I
dare say they shall be such as you shall find to be most profitable to you —
then we will receive you, and be at peace with you. But if you not to trust
yourselves in the arms of Shaddai our King, then things are but where they were
before, and we know also what we have to do.
Then old
Incredulity cried out to the Lord Mayor, and said, And who, being out of the
hands of their enemies, as you see we are now, will be so foolish as to put the
staff out of their own hands, into the hands of people we do not know? I, for
my part, will never yield to so unlimited a proposition. Do we know the manner
and temper of their King? It is said by some, that He will be angry with his
subjects if but the breadth of a hair they chance to step out of the way; and
of others, that He requires of
them much more than they can perform. Therefore
it seems, O Mansoul, to be your wisdom, to take good heed what you do in this
matter; for if you once yield, you give up yourselves to another, and so you
are no more your own! Therefore to give up yourselves to an unlimited power, is
the greatest folly in the world. For now you indeed may repent; but can never
justly complain. But do you indeed know, when you are His, which of you He will
kill, and which of you He will save alive; or whether He will not cut off every
one of us, and send us out of His own country, and take another new people, and
cause them to inhabit this town? [Unbelief ever
suggests hard thoughts of God, and represents His service as an intolerable
burden]
This speech of the Lord Mayor undid all, and threw
flat to the ground their hopes of an accord. Wherefore the captains returned to
their trenches, to their tents, and to their men, as they were; and the Mayor
to the castle, and to his King.
Now Diabolus had waited for his return, for he had
heard that they had been at their points. So when he came into the chamber of
state, Diabolus saluted him with Welcome, my Lord, how went matters between you
to-day? So the Lord Incredulity, with a low bow, told him the whole of
the matter, saying, Thus and thus said the captains of Shaddai, and thus and
thus said I. The which when it was told to Diabolus, he was very glad to hear
it, and said, My Lord Mayor, my faithful Incredulity, I have proved your
faithfulness above ten times already, but never yet found you false. I do
promise you, if we rub over this brunt, to prefer you to a place of honor, a
place far better than to be Lord Mayor of Mansoul. I will make you my Universal
Deputy, and you shall, next to me, have all nations under your hand; yes, and
you shall lay bands upon them that they may not resist you, nor shall any of
our vassals walk more at liberty, but those that shall be content to walk in
your shackles.
Now the Lord Mayor came out from Diabolus, as if
he had obtained a favor indeed; therefore to his habitation he goes in great
state, and thinks to feed himself well enough with hopes, until the time came
that his greatness should be enlarged.
But now, though the Lord Mayor and Diabolus did
thus well agree, yet this repulse of the brave captains put Mansoul into a
mutiny. For while old Incredulity went into the castle to congratulate his Lord
with what had passed, the old Lord Mayor that was so before Diabolus came to
the town, namely, my Lord Understanding, and the old Recorder, Mr. Conscience,
getting intelligence of what had passed at Ear-gate, for you must know that
they might not be suffered to be at that debate, lest they should then have mutinied
for the captains. But, I say, they got intelligence what had passed there, and
were much concerned therewith, therefore, they, getting some of the town
together, began to possess them with the reasonableness of the noble captains'
demands, and with the bad consequences that would follow upon the speech of old
Incredulity, the Lord Mayor — namely, how little reverence he showed, either
to the captains, or to their King; also, how he implicitly charged them with
unfaithfulness, and treachery: for what less, they said, could be made of His
words, when He said he would not yield to their proposition, and added,
moreover, a supposition that He would destroy us when before He had sent us
word that he would show us mercy. [Unbelief slanders the Gospel, as though it
proclaimed nothing but wrath, where, while it is destruction to the obstinately
rebellious, it proclaims free, sovereign, boundless
mercy and everlasting love, through Jesus Christ, to sensible returning sinners] The multitude being now possessed with the
conviction of the evil that old Incredulity had done, began to run together by
companies in all places, and in every corner of the streets of Mansoul; and
first they began to mutter, then to talk openly, and after that they ran to and
fro, and cried as they run, O the brave captains of Shaddai! Would that we were under the government of the captains, and
of Shaddai their King. When the Lord Mayor had intelligence that Mansoul
was in an uproar, down he comes to appease the people, and thought to have
repressed their heat with the largeness and the show of his countenance. But
when they saw him, they came running upon him, and would have doubtless done
him mischief, had he not taken himself to his house. However, they strongly
assaulted the house where he was, to have pulled it down about his ears; but
the place was too strong, so they failed in that. So he taking some courage
addressed himself, out at a window, to the people in this manner:
Gentlemen, what is the reason that there is here
such an uproar to-day?
UND. Then my Lord Understanding answered: It is
even because that you and my master have not carried it rightly, and as you
should, to the captains of Shaddai; for in three things you are faulty: First,
In that you would not let Mr. Conscience and myself be at the hearing of your
discourse. Secondly, In that you propounded such terms of peace, to the
captains, that by no means could be granted, unless they had intended that
their Shaddai should have been only a formal prince, and that Mansoul should
still have had power by law, to have lived in all lewdness and vanity before
Him, and so by consequence Diabolus would still be king in power, and the other
only king in name. Thirdly, For that you did it to yourself, after the captains
had showed us upon what conditions they would have received us to mercy, even
undo all again with your unsavory, and unseasonable, and ungodly speech.
INCRED. When old Incredulity had heard this
speech, he cried out, Treason, treason: To your arms, to your arms, O you, the
trusty friends of Diabolus in Mansoul. [This is a blessed mutiny; unbelief is
opposed and the hope of pardoning mercy cherishes, then Sin and the soul are at
odds]
UND. Sir, you may put upon my words what meaning
you please, but I am sure that the captains of such an high Lord as theirs is,
deserves better treatment at your hands.'
INCRED. Then old Incredulity said, This is but
little better. But, Sir, he said, what I speak, I spoke for my prince, for his
government, and the quieting of the people, whom by your unlawful actions you
have this day set to mutiny against us.
CONS. Then replied the old Recorder, whose name
was Mr. Conscience, and said, Sir, you ought not to respond upon what my Lord
Understanding has said. It is evident enough that he has spoken the Truth, and
that you are an enemy to Mansoul; be convinced, then, of the evil of your lippy
and impudent language, and of the grief that you have put the captains to; yes,
and of the damages that you have done to Mansoul by it. Had you accepted of the
conditions, the sound of the trumpet and the alarm of war had now ceased about
the town of Mansoul; but that dreadful sound abides, and your lack of wisdom in
your speech has been the cause of it.
INCRED. Then old Incredulity said: Sir, If I live I
will do your errand to Diabolus, and there you shall have an answer to your
words. Meanwhile we will seek the good of the town, and not ask counsel of you.
UND. Sir, your prince and you are both foreigners
to Mansoul, and not the natives thereof. And who can tell but that when you
have brought us into greater straits, when you also shall see that yourselves
can be safe by no other means than by flight, you may leave us and shift for
yourselves, or set us on fire, and go away in the smoke, or by the light of our
burning, and so leave us in our ruins.
INCRED. Sir, you forget that you are under a
governor, and that you ought to behave yourself like a subject, and know, when
my Lord the king shall hear of this day's work, he will give you but little
thanks for your labor.
Now while these gentlemen were thus in their
chiding words, down came, from the walls and gates of the town, the Lord
Will-be-will, Mr. Prejudice, old Ill-pause, and several of the new-made
aldermen and citizenry, and they asked the reason of the hubbub and tumult. And
with that every man began to tell his own tale, so that nothing could be heard
distinctly. Then was a silence commanded, and the old fox Incredulity began to
speak. My Lord, he said, here are a couple of fractious gentlemen, that have,
as a fruit of their bad dispositions, and, as I fear, through the advice of one
Mr. Discontent, tumultuously gathered this company against me this day; and
also attempted to run the town into acts of rebellion against our prince.
Then all the Diabolonians stood up, that were
present, and affirmed these things to be true.
Now when they that took part with my Lord
Understanding, and with Mr. Conscience, perceived that they were like to come
to the worst, for that force and power was on the other side, they came in for
their help and relief. So a great company was on both sides. Then they on
Incredulity's side would have had the two old gentlemen sent away to prison;
but they on the other side said they should not. Then they began to cry up
parties again; the Diabolonians cried up old Incredulity, Forget-good, the new
aldermen, and their great one Diabolus; and the other party, they as fast cried
up Shaddai, the captains, His Laws, their mercifulness, and applauded their
conditions and ways. Thus the bickerment went awhile, at last they passed from
words to blows, and now there were knocks on both sides. The good old
gentleman, Mr. Conscience, was knocked down twice by one of the Diabolonians,
whose name was Mr. Benumbing. And my Lord Understanding had like to have been
slain with an muzzle loader, but that he that shot failed to take his aim
right. Nor did the other side wholly escape, for there was one Mr. Rashhead, a
Diabolonian, that had his brains beaten out by Mr. Mind, the Lord
Will-be-will's servant; and it made me laugh to see how old Mr. Prejudice was
kicked and tumbled about in the dirt. For though a while since he was made
captain of a company of the Diabolonians, to the hurt and damage of the town;
yet now they had got him under their feet; and I will assure you he had by some
of the Lord Understanding's party his crown soundly cracked to boot. Mr. Anything also, he became a brisk man in the
broil, but both sides were against him, because he was
true to none. Yet he had for his impudent-ness one of his legs broken,
and he that did it wished it had been his neck. Much harm more was done on both
sides, but this must not be forgotten, it was now a wonder to see my Lord
Will-be-will so indifferent as he was; he did not seem to take one side more than
another, only it was perceived that he smiled to see how old Prejudice was
tumbled up and down in the dirt. Also when Captain Anything came halting up
before him, he seemed to take but little notice of him. [No small advantage is
gained when sinful rashness is destroyed, prejudice thrown down into the dirt,
and indifference about religion is discarded; while the will, that before was
wholly on the part of Satan, begins rather to take the other side]
[CHAPTER VI.]
[CONTENTS: Lord Understanding and Mr. Conscience
imprisoned as authors of the disturbance — A conference of the besieging
officers, who agree to petition Shaddai for further assistance — The petition
approved at court — Emmanuel, the King's son, is appointed to conquer the town
— Marches with a great army and surrounds Mansoul, which is strongly fortified
against Him]
Now when
the uproar was over, Diabolus sends for my Lord Understanding, and Mr.
Conscience, and locks them both up in prison, as the ring-leaders and managers
of this most heavy riotous mob in Mansoul. So now the town began to be quiet
again, and the prisoners were used hardly; yes, he thought to have killed them,
but at the present juncture it did not serve the best purpose, for war was in all
their gates. [The efforts of an enlightened understanding and a renewed
conscience are offensive to Satan, as threatening to subvert his authority in
the soul, and he would kill them if he could, but where the good work of grace
is begun, they cannot be destroyed] But let us return again to our story. The
captains, when they were gone back from the gate, and came into the camp again,
called a council of war, to consult what was further for them to do. Now some
said, Let us go up presently and fall upon the town, but the greatest part
thought rather better it would be to give them another summons to yield; and
the reason why they thought this to be best was, because, that so far as could
be perceived, the town of Mansoul now was more inclinable than before. And if,
they said, while some of them are in a way of inclination, we should by
ruggedness give them distaste, we may set them further from closing with our
summons, than we would be willing they should. [Their great Master will not break the bruised reed, nor should they]
Wherefore to this advice they agreed, and called a
trumpeter, put words into his mouth, set him his time, and bid him God speed.
Well, many hours were not expired before the trumpeter addressed himself to his
journey. Wherefore, coming up to the wall of the town, he steered his course to
Ear-gate, and there sounded, as he was commanded. They, then, that were within
came out to see what the matter was, and the trumpeter made them this speech
following:
O hard-hearted, and deplorable town of Mansoul,
how long will you love your sinful, sinful simplicity, and you fools delight in
your scorning? As yet you despise the offers of peace, and deliverance? As yet
will you refuse the golden offers of Shaddai, and trust to the lies and
falsehoods of Diabolus? Do you think when Shaddai shall have conquered you,
that the remembrance of these your advances towards Him, will yield you peace
and comfort; or that, by ruffling language, you can make Him afraid as a
grasshopper? Does He entreat you, for fear of you? Do you think that you are
stronger than He? Look to the heavens, and behold, and consider the stars, how
high are they? Can you stop the sun from running his course, and hinder the
moon from giving her light? Can you count the number of the stars, or stop the
bottles of heaven? Can you call for the waters of the sea, and cause them to
cover the face of the ground? Can you behold every one that he is proud, and
abase him, and bind their faces in secret? Yet these are some of the works of
our King, in whose name, this day, we come up to you that you may be brought
under His authority. In His name, therefore, I summon you again, to yield up
yourselves to His captains.
At this summons the Mansoulians seemed to be at a
stand, and did not know what answer to make; wherefore Diabolus forthwith
appeared, and took upon himself to do it, and thus he begins, but turns his
speech to them of Mansoul:
'Gentlemen,' he said, 'and my faithful subjects,
if it is true what this summoner has said concerning the greatness of their
King, by His terror you will always be kept in bondage, and so be made to
sneak. Yes, how can you now, though He is at a distance, endure to think of
such a mighty one? And if not to think of Him, while at a distance, how can you
endure to be in His presence? I, your prince, am familiar with you, and you may
play with me as you would with a grasshopper. Consider, therefore, what is for
your profit, and remember the immunities that I have granted you. Further, if
all be true what this man has said, how does it come to pass that the subjects
of Shaddai are so enslaved in all places where they come? None in the universe
as unhappy as they, none so trampled upon as they. Consider, my Mansoul. Would
you be as loath to leave me as I am loath to leave you! But consider, I say,
the ball is yet at your foot; you have liberty , if
you know how to use it; yes, a king you have too, if you can tell how to
love and obey him.'
Upon this speech, the town of Mansoul did again
harden their hearts yet more against the captains of Shaddai. The thoughts of
His greatness did quite crush them, and the thoughts of his holiness sunk them
in despair. Wherefore, after a short consultation, they, of the Diabolonian
party, sent back this word by the trumpeter, 'That, for their parts, they were
resolved to stick to their king; but never to yield to Shaddai.' So it was but
in vain to give them any further summons, for they had rather die upon the
place than yield. And now things seemed to be gone quite back, and Mansoul to
be out of reach or call; yet the captains, who knew what their Lord could do,
would not yet be beat out of heart. They therefore
sent them another summons, more sharp and severe than the last; but the oftener
they were sent to, to be reconciled to Shaddai, the further off they were.
'As they called them, so they went from them': yes, 'though they called them to
the Most High.' (Hos 11:2, Hos 11:7)
So they ceased to deal with them that way anymore,
and inclined to think of another way. The captains, therefore, did gather
themselves together, to have free conference among themselves, to know what was
yet to be done to gain the town, and to deliver it from the tyranny of
Diabolus. And one said after this manner and another after that. Then the right
noble, Captain Conviction stood up, and said, 'My brethren, my opinion is this:
'First. That we continually play our slings
into the town, and keep it in a continual alarm, assaulting them day and night;
by doing this we shall stop the growth of their rampant spirit. For a lion may
be tamed by continual assaulting.
'Second. This done, I advise that, in the
next place, we, with one consent, draw up a petition to our Lord Shaddai; by
which, after we have showed our King the condition of Mansoul, and of the
affairs here, and have begged His pardon for our no better success, we will
earnestly implore his Majesty's help, and that He will please to send us more
force and power; and some gallant and well-spoken commander to head them; so
that His Majesty may not lose the benefit of these His good beginnings, but may
complete his conquest upon the town of Mansoul.' [Paul may plant and Apollos
waters, but God alone can give the increase. To Him, therefore, they wisely
apply for further assistance]
To this speech of the noble Captain Conviction,
they, as one man, consented; and agreed that a petition should forthwith be
drawn up, and sent by a fit man, away to Shaddai with speed. The contents of
the petition were this:
'Most gracious and glorious King, the Lord of the
best world, and the builder of the town of Mansoul: We have, at your
commandment, put our lives in jeopardy, and at your bidding made a war upon the
famous town of Mansoul. When we went up against it, we did, according to our
commission, first offer conditions of peace unto it. But they, great King, set
light by our counsel, and would have none of our reproof. (Mat 22:5; Pro 1:25-30;
Zec 10:11) They were for shutting of
their gates, and for keeping us out of the town. They also mounted their guns,
they burst forth upon us, and have done us what damage they could; but we
pursued them, with alarm upon alarm, repaying them with such retribution as was
fitting, and have done some execution upon the town. Diabolus, Incredulity, and
Will-be-will are the great doers against us; now we are in our winter quarters,
but so as that we do yet with a high hand harass and distress the town. Once,
as we think, had we had but one substantial friend in the town, such as would
but have seconded the sound of our summons as they ought, the people might have
yielded themselves. But there were none but enemies there, nor any to speak in
behalf of our Lord to the town; wherefore, though we have done as we could, yet
Mansoul abides in a state of rebellion against You. [What a world of mischief,
he says, is there in our several parts! our wills, our affections, our tongues,
and eyes! And yet all these are but as little rivulets; the fountain, or rather the sea, that feeds them, is our corrupted nature]
Now, King of kings, let it please you to pardon the unsuccessfulness of Your
servants, who have been no more advantageous in so desirable a work as the
conquering of Mansoul is; and send, Lord, as we now desire, more forces to
Mansoul, that it may be subdued; and a man to head them, that the town may both
love and fear. We do not thus speak because we are willing to relinquish the
wars — for we
are for laying of our bones against the place — but that the town of Mansoul
may be won for Your Majesty. We also pray to Your Majesty for expedition in
this matter, that after their conquest, we may be at liberty to be sent about
to other of Your gracious designs. Amen.
The
petition thus drawn up was sent away with haste to the King, by the hand of
that good man, Mr. Love-to-Mansoul.
When
this petition was come to the palace of the King, who should it is delivered to
but to the King's Son. So he took it and read it, and because the contents of
it pleased him well, he mended, and also in some things, added to the petition
himself. So after he had made such amendments and additions as he thought
convenient, with his own hand, he carried it in to the King; to whom when he
had with obeisance delivered it.
Now the King, at the sight of the petition, was
glad; but how much more you think, when it was seconded by His Son? It pleased
Him also to hear that His servants that camped against Mansoul were so hearty
in the work, and so steadfast in their resolves, and that they had already got
some ground upon the famous town of Mansoul.
Wherefore the King called to Him Emmanuel His
Son, who said, Here I am, my Father. Then said the King, You know, as I do
myself, the condition of the town of Mansoul, and what we have purposed, and
what You have done to redeem it. Come now, therefore, My Son, and prepare
yourself for the war, for You shall go to My camp at Mansoul. You shall also
there prosper, and prevail, and conquer the town of Mansoul.
Then the King's Son said, I delight to do Your
will, O My God; Your Law is within My heart. (Psa
40:8) This is the day that I have longed for, and the work that I
have waited for all this while. Grant me, therefore, what force you shall in
Your wisdom think fitting, and I will go, and will deliver from Diabolus, and
from his power, Your perishing town of Mansoul. My heart has been often pained
within Me for the miserable town of Mansoul; but now it is rejoiced, but now it
is glad. And with that He leaped over the mountains for joy, saying, I have
not, in My heart, thought anything too dear for Mansoul; the day of vengeance
is in My heart for you, My Mansoul; and glad I am that You, My Father, have
made Me the Captain of their Salvation. (Heb 2:10)
And I will now begin to plague all those that have been a plague to My town of
Mansoul, and will deliver it from their hand.
When the King's Son had said this to His Father,
it presently flew like lightning round about at court; yes, it became the only
talk of what Emmanuel was to go to do for the famous town of Mansoul. But you
cannot think how the courtiers too were taken with this design of the Prince.
Yes, so affected were they with this work, and with the justness of the war,
that the highest Lord and greatest peer of the kingdom did covet to have
commissions under Emmanuel, to go to help recover again Shaddai the miserable
town of Mansoul.
Then it was concluded that some should go and
carry tidings to the camp that Emmanuel was to come to recover Mansoul, and
that He would bring along with him so mighty, so impregnable a force, that He
could not be resisted. But oh, how ready were the high ones at court to run
like lackeys to carry these tidings to the camp that was at Mansoul! Now when
the captains perceived that the King would send Emmanuel His Son, and that it
also delighted the Son to be sent on this errand by the great Shaddai, His
Father, they also, to show how they were pleased at the thoughts of his coming,
gave a shout that made the earth rend at the sound thereof. Yes, the mountains
did answer again by echo, and Diabolus himself did totter and shake.
For you must know, that though the town of Mansoul
itself was not much, if at all, concerned with the project — for,
alas for them, they were wofully besotted, for they chiefly regarded their
pleasure and their lusts — yet Diabolus their governor was; for he had his
spies continually abroad, who brought him intelligence of all things, and they
told him what was happening at court against him, and that Emmanuel would
shortly certainly come with a power to invade him. Nor was there any man at
court, nor peer of the kingdom, that Diabolus so feared as he feared this
Prince. For if you remember, I showed you before that Diabolus had felt the
weight of His hand already. So that, since it was He that was to come, this
made him the more afraid. Well, you see how I have told you that the King's Son
was engaged to come from the court to save Mansoul, and that His Father had
made Him the Captain of the forces. The time, therefore, of His setting forth
being now expired, He addressed himself for His march, and took with him, for
His power, five noble captains and their forces.
The
first was that famous captain, the noble Captain Credence. His were the red
colors, and Mr. Promise bore them, and for an escutcheon he had the holy lamb
and golden shield. And he had ten thousand men at his feet. (Joh 1:29; Eph 6:16)
The second was that famous captain, the Captain
Good-hope. His were the blue colors, his standard-bearer was Mr. Expectation,
and for a escutcheon he had the three golden anchors. And he had ten thousand
men at his feet. (Heb 6:19)
The third captain was that valiant captain, the
Captain Charity. His standard-bearer was Mr. Pitiful, his were the green
colors, and for his escutcheon he had three naked orphans embraced in the
bosom. And he had ten thousand men at his feet. (1Co
13:1-13)
The fourth was that gallant commander, the Captain
Innocent. His standard-bearer was Mr. Harmless, his were the white colors, and
for his escutcheon he had the three golden doves. (Heb
10:16)
The fifth was the truly loyal and well-beloved
captain, the Captain Patience. His standard-bearer was Mr. Suffer-long, his
were the black colors, and for a escutcheon he had three arrows through the
golden heart. (Heb 6:12)
These were Emmanuel's captains, these their
standard-bearers, their colors, and their escutcheon, and these men under their
command. So, as was said, the brave Prince took his march to go to the town of
Mansoul. Captain Credence led the vanguard, and Captain Patience brought up the
rear. So the other three, with their men, made up the main body; the Prince
himself riding in his chariot at the head of them.
But when they set out for their march, oh how the
trumpets sounded, their armor glittered, and how the colors waved in the wind!
The Prince's armor was all of gold, and it shone like the sun in the firmament.
The captains' armor was impervious, and was in appearance like the glittering
stars. There were also some from the court that rode as volunteers, for the
love that they had to the King Shaddai, and for the happy deliverance of the
town of Mansoul.
Emmanuel also, when He had thus set forward to go
to recover the town of Mansoul, took with Him, at the Commandment of His
Father, forty-four battering-rams, and twenty-two slings, to whirl stones
withal. [Sixty-six books of the Bible — mighty weapons for pulling
down the strong holds of the devil] Every one of these was made of pure gold;
and these they carried with them in the heart and body of their army, all along
as they went to Mansoul.
So they
marched till they came within less than a league of the town. (Usually 3 miles)
And there they lay till the first four captains came there, to acquaint him
with matters. Then they took their journey to go to the town of Mansoul, and
unto Mansoul they came. But when the old soldiers that were in the camp saw
that they had new forces to join with, they again gave such a shout before the
walls of the town of Mansoul, that it put Diabolus into another fright. So they
sat down before the town, not now as the other four captains did, namely,
against the gates of Mansoul only; but they surrounded it round about on every
side, and beset it behind and before; so that now, let Mansoul look which way
it will, it saw force and power lie in siege against it. Besides, there were
mounts cast up against it.
The
Mount Gracious was on the one side, and Mount Justice was on the other;
further, there were several small banks and advance-ground — as Plain-Truth
Hill, and No-sin Banks — where many of the slings were placed against the town.
Upon Mount Gracious were planted four, and upon Mount Justice were planted as
many; and the rest were conveniently placed in several parts round about the
town. Five of the best battering-rams — that is, of the biggest of them — were
placed upon Mount Hearken; a mount cast up hard by Ear-gate, with intent to
break that open. [The Lord, the eternal Spirit, must first give an hearing ear,
and the understanding heart, before any saving work can begin]
Now,
when the men of the town saw the multitude of the soldiers that were come up
against the place, and the rams and slings, and the mounts on which they were
planted, together with the glittering of the armor and the waving of their
colors, they were forced to shift and shift,
and again to shift their thoughts, but
they hardly changed for thoughts more stout, but
rather for thoughts more faint. For though before they thought
themselves sufficiently guarded, yet now they began to think that no man knew
what would be their hap or lot.
When the good Prince Emmanuel had surrounded
Mansoul; in the first place He hangs out the white flag, which He caused to be
set up among the golden slings that were planted upon Mount Gracious. And this
He did for two reasons: 1. To give notice to Mansoul that He could and would
yet be gracious if they turned to Him. 2. And that He might leave them the more
without excuse, should He have to destroy them, because of continuing in their
rebellion.
So the white flag, with the three golden doves on
it, was hanged out for two days together, to give them time and space to
consider. But they, as was hinted before, as if they were unconcerned, made no
reply to the favorable signal of the Prince. Then He Commanded, and they set
the red flag upon that mount called Mount Justice. It was the red flag of
Captain Judgment, whose escutcheon was the burning fiery furnace, and this also
stood waving before them in the wind for several days together. But look how
they carried it under the white flag when that was hanged out, so did they also
when the red one was hanged, and yet He took no advantage of them.
Then He Commanded again that his servants would
hang out the black flag of defiance against them, whose escutcheon was the
three burning thunder-bolts. But as unconcerned was Mansoul at this as at those
that went before. But when the Prince saw that neither
mercy, nor judgment, nor execution of judgment, would or could come near the
heart of Mansoul, He was touched with much sorrow, and said, 'Surely this
strange thinking of the town of Mansoul does rather arises from ignorance of
the manner and feats of war, than from a secret defiance of us, and abhorrence
of their own lives; or, if they know the manner of the war of their own,
yet not the rites and ceremonies of the wars in which we are concerned, when I
make wars upon My enemy Diabolus.'
Therefore, He sent to the town of Mansoul, to let
them know what He meant by those signs and ceremonies of the flag, and also to know from them which of the things they would
choose, whether grace and mercy, or judgment
and the execution of judgment. All this while they kept their gates shut
with locks, bolts, and bars, as fast as they could; their guards, also, were
doubled, and their watch made as strong as they could. Diabolus
also did pluck up what heart he could to encourage the town to make resistance.
The townsmen also made answer to the Prince's
messenger, in substance, according to that which follows:
'Great Sir, as to what by Your messenger You have
signified to us, whether we will accept of Your mercy or fall by Your justice,
we are bound by the law and custom of this place, and can give You no positive
answer. For it is against the law, government, and the prerogative royal of our
king, to make either peace or war without him. But this we will do, we will
petition that our prince will come down to the wall, and there give you such
treatment as he shall think fit, and profitable for us.'
When the good Prince Emmanuel heard this answer, and saw the slavery and bondage of the people, and how much
content they were to abide in the chains of the tyrant Diabolus, it
grieved Him at the heart. And, indeed, when at any time He perceived that any
were contented under the slavery of the giant, He would be affected with it.
But to return again to our purpose. After the town
had carried this news to Diabolus, and had told him, moreover, that the Prince
that lay in the camp without the wall, waited upon them for an answer, he
refused to give one, and huffed as well as he could, but in heart he was
afraid.
Then, he said, I will go down to the gates myself,
and give Him such an answer as I think fit. So he went down to Mouth-gate, and
there addressed himself to speak to Emmanuel, but in such language as the town
did not understand, the contents whereof were as follows:
'O You great Emmanuel, Lord of all the world, I
know You that You are the Son of the great Shaddai! Wherefore are You come to
torment me, and to cast me out of my possession? This town of Mansoul, as You
very well know, it is mine, and that by twofold right. 1. It is mine by right
of conquest, I won it in the open field. And shall the prey be taken from the
mighty, or the lawful captive be delivered? 2. This town of Mansoul is mine
also by their subjection. They have opened the gates of their town unto me,
they have sworn fidelity to me, and have openly chosen me to be their king.
They have also given their castle into my hands; yes, they have put the whole
strength of Mansoul under me.
Moreover, this town of Mansoul has disavowed You;
yes, they have cast Your Law, Your name, Your image, and all that is Yours,
behind their back, and have accepted, and set up in their room, my law, my
name, my image, and all that ever is mine. Ask Your captains, and they will
tell You that Mansoul has, in answer to all their summons, shown love and
loyalty to me; but always disdain, despite, contempt, and scorn to You and
Yours. Now You are the Just One and the Holy, and should do no iniquity; depart
then, I pray You, therefore, from me, and leave me to my just inheritance,
peaceably.'
This oration was made in the language of Diabolus
himself. For although he can, to every man, speak in their own language — else
he could not tempt them all as he does — yet he has a language proper to
himself, and it is the language of the infernal cave, or black pit.
Wherefore
the town of Mansoul, poor hearts, did not understand him, nor did they see how
he crouched and cringed, while he stood before Emmanuel their Prince. Yes, they
all this while took him to be one of power and force that by no means could be
resisted. Wherefore, while he was thus entreating that he might yet have his
residence there, and that Emmanuel would not take it from him by force, the
inhabitants boasted even of his valour, saying, 'Who is able to make war with him?'
Well, when this pretended king had made an end of
what he would say, Emmanuel, the golden Prince, stood up and spoke, the
contents of whose words follow:
'You deceiving one,' He said, 'I have in My
Father's name, in My own name, and on behalf of and for the good of this
wretched town of Mansoul, somewhat to say to you. You pretended a right, a
lawful right, to the deplorable town of Mansoul, when it is most apparent to
all My Father's court, that the entrance which you have obtained in at the
gates of Mansoul was through lies and falsehood. You misrepresent My Father,
you misrepresent His Law, and so deceived the people of Mansoul. You pretend
that the people have accepted you for their king, their captain, and right
liege-Lord, but that also was by the exercise of
deceit and guile. Now, if lying craftiness, sinful craft, and all manner
of horrible hypocrisy, will go in My Father's court for equity and right, in
which court you must be tried, then I will confess to you that you have made a
lawful conquest. But alas, what thief, what tyrant, what devil is there that
may not conquer after this sort? But I can make it appear, O Diabolus, that
you, in all your pretences to the conquest of Mansoul, has nothing of Truth to
say. Do you Think this to be right, that you did put the lie upon My Father,
and made Him, to Mansoul, the greatest deceiver in the world? And what do you
say to perverting, knowingly, the right propose and intent of the Law? Was it
good also that you made a prey of the innocence and simplicity of the now
miserable town of Mansoul? Yes you did overcome
Mansoul by promising to them happiness in their transgressions against my
Father's Law, when you knew, and could not but know, had you consulted
nothing but your own experience, that this was the way to undo them. You have
also yourself — O you master of enmity and contempt — defaced my Father's image in
Mansoul, and set up your own in its place, to the great contempt of My Father,
the heightening of your sin, and to the intolerable damage of the perishing
town of Mansoul. You have, moreover — as if all these were but little things
with you — not only deluded and undone this place,
but, by your lies and fraudulent thoughts have set them against their own
deliverance. How have you stirred them up against My Father's
captains, and made them to fight against those that were sent by Him to deliver
them from their bondage! All these things and very many more you have done
against your light, and in contempt of my Father and of His Law; yes, and with
design to bring under His displeasure forever the miserable town of Mansoul. I
am therefore come to avenge the wrong that you have done to my Father, and to deal
with you for the blasphemies wherewith you have made poor Mansoul blaspheme His
name. Yes, upon your head, you prince of the infernal cave, will I require it.
'As for myself, O Diabolus, I am come against you
by lawful power, and to take, by strength of hand, this town of Mansoul out of
your burning fingers. For this town of Mansoul is mine, O Diabolus, and that by
undoubted right, as all shall see that will diligently search the most ancient
and most authentic records, and I will plead My title to it, to the confusion
of your face.
'First. For the town of Mansoul, My Father
built and did fashion it with His hand. The palace also that is in the midst of
that town, He built it for His own delight. This town of Mansoul therefore is
my Father's, and that by the best of titles; and He that disputes the Truth of
this must lie against his soul.
'Second. O you
master of the lie, this town of Mansoul is mine.
'1. For that I am My Father's heir, His firstborn,
and the only delight of His heart. I am therefore come up against you in My own
right, even to recover My own inheritance out of your hand. (Heb 1:2; Joh 16:15)
'2. But further, as I have a right and title to
Mansoul, by being My Father's heir, so I have also by my Father's donation. His
it was, and He gave it to me; (Joh 17:1-26)
nor have I at any time offended My Father, that He should take it from Me and
give it to you. Nor have I been forced by playing the bankrupt to sell, or set
to sale to you, my beloved town of Mansoul. (Isa 1:2)
Mansoul is My desire, My delight, and the joy of My heart.
'3. Mansoul is mine by right of purchase. I have
bought it, O Diabolus, I have bought it to myself. Now, since it was My
Father's and mine, as I was His heir; and since also I have made it mine by
virtue of a great purchase, it follows that, by all lawful right the town of
Mansoul is mine, and that you are an usurper, a tyrant, and traitor, by holding
possession of it. Now, the cause of My purchasing of it was this: Mansoul had
trespassed against My Father; now My Father had said, that in the day that they
broke His Law they should die. Now it is more possible for heaven and earth to
pass away, than for My Father to break his Word. (Mat
5:18) Wherefore, when Mansoul had sinned indeed by hearkening to
your lie, I put in and became a surety to My Father,
body for body, and soul for soul, that I would make amends for Mansoul's
transgressions; and My Father did accept thereof. So when the time
appointed was come, I gave body for body, soul for soul, life for life, blood for
blood, and so redeemed My beloved Mansoul.
'4. Nor did I do this to the halves; my Father's
Law and justice that were both concerned in the threatening upon transgression,
are both now satisfied, and very well content that Mansoul should be delivered.
'5. Nor am I come out this day against you but by
Commandment of My Father; it was He that said to Me, Go down and deliver
Mansoul.
'Wherefore, be it known to you, O you fountain of
deceit, and be it also known to the foolish town of Mansoul, that I am not come
against you this day without My Father.
'And now,' said the golden-headed Prince, 'I have
a word to the town of Mansoul'; but so soon as mention was made that he had a
word to speak to the besotted town of Mansoul, the gates were double-guarded, and
all men commanded not to give Him audience, so He proceeded, and said, 'O
unhappy town of Mansoul, I cannot but be touched with pity and compassion for
you. You have accepted Diabolus for your king, and have become a nurse and
minister of Diabolonians against your Sovereign Lord. Your gates you have
opened to him, but have shut them fast against Me; you have given Him a
hearing, but have stopped your ears at My cry; he
brought to you your destruction, and you did receive both him and it: I
come to you bringing Salvation, but you do not regard Me. Besides, you have, as
with sacrilegious hands, taken yourself with all that was mine in you, and have
given all to my foe, and to the greatest enemy My Father has. You have bowed
and subjected yourselves to him; you have vowed and sworn yourselves to be his.
Poor Mansoul! what shall I do to you? Shall I save you? Shall I destroy you?
What shall I do to you? Shall I fall upon you and grind you to powder, or make
you a monument of the richest grace? What shall I do unto you? Hearken,
therefore, you town of Mansoul, hearken to my Word, and you shall live. I am
merciful, Mansoul, and you shall find Me so; do not shut Me out of your gates.
(Song 5:2)
'O Mansoul, neither is My commission, nor
inclination, at all to do your hurt; why do you fly so fast from your friend,
and stick so close to your enemy? Indeed, I would have you, because it becomes
you, to be sorry for your sin; but do not despair of life, this great force is
not to hurt you, but to deliver you from your bondage, and to reduce you to
obedience. (Luk 9:56; Joh 12:47)
'My commission, indeed, is to make a war upon
Diabolus thy king, and upon all Diabolonians with him; for he is the strong man
armed that keeps the house, and I will have him out; his spoils I must divide,
his armor I must take from him, his hold I must cast him out of, and must make
it an habitation for myself. And this, O Mansoul, shall Diabolus know, when he
shall be made to follow Me in chains, and when Mansoul shall rejoice to see it
so.
'I could, would I now put forth My might, cause
that forthwith he should leave you and depart; but I have it in my heart so to
deal with him, as that the justice of the war that I shall make upon him may be
seen and acknowledged by all. He has taken Mansoul by fraud, and keeps it by
violence and deceit; and I will make him bare and naked in the eyes of all
observers. All my words are true, I am mighty to save, and will deliver My
Mansoul out of his hand.
This speech was intended chiefly for Mansoul, but
Mansoul would not have the hearing of it. They shut up Ear-gate, they
barricaded it up, they kept it locked and bolted; they set a guard thereat, and
commanded that no Mansoulonian should go out to Him, nor that any from the camp
should be admitted into the town; all this they did, so horribly had Diabolus
enchanted them to do, and seek to do for him, against their rightful Lord and
Prince; wherefore no man, nor voice, nor sound of man that belonged to the
glorious host, was to come into the town. [Infatuated sinners! rejecting the
counsel of God against themselves. Reader, is this your case? Pause and
examine. Remember 'faith comes by hearing.' Hear, then, and your soul
shall live]
[CHAPTER VII.]
[CONTENTS: Emmanuel prepares to make war upon
Mansoul —
Diabolus sends Mr. Loth-to-stoop with proposals for peace — These proposals
being dishonorable to Emmanuel, are all rejected — Again Diabolus proposes to
patch up a peace by reformation, offering to become Emmanuel's deputy in that
business — This proposal also rejected — New preparations made for battle —
Diabolus, expecting to be compelled to abandon the town, does much mischief —
Ear-gate, violently assaulted by the battering-rams, at length gives way, and
is broken to pieces — Emmanuel's forces enter the town, and take possession of
the Recorder's house — Several mischievous Diabolonians are killed]
So when
Emmanuel saw that Mansoul was thus involved in sin, he calls his army together,
since now also his Words were despised, and gave out a Commandment throughout
his entire host to be ready against the time appointed. Now, forasmuch as there
was no way lawfully to take the town of Mansoul, but to get in by the gates,
and at Ear-gate as the chief, therefore he Commanded his captains and
commanders to bring their rams, their slings, and their men, and place them at
Eye-gate and Ear-gate, in order to his taking the town.
When
Emmanuel had put all things in readiness to give Diabolus battle, he sent again
to know of the town of Mansoul if in a peaceable manner they would yield
themselves, or whether they were yet resolved to put Him to try the utmost
extremity. Then they together, with Diabolus their king, called a council of
war, and resolved upon certain propositions that should be offered to Emmanuel,
if He will accept thereof, so they agreed; and then the next was who should be
sent on this errand. Now there was in the town of Mansoul an old man, a
Diabolonian, and his name was Mr. Loth-to-stoop, a stiff man in his way, and a
great doer for Diabolus; him therefore they sent, and put into his mouth what
he should say. So he went, and came to the camp of Emmanuel; and when he was
come, a time was appointed to give him audience. So at the time he came, and
after a Diabolonian ceremony or two, he thus began, and said, 'Great Sir, that
it may be known unto all men how good-natured a prince my master is, he has
sent me to tell your Lordship that he is very willing, rather than to go to
war, to deliver up into your hands one-half of the town of Mansoul. (Tit 1:16) I am therefore to know if your Mightiness will accept of this
proposition.'
Then Emmanuel said, 'The whole is mine by gift and
purchase, wherefore I will never lose one-half.'
Then Mr. Loth-to-stoop said, 'Sir, my master has
said, that he will be content that you shall be the nominal and formal Lord of
all, if he may possess but a part.' (Luk 13:25)
Then Emmanuel answered, 'The whole is mine really;
not in name and word only: wherefore I will be the sole Lord and possessor of
all, or of none at all of Mansoul.'
Then Mr. Loth-to-stoop said again, 'Sir, behold
the condescension of my master! He says that he will be content, if he may but
have assigned to him some place in Mansoul as a place to live privately in, and
you shall be Lord of all the rest.' (Act 5:1-5)
Then the golden Prince said, 'All that the Father gives me, shall come to me; and of all
that he has given me I will lose nothing, no, not a hoof, nor a hair. I will
not therefore, grant him, no, not the least corner of Mansoul to dwell in, I
will have all to myself.'
Then Loth-to-stoop said again, 'But, sir, suppose
that my Lord should resign the whole town to you, only with this provision,
that he sometimes, when he comes into this country, may, for old acquaintance'
sake, be entertained as a way-faring man for two days, or ten days or a month,
or so; may not this small matter be granted?'
Then Emmanuel said, 'No: he came as a way-faring
man to David, nor did he stay long with him, and yet it had like to have cost
David his soul. (2Sa 12:1-5) I will not
consent that he ever should have any harbor there.'
Then Mr. Loth-to-stoop said, 'Sir, you seem to be
very hard. Suppose my master should yield to all that your lordship has said,
provided that his friends and kindred in Mansoul may have liberty to trade in
the town, and to enjoy their present dwellings; may that be granted, sir?'
Then said Emmanuel, 'No: that is contrary to My
Father's will; for all, and all manner of Diabolonians that now are, or that at
any time shall be found in Mansoul, shall not only lose their lands and
liberties, but also their lives' (Rom 6:13;
Gal 5:24; Col
3:5).
Then said Mr. Loth-to-stoop again, 'But, sir, may
not my master, and great Lord, by letters, by passengers, by accidental
opportunities, and the like, maintain, if he shall deliver up all unto thee,
some kind of old friendship with Mansoul' (Joh 10:8).
Emmanuel answered, 'No, by no means; forasmuch as
any such fellowship, friendship, intimacy, or acquaintance in what way, sort,
or mode in any fashion maintained, will tend to the corrupting of Mansoul, the
alienating of their affections from me, and the endangering of their peace with
my Father.'
Mr. Loth-to-stoop yet added further; saying, 'But,
great sir, since my master has many friends, and those that are dear to him in
Mansoul; may he not, if he shall depart from them, even of his bounty and
good-nature, bestow upon them, as he sees fit, some tokens of his love and
kindness, that he had for them, to the end that Mansoul, when he is gone, may
look upon such tokens of kindness once received from their old friend, and
remember him who was once their King, and the merry times that they sometimes
enjoyed one with another, while he and they lived in peace together.'
Then Emmanuel said, 'No; for if Mansoul comes to
be mine, I shall not admit of, nor consent that there should be the least
scrap, shred, or dust of Diabolus left behind, as tokens or gifts bestowed upon
any in Mansoul, thereby to call to remembrance the horrible communion that was
between them and him.' (Rom 6:12-13)
'Well sir,' said Mr. Loth-to-stoop, 'I have one
thing more to propound, and then I am at the end of my commission. Suppose that
when my master is gone from Mansoul, any that shall yet live in the town should
have such business of high concerns to do, that if they be neglected the party
shall be undone; and suppose, sir, that nobody can help in that case so well as
my master and Lord; may my master be sent for upon so urgent an occasion as
this? Or if he may not be admitted into the town, may he and the person
concerned meet in some of the villages near Mansoul, and there lay their heads
together and there consult of matters?' [The proud heart of man is loath to
stoop to that absolute submission and entire obedience to Christ which he
justly requires. They will allow Him to be a Lord in name, but not in
authority] (2Ki 1:3, 2Ki 1:6-7)
This was the last of those ensnaring propositions
that Mr. Loth-to-stoop had to propound to Emmanuel on behalf of his master
Diabolus; but Emmanuel would not grant it, for he said, 'There can be no case,
or thing, or matter, in Mansoul, when your master shall be gone, that may not
be solved by My Father; besides, it will be a great disparagement to My
Father's wisdom and skill to admit any from Mansoul to go out to Diabolus for
advice, when they are bid before, in everything, by prayer and supplication, to
let their requests be made known to My Father. (1Sa
28:15; 2Ki 1:2-3) Further,
this, should it be granted, would be to grant that a door should be set open
for Diabolus and the Diabolonians in Mansoul, to hatch, and plot, and bring to
pass treasonable designs, to the grief of my Father and me, and to the utter
destruction of Mansoul.'
When Mr. Loth-to-stoop had heard this answer, he
took his leave of Emmanuel and departed, saying, that he would give word to his
master concerning this whole affair. So he departed and came to Diabolus to
Mansoul, and told him the whole of the matter, and how Emmanuel would not
admit, no, not by any means, that he, when he was once gone out, should forever
have anything more to do, either in, or with any that are of, the town of
Mansoul. When Mansoul and Diabolus had heard this relation of things, they with
one consent concluded to use their best endeavour to keep Emmanuel out of
Mansoul, and sent old Ill-pause, of whom you have heard before, to tell the
Prince and his captains so. So the old gentleman came up to the top of
Ear-gate, and called to the camp for a hearing; who, when they gave audience,
he said, 'I have in commandment from my high Lord to bid you tell it to your
Prince Emmanuel, that Mansoul and their King are resolved to stand and fall
together, and that it is in vain for your Prince to think of ever having of
Mansoul in his hand, unless he can take it by force.' So some went and told to
Emmanuel what old Ill-pause, a Diabolonian in Mansoul, had said. Then the Prince
said, 'I must try the power of my sword, for I will not, for all the rebellions
and repulses that Mansoul has made against me, raise my siege and depart, but
will assuredly take My Mansoul, and deliver it from the hand of her enemy.' (Eph 6:17) And with that he gave out a
Commandment that Captain Boanerges, Captain Conviction, Captain Judgment, and
Captain Execution, should forthwith march up to Ear-gate with trumpets
sounding, colors flying, and with shouting for the battle. Also He willed that
Captain Credence should join himself with them. Emmanuel, moreover, gave order
that Captain Good-hope and Captain Charity should draw themselves up before
Eye-gate. He bid also that the rest of his Captains, and their men, should
place themselves for the best of their advantage against the enemy, round about
the town, and all was done as he had Commanded. Then he bid that the word
should be given forth, and the word was at that time 'EMMANUEL.' Then was an
alarm sounded, and the battering-rams were played, and the slings did whirl
stones into the town full speed, and thus the battle began. Now Diabolus
himself did manage the townsmen in the war, and that at every gate; wherefore
their resistance was the more forcible, hellish, and offensive to Emmanuel.
Thus was the good Prince engaged and entertained by Diabolus and Mansoul for
several days together. And a sight worth seeing it was, to behold how the
captains of Shaddai behaved themselves in this war.
And first for Captain Boanerges, not to
under-value the rest, he made three most fierce assaults, one after another,
upon Ear-gate, to the shaking of the posts thereof. Captain Conviction, he also
made up as fast with Boanerges as possibly he could, and both discerning that
the gate began to yield, they commanded that the rams should still be played
against it. Now Captain Conviction going up very near to the gate, was with
great force driven back, and received three wounds in the mouth. And those that
rode horses, they went about to encourage the captains.
For the valor of the two captains made mention of
before, the Prince sent for them to his pavilion, and Commanded that for a
while they should rest themselves, and that with somewhat they should be
refreshed. Care also was taken for Captain Conviction, that he should be healed
of his wounds. The Prince also gave to each of them a chain of gold, and bid
them yet be of good courage. Nor did Captain Good-hope nor Captain Charity come
behind in this most desperate fight, for they so well did behave themselves at
Eye-gate, that they had almost broken it quite open. These also had a reward
from their Prince, as also had the rest of the captains, because they did
valiantly round about the town.
In this engagement several of the officers of
Diabolus were slain, and some of the townsmen wounded. For the officers, there
was one Captain Boasting slain. This Boasting thought that nobody could have
shaken the posts of Ear-gate, nor have shaken the heart of Diabolus. Next to
him there was one Captain Secure slain; this Secure used to say that the blind
and lame in Mansoul were able to keep the gates of the town against Emmanuel's
army. (2Sa 5:6) This Captain Secure did
Captain Conviction cleave down the head with a two-handed sword, when he
received himself three wounds in his mouth. Besides these, there was one
Captain Bragman, a very desperate fellow, and he was captain over a band of
those that threw fire-brands, arrows, and death; he also received, by the hand
of Captain Good-hope at Eye-gate, a mortal wound in the breast.
There was, moreover, one Mr. Feeling, but he was
no captain, but a great stickler to encourage Mansoul to rebellion, he received
a wound in the eye by the hand of one of Boanerges' soldiers, and had by the
captain himself been slain, but that he made a sudden retreat.
But I never saw Will-be-will so daunted in all my
life: he was not able to do as he would; and some say that he also received a
wound in the leg, and that some of the men in the Prince's army have certainly
seen him limp, as he afterwards walked on the wall.
I shall not give you a particular account of the
names of the soldiers that were slain in the town, for many were maimed and
wounded, and slain; for when they saw that the posts of Ear-gate did shake, and
Eye-gate was well-nigh broken quite open; and also that their captains were
slain, this took away the hearts of many of the Diabolonians; they fell also by
the force of the shot that were sent by the golden slings into the midst of the
town of Mansoul.
Of the townsmen, there was one Love-no-good, he
was a townsman, but a Diabolonian, he also received his mortal wound in
Mansoul, but he died not very soon. Mr. Ill-pause also, who was the man that
came along with Diabolus when at first he attempted the taking of Mansoul, he
also received a grievous wound in the head, some say that his brain-pan was
cracked; this I have taken notice of, that he was never after this able to do
that mischief to Mansoul as he had done in times past. Also old Prejudice and
Mr. Anything fled. [Prejudice and Anything have fled; Ill-pause has his
brain-pan cracked — there can be no more procrastination; Love-no-good is slain — the
will is wounded; the feeling is painfully wounded; Bragman and carnal security
are slain; Mansoul trembles; and in great mercy the white flag is hung out in a
token of grace, but the heart does not yet surrender]
Now when
the battle was over, the Prince Commanded that yet once more the white flag
should be set upon Mount Gracious, in sight of the town of Mansoul; to show
that yet Emmanuel had grace for the wretched town of Mansoul.
When
Diabolus saw the white flag hanging out again, and knowing that it was not for
him, but Mansoul, he cast in his mind to play another prank, to wit, to see if
Emmanuel would raise his siege and begone, upon a promise of a reformation. So
he comes down to the gate one evening, a good while after the sun was gone
down, and calls to speak with Emmanuel, who presently came down to the gate,
and Diabolus said unto him:
'Forasmuch
as You make it appear by Your white flag, that You are wholly given to peace
and quiet; I thought fitting to acquaint and remind You that we are ready to
accept thereof upon terms which You may accept.
'I know
that You are given to devotion, and that holiness pleases You; yes, that Your
great end in making a war upon Mansoul is that it may be a holy habitation.
Well, draw off Your forces from the town, and I will bend Mansoul to Your
obedience.
'[Thus]
I will lay down all acts of hostility against You, and will be willing to
become Your deputy, and will, as I have formerly been against you, now serve
You in the town of Mansoul. And more particularly — 1. I will persuade Mansoul
to receive You for their Lord, and I know that they will do it the sooner when
they shall understand that I am Your deputy. 2. I will show them wherein they
have erred, and that transgression stands in the way to life. 3. I will show
them the holy Law unto which they must conform, even that which they have
broken. 4. I will press upon them the necessity of a reformation according to
thy Law. 5. And, moreover, that none of these things may fail, I myself, at my
own proper cost and charge, will set up and maintain a sufficient ministry,
besides lectures, in Mansoul. 6. You shall receive, as a token of our subjection
to you continually, year by year, what You shall think is right to lay and levy
upon us, in token of our subjection to You.'
Then
Emmanuel said to him, 'O full of deceit, how movable are your ways! How often
have you changed and re-changed, so that you might still keep possession of My
Mansoul, though, as has been plainly declared before, I am the right heir
thereof? Often have you made your proposals already, nor is this last a smidgen
better than they. And failing to deceive when you showed yourself in black, you
have now transformed yourself into an angel of light, and would, to deceive, be
now as a minister of righteousness. (2Co 11:14)
'But know you, O Diabolus, that nothing must be
regarded that you can propound, for nothing is done by you but to deceive; you
neither have conscience to God, nor love to the town of Mansoul; where then
should these your sayings arise from, but from sinful craft and deceit? He that can of list and will propound what he pleases, and
that wherewith he may destroy them that believe him, is to be abandoned with
all that he shall say. But if righteousness be such a beauty-spot in
your eyes now, how is it that wickedness was so closely stuck to by you before.
But this is by the way. You talk now of a reformation in Mansoul, and that is
you yourself, if I will please, will be at the head of that reformation, all
the while knowing that the greatest proficiency that man can make in the Law,
and the righteousness thereof, will amount to no more for the taking away of
the curse from Mansoul than just nothing at all; for a Law being broken by
Mansoul, that had before, upon a self-evident Truth of the breach thereof, a
curse pronounced against him for it of God, can never, by his obeying of the
Law, deliver himself therefrom. To say nothing of what a reformation is like to
be set up in Mansoul, when the devil is become corrector of vice. You know that
all that you have now said in this matter is nothing but guile and deceit; and
is, as it was the first, so is it the last card that you have to play. Many
there be that will soon discern you when you show them your cloven foot; but in
your white, your light, and in your transformation you are seen but of a few.
But you shall not do thus with my Mansoul, O Diabolus, for I do still love My
Mansoul.
'Besides, I am not come to put Mansoul upon works
to live thereby — should I do so, I
should be like unto you — but I am come
that by Me, and by what I have and shall do for Mansoul, they may to My Father
be reconciled, though by their sin they have provoked Him to anger, and though by the Law they cannot obtain mercy.
'You talk of subjecting of this town to good, when
none desires it at your hands. I am sent by My Father to possess it myself, and
to guide it by the skilfulness of My hands into such a conformity to Him as
shall be pleasing in his sight. I will therefore possess it myself, I will
dispossess and cast you out: I will set up My own
Standard in the midst of them: I will also govern them by new Laws, new
officers, new motives, and new ways. Yes, I will pull down this town,
and build it again, and it shall be as though it had not been, and it shall
then be the glory of the whole universe.' [What a volume of evangelical truth
is contained in these words! Old things must pass away, all must become new; we
must be buried with Christ in baptism, and rise again to newness of life. No
man is a Christian till Christ is formed in him the hope of glory]
When Diabolus heard this, and perceived that he
was discovered in all his deceits, he was confounded and utterly bewildered;
but having in himself the fountain of iniquity, rage and malice against both
Shaddai and His Son, and the beloved town of Mansoul, what does he do but
strengthen himself as much as he could, to give a fresh battle to the noble
Prince Emmanuel? So then, now we must have another fight before the town of
Mansoul is taken. Come up then, to the mountains you that love to see military
actions, and behold by both sides how the fatal blow is given: while one seeks
to hold, and the other seeks to make himself master of the famous town of
Mansoul.
Diabolus, therefore, having withdrawn himself from
the wall to his force that was in the heart of the town of Mansoul, Emmanuel
also returned to the camp; and both of them, after their different ways, put
themselves into a posture fit to bid battle one to another.
Diabolus, as filled with despair of retaining in his
hands the famous town of Mansoul, resolved to do what mischief he could, if
indeed, he could do any, to the army of the Prince, and to the famous town of
Mansoul; for, alas! it was not the happiness of the silly town of Mansoul that
was designed by Diabolus, but the utter ruin and overthrow thereof; as now is
enough in view. Wherefore he commands his officers that they should then, when
they see that they could hold the town no longer, do it what harm and mischief
they could; rending and tearing of men, women, and children. (Mar 9:26-27) For, he said, we had better quite
demolish the place, and leave it like a ruinous heap, than so leave it that it
may be a habitation for Emmanuel. [When Satan can no longer keep his dominion
over the soul, he will endeavor to ruin it by temptations to despair, or to
some abominable vices; as the poor trembling creature in the Gospel, desirous
of approaching Christ, 'as he was yet coming, the devil threw him down and tare
him' (Luk 9:42)]
Emmanuel again, knowing that the next battle would
issue in his being made master of the place, gave out a royal Commandment to
all his officers, high captains, and men of war, to be sure to show themselves
men of war against Diabolus and all Diabolonians; but favorable, merciful, and
meek to all the old inhabitants of Mansoul. Bend, therefore, said the noble
Prince, the hottest front of the battle against Diabolus and his men.
So the day being come, the Command was given, and
the Prince's men did bravely stand to their arms; and did, as before, bend
their main force against Ear-gate, and Eye-gate. The word then, 'Mansoul is
won,' so they made their assault upon the town. Diabolus also, as fast as he
could with the main of his power, made resistance from within, and his high
lords and chief captains for a time fought very cruelly against the Prince's
army.
But after three or four notable charges by the
Prince, and his noble captains, Ear-gate was broken open, and the bars and
bolts wherewith it was used to be fast shut up against the Prince, were broken
into a thousand pieces. Then did the Prince's trumpets sound, the captains
shout, the town shake, and Diabolus retreat to his hold. Well, when the
Prince's forces had broken open the gate, He came up and did set his throne in
it; also he set his Standard thereby, upon a mount, that before by his men was
cast up to place the mighty slings thereon. [Thus was the Promise fulfilled,
'In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book;' (Isa 29:18) and, 'The ears of the deaf shall be
unstopped.' (Isa 35:5) What a blessing
to be able to say, 'Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears.' The way is strait from
Eargate to Conscience, the house of the Recorder, and to the Heart, the castle.
'He that has ears to hear, let him hear.' May God bestow 'the hearing ear' upon
every reader] The mount was called Mount Hear-well; there, therefore, the
Prince abode, namely, by the going in at the gate. He Commanded also that the
golden slings should yet be played upon the town, especially against the
castle, because for shelter there Diabolus retreated. Now from Ear-gate the
street was straight, even to the house of Mr. Recorder that so was before
Diabolus took the town, and by his house stood the castle, which Diabolus for a
long time had made his irksome den. The captains, therefore, did quickly clear
that street by the use of their slings, so that way was made up to the heart of
the town. Then did the Prince Command that Captain Boanerges, Captain
Conviction, and Captain Judgment should forthwith march up through the town to
the old gentleman's gate. Then the captains in the most warlike manner entered
into the town of Mansoul, and marching in with flying colors, they came up to
the Recorder's house, and that was almost as strong as was the castle.
Battering-rams they took also with them, to plant against the castle-gates.
When they came to the house of Mr. Conscience, they knocked and demanded
entrance. Now, the old gentleman, not knowing as yet fully their design, kept
his gates shut all the time of this fight. Wherefore Boanerges demanded
entrance at his gates, and no man making answer, he gave it one stroke with the
head of a ram, and this made the old gentleman shake, and his house to tremble
and totter. Then came Mr. Recorder down to the gate, and, as he could, with
quivering lips, he asked who was there. Boanerges answered, We are the captains
and commanders of the great Shaddai, and of the blessed Emmanuel His Son, and
we demand possession of your house for the use of our noble Prince. And with
that the battering-ram gave the gate another shake; this made the old gentleman
tremble the more, yet he dared not but open the gate. Then the King's forces
marched in, namely, the three brave captains mentioned before. Now the
Recorder's house was a place of much convenience for Emmanuel, not only because
it was near to the castle, and strong, but also because it was large, and
fronted the castle, the den where now Diabolus was: for he was now afraid to
come out of his hold. As for Mr. Recorder, the captains carried it very reservedly
to him; as yet he knew nothing of the great designs of Emmanuel; so that he did
not know what judgment to make, nor what would be the end of such thundering
beginnings. It was also presently noised in the town, how the Recorder's house
was possessed, his rooms taken up, and his palace made the seat of the war; and
no sooner was it noised abroad, but they took the alarm as warmly, and gave it
out to others of his friends, and you know as a snow-ball loses nothing by
rolling, so in little time the whole town was possessed that they must expect
nothing from the Prince but destruction; and the ground of the business was
this. The Recorder was afraid, the Recorder trembled, and the captains carried
it strangely to the Recorder, so many came to see; but when they with their own
eyes did behold the captains in the palace, and their battering-rams ever
playing at the castle gates to beat them down, they were riveted in their
fears, and it made them as in amazement. And, as I said, the man of the house
would increase all this, for whoever came to him, or discoursed with him,
nothing would he talk of, tell them, or hear, but that death and destruction
now attended Mansoul. [When the soul listens to the threatening’s of
the holy Law, conscience fears and quakes; and till enlightened with the
knowledge of the Gospel, and the gracious designs of God, it can think and talk
of nothing but 'death and destruction]
'For,'
the old gentleman said, 'you are all reasonable and understand that we all have
been traitors to that once despised, but now famously victorious and glorious
Prince Emmanuel. For He now, as you see, does not only lie in close siege about
us, but has forced His entrance in at our gates; moreover, Diabolus flees
before Him, and has, as you behold, made of my house a garrison against the
castle, where he is. I, for my part, have transgressed greatly, and he that is
clean it is well for him. But, I say, I have transgressed greatly in keeping silence
when I should have spoken, and in perverting of justice when I should have
executed the same. True, I have suffered
something at the hand of Diabolus, for taking part with the Laws of King
Shaddai; but that, alas! what will that do? Will that make compensation for the
rebellions and treasons that I have done, and have suffered without
challenging, to be committed in the town of Mansoul? Oh, I tremble to think
what will be the end of this so dreadful and so ireful a beginning!'
Now, while these brave captains were thus busy in
the house of the old Recorder, Captain Execution was as busy in other parts of
the town, in securing the back streets, and the walls. He also hunted the Lord
Will-be-will sorely; he suffered him not to rest in any corner. He pursued him
so hard, that he drove his men from him, and made him glad to thrust his head
into a hole. Also, this mighty warrior did cut three of the Lord Will-be-will's
officers down to the ground; one was old Mr. Prejudice, he that had his crown
cracked in the mutiny; this man was made by Lord Will-be-will keeper of Ear-gate,
and fell by the hand of Captain Execution. There was also one Mr.
Backward-to-all-but-naught, and he also was one of Lord Will-be-will's
officers, and was the captain of the two guns that once were mounted on the top
of Ear-gate, he also was cut down to the ground by the hands of Captain
Execution. Besides these two there was another, a third, and his name was
Captain Treacherous, a vile man this was, but one that Will-be-will did put a
great deal of confidence in; but him also did this Captain Execution cut down
to the ground with the rest.
He also made a very great slaughter among my Lord
Will-be-will's soldiers, killing many that were stout and sturdy, and wounding
of many that for Diabolus were nimble and active. But all these were
Diabolonians; there was not a man, a native of Mansoul, hurt. [No faculty or
power of the soul can be injured by a death unto sin and a life unto holiness.
Peace and happiness increase as we live near to God. My young friends, if Satan
tells you that religion (The Spiritual life) is a dull or melancholy thing,
call to mind the happiness, nay, ecstasies of Paul and David when living under
its holy influences]
Other feats of war were also likewise performed by
other of the captains, as at Eye-gate, where Captain Good-hope and Captain
Charity had a charge, was great execution done; for the Captain Good-hope, with
his own hands, slew one Captain Blindfold, the keeper of that gate; this
Blindfold was captain of a thousand men, and they were they that fought with
sledgehammers; he also pursued his men, slew many, and wounded more, and made
the rest hide their heads in corners.
There was also at that gate Mr. Ill-pause, of whom
you have heard before; he was an old man, and had a beard that reached down to
his girdle: the same was he that was orator to Diabolus; he did much mischief
in the town of Mansoul, and fell by the hand of Captain Good-hope.
What shall I say, the Diabolonians in these days
lay dead in every corner, though too many yet were alive in Mansoul.
[Conversion proceeds. The carnal will has no rest; Prejudice is slain;
Aversion-to-good, Treachery, Blindness, and that most dangerous foe to the
soul, old Ill-pause, with his traditions, antiquity and longbeard, are slain.
ALL these were Diabolonians, not one native power of the soul was injured]
[CHAPTER VIII.]
[CONTENTS: The principal inhabitants hold a
conference, and agree to petition the Prince for their lives — The
castle gates broken open — Emmanuel marches into Mansoul — Diabolus is made
prisoner, and bound in chains — The inhabitants, greatly distressed, petition
again and again — At length a free pardon is obtained, and universal joy
succeeds]
Now the
old Recorder, and my Lord Understanding, with some others of the chief of the
town, namely, such as knew they must stand and fall with the famous town of Mansoul,
came together upon a day, and after consultation, did jointly agree to draw up
a petition, and send it to Emmanuel, now while he sat in the gate of Mansoul.
So they drew up their petition to Emmanuel, the contents thereof were this,
That they, the old inhabitants of the now deplorable town of Mansoul, confessed
their sin, and were sorry that they had offended his princely Majesty, and
prayed that he would spare their lives. (1Jn 1:9)
Upon this petition he gave no answer at all, and
that did trouble them yet so much the more. Now all this while the captains
that were in the Recorder's house were playing with the battering-rams at the
gates of the castle, to beat them down. So after some time, labor, and travail,
the gate of the castle that was called Impregnable was beaten open, and broken
into several splinters; and so a way made to go up to the hold in which
Diabolus had hid himself. [When the conscience is alarmed, and sends its
battering-rams against the heart or affections, the castle, and so the whole
soul, will be quickly reduced, and fall into the arms of Divine mercy] Then
tidings were sent down to Ear-gate, for Emmanuel still abode there, to let him
know that a way was made in at the gates of the castle of Mansoul. But oh! how
the trumpets at the tidings sounded throughout the Prince's camp, for that now
the war was so near an end, and Mansoul itself of being set free. [There is joy
in heaven over the repenting sinner. The heart, which was deemed impregnable,
is taken by grace]
Then the Prince arose from the place where he was,
and took with him such of his men of war as were fittest for that expedition,
and marched up the street of Mansoul to the old Recorder's house.
Now the Prince himself was clad all in armour of
gold, and so he marched up the town with his Standard borne before him; but he
kept his countenance much reserved all the way as he went, so that the people
could not tell how to gather to themselves love or hatred by his looks. Now as
he marched up the street, the townsfolk came out at every door to see, and
could not but be taken with His Person, and the glory thereof, but wondered at
the reserved-ness of His countenance; for as yet he spoke more to them by His
actions and works, than He did by words or smiles. But also poor Mansoul, as in
such cases all are apt to do, they interpreted the actions of Emmanuel to them,
as did Joseph's brethren, even all in the quite contrary way. For, they
thought, if Emmanuel loved us, He would show it to us by word or action; but
none of these He does, therefore Emmanuel hates us. Now if Emmanuel hates us,
then Mansoul shall be slain, then Mansoul shall become a dunghill. They knew
that they had transgressed His Father's Law, and that against him they had been
in with Diabolus his enemy. They also knew that the Prince Emmanuel knew all
this; for they were convinced that He was as an Angel of God, to know all
things that are done in the earth. And this made them think that their
condition was miserable, and that the good Prince would make them desolate.
And, they thought, what time so fit to do this in
as now, when He has the bridle of Mansoul in his hand. And this I took special
notice of, that the inhabitants, notwithstanding all this, could not; no, they
could not, when they saw Him march through the town, but cringe, bow, bend, and
were ready to lick the dust of His feet. They also wished a thousand times
over, that He would become their Prince and Captain, and would become their
protection. They would also one to another talk of the comeliness of His
person, and how much for glory and valor He outstripped the great ones of the
world. But, poor hearts, as to themselves their thoughts would chance, and go
upon all manner of extremes; yes, through the working of them backward and
forward, Mansoul became as a ball tossed, and as a rolling thing before the
whirlwind. (Isa 18:3; Isa 23:18)
Now when He came to the castle gates, He Commanded
Diabolus to appear, and to surrender himself into His hands. But oh! how loath
was the beast to appear! How he stuck at it! How he shrunk! aye, how he
cringed! Yet out he came to the Prince. Then Emmanuel Commanded, and they took
Diabolus and bound him fast in chains, the better to reserve him to the
judgment that He had appointed for him. But Diabolus stood up to entreat for
himself, that Emmanuel would not send him into the deep, but suffer him to
depart out of Mansoul in peace.
When Emmanuel had taken him and bound him in
chains, He led him into the marketplace, and there, before Mansoul, stripped
him of his armor in which he boasted so much before. This now was one of the
acts of triumph of Emmanuel over His enemy; and all the while that the giant
was stripping, the trumpets of the golden Prince did sound at full speed; the
captains also shouted, and the soldiers did sing for joy. Then was Mansoul
called upon to behold the beginning of Emmanuel's triumph over him in whom they
had trusted so much, and of whom they so much had boasted in the days when he
flattered them.
Thus having made Diabolus naked in the eyes of Mansoul,
and before the commanders of the Prince, in the next place He Commands that
Diabolus should be bound with chains to his chariot wheels. Then leaving some
of his forces, namely, Captain Boanerges, and Captain Conviction, as a guard
for the castle-gates, that resistance might be made on his behalf, if any that
as yet followed Diabolus, should make an attempt to possess it, He did ride in
triumph over him through the town of Mansoul, and also out, and before the gate
called Eye-gate, to the plain where His camp did lie. (Eph 4:8)
But you cannot think unless you had been there, as
I was, what a shout there was in Emmanuel's camp when they saw the tyrant bound
by the hand of their noble Prince, and tied to his chariot wheels! And they
said, He has led captivity captive; he hath spoiled principalities and powers;
Diabolus is subjected to the power of His sword, and made the object of all
derision! [At our Lord's ascension, when he triumphed over all the force of
death and hell, obtained eternal redemption for us, and received all power in
heaven and earth for his elect, till their number is accomplished. Then will be
the everlasting triumph]
Those also that rode horses, (Angelic host) and
that came down to see the battle, they shouted with that greatness of voice,
and sung with such melodious notes, that they caused them that dwell in the
highest orbs to open their windows, put out their heads, and look down to see
the cause of that glory. (Luk 15:7-10)
The townsmen also, so many of them as saw this
sight, were as it were, while they looked, between the earth and the heavens.
True, they could not tell what would be the issue of things as to them, but all
things were done in such excellent methods; and I cannot tell how, but things
in the management of them seemed to cast a smile towards the town, so that
their eyes, their heads, their hearts, and their minds, and all that they had,
were taken and held, while they observed Emmanuel's order.
So when the brave Prince had finished this part of
his triumph over Diabolus His foe, He turned him up in the midst of his
contempt and shame, having given him a charge no more to be a possessor of
Mansoul. Then he went from Emmanuel, and out of the midst of his camp to
inherit the parched places in a salt land, seeking rest but finding none. (Mat 12:43)
Now Captain Boanerges and Captain Conviction were
both of them men of very great majesty, their faces were like the faces of
lions, (1Ch 12:8) and their words like
the roaring of the sea; (Isa 5:29-30)
and they still quartered in Mr. Conscience's house, of whom mention was made
before. When therefore, the high and mighty Prince had thus far finished his
triumph over Diabolus, the townsmen had more leisure to view and to behold the
actions of these noble captains. But the captains carried it with that terror
and dread in all that they did, and you may be sure that they had private
instructions so to do, that they kept the town under continual heart-aching,
and caused, in their apprehension, the well-being of Mansoul for the future, to
hang in doubt before them, so that, for some considerable time, they neither
knew what rest, or ease, or peace, or hope meant. [Sin-sick soul, Christ is an
all-sufficient physician; only follow his advice and the efficacious
prescriptions of his Word (Hos 6:3)]
Nor did the Prince Himself, as yet, abide in the
town of Mansoul, but in His royal pavilion in the camp, and in the midst of His
Father's forces. So at a time convenient, He sent special orders to Captain
Boanerges to summons Mansoul, the whole of the townsmen, into the castle-yard,
and then and there, before their faces, to take my Lord Understanding, Mr.
Conscience, and that notable one, the Lord Will-be-will, and put them in the
ward, and that they should set a strong guard upon them there, until His
pleasure concerning them were further known. The which orders, when the
captains had put them in execution, made no small addition to the fears of the
town of Mansoul; for now, to their thinking, were their former fears of the
ruin of Mansoul confirmed. Now, what death they should die, and how long they
should be in dying, was that which most perplexed their heads and hearts. Yes,
they were afraid that Emmanuel would Command them all into the deep, the place
that the prince Diabolus was afraid of; for they knew that they had deserved
it. Also to die by the sword in the face of the town, and in the open way of
disgrace, from the hand of so good and so holy a prince, that, too, troubled
them sore. The town was also greatly troubled for the men that were committed
to the ward, for that they were their grounds and their guide, and for that
they believed that if those men were cut off, their execution would be but the
beginning of the ruin of the town of Mansoul. Wherefore what do they do, but
together with the men in prison, draw up a petition to the Prince, and sent it
to Emmanuel by the hand of Mr. Would-live. So he went and came to the Prince's
quarters, and presented the petition; the sum of which was this:
'Great and wonderful Potentate, victor over
Diabolus, and conqueror of the town of Mansoul, We, the miserable inhabitants
of that most woeful corporation, do humbly beg that we may find favor in Your
sight, and do not remember against us our former transgressions, nor yet the
sins of the chief of our town, but spare us according to the greatness of Your
mercy, and let us not die, but live in Your sight; so shall we be willing to be
Your servants, and if You shall think fit, to gather our meat under Your table;
Amen.'[Neither the bearer of this petition, nor the prayer itself, can be
acceptable. It is the language of those who have been conquered by terror and
power, and not by love; thus it ends with the words of Adoni-bezek, relative to
the seventy kings that he had brought down to slavery. (Jdg 1:7) ]
So the petitioner went as was said with his
petition to the Prince, and the Prince took it, but sent him away with silence.
This still afflicted the town of Mansoul, but yet considering that now they
must either petition, or die — for now they could not do anything else —
therefore they consulted again, and sent another petition, and this petition
was much after the form and method of the former.
But when
the petition was drawn up, by whom should they send it was the next question;
for they would not send this by him by whom they sent the first, for they
thought that the Prince had taken some offence at the manner of his behavior
before him; so they attempted to make Captain Conviction their messenger with
it, but he said that he neither dared, nor would petition Emmanuel for
traitors; nor be to the Prince an advocate for rebels. Yet however, he said, our Prince is good, and you may
adventure to send it by the hand of one of your town, provided he went with a
rope about his head, and pleaded nothing but mercy. [Heady and Highmind are
long since slain — Mansoul feels her misery. As a condemned criminal, expecting
execution, what can she sue for but mercy? 'God be merciful to me a sinner.' For the ropes about their heads, see (1Ki
20:31) ]
Well, they made, through fear, their delays as
long as they could, and longer than delays were good; but fearing at last the
dangerousness of them, they thought, but with many a fainting in their minds,
to send their petition by Mr. Desires-awake; so they sent for Mr.
Desires-awake. Now he dwelt in a very average cottage in Mansoul, and he came
at his neighbour's request. So they told him what they had done, and what they
would do concerning petitioning, and that they did desire of him that he would
go therewith to the Prince.
Then said Mr. Desires-awake, why should not I do
the best I can to save so famous a town as Mansoul from deserved destruction?
They therefore delivered the petition to him, and told him how he must address
himself to the Prince, and wished him ten thousand good speeds. So he comes to
the Prince's pavilion, as the first, and asked to speak with His Majesty; so
word was carried to Emmanuel, and the Prince came out to the man. When Mr.
Desires-awake saw the Prince, he fell flat with his face to the ground, and
cried out; oh that Mansoul might live before You! And with that he presented
the petition. The which when the Prince had read, he turned away for a while
and wept, but, refraining himself, he turned again to the man, who all this
while lay crying at his feet as at the first, and said to him, Go your way to
your place, and I will consider of your requests.
Now you may think that they of Mansoul that had
sent him, what with guilt, and what with fear, lest their petition should be
rejected, could not but look with many a long look, and that too with strange
workings of heart, to see what would become of their petition. At last, they
saw their messenger coming back; so when he was come, they asked him how he
fared, what Emmanuel said, and what became of the petition. But he told them
that he would be silent till he came to the prison to my Lord Mayor, my Lord
Will-be-will, and Mr. Recorder. So he went forwards towards the prison-house,
where the men of Mansoul lay bound. But oh! what a multitude flocked after to
hear what the messenger said. So when he came and had shown himself at the
grate of the prison, my Lord Mayor himself looked as white as a cloud, the
Recorder also did quake; but they asked and said, Come, good sir, what did the
great Prince say to you? Then Mr. Desires-awake said, when I came to my Lord's
pavilion, I called, and He came forth; so I fell prostrate at His feet, and
delivered to Him my petition, for the greatness of His person, and the glory of
His countenance would not suffer me to stand upon my legs. Now as He received
the petition, I cried, oh that Mansoul might live before You! So, when for a
while He had looked thereon, He turned about, and said to his servant, Go your
way to your place again, and I will consider of your requests. The messenger
added, moreover, and said, The Prince to whom you sent me is such a one for
beauty and glory, that whoever sees Him must both love
and fear Him; I, for my part, can do no less; but I do not know what
will be the end of these things. [It is a token of true conversion when the
soul can, as it were, with one eye, behold its total defilement by sin, and
abhor itself in dust and ashes; and with the other be struck with the glory and
excellency of Christ's person and work, and the all-sufficiency of His Salvation
and Spiritual life] At this answer they were all at a standstill; both they in
prison, and they that followed the messenger there to hear the news; nor did
they know what or what manner of interpretation to put upon what the Prince had
said. Now, when the prison was cleared of the throng, the prisoners among
themselves began to comment upon Emmanuel's words. My Lord Mayor said that the
answer did not look to be a rugged face; but Will-be-will said that it was a
symptom of evil; and the Recorder, that it was a messenger of death. Now, they
that were left, and that stood behind, and so could not so well hear what the
prisoners said, some of them caught hold of one piece of a sentence, and some
on a bit of another; some took hold of what the messenger said, and some of the
prisoners' judgment thereon; so none had the right understanding of things; but
you cannot imagine what work these people made, and what a confusion there was
in Mansoul now.
For presently they that had heard what was said,
flew about the town; one crying one thing, and another quite the contrary, and
both were sure enough they told the truth, for they did hear, they said, with
their ears what was said, and therefore could not be deceived. One would say,
We must all be killed; another would say, We must all be saved; and a third
would say that the Prince would not be concerned with Mansoul; and a fourth
that the prisoners must be suddenly put to death. And as I said, every one
stood to it that he told his tale the rightest, and that all others but he were
outside. Wherefore Mansoul had now harassment upon harassment, nor could any
man know on what to rest the sole of his foot; for one would go by now, and as
he went, if he heard his neighbor tell his tale, to be sure he would tell quite
the contrary, and both would stand in it that he told the truth. No, some of
them had got this story by the end that the Prince did intend to put Mansoul to
the sword. And now it began to be dark; wherefore poor Mansoul was in sad
perplexity all that night until the morning. [No unconverted person can imagine
with what rapidity these ideas pass through the mind of the convinced sinner,
nor the distraction and misery of such a state of wretched uncertainty. The
recollection of these feelings is the only key to, (Psa
42:1). 'Deep calls to deep at
the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over
me.']
But, so far as I could gather, by the best
information that I could get, all this hubbub came through the words that the
Recorder said, when he told them that in his judgment the Prince's answer was a
messenger of death. It was this that fired up the town, and that began the
fright in Mansoul, for Mansoul, in former times, did use to count that Mr.
Recorder was a seer, and that his word was equal to the best of oracles, and
thus was Mansoul a terror to itself.
And now did they begin to feel what was the
effects of stubborn rebellion, and unlawful resistance against their Prince. I
say they now began to feel the effects thereof by guilt and fear, that now had
swallowed them up, and who more involved in the one, but they who were most in
the other; namely, the chief of the town of Mansoul.
To be brief, when the fame of the fright was out
of the town, and the prisoners had a little recovered themselves, they take to
themselves some heart and think to petition the Prince for life again. So they
did draw up a third petition, the contents whereof was this:
'Prince Emmanuel the Great, Lord of all worlds,
and Master of mercy, We, thy poor, wretched, miserable, dying town of Mansoul,
do confess to Your great and glorious Majesty that we have sinned against Your
Father and You, and are no more worthy to be called Your Mansoul, but rather to
be cast into the pit. If You will slay us, we have deserved it. If You will condemn us to the deep, we cannot but say You
art righteous. We cannot complain, whatever You do, or however You carry
it towards us. But oh! let mercy reign; and let it be extended to us! Oh let
mercy take hold upon us, and free us from our transgressions, and we will sing
of Your mercy and of Your judgment. Amen.'
This petition, when drawn up, was designed to be
sent to the Prince as the first, but who should carry it, that was the
question. Some said, Let him do it that went with the first; but others thought
it was not good to do that, and that because he did no better. Now there was an
old man in the town, and his name was Mr. Good-deed; a man that bare only the
name, but had nothing of the nature of the thing. Now some were for sending of
him, but the Recorder was by no means for that, for, he said, we now stand in
need of, and are pleading for mercy, wherefore to send our petition by a man of
this name will seem to cross out the petition itself. Should we make Mr.
Good-deed our messenger when our petition cries for mercy?
'Besides,' said the old gentleman, 'should the
Prince now, as He receives the petition, ask him and say, What is your name? as
nobody knows if He will, and if He should say, Old Good-deed, what do you
think, would Emmanuel say but this, Yes! is old Good-deed yet alive in Mansoul?
then let old Good-deed save you from your distresses? And if He says so, I am
sure we are lost; nor can a thousand of old Good-deeds save Mansoul.' [Although
the spirit of prayer prevails, yet what a clinging is there to old Good deeds.
O you that hope for Salvation in some supposed good deeds, listen to the answer
which naturally suggests itself, 'Let good works save you'; what need of grace.
If Salvation and or the Spiritual be attainable by the Law, then the death of
Christ was needless]
After the Recorder had given in his reasons why
old Good-deed should not go with this petition to Emmanuel, the rest of the
prisoners and chief of Mansoul opposed it also, and so old Good-deed was laid aside,
and they agreed to send Mr. Desires-awake again; so they sent for him, and
desired him that he would a second time go with their petition to the Prince,
and he readily told them he would. But they bid him that he would take heed
that no word or action would give offence to the Prince, for by doing so, you
may bring Mansoul into utter destruction.
Now Mr. Desires-awake, when he saw that he must go
of this errand, besought that they would grant that Mr. Wet-eyes might go with
him. Now this Mr. Wet-eyes was a near neighbor of Mr. Desires, a poor man, a
man of a broken spirit, yet one that could speak well to a petition. So they
granted that he should go with him. Wherefore they address themselves to their
business. Mr. Desires put a rope upon his head, and Mr. Wet-eyes went with
hands wringing together. [How humbling to human pride is this! But unless our
desires for mercy be accompanied with a broken and a contrite spirit, they will
be rejected; but the broken heart God will not despise (Psa 34:18; Psa 51:17;
Isa 57:15) 'He will regard the
prayer of the destitute' (Psa 102:17)]
Thus they went to the Prince's pavilion.
Now when they went to petition this third time,
they were not without thoughts that by often coming they might be a burden to
the Prince. Wherefore, when they were come to the door of his pavilion, they
first made their apology for themselves, and for their coming to trouble
Emmanuel so often; and they said that they came not here today for that they
delighted in being troublesome, or for that they delighted to hear themselves
talk, but for that necessity caused them to come to His Majesty: they could,
they said, have no rest day nor night, because of their transgressions against
Shaddai, and against Emmanuel, His Son. They also thought that some misbehavior
of Mr. Desires-awake the last time, might give distaste to His Highness, and so
cause that he returned from so merciful a Prince empty, and without
countenance. So when they had made this apology, Mr. Desires-awake cast himself
prostrate upon the ground as at the first, at the feet of the mighty Prince,
saying, Oh that Mansoul might live before You! and so he delivered his
petition. The Prince then having read the petition, turned aside awhile, as
before, and, coming again to the place where the petitioner lay on the ground,
he demanded what his name was, and of what esteem in the account of Mansoul;
for that he, above all the multitude in Mansoul, should be sent to him upon
such an errand. Then said the man to the Prince, 'Oh let not my Lord be angry;
and why inquirest You after the name of such a dead dog as I am? Pass by, I
pray You, and take no notice of who I am, because there is, as You very well
know, so great a disproportion between me and You. Why the townsmen chose to
send me on this errand to my Lord, is best known to themselves, but it could
not be for that they thought that I had favor with my Lord. For my part, I am
out of charity with myself; who then should be in love with me? Yet live I
would, and so would I that my townsmen should, and because both they and myself
are guilty of great transgressions, therefore they have sent me, and I am come
in their names to beg of my Lord for mercy. Let it please You therefore to
incline to mercy, but ask not what Your servants are.'
Then the Prince said, 'And what is he that is
become thy companion in this so weighty a matter?' So Mr. Desires told Emmanuel
that he was a poor neighbor of his, and one of his most intimate associates,
and his name, he said, may it please your most excellent Majesty, is Wet-eyes,
of the town of Mansoul. I know that there are many of that name that are of no
value, but I hope it will be no offence to my Lord that I have brought my poor
neighbor with me.
Then Mr. Wet-eyes fell on his face to the ground,
and made this apology for his coming with his neighbor to his Lord:
'O my Lord,' he said, 'what I am I know not
myself, nor whether my name be feigned or true, especially when I begin to
think what some have said, namely, that this name was given me because Mr.
Repentance was my father. Good men have bad children, and the sincere do
oftentimes beget hypocrites. My mother also called me by this name from the
cradle, but whether because of the moistness of my brain, or because of the
softness of my heart, I cannot tell. I see dirt in mine own tears, and
filthiness in the bottom of my prayers. But I pray You' — and
all this while the gentleman wept — 'that You would not remember against us our
transgressions, nor take offence at the unqualifiedness of thy servants, but
mercifully pass by the sin of Mansoul, and refrain from the glorifying of thy
grace no longer.' [Will-be-will is brought low; Boastings, Bragman, Ill-pause
are dead; the soul is humbled, and uses such striking but just terms, 'I see
dirt in mine own tears.' Redemption draws nigh]
So at
His bidding they arose, and both stood trembling before Him, and He spoke to
them to this purpose:
'The
town of Mansoul has grievously rebelled against my Father, in that they have
rejected him from being their King, and did choose to themselves for their
captain a liar, a murderer, and a renegade slave. For this Diabolus, and your
pretended prince, though once so highly accounted of by you, made rebellion
against My Father and Me, even in our palace and highest court there, thinking
to become a prince and king. But being there timely discovered and apprehended,
and for his wickedness bound in chains, and separated to the pit with those who
were his companions, he offered himself to you, and you have received him.
'Now
this is, and for a long time has been an high affront to my Father, wherefore
My Father sent to you a powerful army to reduce you to your obedience. But you
know how those men, their captains, and their counsels, were esteemed of you,
and what they received at your hand. You rebelled against them, you shut your
gates upon them, you bid them battle; you fought them, and fought for Diabolus
against them. So they sent to My Father for more power, and I with My men came
to subdue you. But as you treated the servants, so you treated their Lord. You
stood up in hostile manner against Me, you shut up your gates against me, you
turned the deaf ear to Me, and resisted as long as you could; but now I have
made a conquest of you. Did you cry to Me mercy so long as you had hopes that
you might prevail against Me? [All converted souls will confess that if God the
Spirit had not arrested and stopped them in their mad career, they would have
lived, died, and perished forever in their sins] But now I have taken the town,
you cry. But why did you not cry before, when the white flag of my mercy, the
red flag of justice, and the black flag that threatened execution, were set up
to cite you to it? Now I have conquered your Diabolus, you come to me for
favor, but why did you not help me against the mighty? Yet I will consider your
petition, and will answer it, as will be best for My glory.
'Go, bid
Captain Boanerges and Captain Conviction bring the prisoners out to me into the
camp tomorrow, and say to Captain Judgment and Captain Execution, Stay in the
castle, and take good heed to yourselves that you keep all quiet in Mansoul
until you hear further from Me.' And with that he turned himself from them, and
went into His royal pavilion again. [How much must this have deepened their
sense of sin. The Law enters that sin may abound, that it may appear
exceedingly sinful, and render the grace of God infinitely precious. The
recollection of such dreadful suspense is invaluable to prevent backsliding, by
hatred of sin]
So the
petitioners having received this answer from the Prince, returned as at the first
to go to their companions again. But they had not gone far, but thoughts began
to work in their minds that no mercy as yet was intended by the Prince to
Mansoul; so they went to the place where the prisoners lay bound; but these workings of mind about what would become of Mansoul, had such strong power over them, that when they came
to them that sent them, they were scarce able to deliver their message.
But they came at length to the gates of the town — now
the townsmen with earnestness were waiting for their return — where many met
them, to know what answer was made to the petition. Then they cried out to
those that were sent, What news from the Prince? and what has Emmanuel said?
But they said that they must, as before, go up to the prison, and there deliver
their message. So away they went to the prison, with a multitude at their
heels. Now, when they were come to the grates of the prison, they told the
first part of Emmanuel's speech to the prisoners; namely, how he reflected upon
their disloyalty to His Father and himself, and how they had chose and closed
with Diabolus, had fought for him, hearkened to him, and been ruled by him, but
had despised Him and His men. This made the prisoners look pale; but the
messengers proceeded, and said, He, the Prince, said, moreover, that yet He
would consider your petition, and give such an answer thereto as would stand
with His glory. And as these words were spoken, Mr. Wet-eyes gave a great sigh.
At this they were all of them struck to their core, and could not tell what to
say. Fear also possessed them in a marvelous manner; and death seemed to sit
upon some of their eyebrows. Now, there was in the company a notable
sharp-witted fellow, a average man of estate, and his name was old Inquisitive.
This man asked the petitioners if they had told out every bit of what Emmanuel
said. And they answered, certainly, no. Then Inquisitive said, I thought so,
indeed. Pray, what was it more that He said to you? Then they paused awhile;
but at last they brought it all out, saying, The Prince did bid us to bid
Captain Boanerges and Captain Conviction to bring the prisoners down to Him
tomorrow; and that Captain Judgment and Captain Execution should take charge of
the castle and town till they should hear further from Him. They said also that
when the Prince had Commanded them thus to do, He immediately turned his back
upon them, and went into His royal pavilion.
But O how this return, and specially this last
clause of it, that the prisoners must go out to the Prince into the camp, broke
all their loins in pieces! Wherefore, with one voice, they set up a cry that
reached up to the heavens. ['O! how gladly now would I have been anybody but
myself, anything but a man, and in any condition but my own; for there was
nothing did pass more frequently over my mind than that it was impossible for
me to be forgiven my transgression, and to be saved from wrath to come.] This
done, each of the three prepared himself to die; and the Recorder [Conscience]
said to them, This was the thing that I feared; for they concluded that
tomorrow, by the time the sun went down, they should be tumbled out of the
world. The whole town also counted of no other but that, in their time and
order, they must all drink of the same cup. Wherefore the town of Mansoul spent
that night mourning in sackcloth, and ashes. The prisoners also, when the time
was come for them to go down before the Prince, dressed themselves in mourning
attire, with ropes upon their heads. [I thought also of Ben-hadad's servants,
who went with ropes upon their heads to their enemies for mercy (1Ki 20:31) ] The whole town of Mansoul also
showed themselves upon the wall, all clad in mourning weeds, if, perhaps, the
Prince, with the sight thereof, might be moved with compassion. But O how the busy-bodies [Vain thoughts]
that were in the town of Mansoul did now concern themselves! They did run here
and there through the streets of the town by companies, crying out as they ran
in tumultuous wise, one after one manner, and another the quite contrary, to
the almost utter distraction of Mansoul.
Well, the time is come that the prisoners must go
down to the camp, and appear before the Prince. And thus was the manner of
their going down. Captain Boanerges went with a guard before them, and Captain
Conviction came behind, and the prisoners went down bound in chains in the
midst; so, I say, the prisoners went in the midst, and the guard went with
flying colors behind and before, but the prisoners went with drooping spirits.
Or, more particularly, thus:
The prisoners went down all in mourning; they put
ropes upon themselves; they went on hitting themselves on the breasts, but
dared not lift up their eyes to heaven. Thus they went out at the gate of
Mansoul, till they came into the midst of the Prince's army, the sight and
glory of which did greatly heighten their affliction. Nor could they now any
longer refrain, but cry out aloud, O unhappy men! O wretched men of Mansoul!
Their chains still mixing their dolorous notes with the cries of the prisoners,
made noise more lamentable. [This godly sorrow was a prelude to joy unspeakable
and full of glory. This sort of weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes
in the morning. They went forth weeping, bearing precious seed, but were soon
to return with joy, bringing their sheaves with them]
So, when they were come to the door of the
Prince's pavilion, they cast themselves prostrate upon the place. Then one went
in and told his Lord that the prisoners were come down. The Prince then
ascended a throne of state, and sent for the prisoners; who when they came, did
tremble before him, also they covered their faces with shame. Now as they drew
near to the place where he sat, they threw themselves down before him. Then the
Prince said to Captain Boanerges, Bid the prisoners stand upon their feet. Then
they stood trembling before him, and He said, Are you the men that heretofore
were the servants of Shaddai? And they said, Yes, Lord, yes. Then the Prince
said again, Are you the men that did suffer yourselves to be corrupted and
defiled by that abominable one Diabolus? And they said, We did more than suffer
it, Lord; for we chose it of our own mind. The Prince asked further, saying,
Could you have been content that your slavery should have continued under his
tyranny as long as you had lived? Then the prisoners said, Yes, Lord, yes; for
his ways were pleasing to our flesh, and we were grown aliens to a better
state. And did you, said He, when I came up against this town of Mansoul,
heartily wish that I might not have the victory over you? Yes, Lord, yes, said
they. Then said the Prince, And what punishment is it, think you, that you
deserve at my hand for these and other your high and mighty sins? And they
said, Both death and the deep, [Bottomless pit] Lord; for we have deserved no
less. He asked again if they had anything to say for themselves, why the
sentence that they confessed that they had deserved should not be passed upon
them? And they said, We can say nothing, Lord; You are just, for we have
sinned. Then the Prince said, And for what are those ropes on your heads? The
prisoners answered, These ropes [Sins] are to bind us withal to the place of
execution, if mercy be not pleasing in thy sight. So he further asked, if all
the men in the town of Mansoul were in this confession as they? And they
answered, All the natives, [Powers of the soul] Lord; but for the Diabolonians
[Corruptions and lusts] that came into our town when the tyrant got possession
of us, we can say nothing for them. [The distinction between inbred sins and the
evil suggestions of the enemy is very difficult to be drawn. The gold, silver,
and precious stones; (God's Thoughts) will be purified and polished; while the
wood, hay, and stubble will be burned up. (1Co 3:12-13)
The natives or powers of the soul are pardoned, while the corruptions and lusts
are to be crucified. Reader, this is solemn, searching heart-work]
Then the Prince Commanded that a herald should be
called, and that he should, in the midst, and throughout the camp of Emmanuel,
proclaim, and that with sound of trumpet, that the Prince, the Son of Shaddai,
had, in His Father's name, and for His Father's glory, acquired a perfect
conquest and victory over Mansoul, and that the prisoners should follow him,
and say, Amen. So this was done as He had Commanded. And presently the music
that was in the upper region sounded melodiously. The captains that were in the
camp shouted, and the soldiers did sing songs of triumph to the Prince, the
colors waved in the wind, and great joy was everywhere, only it was wanting as
yet in the hearts of the men of Mansoul. [The work of conversion is
accomplished-the heart taken; the victory of Emmanuel over Mansoul is
proclaimed; the heavenly host rejoices; Diabolus is driven from the town, but
the King of glory has not yet entered — His gracious presence is not
yet felt in the soul; the gates are open; He will enter, and will not tarry. Is
this to show that Heart Castle is to be prepared for Him, after it has been
occupied by demons? 'The preparation of the heart is with Him,' and then comes
'the answer of the tongue' (Pro
16:1) ]
Then the Prince called for the prisoners to come
and to stand again before him, and they came and stood trembling. And he said
to them, The sins, trespasses, iniquities, that you, with the whole town of
Mansoul, have from time to time committed against My Father and Me, I have
power and Commandment from My Father to forgive to the town of Mansoul; and
consequently do forgive you. And having so said, He gave them written in
parchment, and sealed with seven seals, a large and general pardon, Commanding
both my Lord Mayor, my Lord Will-be-will, and Mr. Recorder, to proclaim, and
cause it to be proclaimed tomorrow by sun up, throughout the whole town of
Mansoul.
Moreover, the Prince stripped the
prisoners of their mourning weeds, and gave them 'beauty for ashes, the oil
of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of fainting.' (Isa 61:3)
Then he gave to each of the three, jewels of gold,
and precious stones, and took away their ropes, and put chains of gold about
their necks, and ear-rings in their ears. Now the
prisoners, when they did hear the gracious words of Prince Emmanuel, and had
beheld all that was done to them, fainted almost quite away; for the grace, the
benefit, the pardon, was sudden, glorious, and so big, that they were not able,
without staggering, to stand up under it. Yes, my Lord Will-be-will
swooned outright; but the Prince stepped to him, put
His everlasting arms under him, embraced him, kissed him, and bid him be of
good cheer, for all should be performed according to His Word. He also
did kiss, and embrace, and smile upon the other two that were Will-be-will's
companions, saying, Take these as further tokens of my love, favor, and
compassion to you; and I charge you, that you, Mr. Recorder, tell in the town
of Mansoul what you have heard and seen.
Then were their fetters broken to pieces before
their faces, and cast into the air, and their steps were enlarged under
them. [For the meaning of 'their steps were enlarged,' consult; (Psa 18:36 and Pro 4:12)
It is here most admirably introduced. After having been shut up and surrounded
by the most distressing fears and awful alarms of conscience, the soul is now
at liberty, and walks in peace; the Rock of ages supporting their hopes, full
of heavenly anticipations and holy enjoyments] Then they fell down at the feet
of the Prince, and kissed His feet, and wetted them with tears; also they cried
out with a mighty strong voice, saying, 'Blessed be the glory of the Lord
from His place.' (Eze 3:12) So they
were bid rise up, and go to the town, and tell it to Mansoul what the Prince had
done. He Commanded also that one with a pipe and drum should go and play before
them all the way into the town of Mansoul. Then was fulfilled what they never
looked for, and they were made to possess that which they never dreamed of.
[What a change! 'When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like
them that dream. 'Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue
with singing; they said among the heathen, The Lord has done great things for
them. Who is like unto You, pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin? Blessed
is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man
to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in
whose spirit there is no deceit! Blessed is the man to whom God imputes
righteousness without works.' (Rom 4:6)
] The Prince also called for the noble Captain Credence, and Commanded that he
and some of his officers should march before the noble men of Mansoul with
flying colors into the town. He gave also to Captain Credence a charge, that about
that time that the Recorder did read the general pardon in the town of Mansoul,
that at that very time he should with flying colors march in at Eye-gate with
his ten thousands at his feet, and that he should so go until he came by the
high street of the town, up to the castle gates, and that himself should take
possession thereof until His Lord came there. He Commanded, moreover, that he
should bid Captain Judgment and Captain Execution to leave the stronghold to
him, and to withdraw from Mansoul, and to return into the camp with speed unto
the Prince.
And now was the town of Mansoul also delivered
from the terror of the first four captains and their men. [The four captains no
longer announced the wrath of God; the end of their ministry is accomplished,
and their awful speeches are heard no more. When faith and pardon meet
together, judgment and execution depart from the heart]
[CHAPTER IX]
[CONTENTS: The liberated prisoners return to
Mansoul, where they are received with great joy — The inhabitants request
Emmanuel to take up His residence among them — He consents — Makes a triumphal
entry amid the shouts of the people — The town is new remodeled, and the image
of Shaddai erected]
Well, I
told you before how the prisoners were entertained by the noble Prince
Emmanuel, and how they behaved themselves before Him, and how he sent them away
to their home with pipe and drum going before them. And now you must think that
those of the town that had all this while waited to hear of their death, could
not but be exercised with sadness of mind, and with thoughts that pricked like
thorns. Nor could their thoughts be kept to any
one point; the wind blew with them all this while at great uncertainties, yes, their hearts were like a balance that had
been disquieted with a shaking hand. But at last, as they with many a long look
looked over the wall of Mansoul, they thought that they saw some returning to
the town; and thought again, Who should they be too, who should they be? At
last they discerned that they were the prisoners; but can you imagine how their
hearts were surprised with wonder, especially when they perceived that in
horse-drawn vehicle and with honor they were sent home? They went down to the
camp in black, but they came back to the town in white; they went down to the
camp in ropes, they came back in chains of gold; they went down to the camp
with their feet in fetters, but came back with their steps enlarged under them;
they went also to the camp looking for death, but they came back there with
assurance of life; they went down to the camp with heavy hearts, but came back
again with pipe and drum playing before them. So, so soon as they were come to
Eye-gate, the poor and tottering town of Mansoul adventured to give a shout,
and they gave such a shout as made the captains in the Prince's army leap at
the sound thereof.
Alas for them, poor hearts! who could blame them, since their dead friends came to life again? for it
was to them as life from the dead, to see the ancients of the town of Mansoul
shine in such splendor. They looked for nothing but the axe and the block; but
behold, joy and gladness, comfort and consolation, and such melodious notes
attending of them that was sufficient to make a sick man well. So when they
came up, they saluted each other with Welcome! welcome! and blessed is He that
has spared you. (Isa 33:24) They added
also, We see it is well with you, but how must it go with the town of Mansoul?
and, Will it go well with the town of Mansoul? they said. Then answered them
the Recorder and my Lord Mayor, Oh tidings! glad tidings! good tidings of good
and of great joy to poor Mansoul! Then they gave another shout that made the
earth to ring again. After this they inquired yet more particularly how things
went in the camp, and what message they had from Emmanuel to the town, So they
told them all passages that had happened to them at the camp, and everything
that the Prince did to them. This made Mansoul wonder at the wisdom and grace
of the Prince Emmanuel. Then they told them what they had received at his hands
for the whole town of Mansoul; and the Recorder delivered it in these words —
PARDON, PARDON, PARDON for Mansoul; and this shall Mansoul know tomorrow. Then
He Commanded, and they went and summoned Mansoul to meet together in the market-place
tomorrow, there to hear their general pardon read.
But who
can think what a turn, what a change, what an alteration this hint of things
did make in the countenance of the town of Mansoul! No man of Mansoul could
sleep that night for joy; [Reader, have you experienced this holy joy, 'unspeakable, and full of glory?' What can we render to God for such a blessing. Our
light afflictions, which grind us to the earth, are but for a moment in
comparison with 'an eternal weight of glory.' 'The inhabitants shall not
say, I am sick'; there is no cause of sickness or pain, for they are
'forgiven their iniquity' (Isa 33:24)
] in every house there was joy and music, singing and making merry, telling and
hearing of Mansoul's happiness, was all that Mansoul had to do; and this was
the burden of all their song — Oh, more of this at the rising of the sun! more
of this tomorrow! Who thought yesterday, would one say, that this day would
have been such a day to us? And who thought, that watched our prisoners go down
in irons, that they would have returned in chains of gold! Yes, they that
judged themselves as they went to be judged of their Judge, were by His mouth
acquitted, not for that they were innocent, but of the Prince's mercy, and sent
home with pipe and drum. But is this the common custom of princes? do they use
to show such kind of favors to traitors? No! this is only peculiar to Shaddai,
and Emmanuel His Son. [Man bestows favors on the most worthy, but God extends
mercy to enemies, rebels, and beggars; whom He strips of their filthy rags of
pride and self-righteousness, blots out their sins by the blood of His Cross,
and arrays with the best robe of Salvation]
Now
morning drew on apace, wherefore the Lord Mayor, the Lord Will-be-will, and Mr.
Recorder came down to the market-place at the time that the Prince had
appointed, where the townsfolk were waiting for them; and when they came, they
came in that attire and in that glory that the Prince had put them into the day
before, and the street was lightened with their glory. So the Mayor, Recorder,
and my Lord Will-be-will drew down to Mouth-gate, which was at the lower end of
the market- place, because that of old time was the place where they used to
read public matters. There therefore they came in their robes, and their
tambourine went before them. Now the eagerness of the people to know the full
of the matter was great.
Then the
Recorder stood up upon his feet, and first beckoning with his hand for a
silence, he read out the pardon with a loud voice. But when he came to these
words, 'The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious,
pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin' (Exod 34:6) and to these, 'all
manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven,' etc.; (Mar 3:28) they could
not hold back but leap for joy. For this you must know, that there was
conjoined here with every man's name in Mansoul; also the seals of the pardon
made a brave show. ['Sealed with the Holy Spirit' to the day of
redemption, to show forth faith by works 'with meekness of wisdom' — a
brave show; see (Eph
1:13; Eph 4:30;
Jas 2:18; Jas
3:13) ]
When the Recorder had made an end of reading the
pardon, the townsmen ran up upon the walls of the town, and leaped and skipped
thereon for joy; and bowed themselves seven times with their faces towards Emmanuel's
pavilion, and shouted out aloud for joy, and said, Let Emmanuel live forever!
Then order was given to the young men in Mansoul, that they should ring the
bells for joy. So the bells did ring, and the people sang, and the music was in
every house in Mansoul. [O pardoned sinner, how can you sufficiently magnify
the exceeding riches of Divine grace! In vain the soul attempts to measure the
breadth and length, the depth and height, of the love of Christ; it surpasses HUMAN knowledge]
When the Prince had sent home the three prisoners
of Mansoul with joy, pipe and drum; He Commanded His captains, with all the
field-officers and soldiers throughout His army, to be ready in that morning
that the Recorder should read the pardon in Mansoul, to do His further
pleasure. So the morning, as I have showed, came, just as the Recorder had made
an end of reading the pardon, Emmanuel Commanded that all the trumpets in the
camp should sound, that the colors should be displayed, half of them upon Mount
Gracious, and half of them upon Mount Justice. [During the siege, the flags
were unfurled one at a time, beginning with mercy, and ending with judgment; Lovingkindness and Truth have met together; Righteousness
and peace have kissed each other. (Psa 85:10)
] He Commanded also that all the captains should show themselves in uniform,
and that the soldiers should shout for joy. Nor was Captain Credence, though in
the castle, silent in such a day, but he, from the top of the hold, showed
himself with sound of trumpet to Mansoul, and to the Prince's camp.
Thus have I showed you the manner and way that
Emmanuel took to recover the town of Mansoul from under the hand and power of
the tyrant Diabolus.
Now when the Prince had completed these, the
outward ceremonies of His joy, He again Commanded that His captains and
soldiers should show to Mansoul some feats of war. So they presently addressed
themselves to this work. But oh, with what agility, nimbleness, dexterity and
bravery did these military men show their skill in feats of war to the now
gazing town of Mansoul!
They marched, they counter-marched, they opened to
the right and left, they divided and subdivided, they closed, they wheeled,
made good their front and rear with their right and left wings, and twenty
things more, with that aptness, and then were all as they were again, that they
took, yes, ravished the hearts that were in Mansoul to behold it. But add to
this, the handling of their arms, the managing of their weapons of war, were
marvellous shows to Mansoul and me. ['And me,' shows the personal interest of
the author in this soul's conflict with the prince of darkness. The war is
to be carried on, therefore Mansoul must learn the art of war, and see the
King in His beauty, glory, and power, that he may have confidence in Him.
Christ, by faith, dwells in the heart, and all is rapture and ecstasy; and
they, for a time, see nothing of the Diabolonians who yet lurked in their
walls]
When this action was over, the whole town of
Mansoul came out as one man to the Prince in the camp to thank Him, and praise
Him for His abundant favor, and to beg that it would please His grace to come
to Mansoul with His men, and there to take up their quarters for ever. And this
they did in most humble manner, bowing themselves seven times to the ground
before Him. Then He said, All peace be to you. So the town came nigh, and
touched with the hand the top of His golden scepter, and they said, Oh that
Prince Emmanuel, with his captains and men of war, would dwell in Mansoul for
ever; and that his battering-rams and slings might be lodged in her for the use
and service of the Prince, and for the help and strength of Mansoul. 'For,'
they said, 'we have room for you, we have room for your men, we also have room
for your weapons of war, and a place to make a magazine for your carriages. Do
it, Emmanuel, and You shall be King and Captain in Mansoul forever. Yes govern
us also according to all the desire of Your soul, and make yourself governors
and princes under You of Your captains and men of war, and we will become Your
servants, and Your Laws shall be our guidance.'
They added, moreover, and prayed His Majesty to
consider it; 'for,' they said, 'if now, after all this grace bestowed upon us,
Your miserable town of Mansoul, You should withdraw, You and Your captains from
us, the town of Mansoul will die. [This is the fear
which is the beginning of wisdom, arising from a sense of total dependence upon
the Lord for Spiritual strength; a fear of losing His presence. 'My
steps have held fast to Your paths. [Thoughts] My feet have not slipped.' (Psa 17:5)] Yes,' they said, 'our blessed
Emmanuel, if You should depart from us now when You have done so much good for
us, and showed so much mercy to us; what will follow but that our joy will be
as if it had not been, and our enemies will a second time come upon us with
more rage than at the first. Wherefore, we beseech You, O You the desire of our
eyes, and the strength and life of our poor town, accept of this motion that
now we have made to our Lord, and come and dwell in the midst of us, and let us
be Your people. Besides, Lord, we do not know but that to this day many
Diabolonians may be yet lurking in the town of Mansoul, and they will betray us
when You shall leave us, into the hand of Diabolus again; and who knows what
designs, plots, or contrivances have passed between them about these things
already; loath we are to fall again into his horrible hands. Wherefore, let it
please You to accept of our palace for Your place of residence, and of the
houses of the best men in our town for the reception of Your soldiers, and
their equipment.'
Then the Prince said, 'If I come to your town,
will you suffer Me further to prosecute that which is in My heart against My
enemies and yours, yes, will you help Me in such undertakings?'
They answered, 'We do not know what we shall do;
we did not think once that we should have been such traitors to Shaddai as we
have proved to be; what then shall we say to our Lord? Let Him put no trust in
His saints, let the Prince dwell in our castle, and make of our town a
garrison, let Him set his noble captains, and His warlike soldiers over us.
Yes, let Him conquer us with His love, and overcome us with His grace, and then
surely shall He be but with us, and help us, as He was, and did that morning
that our pardon was read to us, we shall comply with this, our Lord, and with His
ways, and fall in with His Word against the mighty.
'One word more, and Your servants are done, and in
this we will trouble our Lord no more. We know not the depth of the wisdom of
You our Prince. Who could have thought that had we been ruled by His Reason,
that so much sweet as we do now enjoy should have come out of those bitter
trials wherewith we were tried at the first? but, Lord, let light go before,
and let love come after; yes, take us by the hand, and lead us by Your
Counsels, and let this always abide upon us, that all things shall be for the
best for Your servants, and come to our Mansoul, and do as it pleases You. Or,
Lord, come to our Mansoul, do what You will, so You keep us from sinning, and
make us serviceable to Your Majesty.' [This is the language of first love; but
let the caution in the margin be noticed, 'Say, and hold to it, Mansoul.'
Happy, indeed, are those who continue in this good mind all their days! Alas!
the sequel of the story shows how changeable a creature is man.Without Christ
we can do nothing. (Joh 15:5) ]
Then the Prince said to the town of Mansoul again,
'Go, return to your houses in peace, I will willingly comply with your desires.
I will remove My royal pavilion, I will draw up my forces before Eye-gate
tomorrow, and so will march forwards into the town of Mansoul. I will possess
myself of your castle of Mansoul, and will set my soldiers over you; yes, I
will yet do things in Mansoul that cannot be paralleled in any nation, country
or kingdom under heaven.'
Then the men of Mansoul did give a shout, and
returned to their houses in peace; they also told to their kindred and friends
the good that Emmanuel had Promised to Mansoul. And tomorrow, they said, He
will march into our town, and take up His dwelling, He and His men in Mansoul.
Then the inhabitants of the town of Mansoul went
out with haste to the green trees, and to the meadows, to gather boughs and
flowers, therewith to scatter into the streets for their Prince. If the Son of
Shaddai, should come; they also made garlands, and other fine works, to show
how joyful they were, and should be to receive their Emmanuel into Mansoul;
yes, they scattered them in the street quite from Eye-gate to the castle-gate,
the place where the Prince should be. They also prepared for His coming what
music the town of Mansoul would afford, that they might play before Him to the
palace, of His habitation.
So, at the time appointed, He makes his approach
to Mansoul, and the gates were set open for him, there also the ancients and
elders of Mansoul met Him, to salute Him with a thousand welcomes. Then He
arose and entered Mansoul, He and all His servants. The elders of Mansoul did
also go dancing before Him till He came to the castle gates. And this was the
manner of His going up there. He was clad in His golden armour, He rode in His
royal chariot, the trumpets sounded about Him, the colors were displayed, His
ten thousands went up at His feet, and the elders of Mansoul danced before Him.
[When the glory of Christ's person and work is clearly manifested, the renewed soul, transported with joy at the sight, finds
Him to be the fairest among ten thousand fair and altogether lovely] And
now were the walls of the famous town of Mansoul filled with the trampling’s of
the inhabitants thereof, who went up there to view the approach of the blessed
Prince, and His royal army. Also the casements, windows, balconies, and tops of
the houses were all now filled with persons of all sorts to behold how their
town was to be filled with good. [Well may the soul rejoice when Jesus comes to
dwell in it. 'If
anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word; and My Father will love him, and We will
come to him and make Our abode with him.' (Joh 14:23) ] Now when He had
come as far into the town as to the Recorder's house, He Commanded that one
should go to Captain Credence, to know whether the castle of Mansoul was
prepared to entertain His Royal Presence, for the preparation of that was left
to that captain, and word was brought that it was. (Act
15:9) [Throughout this war, Credence or Faith is never lost sight
of. Here we have exemplified the Scripture maxim, 'That Christ may dwell in
your hearts BY FAITH' (Eph 3:17).
Purifying your hearts by faith. (Act 15:9)
] Then was Captain Credence Commanded also to come forth with his power to meet
the Prince, the which was, as He had Commanded, done, and He conducted him into
the castle. (Eph 3:17) This done, the
Prince that night did lodge in the castle with His mighty captains and men of
war, to the joy of the town of Mansoul. Now the next concern of the townsfolk
was how the captains and soldiers of the Prince's army should be quartered
among them, and the concern was not how they should shut their hands to them,
but how they should fill their houses with them; for every man in Mansoul now
had that esteem of Emmanuel and His men, that nothing grieved them more than
because they were not enlarged enough, every one of them to receive the whole
army of the Prince, yes, they counted it their glory to be waiting upon them,
and would in those days run at their bidding like servants. At last they came
to this result: 1. That Captain Innocency should quarter at Mr. Reason's. 2.
That Captain Patience should quarter at Mr. Mind's. This Mr. Mind was formerly
the Lord Will-be-will's clerk, in time of the late rebellion. 3. It was ordered
that Captain Charity should quarter at Mr. Affection's house. 4. That Captain
Good-hope should quarter at my Lord Mayor's. Now for the house of the Recorder,
He himself desired, because his house was next to the castle, and because from
him it was ordered by the Prince, that, if need be, the alarm should be given
to Mansoul; it was, I say, desired by Him that Captain Boanerges and Captain
Conviction should take up their quarters with Him, even they and all their men.
5. As for Captain Judgment and Captain Execution, my Lord Will-be-will took
them, and their men to him, because he was to rule under the Prince for the
good of the town of Mansoul now, as he had before, under the tyrant Diabolus
for the hurt and damage thereof. (Rom 6:19;
Eph 3:17) 6. And throughout the rest of
the town were quartered Emmanuel's forces, but Captain Credence with his men
abode still in the castle. So the Prince, His captains, and His soldiers were
lodged in the town of Mansoul. [Much Spiritual Thinking is displayed in this
distribution of the soldiers] Now the ancients and elders of the town of
Mansoul thought that they never should have enough of the Prince Emmanuel; His
person, His actions, His Words, and behavior, were so pleasing, so taking, so
desirable to them. Wherefore, they prayed Him, that though the castle of
Mansoul was His place of residence, and they desired that He might dwell there
forever, yet that He would often visit the streets, houses, and people of
Mansoul. For, they said, Dread Sovereign, Your
presence, Your looks, Your smiles, Your Words, are the life, and strength, and
sinews of the town of Mansoul. [The convert's
anxious desire is, that Emmanuel should not only reign in the heart or castle,
but also visit and govern the head or judgment, and all the powers of the soul]
Besides this, they craved that they might have, without difficulty or
interruption, continual access to Him, so for that very purpose He Commanded
that the gates should stand open, that they might there see the manner of His
doings, the fortifications of the place, and the royal mansion-house of the
Prince. When He spoke they all stopped their mouths and gave audience; and when
He walked, it was their delight to imitate Him in His goings. Now upon a time
Emmanuel made a feast for the town of Mansoul, and upon the feasting-day the
townsfolk were come to the castle to partake of His banquet. And He feasted
them with all manner of outlandish food, food that grew not in the fields of
Mansoul, nor in all the whole Kingdom of Universe. It was food that came from
his Father's court, and so there was dish after dish set before them, and they
were Commanded freely to eat. But still when a fresh dish was set before them,
they would whisperingly say to each other, What is it? (Exod 16:15) ['What is it'; the meaning of
the word manna] For they did not Know what to call it. They drank also of the
water that was made wine; and were very merry with Him. There was music also
all the while at the table, and man did eat angels' food, and had honey given
him out of the rock. So Mansoul did eat the food that was particular to the
court, yes, they had now eaten to the full. (Psa 78:24-25)
[These sweet views of Christ, and the comforts of His Spirit, are not uncommon
at the soul's espousals to Him after conversion, when He brings her into his
banqueting-house; and His banner over her is love. (Song
2:4) ] I must not forget to tell you that as at this table there
were musicians, so they were not those of the country, nor yet of the town of
Mansoul; but they were the masters of the songs that were sung at the court of
Shaddai. Now after the feast was over, Emmanuel was for entertaining the town
of Mansoul with some curious riddles of secrets drawn up by His Father's
secretary, by the skill and wisdom of Shaddai; the like to these there is not
in any kingdom. These riddles were made upon the King Shaddai himself, and upon
Emmanuel His Son, and upon His wars and doings with Mansoul. Emmanuel also
expounded to them some of those riddles himself, but oh how they were
enlightened! They saw what they never saw, they could not have thought that
such rarities could have been couched in so few and such ordinary words. I told
you before whom these riddles did concern; and as they were opened, the people
did evidently see it was so. Yes, they did gather that the things themselves
were a kind of portrait, and that of Emmanuel himself; for when they read in
the scheme where the riddles were writ, and looked in the face of the Prince,
things looked so like the one to the other that Mansoul could not forbear but
say, This is the Lamb, this is the Sacrifice, this is the Rock, this is the Red
Cow, this is the Door, and this is the way; with a great many other things
more. [Bunyan was fond of introducing spiritual riddles in godly company, and
it must have been a very profitable pastime. The types of Christ in the Old
Testament are excellent riddles. So when the Pilgrims are entertained by Gaius,
nuts and riddles are introduced. 'Hard texts are nuts, (I will not call them
cheaters) Whose shells do keep their kernels from the eaters, Open then the
shells, and you shall have the meat, They here are brought for you to crack and
eat'] And thus He dismissed the town of Mansoul. But can you imagine how the
people of the corporation were taken with this entertainment? Oh they were
transported with joy, they were drowned with wonderment, while they saw and
understood, and considered what their Emmanuel entertained them withal, and
what mysteries He opened to them; and when they were at home in their houses,
and in their most retired places, they could not but sing of Him, and of His
actions. Yes, so taken were the townsmen now with their Prince that they would
sing of Him in their sleep. Now it was in the heart of the Prince Emmanuel to
newly remodel the town of Mansoul, and to put it into such a condition as might
be more pleasing to Him, and that might best stand with the profit and security
of the now flourishing town of Mansoul. He provided
also against insurrections at home, and invasions from abroad; such love
He had for the famous town of Mansoul. Wherefore He first of all Commanded that
the great slings that were brought from His Father's court, when He came to the
war of Mansoul, should be mounted, some upon the battlements of the castle,
some upon the towers, for there were towers in the town of Mansoul, towers
newly built by Emmanuel since He came there. [The slings are books of
Scripture, probably referring to the Epistles of the New Testament. These are
powerful instruments, both defensive and offensive, when properly mounted upon
a renewed heart and mental powers] There was also an instrument invented by
Emmanuel, that was to throw stones from the castle of Mansoul, out at
Mouth-gate; an instrument that could not be resisted, nor that would miss its
execution; wherefore for the wonderful exploits that it did when used, it went
without a name, and it was committed to the care of, and to be managed by the
brave captain, the Captain Credence, in case of war. [Does this nameless engine
at Mouthgate mean prayer? The unseen prayer of faith has performed wonderful
exploits. The silent exclamations of the heart, the 'groaning’s which
cannot be uttered'] This done,
Emmanuel called the Lord Will-be-will to Him, and gave him in Commandment to
take care of the gates, the wall, and towers in Mansoul. Also the Prince gave
him the militia into his hand; and a special charge to withstand all
insurrections and tumults that might be made in Mansoul, against the peace of
our Lord the King, and the peace and tranquility of
the town of Mansoul. He also gave him in commission, that if he found
any of the Diabolonians lurking in any corner in the famous town of Mansoul, he
should forthwith apprehend them, and arrest them, and commit them to safe
custody that they may be proceeded against according to Law. Then He called to
Him the Lord Understanding, who was the old Lord Mayor, he that was put out of
place when Diabolus took the town, and put him into his former office again,
and it became his place for his lifetime. He bid him also that he should build
him a palace near Eye-gate, and that he should build it in fashion like a tower
for defense. He bid him also that he should read in the Revelation of Mysteries
[The Bible, the only guide to all, but especially to my Lord Mayor, 'the understanding']
all the days of his life, that he might know how to perform his office
correctly. He also made Mr. Knowledge the Recorder; not of contempt to old Mr.
Conscience, who had been Recorder before; but for that it was in His princely
mind to confer upon Mr. Conscience another employment; of which He told the old
gentleman he should know more hereafter. Then He Commanded that the image of
Diabolus should be taken down from the place where it was set up, and that they
should destroy it utterly, beating of it into powder, and casting it unto the
wind, outside the town-wall; and that the image of Shaddai His Father should be
set up again, with His own, upon the castle gates, and that it should be more
sufficiently drawn than ever; forasmuch as both His Father and Himself were
come to Mansoul in more grace and mercy than heretofore. (Rev 22:4) He would also that His name should be
fairly engraved upon the front of the town, and that it should be done in the
best of gold, for the honor of the town of Mansoul. [The nature of Satan is to
be utterly destroyed, and that of God renewed in the soul]
[CHAPTER X.]
[CONTENTS: The strongholds of Diabolus destroyed —
Incredulity, Forget-good, Lustings, and other Diabolonians, apprehended, tried,
and executed, to the great joy of Mansoul.] After this was done, Emmanuel gave
out a Commandment that those three great Diabolonians should be apprehended;
namely, the two latest Lord Mayors; to wit, Mr. Incredulity, Mr. Lustings, and
Mr. Forget-good the Recorder. Besides these, there were some of them that
Diabolus made citizens and aldermen in Mansoul, that were committed to ward by
the hand of the now valiant, and now right noble, the brave Lord Will-be-will.
And these were their names: Alderman Atheism, Alderman Hard-heart, and Alderman
False-peace. The citizens were, Mr. No-Truth, Mr. Pitiless, Mr. Haughty, with
the like. These were committed to close custody; and the jailer's name was Mr.
True-man; this True-man was one of those that Emmanuel brought with Him from
His Father's court, when at the first He made a war upon Diabolus in the town
of Mansoul. After this, the Prince gave a charge that the three strong holds,
that at the command of Diabolus the Diabolonians built in Mansoul, should be
demolished, and utterly pulled down; of which holds and their names, with their
captains and governors, you read a little before. But this was long in doing,
because of the largeness of the places, and because the stones, the timber, the
iron, and all rubbish, was to be carried without the town. [What a work of
labor and time is here set for Mansoul. The strongholds of Satan are to be
pulled down, and all the materials of which they were constructed are to be
completely removed out of the town. This can only be effected by the indwelling
of Christ in the soul. He comes to destroy the works of the devil to pull down
his strong-holds, and to purify the soul] When this was done, the Prince gave
Order that the Lord Mayor and aldermen of Mansoul should call a court of
justice for the trial and execution of the Diabolonians in the corporation, now
under the charge of Mr. True-man, the jailer. Now when the time came, and the
court set, Commandment was sent to Mr. True-man the jailer, to bring the
prisoners down to the railing. Then were the prisoners brought down, shackled,
and chained together, as the custom of the town of Mansoul was. So when they
were presented before the Lord Mayor, the Recorder, and the rest of the
honorable bench, first, the jury was chose, and then the witnesses sworn. The
names of the jury were these; Mr. Belief, Mr. True-heart, Mr. Upright, Mr.
Hate-bad, Mr. Love-God, Mr. See-Truth, Mr. Heavenly-mind, Mr. Moderate, Mr. Thankful,
Mr. Good-work, Mr. Zeal-for-God, and Mr. Humble. The names of the witnesses
were Mr. Know-all, Mr. Tell-true, Mr. Hate-lies, with my Lord Will-be-will and
his man, if need were. So the prisoners were set to the railing; then said Mr.
Do-right, for he was the Town-Clerk, Set Atheism to the bar, jailer. So he was
set to the railing. Then the Clerk said, Atheism, hold up your hand. You are
here indicted by the name of Atheism, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul, for that you have insidiously and stupidly
taught and maintained that there is no God; and so no heed to be taken to believe in Him. This you have done
against the being, honor, and glory of the King, and against the peace and
safety of the town of Mansoul. What say you, are you guilty of this indictment,
or not? ATHEISM. Not guilty. CRIER. Call Mr. Know-all, Mr. Tell-true, and Mr.
Hate-lies, into the court. So they were called, and they appeared. CLERK. Then
said the Clerk, You, the witnesses for the King, look upon the prisoner at the
bar; do you know him? KNOW. Then Mr. Know-all said, Yes my Lord, we know him,
his name is Atheism; he has been a very pestilent fellow for many years in the
miserable town of Mansoul. CLERK. You are sure you know him. KNOW. Know him!
Yes, my Lord; I have heretofore too often been in his company, to be at this
time ignorant of him. He is a Diabolonian, the son of a Diabolonian, I knew his
grandfather, and his father. CLERK. Well said. He stands here indicted by the
name of Atheism, etc., and is charged that he has maintained and taught that
there is no God, and so no heed need be taken to any faith. What say you, the
King's witnesses, to this? Is he guilty, or not? KNOW. My Lord, I and he were
once in Villain's Lane together, and he at that time did briskly talk of different
opinions, and then and there I heard him say that for his part he did believe
that there was no God. But, he said, I can profess one, and be as religious
too, if the company I am in, and the circumstances of other things, he said,
shall put me upon it. CLERK. You are sure you heard him say thus. KNOW. Upon
mine oath I heard him say thus.
Then the Clerk said, Mr. Tell-true, What say you
to the King's judges, touching the prisoner at the bar? TELL. My Lord, I
formerly was a great companion of his, for the which it now regrets me, and I
have often heard him say, and that with very great satiety, that he believed
there was neither God, angel, nor Spirit. CLERK. Where did you hear him say so?
TELL. In Blackmouth Lane, and in Blasphemer's Row, and in many other places
besides. CLERK. Have you much knowledge of him? TELL. I know him to be a
Diabolonian, the son of a Diabolonian, and a horrible man to deny a Deity; his
Father's name was Never-be-good, and he had more children than this Atheism. I
have no more to say. CLERK. Mr. Hate-lies, look upon the prisoner at the bar;
do you know him? HATE. My Lord, this Atheism is one of the vilest wretches that
I ever came near, or had to do with in my life. I have heard him say that there
is no God; I have heard him say that there is no world to come, no sin, nor
punishment hereafter; and moreover, I have heard him
say that it was as good to go to a whore-house as to go to hear a sermon.
CLERK. Where did you hear him say these things? HATE. In Drunkard's Row, just
at Rascal-lane's End, at a house in which Mr. Impiety lived. [Christian, is it
possible that thoughts so desperately wicked were ever injected by Satan into
your heart? How thankful will you be to have them tried and destroyed] CLERK.
Set him by, the jailer, and bring Mr. Lustings to the bar.
Mr. Lustings, you art here indicted by the name of
Lustings, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul, for that you have devilishly
and traitorously taught, by practice and filthy words, that it is lawful and
profitable to man to give way to his carnal desires; and that you, for your
part, have not, nor never will deny yourself of any sinful delight, as long as
your name is Lustings. How say you, are you guilty of this indictment or not?
LUST. Then Mr. Lustings said, My Lord, I am a man of high birth, and have been
use to pleasures and pastimes of greatness. I have not been used to being
snubbed for my doings, but have been left to follow my will as if it were law.
And it seems strange to me that I should this day be called into question for
that, that not only I, but also all men do either secretly or openly allow,
love, and approve of. CLERK. Sir, we concern not ourselves with your greatness,
though the higher the better you should have been, but we are concerned, and so
are you now, about an indictment preferred against you. How say you, are you
guilty of it, or not? LUST. Not guilty. CLERK. Crier, Call upon the witnesses
to stand forth, and give their evidence. CRIER. Gentlemen, you the witnesses
for the King, come in, and give in your evidence for our Lord the King, against
the prisoner at the bar. CLERK. Come, Mr. Know-all, look upon the prisoner at
the bar; do you know him? KNOW. Yes, my Lord, I know him. CLERK. What is his
name? KNOW. His name is Lustings; he was the son of one Beastly, and his mother
bare him in Flesh Street; she was one Evil-concupiscence's daughter. I knew all
the generation of them. CLERK. Well said. You have here heard his indictment,
what say you to it, is he guilty of the things charged against him, or not?
KNOW. My Lord, he has, as he said, been a great man indeed; and greater in
wickedness than by pedigree, more than a thousand fold. CLERK. But what do you
know of his particular actions, and especially with reference to his
indictment? KNOW. I know him to be a swearer, a liar, a Sabbath-breaker; I know
him to be a fornicator, and an unclean person; I know him to be guilty of an
abundance of evils. He has been to my knowledge a very filthy man. CLERK. But
where did he use to commit his wickednesses, in some private corners, or more
open and shamelessly? KNOW. All over the town, my Lord. CLERK. Come, Mr.
Tell-true, what have you to say for our Lord the King against the prisoner at
the bar? TELL. My Lord, all that the first witness has said I know to be true,
and a great deal more besides. CLERK. Mr. Lustings, do you hear what these
gentlemen say? LUST. I was ever of the opinion that the happiest life that a
man could live on earth, was to keep himself back from nothing that he desired
in the world; nor have I been false at any time to this opinion of mine, but
have lived in the love of my notions all my days. Nor was I ever bad-mannered,
having found such sweetness in them myself, as to keep the commendations of
them from others. [The sinner is not satisfied with his own destruction, but is
ever leading others into the same awful state; sin is a spreading plague, the
unconverted heart is a mystery of iniquity] COURT. Then the Court said, There
has proceeded enough from his own mouth to lay him open to condemnation,
wherefore set him aside, jailer, and set Mr. Incredulity to the bar.
Incredulity sent to the bar. CLERK. Mr. Incredulity, You are here indicted by
the name of Incredulity, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul, for that you
have feloniously and wickedly, and that when you were an officer in the town of
Mansoul, made head against the captains of the great King Shaddai, when they
came and demanded possession of Mansoul; yes, you did bid defiance to the name,
forces, and cause of the King, and did also, as did Diabolus your captain, stir
up and encourage the town of Mansoul to make head against, and resist the said
force of the King. What say you to this indictment? Are you guilty of it, or
not? Then Incredulity said, I do not know Shaddai, I love my old prince, I
thought it my duty to be true to my trust, and to do
what I could to possess the minds of the men of Mansoul, to do their
utmost to resist strangers and foreigners, and with might to fight against
them. Nor have I, nor shall I change mine opinion, for fear of trouble, though
you at present are possessed of place and power. COURT. Then the Court said,
The man, as you see, is incorrigible, he is for maintaining his villainies by
stoutness of words, and his rebellion with impudent confidence; and, therefore,
set him aside, jailer, and set Mr. Forget-good to the bar. Forget-good sent to
the bar. CLERK. Mr. Forget-good, you are here indicted by the name of
Forget-good, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul, for that you, when the whole
affairs of the town of Mansoul were in your hand, did utterly forget to serve
them in what was good, and did fall in with the tyrant Diabolus against Shaddai
the King, against His captains, and all His host, to the dishonor of Shaddai,
the breach of His Law, and the endangering of the destruction of the famous
town of Mansoul. What say you to this indictment? Are you guilty, or not
guilty? Then Forget-good said, Gentlemen, and at this time my judges, as to the
indictment by which I stand of several crimes accused before you, please
attribute my forgetfulness to my age, and not to my willfulness; to the
craziness of my brain, and not to the carelessness of my mind, and then I hope
I may be by your charity excused from great punishment, though I be guilty.
Then the Court said, Forget-good, your forgetfulness of good was not simply of
frailty, but of purpose, and for that you did loathe keeping virtuous things in
your mind. What was bad you could hold back, but what was good you could not
abide to think of; your age, therefore, and your pretended craziness, you make
use of too blind the court still, and as a cloak to cover your dishonesty. But
let us hear what the witnesses have to say for the King against the prisoner at
the bar; Is he guilty of this indictment, or not? HATE. My Lord, I have heard
this Forget-good say that he could never abide to think of goodness, no, not
for a quarter of an hour. CLERK. Where did you hear him say so? HATE. In
All-base Lane, at a house next door to the Sign of the
Conscience-seared-with-an -hot-iron. CLERK. Mr. Know-all, what can you say for
our Lord the King against the prisoner at the bar? KNOW. My Lord, I know this
man well, he is a Diabolonian, the son of a Diabolonian, his father's name was
Love-naught, and for him, I have often heard him say that he counted the very
thoughts of goodness the most burdensome thing in the world. CLERK. Where have
you heard him say these words? KNOW. In Flesh Lane, right opposite to the
church. Then said the Clerk, Come, Mr. Tell-true, give in your evidence concerning
the prisoner at the bar about that for which he stands here, as you see,
indicted before this honorable Court. TELL. My Lord, I have heard him often say
he had rather think of the vilest thing than of what is contained in the Holy
Scriptures. CLERK. Where did you hear him say such grievous words? TELL. Where?
in a great many places; particularly in Nauseous Street, in the house of one
Shameless, and in Filth Lane, at the sign of the Reprobate, next door to the
Descent-into-the-Pit. COURT. Gentlemen, you have heard the indictment, his
plea, and the testimony of the witnesses. Jailer, set Mr. Hard-heart to the
bar. He is sent to the bar. CLERK. Mr. Hard-heart, you are here indicted by the
name of Hard-heart, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul, for that you did most
desperately and wickedly possess the town of Mansoul with impenitency and
obdurateness, and did keep them from remorse and sorrow for their evils, all
the time of their apostasy from, and rebellion against, the blessed King
Shaddai. What say you to this indictment? Are you guilty, or not guilty? HARD.
My Lord, I never knew what remorse or sorrow meant in all my life; I am
impenetrable. I care for no man; nor can I be pierced with men's griefs, their
groans will not enter into my heart; whomever I mischief, whomever I wrong, to
me it is music, when to others mourning. COURT. You see the man is a right
Diabolonian, and has convicted himself. Set him aside, jailer, and set Mr.
False-peace to the bar. False-peace sent to the bar. Mr. False-peace, You are
here indicted by the name of False-peace, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul,
for that you did most wickedly and satanically bring, hold, and keep the town
of Mansoul, both in her apostasy, and in her hellish rebellion, in a false,
groundless, and dangerous peace, and damnable security, to the dishonour of the
King, the transgression of His Law, and the great damage of the town of
Mansoul. What say you? Are you guilty of this indictment, or not? Then Mr.
False-peace said, Gentlemen, and you, now appointed to be my judges, I
acknowledge that my name is Mr. Peace, but that my name is False-peace I
utterly deny. If your honor’s will please to send for any that do intimately
know me, or for the midwife that laid my mother of me, or for the gossips that
were at my christening, they will any, or all of them prove that my name is not
False-peace, but Peace. Wherefore, I cannot plead to this indictment, forasmuch
as my name is not inserted therein. And as is my true name, so also are my
conditions. I was always a man that loved to live at quiet, and what I loved
myself, that I thought others might love also. Wherefore, when I saw any of my
neighbor’s to labor under a disquieted mind, I endeavored to help them what I
could, and instances of this good temper of mine many I could give; as, 1. When
at the beginning our town of Mansoul did decline the ways of Shaddai; they,
some of them, afterwards began to have disquieting reflections upon themselves
for what they had done; but I, as one troubled to see them disquieted,
presently sought out means to get them quiet again. 2. When the ways of the old
world and of Sodom were in fashion, if anything happened to molest those that
were for the customs of the present times, I labored to make them quiet again,
and to cause them to act without harassment. 3. To come nearer home, when the
wars fell out between Shaddai and Diabolus, if at any time I saw any of the
town of Mansoul afraid of destruction, I often used by some way, device,
invention, or other, to labor to bring them to peace again. ['There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.' (Isa 57:21)
Till convinced of sin, and Christ becomes the sinner's friend, there is no
peace, no mercy, no hope, no heaven. Alas! how many slumber into hell, under
the misguiding influence of false peace. (Jer 6:14)]
Wherefore, since I have always been a man of so virtuous a temper, as some say
a peace-maker is, and if a peace-maker be so deserving a man as some have been
bold to attest he is, then let me, gentlemen, be accounted by you, who have a
great name for justice and equity in Mansoul, for a man that deserves not this
inhuman way of treatment, but liberty, and also a license to seek damage of
those that have been my accusers. Then said the clerk, Crier, make a
proclamation: CRIER. 'O yes, forasmuch as the prisoner at the bar has denied
his name to be that which is mentioned in the indictment, the Court requires
that if there be any in this place that can give information to the Court of
the original and right name of the prisoner, they would come forth and give in
their evidence, for the prisoner stands upon his own innocence.' Then came two
into the court and desired that they might have leave to speak what they knew
concerning the prisoner at the bar; the name of the one was Search-Truth, and
the name of the other Vouch-Truth. So the Court demanded of these men if they
knew the prisoner, and what they could say concerning him, for he stands, said
they, upon his own vindication. Then said Mr. Search-Truth, My Lord, I - COURT.
Hold, give him his oath; then they swore him in. So he proceeded. SEARCH. My
Lord, I know, and have known this man from a child, and can attest that his
name is False-peace. I know his father, his name was Mr. Flatter, and his
mother, before she was married, was called by the name of Mrs. Sooth-up; and
these two, when they came together, lived not long without this son, and when
he was born they called his name False-peace. I was his play-fellow, only I was
somewhat older than he; and when his mother use to call him home from his play,
she used to say, False-peace, False-peace, come home quick, or I'll fetch you.
Yes, I knew him when he was a babe; and though I was then but little, yet I can
remember that when his mother did use to sit at the door with him, or did play
with him in her arms, she would call him twenty times together, My little
False-peace, my pretty False-peace, and, my sweet rogue, False-peace; and
again, Oh my little bird, False-peace; and how do I love my child! The gossips
also know it is thus, though he has had the face to deny it in open court. Then
Mr. Vouch-Truth was called upon to speak what he knew of him. So they swore him
in. Then Mr. Vouch-Truth said, My Lord, all that the former witness have said
is true; his name is False-peace, the son of Mr. Flatter and of Mrs. Sooth-up,
his mother. And I have in former times seen him angry with those who have
called him anything else but False-peace, for he would say that all such did
mock and nickname him, but this was in the time when Mr. False-peace was a
great man, and when the Diabolonians were the brave men in Mansoul. COURT.
Gentlemen, you have heard what these two men have sworn against the prisoner at
the bar. And now, Mr. False-peace, to you, you have denied your name to be
False-peace, yet you see that these honest men have sworn that this is your
name. As to your plea, in that you are quite besides the matter of your
indictment, you are not by it charged for evil-doing, because you are a man of
peace, or a peace-maker among your neighbor’s; but for that you did
wickedly, and satanically, bringing , keeping, and holding the town of Mansoul
both under its apostasy from, and in its rebellion against its King, in a
false, lying, and damnable peace, contrary to the Law of Shaddai, and to the hazard
of the destruction of the then miserable town of Mansoul. All that you have
pleaded for yourself is, that you have denied your name, etc., but here you see
we have witnesses to prove that you
are the man.
For the peace that you boast so much of among your
neighbors, know that peace that is not a companion of Truth and holiness, but
that which is without this foundation, is grounded upon a lie, and is both
deceitful and damnable; as also the great Shaddai has said; your plea therefore
has not delivered you from what by the indictment you are charged with, but
rather it does fasten all upon you.
But you shall have very fair play, let us call the
witnesses that are to testify as to matter of fact, and see what they have to
say for our Lord the King against the prisoner at the bar. CLERK. Mr. Know-all,
what say you for our Lord the King against the prisoner at the bar? KNOW. My
Lord, this man has of a long time made it, to my knowledge, his business to
keep the town of Mansoul in a sinful quietness in the midst of all her
lewdness, filthiness and turmoil, and has said, and that in my hearing, Come,
come, let us fly from all trouble, on what ground in any fashion it comes, and
let us be for a quiet and peaceable life, though it lacks a good foundation.
CLERK. Come, Mr. Hate-lies, what have you to say? HATE. My Lord, I have heard
him say that peace, though
in a way of unrighteousness, is better than trouble with Truth. CLERK.
Where did you hear him say this? HATE. I heard him say it in Folly-yard, at the
house of one Mr. Simple, next door to the sign of the Self-deceiver. Yes, he
has said this to my knowledge twenty times in that place. CLERK. We may spare
further witness, this evidence is plain and full. Set him aside, jailer, and
send Mr. No-Truth to the bar.
Mr. No-Truth, you are here indicted by the name of
No-Truth, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul, for that you have always, to
the dishonor of Shaddai, and the endangering of the utter ruin of the famous
town of Mansoul, set yourself to deface and utterly to spoil all the remainders
of the Law and image of Shaddai that have been found in Mansoul, after her deep
apostasy from her king to Diabolus, the envious tyrant. What say you? Are you
guilty of this indictment, or not? NO-TRUTH. Not guilty my Lord. Then the
witnesses were called, and Mr. Know-all did first give in his evidence against
him. KNOW. My Lord, this man was at the pulling down of the image of Shaddai;
yes, this is he that did it with his own hands. I myself stood by and saw him
do it, and he did it at the commandment of Diabolus. Yes, this Mr. No-truth did
more than this; he did also set up the horned image of the beast Diabolus in
the same place. This also is he that, at the bidding of Diabolus, did rend and
tear and cause to be consumed all that he could of the remainders of the Law of
the King, even whatever he could lay his hands on, in Mansoul. CLERK. Who saw
him do this besides yourself? HATE. I did, my Lord, and so did many more
besides; for this was not done by stealth, or in a corner, but in the open view
of all, yes, he chose himself to do it publicly, for he delighted in the doing
of it. CLERK. Mr. No-Truth, how could you have the face to plead not guilty,
when you were so manifestly the doer of all this wickedness? NO-TRUTH. Sir, I thought
I must say something, and as my name is, so I speak. I have been advantaged
thereby before now, and did not know but by speaking no Truth I might have
reaped the same benefit now. CLERK. Set him aside, jailer, and send Mr.
Pitiless to the bar. Mr. Pitiless, you art here indicted by the name of
Pitiless, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul, for that you did most
traitorously and wickedly shut up all bowels of compassion, and would not
suffer Mansoul to condole her own misery when she had apostatised from her
rightful King, but did evade, and at all times turn
her mind awry from those thoughts that had in them a tendency to lead her to
repentance. What say you to this indictment? Guilty, or not guilty? Not
guilty of pitilessness; all I did was to cheer-up, according to my name, for my
name is not Pitiless, but Cheer-up; and I could not abide to see Mansoul
inclined to melancholy. CLERK. How! do you deny your name, and say it is not
Pitiless but Cheer-up? Call for the witnesses. What say you, the witnesses, to
this plea? KNOW. My Lord, his name is Pitiless; so he has written himself in
all papers of concern wherein he has had to do. But
these Diabolonians love to counterfeit their names; Mr. Covetousness
covers himself with the name of Good-husbandry, or the like; Mr. Pride can,
when need is, call himself Mr. Neat, Mr. Handsome, or the like, and so of all
the rest of them. CLERK. Mr. Tell-true, what say you? TELL. His name is
Pitiless, my Lord; I have known him from a child, and he has done all that
wickedness of which he stands charged in the indictment; but there is a company
of them that are not acquainted with the danger of damning, therefore they call
all those melancholy that have serious thoughts [As to] how that state should
be shunned by them. CLERK. Send Mr. Haughty to the bar, jailer.
Mr. Haughty, You are here indicted by the name of
Haughty, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul, for that you did most
traitorously and devilishly teach the town of Mansoul to carry it loftily and
stoutly against the summons that was given them by the captains of the King
Shaddai. You did also teach the town of Mansoul to speak contemptuously and
vilifying of their great King Shaddai; and did moreover encourage, both by
words and example, Mansoul to take up arms, both against the King and His Son
Emmanuel. How say you? Are you guilty of this indictment, or not? HAUGHTY.
Gentlemen, I have always been a man of courage and valor, and have not used when
under the greatest clouds, to sneak or hang down the head like a bulrush; nor
did it at all at any time please me to see men veil their bonnets [Bonnets or
caps were commonly worn by men. 'To vail the bonnet' was to take it off and
bow, cap in hand — equivalent to taking off the hat and bowing at the present day] to
those that have opposed them; yes, though their adversaries seemed to have ten
times the advantage of them. I did not use to consider who was my foe, nor what
the cause was in which I was engaged. It was enough to me if I carried it
bravely, fought like a man, and came off a victor. COURT. Mr. Haughty, you are
not here indicted for that you have been a valiant man, nor for your courage
and stoutness in times of distress, but for that you have made use of this your
pretended valor to draw the town of Mansoul into acts of rebellion, both
against the great King and Emmanuel his Son. This is the crime and the thing
wherewith you art charged in and by the indictment. But he made no answer to
that. Now when the Court had thus far proceeded against the prisoners at the
bar, then they gave them over to the verdict of their jury, to whom they did
apply themselves after this manner: Gentlemen of the jury, you have been here,
and have seen these men, you have heard their indictments, their pleas, and
what the witnesses have testified against them; now what remains, is, that you
do forthwith withdraw yourselves to some place, where without confusion you may
consider of what verdict, in a way of Truth and righteousness, you ought to
bring in for the King against them, and so bring it in accordingly. Then the
jury, namely, Mr. Belief, Mr. True-heart, Mr. Upright, Mr. Hate-bad, Mr.
Love-God, Mr. See-Truth, Mr. Heavenly-mind, Mr. Moderate, Mr. Thankful, Mr.
Humble, Mr. Good-work, and Mr. Zeal-for-God, withdrew themselves in order to
their work. Now when they were shut up by themselves they fell to discourse
among themselves, in order to the drawing up of their verdict. And thus Mr.
Belief, for he was the foreman, began: Gentlemen, he said, for the men, the
prisoners at the bar, for my part I believe that they all deserve death. Very
right, said Mr. True-heart; I am wholly of your opinion. Oh what a mercy is it,
said Mr. Hate-bad, that such villains as these are apprehended! Ay, Ay, said
Mr. Love-God, this is one of the joy fullest days that ever I saw in my life.
Then Mr. See-Truth said, I know that if we judge them to death, our verdict
shall stand before Shaddai himself. Nor do I at all question it, said Mr. Heavenly-mind;
he said, moreover, When all such beasts as these are cast out of Mansoul, what
a goodly town will it be then! Then said Mr. Moderate, It is not my manner to
pass my judgment with rashness, but for these, their crimes are so notorious,
and the witness so palpable, that this man must be willfully blind who says the
prisoners ought not to die. Blessed be God, said Mr. Thankful, that the
traitors are in safe custody. And I join with you in this upon my bare knees,
said Mr. Humble. I am glad also, said Mr. Good-work. Then said the warm man,
and true-hearted Mr. Zeal-for-God, Cut them off, they have been the plague, and
have sought the destruction of Mansoul. [As the jury were unanimous in their
verdict, so all read Christians will most heartily doom their lusts to death]
Thus therefore being all agreed in their verdict, they come instantly into the
Court. CLERK. Gentlemen of the jury answer all to your names; Mr. Belief, one;
Mr. True-heart, two; Mr. Upright, three; Mr. Hate-bad, four; Mr. Love-God, five;
Mr. See-truth, six; Mr. Heavenly-mind, seven; Mr. Moderate, eight; Mr.
Thankful, nine; Mr. Humble, ten; Mr. Good-work, eleven; and Mr. Zeal-for-God,
twelve; good men and true, stand together in your verdict; are you all agreed?
JURY. Yes, my Lord. CLERK. Who shall speak for you? JURY. Our Foreman. CLERK.
You the gentlemen of the jury, being empanelled for our Lord the King to serve
here in a matter of life and death, have heard the trials of each of these men,
the prisoners at the bar. What say you, are they guilty of that, and those
crimes for which they stand here indicted, or are they not guilty? FOREMAN.
Guilty my Lord. CLERK. Look to your prisoners, jailer. This was done in the
morning, and in the afternoon they received the sentence of death according to
the Law. The jailer therefore having received such a charge, put them all in
the inward prison, to preserve them there till the day of execution, which was
to be the next day in the morning. But now to see how it happened, one of the
prisoners, Incredulity by name, in the interim between the sentence and the
time of execution, broke out of prison and made his escape, and got himself
quite a way out of the town of Mansoul, and lay lurking in such places and
holes as he might, until he should again have opportunity to do the town of
Mansoul a mischief for their thus handling of him as they did. Now when Mr.
True-man the jailer perceived that he had lost his prisoner, he was in a heavy
taking, because he, that prisoner was, to speak on, the very worst of all the
gang; therefore first, he goes and acquaints my Lord Mayor, Mr. Recorder, and
my Lord Will-be-will with the matter, and to get from them an order to make a
search for him throughout the town of Mansoul. So an order he received, and
search was made, but no such man could now be found in all the town of Mansoul.
[What a blessed season! no unbelief to be found at that time in Mansoul.
Christian, call to mind the time when Christ led you into his banqueting-house,
and His banner over you was love; you could find no unbelief then. Alas! the
troubler makes his appearance again quite soon enough] All that could be
gathered was that he had lurked a while about the outside of the town, and that
here and there one or other had a glimpse of him as he did make his escape out
of Mansoul; one or two also did affirm that they saw him without the town,
going a-pace quite over the plain. [Unbelief, that giant sin, was apprehended
and condemned — but, alas! he escapes. This incident is introduced by the
author with great skill. He eludes justice, and flies to hell, to meditate new
mischief. Ah! where is the believer who is at all times wholly free from the
assaults of this arch-rebel? Where is the Christian who has not occasion to
say, and that with tears, 'Lord,
I believe, help my unbelief?'] Now
when he was quite gone, it was affirmed by one Mr. Did-see, that he ranged all
over dry places, till he met with Diabolus his friend; and where should they
meet one another but just upon Hell-gate hill. But oh! what a lamentable story
did the old gentleman tell to Diabolus, concerning what sad alteration Emmanuel
had made in Mansoul. As first, how Mansoul had, after some delays, received a
general pardon at the hands of Emmanuel, and that they had invited Him into the
town, and that they had given Him the castle for His possession. He said,
moreover, that they had called His soldiers into the town, and coveted who
should quarter the most of them; they also entertained Him with the timbrel,
song, and dance. But that, said Incredulity, that is the sorest vexation to me
is, that He has pulled down, O father, your image, and set up His own; pulled
down your officers and set up His own. Yes, and Will-be-will, that rebel, who,
one would have thought, should never have turned from us, he is now in as great
favor with Emmanuel as ever he was with you. But besides all this, this
Will-be-will has received a special commission from His master to search for,
to apprehend, and to put to death all, and all manner of Diabolonians that he
shall find in Mansoul; yes and this Will-be-will has taken and committed to
prison already, eight of my Lord's most trusty friends in Mansoul. Nay further,
my Lord, with grief I speak it, they have been all arraigned, condemned, and, I
doubt before this, executed in Mansoul. I told my Lord of eight, and myself was
the ninth, who should assuredly have drunk of the same cup, but that through
craft, I, as you see, have made my escape from them. When Diabolus had heard
this lamentable story he yelled, and snuffed up the wind like a dragon, and
made the sky to look dark with his roaring; he also swore that he would try to
be revenged on Mansoul for this. So they, both he and his old friend
Incredulity, concluded to enter into great consultation how they might get the
town of Mansoul again. Now before this time, the day was come in which the
prisoners in Mansoul were to be executed. (Rom 8:13)
So they were brought to the cross, [The cross, in the market-place of most
towns, was the place of public proclamations and executions. The slaying of our
sins at the cross] and that by Mansoul, in most solemn manner. (Rom 6:12-14) For the Prince said that this
should be done by the hand of the town of Mansoul, that I may see, He said, the
forwardness of My now redeemed Mansoul to keep My Word, and to do My
Commandments; and that I may bless Mansoul in doing this deed. Proof of
sincerity pleases Me well; let Mansoul, therefore, first lay their hands upon
these Diabolonians to destroy them. (Gal 5:24)
So the town of Mansoul slew them according to the word of their Prince; but
when the prisoners were brought to the cross to die, you can hardly believe
what troublesome work Mansoul had of it to put the Diabolonians to death; for
the men knowing that they must die, and every one of them having implacable
enmity in their heart to Mansoul, what did they but took courage at the cross,
and there resisted the men of the town of Mansoul? Wherefore the men of Mansoul
were forced to cry out for help to the captains and men of war. Now the great
Shaddai had a secretary in the town, and he was a great lover of the men of
Mansoul, and he was at the place of execution also; so he hearing the men of
Mansoul cry out against the struggling’s and unruliness of the
prisoners, rose up from his place, and came and put his hands upon the hands of
the men of Mansoul. [This probably alludes to Elisha putting his hands upon the
king's hands, when shooting the arrow of deliverance. (2Ki 13:16) The conquest and crucifixion of sin can never be effected without
Divine assistance. Prayer brings the aid of God the Holy Spirit; and thus we are enabled to conquer our sinful thoughts and
tendencies] So they crucified the Diabolonians that had been a plague, a
grief, and an offence to the town of Mansoul. (Rom
8:13) [But, indeed, our sins struggle much, and die hard; and our
own native strength is insufficient for their mortification. God the Holy
Spirit, therefore, is introduced, as helping in this work; for, 'for if you
are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are
putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live']
[CHAPTER XI.]
[CONTENTS: Mr. Experience is made an officer — The
charter of the town renewed, and enlarged with special privileges — The
ministry of the Gospel regularly established, under the direction of the
Secretary — Mr. Conscience ordained a preacher, and his duty particularly
specified-Directions how to behave to the ministers — The inhabitants clad in
white, and receive many other distinguishing favors from the Prince-God's-peace
is appointed to rule — The unexampled happiness of the town]
Now when
this good work was done, the Prince came down to see, to visit, and to speak
comfortably to the men of Mansoul, and to strengthen their hands in such a
work. And He said to them that by this act of theirs He had proved them, and
found them to be lovers of His person, observers of His Laws, and such as had
also respect to His honor. He said, moreover, to show them that they by this
should not be losers, nor their town weakened by the loss of them, that he
would make them another captain, and that of one of themselves. And that this
captain should be the ruler of a thousand, for the good and benefit of the now
flourishing town of Mansoul. So he called one to Him whose name was Waiting,
and bid him go quickly up to the castle-gate, and inquire there for one Mr.
Experience, that waits upon that noble captain, the Captain Credence, and bid
him come here to Me. So the messenger that waited upon the good Prince Emmanuel
went and said as he was Commanded. Now the young gentleman was waiting to see
the captain train and muster his men in the castle-yard. Then Mr. Waiting said
to him, Sir, the Prince would that you should come down to His Highness
forthwith. So he brought him down to Emmanuel, and he came and made obeisance
before him. Now the men of the town knew Mr. Experience well, for he was born
and bred in the town of Mansoul; they also knew him to be a man of conduct, of
valor, and a person prudent in matters; he was also a comely person,
well-spoken, and very successful in his undertakings. Wherefore the hearts of
the townsmen were transported with joy, when they saw that the Prince himself
was so taken with Mr. Experience, that He would make him a captain over a band
of men. So with one consent they bowed the knee before Emmanuel, and with a
shout said, Let Emmanuel live forever. Then the Prince said to the young gentleman
whose name was Mr. Experience, I have thought it good to confer upon you a
place of trust and honor in this My town of Mansoul; then the young man bowed
his head and worshipped. It is, said Emmanuel, that you should be a captain, a
captain over a thousand men in My beloved town of Mansoul. Then the captain
said, Let the King live. So the Prince gave out orders forthwith to the King's
Secretary, that he should draw up for Mr. Experience a commission, to make him
a captain over a thousand men, and let it be brought to Me, said He, that I may
set to My seal. So it was done as it was commanded. The commission was drawn
up, brought to Emmanuel, and He set His seal thereto. Then, by the hand of Mr.
Waiting, He sent it away to the captain. [The happy effects of a Christian's
experience are a conviction, by the Word and Spirit of Revelation, of our
insufficiency, and Christ's all-sufficiency; an insight into Gospel Mysteries;
God's veracity, faithfulness, and immutability] Now so soon as the captain had
received his commission, he sounded his trumpet for volunteers, and young men
came to him, yes, the greatest and chief men in the town sent their sons to be
listed under his command. Thus Captain Experience came under command to
Emmanuel, for the good of the town of Mansoul. He had for his lieutenant one
Mr. Skilful, and for his crown one Mr. Memory. His under-officers I need not
name. His colors were the white colors for the town of Mansoul, and his
escutcheon was the dead lion and dead bear. (1Sa 17:36-37) So the Prince returned to his royal palace again. Now, when he was
returned there, the elders of the town of Mansoul, namely, the Lord Mayor, the
Recorder, and the Lord Will-be-will, went to congratulate him, and in special
way to thank him for his love, care, and the tender compassion which he showed
to his ever-obliged town of Mansoul. So, after a while, and some sweet
communion between them, the townsmen having solemnly ended their ceremony,
returned to their place again. Emmanuel also at this time appointed them a day
wherein He would renew their charter, yes, wherein He would renew and enlarge
it, mending several faults therein, that Mansoul's yoke might be yet more easy.
(Mat 11:28-30) And this He did without
any desire of theirs, even of His own honesty and noble mind. So, when He had
sent for and seen their old one, He laid it by, and said, 'Now that which
decays and grows old, is ready to vanish away.' (Heb 8:13) He said, moreover, the town of Mansoul
shall have another, a better, a new one, more steady and firm by far. An
epitome hereof as follows: 'Emmanuel, Prince of peace, and a great lover of the
town of Mansoul, I do, in the name of My Father, and of My own clemency, give,
grant, and bequeath to My beloved town of Mansoul:
First, Free, full, and everlasting forgiveness of
all wrongs, injuries, and offences done by them against My Father, Me, their
neighbor, or themselves. (Heb 8:12)
Secondly, I do give them the holy Law, and My Testament, with all that therein
is contained, for their everlasting comfort and consolation. (Joh 15:8-14) Thirdly, I do also give them a
portion of the self-same grace and goodness that dwells in My Father's heart
and mine. (2Pe 1:4; 2Co 7:1; 1Jn 4:16)
Fourthly, I do give, grant, and bestow upon them
freely, the world, and what is therein, for their good; and they shall have
that power over them, as shall stand with the honor of My Father, My glory, and
their comfort; yes, I grant them the benefits of life and death, and of things
present, and things to come. (1Co 3:21-22)
This privilege, no other city, town, or corporation, shall have but My Mansoul
only. Fifthly, I do give and grant them leave, and free access to Me in My
palace, at all seasons, to My palace above or below, there to make known their
wants to Me. (Heb 10:19-20) And I give
them, moreover, a promise that I will hear and redress all their grievances. (Mat 7:7) Sixthly, I do give, and grant to, and
invest the town of Mansoul with full power and authority to seek out, take,
enslave, and destroy all, and all manner of Diabolonians, that at any time,
from whencesoever, shall be found straggling in, or about the town of Mansoul.
Seventhly, I do further grant to my beloved town of Mansoul that they shall
have authority not to suffer any foreigner, or stranger, or their seed, to be
free in and of the blessed town of Mansoul, nor to share in the excellent
privileges thereof. (Eph 4:22) But that
all the grants, privileges, and immunities, that I bestow upon the famous town
of Mansoul, shall be for the old natives and true inhabitants thereof, to them
I say, and to their right seed after them. (Col 3:5-9)
But all Diabolonians, of what sort, birth, country, or kingdom soever, shall be
barred a share therein.' So, when the town of Mansoul had received, at the hand
of Emmanuel, their gracious charter, which in itself is infinitely more large
than by this lean epitome is set before you, they carried it to audience, that
is, to the market-place, and there Mr. Recorder read it in the presence of all
the people. (2Co 3:3; Jer 31:33) This being done, it was back to the
castle gates, and there fairly engraved upon the doors thereof, and laid in
letters of gold, to the end that the town of Mansoul, with all the people
thereof, might have it always in their view, or might go where they might see
what a blessed freedom their Prince had bestowed upon them, that their joy
might be increased in themselves, and their love renewed to their great and
good Emmanuel. (Heb 8:10) But what joy,
what comfort, what consolation, do you think, did now possess the hearts of the
men of Mansoul! The bells ringed, the minstrels played, the people danced, the
captains shouted, the colors waved in the wind, and the silver trumpets
sounded, and the Diabolonians now were glad to hide their heads, for they looked
like those that had been long dead. When this was over the Prince sent again
for the elders of the town of Mansoul, and communed with them about a ministry
that he intended to establish among them, such a ministry that might open to
them, and that might instruct them in the things (Doctrines) that did concern
their present and future state. For, He said, you of yourselves, have teachers
and guides, without which you will not be able to know, and if not to know, to
be sure, not to do the will of My Father. (Jer 10:23;
1Co 2:14) At this news, when the elders
of Mansoul brought it to the people, the whole town came running together, for
it pleased them well, as whatever the Prince now did pleased the people, and
all with one consent implored his Majesty, that He would forthwith establish
such a ministry among them as might teach them both Law and judgment, statute
and Commandment, that they might be established in all good and wholesome
things. So He told them that He would grant them their requests, and would establish
two among them, one that was of His Father's court, and one that was a native
of Mansoul. He that is from the court, He said, is a person of no less quality
and dignity than is My Father and I, and He is the Lord Chief Secretary of My
Father's house; for He is, and always has been, the chief dictator of all my
Father's Laws; a person altogether well skilled in all mysteries, and knowledge
of mysteries, as is My Father, or as myself is. Indeed, He is one with Us in nature, and also as to loving of, and being
faithful to, and in, the eternal concerns of the town of Mansoul. And this is
He, said the Prince; that must be your chief teacher, for it is He, and He
only, that can teach you clearly in all high and supernatural things. (1Th 1:5-6) He and He only it is that knows the
ways and methods of My Father at court, nor can any like Him show how the heart
of My Father is at all times, in all things, upon all occasions, towards
Mansoul; for as no man knows the things of a man, but that spirit of a man which
is in him, so the things of my Father knows no man but
this His high and mighty Secretary. Nor can any, as He, tell Mansoul how
and what they shall do to keep themselves in the love of My Father. He also it
is that can bring forgotten things to your remembrance, (Joh 14:26) and that can tell you things to come.
This teacher therefore must of necessity have the pre-eminence-both in your
affections and judgment-before your other teacher. (Rom
8:26) His personal dignity, the excellency of His teaching, also the
great dexterity that He has to help you to make and draw up petitions to My
Father for your help, and to His pleasing; (Jude 1:20;
Eph 6:18) must lay obligations upon you
to love Him, fear Him, and to take heed that you grieve Him not. (Rev 2:7, Rev 2:11,
Rev 2:17, Rev
2:29; Eph 4:20) This person
can put life and vigor into all He says, yes, and can also put it into your
hearts. This person can make seers of you, and can make you understand what
shall be hereafter. (Act 21:10-11) By
this person you must frame all your petitions to My Father and Me, and without
His advice and counsel first obtained, let nothing enter into the town or
castle of Mansoul, for that may disgust and grieve this noble person. (Isa 63:10) Take heed, I say, that you do not
grieve this minister; for if you do, He may fight against you; and should He
once be moved by you, to set himself against you, against you in battle array,
that will distress you more than if twelve legions should from My Father's
court be sent to make war upon you. But, as I said, if you shall listen to Him,
and shall love Him; if you shall devote yourselves to His teaching, and shall
seek to have discourse, and to maintain communion with Him; you shall find Him
ten times better than is the whole world to any. Yes, he will shed abroad the
love of My Father in your hearts, and Mansoul will be the wisest and most
blessed of all people. (1Co 13:13; Rom 5:5) Then did the Prince call to Him the old
gentleman, who afore had been the Recorder of Mansoul, Mr. Conscience by name,
and told him that forasmuch as he was well skilled in the Law and government of
the town of Mansoul, and was also well-spoken, and could pertinently deliver to
them his Master's will in all terrene and domestic matters, therefore he would
also make him a minister for, in, and to the goodly town of Mansoul, in all the
Laws, statutes, and judgments of the famous town of Mansoul. And you must, said
the Prince, confine yourself to the teaching of moral virtues, to civil and
natural duties; but you must not attempt to presume to be a revealer of those
high and supernatural mysteries that are kept close in the bosom of Shaddai My
Father; for those things knows no man, nor can any
reveal them, but My Father's Secretary only. You are a native of the
town of Mansoul, but the Lord Secretary is a native
with My Father; wherefore, as you have knowledge of the Laws and customs
of the corporation, so He of the things and will of My Father. Wherefore, O! Mr. Conscience, although I have made you a minister
and a preacher in the town of Mansoul; yet as to the things which the Lord
Secretary knows, and shall teach to this people, there you must be his scholar,
and a learner, even as the rest of Mansoul are. You must, therefore, in all
high and supernatural things go to Him for information and knowledge; for
though there be a spirit in man, this person's inspiration must give him
understanding. (Job 33:8) Wherefore, O!
you Mr. Recorder, keep low and be humble, and remember
that the Diabolonians that kept not their first charge, but left their own
standing, are now made prisoners in the pit; be therefore content with
your station. I have made you my Father's vicegerent on earth, in such things
of which I have made mention before. And you, take your power to teach them to
Mansoul; yes, and to impose them with whips and chastisements, if they shall
not willingly hearken to do your commandments. And Mr. Recorder, because you
are old, and through many abuses made feeble, therefore I give you leave and
license to go when you will to My fountain, My conduit, and there to drink
freely of the blood of My grape, for My conduit [Body] doth always run wine.
Thus doing, you shall drive from your heart and stomach all foul, gross, and
hurtful tumors. It will also lighten your eyes, and will strengthen your memory
for the reception and keeping of all that the King's most noble Secretary
teaches. (Heb 5:14) When the Prince had
thus put Mr. Recorder (That once so was) into the place and office of a
minister to Mansoul, and the man had thankfully accepted thereof, then did
Emmanuel address himself in a particular speech to the townsmen themselves;
[Reader, conscience is the teacher with authority as God's only vicegerent. Be
guided by Him in all things; swerve not one jot or tittle from His Dictates;
especially, in your choice of a minister, examine him for yourself prayerfully
and carefully by the Word. (1Ti 3:1-7)
There are thousands of Diabolonians in the world When you have made your
choice, 'Esteem him very highly in love for his works' sake.'] 'Behold,' said
the Prince to Mansoul, 'My love and care towards you. I have added, to all that
is past, this mercy, to appoint you preachers; the most noble Secretary to
teach you in all high and sublime mysteries; and this gentleman,' pointing to
Mr. Conscience, 'is to teach you in all things human and domestic; for therein
lies his work. He is not, by what I have said, debarred of telling to Mansoul
anything that he has heard and received at the mouth of the Lord high
Secretary; only he shall not attempt to presume to pretend to be a revealer of
those high mysteries himself; for the breaking of them up, and the discovery of
them to Mansoul, consists only in the power, authority, and skill of the Lord
high Secretary himself. Talk of them he may, and so may the rest of the town of
Mansoul; yes, and may, as occasion gives them opportunity, press them upon each
other, for the benefit of the whole. These things, therefore, I would have you
observe and do, for it is for your life, and the lengthening of your days. 'And
one thing more to my beloved Mr. Recorder, and to all the town of Mansoul. You
must not dwell in nor stay upon anything of that which he has in commission to
teach you, as to your trust and expectation of the next world; of the next
world, I say, for I purpose to give another to Mansoul, when this with them is
worn out, but for that you must wholly and solely have recourse to, and make
stay upon his Doctrine, that is your teacher after the first order. Yes, Mr.
Recorder himself must not look for life from that which he himself reveals; his
dependence for that must be founded in the Doctrine of the other preacher. Let Mr. Recorder also take heed that he receive not any
Doctrine, or point of Doctrine, that are not communicated to him by his Superior
Teacher; nor yet within the precincts of his own formal knowledge.' Now,
after the Prince had thus settled things in the famous town of Mansoul, He
proceeded to give to the elders of the corporation a necessary caution, namely,
how they should carry it to the high and noble captains as He had, from His
Father's court, sent or brought with Him, to the famous town of Mansoul. 'These
captains,' said He, 'do love the town of Mansoul, and they are picked men,
picked out of abundance, as men that best suit, and that will most faithfully
serve in the wars of Shaddai against the Diabolonians, for the preservation of
the town of Mansoul. I charge you therefore, said He, O ye inhabitants of the
now flourishing town of Mansoul, that you carry it not ruggedly or unbecomingly
to my captains, or their men; since, as I said, they are picked and choice men,
men chosen out of many for the good of the town of Mansoul. I say, I charge
you, that you carry it not unbecomingly to them; for though they have the
hearts and faces of lions, when at any time they shall be called forth to
engage and fight with the King's foes, and the enemies of the town of Mansoul;
yet a little discountenance cast upon them from the town of Mansoul will deject
and cast down their faces; will weaken and take away their courage. Do not
therefore, O my beloved, carry it unkindly to my valiant captains and
courageous men of war, but love them, nourish them, aid them, and lay them in
your bosoms; and they will not only fight for you, but cause to fly from you
all those the Diabolonians that seek, and will, if possible, be your utter
destruction. 'If therefore any of them should, at any time, be sick or weak,
and so not able to perform that office of love which with all their hearts they
are willing to do-and will do also when well and in health-slight them not, nor
despise them, but rather strengthen them, and encourage them, though weak and
ready to die; (Heb 12:12) for they are
your fence, and your guard, your wall, your gates, your locks, and your bars.
And although, when they are weak, they can do but
little, but rather need to be helped by you, than that you should then expect
great things from them, yet when well, you know what exploits, what feats and
warlike achievements they are able to do, and will perform for you. 'Besides,
if they be weak, the town of Mansoul cannot be strong; if they be strong, then
Mansoul cannot be weak; your safety therefore does lie in their health, and in
your ministration to them. (Isa 35:3)
Remember also that if they be sick, they catch that disease of the town of
Mansoul itself. (Rev 3:2; 1Th 5:14) [It surely must mean the ministries of
God the Holy Spirit, which being cherished and kept in lively exercise, are the
Christian's safe-guard and defence from Diabolus and all the Diabolonians in
hell or on earth. 'Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who
build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain.'
(Psa 127:1) ] 'These things I have said
to you, because I love your welfare, and your honor. Observe therefore, O My
Mansoul, to be punctual in all things that I have given in charge to you, and
that not only as a town corporate, and so to your officers and guard, and
guides in chief, but to you as you are a people whose well-being, as single
persons, depends on the observation of the Orders and Commandments of their
Lord. 'Next, O my Mansoul, I do warn you of that of which notwithstanding that
reformation that at present is wrought among you, you have need to be warned
about. Wherefore hearken diligently unto me. I am now sure, and you will know
hereafter, that there are yet of the Diabolonians remaining in the town of
Mansoul; Diabolonians that are sturdy and implacable, and that do already while
I am with you, and that will yet more when I am from you, study, plot,
contrive, invent, and jointly attempt to bring you to desolation, and so to a
state far worse than that of the Egyptian bondage; they are the avowed friends
of Diabolus, therefore look about you; they used heretofore to lodge with their
Prince in the Castle, when Incredulity was the Lord Mayor of this town. (Mar 7:21-22) But since My coming here, they lie more in the outsides, and walls, and have made
themselves dens, and caves, and holes, and strongholds therein.
Wherefore, O Mansoul, your work, as to this, will be so much the more difficult
and hard. (Rom 7:18) That is, to take,
mortify, and put them to death according to the will of My Father. Nor can you
utterly rid yourselves of them, unless you should pull down the walls of your
town, the which I am by no means willing you should do. Do you ask Me, What
shall we do then? Why, be you diligent, and act you like men, observe their holes, find out their haunts, assault them,
and make no peace with them. Wherever they haunt, lurk, or abide, and
what terms of peace soever they offer you, abhor, and
all shall be well between you and Me. And that you may the better know
them from those that are the natives of Mansoul, I will give you this brief
schedule of the names of the chief of them, and they are these that follow: The Lord Fornication, The Lord Feelings-first, the Lord
Adultery, the Lord Murder, the Lord Anger, the Lord Lasciviousness, the Lord
Deceitful, Mr. Bully, Mr. Rat, Mr. Money-Job-Family-Things-first, Mr.
Subjective, Mr. Morality, Mr. Drunkenness, Mr. Coveting, Mr. Curiosity, Mr.
Buying-things, Mr. Addiction, Mr. Pornography, Mr. Gluttony, Mr. Social-life,
Mr. Vanity, Mr. Tradition, Mr. Busy, Mr. Slander, Mr. Theft, Mr.
Human-veiwpoint, Mr. Unreasonable, Mr.
Idolatry, Mr. Discontent. Mr. Witch-craft = New age, Mr. Legalism, Mr. Envy,
Mr. Do what-I-want, Mr. I-do-not-care, Mr. Ambition, Mr. Something for
nothing, Mr. Unforgiving, Mr. Good-deeds, Mr. Wrath, Mr. Strife, Mr.
Vulgarity, Mr. Self-Righteousness, Mr. Lust-of deceit, Mr. Pride, Mr.
Ignorance, Mr. Self-seeking, Mr. Greedy and Mr. Superstition, Mr. Religion Mr.
Unbelief, Mr. Worry, Mr. Communism, etc. These
are some of the chief, O Mansoul, of those that will seek to overthrow you
forever. These, I say, are the skulkers in Mansoul, but look you well
into the Law of your King, and there you shall find their form, and such other
characteristic indications of them, by which they certainly may be known. [The
Word is the test. The aid of God the Holy Spirit is needful; therefore must our
prayer be, 'Search me, and try me,' and crucify any of these
Diabolonians, (False thoughts) who, lurking in my
soul, are enemies to its peace and happiness] 'These, O My Mansoul, and
I would gladly that you should certainly know it, if they be suffered to run
and range about the town as they would, will quickly, like vipers, eat out your
bowels, yes, poison your captains, cut the sinews of your soldiers, break the
bar and bolts of your gates, and turn your now most flourishing Mansoul into a
barren and desolate wilderness, and ruinous heap. Wherefore that you may take
courage to yourselves to apprehend these villains wherever you find them, I
give to you My Lord Mayor, My Lord Will-be-will, and Mr. Recorder, with all the
inhabitants of the town of Mansoul, full power and commission to seek out, to take, and to cause to be put to death by the
cross, all, and all manner of Diabolonians, when and wherever you shall
find them to lurk within, or to range without the walls of the town of Mansoul.
'I told you before, that I had placed a standing ministry among you, not that
you have but these with you, for my four first captains who came against the
master and Lord of the Diabolonians that was in Mansoul, they can, and if need
be, and if they be required, will not only privately inform, but publicly
preach to the corporation both good and wholesome Doctrine, and such as shall
lead you in the way. Yes, they will set up a weekly, yes, if need be, a daily
lecture in you, O Mansoul; and will instruct you in such profitable lessons,
that if heeded, will do you good at the end. And take
good heed that you spare not the men that you have a commission to take and
crucify. 'Now as I have set before your eyes the vagrants and renegades
by name, so I will tell you that among yourselves some of them shall creep in
to beguile you, even such as would seem, and that in appearance, are very rife
and hot for religion. And they, if you watch not, will do you a mischief, such
a one as at present you cannot think of. 'These, as I said, will show
themselves to you in another hue than those under description before.
Wherefore, Mansoul, watch and be sober, and suffer not yourself to be betrayed.'
When the Prince had thus far newly modelled the town of Mansoul, and had
instructed them in such matters as were profitable for them to know, He
appointed another day, in which He intended, when the townsfolk came together,
to bestow a further badge of honor upon the town of Mansoul; a badge that
should distinguish them from all the people, kindreds, and tongues that dwell
in the kingdom of Universe. Now it was not long before the day appointed was
come, and the Prince and His people met in the King's palace, where first
Emmanuel made a short speech to them, and then did for them as He had said and
Promised. My Mansoul, that which I now am about to do, is to make you known to
the world to be Mine, and to distinguish you also in your own eyes, from all false
traitors that may creep in among you. Then He Commanded that those that waited
upon Him should go and bring forth out of his treasury those white and
glistening robes that I, have provided and laid up in store for My Mansoul. So
the white garments were fetched out of His treasury, and laid forth to the eyes
of the people. Moreover, it was granted to them that they should take them and
put them on, according, to your size and stature. So the people were put into
white, into fine linen, white and clean. (Rev 19:8)
Then the Prince said to them, This, O Mansoul, is My uniform, and the badge by
which Mine are known from the servants of others. Yes,
it is that which I grant to all that are Mine, and without which no man is
permitted to see My face. (Mat 22:11-14)
Wear them therefore for My sake, who gave them to you; and also if you would be
known by the world to be Mine. But now! can you think how Mansoul shone? 'Who
is this that grows like the dawn, As beautiful as the full moon, As pure as the
sun, As awesome as an army with banners?' (Song
6:10) The Prince added further, and said, No prince, potentate, or
mighty one of Universe, gives this uniform but myself; behold therefore, as I
said before, you shall be known by it to be Mine. And now, I have given you my
uniform, let me give you also in Commandment concerning them; and be sure that
you take good heed to My words. First, Wear
them daily, day by day, lest you should at sometimes appear to others as
if you were none of mine. Secondly, Keep them always white, for, if they
be soiled, it is dishonor to Me. (Ecc 9:8)
Thirdly, Wherefore gird them up from the ground, and let them not lag
with dust and dirt. Fourthly, Take heed that you lose them not, lest you
walk naked, and they see your shame. (Rev 3:18)
[If by sin we lose the sense of being clothed with the garments of honor, how
does the soul feel its nakedness and vileness! 'O wretched man!' is the
cry; the conscience is wounded, God dishonored, and God the Holy Spirit
grieved.] Fifthly, But if you should sully them, if you should defile
them — the
which I am greatly unwilling you should, and the prince Diabolus would be glad
if you would — then speed you to do that which is Written in My Law, that yet
you may stand, and not fall before Me, and before My throne. (Luk 21:36) Also this is the way to cause that I may not leave you nor forsake
you while here, but may dwell in this town of Mansoul forever. (Rev 7:15-17) And now was Mansoul, and the
inhabitants of it, as the signet upon Emmanuel's right hand; where was there
now a town, a city, a corporation that could compare with Mansoul — a town
redeemed from the hand and from the power of Diabolus — a town that the King
Shaddai loved, and that he sent Emmanuel to regain from the Prince of the
infernal cave-yea, a town that Emmanuel loved to dwell in, and that He chose
for His royal habitation — a town that He fortified for himself, and made
strong by the force of His army? What shall I say? Mansoul has now a most
excellent Prince, golden captains and men of war, weapons proved, and garments
as white as snow. Nor are these benefits to be counted little but great. Can
the town of Mansoul esteem them so, and improve them to that end and purpose
for which they are bestowed upon them? When the Prince had thus completed the
modelling of the town, to show that He had great delight in the work of His
hands, and took pleasure in the good that He had wrought for the famous and
flourishing Mansoul, He Commanded, and they set His standard upon the
battlements of the castle. And then, First, He gave them frequent
visits, not a day now but the elders of Mansoul must come to Him, or He to
them, into His palace. Now they must walk and talk together of all the great
things that He had done, and yet further Promised to do for the town of
Mansoul. (2Co 6:16) Thus would he often
do with the Lord Mayor, my Lord Will-be-will, and the honest subordinate
preacher Mr. Conscience, and Mr. Recorder. But oh! how graciously, how
lovingly, how courteously, and tenderly did this blessed Prince now carry it
towards the town of Mansoul! In all the streets, gardens, orchards, and other
places where He came, to be sure the poor should have His blessing and
benediction; yes, he would kiss them, and if they were ill, He would lay hands
on them, and make them well. The captains also he would daily, yes, sometimes
hourly encourage with his presence and goodly words. For you must know that a
smile from him upon them would put more vigor, more life and stoutness into
them, than would anything else under heaven. The Prince would now also feast
with them continually. Hardly a week would pass but a banquet must be had
between Him and them. (1Co 5:8) You may
remember that some pages before we make mention of one feast that they had
together, but now to feast them was a thing more common; every day with Mansoul
was a feast-day now. Nor did He, when they returned to their places, send them
empty away, either they must have a ring, [A token of marriage] a gold chain,
[A token of honor] a bracelet, [A token of beauty] a white stone, [A token of
pardon] or something; so dear was Mansoul to Him now; so lovely was Mansoul in
His eyes. [How blessed is the Christian who lives in the holy enjoyment of his
high and heavenly privileges! Every day is a feast-day, bringing fresh discoveries
of grace and foretastes of glory] Secondly, When the elders and townsmen
did not come to Him, He would send in much plenty of provision to them, meat
that came from court, wine and bread that were prepared for His Father's table.
Yes, such delicacies would He send to them, and therewith would so cover their
table, that whoever saw it confessed that the like could not be seen in any
kingdom. Thirdly, If Mansoul did not frequently visit Him as He desired,
then He would walk out to them, knock at their doors and desire entrance, that
friendliness might be maintained between them and Him. If they did hear and
open to Him, as commonly they would, if they were at home, then would He
renew His former love, and confirm it too with some new tokens and signs of
continued favor. (Rev 3:20; Song 5:2) And was it not now amazing to behold,
that in that very place where sometimes Diabolus had his abode, and entertained
his Diabolonians to the almost utter destruction of Mansoul, the Prince of
princes should sit eating and drinking with them, while all his mighty
captains, men of war, trumpeters, with the singing-men and singing-women of His
Father, stood round about to wait upon them! Now did Mansoul's cup run over,
now did her conduits run sweet wine, now did she eat the finest of the wheat,
and drink milk and honey out of the rock! Now she said, How great is His
goodness! for since I found favor in His eyes, how honorable have I been! The
blessed Prince did also order a new officer in the town, and a goodly person he
was; his name was Mr. God's-peace. (Col 3:15)
This man was set over my Lord Will-be-will, my Lord Mayor, Mr. Recorder, the
subordinate Preacher, Mr. Mind, and over all the natives of the town of
Mansoul. Himself was not a native of it, but came with the Prince Emmanuel from
the court. He was a great acquaintance of Captain Credence and Captain
Good-hope; some say they were kin, and I am of that opinion too. (Rom 15:13) This man, as I said, was made
governor of the town in general, especially over the castle, and Captain
Credence was to help him there. And I made great observation of it, that so
long as all things went in Mansoul as this sweet-natured gentleman would, the
town was in a most happy condition. Now there were no jars, no chiding, no
interferings, no unfaithful doings in all the town of Mansoul, every man in
Mansoul kept close to his own employment. The gentry, the officers, the
soldiers, and all in place observed their order. And as for the women and
children of the town, they followed their business joyfully, they would work
and sing, work and sing from morning till night: so
that quite through the town of Mansoul now, nothing was to be found but
harmony, quietness, joy, and health. And this lasted all that summer. [This
is a beautiful representation of the holy enjoyment of Divine things, when the
soul is emancipated from sin, and enjoys a little heaven on earth]
[CHAPTER XII.]
[CONTENTS: Carnal-security prevailing in the town,
a coolness takes place between the inhabitants and Emmanuel; who, being greatly
offended, privately withdraws — Godly-fear, who detects the cause of His
removal, excites the people to destroy Mr. Carnal-security — Measures are then
taken to induce Emmanuel to return]
But
there was a man in the town of Mansoul, and his name was Mr. Carnal-security;
[Carnal security, or comfort and security in the flesh, instead of living by
the Spiritual life in Christ by faith] this man did, after all this mercy
bestowed on this corporation, bring the town of Mansoul into great and grievous
slavery and bondage. A brief account of him and of his doings are as follows:
When Diabolus at first took possession of the town of Mansoul, he brought there
with himself a great number of Diabolonians, men of his own conditions. Now
among these there was one whose name was Mr. Self-conceit, and a notable brisk
man he was, as any that in those days did possess the town of Mansoul. Diabolus
then perceiving this man to be active and bold, sent him upon many desperate
designs, the which he managed better, and more to the pleasing of his Lord,
than most that came with him from the dens could do. Wherefore finding of him
so fit for his purpose, he preferred him, and made him next to the great Lord
Will-be-will, of whom we have written so much before. Now the Lord Will-be-will
being in those days very well pleased with him, and with his achievements, gave
him his daughter, the Lady Fear-nothing, to wife. Now of my Lady Fear-nothing
did this Mr. Self-conceit beget this gentleman Mr. Carnal-security. Wherefore
there being then in Mansoul those strange kinds of mixtures it was hard for
them in some cases to find out who were natives, and who not; for Mr.
Carnal-security sprang from my Lord Will-be-will by his mother's side, though
he had for his father a Diabolonian by nature. [Vices are so disguised, that no
merely human vigilance or sagacity can detect them lurking in the walls of
Mansoul; hence the necessity of the cry, 'Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious
thoughts.' (Psa 139:23-24) ] Well, this Carnal-security took
much after his father and mother; he was self-conceited, he feared nothing, he
was also a very busy man; nothing of news, nothing of Doctrine, nothing of
alteration, or talk of alteration, could at any time be on foot in Mansoul, but be sure Mr. Carnal-security would be at the head or
tail of it; but to be sure he would decline those that he deemed the
weakest, and stood always with them, in his way of standing, that he
supposed was the strongest side. Now when Shaddai the mighty, and Emmanuel His
Son made war upon Mansoul to take it, this Mr. Carnal-security was then in the
town, and was a great doer among the people, encouraging them in their
rebellion, putting of them upon hardening of themselves in their resisting of the
King's forces; but when he saw that the town of Mansoul was taken and converted
to the use of the glorious Prince Emmanuel, and when he also saw what was
become of Diabolus, and how he was unroosted, and made to quit the castle in
the greatest contempt and scorn, and that the town of Mansoul was well lined
with captains, engines of war, (Catapults) and men, and also provision, what
does he but craftily wheel about also; and as he had served Diabolus against
the good Prince, so he feigned that he would serve the Prince against his foes.
And having got some little smattering of Emmanuel's things by the end, (Psa 66:3) [268] being bold, he ventures himself
into the company of the townsmen, and attempts also to chat among them. Now he
knew that the power and strength of the town of Mansoul was great, and that it
could not but be pleasing to the people if he cried up their might and their
glory. Wherefore he begins his tale with the power and strength of Mansoul, and
affirmed that it was impregnable. Now magnifying their captains, and their
slings, and their rams; then crying up their fortifications, and strongholds;
and lastly, the assurances that they had from their Prince that Mansoul should
be happy forever. But when he saw that some of the men
of the town were tickled and taken with his discourse, he makes it his
business, and walking from street to street, house to house, and man to man, he
at last brought Mansoul to dance after his pipe, and
to grow almost as carnally secure as himself; so
from talking they went to feasting, and from feasting to sporting; and so to
some other matters. Now Emmanuel was yet in
the town of Mansoul, and He wisely observed their doings. My Lord Mayor,
my Lord Will-be-will, and Mr. Recorder, were also all taken with the words of this
tattling Diabolonian gentleman, forgetting that their Prince had given them
warning before to take heed that they were not beguiled with any Diabolonian
sleight. He had further told them that the security of the now flourishing town
of Mansoul, did not so much lie in her present fortifications and force, as in
her so using of what she had, as might oblige her Emmanuel to abide within her
castle. [Carnal-security, the offspring of Self-conceit and Fear-nothing, is
one of our most subtle enemies, and needs our utmost vigilance. To rejoice in
our fortifications, or the Doctrines of grace, is our duty and privilege; but
all our trust must be in our living in union to our ever-living Head] For the
right Doctrine of Emmanuel was, that the town of Mansoul should take heed that
they forgot not His Father's love and His; also that they should so demean
themselves as to continue to keep themselves therein. Now this was not the way
to do it, namely, to fall in love with one of the Diabolonians, and with such a
one too as Mr. Carnal-security was, and to be led up and down by the nose by
him. They should have heard their Prince, feared their Prince, loved their
Prince, and have stoned this naughty pack to death, and took care to have
walked in the ways of their Prince's prescribing, for
then should their peace have been as a river, when their righteousness had been
like the waves of the sea. (Isa 48:18) Now when Emmanuel
perceived that, through the policy of Mr. Carnal-security, the hearts of the
men of Mansoul were chilled, and abated in their practical love to Him; [A
child in the Spiritual life would naturally inquire why Carnal-security was not
forthwith seized, tried, and executed. But by the time that he had rendered
himself liable to punishment no jury could have been found in Mansoul to
convict him. God's ways are not as our ways; he is permitted to carry on
his treason, that the solid peace of Mansoul might be
promoted. Thus 'the bitter comes before the sweet, to make the sweet the
sweeter] First, He bemoans them, and condoles their state with the Secretary,
saying, Oh that My people had listened to Me, and that Mansoul had walked in
My ways! I would have fed them with the finest of the wheat, and with honey out
of the rock would I have sustained them. (Psa 81:13-16)
This done, He said in His heart, I will return to the court and go to My place,
till Mansoul shall consider and acknowledge their offence. And He did so, and
the cause and manner of His going away from them was thus:
The cause was, for that Mansoul rejected Him, as
is manifest in these particulars, 1. They left off their former way of visiting
Him, they came not to His royal palace as before. 2. They did not regard, nor
yet take notice that He came, or came not to visit them. 3. The love-feasts
that had used to be between their Prince and them, though He made them still,
and called them to them, yet they neglected to come to them, or to be delighted
with them. 4. They waited not for His Counsels, but
began to be headstrong and confident in themselves, concluding that now
they were strong and invincible, and that Mansoul was secure, and beyond all
reach of the foe, and that her state must needs be unalterable forever. [O
Christian, beware of the first step in backsliding! While you seek the Savior's
face, and walk humbly with your God, you are safe] Now, as was said, Emmanuel
perceiving that by the craft of Mr. Carnal-security, the town of Mansoul was
taken off from their dependence upon Him, and upon His Father by Him, and set
upon what by them was bestowed upon it; He first, as I said, bemoaned their
state, then He used means to make them understand that the way that they went
on in was dangerous. For He sent my Lord High Secretary to them, to forbid them
such ways; but twice when He came to them He found them at dinner in Mr.
Carnal-security's parlor, and perceiving also that they were not willing to
reason about matters concerning their good, he took grief and went His way. The
which when He had told to the Prince Emmanuel, He took offence, and was grieved
also, and so made provision to return to His Father's court. Now the methods of
His withdrawing, as I was saying before, were thus: 1. Even while He was yet
with them in Mansoul, He kept himself closed, and more retired than formerly.
2. His speech was not now, if He came in their company, so pleasant and
familiar as formerly. 3. Nor did He, as in times past, send to Mansoul from his
table those dainty bits which He used to do. 4. Nor when they came to visit
him, as now and then they would, would He be so easily spoken with as they
found him to be in times past. They might now knock once, yes twice, but He
would seem not at all to regard them; whereas formerly, at the sound of their
feet, He would up and run, and meet them halfway, and take them too, and lay
them in His bosom. But thus Emmanuel carried it now, and by this His carriage,
(Thoughts) He sought to make them think it over themselves and return to Him.
But, alas! they did not consider, they did not know His ways, they regarded
not, they were not touched with these, nor with the true remembrance of former
favors. Wherefore what does He but in private manner withdraw Himself, first from
His palace, then to the gate of the town, and so away from Mansoul He goes,
till they should acknowledge their offence, and more earnestly seek His face. (Hos 5:15) Mr. God's-peace also laid down his
commission, and would for the present act no longer in the town of Mansoul (Eze 11:21)[Christ and the Spirit, and
consequently peace, withdraw from the carnally secure] Thus they walked
contrary to Him, and He again by way of retaliation, walked contrary to them. (Lev 26:21-24) But, alas! by this time they were
so hardened in their way, and had so drunk in the doctrine of Mr.
Carnal-security, that the departing of their Prince touched them not, nor was
He remembered by them when gone; and so, of consequence, His absence not
condoled by them. (Jer 2:32) Now there
was a day wherein this old gentleman Mr. Carnal-security did again make a feast
for the town of Mansoul, and there was at that time in the town one Mr.
Godly-fear, one now but little set by, though formerly one of great call for.
This man old Carnal-security had a mind, if possible, to fool and debauch, and
abuse as he did the rest, and therefore he now bids him to the feast with his
neighbors; so the day being come they prepare, and he goes and appears with the
rest of the guests; and being all set at the table, they did eat and drink, and
were merry even all but this one man. For Mr. Godly-fear sat like a stranger,
and did neither eat, nor was merry. The which when Mr. Carnal-security
perceived, he presently addressed himself in a speech thus to him: CARN. Mr.
Godly-fear, are you not well? you seem to be ill of body or mind, or both. I
have a gift of Mr. Forget-good's making, the which, Sir, if you will take a
grain of, I hope it may make you handsome and lighthearted, and so make you
more fit for your feasting companions. GODLY. Unto whom the good old gentleman
discreetly replied, Sir, I thank you for all things courteous and civil, but
for your gift I have no list thereto. But a word to the natives of Mansoul — you
the elders and chief of Mansoul, to me it is strange to see you so mirthful and
merry, when the town of Mansoul is in such woeful case. CARN. Then Mr.
Carnal-security said, You want sleep, good Sir, I doubt. If you please lie down
and take a nap, and we, meanwhile, will be merry. GODLY. Then the good man said
as follows, Sir, if you were not destitute of an honest heart, you could not do
as you have done, and do. CARN. Then said Mr. Carnal-security, Why? GODLY. No,
please do not interrupt me. It is true the town of Mansoul was strong, and, with
a provision, impregnable; but you, the townsmen, have weakened it, and it now
lies obnoxious to its foes; nor is it a time to flatter, or be silent. It is
you, Mr. Carnal-security, that have cunningly stripped Mansoul, and driven her
glory from her; you have pulled down her towers, you have broken down her
gates, you have spoiled her locks and bars. And now to explain myself. From
that time that my Lords of Mansoul and you, Sir, grew so great, from that time
the strength of Mansoul has been offended, and now He is arisen and is gone. [Pride goes before destruction, And a
haughty spirit before stumbling. (Pro 16:18)] If any shall question the Truth of
my words, I will answer him by this, and suchlike questions: Where is the
Prince Emmanuel? When did a man or woman in Mansoul see Him? When did you hear
from Him, or taste any of His dainty bits? You are now a feasting with this
Diabolonian monster, but he is not your Prince. I say, therefore, though
enemies from without, had you taken heed, could not have made a prey of you,
yet since you have sinned against your Prince, your enemies within have been
too hard for you. CARN. Then Mr. Carnal-security said, Fie, fie, Mr.
Godly-fear, fie; will you never shake off your timorousness? Are you afraid of
being sparrow-blasted? [This is an obsolete term, alluding to a man being as
much alarmed at the twitter of a sparrow, as at the blast of a trumpet urging
him to deeds of war] Who has hurt you? Behold I am on your side, only you are
for doubting, and I am for being confident. [The twist of Reality] Besides, is
this a time to be sad in? A feast is made for mirth; why then do you now, to
your shame and our trouble, break out into such passionate melancholy language,
when you should eat, and drink, and be merry? (Isa
22:13;
Luk 12:19) GODLY. Then Mr.
Godly-fear said again, I may well be sad, for Emmanuel is gone from Mansoul. I
say again, He is gone, and you, Sir, are the man that has driven Him away; yes
He is gone without so much as acquainting the nobles of Mansoul with His going,
and if that is not a sign of His anger I am not acquainted with the methods of
godliness. [Sin grieves God the Holy Spirit, and causes the Lord to hide His
face from us. In humble, close walking with God, is our safety, comfort, and
peace; but departing from the Lord's ways brings darkness and distress to the
soul] And now, my lords and gentlemen — for my speech is still to you
— your gradual declining from Him did provoke Him gradually to depart from you,
the which He did for some time, if perhaps you would have been made sensible
thereby, and have been renewed by humbling of yourselves; but when He saw that
none would regard, nor lay these fearful beginnings of His anger and judgment
to heart, He went away from this place, and this I saw with my eyes. Wherefore
now, while you boast, your strength is gone, you are like the man that had lost
his locks that before did wave about his shoulders. [Samson] You may with this
lord of yours feast shake yourselves, and conclude to do as at other times; but
since without Him you can do nothing, (Joh 15:5) and He is departed from you, turn your feast into a sigh, and your
mirth into lamentation. Then the subordinate Preacher, old Mr. Conscience by
name, he that of old was Recorder of Mansoul, being startled at what was said,
began to second it thus. CON. Indeed, my brethren, he said, I fear that Mr.
Godly-fear tells us true: I, for my part, have not seen my Prince a long time.
I cannot remember the day for my part. Nor can I answer Mr. Godly-fear's
question. I doubt, I am afraid that all is for nothing with Mansoul. GODLY. No,
I know that you shall not find Him in Mansoul, for He is departed and gone;
yes, and gone for the faults of the elders, and for that they rewarded his
grace with unsufferable unkindnesses. Then did the subordinate Preacher look as
if he would fall down dead at the table, also all there present, except the man
of the house, began to look pale and sick. But having a little recovered
themselves and jointly agreeing to believe Mr. Godly-fear and his sayings, they
began to consult what was best to be done (Now Mr. Carnal-security was gone
into his withdrawing-room, for he liked not such dumpish doings) both to the
man of the house for drawing them into evil, and also to recover Emmanuel's
love. And with that, that saying of their Prince came very hot into their
minds, which He had bidden them do to such as were false prophets that should
arise to delude the town of Mansoul. So they took Mr. Carnal-security,
concluding that he must be he, and burned his house upon him with fire, for he
also was a Diabolonian by nature. So when this was passed and over, they with
speed took themselves to look for Emmanuel their Prince, and they sought Him,
but they found him not. (Song 5:6) Then
were they more confirmed in the Truth of Mr. Godly-fear's sayings, and began
also severely to reflect upon themselves for their so vile and ungodly doings;
for they concluded now that it was through them that their Prince had left
them. Then they agreed and went to my Lord Secretary, Him whom before they
refused to hear, Him whom they had grieved with their doings, to know of Him,
for he was a seer and could tell where Emmanuel was, and how they might direct
a petition to Him. But the Lord Secretary would not admit them to a conference
about this matter, nor would admit them to his royal place of abode, nor come
out to them to show them his face, or intelligence. (Isa 63:10; Eph 4:30; 1Th 5:13) And now was it a day, gloomy and dark,
a day of clouds and of thick darkness with Mansoul. Now they saw that they had
been foolish, and began to perceive what the company and prattle of Mr.
Carnal-security had done, and what desperate damage his swaggering words had
brought poor Mansoul into. But what further it was like to cost them, they were
ignorant of. Now Mr. Godly-fear began again to be in repute with the men of the
town: yes, they were ready to look upon him as a prophet. Well, when the
Sabbath-day was come, they went to hear their subordinate Preacher; but oh how
he did thunder and lighten this day! His text was that in the prophet Jonah, 'They
that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercies.' (Jon 2:8) But there was then such power and authority
in that sermon, and such a dejection seen in the countenances of the people
that day, that the like has seldom been heard or seen. The people, when the
sermon was done, were scarce able to go to their homes, or to betake themselves
to their employs the week after, they were so sermon-smitten, and also so
sermon-sick by being smitten, that they knew not what to do. (Hos 5:13) He did not only show to Mansoul their
sin, but did tremble before them, under the sense of his own falt, still crying
out of himself, as he preached to them, Unhappy man that I am! that I should do
so wicked a thing! That I! a preacher! whom the Prince did set up to teach to
Mansoul His Law, should myself live senseless, and drunken here, and be one of
the first found in transgression. This transgression also fell within my
precincts, I should have cried out against the wickedness, but I let Mansoul
lie wallowing in it, until it had driven Emmanuel from its borders. With these
things he also charged all the lords and aristocracy of Mansoul, to the almost
distracting of them. (Psa 88:1-18)
About this time also there was a great sickness in the town of Mansoul, and
most of the inhabitants were greatly afflicted; yes, the captains also, and men
of war, were brought thereby to a languishing condition, and that for a long
time together; so that in case of an invasion, nothing could to purpose now
have been done, either by the townsmen or field officers. Oh how many pale
faces, weak hands, feeble knees, and staggering men were now seen to walk the
streets of Mansoul. [The sermon and its effects remind us strongly of Bunyan's Barren
Fig-tree. 'Cut it down! Fetch out the axe! The Lord shakes the sinner, and
whirls him upon a sick-bed. Death, fetch him away to the fire-fetch this
barren professor to hell! Death and hell are at his bed-side, with grim looks,
staring him in the face.' This passage in the 'Holy War' probably led the
author, two years after, to preach and publish that smart sermon, so full of
thunder and lightning, from the text put into the mouth of Boanerges] Here were
groans, there pants, and yonder lay those that were ready to faint. (Heb 12:12-13; Rev 3:2)
[How does a carnal careless walk obscure the eye of faith, whose evidences
become weaker, until revived by the Word and Spirit of God!] The garments too
which Emmanuel had given them were but in a sorry case; some were rent, some
were torn, and all in a nasty condition; some also did hang so loosely upon
them, that the next bush they came at was ready to pluck them off. (Isa 3:24) After some time spent in this sad and
desolate condition, the subordinate Preacher called for a day of fasting, and
to humble themselves for being so wicked against the great Shaddai, and His
Son; and he desired that Captain Boanerges would preach. [Preaching captains
were not uncommon in Bunyan's time] So he consented to do it, and the day being
come, and his text was this, 'Cut it down! Why
does it even use up the ground?' and a very smart sermon he made
upon the place. First, he showed what was the occasion of the words, namely,
because the fig-tree was barren; then he showed what was contained in the
sentence, namely, repentance, or utter desolation. He then showed also by whose
authority this sentence was pronounced, and that was by Shaddai himself. And
lastly, he showed the reasons of the point, and then concluded his sermon. But
he was very pertinent in the application, insomuch that he made poor Mansoul
tremble. For this sermon, as well as the former, wrought much upon the hearts
of the men of Mansoul; yes it greatly helped to keep awake those that were
roused by the preaching that went before. So that now throughout the whole town
there was little or nothing to be heard or seen but sorrow and mourning, and
woe. [Mansoul had withdrawn from a faithful ministry, and sat under the
preaching of milder and unfaithful men, but Godly-fear having roused them to
burn Carnal-security's house, they flock to the awakening alarms of a faithful
Boanerges] Now after the sermon they got together and consulted what was best
to be done. But, said the subordinate preacher, I will do nothing of mine own
head, without advising with my neighbor Mr. Godly-fear.
For if he had before, and understood more of the
mind of our Prince than we, I do not know but he also may have it now, even now
we are turning again to virtue. So they called and sent for Mr. Godly-fear, and
he forthwith appeared; then they desired that he would further show his opinion
about what they had best to do. Then said the old gentleman as follows: It is
my opinion that this town of Mansoul should, in this day of her distress, draw
up and send a humble petition to their offended Prince Emmanuel, that He in His favor and grace will turn again to you, and
not keep anger forever. When the townsmen had heard this speech, they
did with one consent, agree to his advice; so they did presently draw up their
request, and the next was, But who shall carry it? at last they did all agree
to send it by my Lord Mayor. So he accepted of the service, and addressed
himself to his journey; and went and came to the court of Shaddai, but Emmanuel
the Prince of Mansoul was gone. But the gate was shut, and a strict watch kept
thereat so that the petitioner was forced to stand without for a great while
together. (Lam 3:8) Then he desired
that some would go into the Prince and tell Him who stood at the gate, and what
his business was. So one went and told to Shaddai, and to Emmanuel His Son,
that the Lord Mayor of the town of Mansoul stood without at the gate of the
King's court, desiring to be admitted into the presence of the Prince, the
King's Son. He also told what was the Lord Mayor's errand, both to the King and
His Son Emmanuel. But the Prince would not come down, nor allow that the gate
should be opened to him, but sent him an answer to this effect: They have
turned their back to Me, and not their face, but now in the time of their
trouble they say to Me, Arise and save us. (Jer 2:27;
Lam 3:44; Jer
32:33) But can they not now go to Mr. Carnal-security, to whom they
went when they turned from Me, and make him their leader, their Lord, and their
protection, now in their trouble? Why now in their trouble do they visit Me, since in their prosperity they went astray? (Jer 2:27-28; Jer 22:21)
This answer made my Lord Mayor look black in the face; it troubled, it
perplexed, it rent him sore. (Lam 4:8)
And now he began again to see what it was to be familiar with Diabolonians, such
as Mr. Carnal-security was. When he saw that at court, as yet, there was little
help to be expected, either for himself, or friends in Mansoul, he smote upon
his breast and returned weeping, and all the way bewailing the lamentable state
of Mansoul. Well, when he was come within sight of the town, the elders, and
chief of the people of Mansoul went out at the gate to meet him, and to salute
him, and to know how he made out at court. But he told them his tale in so
doleful a manner, that they all cried out, and mourned, and wept. Wherefore
they threw ashes and dust upon their heads, and put sackcloth upon their loins,
and went crying out through the town of Mansoul; the which when the rest of the
townsfolk saw, they all mourned and wept. This, therefore, was a day of rebuke
and trouble, and of anguish to the town of Mansoul, and also of great distress.
After some time, when they had somewhat refrained themselves, they came
together to consult again what by them was yet to be done; and they asked
advice, as they did before, of that Rev. Mr. Godly-fear, who told them, that
there was no way better than to do as they had done, nor would he that they
should be discouraged at all with what they had met with at court; yes, though
several of their petitions should be answered with nothing but silence or
rebuke; for, he said, it is the way of the wise Shaddai to make men wait and to
exercise patience, and it should be the way of them in want, to be willing to
stay his leisure.[(Psa 25:3, Psa 27:14, Psa 37:7,
Psa 62:5; Lam
3:26; Hos 12:6)]
Then they took courage, and sent again, and again,
and again, and again; for there was not now one day, nor an hour that went over
Mansoul's head, wherein a man might not have met upon the road one or other
riding post, sounding the horn from Mansoul to the court of the King Shaddai;
all with letters petitionary in behalf of, and for the Prince's return to
Mansoul. The road, I say, was now full of messengers, going and returning, and
meeting one another; some from the court, and some from Mansoul, and this was
the work of the miserable town of Mansoul all that long, that sharp, that cold,
and tedious winter. [When roused from carnal security by godly fear, the soul
feels, more than ever, the value and essential importance of prayer. No poor
harassed sinner had experienced this dread state of uncertainty more than
Bunyan; a suspense like a sharp, a cold, a tedious winter to a poor man
destitute of common comforts.] Now, if you have not forgot, you may yet
remember that I told you before that after Emmanuel had taken Mansoul, yes, and
after that He had newly remodeled the town, there remained in several lurking
places of the corporation many of the old Diabolonians, that either came with
the tyrant when he invaded and took the town, or that had there, by reason of
unlawful mixtures, their birth and breeding, and bringing up. And their holes,
dens, and lurking places were in, under, or about the wall of the town. Some of
their names are, the Lord Fornication, the Lord Adultery, the Lord Murder, the
Lord Anger, the Lord Lasciviousness, the Lord Deceit, the Lord Evil-eye, the
Lord Blasphemy, and that horrible villain, the old and dangerous Lord
Covetousness. [The apostle calls covetousness 'idolatry.' (Eph 5:5; Col 3:5)
It is a worshipping of mammon, and justly deserves the stigma which Bunyan puts
on it. — 'That
horrible villain, the old and dangerous Lord Covetousness.' His vigor increases
with his age, contrary to other vices] These, as I told you, with many more,
had yet their abode in the town of Mansoul, and that after that Emmanuel had
driven their prince Diabolus out of the castle. [Converted persons have still
the world, the flesh, and the devil to cope with — enemies without and within,
lurking in the walls, in holes, and dens in Mansoul; but the Lord has Promised
to give grace and glory (Psa
84:11) ] Against these the good Prince did grant a
commission to the Lord Will-be-will and others; yes, to the whole town of
Mansoul, to seek, take, secure, and destroy any or all that they could lay
hands on; for that they were Diabolonians by nature, enemies to the Prince, and
those that sought to ruin the blessed town of Mansoul. But the town of Mansoul
did not pursue this warrant, but neglected to look after, to apprehend, to
secure, and to destroy these Diabolonians. Wherefore, what do these villains,
but by degrees take courage to put forth their heads, and to show themselves to
the inhabitants of the town; yes, and as I was told,
some of the men of Mansoul grew too familiar with some of them, to the
sorrow of the corporation, as you yet will hear more of in time and place.
[Emmanuel gives a strict charge to destroy all Diabolonians, but this was
neglected, and the consequence was that they became to Mansoul what the
Canaanites were to Israel. 'But if you do not
drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about
that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and
as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live.'
(Num 33:55)]
[CHAPTER XIII.]
[CONTENTS: The Diabolonians take courage from the
departure of Emmanuel, and plots are formed in hell for a counter —
revolution in Mansoul — Covetousness, Lasciviousness, and Anger, by changing
their names, are introduced into respectable families, where they corrupt their
masters, and do incredible mischief — An army of twenty thousand Doubters
raised to surprise the town.]
Well,
when the Diabolonian lords that were left, perceived that Mansoul had, through
sinning, offended Emmanuel their Prince, and that He had withdrawn himself and
was gone, what do they but plot the ruin of the town of Mansoul. So upon a time
they met together at the hold of one Mr. Mischief, who also was a Diabolonian,
and there consulted how they might deliver up Mansoul into the hand of Diabolus
again. Now some advised one way, and some another, every man according to his
own liking. At last, my Lord Lasciviousness propounded whether it might not be
best in the first place, for some of those that were Diabolonians in Mansoul,
to adventure to offer themselves for servants to some of the natives of the
town. For, said he, if they so do, and Mansoul shall accept of them, they may
for us, and for Diabolus our Lord, make the taking of the town of Mansoul
easier than otherwise it will be. But then stood up the Lord Murder, and said,
This may not be done at this time, for Mansoul is now in a kind of a rage;
because by our friend Mr. Carnal-security she has been once ensnared already,
and made to offend against her Prince; and how shall she reconcile herself unto
her Lord again, but by the heads of these men? Besides, we know that they have
in commission to take and slay us wherever they shall find us; let us therefore
be wise as foxes; when we are dead we can do them no hurt, but while we live we
may. Thus when they had tossed the matter to and fro, they jointly agreed that
a letter should forthwith be sent away to Diabolus in their name; by which the
state of the town of Mansoul should be showed to him, and how much it is under
the frowns of their Prince; we may also, said some, let him know our
intentions, and ask of him his advice in the case. [Thus poor sinners are in
league with hell against their own souls. May the Lord, by His Word and Spirit,
break the horrid confederacy!] So a letter was presently framed, the contents
of which was this — 'To our great
Lord, the Prince Diabolus, dwelling below in the Infernal Cave 'O great Father, and mighty Prince Diabolus, We,
the true Diabolonians, yet remaining in the rebellious town of Mansoul, having
received our beings from you, and our nourishment at your hands, cannot with
content and quiet endure to behold, as we do this day, how you are dispraised,
disgraced, and reproached among the inhabitants of this town; nor is your long
absence at all delightful to us, because greatly to our detriment. 'The reason
of this our writing to our Lord is, for that we are not altogether without hope
that this town may become your habitation again; for it is greatly declined
from its Prince Emmanuel, and He is up-risen, and is departed from them; yes,
and though they send, and send, and send, and send after Him to return to them,
yet they cannot prevail, nor get good words from Him. 'There has been also of
late, and is yet remaining, a very great sickness and faintings among them, and
that not only upon the poorer sort of the town, but upon the lords, captains,
and chief gentry of the place; we only, who are of the Diabolonians by nature,
remain well, lively, and strong, so that through their great transgression on
the one hand, and their dangerous sickness on the other, we judge they lay open
to your hand and power. If therefore it shall stand with your horrible cunning,
and with the cunning of the rest of the Princes with you, to come and make an
attempt to take Mansoul again, send us word, and we shall to our utmost power
be ready to deliver it into your hand. Or, if what we have said, shall not by
your fatherhood be thought best, and most fitting to be done, send us your mind
in a few words, and we are all ready to follow your counsel, to the hazarding
of our lives, and what else we have. 'Given under our hands the day and date
above-written, after a close consultation at the house of Mr. Mischief, who yet
is alive, and has his place in our desirable town of Mansoul.' When Mr. Profane
— for he
was the carrier — was come with his letter to Hell-gate-hill, he knocked at the
brazen gates for entrance. Then did Cerberus, [The gate-keeper of Pluto's
palace in hell, with three heads, every hair being a snake; supposed by some to
represent the world, flesh, and devil; or the consumer of mankind] the
porter-for he is the keeper of that gate — open to Mr. Profane, to whom he
delivered his letter which he had brought from the Diabolonians in Mansoul. So
he carried it in and presented it to Diabolus his Lord, and said, Tidings, my
Lord, from Mansoul, from our trusty friends in Mansoul. Then came together from
all places of the den Beelzebub, Lucifer, Apollyon, with the rest of the
rabblement there, to hear what news from Mansoul. So the letter was broken up
and read, and Cerberus he stood by. When the letter was openly read, and the
contents thereof spread into all the corners of the den, command was given
that, without letup or stop, Deadman's bell should be rung for joy. So the bell
was rung, and the princes rejoiced that Mansoul was likely to come to ruin. Now
the clapper of the bell went, The town of Mansoul is coming to dwell with us,
make room for the town of Mansoul. This bell, therefore, they did ring, because
they did hope that they should have Mansoul again. [As there is joy in heaven
over one sinner that repents, so likewise is there joy in hell over one
backsliding saint. But almighty grace must prevail. O for watchfulness unto
prayer!] Now, when they had performed this their horrible ceremony, they got
together again to consult what answer to send to their friends in Mansoul, and some
advised one thing, and some another; but, at length, because the business
required haste, they left the whole business to the prince Diabolus, judging
him the most proper Lord of the place. So he drew up a letter as he thought
fit, in answer to what Mr. Profane had brought, and sent it to the Diabolonians
that did dwell in Mansoul, by the same hand that had brought theirs to him, and
this was the contents thereof: 'To our
offspring, the high and mighty Diabolonians, that yet dwell in the town of
Mansoul, Diabolus, the great prince of Mansoul, wishes a prosperous issue and
conclusion of those many brave enterprises, conspiracies, and designs, that you
of your love and respect to our honor, have in your hearts to attempt to do
against Mansoul.
'Beloved children and disciples, my Lord
Fornication, Adultery, and the rest, we have here, in our desolate den,
received, to our highest joy and content, your welcome letter, by the hand of
our trusty Mr. Profane, and to show how acceptable your tidings were, we rung
out our bell for gladness, for we rejoiced as much as we could, when we
perceived that yet we had friends in Mansoul, and such as sought our honor and
revenge in the ruin of the town of Mansoul. We also
rejoiced to hear that they are in a degenerated condition, and that they have
offended their Prince, and that He is gone. Their sickness also pleases
us, as does also your health, might, and strength. Glad also would we be, right
horribly beloved, could we get this town into our clutches again. Nor will we be
sparing of spending our wit, our cunning, our craft, and hellish inventions, to
bring to a wished conclusion this your brave beginning, in order to complete
it. 'And take this for your comfort, our birth, and our offspring, that shall
we again surprise it and take it, we will attempt to put all your foes to the
sword, and will make you the great lords and captains of the place. Nor need
you fear, if ever we get it again, that we after that shall be cast out any
more, for we will come with more strength, and so lay far more fast hold than
at the first we did. Besides, it is the Law of that Prince that now they own,
that if we get them a second time they shall be ours forever. (Mat 12:43-45; Heb 10:26-31)
'Do you therefore our trusty Diabolonians, yet more pry into, and endeavor to
spy out, the weakness of the town of Mansoul. We also would that you yourselves
do attempt to weaken them more and more. Send us word also by what means you
think we had best to attempt the regaining thereof; namely, whether by persuasion to a vain and loose life, or whether
by tempting them to doubt and despair, or whether by blowing up the town by the
gunpowder of pride and self-conceit. Do you also, O you brave
Diabolonians and true sons of the pit, be you always in readiness to make a
most hideous assault within, when we shall be ready to storm it without. Now
speed you in your project, and we in our desires, the utmost power of our
gates, which is the wish of your great Diabolus, Mansoul's enemy, and him that
trembles when he thinks of judgment to come! [Satan renews his temptations with
double force; while lasciviousness, murder, and mischief unite with him in
cunning devices to ruin the soul. Beware, O believer, lest a moment's lack of
watchfulness produce the bitter fruits of repentance!] All the blessings of the
pit be upon you, and so we close up our letter. 'Given at the pit's mouth, by
the joint consent of all the princes of darkness, to be sent to the force and
power that we have yet remaining in Mansoul, by the hand of Mr. Profane. — By me,
Diabolus.' This letter, as was said, was sent to Mansoul, to the Diabolonians
that yet remained there, and that yet inhabited the wall, from the dark dungeon
of Diabolus, by the hand of Mr. Profane, by whom they also in Mansoul sent theirs
to the pit. Now when this Mr. Profane had made his return, and was come to
Mansoul again, he went and came as he was used to — to the house of Mr.
Mischief, for there was the conclave, and the place where the contrivers were
met. Now when they saw that their messenger was returned safe and sound, they
were greatly gladdened thereat. Then he presented them with his letter which he
had brought from Diabolus for them, the which, when they had read and
considered, did much augment their gladness. They asked him after the welfare
of their friends, as how their Lord Diabolus, Lucifer, and Beelzebub did, with
the rest of those of the den. To which this Profane made answer, Well, well, my
lords, they are well, even as well as can be in their place. They also did ring
for joy at the reading of your letter, as you will perceive by this when you
read it. Now, as was said, when they had read their letter, and perceived that
it encouraged them in their work, they fell to their way of contriving again,
namely, how they might complete their Diabolonian design upon Mansoul. And the
first thing that they agreed upon was, to keep all things from Mansoul as close
as they could. Let it not be known, let not Mansoul be acquainted with what we
design against it. The next thing was, how, or by what means, they should try
to bring to pass the ruin and overthrow of Mansoul, and one said after this
manner, and another said after that. Then Mr. Deceit stood up and said, My
right Diabolonian friends, our lords, and the high ones of the deep dungeon, do
propound unto us these three ways: 1. Whether we had best to seek its ruin by
making of Mansoul loose and vain? 2. Or whether by driving them to doubt and
despair? 3. Or whether by endeavoring to blow them up by the gunpowder of self-conceit?
Now, I think, if we shall tempt them to pride, that may do something; and if we
tempt them to wantonness, that may help. But, in my mind, if we could drive them into desperation, that would knock the nail on the head, for then
we should have them, in the first place, question the Truth of the love of the
heart of their Prince towards them, and that will disgust him much. This, if it
works well, will make them leave off quickly their way of sending petitions to
Him; then farewell earnest solicitations for help and supply, for then this
conclusion lies naturally before them, when good
Thoughts do nothing then there is purpose. So to Mr. Deceit they
unanimously did consent. Then the next question was, But how shall we bring
this our project to pass? and it was answered by the same gentleman that this
might be the best way to do it: Even let, he said, so many of our friends as
are willing to venture themselves for the promoting of their prince's cause,
disguise themselves with apparel, change their names, and go into the market
like far-countrymen, and offer themselves for servants to the famous town of
Mansoul, and let them pretend to do for their masters as beneficially as may
be, for by so doing they may, if Mansoul shall hire them, in little time so corrupt
and defile the corporation, that her now Prince shall be not only further
offended with them, but in conclusion shall spew them out of His mouth. And
when this is done, our prince Diabolus shall prey upon them with ease; yes, of
themselves they shall fall into the mouth of the eater. (Nah 3:12) This project was no sooner propounded
but was as highly accepted, and forward were all Diabolonians now to engage in
so delicate an enterprise; but it was not thought fit that all should do thus,
wherefore they pitched upon two or three, namely, the Lord Covetousness, the
Lord Lasciviousness, and the Lord Anger. The Lord Covetousness called himself
by the name of Prudent-thrifty, the Lord
Lasciviousness called himself by the name of Harmless-mirth,
and the Lord Anger called himself by the name of Good-zeal.
So upon a market-day they came into the market-place — three lusty fellows they were
to look on — and they were clothed in sheep's-russet, [Coarse, home-spun, brown
woolen cloth] which was also now in a manner as white as were the white robes
of the men of Mansoul. Now the men could speak the language of Mansoul well.
So, when they came into the market-place, and had offered to hire themselves to
the townsmen, they were presently taken up, for they asked but little wages,
and promised to do their masters great service. Mr. Mind hired Prudent-thrifty,
and Mr. Godly-fear hired Good-zeal. True, this fellow Harmless-mirth did hang a
little in hand, and could not so soon get him a master as the others did,
because the town of Mansoul was now in Lent; [Bunyan does not pretend to fast
forty days; and he shows the evils of Lent, because after so long a fast, there
was a need of mirth; and thus Lord Lasciviousness, alias Harmless-mirth, is
hired, and soon produces great mischief. Who can tell the miseries that have
followed Easter festivities, after Lenten hypocrisies] but after a while,
because Lent was almost out, the Lord Will-be-will hired Harmless-mirth to be
both his waiting-man and his lackey, and thus they got them masters. These
villains now being come thus far into the houses of the men of Mansoul, quickly
began to do great mischief therein; for being filthy, arch, and sly, they
quickly corrupted the families where they were; yes, they tainted their masters
much, especially this Prudent-thrifty, and him they call Harmless-mirth. True,
he that went under the visor of Good-zeal, was not so well liked of his master,
for he quickly found that he was but a counterfeit rascal; the which when the
fellow perceived, with speed he made his escape from the house, or I doubt not
but his master had hanged him. Well, when these vagabonds had thus far carried
on their design, and had corrupted the town as much as they could, in the next
place they considered with themselves at what time their prince Diabolus
without, and themselves within the town, should make an attempt to seize upon
Mansoul; and they all agreed upon this, that a market-day would be best for
that work. For why? Then will the townsfolk be busy in their ways. And always
take this for a rule, When
people are most busy in the world, they least fear a surprise. [By a market-day is meant any time when the
affairs of this world most occupy the mind: a honey-moon, birthdays, or other
periods of rejoicing-as Christmas or Twelfth-day; and on times when deeply
occupied with the cares of life. These are the times for Satan's attacks. Take
heed then, Mansoul; while diligent in business, be fervent in spirit, watching
unto prayer] We also then, said they, shall be able with less suspicion to
gather ourselves together for the work of our friends and lords; yes, and in
such a day, if we shall attempt our work, and miss it, we may, when they shall
give us the rout, the better hide ourselves in the crowd, and escape. These
things being thus far agreed upon by them, they wrote another letter to
Diabolus, and sent it by the hand of Mr. Profane, the contents of which were
this — 'The Lords of Looseness send to the great and high
Diabolus, from our dens, caves, holes, and strong-holds, in and about the wall
of the town of Mansoul, greeting: 'Our
great Lord, and the nourishment of our lives, Diabolus; how glad we were when
we heard of your fatherhood's readiness to comply with us, and help forward our
design in our attempts to ruin Mansoul! None can tell but those who, as we do,
set themselves against all appearance of good, when and wheresoever we find it.
(Rom 7:21; Gal
5:17) 'Touching the encouragement that your greatness is pleased to
give us to continue to devise, contrive, and study the utter desolation of
Mansoul, that we are not concerned about that, for we know right well that it cannot
but be pleasing and profitable to us to see our enemies, and them that seek our
lives, to die at our feet or fly before us. We therefore are still contriving,
and that to the best of our cunning, to make this work most articulate and easy
to your lordships, and to us. 'First, we considered of that most
hellishly-cunning, compacted, threefold project, that by you was propounded to
us in your last; and have concluded, that though to blow them up with the
gunpowder of pride would do well, and to do it by tempting them to be loose and
vain will help on; yet to contrive to bring them into the gulf of desperation,
we think, will do best of all. Now we, who are at your beck, have thought of
two ways to do this: First, we, for our parts, will make them as vile as we
can; and then you with us, at a time appointed, shall be ready to fall upon
them with the utmost force. And, of all the nations that are at your whistle, we think that an army of Doubters may be the most likely to
attack and overcome the town of Mansoul. [This scheme is contrived with
consummate skill. First let the Christian be drawn into a light, vain, worldly
walk — 'Make
him as vile as you can'; and then assault him with doubts and fears about his
Salvation. — 'Look to it; take heed, Mansoul!] Thus shall we overcome these
enemies; and the pit shall open her mouth upon them, and desperation shall
thrust them down into it. We have also, to effect this so much by us desired
design, sent already three of our trusty Diabolonians among them; they are disguised
in garb, they have changed their names, and are now accepted of them; namely,
Covetousness, Lasciviousness, and Anger. The name of Covetousness is changed to
Prudent-thrifty; and him Mr. Mind has hired, and is almost become as bad as our
friend. Lasciviousness has changed his name to Harmless-mirth, and he got to be
the Lord Will-be-will's lackey, but he has made his master very wanton. Anger
changed his name into Good-zeal, and was entertained by Mr. Godly-fear, but the
peevish old gentleman took smell him out, and turned our companion out of his
house. No, he has informed us since that he ran away from him, or else his old
master had hanged him up for his labor. 'Now these have much helped forward our
work and design upon Mansoul; for notwithstanding the spite and quarrelsome
temper of the old gentleman last mentioned, the other two employ their business
well, and are like to ripen the work apace. 'Our next project is, that it be
concluded that you come upon the town upon a market-day, and that when they are
upon the heat of their business; for then to be sure they will be most secure,
and least think that an assault will be made upon them. They will also at such
a time be less able to defend themselves, and to offend you in the prosecution
of our design. And we, your trusty, and we are sure your beloved ones, shall,
when you shall make your furious assault without, be ready to second the
business within. So shall we, in all likelihood, be able to put Mansoul to
utter confusion, and to swallow
them up before they can come to themselves. If your serpentine heads, Subtle dragons, and our highly esteemed
lords can find out a better way than this, let us quickly know your minds. 'To
the Monsters of the Infernal Cave, from the house of Mr. Mischief in Mansoul,
by the hand of Mr. Profane.' Now all the while that the raging renegades, and
hellish Diabolonians were thus contriving the ruin of the town of Mansoul,
they, namely, the poor town itself, was in a sad and woeful case; partly
because they had so grievously offended Shaddai and His Son, and partly because
that the enemies thereby got strength within them afresh, and also because
though they had by many petitions made suit to the Prince Emmanuel, and to His
Father Shaddai, by him, for their pardon and favor, as yet, obtained not one smile; but contrariwise, through the
craft and subtlety of the domestic Diabolonians, their cloud was made to grow
blacker and blacker, and their Emmanuel to stand at further distance. The
sickness also did still greatly rage in Mansoul, both among the captains and
the inhabitants of the town; their enemies and their enemies only were now
lively and strong, and like to become the head, whilst Mansoul was made the
tail. [Backsliding from God naturally produces clouds that grow blacker and
blacker as corruptions grow stronger and stronger; grace in the soul becomes
sick and weakly] By this time, the letter last mentioned, that was written by
the Diabolonians that yet lurked in the town of Mansoul, was conveyed to
Diabolus in the black den, by the hand of Mr. Profane. He carried the letter by
Hell-gate-hill, as before, and conveyed it by Cerberus to his Lord. But when
Cerberus and Mr. Profane did meet, they were presently as great as beggars, and
thus they fell into discourse about Mansoul, and about the project against her.
CERB. Ah! old friend, said Cerberus, have you come to Hell-gate-hill again! By
St. Mary, [This is one of those shrewd hits which abound in Bunyan's works. The
devil swears by the mother of God, 'Saint Mary' — a singular
mode of connecting his satanic majesty and Popery, by his using a common popish
oath] I am glad to see you. PROF. Yes, my Lord, I am come again about the
concerns of the town of Mansoul. CERB. Prithee, tell me what condition is that
town of Mansoul in at present? PROF. In a brave condition, my Lord, for us, and
for my lords, the lords of this place I believe, for they are greatly decayed
as to godliness, and that is as well as our heart can wish; [In the same
proportion as sin is encouraged, the ordinances, ways, and will of God will be
neglected] their Lord is greatly out with them, and that does also please us
well. We have already also a foot in their dish, [To get a foot in, or footing,
is to gain admittance. 'A foot in their dish' is the further familiarity of
eating and drinking together] for our Diabolonian friends are laid in their
bosoms, and what do we lack but to be masters of the place.
Besides, our trusty friends in Mansoul are daily
plotting to betray it to the lords of this town; also the sickness rages
bitterly among them, [The immoral contagion had spread; evil thoughts abounded.
'For this cause many are sickly among you.' (1Co 11:30)
] and that which makes up all, we hope at last to prevail. CERB. Then said the
Dog of Hell-gate, No time like this to assault them; I wish that the enterprise
be followed close, and that the success desired may be soon effected. Yes, I
wish it for the poor Diabolonians' sakes, that live in the continual fear of
their lives in that traitorous town of Mansoul. PROF.
The contrivance is almost finished, the lords in Mansoul that are Diabolonians
are at it day and night, and the other are like silly doves, they lack heart to
be concerned with their state, and to consider that ruin is at hand. Besides,
you may, yes, must think, when you put all things together, that there are many
reasons that prevail with Diabolus to make what haste he can. CERB. You have
said as it is, I am glad things are at this pass. Go in, my brave Profane, to
my lords, they will give you for your welcome as good a-dancing as the whole of
this kingdom will afford. I have sent your letter in already. Then Mr. Profane
went into the den, and his Lord Diabolus met him, and saluted him with,
Welcome, my trusty servant, I have been made glad with your letter. The rest of
the lords of the pit gave him also their salutations. Then Profane, after
obeisance made to them all, said, Let Mansoul be given to my Lord Diabolus, and
let him be her king forever. And with that the hollow belly and yawning gorge of
hell gave so loud and hideous a groan-for that is the music of that place-that
it made the mountains about it totter, as if they would fall in pieces. Now
after they had read and considered the letter, they consulted what answer to
return, and the first that did speak to it was Lucifer. LUCIF. Then he said,
The first project of the Diabolonians in Mansoul is like to be lucky, and to
take; namely, that they will by all the ways and means they can, make Mansoul
yet more vile and filthy; no way to destroy a soul like this; this is probatum
est. (It has been proved) Our old friend Balaam went this way and prospered
many years ago; let this therefore stand with us for a maxim, and be to
Diabolonians for a general rule in all ages, for nothing can make this to fail
but grace, in which I would hope that this town has no share. (Num 31:16; Rev 2:14)
But whether to fall upon them on a market-day, because of their cumber in
business, that I will should be under debate. And there is more reason why this
head should be debated, than why some other should; because upon this will turn
the whole of what we shall attempt. If we do not time our business well, our
whole project may fail. Our friends the Diabolonians say that a market-day is
best, for then will Mansoul be most busy, and have fewest thoughts of a
surprise. But what if also they should double their guards on those days — and I
think nature and reason should teach them to do it — and what if they should
keep such a watch on those days as the necessity of their present case does
require? yes, what if their men should be always in arms on those days? then
you may, my lords, be disappointed in your attempts, and may bring our friends
in the town to utter danger of unavoidable ruin. BEEL. Then the great Beelzebub
said, There is something in what my Lord has said; but his conjecture may or
may not fall out. Nor hath my Lord laid it down as that which must not be
receded from, for I know that he said it only to provoke a warm debate
thereabout. Therefore we must understand, if we can, whether the town of
Mansoul has such sense and knowledge of her decayed state, and of the design
that we have against her, as does provoke her to set watch and ward at her
gates, and to double them on market-days. But if, after inquiry made, it shall
be found that they are asleep, then any day will do, but a market-day is best;
and this is my judgment in this case. DIAB. Then Diabolus said, How should we
know this? and it was answered, Inquire about it at the mouth of Mr. Profane.
So Profane was called in and asked the question, and he made his answer as
follows — PROF. My lords, so far as I can gather, this is at present the
condition of the town of Mansoul. They are decayed in their faith and love;
Emmanuel their Prince has given them the back; they send often by petition to
fetch him again, but he makes not haste to answer their request, nor is there
much reformation among them. DIAB. I am glad that they are backward to a
reformation, but yet I am afraid of their petitioning. However, their looseness
of life is a sign that there is not much heart in what they do, and without the
heart things are little worth. But go on, my masters, I will divert you, my
lords, no longer. BEEL. If the case be so with Mansoul, as Mr. Profane has
described it to be, it will be no great matter what day we assault it; not
their prayers nor their power will do them much service. APOL. When Beelzebub
had ended his oration, then Apollyon did begin. My opinion, he said, concerning
this matter is, that we go on fair and softly, not doing things in a hurry. Let
our friends in Mansoul go on still to pollute and defile it, by seeking to draw
it yet more into sin, for there is nothing like sin to devour Mansoul.
[Although Satan is the father of lies, he certainly speaks the truth here. Sin
will do more hurt to the soul than a legion of devils] If this be done, and it
takes effect, Mansoul of itself will leave off to watch, to petition, or
anything else that should tend to her security and safety; for she will forget
her Emmanuel, she will not desire his company, and can she be gotten thus to
live, her Prince will not come to her in haste. Our trusty friend, Mr. Carnal-security, with one of his
tricks, did drive him out of the town, and why may not my Lord Covetousness,
and my Lord Lasciviousness, by what they may do, keep him out of the town? And
this I will tell you, not because you do not know it, that two or three
Diabolonians, if entertained and allowed by the town of Mansoul, will do more
to the keeping of Emmanuel from them, and towards making of the town of Mansoul
your own, than can an army of a legion that should be sent out from us to
withstand Him.
Let, therefore, this first project that our
friends in Mansoul have set on foot, be strongly and diligently carried on with
all cunning and craft imaginable; and let them send continually, under one
guise or another, more and other of their men to play with the people of
Mansoul; and then, perhaps, we shall not need to be at the charge of making a
war upon them; or if that must of necessity be done, yet the more sinful they
are, the more unable, to be sure, they will be to resist us, and then the more
easily we shall overcome them. And besides, suppose — and that is the worst that can
be supposed — that Emmanuel should come to them again, why may not the same
means, or the like, drive him from them once more? Yes, why may he not by their
lapse into that sin again, be driven from them forever, for the sake of which
he was at the first driven from them for a season? And if this should happen,
then away go with him his rams, his slings, his captains, his soldiers, and he
leaves Mansoul naked and bare. Yes, will not this town, when she sees herself
utterly forsaken of her Prince, of her own accord open her gates again to you,
and make of you as in the days of old? But this must be done by time; a few
days will not affect so great a work as this. So soon as Apollyon had made an
end of speaking, Diabolus began to blow out his own malice, and to plead his
own cause; and he said, My lords and powers of the cave, my true and trusty
friends, I have with much impatience, as becomes me, given ear to your long and
tedious orations. But my furious hunger and empty belly so lusts after a
repossession of my famous town of Mansoul, that, whatever comes out, I can wait
no longer to see the events of lingering projects. I must, and that without
further delay, seek by all means I can to fill my insatiable hunger with the
soul and body of the town of Mansoul. [Satan's malice is like a throat and stomach
— 'insatiable.' He seeks to fill it with the souls and bodies of men; but his
torment is, that it is a gulf bottomless and forever insatiable] Therefore,
lend me your heads, your hearts, and your help, now I am going to recover my
town of Mansoul. When the lords and princes of the pit saw the flaming desire
that was in Diabolus to devour the miserable town of Mansoul, they left off to
raise any more objections, but consented to lend him what strength they could;
though, had Apollyon's advice been taken, they had far more fearfully
distressed the town of Mansoul. But, I say, they were willing to lend him what
strength they could, not knowing what need they might have of him, when they
should engage for themselves, as he. Wherefore, they fell to advising about the
next thing propounded, namely, what soldiers they were, and also how many, with
whom Diabolus should go against the town of Mansoul to take it; and after some
debate, it was concluded, according as in the letter the Diabolonians had
suggested, that none was more fit for that expedition than an army of Terrible
Doubters. [Doubts are dangerous and potent, as well as numberless enemies; they
are dishonourable to God's free, sovereign, unasked, unmerited, and everlasting
love and mercy in Christ Jesus] They, therefore, concluded to send against
Mansoul an army of sturdy Doubters. The number thought fit to be employed in
that service was between twenty and thirty thousand. So then, the result of
that great council of those high and mighty lords was, that Diabolus should
even now, out of hand, beat up his drum for men in the land of Doubting, which
land was upon the confines of the place called Hell-gate-hill, for men that
might be employed by him against the miserable town, Mansoul. It was also
concluded that these lords themselves should help him in the war, and that they
would, to that end, head and manage his men. So they drew up a letter and sent
back to the Diabolonians that lurked in Mansoul, and that waited for the coming
back of Mr. Profane, to signify to them into what method and forwardness they
at present had put their design. The contents whereof now follow — 'From the dark and horrible Dungeon of hell,
Diabolus, with all the Society of the Princes of Darkness, sends to our trusty
ones, in and about the walls of the town of Mansoul, now impatiently waiting
for our most devilish answer, to their venomous and most poisonous design
against the town of Mansoul. 'Our natives
ones, in whom from day to day we boast, in whose actions all the yearlong we do
greatly delight ourselves, we received your welcome, because of the
highly-esteemed letter, at the hand of our trusty and greatly beloved, the old
gentleman, Mr. Profane; and do give you to understand that when we had broken
it up, and had read the contents thereof, to your amazing memory be it spoken,
our yawning hollow — bellied place, where we are, made so hideous and yelling a noise for
joy, that the mountains that stand round about Hell-gate-hill, had like to have
been shaken to pieces at the sound thereof. 'We could also do no less than
admire your faithfulness to us, with the greatness of that subtlety that now
has showed itself to be in your heads to serve us against the town of Mansoul.
For you have invented for us so excellent a method for our proceeding against
that rebellious people; a more effectual cannot be thought of by all the wits
of hell. The proposals, therefore, which now at last you have sent us, since we
saw them, we have done little else but highly approved and admired them. 'No, we
shall, to encourage you in the profundity of your craft, let you know, that, at
a full assembly and conclave of our princes, and principalities of this place,
your project was discoursed, and tossed from one side of our cave to the other,
by their mightinesses; but a better, and as was by themselves judged, a more
fit and proper way by all their wits could not be invented, to surprise, take,
and make our own, the rebellious town of Mansoul. 'Wherefore, in fine, all that
was said that varied from what you had in your letter propounded, fell of
itself to the ground, and yours only was stuck to by Diabolus the prince; yes,
his gaping hunger and vaunting belly was on fire to put your invention into
execution. 'We, therefore, give you to understand that our stout, furious, and
unmerciful Diabolus, is raising for your relief, and the ruin of the rebellious
town of Mansoul, more than twenty thousand Doubters to come against that
people. They are all stout and sturdy men, and men that of old have been
accustomed to war, and that can therefore well endure the drum. I say, he is
doing of this work of his with all the possible speed he can; for his heart and
spirit is engaged in it. We desire, therefore, that as you have hitherto stuck
to us, and given us both advice and encouragement thus far; that you still will
prosecute our design, nor shall you lose, but be gainers thereby; yes, we
intend to make you the lords of Mansoul. 'One thing may not by any means be
omitted, that is, those with us do desire that every one of you that are in
Mansoul would still use all your power, cunning, and skill, with delusive
persuasions, yet to draw the town of Mansoul into more sin and wickedness, even
that sin may be finished and bring forth death. 'For thus it is concluded with
us, that the more vile, sinful, and debauched the town of Mansoul is, the more
backward will be their Emmanuel to come to their help, either by presence, or
other relief; yes the more sinful, the more weak, and so the more unable will
they be to make resistance when we shall make our assault upon them to swallow
them up. Yes, that may cause that their mighty Shaddai himself may cast them
out of his protection; yes, and send for his captains and soldiers home, with
his slings and rams, and leave them naked and bare, and then the town of
Mansoul will of itself open to us, and fall as the fig into the mouth of the
eater. (Nah 3:12). Yes, to be sure that we then with a great deal of ease shall come
upon her and overcome her. 'As to the time of our coming upon Mansoul, we as
yet have not fully resolved upon that, though at present some of us think as
you, that a market-day, or a market-day at night, will certainly be the best.
[At the season when the affairs of the world fill the heart, beware of being
'overcharged with eating, and drunkenness, and the cares of this world.' Be
sober, be vigilant, O my soul; attend to the author's repeated warning, 'Take
heed, Mansoul!] However do be ready, and when you shall hear our roaring drum
without, you be as busy to make the most horrible confusion within. (1Pe 5:8) So shall Mansoul certainly be
distressed before and behind, and shall not know which way to take herself for
help. My Lord Lucifer, my Lord Beelzebub, my Lord Apollyon, my Lord Legion,
with the rest salute you, as does also my Lord Diabolus, and we wish both you,
with all that you do or shall possess, the very self-same fruit and success for
their doing as we ourselves at present enjoy for ours. 'From our dreadful
confines in the most fearful Pit, we salute you, and so do those many legions
here with us, wishing you may be as hellishly prosperous as we desire to be
ourselves. By the Letter-carrier, Mr. Profane.' Then Mr. Profane addressed
himself for his return to Mansoul, with his errand from the horrible pit to the
Diabolonians that dwelt in that town. So he came up the stairs from the deep to
the mouth of the cave where Cerberus was. Now when Cerberus saw him, he asked
how matters did go below, about, and against the town of Mansoul. PROF. Things
go as well as we can expect. The letter that I carried thither was highly
approved, and well-liked by all my lords, and I am returning to tell our
Diabolonians so. I have an answer to it here in my bosom, that I am sure will
make our masters that sent me glad; for the contents thereof is to encourage
them to pursue their design to the utmost, and to be ready also to fall on
within, when they shall see my Lord Diabolus beleaguering of the town of
Mansoul. CERB. But does he intend to go against them himself. PROF. Does he!
Certainly, and he will take along with him more than twenty thousand, all
sturdy Doubters, [Some may imagine this to be an incredible number of doubts,
but when the nine divisions of this army are presently enumerated, it will be
readily acknowledge that our doubts are innumerable] and men of war, picked
men, from the land of Doubting, to serve him in the expedition. CERB. Then was
Cerberus glad, and said, And is there such brave preparations being made to go
against the miserable town of Mansoul; and would I might be put at the head of
a thousand of them, that I might also show my valor against the famous town of
Mansoul. PROF. Your wish may come to pass; you look like one that has mettle
enough, and my Lord will have with him those that are valiant and stout. But my
business requires haste. CERB. Yes, so it does. Speed therefore to the town of
Mansoul with all the deepest mischiefs that this place can afford. And when you
shall come to the house of Mr. Mischief, the place where the Diabolonians meet
to plot, tell them that Cerberus does wish them his service, and that if he
may, he will with the army come up against the famous town of Mansoul. PROF.
That I will. And I know that my lords that are there will be glad to hear it,
and to see you also. So after a few more such kind of compliments, Mr. Profane
took his leave of his friend Cerberus, and Cerberus again, with a thousand of
their pit-wishes, bid him haste with all speed to his masters. The which when
he had heard, he made obeisance, and began to gather up his heels to run. Thus
therefore he returned, and went and came to Mansoul, and going as afore to the
house of Mr. Mischief, there he found the Diabolonians assembled, and waiting
for his return. Now when he was come, and had presented himself, he also
delivered to them his letter, and adjoined this compliment to them therewith:
My lords from the confines of the pit, the high and mighty principalities and
powers of the den salute you here, the true Diabolonians of the town of
Mansoul. Wishing you always the most proper of their benedictions, for the
great service, high attempts, and brave achievements that you have put
yourselves upon, for the restoring, to our prince Diabolus, the famous town of
Mansoul. This was therefore the present state of the miserable town of Mansoul:
she had offended her Prince, and he was gone; she had encouraged the powers of
hell, by her foolishness, to come against her, to seek her utter destruction.
True, the town of Mansoul was somewhat made sensible of her sin, but the
Diabolonians were down into her bowels; she cried, but Emmanuel was gone, and
her cries did not fetch him as yet again. Besides she knew not now whether,ever
or never he would return and come to his Mansoul again, nor did they know the
power and industry of the enemy, nor how forward they were to put in execution
that plot of hell that they had devised against her. They did indeed still send
petition after petition to the Prince, but he answered all with silence. They
did neglect reformation, and that was as Diabolus would have it, for he knew, if they regarded iniquity in their heart, their King would
not hear their prayer; they therefore did still grow weaker and weaker,
and were as a rolling thing before the whirlwind. They cried to their King for
help, and laid Diabolonians in their bosoms, [This is an awful state, when we
encourage evil thoughts and tendencies in the heart, and pray to God against
them. 'If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.' (Psa 66:18) ] what therefore should a King do to
them? Yes, there seemed now to be a mixture in
Mansoul, the Diabolonians and the Mansoulians would walk the streets together.
Yes, they began to seek their peace, for they thought that, since the sickness
had been so mortal in Mansoul, it was in vain to go to hand-to-hand combat with
them. Besides, the weakness of Mansoul was the strength of their enemies; and
the sins of Mansoul the advantage of the Diabolonians. The foes of Mansoul did
also now begin to promise themselves the town for a possession; there was no
great difference now between the Mansoulians and Diabolonians, both seemed to
be masters of Mansoul. Yes, the Diabolonians increased and grew, but the town
of Mansoul diminished greatly. There was more than eleven thousand men, women,
and children that died by the sickness in Mansoul. [Awful is the state of that
soul, when it is difficult, by the conduct, to know whether it is a professor
or one of the profane. Alas, how common a case! Eleven thousand acts of piety,
holy thoughts, and aspirations after God, were lost by the wretched backslider]
[CHAPTER XIV.]
[CONTENTS — The plot discovered by Mr.
Prywell — Preparations made for defense — More Diabolonians executed — The army
of Doubters approach the town — An assault made upon Ear-gate, which is
repelled — The drummer beats a parley, which is disregarded — Diabolus attempts
to deceive by flattery, but is answered by the Lord Mayor — Jolly and Griggish,
two young Diabolonians, executed — Gripe and Rakeall hanged — Anything and
Loosefoot imprisoned]
But now,
as Shaddai would have it, there was one whose name was Mr. Prywell, a great
lover of the people of Mansoul. And he, as his manner was, did go listening up
and down in Mansoul to see, and to hear, if at any time he might, whether there
was any design against it or no. For he was always a jealous man, and feared
some mischief sometime would befall it, either from the Diabolonians within, or from some
power without. Now upon a time it so
happened as Mr. Prywell went listening here and there, that he lighted upon a
place called Vilehill in Mansoul, where Diabolonians used to meet; so hearing a
muttering — you
must know that it was in the night — he softly drew near to hear; nor had he
stood long under the house-end, for there stood a house there, but he heard one
confidently affirm that it was not or would not be long before Diabolus should
possess himself again of Mansoul, and that then the Diabolonians did intend to
put all Mansoulians to the sword, and would kill and destroy the King's
captains, and drive all his soldiers out of the town. [Mr. Prywell represents
holy jealousy and careful self-examination; which, when prayerfully used, is
sure to detect the plots of Satan]
He said,
moreover, that he knew there were about twenty thousand fighting men prepared
by Diabolus for the accomplishing of this design, and that it would not be
months before they all should see it. When Mr. Prywell had heard this story, he
did quickly believe it was true, wherefore he went forthwith to my Lord Mayor's
house, and acquainted him therewith; who, sending for the subordinate preacher,
broke the business to him, and he as soon gave the alarm to the town — for he
was now the chief preacher in Mansoul — because as yet my Lord Secretary was
ill at ease. And this was the way that the subordinate preacher did take to
alarm the town therewith; the same hour he caused the Lecture-bell to be rung,
so the people came together; he gave them then a short exhortation to
watchfulness, and made Mr. Prywell's news the argument thereof. For, he said, a
horrible plot is contrived against Mansoul, even to massacre us all in a day;
nor is this story to be slighted, for Mr. Prywell is the author thereof. Mr.
Prywell was always a lover of Mansoul, a sober and judicious man, a man that is
no tattler, nor raiser of false reports, but one that loves to look into the very
bottom of matters, and talks nothing of news, but by very solid arguments. I
will call him, and you shall hear him your own selves; so he called him, and he
came and told his tale so punctually, and affirmed its truth with such ample
grounds, that Mansoul fell presently under a conviction of the truth of what he
said. The preacher did also back him, saying, Sirs, it is not irrational for us
to believe it, for we have provoked Shaddai to anger, and have sinned Emmanuel
out of the town; we have had too much correspondence with Diabolonians, and
have forsaken our former mercies; no marvel then if the enemy, both within and without, should design and plot our ruin; and what time
like this to do it? The sickness is now in the town, and we have been made weak
thereby. Many a good meaning man is dead, and the Diabolonians of late grow
stronger and stronger. Besides, said the subordinate preacher, I have received
from this good truth-teller this one inkling further, that he understood by
those that he overheard, that several letters have lately passed between the
Furies and the Diabolonians, in order to our destruction. When Mansoul heard
all this, and not being able to gainsay it, they lift up their voice and wept.
Mr. Prywell did also, in the presence of the townsmen, confirm all that their
subordinate preacher had said. Wherefore they now set afresh to bewail their
folly, and to a doubling of petitions to Shaddai and His Son. They also broke
the business to the captains, high commanders, and men of war in the town of
Mansoul, entreating of them to use the means to be strong, and to take good
courage, and that they would look after their harness, [Military dress and
equipment] and make themselves ready to give Diabolus battle, by night and by
day, shall he come, as they are informed he will, to beleaguer [To besiege or
surround with troops] the town of Mansoul. When the captains heard this, they
being always true lovers of the town of Mansoul, what do they, but like so many
Samsons, they shake themselves, and come together to consult and contrive how
to defeat those bold and hellish contrivances that were upon the wheel, by the
means of Diabolus and his friends, against the now sickly, weakly, and much
impoverished town of Mansoul; and they agreed upon these following particulars:
1. That the gates of Mansoul should be kept shut, and made fast with bars and
locks; and that all persons that went out, or came in, should be very strictly
examined by the captains of the guards, (1Co 16:13)
to the end, they said, that those that are managers of the plot amongst us may
either, coming or going, be taken; and that we may also find out who are the
great contrivers amongst us of our ruin. (Lam 3:40)
2. The next thing was, that a strict search should be made for all kind of
Diabolonians throughout the whole town of Mansoul; and every man's house from
top to bottom, should be looked into, and that too, house by house, that if
possible a further discovery might be made of all such among them as had a hand
in these designs. (Heb 12:15-16) 3. It
was further concluded upon, that wheresoever or with whomsoever any of the
Diabolonians were found, that even those of the town of Mansoul that had given
them house and harbor, should to their shame, and the warning of others, take
penance in the open place. (Jer 2:34, Jer 5:26; Eze 16:52)
4. It was, moreover resolved by the famous town of Mansoul, that a public fast,
and a day of humiliation should be kept throughout the whole corporation, to
the justifying of their Prince, the abasing of themselves before him for their
transgressions against Him, and against Shaddai His Father. (Joe 1:14, Joe 2:15-16)
It was further resolved, that all such in Mansoul as
did not on that day endeavor to keep that fast, and to humble themselves for
their faults, but that should mind their worldly employs, or be found wandering
up and down the streets, should be taken for Diabolonians, and should suffer as
Diabolonians for such their wicked doings. 5. It was further concluded
then, that with what speed, and with what warmth of mind they could, they would
renew their humiliation for sin, and their petitions to Shaddai for help; they
also resolved to send tidings to the court of all that Mr. Prywell had told
them. (Jer 37:4-5) 6. It was also
determined that thanks should be given by the town of Mansoul to Mr. Prywell
for his diligent seeking of the welfare of their town; and further, that
forasmuch as he was so naturally inclined to seek their good, and also to
undermine their foes, they gave him a commission of Scout-master-general, for
the good of the town of Mansoul. [Reader, how wise are these regulations! seek
earnestly to follow them. Examine all things watchfully; search out evil
diligently. If evil thoughts have been harbored, let sincere penitence drive
them out. Be humble, prayerful, thankful; and you will be safe and happy] When
the corporation, with their captains, had thus concluded, they did as they had
said; they shut up their gates, they made for Diabolonians strict search, they
made those with whom any were found to take penance in the open place. They
kept their fast, and renewed their petitions to their Prince, and Mr. Prywell
managed his charge, and the trust that Mansoul had put in his hands, with great
conscience, and good fidelity; for he gave himself wholly up to his employ, and
that not only within the town, but he went out to pry, to see, and to hear. And
not many days after, he provided for his journey, and went towards
Hell-gate-hill, into the country where the Doubters were, where he heard of all
that had been talked of in Mansoul, and he perceived also that Diabolus was
almost ready for his march. So he came back with speed, and calling the
captains and elders of Mansoul together, he told them where he had been, what
he had heard, and what he had seen. Particularly, he told them that Diabolus
was almost ready for his march, and that he had made old Mr. Incredulity,
[Incredulity is general-in-chief of all the Doubters, to show that incredulity,
or unbelief, is the source of all the doubts and fears that distress the
Christian] that once broke prison in Mansoul, the general of his army; that his
army consisted all of Doubters, and that their number was above twenty
thousand. He told, moreover, that Diabolus did intend to bring with him the
chief princes of the infernal pit, and that he would make them chief captains
over his Doubters. He told them, moreover, that it was certainly true that
several of the black-den would with Diabolus ride reformades [Volunteers] to
reduce the town of Mansoul to the obedience of Diabolus their prince. He said,
moreover, that he understood by the Doubters, among whom he had been, that the reason why old Incredulity was made general of the
whole army, was because none truer than he to the tyrant; and because he
had an implacable spite against the welfare of the town of Mansoul. Besides,
said he, he remembers the affronts that Mansoul has given, and he is resolved
to be revenged of them. But the black princes shall be made high commanders,
only Incredulity shall be over them all, because, which I had almost forgot, he
can more easily, and more deftly annoy the town of Mansoul than can any of the
princes besides. (Heb 12:1) Now when
the captains of Mansoul, with the elders of the town, had heard the tidings
that Mr. Prywell did bring, they thought it expedient, without further delay,
to put into execution the laws that, against the Diabolonians, their Prince had
made for them, and given them in commandment to manage against them. Wherefore,
forthwith a diligent and impartial search was made in all houses in Mansoul for
all and all manner of Diabolonians. Now in the house of Mr. Mind, and in the
house of the great Lord Will-be-will, were two Diabolonians found. In Mr.
Mind's house was one Lord Covetousness found, but he had changed his name to
Prudent-thrifty. In my Lord Will-be-will's house, one Lasciviousness was found;
but he had changed his name to Harmless-mirth. These two the captains and
elders of the town of Mansoul took, and committed them to custody under the
hand of Mr. Trueman, the jailer; and this man handled them so severely, and
loaded them so well with irons, that in time they both fell into a very deep
consumption, and died in the prison-house; [If evil thoughts are subdued and
kept in irons, i.e., checked instantly when they appear, they will die in such
a prison. The idea was naturally suggested to the author by the number of pious
persons who perished in prison, in Bunyan's time, for conscience sake. The
Quakers alone have a list of about four hundred of their Society who thus
perished] their masters also, according to the agreement of the captains and
elders, were brought to take penance in the open place to their shame, and for
a warning to the rest of the town of Mansoul. Now this was the manner of
penance in those days. The persons offending, being made sensible of the evil
of their doings, were ordered to open confession of their faults, and a strict
amendment of their lives. [This must not be mistaken for Popish or Protestant
confessions, penances, or absolutions. The narrative is entirely spiritual and
internal. Conscience, not man, accuses; the open confession is unreservedly to
God, accompanied by godly sorrow, watchfulness, and prayer, with fruits fit for
a change of mind] After this, the captains and elders of Mansoul sought yet to
find out more Diabolonians, wherever they lurked, whether in dens, caves,
holes, vaults, or where else they could, in, or about the wall or town of
Mansoul. But though they could plainly see their footing, and so follow them, by
their track and smell, to their holds, even to the mouths of their caves and
dens, yet take them, hold them, and do justice upon them, they could not, their
ways were so crooked, their holds so strong, and they so quick to take
sanctuary there. But Mansoul did now with so stiff a hand rule over the
Diabolonians that were left, that they were glad to shrink into corners. Time
was when they dared walk openly, and in the day, but now they were forced to
embrace privacy, and the night-time was when a Mansoulian was their companion,
but now they counted them deadly enemies. This good change did Mr. Prywell's
intelligence make in the famous town of Mansoul. [How
subtle and insidious is sin! in what holes and corners it conceals itself!
breaking out occasionally when we thought ourselves near to perfection, and
making us cry out, 'O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me?]
By this time Diabolus had finished his army, which he intended to bring with
him for the ruin of Mansoul; and had set over them captains, and other
field-officers, such as liked his furious stomach best. Himself was Lord
paramount, Incredulity was general of his army.
Their highest captains shall be named afterwards, but now for their officers,
colors, and escutcheons. 1. Their first captain was Captain Rage, he was
captain over the Election-doubters, his were the red colors, his
standard-bearer was Mr. Destructive, and the great red dragon he had for his
escutcheon. (Rev 12:3-4; Rev 12:13-17) 2. The second captain was Captain
Fury, he was captain over the Vocation-doubters; his standard-bearer was Mr.
Darkness, his colors were those that were pale, and he had for his escutcheon
the fiery flying serpent. (Num 21:8) 3.
The third captain was Captain Damnation, he was captain over the Grace-doubters;
his were the red colors, Mr. No-life bare them, and he had for his escutcheon
the black den. (Mat 22:13; Rev 9:1) 4. The fourth captain was Captain
Insatiable, he was captain over the Faith-doubters; his were the red colors,
Mr. Devourer bare them, and he had for an escutcheon the yawning jaws. (Pro 27:20; Psa 11:6)
5. The fifth captain was Captain Brimstone, he was captain over the
Perseverance-doubters; his also were the red colors, Mr. Burning bare them, and
his escutcheon was the blue and stinking flame. (Psa
11:6; Rev 14:11) 6. The
sixth captain was Captain Torment, he was captain over the
Resurrection-doubters; his colors were those that were pale, Mr. Gnaw was his
ancient-bearer, and he had the black worm for his escutcheon. (Mar 9:44-48) 7. The seventh captain was Captain
No-ease, he was captain over the Salvation-doubters; his were the red colors,
Mr. Restless bare them, and his escutcheon was the ghastly picture of death. (Rev 6:8, Rev 14:11)
8. The eighth captain was the Captain Sepulchre, he was captain over the
Glory-doubters; his also were the pale colors, Mr. Corruption was his
ancient-bearer, and he had for his escutcheon a skull, and dead men's bones. (Jer 5:16, Jer 2:25)
[We are here presented with a very curious, but accurate, division into classes
of all our doubts and fears, each under the most appropriate captain,
ancient-bearer, or ensign, and standard. As all Christians are more or less
subject to their painful visits, it will be useful to scrutinize our doubts;
and, having ascertained their nature or class, then prayerfully to compare them
with the sacred Oracles, and find that key which opens all the gates in
Doubting Castle] 9. The ninth captain was Captain Past-hope, he was captain of
those that are called the Felicity-doubters; his ancient-bearer was Mr.
Despair; his also were the red colors, and his escutcheon was the hot iron and
the hard heart. (1Ti 4:2; Rom 2:5) These were his captains, and these were
their forces, these were their ancients, these were their colors, and these
were their escutcheons, now,
over
these did the great Diabolus make superior captains, and they were in number
seven, as, namely, the Lord Beelzebub, the Lord Lucifer, the Lord Legion, the
Lord Apollyon, the Lord Python, the Lord Cerberus, and the Lord Belial; these
seven he set over the captains, and Incredulity (Unbelief) was Lord-general,
and Diabolus was king. The volunteers also, such as were like themselves, were
made some of them captains of hundreds, and some of them captains of more, and
thus was the army of Incredulity completed. So they set out at Hell-gate-hill,
for there they had their rendezvous, from whence they came with a straight
course upon their march toward the town of Mansoul. Now, as was hinted before,
the town had, as Shaddai would have it, received from the mouth of Mr. Prywell
the alarm of their coming before. Wherefore they set a strong watch at the
gates, and had also doubled their guards, they also mounted their slings in
good places, where they might conveniently cast out their great stones, to the
annoyance of their furious enemy. Nor could those Diabolonians that were in the
town do that hurt as was designed they should, for Mansoul was now awake. But,
alas! poor people, they were sorely affrighted at the first appearance of their
foes, and at their sitting down before the town, especially when they heard the
roaring of their Drum. (1Pe 5:8) This,
to speak the truth, was amazingly hideous to hear; it frightened all men seven
miles round, if they were but awake and heard it. [Those tumultuous thoughts
that, like masterless hell-hounds, roar and bellow, and make a hideous noise
within me] The streaming of their colors were also terrible and dejecting to
behold. When Diabolus was come up against
the town, first he made his approach to Ear-gate and gave it a furious assault,
supposing, as it seems, that his friends in Mansoul had been ready to do the
work within; but care was taken of that before, by the vigilance of the
captains. Wherefore, missing of the help that he expected from them, and
finding his army warmly attended with the stones that the slingers did
sling-for that I will say for the captains, that considering the weakness that
yet was upon them, by reason of the long sickness that had annoyed the town of
Mansoul, they did gallantly behave themselves-he was forced to make some
retreat from Mansoul, and to entrench himself and his men in the field, without
the reach of the slings of the town. (Jas 4:7)
Now, having entrenched himself, he did cast up four mounts against the town,
the first he called Mount Diabolus, putting his own name thereon, the more to
frighten the town of Mansoul; the other three he called thus, Mount Alecto,
Mount Megaera, and Mount Tisiphone; for these are the names of the dreadful
furies of hell. Thus he began to play his game with Mansoul, and to serve it as
does the lion his prey, even to make it fall before his terror. But, as I said,
the captains and soldiers resisted so stoutly, and did so much execution with
their stones, that they made him — though against stomach — to retreat, wherefore
Mansoul began to take courage. Now, upon Mount Diabolus, which was raised on
the north side of the town, there did the tyrant set up his standard, and a
fearful thing it was to behold, for he had wrought in it by devilish art, after
the manner of an escutcheon, a flaming flame, fearful to behold, and the
picture of Mansoul burning in it. When Diabolus had thus done, he commanded
that his drummer should every night approach the walls of the town of Mansoul,
and so to beat a parley; the command was to do it at night, for in the daytime
they annoyed him with their slings, for the tyrant said that he had a mind to
parley with the now trembling town of Mansoul, and he commanded that the drums
should beat every night, that through weariness they might at last-if possibly
at the first they were unwilling, yet-be forced to do it. So his drummer did as
commanded, he arose and did beat his drum. But when his drum did go, if one
looked towards the town of Mansoul, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light
was darkened in the heaven thereof. No noise was ever heard upon earth more
terrible, except the voice of Shaddai when he speaks. But how did Mansoul
tremble! It now looked for nothing but forthwith to be swallowed up. (Isa 5:30) [Often, after I had spent this and the other day in sin, I have in my
bed been greatly afflicted, when asleep, with the apprehensions of devils, and
wicked spirits, who labored to draw me away with them; of which I could never
be rid] When this drummer had beaten for a parley, he made this speech to
Mansoul; My master has bid me tell you, that if you will willingly submit, you
shall have the good of the earth, but if you shall be stubborn, he is resolved
to take you by force. But by that the fugitive had done beating of his drum,
the people of Mansoul had betaken themselves to the captains that were in the
castle, so that there was none to regard, nor to give this drummer an answer,
so he proceeded no further that night, but returned again to his master to the
camp. When Diabolus saw that, by drumming, he could not work out Mansoul to his
will, the next night he sends his drummer without his drum, still to let the
townsmen know, that he had a mind to parley with them. But when all came to
all, his parley was turned into a summons to the town to deliver up themselves,
but they gave him neither heed nor hearing, for they remembered what at first
it cost them to hear him a few words. [The Christian's motto should be — 'No
parley with the tempter; not for a moment.' Never forget the fatal parley he
had with Eve] The next night he sends again, and then who should be his
messenger to Mansoul but the terrible Captain Sepulcher; so Captain Sepulcher
came up to the walls of Mansoul, and made this oration to the town — O you
inhabitants of the rebellious town of Mansoul! I summon you, in the name of the
Prince Diabolus, that without any more ado you set open the gates of your town,
and admit the great Lord to come in. But if you shall still rebel, when we have
taken to us the town by force, we will swallow you up as the grave; wherefore,
if you will hearken to my summons, say so, and if not, then let me know. The
reason of this my summons, he said, is, for that my Lord is your undoubted
prince and Lord, as you yourselves have formerly owned. Nor shall that assault
that was given to my Lord, when Emmanuel dealt so dishonorably by him, prevail
with him to lose his right, and to forbear to attempt to recover his own.
Consider then, O Mansoul, with thyself, will you show yourself peaceable or
not? If you shall quietly yield up yourself, then our old friendship shall be
renewed, but if you shall yet refuse and rebel, then expect nothing but fire
and sword. When the languishing town of Mansoul had heard this summoner and his
summons, they were yet more put to their dumps, but made to the captain no
answer at all, so away he went as he came. [A season of doubt and fear
encourages the assaults of death and hell. How often has Captain Sepulcher put
Mansoul to its dumps! It is a blessing when it excites to prayer and
examination] But after some consultation among themselves, as also with some of
their captains, they applied themselves afresh to the Lord Secretary for
counsel and advice from him, for this Lord Secretary was their chief preacher,
as also is mentioned some pages before, only now he was ill at ease, and of him
they begged favor in these two or three things — 1. That he would look
comfortably upon them, and not to keep himself so much retired from them as
formerly. Also that he would be prevailed with to give them a hearing, while
they should make known their miserable condition to him. But to this he told
them as before, that as yet he was but ill at ease, and therefore could not do
as he had formerly done. 2. The second thing that they desired was, that he
would be pleased to give them his advice about their now so important affairs,
for that Diabolus was come and set down before the town with no less than
twenty thousand Doubters. They said, moreover, that both he and his captains
were cruel men, and that they were afraid of them. But to this he said, You
must look to the law of the Prince, and there see what is laid upon you to do.
[Rely not upon frames, feelings, or experience, but go prayerfully to the Law
and to the Testimony; that alone should be 'a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path] 3. Then they desired that his Highness would
help them to frame a petition to Shaddai, and to Emmanuel His Son, and that he
would set his own hand thereto, as a token that he was one with them in it;
For, they said, my Lord, many a one have we sent, but can get no answer of
peace, but now, surely one with Your hand to it may obtain good for Mansoul.
But all the answer that He gave to this was that they had offended their
Emmanuel, and had also grieved Himself, and that therefore they must as yet
partake of their own devices. This answer of the Lord Secretary fell like a
millstone upon them, yes, it crushed them so that they could not tell what to
do, yet they dared not comply with the demands of Diabolus, nor with the
demands of his captain. So then, here were the straits that the town of Mansoul
was between when the enemy came upon her, her foes were ready to swallow her
up, and her friends did refrain to help her. (Lam 1:3)
Then my Lord Mayor stood up, whose name was my Lord Understanding, and he began
to pick and pick, until he had picked comfort out of that seemingly bitter
saying of the Lord Secretary, for thus he thought upon it: First, he said, this
unavoidably follows upon the saying of my Lord that we must yet suffer for our
sins. Second. But, He said, the words yet sound as if at last we should be
saved from our enemies, and that after a few more sorrows, Emmanuel will come
and be our help. Now the Lord Mayor was the more critical in his dealing with
the Secretary's words, because my Lord was more than a prophet, and because
none of his words were such but that at all times they were most exactly
significant, and the townsmen were allowed to pry into them, and to expound
them to their best advantage. [A personal prying into the Scriptures is a most
important duty. As the reader will presently see, these golden slings beat down
and frightened the high lords and soldiers, the renowned Doubters under
Diabolus] So they took their leaves of my Lord, and returned, and went, and
came to the captains, to whom they did tell what my Lord High Secretary had
said, who when they had heard it, were all of the same opinion as was my Lord
Mayor himself; the captains therefore began to take some courage unto them, and
to prepare to make some brave attempt upon the camp of the enemy, and to
destroy all that were Diabolonians, with the roving Doubters that the tyrant
had brought with him to destroy the poor town of Mansoul. So all took themselves
forthwith to their places, the Captains to theirs, the Lord Mayor to his, the
subordinate preacher to his, and my Lord Will-be-will to his. The captains
longed to be at some work for their prince, for they delighted in warlike
achievements. The next day, therefore, they came together and consulted, and,
after consultation had, they resolved to give an answer to the captain of
Diabolus with slings, and so they did at the rising of the sun on the morrow;
for Diabolus had adventured to come nearer again, but the sling-stones were, to
him and his, like hornets. (Zec 9:15)
For as there is nothing to the town of Mansoul so terrible as the roaring of
Diabolus' drum, so there is nothing to Diabolus so terrible as the well playing
of Emmanuel's slings. Wherefore Diabolus was forced to make another retreat,
yet further off from the famous town of Mansoul. Then did the Lord Mayor of
Mansoul cause the bells to be rung, and that thanks should be sent to the Lord
High Secretary by the mouth of the subordinate preacher; for that by his words
the captains and elders of Mansoul had been strengthened against Diabolus. When
Diabolus saw that his captains and soldiers, high lords, and renowned, were
frightened, and beaten down by the stones that came from the golden slings of
the Prince of the town of Mansoul, he thought to himself, and said, I will try
to catch them by fawning, I will try to flatter them into my net. (Rev 12:9) [Satan has various modes of attack. If
he succeed not as the roaring lion, he will assume the crafty serpent; if he
prevail not by fear, he will resort to flattery] Wherefore after a while he
came down again to the wall, not now with his drum, nor with Captain Sepulcher,
but having sugared his lips, he seemed to be a very sweet-mouthed, peaceable prince,
designing nothing for humor's sake, nor to be revenged on Mansoul for injuries
done to him, but the welfare, and good, and advantage of the town and people
therein, was now, as he said, his only design. Wherefore, after he had called
for audience, and desired that the townsfolk would give it to him, he proceeded
in his oration: And said, 'O! the desire of my heart, the famous town of
Mansoul! How many nights have I watched, and how many weary steps have I taken,
if, perhaps, I might do you good. (1Pe 5:8)
Far be it, far be it from me, to desire to make a war upon you, if you will but
willingly and quietly deliver up yourselves to me. You know that you were mine
of old. (Mat 4:8-9; Luk 4:6-7) Remember also, that so long as you
enjoyed me for your Lord, and that I enjoyed you for my subjects, you wanted
for nothing of all the delights of the earth, that I, your Lord and prince,
could get for you; or that I could invent to make you bonny and blithe withal.
Consider, you never had so many hard, dark, troublesome, and heart afflicting
hours, while you were mine, as you have had since you revolted from me; nor
shall you ever have peace again until you and I become one as before. Be but
prevailed with to embrace me again, and I will grant, yes, enlarge your old
charter with abundance of privileges; so that your license and liberty shall be
to take, hold, enjoy, and make your own, all that is pleasant from the east to
the west. ['All the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them'; 'all
these things will I give You, if You will fall down and worship me' (Mat 4:9) ] Nor shall any of those incivilities
wherewith you have offended me, be ever charged upon you by me, so long as the
sun and moon endures. Nor shall any of those dear friends of mine, that now,
for the fear of you, lie lurking in dens, and holes, and caves in Mansoul, be
hurtful to you any more; yes, they shall be your servants, and shall minister
to you of their substance, and of whatever shall come to hand. I need speak no
more, you know them, and have sometime since been much delighted in their
company, why then should we abide at such odds? Let us renew our old
acquaintance and friendship again. [The infernal liar promises great things,
which he is neither able nor willing to perform. Wonderful liberty, meaning
frightful slavery; all sensual gratifications, but does not hint that they are
destructive to body and soul; perfect freedom from Spiritual fears and straits,
but does not add that after all this comes a portion in the burning lake] 'Bear
with your friend; I take the liberty at this time to speak thus freely to you.
The love that I have to you presses me to do it, as also does the zeal of my
heart for my friends with you; put me not therefore to further trouble, nor
yourselves to further fears and frights. Have you I will, in a way of peace or
war; nor do you flatter yourselves with the power and force of your captains,
or that your Emmanuel will shortly come in to your help, for such strength will
do you no pleasure. 'I am come against you with a stout and valiant army, and
all the chief princes of the den, are even at the head of it. Besides, my
captains are swifter than eagles, stronger than lions, and more greedy of prey
than are the evening-wolves. What is Og of Bashan! what is Goliath of Gath! and
what is a hundred more of them to one of the least of my captains! How then
shall Mansoul think to escape my hand and force?' [I much doubt whether human
ingenuity ever invented a speech so worthy of the terms 'flattering, fawning,
deceitful, and lying.' It is worthy of the mouth of the god of this world, the
prince of the power of the air. It is a marvelous invention of an unlettered
mechanic, presenting itself to the imagination with all the force and power of
reality] Diabolus having thus ended his flattering, fawning, deceitful, and
lying speech to the famous town of Mansoul, the Lord Mayor replied to him as
follows:
'O Diabolus, prince of darkness, and master of all
deceit; your lying flatteries we have had and made sufficient probation of, and
have tasted too deeply of that destructive cup already; should we therefore
again hearken to you, and so break the Commandments of our great Shaddai, to
join in affinity with you; would not our Prince reject us, and cast us off for
ever; and being cast off by Him, can the place that he has prepared for you, be
a place of rest for us? Besides, O you that are empty and void of all Truth, we
are rather ready to die by your hand, than to fall in with your flattering and
lying deceits.' When the tyrant saw that there was little to be got by
parleying with my Lord Mayor, he fell into an hellish rage, and resolved that
again, with his army of Doubters, he would another time assault the town of
Mansoul. So he called for his drummer, who beat up for his men, (And while he
did beat, Mansoul did shake) to be in a readiness to give battle to the
corporation; then Diabolus drew near with his army, and thus disposed of his
men. Captain Cruel, and Captain Torment, these he drew up and placed against
Feel-gate, and commanded them to sit down there for the war. [The intention of
Diabolus is to fill the soul with doubts, and, if possible, with despair. He places his forces at Feel-gate; that is, he would lead
the soul to doubt by trusting to his religious frames and feelings, instead of
looking only to Jesus] And he also appointed, that if need were, Captain
No-ease should come in to their relief.
At Nose-gate he placed the Captain Brimstone, and
Captain Sepulcher, and bid them look well to their ward, on that side of the
town of Mansoul. But at Eye-gate he placed that grim-faced one the Captain
Past-hope, and there also now he did set up his terrible standard. Now Captain
Insatiable he was to look to the carriage of Diabolus, and was also appointed
to take into custody, that, or those persons and things that should at any time
as prey be taken from the enemy. Now Mouth-gate the inhabitants of Mansoul kept
for a sally-port, wherefore that they kept strong, for that it was it, by, and
out at which the towns-folk did send their petitions to Emmanuel their Prince;
that also was the gate from the top of which the captains did play their slings
at the enemies, for that gate stood somewhat ascending, so that the placing of
them there, and the letting of them fly from that place, did much execution
against the tyrant's army; wherefore for these causes, with others, Diabolus
sought, if possible, to block up Mouth-gate with dirt. [So valuable to the soul
is prayer; that Diabolus attempts to prevent it, by rendering Mouthgate
impassible. Nothing can be more expressive than the terms, 'to land up,' or
block up, 'the way with dirt,' so as to prevent the soul's approach to a pure
and holy God] Now as Diabolus was busy and industrious in preparing to make his
assault upon the town of Mansoul without, so the captains and soldiers in the
corporation were as busy in preparing within; they mounted their slings, they
set up their banners, they sounded their trumpets, and put themselves in such
order as was judged most for the annoyance of the enemy, and for the advantage
of Mansoul, and gave to their soldiers orders to be ready at the sound of the
trumpet for war. The Lord Will-be-will also, he took the charge of watching
against the rebels within, and to do what he could to take them while without,
or to stifle them within their caves, dens, and holes, in the town-wall of
Mansoul. And to speak the truth of him, ever since he took penance for his
fault, he has showed as much honesty and bravery of spirit as any in Mansoul;
for he took one Jolly, and his brother Worldly-mind, the two sons of his
servant Harmless-mirth, for to that day, though the father was committed to
prison, the sons had a dwelling in the house of my Lord. I say he took them,
and with his own hands put them to the cross. And this was the reason why he
hanged them up, after their father was put into the hands of Mr. True-man the
jailer; his sons began to play his pranks, and to be ticking and toying with
the daughters of their Lord; no, it was jealousy that they were too familiar
with them, the which was brought to his Lordship's ear. Now his Lordship, being
unwilling unadvisedly to put any man to death, did not suddenly fall upon them,
but set watch and spies to see if the thing was true; of the which he was soon
informed, for his two servants, whose names were Find-out, and Tell-all, caught
them together in an uncivil manner more than once or twice, and went and told
their Lord. So when my Lord Will-be-will had sufficient ground to believe the
thing was true, he takes the two young Diabolonians, for such they were, for
their father was a Diabolonian born, and has them to Eye-gate, where he raised
a very high cross just in the face of Diabolus, and of his army, and there he
hanged the young villains in defiance to Captain Past-hope, and of the horrible
standard of the tyrant. Now this Christian act of the brave Lord Will-be-will
did greatly abash Captain Past-hope, discouraged the army of Diabolus, put fear
into the Diabolonian renegades in Mansoul, and put strength and courage into
the captains that belonged to Emmanuel the Prince; for they without did gather,
and that, by this very act of my Lord, that Mansoul was resolved to fight, and
that the Diabolonians within the town could not do such things as Diabolus had
hopes they would. Nor was this the only proof of the brave Lord Will-be-will's
honesty to the town, nor of his loyalty to his Prince, as will afterwards
appear. Now when the children of Prudent-thrifty, who dwelt with Mr. Mind, for
Thrift left children with Mr. Mind, when he was also committed to prison, and
their names were Gripe and Rake; these he begat of Mr. Mind's bastard-daughter,
whose name was Mrs. Hold-fast-bad, I say, when his children perceived how the
Lord Will-be-will had served them that dwelt with him, what do they but, lest
they should drink of the same cup, endeavour to make their escape? But Mr. Mind
being wary of it, took them and put them in hold in his house till morning, for
this was done overnight, and remembering that by the Law of Mansoul, all
Diabolonians were to die, and to be sure they were at least by father's side
such, and some say by mother's side too, what does he do but takes them and
puts them in chains, and carries them to the self-same place where my Lord
hanged his two before, and there he hanged them. The townsmen also took great
encouragement at this act of Mr. Mind, and did what they could to have taken
some more of these Diabolonian troublers of Mansoul; but at that time the rest
lay so still, lurking and close that they could not be apprehended; so they set
against them a diligent watch, and went every man to his place. I told you a
little before that Diabolus and his army were somewhat embarrassed and
discouraged at the sight of what my Lord Will-be-will did, when he hanged up
those two young Diabolonians; but his discouragement quickly turned itself into
furious madness and rage against the town of Mansoul, and fight it he would.
Also the townsmen, and captains within, they had their hopes and their
expectations heightened, believing at last the day would be theirs, so they
feared them the less. Their subordinate preacher too made a sermon about it,
and he took that theme for his text, 'Gad, a troop shall overcome him; but
he shall overcome at the last.' (Gen 49:19)
Whence he showed that though Mansoul should be sorely put to it at the first,
yet the victory should most certainly be Mansoul's at the last. So Diabolus
commanded that his drummer should beat a charge against the town, and the
captains also that were in the town sounded a charge against them, but they had
no drum, they were trumpets of silver with which they sounded against them.
Then they which were of the camp of Diabolus came down to the town to take it,
and the captains in the castle, with the slingers at Mouth-gate played upon them
with great haste. And now there was nothing heard in the camp of Diabolus but
horrible rage and blasphemy; but in the town good words, prayer, and singing of
Psalms. The enemy replied with horrible objections, and the terribleness of
their drum; but the town made answer with the slapping of their slings, and the
melodious noise of their trumpets. And thus the fight lasted for several days
together, only now and then they had some small intermission, in the which the
townsmen refreshed themselves, and the captains made ready for another assault.
The captains of Emmanuel were clad in silver armor, and the soldiers in that
which was of proof; the soldiers of Diabolus were clad in iron, which was made
to give place to Emmanuel's catapult shot. In the town, some were hurt, and
some were greatly wounded. Now the worst on it was, a surgeon was scarce in
Mansoul, for that Emmanuel at present was absent. Howbeit, with the leaves of a
tree the wounded were kept from dying; yet their wounds did greatly putrefy,
and some did grievously stink. (Rev 22:2;
Psa 38:4-5) [Stinking and loathsome is
sin in the sight of God. May we be sensible of the filthiness of sin, as David
was: 'Mine iniquities are gone over my head; my wounds stink and are
corrupt, because of my foolishness'. (Psa 38:4-5) Of these were wounded, namely,
My Lord Reason, he was wounded in the head.
Another that was wounded was the brave Lord Mayor,
he was wounded in the Eye.
Another that was wounded was Mr. Mind, he received
his wound about the Stomach. [A curious idea, but fully borne out both by
reason and Scripture. Gluttony or drunkenness injures the mind. Peter says, 'Add
to knowledge self-control' (2Pe 1:6)
The honest subordinate preacher also, he received
a shot not far off the heart, but none of these were mortal. Many also of the
inferior sort were not only wounded, but slain outright. Now in the camp of
Diabolus were wounded and slain a considerable number. For instance.
Captain Rage he was wounded, and so was Captain
Cruel.
Captain Damnation was made to retreat, and to
entrench himself further off of Mansoul; the standard also of Diabolus was
beaten down, and his standard-bearer Captain Much-hurt, had his brains beat out
with a sling-stone, to the no little grief and shame of his prince Diabolus.
Many also of the Doubters were slain outright, though enough of them are left
alive to make Mansoul shake and totter. Now the victory that day being turned
to Mansoul, did put great valor into the townsmen and captains, and did cover
Diabolus' camp with a cloud, but withal it made them far more furious. So the
next day Mansoul rested, and commanded that the bells should be rung; the
trumpets also joyfully sounded, and the captains shouted round the town. My
Lord Will-be-will also was not idle, but did notable service within against the
domestics, or the Diabolonians that were in the town, not only by keeping of
them in awe, for he lighted on one at last whose name was Mr. Anything,
[Anything means indifference about the Spiritual life, a conformity or opposition
to it, as convenience requires] a fellow of whom mention was made before; for
it was he, if you remember, that brought the three fellows to Diabolus, whom
the Diabolonians took out of Captain Boanerges' companies; and that persuaded
them to list themselves under the tyrant, to fight against the army of Shaddai;
my Lord Will-be-will did also take a notable Diabolonian, whose name was
Loose-foot; this Loose-foot was a scout to the vagabonds in Mansoul, and that
did use to carry tidings out of Mansoul to the camp, and out of the camp to
those of the enemies in Mansoul; both these my Lord sent away safe to Mr.
True-man, the jailer, with a commandment to keep them in irons; for he intended
then to have them out to be crucified, when it would be for the best to the
corporation, and most for the discouragement of the camp of the enemies. My
Lord Mayor also, though he could not stir about so much as formerly, because of
the wound that he had lately received, yet gave he out orders to all that were
the natives of Mansoul to look to their watch, and stand upon their guard, and,
as occasion should offer, to prove themselves men. Mr. Conscience the preacher,
he also did his utmost to keep all his good documents [The books, chapters, or
verses of holy Writ] alive upon the hearts of the people of Mansoul.
[CHAPTER XV.]
[CONTENTS: The inhabitants of Mansoul make a rash
sortie on the enemy by night, but are repulsed with loss —
Diabolus makes a desperate attack upon Feel-gate, which, being weak, his
forces; and his army of Doubters possess the town, and do incredible mischief —
The inhabitants, sorely aggrieved, determine on a new application to Emmanuel,
and procure the assistance of the Secretary in preparing the petition, which is
presented by Captain Credence — He is favorably received, and appointed Lord
Lieutenant over all the forces]
Well,
awhile after, the captains and stout ones of the town of Mansoul agreed and
resolved upon a time to make a sally out upon the camp of Diabolus, and this
must be done in the night, [Night, or a time of desertion, was the best for the
enemy; for then self-confidence prevailed, the soul depended upon a fancied
inherent strength of its own, which is perfect weakness. In the Lord alone have
we righteousness and strength for the battle] and there was the folly of
Mansoul, for the night is always the best for the enemy, but the worst for
Mansoul to fight in; but yet they would do it, their courage was so high; their
last victory also still stuck in their memories. So the night appointed being
come, the Prince's brave captains cast lots who should lead the van in this new
and desperate expedition against Diabolus, and against his Diabolonian army,
and the lot fell to Captain Credence, to Captain Experience, and to Captain
Good-hope to lead the forlorn hope. This Captain Experience the Prince created
such when himself did reside in the town of Mansoul; so, as I said, they made
their sally out upon the army that lay in the siege against them; and their hap
was to fall in with the main body of their enemies. Now Diabolus and his men
being expertly accustomed to night work, took the alarm presently, and were as
ready to give them battle, as if they had sent them word of their coming.
Wherefore to it they went at full speed, and blows were hard on every side; the
hell-drum also was beat most furiously, while the trumpets of the Prince most
sweetly sounded. And thus the battle was joined, and Captain Insatiable looked
to the enemies’ carriages, [Deportment] and waited when he should receive some prey.
The Prince's captains fought it stoutly, beyond what indeed could be expected
they should; they wounded many; they made the whole army of Diabolus to make a
retreat. But I cannot tell how, but the brave Captain Credence, Captain
Good-hope, and Captain Experience, as they were upon the pursuit, cutting down,
and following hard after the enemy in the rear, Captain Credence stumbled and
fell, by which fall he caught so great a hurt that he could not rise till
Captain Experience did help him up, at which their men were put in disorder;
the captain also was so full of pain that he could not forbear but aloud to cry
out; at this the other two captains fainted, supposing that Captain Credence
had received his mortal wound: their men also were more disordered, and had no
list to fight. Now Diabolus being very observing though at this time as yet he
was put to the worst, perceiving that a halt was made among the men that were
the pursuers, what does he but taking it for granted that the captains were
either wounded or dead; he therefore makes at first a stand, then faces about,
and so comes up upon the Prince's army with as much of his fury as hell could
help him to, and his fortuity was to fall in just among the three captains,
Captain Credence, Captain Good-hope, and Captain Experience, and did cut,
wound, and pierce them so dreadfully, that what through discouragement, what
through disorder, and what through the wounds that now they had received, and
also the loss of much blood, they scarce were able, though they had for their
power the three best hands in Mansoul, to get safe into the hold again. Now,
when the body of the Prince's army saw how these three captains were put to the
worst, they thought it their wisdom to make as safe and good a retreat as they
could, and so returned by the sally-port again, and so there was an end of this
present action. [The night of darkness and desertion was not a proper season
for this effort. It seems intended to show the effects of the prevalence of a
self-confident spirit, which cannot come out well; for faith, hope, and
experience were wounded] But Diabolus was so flushed with this night's work,
that he promised himself, in few days, an easy and complete conquest over the
town of Mansoul; wherefore, on the day following, he comes up to the sides
thereof with great boldness, and demands entrance, and that forthwith they
deliver themselves up to his government. The Diabolonians too, that were
within, they began to be somewhat brisk, as we shall show afterward. But the
valiant Lord Mayor replied that what he got he must get by force, for as long
as Emmanuel their Prince was alive, though he at present was not so with them
as they wished, they should never consent to yield Mansoul up to another. And
with that the Lord Will-be-will stood up and said, 'Diabolus, master of the
den, and enemy to all that is good, we, poor inhabitants of the town of
Mansoul, are too well acquainted with thy rule and government, and with the end
of those things that for certain will follow submitting to you. [Misery without
remedy and without end; eternal death; the being cut off from God, the root and
fountain of happiness] Wherefore, though while we were without knowledge we
suffered you to take us, as the bird that saw not the snare fell into the hands
of the fowler, yet, since we have been turned from darkness to light, we have
also been turned from the power of Satan to God. (Act 26:18) And though, through your subtilty, and also the subtlety of the
Diabolonians within, we have sustained much loss, and also plunged ourselves
into much perplexity, yet give up ourselves, lay down our arms, and yield to so
horrid a tyrant as you, we shall not, die upon the place we choose rather to
do. Besides, we have hopes that in time deliverance will come from court to us,
and therefore we yet will maintain a war against you.' This brave speech of the
Lord Will-be-will, with that also of the Lord Mayor, did somewhat abate the
boldness of Diabolus, though it kindled the fury of his rage. It also succored
the townsmen and captains, yes, it was as a plaster to the brave Captain
Credence's wound; for you must know, that a brave speech now, when the captains
of the town with their men of war came home routed, and when the enemy took
courage and boldness at the success that he had obtained to draw up to the
walls and demand entrance as he did, was in season, and also advantageous. The
Lord Will-be-will also did play the man within, for while the captains and
soldiers were in the field, he was in arms in the town, and wherever by him
there was a Diabolonian found, they were forced to feel the weight of his heavy
hand, and also the edge of his penetrating sword; many therefore of the
Diabolonians he wounded, as the Lord Cavil, the Lord Brisk, the Lord Pragmatic,
and the Lord Murmur, several also of the baser sort he did sorely maim, though
there cannot at this time an account be given you of any that he slew outright.
The cause, or rather the advantage that my Lord Will-be-will had at this time
to do thus, was, for that the captains were gone out to fight the enemy in the
field. For now, thought the Diabolonians within, is our time to stir and make
an uproar in the town; what do they therefore but quickly get themselves into a
body, and fall forthwith to hurricaning in Mansoul, [If this word was coined by
Bunyan, he could not have introduced anything more appropriate. No word in
common use could convey an idea of the wretchedly uneasy state of the soul in
such a siege. Evil thoughts and imaginations are hurricaning within him; it is
a tempest rushing upon him at once from all quarters] as if now nothing but
whirlwind and tempest should be there, wherefore, as I said, he takes this
opportunity to fall in among them with his men, cutting and slashing with
courage that was undaunted, at which the Diabolonians with all haste dispersed
themselves to their holds, and my Lord to his place as before. This brave act
of my Lord did somewhat revenge the wrong done by Diabolus to the captains, and
also did let them know that Mansoul was not to be parted with for the loss of a
victory or two; wherefore the wing of the tyrant was clipped again — as to
boasting I mean — in comparison of what he would have done if the Diabolonians
had put the town to the same plight to which he had put the captains. Well,
Diabolus yet resolves to have the other bout with Mansoul; for, he thought,
since I beat them once, I may beat them twice; wherefore he commanded his men
to be ready at such an hour of the night, to make a fresh assault upon the
town, and he gave it out in special that they should bend all their force
against Feel-gate, [Again Diabolus determines to attack Mansoul by Feel-gate.
The cry was incessantly to be Hell-fire! Hell-fire! Christian, depend not upon
your frames or feelings, but
upon the immutable and unchangeable Word of God. The terrors of hell will get hold upon him who trusts to his
experience, instead of fixing all his hopes in the Lord Jehovah] and attempt to
break into the town through that; the word that then he did give to his
officers and soldiers, was Hell-fire. And, said he, if we break in upon them,
as I wish we do, either with some, or with all our force, let them that break
in look to it, that they forget not the word. And let nothing be heard in the
town of Mansoul but, Hell-fire, Hell-fire, Hell-fire! The drummer was also to
beat without ceasing, and the standard-bearers were to display their colors;
the soldiers too were to put on what courage they could, and to see that they
played manfully their parts against the town. So when night was come, and all
things by the tyrant made ready for the work; he suddenly makes his assault
upon Feel-gate, and after he had awhile struggled there, he throws the gate
wide open. For the truth is, those gates were but weak, and so most easily made
to yield. When Diabolus had thus far made his attempt, he placed his captains,
namely, Torment and No-ease there, so he attempted to press forward, but the
Prince's captains came down upon him, and made his entrance more difficult than
he desired. And, to speak the truth, they made what resistance they could, but
the three of their best and most valiant
captains being wounded, and by their wounds made
much incapable of doing the town that service they would, and all the rest
having more than their hands full of the Doubters, and their captains that did
follow Diabolus, they were overpowered with force, nor could they keep them out
of the town. Wherefore the Prince's men and their captains took themselves to
the castle, as to the strong hold of the town, and this they did partly for
their own security, partly for the security of the town, and partly, or rather
chiefly, to preserve to Emmanuel the prerogative-royal of Mansoul; for so was
the castle of Mansoul. [The heart. It is a blessed presage when that is right
with God; then may the soul, in the strength of the Lord, exult and say,
'Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; for when I fall, I shall rise again] The
captains therefore being fled into the castle, the enemy, without much
resistance, possess themselves of the rest of the town, and spreading
themselves as they went into every corner, they cried out as they marched,
according to the command of the tyrant, Hell-fire, Hell-fire, Hell-fire! so
that nothing for a while, throughout the town of Mansoul, could be heard but
the direful noise of Hell-fire, together with the roaring of Diabolus's drum.
[I could neither cast mine eye to look on this or that, but still the
temptation would come, Sell Christ for this, or sell Christ for that; sell Him,
sell Him. None but the experienced Christian knows the terror of Diabolus'
drum] And now did the clouds hang black over Mansoul, nor to reason did
anything but ruin seem to attend it. Diabolus also quartered his soldiers in
the houses of the inhabitants of the town of Mansoul. Yes, the subordinate
preacher's house was as full of these outlandish Doubters as ever it could
hold; and so was my Lord Mayor's, and my Lord Will-be-will's also. Yes, where
was there a corner, a cottage, a barn, or a hog-stye, that now were not full of
these vermin? yes, they turned the men of the town out of their houses, and
would lie in their beds, and sit at their tables themselves. Ah, poor Mansoul!
Now you feel the fruits of sin, and what venom was in the flattering words of
Mr. Carnal-security! They made great havoc of whatever they laid their hands
on; yes, they fired the town in several places, many young children also were
by them dashed in pieces, yes, those that were yet unborn they were destroyed
in their mothers' wombs; for you must think that it could not now be otherwise;
for what conscience, what pity, what bowels of compassion can any expect at the
hands of outlandish Doubters; many in Mansoul that were women, both young and
old, they forced, ravished, and beastlike abused, so that they fainted,
miscarried, and many of them died, and so lay at the top of every street, and
in all by-places of the town. And now did Mansoul seem to be nothing but a den
of dragons, an emblem of hell, and a place of total darkness. Now did Mansoul
lie almost like the barren wilderness, nothing but nettles, briars, thorns,
weeds, and stinking things seemed now to cover the face of Mansoul. I told you
before, how that these Diabolonian Doubters turned the men of Mansoul out of
their beds; and now I will add, they wounded them, they mauled them, yes, and
almost killed many of them. Many did I say, yes, most, if not all of them; Mr.
Conscience they so wounded, yes, and his wounds so festered, that he could have
no ease day nor night, but lay as if continually upon a rack; but that Shaddai
rules all, certainly they had slain him outright. Mr. Lord Mayor they so abused
that they almost put out his eyes, and had not my Lord Will-be-will got into
the castle, they intended to have chopped him all to pieces, for they did look
upon him, as his heart now stood, to be one of the very worst that was in
Mansoul against Diabolus and his crew. And indeed he has shown himself a man,
and more of his exploits you will hear of afterwards. Now a man might have
walked for days together in Mansoul, and scarcely have seen one in the town
that looked like a religious man. Oh, the fearful state of Mansoul now! Now
every corner swarmed with out-landish Doubters; red-coats and black-coats, [How
hard but just a blow is this to the pompous pride both of the military and
clerical orders. In Bunyan's time, both these professions were filled with the
friends and followers of Diabolus. The black coats are, in our day, much
reformed] walked the town by clusters, and filled up all the houses with
hideous noises, vain songs, lying stories, and blasphemous language against
Shaddai and his Son. Now, also, those Diabolonians that lurked in the walls and
dens and holes that were in the town of Mansoul, came forth and showed
themselves, yes, and walked with open face in company with the Doubters that
were in Mansoul. Yes, they had more boldness now to walk the streets, to haunt
the houses, and to show themselves abroad, than had any of the honest
inhabitants of the now woeful town of Mansoul. But Diabolus and his outlandish
men were not at peace in Mansoul, for they were not there entertained as were the
captains and forces of Emmanuel; the townsmen did browbeat them what they
could; nor did they partake or use of any of the necessaries of Mansoul, but
that which they seized on against the townsmen's will; what they could they hid
from them, and what they could not they had with an ill-will. They, poor
hearts, had rather have had their room than their company, but they were at
present their captives, and their captives for the present they were forced to
be. (Rom 7:14-24) But, I say, they
disfavored them as much as they were able, and showed them all the dislike that
they could. [This is an awful representation of the
state of a soul overwhelmed with distressing doubts of God's love, and
fear of eternal destruction. 'Torment' and 'Noease' take possession of
the feelings. The understanding is darkened, and the conscience wounded; while
a crowd of idle thoughts, vanities, and blasphemies increase the confusion and
dismay] The captains also from the castle did hold them in continual play with
their slings, to the chasing and fretting of the minds of the enemies. True,
Diabolus made a great many attempts to have broken open the gates of the
castle, but Mr. Godly-fear was made the keeper of that; and he was a man of
that courage, conduct, and valor, that it was in vain, as long as life lasted
within him, to think to do that work though mostly desired, wherefore all the
attempts that Diabolus made against him were fruitless. I have wished sometimes
that that man had had the whole rule of the town of Mansoul. Well, this was the
condition of the town of Mansoul for about two years and an half; the body of
the town was the seat of war; the people of the town were driven into holes,
and the glory of Mansoul was laid in the dust; what rest then could be to the
inhabitants, what peace could Mansoul have, and what sun could shine upon it?
had the enemy lain so long without in the plain against the town, it had been
enough to have famished them; but now when they shall be within, when the town shall
be their tent, their trench, and fort against the castle that was in the town
when the town shall be against the town, and shall serve to be a defense to the
enemies of her strength and life: I say, when they shall make use of the forts,
and town-holds, to secure themselves in, even till they shall take, spoil, and
demolish the castle, this was terrible; and yet this was now the state of the
town of Mansoul. [In the midst of all this misery, the castle is safe; or, in
other words, the heart remains right with God, Godly-fear being the keeper of
it. In many a soul where distressing doubts prevail, perhaps for years, yet the
fear of God is in the heart, so that it still cleaves to him and opposes sin]
After the town of Mansoul had been in this sad and lamentable condition for so
long a time as I have told you, and no petitions that they presented their
Prince with, all this while, could prevail; the inhabitants of the town,
namely, the elders and chief of Mansoul gathered together, and after some time
spent in commiserating their miserable state, and this miserable judgment
coming upon them, they agreed together to draw up yet another petition, and to
send it away to Emmanuel for relief. But Mr. Godly-fear stood up, and answered,
that he knew that his Lord the Prince never did, nor ever would receive a
petition for these matters from the hand of any whoever, unless the Lord Secretary's hand was to it; and this, he
said, is the reason that you prevailed not all this while. Then they
said, they would draw up one, and get the Lord Secretary's hand to it. [Prayer
must be by the aid of God the Holy Spirit and the understanding also. Faith
makes it availing in the name of Christ. See Bunyan's admirable treatise on 'Praying
in the Spirit'] But Mr. Godly-fear answered again, that he knew also that
the Lord Secretary would not set his hand to any petition that himself had not
an hand in composing and drawing up; and besides, he said, the Prince does know
my Lord Secretary's hand from all the hands in the world; wherefore he cannot
be deceived by any pretence whatever; wherefore my advice is that you go to my
Lord, and implore him to lend you his aid. Now he did yet abide in the castle
where all the captains and men-at-arms were. So they heartily thanked Mr.
Godly-fear, took his counsel, and did as he had bidden them; so they went and
came to my Lord, and made known the cause of their coming to Him, namely, that
since Mansoul was in so deplorable a condition, His Highness would be pleased
to undertake to draw up a petition for them to Emmanuel, the Son of the mighty
Shaddai, and to their King and His Father by Him. Then said the Secretary to
them, What petition is it that you would have Me draw up for you? But they
said, Our Lord knows best the state and condition of the town of Mansoul; and
how we are backslidden and degenerated from the Prince; You also know who is
come up to war against us, and how Mansoul is now the seat of war. [The
Christian's life is a warfare against the world, the flesh, and the devil; but
an evil heart of unbelief is that spiritual Goliath which we should constantly
entreat the Captain of our Salvation to subdue] My Lord knows, moreover, what
barbarous usages our men, women, and children have suffered at their hands, and
how our home-bred Diabolonians do walk now with more boldness than dare the
townsmen in the streets of Mansoul. Let our Lord, therefore, according to the
wisdom of God that is in him, draw up a petition for his poor servants to our
Prince Emmanuel. Well, said the Lord Secretary, I will draw up a petition for
you, and will also set My hand thereto. Then they said, But when shall we call
for it at the hands of our Lord? but He answered, Yourselves
must be present at the doing of it. Yes, you must put your desires to it. True,
the hand and pen shall be Mine, but the ink and paper must be yours, else how
can you say it is your petition? nor have I need to petition for myself,
because I have not offended.
He also added as follows: No petition goes from Me
in My name to the Prince, and so to His Father by Him, but when the people that
are chiefly concerned therein do join in heart and soul in the matter, for that
must be inserted therein. [This is an illustration of that text, 'the Spirit
also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should.' (Rom 8:26) And blessed be God, 'He will give
the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.' (Luk 11:13)
So they did heartily agree with the sentence of the Lord, and a petition was
forthwith drawn up for them. But now who should carry it; that was next. But
the Secretary advised that Captain Credence should carry it, for he was a
well-spoken man. They, therefore, called for him, and propounded to him the
business. Well, said the captain, I gladly accept of the motion; and though I
am lame, I will do this business for you with as much speed, and as well as I
can. The contents of the petition were to this purpose: 'O our Lord, and
Sovereign Prince Emmanuel, the powerful, the long-suffering Prince: grace is
poured into Your lips, and to You belongs mercy and forgiveness, though we have
rebelled against You. We who are no more worthy to be called Your Mansoul, nor
yet fit to partake of common benefits, do beseech You, and Your Father by You
to do away with our transgressions. We confess that You might cast us away for
them, but do it not for thy name's sake; let the Lord rather take an
opportunity at our miserable condition, to let out his bowels and compassions
to us; we are compassed on every side, Lord, our own backslidings reprove us;
our Diabolonians within our town fright us, and the army of the angel of the
bottomless pit distresses us. Your grace can be our Salvation, and where to go
but to You we know not. 'Furthermore, O gracious Prince, we have weakened our
captains, and they are discouraged, sick, and of late some of them grievously
worsted and beaten out of the field by the power and force of the tyrant. Yes,
even those of our captains in whose valor we did formerly use to put most of
our confidence, they are as wounded men. Besides, Lord, our enemies are lively,
and they are strong, they vaunt and boast themselves, and do threaten to part
us among themselves for a booty. They are fallen also upon us, Lord, with many
thousands of Doubters, such as with whom we cannot tell what to do; they are
all grim-looking, and unmerciful ones, and they bid defiance to us and You.
[Now hell rages, the devil wars, and all the world resolves to do the best they
can to bring the soul into bondage and ruin. Also, the soul shall not want
enemies in its own heart's lust — as covetousness, adultery, blasphemy, unbelief,
hardness of heart, coldness, ignorance; with an innumerable company of
attendants hanging at its heels, ready to sink it into the fire of hell every
moment. Who can number his thoughts, even his evil thoughts; that, like
legions, war against the soul's peace?] 'Our wisdom is gone, our power is gone,
because You are departed from us, nor have we what we may call ours but sin,
shame, and confusion of face for sin. Take pity upon us, O Lord, take pity upon
us, Your miserable town of Mansoul, and save us out of the hands of our
enemies. Amen.' This petition as was touched on before, was handled by the Lord
Secretary, and carried to the court by the brave and most stout Captain
Credence. Now he carried it out at Mouth-gate, for that, as I said, was the
sally-port of the town; and he went and came to Emmanuel with it. Now how it
came out, I do not know, but for certain it did, and that so far as to reach
the ears of Diabolus. Thus I conclude, because that the tyrant had it presently
by the end, and charged the town of Mansoul with it, saying, You rebellious and
stubborn-hearted Mansoul, I will make you to leave off petitioning; are you yet
for petitioning? I will make you to stop. Yes, he also knew who the messenger
was that carried the petition to the Prince, and it made him both to fear and
rage. Wherefore he commanded that his drum should be beat again, a thing that
Mansoul could not abide to hear; but when Diabolus will have his drum beat,
Mansoul must abide the noise. Well, the drum was beat, and the Diabolonians
were gathered together. Then Diabolus said, O you stout Diabolonians, be it
known to you that there is treachery hatched against us in the rebellious town
of Mansoul; for albeit the town is in our possession, as you see, yet these
miserable Mansoulians have attempted to dare, and have been so hardy as yet to
send to the court to Emmanuel for help. This I give you to understand, that you
may yet know how to carry it to the wretched town of Mansoul. Wherefore, O my
trusty Diabolonians, I command that yet more and more you distress this town of
Mansoul, and vex it with your wiles, ravish their women, deflower their
virgins, slay their children, brain their ancients, burn their town, and what
other mischief you can; and let this be the reward of the Mansoulians from me,
for their desperate rebellions against me. [When temptations beset, sin
invades, lusts rage, evil tempers arise, and we are in danger of falling, then
is the time to look up and cry, Lord save, or I perish. These vexations are the
holy thoughts and feelings, which Diabolus and his crew prevent or suppress]
This you see was the charge, but something stepped in between that and
execution, for as yet there was but little more done than to rage. Moreover,
when Diabolus had done thus, he went the next way up to the castle gates, and
demanded that, upon pain of death, the gates should be opened to him, and that
entrance should be given him and his men that followed after. To whom Mr.
Godly-fear replied, — for he it was that had the charge of that gate — that the
gate should not be opened to him, nor to the men that followed after him. He said, moreover, that Mansoul, when
she had suffered awhile, should be made perfect, strengthened, settled. (1Pe 5:10)
Then Diabolus said, Deliver me then the men that have petitioned against me,
especially Captain Credence that carried it to your Prince; deliver that varlet
into my hands, and I will depart from the town. Then up starts a Diabolonian,
whose name was Mr. Fooling, and said, My Lord offers you fair, it is better for
you that one man perish, than that your whole Mansoul should be undone. But Mr.
Godly-fear made him this replication, How long will Mansoul be kept out of the
dungeon, [Alluding to the sufferings of Christian and Hopeful in the dungeon of
Giant Despair, in Doubting Castle] when she has given up her faith to Diabolus?
As good lose the town as lose Captain Credence; for if one be gone, the other
must follow. [When the shield of faith is wanting, the soul is exposed to all
the fiery darts of the wicked one. 'This is the victory, even our faith] But to
that Mr. Fooling said nothing. Then did my Lord Mayor reply, and said, O you
devouring tyrant, be it known unto you, we shall hearken to none of your words;
we are resolved to resist you as long as a captain, a man, a sling, and a stone
to throw at you, shall be found in the town of Mansoul. But Diabolus answered,
Do you hope, do you wait, do you look for help and deliverance? You have sent
to Emmanuel, but your wickedness sticks too close in your skirts, to let
innocent prayers come out of your lips. [How true is this remark of the enemy
of souls! Our holiest services must be sanctified in the name of the Redeemer.
Diabolus can tell truth when it is to his purpose, in distressing a saint, or
destroying a sinner] Think you that you shall be prevailing and prosper in this
design? You will fail in your wish, you will fail in your attempts; for it is
not only I, but your Emmanuel is against you. (Psa
42:10) Yes, it is He that has sent me against you to subdue you; for
what then do you hope, or by what means will you escape? Then the Lord Mayor
said, We have sinned indeed, but that shall be of no help to you, for our
Emmanuel has said it, and that in great faithfulness: 'And him that comes to
Me I will in no wise cast out.' He has also told us, O our enemy; that all
manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to the sons of men. Therefore we
dare not despair, but will look for, wait for, and hope for deliverance still.
[Portions of Scripture were the weapons with which our Lord conquered Satan,
when tempted in the wilderness. Poor tried soul; you may rely with the most
perfect confidence on the Scriptures for support in the most trying hour. 'Though
it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.' (Hab 2:3) Any other support is but like a broken
reed] Now by this time Captain Credence returned and came from the court from
Emmanuel to the castle of Mansoul, and he returned to them with a packet. So my
Lord Mayor hearing that Captain Credence was come, withdrew himself from the
noise of the roaring of the tyrant, and left him to yell at the wall of the
town, or against the gates of the castle. So he came up to the captain's
lodgings, and saluting him, he asked him of his welfare, and what was the best
news at court? But when he asked Captain Credence that, the water stood in his
eyes. Then the captain said, Cheer up, my Lord, for all will be well in time;
and with that he first produced his packet, and laid it by; but that the Lord
Mayor and the rest of the captains took for sign of good tidings. Now a season
of grace being come, he sent for all the captains and elders of the town that
were here and there in their lodgings in the castle, and upon their guard, to
let them know that Captain Credence was returned from the court, and that he
had something in general, and something in special to communicate to them. So
they all came up to him, and saluted him, and asked him concerning his journey,
and what was the best news at the court? And he answered them as he had done
the Lord Mayor before, that all would be well at last. Now when the captain had
thus saluted them, he opened his packet, and therefore did draw out his several
notes for those that he had sent for. And the first note was for my Lord Mayor,
wherein was signified:
That the Prince Emmanuel had taken it well that my
Lord Mayor had been so true and trusty in his office, and the great concerns
that lay upon him for the town and people of Mansoul; also he bid him to know
that He took it well that he had been so bold for his Prince Emmanuel, and had
engaged so faithfully in his cause against Diabolus. He also signified at the
close of his letter, that he should shortly receive his reward. The second note
that came out was for the noble Lord Will-be-will, wherein there was signified,
That his Prince Emmanuel did well understand how valiant and courageous he had
been for the honor of his Lord, now in his absence, and when His name was under
contempt by Diabolus. There was signified also that his Prince had taken it
well that he had been so faithful to the town of Mansoul in his keeping of so
strict a hand and eye over and so strict a rein upon the neck of the
Diabolonians that did still lie lurking in their several holes in the famous
town of Mansoul.
He signified, moreover, how that he understood
that my Lord had with his own hand done great execution upon some of the chief
of the rebels there, to the great discouragement of the adverse party, and to
the good example of the whole town of Mansoul, and that shortly his Lordship
should have his reward. The third note came out for the subordinate Preacher,
wherein was signified, That his Prince took it well from him that he had so
honestly and so faithfully performed his office, and executed the trust
committed to him by his Lord while he exhorted, rebuked, and fore-warned
Mansoul according to the Laws of the town. He signified moreover, that he took
it well at his hand that he called to fasting, to sackcloth and ashes, when
Mansoul was under her revolt. Also that he called for the aid of the Captain
Boanerges to help in so weighty a work, and that shortly he also should receive
his reward. The fourth note came out for Mr. Godly-fear wherein his Lord thus
signified, That his Lordship observed that he was the first of all the men in
Mansoul that detected Mr. Carnal-security, as the only one that through his
subtlety and cunning had obtained for Diabolus, a defection and decay of
goodness in the blessed town of Mansoul. Moreover, his Lord gave him to
understand that he still remembered his tears and mourning for the state of
Mansoul. It was also observed by the same note, that his Lord took notice of
his detecting of this Mr. Carnal-security, at his own table among his guests,
in his own house, and that in the midst of his jolliness, even while he was
seeking to perfect his villanies against the town of Mansoul. Emmanuel also
took notice that this reverend person, Mr. Godly-fear, stood stoutly to it at
the gates of the castle, against all the threats and attempts of the tyrant,
and that he had put the townsmen in a way to make their petition to their
Prince, so as that He might accept thereof, and as they might obtain an answer
of peace; and that therefore shortly he should receive his reward. After all
this, there was yet produced a note which was written to the whole town of
Mansoul, whereby they perceived that their Lord took notice of their so often
repeating of petitions to Him, and that they should see more of the fruits of
such their doings in time to come. Their Prince did also therein tell them,
That He took it well, that their heart and mind now at last abode fixed upon
Him and His ways, though Diabolus had made such inroads upon them, and that neither flatteries on the one hand, nor hardships
on the other, could make them yield to serve his cruel designs. There
was also inserted at the bottom of this note, That his Lordship had left the
town of Mansoul in the hands of the Lord Secretary, and under the conduct of Captain
Credence, saying, Beware that you yet yield yourselves to their governance, and
in due time you shall receive your reward. So after the brave Captain Credence
had delivered his notes to those to whom they belonged, he retired himself to
my Lord Secretary's lodgings, and there spends time in conversing with him; for
they too were very great one with another, and did indeed know more how things
would go with Mansoul than did all the townsmen besides. The Lord Secretary
also loved Captain Credence dearly; yes, many a good bit was sent him from my
Lord's table; also he might have a show of countenance when the rest of Mansoul
lay under the clouds; so after some time for conversation was spent, the
Captain took himself to his chambers to rest. But it was not long after when my
Lord did send for the captain again. So the captain came to him, and they
greeted one another with usual salutations. Then the captain said to the Lord
Secretary, What has my Lord to say to His servant? So the Lord Secretary took
him aside, in private, and after a sign or two of more favor, He said, I have
made you the Lord's lieutenant over all the forces in Mansoul, so that from
this day forward, all men in Mansoul shall be at your word, and you shall be he
that shall lead them in and out of Mansoul. You shall therefore manage,
according to your place, the war for your Prince, and for the town of Mansoul,
against the force and power of Diabolus, and at thy command shall the rest of
the captains be. Now the townsmen began to perceive what interest the captain
had, both with the court, and also with the Lord Secretary in Mansoul; for no
man before could speed when sent, nor bring such good news from Emmanuel as he.
Wherefore what do they, after some lamentation that they made no more use of
him in their distresses, but send by their subordinate Preacher to the Lord
Secretary, to desire him that all that ever they were and had, might be put
under the government, care, custody, and conduct of Captain Credence. [The
design of this is to show that the soul is to live by faith, and not by sense.
The Spirit of God puts honor upon faith, and makes him chief-captain of the
town. This is a prelude to victory over the Doubters] So their preacher went
and did his errand, and received this answer from the mouth of his Lord, that
Captain Credence should be the great doer in all the King's army, against the
King's enemies, and also for the welfare of Mansoul. So he bowed to the ground,
and thanked his Lordship, and returned and told his news to the townsfolk. But
all this was done with all imaginable secrecy, because the foes had yet great
strength in the town. But, to return to our story again:
[CHAPTER XVI]
[CONTENTS: A new plot is
laid to ruin the town by riches and prosperity — Emmanuel, according to His
Promise, appears in the field, to assist the forces of Mansoul, whereby the
whole army of Doubters is completely routed — Emmanuel enters the town amidst
the joyful acclamations of the inhabitants] When Diabolus saw himself thus
boldly confronted by the Lord Mayor, and perceived the stoutness of Mr.
Godly-fear, he fell into a rage, and forthwith called a council of war, that he
might be revenged on Mansoul. So all the princes of the pit came together and
old Incredulity as the head of them, with all the captains of his army. So they
consulted what to do. Now the effect and conclusion of the council that day,
was how they might take the castle; because they could not conclude themselves
masters of the town, so long as that was in the possession of their enemies. So
one advised this way, and another advised that; but when they could not agree
in their verdict, Apollyon, that president of the council, stood up, and thus
he began: My brotherhood, I have two things to propound to you; and my first is
this; let us withdraw ourselves from the town into the plain again, for our
presence here will do us no good, because the castle is yet in our enemy's
hands; nor is it possible that we should take that so long as so many brave
captains are in it, and that this bold fellow Godly-fear is made the keeper of
the gates of it.
Now when
we have withdrawn ourselves into the plain, they, of their own accord, will be
glad of some little ease; and it may be, of their own accord, they again may
begin to be neglectful; [A state of Spiritual ease and prosperity has its
dangers; we must, by the Word and Spirit, in the strength of Jesus, fight every
inch of our way to heaven and glory] and even their so being, will give them a
bigger blow than we can possibly give them ourselves. But if that should fail,
our going forth of the town may draw the captains out after us, and you know
what it cost them, when we fought them in the field before. Besides, can we but
draw them out into the field, we may lay an ambush behind the town, which
shall, when they are come forth abroad, rush in, and take possession of the
castle. But Beelzebub stood up, and replied, saying: It is impossible to draw
them all off from the castle; some you may be sure will lie there to keep that;
wherefore it will be but in vain thus to attempt, unless we were sure that they
will all come out. He therefore concluded that what was done, must be done by
some other means. And the most likely means that the greatest of their heads
could invent, was that which Apollyon had advised to before, namely, to get the
townsmen again to sin. For, he said, it is not our being in the town, nor in
the field, nor our fighting, nor our killing of their men, that can make us the
masters of Mansoul; for so long as one in the town is able to lift up his
finger against us, Emmanuel will take their parts; and if He shall take their
parts, we know what time a-day it will be with us. [Satan trembles when he sees
The least saint upon his knees] Wherefore, for my part, there is, in my
judgment, no way to bring them into bondage to us, like inventing a way to make
them sin. (2Pe 2:18-22) Had we, left all our Doubters at home, we had
done as well as we have done now, unless we could have made them the masters
and governors of the castle; for Doubters at a distance, are but like
objections refilled with arguments. Indeed can we but get them into the hold,
and make them possessors of that, the day will be our own. Let us therefore
withdraw ourselves into the plain, (Not expecting that the captains in Mansoul
should follow us) but yet, I say, let us do this, and before we so do, let us
advise again with our trusty Diabolonians that are yet in their holds of
Mansoul, and set them to work to betray the town to us; for they indeed must do
it, or it will be left undone for ever. By these sayings of Beelzebub-for I
think it was he that gave this counsel-the whole conclave was forced to be of
his opinion, namely, that the way to get the castle was to get the town to sin.
Then they fell to inventing by what means they might do this thing. [The great object of Satan is to allure Mansoul to sin. He
can never win the heart, or castle, unless sin opens the gates] Then
Lucifer stood up, and said, The counsel of Beelzebub is pertinent; now the way to
bring this to pass, in my opinion, is this: Let us withdraw our force from the
town of Mansoul, let us do this and let us terrify them no more, either with
summons or threats, or with the noise of our drum, or any other awakening
means. Only let us lie in the field at a distance, and be as if we regarded
them not; for frights I see do but awaken them, and
make them more stand to their arms. I have also another stratagem in my
head: You know Mansoul is a market-town; and a town that delights in commerce; what
therefore, if some of our Diabolonians shall feign themselves far-country men,
and shall go out and bring to the market of Mansoul some of our wares to sell;
and what matter at what rates they sell their wares, though it be but for half
the worth. Now, let those that thus shall trade in their market, be those that
are witty and true to us, and I will lay my crown to pawn it to do this. There
are two that are come to my thoughts already, that I think will be arch at this
work, and they are Mr. Penny-wise-pound-foolish, and Mr.
Get-i'the-hundred-and-lose-i'the-shire; ['Penny-wise, and pound-foolish' is a
well-known proverb, showing the folly of those who lose a pound to gain a
penny. 'Get i' the' hundred and lose i' the' shire' is an obsolete proverb, meaning
that as a shire or county contains many divisions called hundreds, it would be
foolish to lose a county for the sake of gaining a small part of a county
called a hundred] nor is this man with the long name at all inferior to the
other. What also if you join with them Mr. Sweet-world, and Mr. Present-good;
they are men that are civil and cunning, but our true friends and helpers. Let
these with as many more engage in this business for us, and let Mansoul be
taken up in much business, and let them grow full and rich, and this is the way
to get ground of them; remember you not that thus we prevailed upon Laodicea,
and how many at present do we hold in this snare? (Rev
3:17) Now when they begin to grow full, they will forget their
misery, and if we shall not frighten them they may happen to fall asleep, and
so begin to neglect their town-watch, their castle-watch, as well as their
watch at the gates. Yes, may we not by this means so cumber Mansoul with
abundance, that they shall be forced to make of their
castle a warehouse instead of a garrison fortified against us and a
receptacle for men of war. [Great is the danger when the heart, here called the
castle, which should be the temple of the Lord, is turned into a warehouse]
Thus if we get our goods, and commodities there, I reckon that the castle is
more than half ours. Besides, could we so order it, that it shall be filled
with such kind of wares, then if we made a sudden assault upon them, it would
be hard for the captains to take shelter there. Do you not know that of the
parable, The deceitfulness of riches choke the word? (Luk 8:14) And again, When the heart is
overcharged with indulgence and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, all
mischief comes upon them at unawares. (Luk 21:34-36)
Furthermore, my lords, you very well know that it is
not easy for a people to be filled with our things, and not to have some of our
Diabolonians as retainers to their houses and services. Where is a
Mansoulian that is full of this world, that has not for his servants, and
waiting-men, Mr. Profuse, (Extreme abundance) or Mr. Prodigality, (Spending
extravagantly) or some other of our Diabolonian gang, as Mr. Voluptuous,
(Furnishing gratification to the senses) Mr. Pragmatical, (Philosophical
tradition) Mr. Ostentation, (Boasting) or the like? Now these can take the
castle of Mansoul, or blow it up, or make it unfit for a garrison for Emmanuel;
and any of these will do. Yes, these, for nothing I know, may do it for us
sooner than an army of twenty thousand men. Wherefore, to end as I began, my
advice is, that we quietly withdraw ourselves, not offering any further force,
or forcible attempts upon the castle, at least at this time, and let us set on
foot our new project, and let us see if that will not
make them destroy themselves. This advice was highly applauded by them
all, and was accounted the very master-piece of hell; namely,
to choke Mansoul with a fullness of this world, and to fill up her heart with
the good things thereof. But see how things fit together; just as this
Diabolonian council was broken up, Captain Credence received a letter from
Emmanuel, the contents of which was this, That upon the third day he would meet
him in the field in the plains about Mansoul. Meet me in the field! said the
captain, what does my Lord have in mind by this? I do not know what He means by
meeting me in the field. So he took the note in his hand, and did carry it to
my Lord Secretary, to ask his thoughts thereupon; for my Lord was a seer in all
matters concerning the King, and also for the good and comfort of the town of
Mansoul. So he showed my Lord the note, and desired his opinion thereof: for my
part, said Captain Credence, I do not know the meaning thereof. So my Lord did
take and read it, and after a little pause he said, The Diabolonians have had
against Mansoul a great consultation today; they have, I say, this day been
contriving the utter ruin of the town; and the result of their council is, to
set Mansoul into such a way, which, if taken, will surely make her destroy
herself. And to this end, they are making ready for their own departure out of
the town, intending to take themselves to the field again, and there to lie
till they shall see whether this their project will take or not. But be ready,
with the men of Your Lord, for on the third day they will be in the plain;
there to fall upon the Diabolonians; for the Prince will by that time be in the
field; yes, by the break of day, the sun-rising, or before, and that with a
mighty force against them. So he shall be before them, and you shall be behind
them, and between you both their army shall be destroyed. When Captain Credence
heard this, away goes he to the rest of the captains, and tells them what a
note he had received from the hand of Emmanuel. And, that which was hard to understand,
has My Lord, the Lord Secretary, expounded to me. He told them, moreover, what
by himself and by them must be done to answer the mind of their Lord. Then were
the captains glad, and Captain Credence commanded that all the King's
trumpeters should ascend to the battlements of the castle, and there in the
audience of Diabolus, and of the whole town of Mansoul, make the best music
that heart could invent. The trumpeters then did as they were commanded. They
got themselves up to the top of the castle, and thus they began to sound; then
did Diabolus start, and said, What can be the meaning of this, they neither
boot, saddle, nor horse nor a charge? What do these madmen mean, that yet they
should be so merry and glad? Then answered one of themselves and said, This is
for joy that their Prince Emmanuel is coming to relieve the town of Mansoul;
and to this end he is at the head of an army, and that this relief is near. The
men of Mansoul also were greatly concerned at this melodious charm of the
trumpets. They said, yes, they answered one another, saying, This can be no
harm to us; surely this can be no harm to us. Then said the Diabolonians, What
had we best to do? And it was answered, It was best to quit the town; and that,
said one, Ye may do in pursuance of your last council, and by so doing, also be
better able to give the enemy battle, should an army from without come upon us.
So on the second day they withdrew themselves from Mansoul, and abode in the
plains without; but they encamped themselves before Eye-gate, in what terrene
and terrible manner they could. The reason why they would not abide in the
town, besides the reasons that were debated in their late conclave, was, for
that they were not possessed of the stronghold, and because, said they, we shall
have more convenience to fight, and also to fly, if need be, when we are
encamped in the open plains. Besides, the town would have been a pit for them
rather than a place of defense, had the Prince come up, and enclosed them fast
therein. Therefore they took themselves to the field, that they might also be
out of the reach of the slings, [Portions from the Bible, probably meaning the
epistles of the New Testament] by which they were much annoyed all the while
that they were in the town. Well, the time that the captains were to fall upon
the Diabolonians being come, they eagerly prepared themselves for action; for
Captain Credence had told the captains over night that they should meet their
Prince in the field tomorrow. This therefore made them yet far more desirous to
be engaging the enemy, for, You shall see the Prince in the field tomorrow, was
like oil to a flaming fire; for of a long time they had been at a distance,
they therefore were for this the more earnest and desirous of the work. So, as
I said, the hour being come, Captain Credence, with the rest of the men of war,
drew out their forces before it was day by the sally-port of the town. And
being all ready, Captain Credence went up to the head of the army, and gave to
the rest of the captains the word, and so they to their under-officers and
soldiers. The word was The sword of the Prince Emmanuel, and the shield of
Captain Credence, which is, in the Mansoulian tongue, The word of God and
faith. Then the captains fell in, and began to aggressively front, and flank,
and rear Diabolus' camp. [How heartily, or, 'aggressively,' can we fight our
implacable foes, when thus armed with 'the Word of God, the sword of Emmanuel,
and faith' — the
shield of Credence! These are invincible weapons when the Holy Spirit enables
us to use them] Now they left Captain Experience in the town, because he was
yet ill of his wounds which the Diabolonians had given him in the last fight.
But when he perceived that the captains were at it, what does he, but, calling
for his crutches with haste, gets up and away he goes to the battle, saying,
Shall I lie here when my brethren are in the fight? and when Emmanuel the
Prince will show himself in the field to his servants?' But when the enemy saw
the man come with his crutches, they were daunted yet the more; for, they
thought, what spirit has possessed these Mansoulians that they fight us upon
their crutches! Well, the captains, as I said, fell on, and did bravely handle
their weapons, still crying out and shouting, as they
laid on blows, The sword of the Prince Emmanuel,
and the shield of Captain Credence. Now when Diabolus saw that the captains
were come out and that so valiantly they surrounded his men, he concluded, that
for the present, nothing from them was to be looked for but blows, and strokes of their two-edged sword. Wherefore
he also falls on upon the Prince's army with all his deadly force. So the
battle was joined. Now who was it that at first Diabolus met with in the fight,
but Captain Credence on the one hand, and the Lord Will-be-will on the other;
now Will-be-will's blows were like the blows of a giant, for that man had a
strong arm, and he fell in upon the Election-doubters — for they were the life guard
of Diabolus-and he kept them in play a good while, cutting and battering
shrewdly. Now when Captain Credence saw my Lord engaged, he did stoutly fall
on, on the other hand, upon the same company, also; so they put them to great
disorder. [Election-doubters are the devil's life-guard. When the will,
strengthened by faith, attacks them, they are put into disorder, but not
destroyed. These doubts are first attacked, for until they are defeated the
soul has no peace] Now Captain Good-hope had engaged the Vocation-doubters, and
they were sturdy men, but the captain was a valiant man. Captain Experience did
also send him some aid, so he made the Vocation-doubters to retreat. The rest
of the armies were hotly engaged, and that on every side, and the Diabolonians
did fight stoutly. Then did my Lord Secretary command that the slings from the
castle should be played, and his men could throw stones at an hair's breadth.
But after a while, those that were made to fly before the captains of the
Prince did begin to rally again, and they came up stoutly upon the rear of the
Prince's army, wherefore the Prince's army began to faint, but remembering that
they should see the face of their Prince by-and-by, they took courage, and a
very fierce battle was fought. Then shouted the captains, saying, The sword of
the Prince Emmanuel and the shield of Captain Credence, and with that Diabolus
gave back, thinking that more aid had been come. But no Emmanuel as yet
appeared; moreover, the battle did hang in doubt, and they made a little
retreat on both sides. Now, in the time of respite, Captain Credence bravely
encouraged his men to stand to it, and Diabolus did the like as well as he
could. But Captain Credence made a brave speech to his soldiers, the contents
whereof here as follows: Gentlemen soldiers, and my brethren in this design, it
rejoices me much to see in the field for our Prince, this day, so stout and so
valiant an army, and such faithful lovers of Mansoul. You have hitherto, as has
become you, shown yourselves men of Truth and courage against the Diabolonian
forces, so that, for all their boast, they have not yet much cause to boast of
their gettings. Now take to yourselves your wonted courage, and show yourselves
men even this once only, for in a few minutes after the next engagement this
time, you shall see your Prince show himself in the field, for we must make
this second assault upon this tyrant Diabolus, and then Emmanuel comes. No
sooner had the captain made this speech to his soldiers, but one Mr. Speedy
came post to the captain from the Prince, to tell him that Emmanuel was at
hand. This news, when the captain had received, he communicated to the other
field-officers, and they again to their soldiers and men of war. Wherefore,
like men raised from the dead, so the captains and their men arose, made up to
the enemy, and cried as before, The sword of the Prince Emmanuel, and the
shield of Captain Credence. The Diabolonians also bestirred themselves and made
resistance as well as they could, but in this last engagement the Diabolonians
lost their courage, and many of the Doubters fell down dead to the ground. Now
when they had been in heat of battle about an hour or more, Captain Credence
lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold Emmanuel came, and He came with colors
flying, trumpets sounding, and the feet of his men scarce touched the ground,
they hasted with that quickness towards the captains that were engaged. Then
did Credence wind with his men to the town, and gave to Diabolus the field. So
Emmanuel came upon him on the one side, and the enemies place was between them
both, then again they fell to it afresh, and now it was but a little while more
but Emmanuel and Captain Credence met, still trampling down the slain as they
came. But when the captains saw that the Prince was come, and that He fell upon
the Diabolonians on the other side, and that Captain Credence and his Highness
had them up between them, they shouted, they so shouted that the ground rent
again, saying, The sword of Emmanuel and the shield of Captain Credence. Now
when Diabolus saw that he and his forces were so hard beset by the Prince and
his princely army, what does he, and the lords of the pit that were with him,
but make their escape and forsake their army, and leave them to fall by the
hand of Emmanuel, and of his noble Captain Credence; so they fell all down slain
before them, before the Prince, and before his royal army; there was not left
so much as one doubter alive, they lay spread upon the ground dead men, as one
would spread dung upon the land. [The presence of the Lord decides the contest.
Doubts and fears cannot stand before the gracious manifestation of Himself to
the soul] When the battle was over all things came into order in the camp; then
the captains and elders of Mansoul came together to salute Emmanuel, while
without the corporation; so they saluted Him and welcomed Him, and that with a
thousand welcomes, (Song
8:1) for that He was come to the borders of Mansoul
again; so He smiled upon them and said, Peace be to you. (Joh 20:19) Then they addressed themselves to go
to the town, they went then to go up to Mansoul, they, the Prince, with all the
new forces that now he had brought with him to the war. Also all the gates of
the town were set open for his reception, so glad were they of his blessed
return. And this was the manner and order of this going of his into Mansoul:
First, as I said, all the gates of the town were set open, yes, the gates of
the castle also; the elders too of the town of Mansoul placed themselves at the
gates of the town to salute him at his entrance thither; and so they did, for
as he drew near and approached towards the gates, they said, 'Lift up your
heads, O gates; and be lifted up, everlasting doors; and the King of glory
shall come in.' And they answered again, 'Who is the King of glory?'
and they made return to themselves, 'The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord
mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates; even lift them up, everlasting
doors' (Psa 24:7-9) Secondly, It
was ordered also by those of Mansoul, that all the way from the town-gates to
those of the castle, his blessed Majesty should be entertained with the song,
by them that had the best skill in music in all the town of Mansoul; then did
the elders and the rest of the men of Mansoul answer one another as Emmanuel
entered the town, till He came at the castle-gates, with songs and sound of
trumpets, saying, 'They have seen Your goings, O God, even the goings of
my God, my King, in the sanctuary.' So 'the singers went before, the players on
instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing
on timbrels.' (Psa 68:25) Thirdly, Then
the captains — for I
would speak a word of them — they in their order waited on the Prince as he
entered into the gates of Mansoul. Captain Credence went before, and Captain
Good-hope with him; Captain Charity came behind with other of his companions,
and Captain Patience followed after all, and the rest of the captains — some on
the right hand, and some on the left — accompanied Emmanuel into Mansoul. And
all the while the colors were displayed, the trumpets sounded, and continual
shootings’ were among the soldiers. The Prince himself rode into the town in
His armor, which was all of beaten gold, and in His chariot, the pillars of it
were of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it was of purple,
the midst thereof being paved with love for the daughters of the town of
Mansoul. Fourthly, When the Prince was come to the entrance of Mansoul, He
found all the streets strewed with lilies and flowers, curiously decked with
boughs and branches from the green trees that stood round about the town. Every
door also was filled with persons who had adorned every one their fore-part
against their house, with something of variety and singular excellency to
entertain Him withal as He passed in the streets; they also themselves, as Emmanuel
passed by, did welcome Him with shouts and acclamations of joy, saying, Blessed
be the Prince that comes in the name of His Father Shaddai. Fifthly, At the
castle-gates the elders of Mansoul, namely, the Lord Mayor, the Lord
Will-be-will, the subordinate Preacher, Mr. Knowledge, Mr. Mind, with other of
the gentry of the place, saluted Emmanuel again. They bowed before Him, they
kissed the dust of His feet, they thanked, they blessed, and praised His
Highness for not taking advantage against them for their sins, but rather had
pity upon them in their misery, and returned to them with mercies, and to build
up their Mansoul forever. Thus was He up straightway to the castle; for that
was the royal palace, and the place where his honor was to dwell; the which was
ready prepared for his Highness by the presence of the Lord Secretary and the
work of Captain Credence. So he entered in. Sixthly, Then the people and
commonalty of the town of Mansoul came to him into the castle to mourn, and to
weep, and to lament for their wickedness by which they had forced him out of
the town. So they, when they were come, bowed themselves to the ground seven
times, they also wept, they wept aloud, and asked forgiveness of the Prince,
and prayed that he would again, as of old, confirm his love to Mansoul. To the
which the great Prince replied, Weep
not, but 'Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who
has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.' (Neh 8:10)
I am returned to Mansoul with mercies, and My name shall be set up, exalted,
and magnified by it. He also took these inhabitants and kissed them, and laid
them in His bosom. Moreover, He gave to the elders of Mansoul, and to each town-officer,
a chain of gold and a signet. He also sent to their wives, ear-rings and
jewels, and bracelets, and other things. He also bestowed upon the true-born
children of Mansoul many precious things. When Emmanuel the Prince had done all
these things for the famous town of Mansoul, then He said to them, first, Wash
your garments, then put on your ornaments, and then come to Me into the castle
of Mansoul. (Exod 19:10) So they went
to the fountain that was set open for Judah and Jerusalem to wash in, (Zec 13:1) and there they washed, and there they
made their garments white, and came again to the Prince into the castle, and
thus they stood before Him. (Rev 7:14-15)
And now there was music and dancing throughout the whole town of Mansoul, and
that because their Prince had again granted to them His presence and the light
of His countenance, the bells also did ring, and the sun shone comfortably upon
them for a great while together. [Though comforts are cheering, let not the
believer rest in them, neither be high-minded, but fear; looking to Jesus for
strength and grace to persevere] The town of Mansoul did also now more
thoroughly seek the destruction and ruin of all remaining Diabolonians that
abode in the walls and the dens that they had in the town of Mansoul, for there
was of them that had to this day escaped with life and limb from the hand of
their suppressors in the famous town of Mansoul. ['The joy of the Lord is
our strength.' When this is possessed, there will be a double diligence in
searching out and destroying our sins] But my Lord Will-be-will was a greater
terror to them now than ever he had been before; forasmuch as his heart was yet
more fully bent to seek, contrive, and pursue them to the death; he pursued
them night and day, and did put them now to sore distress, as will afterwards
appear. After things were thus far put into order in the famous town of
Mansoul, care was taken and order given by the blessed Prince Emmanuel, that
the townsmen should, without further delay, appoint some to go forth into the
plain to bury the dead that were there — the dead that fell by the
sword of Emmanuel and by the shield of the Captain Credence — lest the fumes
and ill savors that would arise from them might infect the air, and so annoy
the famous town of Mansoul. This also was a reason of this order, namely, that
as much as in Mansoul lay, they might cut off the name, and being, and
remembrance of those enemies from the thought of the famous town of Mansoul and
its inhabitants. So order was given out by the Lord Mayor — that wise and
trusty friend of the town of Mansoul — that persons should be employed about
this necessary business; and Mr. Godly-fear and one Mr. Upright were to be
overseers about this matter; so persons were put under them to work in the fields
and to bury the slain that lay dead in the plains. And these were their places
of employment — some were to make the graves, some to bury the dead, and some
were to go to and fro in the plains, and also round about the borders of
Mansoul, to see if a skull, or a bone, or a piece of a bone of a Doubter was
yet to be found above ground anywhere near the corporation; and if any were
found, it was ordered that the searchers that searched should set up a mark
thereby, and a sign, that those that were appointed to bury them might find it,
and bury it out of sight, that the name and remembrance of a Diabolonian
Doubter might be blotted out from under heaven. And that the children, and they
that were to be born in Mansoul, might not know, if possible, what a skull,
what a bone, or a piece of a bone of a Doubter was.
So the buriers, and those that were appointed for
that purpose, did as they were commanded, they buried the Doubters, and all the
skulls and bones, and pieces of bones of Doubters wherever they found them, and
so they cleansed the plains. Now also Mr. God's-peace took up his commission
and acted again as in former days. Thus they buried, in the plains about
Mansoul, the Election-doubters, the Vocation-doubters, the Grace-doubters, the
Perseverance-doubters, the Resurrection-doubters, the Salvation-doubters, and
the Glory-doubters, whose captains were Captain Rage, Captain Cruel, Captain
Damnation, Captain Insatiable, Captain Brimstone, Captain Torment, Captain
No-ease, Captain Sepulchre, and Captain Past-hope; and old Incredulity was
under Diabolus their general; there were also the seven heads of their army,
and they were the Lord Beelzebub, the Lord Lucifer, the Lord Legion, the Lord
Apollyon, the Lord Python, the Lord Cerberus, and the Lord Belial. But the
princes and the captains, with old Incredulity their general, did all of them
make their escape, so their men fell down slain by the power of the Prince's
forces, and by the hands of the men of the town of Mansoul. They also were
buried as before related, to the exceeding great joy of the now famous town of
Mansoul. They that buried them, buried also with them their arms, which were
cruel instruments of death, their weapons were arrows, darts, mauls,
firebrands, and the like; they buried also their armor, their colors, banners,
with the standard of Diabolus, and what else soever they could find that did
but smell of a Diabolonian Doubter.
[CHAPTER XVII.]
[CONTENTS: A new army of Bloodmen, or persecutors,
attack the town, but are surrounded by the Mansoulians, headed by Faith and
Patience — The
examination of some of the leaders — Evil-questioning entertains some of the
Doubters, but is discovered by Diligence — The principal Doubters tried,
convicted, and executed] Now when the tyrant had arrived at Hell-gate-hill,
with his old friend Incredulity, they immediately descended the den, and having
there, with their fellows, for a while grieved their misfortune and great loss
that they sustained against the town of Mansoul, they fell at length into a
passion, and revenged they would be for the loss that they sustained before the
town of Mansoul, wherefore they presently call a council to contrive yet
further what was to be done against the famous town of Mansoul; for their
gaping bellies could not wait to see the result of their Lord Lucifer's and
their Lord Apollyon's counsel that they had given before; for their raging
angry thoughts every day would even be as for-ever, until they were filled with
the body and soul, with the flesh and bones, and with all the delicacies of
Mansoul. They therefore resolve to make another attempt upon the town of
Mansoul, and that by an army mixed, and made up, partly of Doubters and partly
of Bloodmen. [As the Pilgrim was frighted by the lions before the house
Beautiful, to prevent his entering into communion with a church, so here they
suffer persecution from these lions, here called 'Bloodmen,' and an appropriate
title it is for all persecutors. All those who enforce human laws to compel our
presence at, or support to, any form of worship, are bloodmen. Bless God that
they can only scratch us now; but if they had the power of the same spirit that
now scratches would devour the saints of God] A more particular account now
taken of both. The Doubters are such as have their name from their nature, as
well as from the Lord and kingdom where they are born; their nature is to put a
question upon every one of the Truths of Emmanuel, and their country is called,
The Land of Doubting, and that land lie off, and farthest remote to the north,
between the Land of Darkness and that called the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
For though the Land of Darkness, and that called the Land of the Valley of the
Shadow of Death, be sometimes called as if they were one and the self-same
place, yet indeed they are two, lying but a little way asunder, and the Land of
Doubting points in, and lies between them. This is the Land of Doubting, and
these that came with Diabolus to ruin the town of Mansoul are the natives of
that country. The Bloodmen are a people that have their name derived from the
malignity of their nature, and from the fury that is in them to execute it upon
the town of Mansoul; their land lies under the Dog-star, and by that they are
governed as to their intellectuals.
The name
of their country is the Province of Loath-good, the remote parts of it are far
distant from the Land of Doubting, yet they do both but and bound upon the hill
called Hell-gate-hill. These people are always in league with the Doubters, for
they jointly do make question of the faith and fidelity of the men of the town
of Mansoul, and so are both alike qualified for the service of their prince.
Now of these two countries did Diabolus, by the beating of his drum, raise
another army against the town of Mansoul, of five and twenty thousand strong.
There were ten thousand Doubters and fifteen thousand Bloodmen, and they were
put under several captains for the war, and old Incredulity was again made
general of the army. As for the Doubters, their captains were five of the seven
that were heads of the last Diabolonian army, and these are their names,
Captain Beelzebub, Captain Lucifer, Captain Apollyon, Captain Legion, and
Captain Cerberus, and the captains that they had before were some of them made
lieutenants, and some ensigns in the army. But Diabolus did not count that in
this expedition of his, these Doubters would prove his principal men, for their
manhood had been tried before, also the Mansoulians had put them to the worst,
only he did bring them to multiply a number, and to help, if need was, at a
pinch; but his trust he put in his Bloodmen, for that they were all rugged
villains, and he knew that they had done feats heretofore. As for the Bloodmen,
they also were under command, and the names of their captains were, Captain
Cain, Captain Nimrod, Captain Ishmael, Captain Esau, Captain Saul, Captain
Absalom, Captain Judas, and Captain Pope. 1. Captain Cain was over two bands,
namely, the zealous and the angry Bloodmen; his standard-bearer bare the red
colors, and his escutcheon was the murdering club. (Gen 4:8) 2. Captain Nimrod was captain over two bands, namely, the tyrannical
and encroaching Bloodmen; his standard-bearer bare the red colors, and his
escutcheon was the great bloodhound. (Gen 10:8)
3. Captain Ishmael was captain over two bands, namely, the mocking and scorning
Bloodmen; his standard-bearer bare the red colors, and his escutcheon was one
mocking at Abraham's Isaac. (Gen 21:9-10)
4. Captain Esau was captain over two bands, namely, the Bloodmen that grudged
that another should have the blessing, also over the Bloodmen that are for
executing their private revenge upon others; his standard-bearer bare the red
colors, and his escutcheon was one privately lurking to murder Jacob. (Gen 27:42-45) 5. Captain Saul was captain over
two bands, namely, the groundlessly jealous, and the devilishly furious
Bloodmen; his standard-bearer bare the red colors, and his escutcheon was three
bloody darts cast at harmless David. (1Sa 18:10,
1Sa 19:10, 1Sa
20:33) 6. Captain Absalom was captain over two bands, namely, over
the Bloodmen that will kill a father or a friend for the glory of this world,
also over those Bloodmen that will hold one fair in hand with words, till they
shall have pierced him with their swords; his standard-bearer did bear the red
colors, and his escutcheon was the son pursuing the father's blood. (2Sa 15:1 thru 2Sa 17:29)
7. Captain Judas was over two bands, namely, the Bloodmen that will sell a
man's life for money, and those also that will betray their friend with a kiss;
his standard-bearer bare the red colors, and his escutcheon was thirty pieces
of silver and the rope. (Mat 26:14-16)
8. Captain Pope was captain over one band, for all these spirits are joined in
one under him; his standard-bearer bare the red colors, and his escutcheon was
the stake, the flame, and the good man in it. (Rev
13:7-8; Dan 11:33) Now the
reason why Diabolus did so soon rally another force after he had been beaten
out of the field was, for that he put mighty confidence in this army of
Bloodmen, for he put a great deal of more trust in them than he did before in
his army of Doubters, though they had also often done great service for him in
the strengthening of him in his kingdom. But these Bloodmen he had proved them
often, and their sword did seldom return empty. Besides, he knew that these,
like mastiffs, would fasten upon any, upon father, mother, brother, sister,
prince, or governor, yes upon the Prince of princes. And that which encouraged
him the more, was for that they once did force Emmanuel out of the kingdom of
Universe, and why, thought he, may they not also drive Him from the town of
Mansoul? [O the folly of this lying Diabolus! He tried his Bloodmen upon
Christ. They, by putting him to death, crushed the head of Satan, shook his
power, and will annihilate it, and fill hell with fresh torments. He pursues
the same course with the saints of God, and their blood and groans become the
fruitful seed of the church. So does Satan aid in destroying himself] So this
army of five and twenty thousand strong, was, by their general the great Lord
Incredulity, led up against the town of Mansoul. Now Mr. Prywell, the
scoutmaster-general, did himself go out to spy, and he did bring Mansoul
tidings of their coming; wherefore they shut up their gates and put themselves
in a posture of defense against these new Diabolonians that came up against the
town. So Diabolus brought up his army and beleaguered the town of Mansoul; the
Doubters were placed about Feel-gate, and the Bloodmen set down before Eye-gate
and Ear-gate. Now when this army had thus encamped themselves, Incredulity did,
in the name of Diabolus, his own name, and in the name of the Bloodmen and the
rest that were with him, send a summons as hot as a red-hot iron to Mansoul to
yield to their demands, threatening that if they still stood it out against
them, they would presently burn down Mansoul with fire. For you must know, that
as for the Bloodmen, they were not so much that Mansoul should be surrendered,
as that Mansoul should be destroyed and cut off out of the land of the living.
True, they send to them to surrender, but should they so do, that would not
stench or quench the thirsts of these men. (Isa 59:7)
They must have blood, the blood of Mansoul, else they die; and it is from hence
that they have their name. (Psa 26:9-10;
Isa 59:7; Jer
22:17) Wherefore these Bloodmen he reserved while now that they
might, when all his engines proved ineffectual, as his last and sure card be
played against the town of Mansoul. Now when the townsmen had received this
red-hot summons, it generated in them at present some changing and interchanging
thoughts, but they jointly agreed, in less than half an hour, to carry the
summons to the Prince, the which they did when they had written at the bottom
of it, Lord, save Mansoul from bloody men. (Psa 59:2)
So he took it, and looked upon it, and considered it, and took notice also of
that short petition that the men of Mansoul had written at the bottom of it,
and called to him the noble Captain Credence, and bid him go, and take Captain
Patience with him, and go and take care of that side of Mansoul that was
beleaguered by the Bloodmen. (Heb 6:12,
Heb 6:15) So they went and did as they
were commanded, the Captain Credence went and took Captain Patience, and they
both secured that side of Mansoul that was besieged by the Bloodmen. Then he
commanded that Captain Good-hope and Captain Charity, and my Lord Will-be-will,
should take charge of the other side of the town, and I, said the Prince, will
set my standard upon the battlements of your castle, and you three watch
against the Doubters. This done, he again commanded that the brave captain,
Captain Experience, should draw up his men in the market-place, and that there
he should exercise them day by day before the people of the town of Mansoul.
Now this siege was long, and many a fierce attempt did the enemy, especially
those called the Bloodmen, make upon the town of Mansoul, and many a shrewd
brush did some of the townsmen meet with from them, especially Captain
Self-denial, who, I should have told you before, was commanded to take the care
of Ear-gate and Eye-gate now against the Bloodmen. This Captain Self-denial was
a young man, but stout, and a townsman in Mansoul, as Captain Experience also
was. And Emmanuel, at his second return to Mansoul, made him a captain over a
thousand of the Mansoulians, for the good of the corporation. This captain,
therefore, being a hardy man, and a man of great courage, and willing to
venture himself for the good of the town of Mansoul, would now and then sally
out upon the Bloodmen, and give them many notable alarms, and entered several
brisk skirmishes with them, and also did some execution upon them; but you must
think that this could not easily be done, but he must meet with brushes
himself, for he carried several of their marks in his face; yes, and some in
some other parts of his body. [Faith, Patience, and Self-denial are admirably
placed in opposition to the Bloodmen, persecutors. How well they behaved in the
time of our pilgrim fathers is well known; and in our happier times they are
invaluable guards to support us in the loss of friends or property] So, after
some time spent for the trial of the faith, and hope, and love of the town of
Mansoul, the Prince Emmanuel upon a day calls his captains and men of war
together, and divides them into two companies; this done, he commands them at a
time appointed, and that in the morning very early, to sally out upon the
enemy, saying, Let half of you fall upon the Doubters, and half of you fall
upon the Bloodmen. Those of you that go out against the Doubters, kill and
slay, and cause to perish so many of them as by any means you can lay hands on,
but for you that go out against the Bloodmen, slay them not, but take them
alive. ['Love your enemies, bless them that curse
you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use
you, and persecute you.' This is the
imperative Command of Emmanuel to His followers, set forth in His sermon on the
mount. Your lusts must be crucified, your doubts destroyed, your persecutors
pitied and prayed for] So, at the time appointed, early in the morning
the captains went out, as they were commanded, against the enemies; Captain
Good-hope, Captain Charity, and those that were joined with them, as Captain
Innocent and Captain Experience, went out against the Doubters; and Captain
Credence and Captain Patience, with Captain Self-denial, and the rest that were
to join with them, went out against the Bloodmen. Now those that went out
against the Doubters drew up into a body before the plain, and marched on to
bid them battle; but the Doubters, remembering their last success, made a
retreat, not daring to stand the shock, but fled from the Prince's men,
wherefore they pursued them, and in their pursuit slew many, but they could not
catch them all. Now those that escaped went some of them home, and the rest, by
fives, nines, and seventeens, like wanderers, went straggling up and down the
country, where they, upon the barbarous people, showed and exercised many of
their Diabolonian actions; nor did these people rise up in arms against them,
but suffered themselves to be enslaved by them. [Many
are led captive by Satan at his will, blinded to their misery and fate by the
god of this world, in whose delusive arms many of them sleep till death and
judgment awake them to behold their awful and remediless state] They
would also after this show themselves in companies before the town of Mansoul,
but never to abide in it, for if Captain Credence, Captain Good-hope, or
Captain Experience did but show themselves, they fled. Those that went out
against the Bloodmen did as they were commanded, they forbore to slay any, but
sought to compass them about. But the Bloodmen, when they saw that no Emmanuel
was in the field, concluded also that no Emmanuel was in Mansoul, wherefore
they, looking upon what the captains did, to be, as they called it, a fruit of
the extravagancy of their wild and foolish fancies, rather despised them than
feared them; but the captains, minding their business, at last did compass them
round about, they also that had routed the Doubters came in with great haste to
their aid; so in fine, after some little struggling, — for the Bloodmen also would
have run for it, only now it was too late — for though they are mischievous and
cruel where they can overcome, yet all Bloodmen are chicken-hearted men when
they once come to see themselves matched and equalled-so the captains took
them, and brought them to the Prince. Now when they were taken before the
Prince, and examined, he found them to be of three several counties, though
they all came out of one land. 1. One sort of them came out of Blindmanshire,
and they were such as did ignorantly what they did. (1Ti 1:13-15; Mat 5:44)
2. Another sort of them came out of Blindzealshire, and they did
superstitiously what they did. (Luk 6:22)
3. The third sort of them came out of the town of Malice in the county of Envy,
and they did what they did out of spite and implacableness. (Joh 16:2) [These are the three grades of
Bloodmen, but all are influenced by hatred to Christianity and a love of
plunder. God hates robbery in offerings, yet some blind fanatics will seize
their neighbor's goods to save their own pockets in adorning their temples. May
God in mercy convert them, as he did Saul of Tarsus] For the first of these,
namely, they that came out of Blindmanshire, when they saw where they were, and
against whom they had fought, they trembled, and cried as they stood before
him; and as many of these as asked him mercy, he touched their lips with his
golden scepter. (Act 9:5-6) They that
came out of Blindzealshire, they did not as their fellows did, for they pleaded
that they had a right to do what they did, because Mansoul was a town whose
laws and customs were diverse from all that dwelt thereabouts. Very few of
these could be brought to see their evil; but those that did, and asked mercy,
they also obtained favor. (Joh 8:40)
They that came out of the town of Malice, that is in the county of Envy, they
neither wept nor disputed, nor repented, but stood gnawing their tongues before
him for anguish and madness, because they could not have their will upon
Mansoul. (Rev 9:20-21) Now these last,
with all those of the other two sorts that did not truly ask pardon for their
faults, those he made to enter into sufficient bond to answer for what they had
done against Mansoul and against her King, at the great and general court to be
held for our Lord the King, where He himself should appoint for the country and
kingdom of Universe.
So they became bound, each man for himself, to
come in when called upon, to answer before our Lord the King for what they had
done as before. [Persecutors, who die in impenitence, must appear at the day of
judgment, when these ungodly men shall be judged of all their ungodly deeds,
and all their hard speeches against Christ in his members. (Jude 1:15) And thus much concerning this second
army that were sent by Diabolus to overthrow Mansoul. But there were three of
those that came from the land of Doubting, who, after they had wandered and
ranged the country awhile, and perceived that they had escaped, were so hardy
as to thrust themselves, knowing that yet there were in the town Diabolonians — I say
they were so hardy as to thrust themselves into Mansoul among them. Three, did
I say? I think there were four. Now, to whose house should these Diabolonian
Doubters go, but to the house of an old Diabolonian in Mansoul, whose name was
Evil-questioning: a very great enemy he was to Mansoul, and a great doer among
the Diabolonians there. Well, to this Evil-questioning's house, as was said,
did these Diabolonians come — you may be sure that they had directions how to
find the way there; so he made them welcome, pitied their misfortune, and
assisted them with the best that he had in his house. Now, after a little
acquaintance, and it was not long before they had that, this old
Evil-questioning asked the Doubters if they were all of a town — he knew that
they were all of one kingdom. And they answered, no, nor not of one shire
neither; for I, said one, am an Election-doubter; I, said another, am a
Vocation-doubter; then, said the third, I am a Salvation-doubter; and the
fourth said he was a Grace-doubter. Well, said the old gentleman, be of what
shire you will, I am persuaded that you are down boys; [Determined fellows] you
have the very length of my foot, [A proverb meaning similarity of disposition]
are one with my heart, and shall be welcome to me. So they thanked him, and
were glad that they had found themselves a harbor in Mansoul. [In our best
estate we are too prone to question the Truth of God's Word and His
faithfulness; we believe Him able, but hold doubts as to His willingness to
save us. Lord, please increase our faith!] Then Evil-questioning said to them,
How many of your company might there be that came with you to the siege of
Mansoul? And they answered, There were but ten thousand Doubters in all, for
the rest of the army consisted of fifteen thousand Bloodmen. These Bloodmen,
they said, border upon our country; but, poor men, as we hear, they were
everyone taken by Emmanuel's forces. Ten thousand! the old gentleman said, I'll
promise you that is a round company. But how came it to pass, since you were so
mighty a number, that you fainted, and dared not fight your foes? Our general,
they said, was the first man that did run for it. Pray, their landlord said,
who was that your cowardly general? He was once the Lord Mayor of Mansoul, said
they. But, pray, call him not a cowardly general; for whether any, from the
east to the west, has done more service for our prince, Diabolus, than has my
Lord Incredulity, will be a hard question for you to answer. But had they
caught him, they would for certain have hanged him; and we promise you hanging
is but a bad business. Then, the old gentleman said, I would that all the ten
thousand Doubters were now well armed in Mansoul, and myself at the head of
them, I would see what I could do. Certainly, said they, that would be well if
we could see that; but wishes, alas! what are they? And these words were spoken
aloud. Well, said old Evil-questioning, take heed that you talk not too loud;
you must be lowly and close, and must take care of yourselves while you are
here, or, I will assure you, you will be caught.
Why?
said the Doubters.
Why?
said the old gentleman; why, because both the Prince and Lord Secretary, and their
captains and soldiers, are all at present in town; yes, the town is as full of
them as ever it can hold. And, besides, there is one whose name is
Will-be-will, a most cruel enemy of ours, and him the Prince has made keeper of
the gates, and has commanded him that, with all the diligence he can, he should
look for, search out, and destroy all and all manner of Diabolonians.
And if
he come upon you, down you go, though your heads were made of gold. [No bribe
can save them] And now, to see how it happened. One of the Lord Will-be-will's
faithful soldiers, whose name was Mr. Diligence, stood all this while listening
under old Evil-questioning's eaves, and heard all the talk that had been
between him and the Doubters that he entertained under his roof. The soldier
was a man that my Lord had much confidence in, and that he loved dearly; and
that both because he was a man of courage, and also a man that was unwearied in
seeking after Diabolonians to apprehend them. Now this man, as I told you,
heard all the talk that was between old Evil-questioning and these
Diabolonians; wherefore, what does he do but goes to his Lord, and tells him
what he had heard. And what you said is trustworthy? said my Lord. Certainly,
said Diligence, and if your Lordship will be pleased to go with me, you shall
find it as I have said. And are they there? said my Lord; I know
Evil-questioning well, for he and I were great in the time of our apostasy. But
I know not now where he dwells. But I do, said his man, and, if your Lordship
will go, I will lead you the way to his den. Go! said my Lord, that I will.
Come, my Diligence, let us go find them out. So, my Lord and his man went
together the direct way to his house. Now, his man went before to show him his
way, and they went till they came even under old Mr. Evil-questioning's wall.
Then Diligence said, Listen! my Lord; do you know the old gentleman's tongue
when you hear it? Yes, said my Lord, I know it well; but I have not seen him
many a day. This I know; he is cunning. I wish he would not give us the slip.
Let me worry about that, said his servant, Diligence. But how shall we find the
door? said my Lord. Let me worry about that, too, said his man. So he had my
Lord Will-be-will near, and showed him the way to the door. Then my Lord, without
more ado, broke open the door, rushed into the house, and caught them all five
together, even as Diligence, his man, had told him. So, my Lord apprehended
them and led them away, and committed them to the hand of Mr. Trueman, the
jailer, and commanded, and he did put them in prison. [Thus believers, by the
almighty power of grace, are enabled to take those captives whose captives they were. (Isa 14:2-3)
This done, my Lord Mayor was acquainted in the morning with what my Lord
Will-be-will had done over-night, and his Lordship rejoiced much at the news,
not only because there were Doubters apprehended, but because that old
Evil-questioning was taken; for he had been a very great trouble to Mansoul,
and much affliction to my Lord Mayor himself. He had also been sought for
often, but no hand could ever be laid upon him till now. Well, the next thing
was to make preparation to try these five that by my Lord had been apprehended,
and that were in the hands of Mr. Trueman, the jailer. So the day was set, and
the court called and come together, and the prisoners brought to the bar. My
Lord Will-be-will had power to have slain them when at first he took them, and
that without any more ado; but he thought it at this time more for the honor of
the Prince, the comfort of Mansoul, and the discouragement of the enemy, to
bring them forth to public judgment. But, I say, Mr. Trueman brought them in
chains to the bar, to the town-hall, for that was the place of judgment. So, to
be short, the jury was paneled, the witnesses sworn, and the prisoners tried
for their lives. The jury was the same that tried Mr. No-truth, Pitiless,
Haughty, and the rest of their companions. And first old Questioning himself
was set to the bar; for he was the receiver, the entertainer, and comforter of
these Doubters, that by nation were outlandish men; [Enemies to faith, hope,
and love. The soul, by reason of its depravity, is subject to many doubts and
unbelieving fears, which Adam, before the fall, was a stranger to] then he was
bid to listen to his charge, and was told that he had liberty to object, if he
had anything to say for himself. So his indictment was read; the manner and
form here as follows — Mr. Questioning, You are here indicted by the
name of Evil-questioning, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul, for that you
are a Diabolonian by nature, and also a hater of the Prince Emmanuel, and one
that has studied the ruin of the town of Mansoul. You are also here indicted
for permitting the King's enemies, after wholesome laws made to the contrary;
For, 1. You have questioned the truth of her doctrine and state. 2. In wishing
that ten thousand Doubters were in her. 3. In receiving, in entertaining, and
encouraging of her enemies that came from their army to you. What do you say to
this indictment, Are you guilty or not guilty? My Lord, said he, I do not know
the meaning of this indictment, forasmuch as I am not the man concerned in it;
the man that stands by this charge, accused before this bench, is called by the
name of Evil-questioning, which name I deny to be mine, mine being Honest-inquiring. [How
common it is for vice to disguise itself under the name of virtue! To
understand the difference between Evil-questioning and Honest-inquiry is of the
most solemn importance. Honest inquiry is the essential duty of every
Christian. Leaving all human aids, our hopes of Salvation depend upon our
seeking the influence of God the Holy Spirit to guide us, that we may
understand the Sacred Scriptures; and by a diligent prayerful study of the
Bible ALONE, be led into Spiritual Thinking; to the knowledge and obedience of
Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Evil
questioning is a trusting to our own perverted human reason; bringing to the
proud bar of our depraved judgment — God's Thoughts, wresting and
condemning them to our own destruction] The one indeed sounds like the other; but I believe, your Lordships
know, that between these two there is a wide difference; for I hope that a man,
even in the worst of times, and that too among the worst of men, may make an
honest inquiry after things, without running the danger of death. Then spoke my
Lord Will-be-will, for he was one of the witnesses: 'My Lord, and you the
honorable bench, and magistrates of the town of Mansoul, you all have heard
with your ears, that the prisoner at the bar has denied his name, and so thinks
to shift from the charge of the indictment. But I know him to be the man
concerned, and that his proper name is Evil-questioning.
I have known him, my Lord, above these thirty years; for he and I, a shame it
is for me to speak it, were great acquaintances, when Diabolus, that tyrant,
had the government of Mansoul; and I testify that he is a Diabolonian by
nature, an enemy to our Prince, and a hater of the blessed town of Mansoul. He
has, in times of rebellion, been at, and laid in my house, my Lord, not so
little as twenty nights together; and we did use to talk then, for the
substance of talk, as he, and his Doubters have talked of late; true I have not
seen him many a-day. I suppose that the coming of Emmanuel to Mansoul has made
him to change his lodgings, as this indictment has driven him to change his
name; but this is the man, my Lord. Then said the court to him, Have you any
more to say? Evil. Yes, said the old gentleman, that I have; for all
that as yet has been said against me, is but by the mouth of one witness, and
it is not lawful for the famous town of Mansoul, at the mouth of one witness to
put any man to death. Then stood forth Mr. Diligence, and said, 'My Lord, as I
was upon my watch such a night, at the head of Bad Street in this town, I
chanced to hear a muttering within this gentleman's house; then I thought what
is there to do here? So I went up close, but very softly to the side of the
house, to listen, thinking, as indeed it fell out, that there I might light
upon some Diabolonian meetinghouse. So, as I said, I drew nearer and nearer,
and when I got up close to the wall, it was but a while before I perceived that
there were outlandish men in the house; but I did well understand their speech,
for I have been a traveler myself. Now hearing such language in such a
tottering cottage as this old gentleman dwelt in, I clapt mine ear to a hole in
the window, and there heard them talk as follows. This old Mr. Questioning
asked these Doubters what they were, where they came from, and what was their
business in these parts? And they answered him all these questions, yet he did
entertain them. He also asked what numbers there were of them, and they told
him ten thousand men. He then asked them why they made no more manly assault
upon Mansoul? And they told him; so he called their general coward for marching
off when he should have fought for his Prince. Further, this old
Evil-questioning wished, and I heard him wish, Would all the ten thousand
Doubters were now in Mansoul, and himself in the head of them. He bid them also
to take heed and lay low, for if they were taken they must die, even though
they had heads of gold.
Then the court said, Mr. Evil-questioning, here is
now another witness against you, and his testimony is full: 1. He swears that
you did receive these men into your house, and that you did nourish them there,
though you knew that they were Diabolonians, and the King's enemies. 2. He
swears that you did wish ten thousand of them in Mansoul. 3. He swears that you
did give them advice to lay low and close lest they were taken by the King's
servants. All which manifest that you are a Diabolonian; but had you been a
friend to the King, you would have apprehended them. Then Evil-questioning
said, To the first of these I answer, the men that came into my house were
strangers, and I took them in, and is it now become a crime in Mansoul for a
man to entertain strangers? That I did also nourish them is true, and why
should my charity be blamed? As for the reason why I wished ten thousand of
them in Mansoul, I never told it to the witnesses, nor to themselves. I might
wish them to be taken, and so my wish might mean well to Mansoul, for nothing
that any yet knows. I did also bid them take heed that they fall not into the
captain's hands; but that might be because I am unwilling that any man should
be slain; and not because I would have the King's enemies as such escape. My
Lord Mayor then replied, That though it was a virtue to entertain strangers,
yet it was treason to entertain the King's enemies. And for what else you have
said, you do by words but labor to evade, and defer the execution of judgment.
But could there be no more proved against you but that you are a Diabolonian,
you must for that die the death by the law; but to be a receiver, a nourisher,
a consenter, and a harbored of others of them, yes, of outlandish Diabolonians;
yes, of them that came from far, on purpose to cut off and destroy our Mansoul;
this must not be borne. Then Evil-questioning said: I see how the game will go;
I must die for my name, and for my charity. And so he held his peace. Then they
called the outlandish Doubters to the bar; and the first of them that was
arraigned was the Election-doubter; so his indictment was read, and because he
was an outlandish man, the substance of it was told him by an interpreter;
namely, That he was there charged with being an enemy of Emmanuel the Prince, a
hater of the town of Mansoul, and an opposer of her most wholesome Doctrine.
[Though ignorant persons argue and object, we are bold to affirm, that election
by free grace is consonant to the whole tenor of Scripture; a comfortable
doctrine, exciting to obedience. 'We love him, because He first loved us.'
(1Jn 4:19) Then the judge asked him if
he would plead? But he said only this, That he confessed that he was an
Election-doubter, and that that was the religion that he had ever been brought
up in. And said, moreover, If I must die for my religion, I believe, I shall
die a martyr, ['A martyr' is a witness, generally applied among Christians to
those who seal with their blood a testimony of love to Christ, and are put to
death for their attachment to the Gospel; not like the
Jesuits under Elizabeth, they came to poison or destroy her, and to overturn
the Government, and were put to death as traitors. But if any Christian
was put to death for doubting the Doctrine of election, he would be entitled to
the crown of martyrdom] and so I care the less. Judge. Then it was
replied, To question election, is to overthrow a great Doctrine of the Gospel;
namely, the omniscience, and power, and will of God; to take away the liberty
of God with His creature; to stumble the faith of the town of Mansoul; and to
make Salvation to depend upon works, and not upon grace. It also negated the
Word, and disquieted the minds of the men of Mansoul; therefore by the best of
laws he must die. [Those who deny election deny, though perhaps unwittingly,
the omniscience and sovereignty of God; and unavoidably assert, sometimes
without perceiving it, that Salvation is not of grace but of works] Then the
Vocation-doubter was called, and set to the bar; and his indictment for
substance was the same with the other, only he was particularly charged with
denying the calling of Mansoul. The judge asked him also what he had to say for
himself? So he replied that he never believed that there was any such thing as
a distinct and powerful call of God to Mansoul; otherwise than by the general
voice of the Word; otherwise than as it exhorted them to forbear evil, and to
do that which is good, and in so doing, a Promise of happiness is annexed. Then
the judge said, You are a Diabolonian; and have denied a great part of one of
the most experimental Truths of the Prince of the town of Mansoul; for he has
called, and she has heard a most distinct and powerful call of her Emmanuel, by
which she has been quickened, awakened, and possessed with heavenly grace to
desire to have communion with her Prince, to serve Him, and to do His will, and
to look for her happiness merely of His good pleasure. And for your abhorrence
of this good Doctrine, you must die the death. Then the Grace-doubter was
called, and his indictment was read; and he replied to it, That though he was
of the land of Doubting, his father was the offspring of a Pharisee, and lived
in good fashion among his neighbors, and that he taught him to believe, and believe it I do, and will, that Mansoul shall never be
saved freely by grace. Then said the Judge, Why, the Law of the Prince
is plain: 1. Negatively, Not of works. 2. Positively, By grace you are saved. (Rom 3:20; Eph 2:8-9)
And your religion settles in and upon the works of the flesh; for the works of
the Law are the works of the flesh. Besides, in saying as you have done, you
have robbed God of His glory, and given it to a sinful man; you have robbed
Christ of the necessity of His undertaking, and the sufficiency thereof, and
have given both these to the works of the flesh. You have despised the work of
God the Holy Spirit, and have magnified the will of the flesh, and of the
carnal mind. You are a Diabolonian, the son of a Diabolonian; and for your
Diabolonian principles you must die. The court then having proceeded thus far
with them, sent out the jury, who forthwith brought them in guilty of death.
Then the Recorder stood up, and addressed himself to the prisoners: You, the
prisoners at the bar, you have been here indicted, and proved guilty of high
crimes against Emmanuel our Prince, and against the welfare of the famous town
of Mansoul; crimes for which you must be put to death. [Thus we are to lay
aside every weight, and every besetting sin, (Heb 12:1-2)
whatsoever does not tend to promote the glory of God, and our progress in the
Divine life of faith]
So they were sentenced to the death of the cross;
The place assigned them for execution was that where Diabolus drew up his last
army against Mansoul; save only that old Evil-questioning was hanged at the top
of Bad-street, just over against his own door. [The reader must keep in mind
that the sentence and execution is not against the persons who held these
errors, but allegorically the errors themselves must be eradicated or destroyed from
the soul of the believer]
[CHAPTER XVIII]
[CONTENTS: More Diabolonians tried and condemned — The
Work concludes with an admirable speech of Emmanuel, reciting His gracious
acts, and informing His people of His intention to rebuild the town with the
greatest splendor, and recommending a suitable conduct in the meantime]
When the
town of Mansoul had thus far rid themselves of their enemies, and of the
troubles of their peace; in the next place, a strict commandment was given out,
that yet my Lord Will-be-will should, with Diligence, his man, search for, and
do his best to apprehend what town-Diabolonians were yet left alive in Mansoul.
The names of several of them were-Mr. Fooling, Mr. Let-good-slip, Mr.
Slavish-fear, Mr. No-love, Mr. Mistrust, Mr. Flesh, and Mr. Sloth. It was also
commanded that he should apprehend Mr. Evil-questioning's children, that he
left behind him, and that they should demolish his house. The children that he
left behind him were these — Mr. Doubt, and he was his eldest son; the next to
him was Legal-life, Unbelief, Wrong-thoughts-of-Christ, Clip-promise,
Carnal-sense, Live-by-feeling, Self-love. All these he had by one wife, and her
name was No-hope. She was the kinswoman of old Incredulity; for he was her
uncle, and when her father, old Dark, was dead, he took her, and brought her
up; and, when she was marriageable, he gave her to this old Evil-questioning to
wife. Now, his man the Lord Will-be-will did put into execution his commission,
with great Diligence. He took Fooling in the streets, and hanged him up in
Want-wit-alley, over against his own house. This Fooling was he that would have
had the town of Mansoul deliver up Captain Credence into the hands of Diabolus,
provided that then he would have withdrawn his force out of the town. He also
took Mr. Let-good-slip one day as he was busy in the market, and executed him
according to the law. Now there was an honest poor man in Mansoul, and his name
was Mr. Meditation, one of no great account in the days of apostasy, but now of
repute with the best of the town. This man therefore they were willing to prefer;
now Mr. Let-good-slip had a great deal of wealth in Mansoul, and at Emmanuel's
coming it was confiscated to the use of the Prince, this therefore was now
given to Mr. Meditation, to improve for the common good, and after him to his
son Mr. Think-well; this Think-well he had by Mrs. Piety his wife, and she was
the daughter of Mr. Recorder. [Great is the advantage of meditation; a
practice, alas! in which Christians in general are too backward. Much is lost
by letting the Word slip, which
ought to be laid up and pondered in the heart. This is the way to become
Spiritually rich] After this my Lord
apprehended Clip-promise, [Take away from the Word as gold was clipped from
coins in the time period] now because he was a notorious villain, for by his
doings much of the King's coin was abused, therefore he was made a public
example. He was arraigned and judged to be first set in the pillory, then to be
whipped by all the children and servants in Mansoul, and then to be hanged till
he was dead. Some may wonder at the severity of this man's punishment, but
those that are honest traders in Mansoul, are sensible of the great abuse that
one clipper of promises in little time may do to the town of Mansoul. And truly
my judgment is, that all those of his name and life should be served even as
he. He also apprehended Carnal-sense, and put him in hold, but how it came
about, I cannot tell, but he broke out of prison and made his escape. Yes, and
the bold villain will not yet quit the town, but lurks in the Diabolonian dens
by day, and haunts like a ghost honest men's houses by night. Wherefore there
was a proclamation set up in the market-place in Mansoul, signifying that
whosoever could discover Carnal-sense, and apprehend him and slay him, should
be admitted daily to the Prince's table, and should be made keeper of the
treasure of Mansoul. Many therefore did bend themselves to do this thing, but
take him and slay him they could not, though often he was discovered. [How
closely does carnality cleave to us throughout our pilgrimage! Even the apostle
complained of this foe — 'I am
carnal.' [Of flesh] (Rom 7:14)
The grave is the only secure prison in which he can be forever shut up. He will
never break prison from there] But my Lord took Mr. Wrong-thoughts-of-Christ,
and put him in prison, and he died there, though it was long first, for he died
of a lingering consumption. Self-love was also taken and committed to custody,
but there were many that were allied to him in Mansoul, so his judgment was
deferred, but at last Mr. Self-denial stood up and said, if such villains as
these may be winked at in Mansoul, I will lay down my commission. He also took
him from the crowd, and had him among his soldiers, and there he was brained.
But some in Mansoul muttered at it, though none dare speak plainly, because
Emmanuel was in town. But this brave act of Captain Self-denial came to the
Prince's ears, so he sent for him, and made him a Lord in Mansoul. [Self-love
and Self-denial can no more live together in the soul, than can the service of
God and mammon. Reader, if a thought of self-love interferes with love to
Christ, drag it to Self-denial, and it will be brained without the formality of
a trial, and God will approve the execution] My Lord Will-be-will also obtained
great commendations of Emmanuel, for what he had done for the town of Mansoul.
Then my Lord Self-denial took courage, and set to the pursuing of the
Diabolonians with my Lord Will-be-will; and they took Live-by-feeling, and they
took Legal-life, and put them in hold till they died. But
Mr. Unbelief was a nimble Jack, him they could never lay hold of, though they
attempted to do it often. He therefore, and some few more of the
subtlest of the Diabolonian tribe, did yet remain in Mansoul, to the time that
Mansoul left off to dwell any longer in the kingdom of Universe. But they kept
them to their dens and holes; if one of them did appear or happen to be seen in
any of the streets of the town of Mansoul, the whole town would be up in arms
after them, yes the very children in Mansoul would cry out after them as after
a thief, and would wish that they might stone them to death with stones. And now
did Mansoul arrive to some good degree of peace and quiet, her Prince also did
abide within her borders, her Captains also, and her soldiers did their duties,
and Mansoul minded her trade that she had with the country that was afar off;
also she was busy in her manufacture. (Isa 33:17;
Php 3:20; Pro
31:1-31) [Self-denial must be opposed to self-love. 'If, through
the Spirit, we mortify the deeds of the body, we shall live'; and shall
also happily experience that 'to be Spiritually-minded is life and peace.'
But, after all, that villain Unbelief, the worst of
all the gang, still lurks secretly in the soul, yet
is uniformly opposed whenever he dares to appear] When the town of
Mansoul had thus far rid themselves of so many of their enemies, and the
troublers of their peace; the Prince sent to them, and appointed a day wherein
he would at the market-place meet the whole people, and there give them in
charge concerning some further matters, that if observed would tend to their
further safety and comfort, and to the condemnation and destruction of their
home-bred Diabolonians. So the day appointed was come, and the townsmen met
together; Emmanuel also came down in His chariot, and all His captains in their
state attending Him on the right hand, and on the left. Then was a motion made
for silence, and after some mutual carriages of love, the Prince began, and
thus proceeded — You My Mansoul, and the beloved of My heart, many and great are the
privileges that I have bestowed upon you; I have singled you out from others,
and have chosen you to Myself, not for your worthiness, but for My own sake. I
have also redeemed you, not only from the dread of My Father's Law, but from
the hand of Diabolus. This I have done because I loved you, and because I have
set My heart upon you to do you good. I have also removed all things that might
hinder your way to the pleasures of paradise and laid down for you, for your
soul a comprehensive satisfaction, and have bought you to Myself; a price not
of corruptible things as of silver and gold, but a price of blood, My own
blood, which I have freely spilt upon the ground to make you Mine. So I have
reconciled you, O My Mansoul, to My Father, and intrusted you in the
mansion-houses that are with My Father in the royal city where things are, O My
Mansoul, that your eye has not seen, nor has entered into the heart of man to
conceive it. Besides, O My Mansoul, you see what I have done, and how I have
taken you out of the hands of your enemies; unto whom you have deeply revolted
from My Father, and by whom you were content to be possessed, and also to be
destroyed. I came to you first by My Law, then by My Gospel to awaken you, and
show you My glory. And you know what you were, what you said, what you did, and
how many times you rebelled against My Father and Me; yet I left you not; as
you see this day, but came to you, have borne your manners, have waited upon
you and after all accepted of you, even of My mere grace and favor; and would
not suffer you to be lost, as you most willingly would have been. I also
compassed you about, and afflicted you on every side, that I might make you
weary of your ways, and bring down your heart with frustrating — to a
willingness to close with you good and happiness. And when I had made a
complete conquest over you, I turned it to your advantage. You see also what a
company of My Father's host I have lodged within your borders, captains and
rulers, soldiers and men of war, catapults and excellent devices to subdue and
bring down your foes; you know My meaning, O Mansoul. And they are My servants,
and yours too, Mansoul. Yes, My design of possessing of you with them, and the
natural tendency of each of them is to defend, purge, strengthen, and sweeten
you for Myself, O Mansoul, and to make you fit for My Father's presence,
blessing, and glory; for you, My Mansoul, are created to be prepared to these.
You see moreover, My Mansoul, how I have passed by your backslidings, and have
healed you. Indeed I was angry with you, but I have turned My anger away from
you, because I loved
you still and My anger and My indignation is
ceased in the destruction of Your enemies, O Mansoul. Nor did your goodness
fetch Me again to you, after that I for your transgressions have hid My face,
and withdrawn My presence from you. The way of backsliding was yours, but the
way and means of your recovery was Mine. I invented the means of your return;
it was I that made an hedge and a wall, when you was beginning to turn to
things in which I delighted not. It was I that made your sweet, bitter, your
day, night; your smooth ways thorny; and that also confounded all that sought
your destruction. It was I that set Mr. Godly-fear to work in Mansoul. It was I
that stirred up your conscience and understanding, your will and your
affections, after your great and woeful decay. It was I that put life into you, O
Mansoul, to seek Me, that you might find Me, and in your finding, find your own
health, happiness, and Salvation. It was I that fetched the second time the
Diabolonians out of Mansoul; and it was I that overcame them, and that
destroyed them before your face. And now, My Mansoul, I am returned to you in
peace, and your transgressions against Me, are as if they had not been. Nor
shall it be with you as in former days, but I will do
better for you than at your beginning. For yet a little while, O My
Mansoul, even after a few more times are gone over your head, I will, but be
not troubled at what I say, I will take down this famous town of Mansoul, stick
and stone to the ground. (1Ch 29:30)
And will carry the stones thereof, and the timber thereof, and the walls
thereof, and the dust thereof, and the inhabitants thereof, into My own
country, even into a kingdom of My Father; and will set it up in such strength
and glory, as it never did see in the kingdom where it is now placed. [For a
most admirable treatise on the resurrection body, and its union with the soul
in bliss unspeakable and eternal] I will even there set it up for My Father's
habitation, for that purpose it was at first erected in the kingdom of
Universe; and there will I make it a spectacle of wonder, a monument of mercy,
and the admirer of its own mercy. There shall the natives of Mansoul see all
that of which they have seen nothing here; there shall they be equal to those
to whom they have been inferior here. And there shall
you, O My Mansoul, have such communion with Me, with My Father, and with your
Lord Secretary, (God the Holy Spirit) as is not possible here to be enjoyed, nor ever could be,
should you live in Universe the space of a thousand years. And there, O My Mansoul, You shall be afraid of murderers
no more; of Diabolonians, and their threats no more. There, there shall be no
more plots, nor contrivances, nor designs against you, O my Mansoul.
There you shall no more hear the evil-tidings, or the noise of the Diabolonian
drum. There you shall not see the Diabolonian Standard-bearers, nor yet behold
Diabolus his standard. No Diabolonian mount shall be cast up against you there,
nor shall there the Diabolonian standard be set up to make you afraid. There
you shall not need captains, catapults, soldiers, and men of war. There you
shall meet with no sorrow, nor grief, nor shall it be possible that any
Diabolonian should again, forever, be able to creep into your skirts, burrow in
your walls, or be seen again within your borders all the days of eternity. Life
shall last longer there, than here you are able to desire it should, and yet it
shall always be sweet and new, nor shall any impediment attend it for ever.
There, O Mansoul, you shall meet with many of those that have been like you,
and that have been partakers of your sorrows; even such as I have chosen, and
redeemed and set you apart for My Father's court and city-royal. All they will
be glad in you, and you, when you see them, shall be glad in your heart. There
are things, O Mansoul, even things of your Father's providing and Mine, that
never were seen since the beginning of the world, and they are laid up with My
Father, and sealed up among His treasures for you, till you shall come there to
enjoy them. I told you before that I would remove My Mansoul, and set it up
elsewhere, and where I will set it, there are those that love you, and those
that rejoice in you now, but how much more when they shall see you exalted in
honor. My Father will then send them for you to fetch you; and their bosoms are
chariots to put you in. And you, O my Mansoul, shall ride upon the wings of the
wind. They will come to convey, conduct, and bring you to that, when your eyes
see more, that will be your desired haven. (Psa 68:17)
And thus, O My Mansoul, I have showed you what shall be done to you hereafter,
if you can hear, if you can understand; and now I will tell you what at present
must be your duty and practice, until I come and fetch you to Myself, according
as is related in the Scriptures of Truth. First, I charge you that you do
hereafter keep more white and clean the uniforms which I gave you before my
last withdrawing from you. Do it, I say, for this will be your wisdom. They are
in themselves fine linen, but you must keep them white and clean. [Holiness of
heart and life are indispensable of true discipleship to the holy Jesus; not to
justify us, but to evidence our election to eternal life. 'But like the Holy
One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.' (1Pe 1:15) A holy walk preserves communion with
our Lord, who is our righteousness and strength] This will be your wisdom, your
honor, and will be greatly for My glory. When your garments are white, the
world will count you Mine. Also when your garments are white, then I am
delighted in your ways; for then your goings to and fro will be like a flash of
lightning, that those that are present must take notice of, also their eyes
will be made to dazzle thereat. Deck yourself therefore according to My
bidding, and make yourself by My Law straight steps for your feet; so shall
your King greatly desire your beauty, for He is your Lord; worship Him. [How
blessed are those who are kept unspotted from the world! who live in the land
of Beulah, (Married) (Isa 62:4) waiting
to be translated to the celestial city; and who, if defiled, are enabled to
apply to the fountain opened, and wash away their stains. Blessed are the
people that are in such a case] Now that you may keep them as I bid you, I
have, as I before did tell you, provided for you an open fountain to wash your
garments in. Look therefore that you wash often in My fountain, and go not in
defiled garments; for as it is to My dishonor and My disgrace, so it will be to
Your discomfort, when you shall walk in filthy garments. (Zec 3:3-4) Let not therefore My garments, your
garments, the garments that I gave you, be defiled or spotted by the flesh. (Jude 1:23) Keep your garments always white, and
let your head lack no ointment. My Mansoul, I have often delivered you from the
designs, plots, attempts, and conspiracies of Diabolus, and for all this I ask
you nothing, but that you render not to Me evil for My good, but that you bear
in mind My love, and the continuation of My kindness to My beloved Mansoul, so
as to provoke you to walk, in your measure, according to the benefit bestowed
on you. Of old the sacrifices were bound with cords to the horns of the golden
altar. Consider what is said to you, O My blessed Mansoul. O My Mansoul, I have
lived, I have died, I live, and will die no more for you. I live that you may
not die. Because I live you shall live also. I reconciled you to My Father by the blood of My
Cross, and being reconciled you shall live through Me. I will pray for you, I
will fight for you, I will yet do you good. Nothing can hurt you but sin;
nothing can grieve Me but sin; nothing can make you base before your foes but
sin; Take heed of sin, My Mansoul. [Sin hurled the angels out of heaven; sin
deprived man of paradise and the favor of God; sin crucified the Lord of life
and glory; sin will confine myriads of devils and men in the bottomless pit of
misery forever. May we hate it with a perfect hatred; and the grace of Jesus to
eradicate the love of it, and destroy the dominion of it, in our hearts] And do
you know why I at first, and do still suffer Diabolonians to dwell in your
walls, O Mansoul? It is to keep you awake, to try your love, to make you
watchful, and to cause you yet to prize My noble captains, their soldiers, and
My mercy. It is also that yet you may be made to remember what a deplorable
condition you once was in. I mean when, not some, but all did dwell, not in
your walls, but in your castle, and in your strong hold, O Mansoul. O My Mansoul, should I slay all of them within, many there
be without that would bring you into bondage; for were all these within cut
off, those without would find you sleeping, and then as in a moment they would
swallow up my Mansoul. I therefore left them in you, not to do you hurt,
the which they yet will, if you listen to them, and serve them; but to do you
good, the which they must, if you watch and fight against them. Know therefore
that whatever they shall tempt you to, my design is that they should drive you,
not further off, but nearer to my Father, to learn war, to make petitioning
desirable to you, and to make you little in your own eyes. Hearken diligently
to this, my Mansoul. Show me, then, your love, My Mansoul, and let not those
that are within your walls, take your affections off from Him that has redeemed
your soul. Yes, let the sight of a Diabolonian heighten your love to Me. I came once, and twice, and thrice, to save you from the
poison of those arrows that would have wrought your death; stand for Me, your
friend, My Mansoul, against the Diabolonians, and I will stand for you before
My Father, and all His court. Love Me against temptation, and I will
love you notwithstanding your infirmities. O My Mansoul, remember what My
captains, My soldiers, and My catapults have done for you. They have fought for
you, they have suffered by you, they have borne much at your hands to do you
good, O Mansoul. Had you not had them to help you, Diabolus would have
certainly destroyed you. Nourish them, therefore, My Mansoul. When you do well,
they will be well; when you do ill, they will be ill, and sick, and weak. Make
not my captains sick, O Mansoul, for if they are sick, you cannot be well; if
they be weak, you cannot be strong; if they be faint, you cannot be stout and
valiant for your King, O Mansoul. Nor must you think always to live by sense,
you must live upon My Word. you must believe, O My Mansoul, I am for you, that
yet I love you, and bear you upon My heart forever. Remember therefore, O My
Mansoul, that you are beloved of Me; as I have therefore taught you to watch,
to fight, to pray, and to make war against My foes, so now I command you to
believe that My love is constant to you. O My Mansoul, how have I set My heart,
My love upon you, watch. Behold, I lay no other burden upon you, than what you
have already, hold fast, till I come.
END
