Take heed, that you do not grieve this Minister; for if you do, he may fight against you; and should he once be moved to set himself against you, that will distress you more than if twelve legions should from my Father's Court be sent to make war upon you.

 

But, if you hearken unto him, and love him; if you devote yourselves to his teaching, and seek to have, and maintain communion with him, you shall find him ten times better than the whole world; yea, he will shed abroad the love of my Father in your hearts, and Mansoul will be the wisest and most blessed of all people.'

 

 Then did the Prince call unto him MR. CONSCIENCE, and told him, That as he was skilled in the law and government of the town of Mansoul, and could pertinently deliver to them his Master's will; therefore he would also make him a Minister for the town, in all the laws, statutes, and judgments of Mansoul.’ But thou must,' said the Prince,’ confine thyself to the teaching of moral virtues, to civil and natural duties, thou must not presume to be a revealer of those high mysteries that are kept close in the bosom Of SIIADDAI my Father: for those things know no man, nor can any reveal them but my Father's Secretary only. Wherefore, although I have made thee a Minister and a Preacher to the town, yet as to the things which the Lord Secretary knows, and shall teach to this people, thou must be his scholar, even as the rest of Mansoul are. I Thou must therefore in all high and supernatural things, go to him for information; for though there be a spirit in man, this person's inspiration must give him understanding. I have made thee my Father's Vicegerent on earth, in such things of which I have made mention before: And thou, take thou power to teach them to Mansoul; yea, with whips and chastisements, if they shall not willingly hearken to thy commandments.'

 

 Then did IMMANUEL address himself in a particular speech to the Townsmen themselves. I Behold,' said the Prince,’ 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 sublime mysteries, and this person in all things human and domestic. Not that he is debarred from telling any thing that he bath heard, and received at the mouth of the Lord High Secretary; only he shall not presume to be a revealer of those high mysteries himself, for the discovery of them lies only in the power of the Lord High Secretary himself. These things, therefore, I would have you observe and do; for it is for your life, and the lengthening of your days.' After the Prince had thus settled things, he proceeded to give the Elders of the Corporation a necessary caution, how they should carry it to the Captains that he had, from his Father's Court, sent or brought with him to the town.

 

 These Captains,' said he,’ love you, and they are picked men, picked out of abundance, as men that best suit, and that will most faithfully serve in the wars of SADDAI, for the preservation of the town. I charge you, therefore, that you carry it not ruggedly to my Captains; for though they have the hearts and faces of lions, when at any time they shall be called forth to engage with the King's foes, and the enemies of the town; yet a little discountenance cast upon them from Mansoul, will weaken and take away their courage. Do not, therefore, 0 my beloved, carry it unkindly to my Captains; but love them, nourish them, and lay them in your bosoms; and they will not only fight for you, but cause to fly from you, all those 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 when in health,) slight them not, but rather strengthen them, and encourage them, though weak and ready to die; for they are your fence, and your guard, your will, 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 achievements they will perform for you.

 

 I Besides, if they be weak, the town of Mansoul cannot be strong; if they be strong, then Mansoul cannot be weak. Your safety therefore doth he in their health, and in your countenancing of them. Remember also that if they be sick, they catch that disease of the town of Mansoul itself. Next, I warn you, that notwithstanding that reformation that is wrought among you; there are yet some remaining in the town of Mansoul, that are sturdy and implacable, that do already while I am with you, and that will yet more when I am from you, plot, contrive, and jointly attempt to bring you to desolation, and to a state far worse than Egyptian bondage. They are the avowed friends of DIABOLUS; they used heretofore to lodge with their Prince in the castle, when INCREDULITY was the Lord Mayor of this town; but since my coming hither, they he more on the outsides, and walls, and have made themselves dens, and caves, and holes, and strong holds therein. Wherefore, 0 Mansoul, thy work, as to this, will be the more difficult and hard: That is, to take, mortify, and put them to death, according to the will of thy Father. Be diligent; quit you like men, observe their holds, assault them, and make no peace with them. Wherever they haunt, lurk, or abide, and what terms of peace so ever they offer, do you abhor, and all shall be well betwixt 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; they are these that follow: The LORD FORNICATION, the LORD ADULTERY, the LORD MURDER, the LORD ANGER, the LORD LASCIVIOUSNESS, the LORD DECEIT, the LORD EVIL-EYE, MR. DRUNKENNESS, MR. REVELLING, MR. IDOLATRY, MR. WITCHCRAFT, MR. VARIANCE, MR. EMULATION, MR. WRATH, MR. STRIFE, MR. SEDITION, and MR. HERESY. These are some of the chief, 0 Mansoul, of those that will seek to overthrow thee for ever But look thou well into the law of thy King, and there thou shall find notes of them, by which they may certainly be known. These, 0 my Mansoul, if they be suffered to range about the town, will quickly, like vipers, eat out your bowels, yea, poison your Captains, cut the sinews of your soldiers, break the bolts of your gates, and turn your flourishing town into a desolate wilderness. Wherefore I give to youmy LORD MAYOR, my LORD WILLBEWILL, and MR. RECORDER, with all the inhabitants of Mansoul, full power and commission to seek out, to take, and to cause them to be put to death by the cross, when and wherever you shall find them to lurk within, or to range without the town of Mansoul.

 

 I told you before, that I had placed a standing Ministry among you; likewise my four first Captains, who came against DIAROLUS, can, and if they be required, will, not only privately inform, but publicly preach both good and wholesome doctrine. Yea, they will set up a weekly, or, if need be, a daily lecture in thee, 0 Mansoul, and will instruct thee in such profitable lessons, as, if heeded, will do thee good at the end. And take good heed that you spare not the men that you have a commission to take and crucify.'

 

When the Prince had thus far new-modeled the town, and instructed them in such matters as were profitable for them to know, he appointed another day in which he intended to bestow a further badge of honor upon Mansoul. A badge that should distinguish them from all the people, kindred’s, and tongues, that dwell in the kingdom of Universe. When the day was come, and the Prince and his people met in the King's palace, IMMANUEL said unto them, 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 glistering robes, that I, said he, 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 and put them on, according to their size and stature. So the people were put into white, into fine linen, white and clean. Then said the Prince,’ This,, 0 Mansoul, is my livery, and the badge by which mine are known from the servants of others. Yea, it is that which I grant to all that are mine, and without which no man is permitted to see my face. Wear them therefore for my sake, who gave them unto you, if you would be known by the world to be mine. Now Mansoul was fair as the sun, clear as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners. And now,' said he,’ I have given you my liveries, let me give you also commandment concerning them.

 

 First, -Wear them daily, day by day, lest you should appear to be none of mine. Secondly, Keep them always white, for if they be soiled, it is a dishonor to me. Thirdly, Take heed that you lose them, not; lest you walk naked, and they see your shame. I Fourthly, But if you should-defile them, 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. This is the way to cause that I may not leave you, nor forsake you, but may dwell in the town of Mansoul for ever. When the Prince had thus completed the modeling of the town, to show that he had delight in the work of his hands, he commanded, and they set his standard upon the battlements of the castle. 

 

 And then, First, He gave them frequent visits; not a day 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 them. Thus would he often do with my LORD MAYOR, my LORD WILLBEWILL, and the honest subordinate Preacher, MR. CONSCIENCE, and MR.,RECORDER. 0 how graciously, bow lovingly, and tenderly, did this blessed Prince now carry it towards them! In all the streets, gardens, orchards, and other places, where he came, to be sure the poor should have his blessing; yea, 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, yea, sometimes hourly, encourage with his presence, and goodly words. And a smile from him, would put more vigour, more life and stoutness into them, than any thing else under heaven.

 

 Secondly, When the elders and townsmen did not come to him, he would send in much plenty of provision unto them; meat that came from Court, wine and bread that were prepared for his Father's table; yea, such delicates would he send, and therewith so cover their table, that whoever saw it confessed the like could not be- seen in any kingdom.

 

Thirdly, -If Mansoul did not frequently visit hire as he desired, he would walk out to them, knock at their doors, and desire entrance, that amity might be maintained betwixt them and him: if they did hear, and open to him, then would he renew his former love, and confirm it with some new tokens and signs of continued favor.

 

 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 Prince did also ordain a new officer in the town, his name was MR. GOD’S PEACE: This man was set over my LORD WILLBEWILL, my LORD MAYOR, MR. RECORDER, the subordinate Preacher,, and all the natives of Mansoul. He was not a native of it; but came with the Prince IMMANUEL from the Court. He was made Governor of the town in general, especially over the castle, and CAPTAIN CREDENCE was to help there. And so long as all things went in Mansoul as he would, the town was in a most happy condition. There were no jars, no chiding, no unfaithful doings in all the town; every man 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 frequently work and sing from morning” until night: so that quite through the town, nothing was to be found but harmony, quietness, joy, and health. But there was a man in the town, named CARNAL SECURITY; sprung from my LORD WILLBEWILL, by his mother's side, though he had for his father a Diabolonian. He was a very busy man; nothing of news, nothing of doctrine, nothing of alteration, could at any time be on foot in Mansoul, but MR. CARNAL SECURITT would be at the head or tail of it; but he would decline those that he deemed the weakest, and stood always with them that he supposed was the strongest side. When IM MANUEL made war upon Mansoul, MR. CARNAL SECURITY was a great doer among the people; encouraging them in their rebellion, putting them upon hardening themselves in resisting the King's forces: but when the town was taken, he wheeled about, and as he had served DIABOLI’S against the Prince, so he feigned that he would serve the Prince against his foes. And having got some smattering of Immanuel’s things, he ventured himself into the company of the townsmen, and attempted to chat among them. Now he knew that the power and strength of Mansoul was great, and that it could not but be pleasing to the people if he cried up their might and glory. Wherefore he began with the power and strength of Mansoul, and affirmed that it was impregnable. Now magnifying their captains and their slings; then their fortifications, and strong holds; and lastly, the assurances they had from their Prince, that Mansoul should be happy forever.

 

 When he saw that some of the men of the town were taken with his discourse, he made it his business, and walking from street to street, house to house, and man to man, he at last brought Mansoul to grow almost as secure as himself; so from talking they went to feasting, and from feasting to sporting; and so to other matters. My LORD MAYOR, my LORD WILLBEWILL, and MR. RECORDER, were also all taken with his words; forgetting that their Prince had given them warning to take heed that they were not beguiled with any Diabolonian sleight: He had further told them that the security of Mansoul did not so much he in her present fortifications and force, as in her so using what she had, as might oblige IMMANUEL to abide within her castle. For the right doctrine of IMMANUEL was, that the town of Mansoul should take heed that they forget 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: They should have heard their Prince, feared their Prince, loved their Prince, and taken care to walk in the ways of his prescribing; for then should their peace have been as a river, when their righteousness had been as the waves of the sea.

 

 Now when IMMANUEL perceived that through the policy of MR. CARNAL SECURITY, the hearts of the men of Mansoul were chilled in their love to him, First, He bemoaned them, and condoled their state with the Secretary, saying,’ 0 that my people had hearkened unto 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.' This done, he said in his heart,’ I will return and go to my place, till Mansoul shall consider and acknowledge their offence.' And he did so; the cause of his going away from then was First, Mansoul declined him, as is manifest in these particulars: They left off their former way of visiting him; they came not to his palace as afore. (2.) They did not regard, nor take notice whether he came, or came not, to visit them. (3.) The feasts that had wont 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 confident in themselves, concluding that now they were strong and invincible, that Mansoul was beyond all reach of the foe, and that her state must be unalterable for ever.

 

 Yet before he went, 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 they were not willing to reason about matters concerning their good, he took grief and went his way: which when he had told the Prince, he was grieved also, and so made provision to return to his Father's Court. The methods of his withdrawing were these: Even while he was yet with them in Mansoul he kept himself close, 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 dainties which he was wont to do. (4.) Nor when he came to visit him, as now and then they would, would he be so easily spoken with as in times past. They might now knock once, yea twice, but he would seem not to regard, them; whereas formerly, at the sound of their feet, he would run and meet them half way, and take them and lay them in his bosom.

 

 By this his carriage, he sought to make them bethink themselves and return to him. But, alas, they did not consider; they did not know his ways; they were not touched with these, nor with the remembrance of former favors. Wherefore he withdrew himself, first from his palace, then to the gate of the town, and so away from Mansoul, till they should acknowledge their offence, and more earnestly seek his face MR. GODSPEACE also laid -down his commission, and would act no longer in the town of Mansoul.

 

Thus they walked contrary to him, and he again walked contrary to them. But, alas, by this time, they were so hardened, 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 God.

 

 Now there was a day wherein MR. CARNAL SECURITY did again make a feast for the town of Mansoul; there was in the town one MR. GODLYFRAR, one now but little set by, though formerly of great request. This man CARNAL SECURITY had a mind, if possible, to debauch and abuse, as he did the rest, and therefore he now bids him to the feast with his neighbors: The day being come, he appeared with the rest of the guests; and being all set at table, they did eat and drink, and were merry. But MR.

 

GOD FEAR sat like a stranger, and did neither eat nor drink; which, when Mr. CARNAL SECURITY perceived, he presently addressed him thus:- MR. GODLYFEAR, are you not well You seem to be ill of body or mind, or both. I have a cordial of MR. Forget Good’s making, which, if you will take, I hope, it may make you blithe, and more fit for your companions.' GODLY.’ Sir, I thank you, but for your cordial I have no mind thereto. But a word to the natives of Mansoul To me it is strange to see you so merry, when the town of Mansoul is in such a case. 'CARN.’ You want sleep, good Sir. he down and take a nap, and we, meanwhile, will be merry.' GODLY.’ Sir, if you were not destitute of an honest heart, you could not do as you have done,-and do.'

 

 CARN.’ Why' GODLY.’ It is true, the town of Mansoul was strong, and, with a proviso, 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 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.

 

 From the time that my Lords of Mansoul and you grew so great, the Strength of Mansoul has been offended, and now he is arisen and is God. If any shall question the truth of my words, I ask, Where is the Prince IMMANUEL When did any in Mansoul see him When did you hear from him,, or taste any of his dainties 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.’ Fie, fie, MR. GODLYFEAR; will you never shake off your timorousness Who Math hurt you Behold, I am on your side, only you are for doubting, and I am for being confident. Besides, is this a time to be sad in A feast is made for mirth, why then do you break out into such passionate, melancholy language' GODLY.’ I may well be sad, for IMMANUEL is God from Mansoul, and you are the man that has driven him away; yea, he has God without so much as acquainting the nobles of Mansoul with his going; and if that is not a sign of his anger, I know not what is.' His Speech to the Elders of Mansoul.’ MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, Your gradual declining from him, did provoke him gradually to depart from you, which he did for some time, if, perhaps, you would have been made sensible thereby, and have been renewed by humbling yourselves; but when he saw that none would regard, nor lay those beginnings of his anger to heart, he went away from this place, and this I saw with mine eye. 

 

 Wherefore now, while you boast, your strength is God; you are like the man that had lost his locks. You may, with this Lord of your feast, shake yourselves, and conclude to do as at other times; but since without him you can do nothing, and he is departed from you, turn your feast into a sigh, and your mirth into lamentation.' Then MR. CONSCIENCE being startled at what was said, began to second it thus CONS.’ Indeed, my Brethren, I fear MR. Godly FEAR tells us true: I, for my part, have not seen my Prince of a long season; nor can I answer Mr. GODLY FEAR'S question. I am afraid all is not right with Mansoul. GODLY.’'1Vay, 1’know you shall not find 1im’in Mansoul, for he is departed and ‘God, yea, God for the faults of the elders; for they rewarded his grace with insufferable unkindness.

 

 Then did MR. CONSCIENCE look as if he would fall down dead at “the table; also all present, except the man of the house, began to look pale and wan. But having a little recovered themselves, and agreeing to believe MR. GODLYFEAR, they began to consult what was best to be done, (now MR. CARNAL SECURITY was God into his withdrawing-room,) both to the man of the house, for drawing them into evil, and to recover IMMANUEL'S love. And with that, the saying of their Prince came into their minds, what he had bid them do to such false Prophets, that should arise to delude the town. So they took MR. CARNAL SECURITY, and burned his house with fire.

 

 When this was over, they looked for their Prince, and they sought him, but they found him not; then were they more confirmed in the truth of MR. GODLY Fear’s sayings, and began severely to reflect upon themselves; for they concluded now 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, whom they had grieved with their doings,) to know of him where IMMANUEL was, and how they might direct a petition to him; but the Lord Secretary would not admit them to a conference, nor to his royal place of abode.

 

And now was it a day gloomy and dark, a day of clouds and thick darkness with Mansoul. Now they saw what the company and prattle of MR. CARNAL SECURITY had done; but what further it was like to cost them, that they were ignorant of. Now MR. GODLYFEAR began again to be in repute; yea, they were ready to look upon him as a Prophet.

 

 When the Sabbath-day was come, they went to hear their Preacher; but 0, how he did thunder and lighten this day! His text was that in the Prophet JONAH: “They *.” There was such power and authority in that sermon, and such a dejection in the countenances of the people that day, that the like has seldom been heard or seen. He did not only show to Mansoul their sin, but did tremble before them under the sense of his own, 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 should set up to teach to Mansoul his law, should be one of the first found in transgression.' About this time there was a great sickness in the town, and most of the inhabitants were greatly afflicted; yea, 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 now have been done either by the townsmen or field-officers. 0 how many pale faces, weak hands, and feeble knees, were now seen in the streets of Mansoul. Here were groans, there pants, and yonder lay those that were ready to faint.

 

 After some time spent in this desolate condition, the Preacher called for a day of fasting, to humble themselves for being so wicked against the great SHADDAi and his Son; and he desired that CAPTAIN BOANERGES would preach. He consented to do it, and his text was,” Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground.” And first, he showed what was the occasion of the words; to wit, because the fig-tree was barren; then he showed what was contained in the sentence, viz., repentance, or utter desolation; he then showed also by whose authority this sentence was pronounced, and that was by SIJADDAI himself. This sermon, as well as the former, wrought much upon the hearts of the men of Mansoul; yea, it greatly helped to keep awake those that were roused by the preaching before; so that now throughout the whole town there was little to be heard or seen but sorrow, and mourning, and woe. After sermon they got together, and consulted what was of be done. ‘But,' said MR. CONSCIENCE,’ I will do nothing without advising with Ma. GODLYFEAR.' So they sent for MR. GODLY FEAR, and desired that he would show what they had best to do. Then said he,’ It is my opinion that you should send an humble petition to IMMANUEL, that he in his grace would turn again unto you, and not keep anger for ever.'

 

 They with one consent agreed to his advice, and drew up their request. The next point was, who should carry it At last they agreed to send it by my Lord Mayor. So he went, and came to the Court of SHADDAI, whither Immanuel was God; but the gate was shut, and a strict watch kept, so that the petitioner was forced to stand without for a great while. Then he desired that some would go to the Prince, and tell him who stood at the gate, and what his business was. So one went, and told SHADDAI, and IMMANUEL his Son, that the Lord Mayor of Mansoul stood without, at the gate of the King's Court, desiring to be admitted into the presence of the Prince; he also told what was the Lord Mayor's errand. But the Prince would not come down, nor admit that the gate should be opened to him, but sent him an answer to this effect:’ They have turned the back unto me, and not their face, but now in the time of their trouble they say to me, Arise and save us. Why in their trouble do they visit me, since in their prosperity they went astray'

 

This answer made my Lord Mayor sore afraid; it troubled, it perplexed, it rent hint sore. And now he began again to see what it was to be familiar with such as MR. CARNAL SECURITY was. When he saw that at Court there was little help to be expected, either for himself or his friends, he smote upon his breast, and returned weeping, and all the way bewailing the lamentable state of Mansoul.

 

 When he was come within sight of the town, the elders and chief of the people went out at the crate to meet him, and to salute him, and to know how he sped 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 through the town, 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. After some time, when they had somewhat refrained themselves, they came together to consult again what was yet to be done; and they asked advice, as before, of 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 with what they had met with at Court; yea, though several of their petitions should be answered with naught but silence and rebuke:’ For,' said he,' it is the way of the wise SHADDAI,. to make men wait and exercise patience.' Then they took courage, and sent again, and again, and again, and again; fbr there was not now one day nor one hour wherein a man might not have met upon the road one or other riding post to the Court of SII ADDAI; and this was the work of the miserable town of Mansoul all that long, that sharp, that cold, and tedious winter.

 

 You may remember, that after IMMANUEL had taken Mansoul, yea, and after he had new modeled the town, there remained in several lurking places many of the old Diabolians, that either came with the tyrant when he invaded the town, or that had there, by reason of unlawful mixtures, their birth, and breeding, and bringing up; and their 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-BYE, the LORD Blasphemy, and that horrible villain, the old and dangerous LORD COVETOUSNESS.

 

 Against these the Prince granted a commission to the LORD WILLBEWILL and others, yea, to the whole town, to seek, take, and destroy, any, or all that they could lay hands of, for that they were enemies to the Prince, and those that sought to ruin the town; but Mansoul did not pursue this warrant, but neglected to look after, to apprehend, and destroy them. When these Diabolian Lords perceived that Mansoul had offended Immanuel, and that he had withdrawn himself, and was God, they met together, and consulted how they might deliver up Mansoul into the hands of Diabolis again. Now some advised one way, and some another; but they agreed that a letter should be sent to DIABOLUS in their name, by which the state of the town should be showed him, and his advice asked in the case. So a letter was presently framed and sent. 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 the Porter open, to whom he delivered his letter, which he had brought from the Diabolians in Mansoul. So he carried it in and presented it to DIASOLUS, and said,’ Tidings, my Lord, from our trusty friends in Mansoul.'

 

 Then came together from all places of the den, Beelzebub, LUCIFER, APOLLYON, with the rest, to hear what news from Mansoul. So the letter was broken up and read, and the contents thereof spread into all the corners of the den.

 

DIABOLUS answered it thus: `BELOVED CHILDREN,-We have received your welcome letter, and rejoice to hear that yet we have friends in Mansoul, and such as sought our honor and revenge in the ruin of the town. We also rejoice to hear that they are in a degenerate condition, and that they have offended their Prince, and he is God. Their sickness also pleases us, as does also your health, might, and strength. Glad also would we be, could we get this town again; nor will we be sparing of our craft, to bring to a wished conclusion your brave, beginning. And take this for your comfort, that if we again surprise and take it, we will put all your foes to the sword, and will make you the great Lords and Captains of the Place; nor need you fear that we after that shall be cast out any more, for we will come with more strength, and lay, far more fast hold than at the first; besides, it is the law of that Prince whom now they own, that if we get them a second time, they shall be ours forever. Do you, therefore, yet more pry into the weakness of the town of Mansoul. We also would that you yourselves attempt to weaken them more and more, and send us word by what means you think we had best to attempt the regaining thereof: whether by persuasion to a vain and loose life, by tempting them to doubt and despair, or by blowing up the town by the gunpowder of pride and self-conceit. Do you also, 0 ye true sons of the Pit, be always in a readiness to make an assault within, when we shall storm it without. Now speed you in your project,. and vie in our desires, which is the wish of your great DIABOLUS. When they in Mansoul, had received and read this letter; they fell to contriving. how they might complete their design; and the first thing that they agreed upon was, to keep all things from Mansoul as close as they could. The next thing was, by what means they should bring to pass the ruin of Mansoul; and one said after this manner, and another said after that. Then stood up MR. DECEIT, and said, ‘Here are three ways proposed: 1. Whether we had best to seek its ruin by making Mansoul loose and vain. Or, 2. By driving them to doubt and despair. Or, 3. By endeavoring to blow them up. by, the gunpowder of pride and 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 call then. in despair, that would do at once; for then they would leave off sending petitions to Him for help and supply.' So to this they unanimously consented. The next question was, How shall we bring this to pass And it was answered by. the same gentleman, ‘Let so many of our friends as are willing to venture themselves. for their Prince's cause, disguise themselves with apparel, change their names, and go into the market like far countrymen, and proffer to let themselves for servants to the town; by so doing, they may, if hired, so corrupt and defile the corporation, that her now Prince shall not be 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; yea, of themselves they shall fall into the mouth of the eater.'

 

 This project was no sooner propounded but was accepted, and forward were all Diabolians to engage in the enterprise; but it was not thought Ft 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 PRUDENT-THRIFTY; the LORD LASCIVIOUSNESS called himself HARMLESS-MIRTH; and the LORD ANGER called himself' by the name of 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, 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 were come, and had offered themselves to the townsmen, they were presently taken, for they asked but little wages, and promised to do their masters great service. MR. MIND hired PRUDENT-THRIFTY, and Mr.. GODLYFEAR hired ZEAL. * could not so soon get him a master; but after a while, the LORD *****, and thus they got them masters. These now being got into the houses of the men of Mansoul, quickly corrupted the families where they were; yea, they tainted their masters much, especially PRUDENT THRIFTY and him they called HARMLESS-MIRTH. True, he that went under the visor of ZEAL was not so well liked of his master, for he quickly found that he was a counterfeit; which when the fellow perceived, with speed he made his escape from the house.

 

 When these vagabonds had thus carried on their design, and had corrupted the town as much as they could, in the next place they considered at what, time DIABOLUS without, and themselves within the town, should make an attempt to seize Mansoul; and they all agreed that a market-day would be best for that work, for then would the townsfolk be busy in their ways; and always when people are most busy in the world, they least fear a surprise. These things being thus far agreed, they wrote another letter to DIABOLUS, giving an account of what they had done. All this time the poor town was in a woeful case, partly because they had so grievously offended SHADDAI and his Son, partly because the enemies thereby got strength within them afresh, and also because, though they had by many petitions made suit to the Prince, yet hitherto obtained they not one smile.

 

 MR. PROFANE was now come with the letter into the den, and his LORD DIABOLUS met him, and saluted him with,’ Welcome, my trusty servant.' 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 Lone DIABOLUS, and let him be her king for ever.' And with that the hollow belly of hell gave so loud a groan, (for that is the music of that place,) that it made the mountains about it totter, as if it would fall to pieces.

 

 Then they set out at Hell-gate Hill, (for there they had their rendezvous,) and carne with a, straight course toward Mansoul. As the town had received the alarm of their coming, they set a strong watch at the gates, and doubled their guards; they also mounted their slings in good places, where they might conveniently cast out their great stones to the annoyance of the enemy. When D1ABOLUS was come up against the town, first he made his approach against Ear-gate, and gave it a furious assault; supposing 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 the help he expected, and finding his army warmly attended with the stones the slingers did sling, he was forced to retreat, and entrench himself and his men in the field, without the reach of the slings.

 

 Having entrenched himself, he cast up four mounts against the town. The first he called Mount Diabolus there he did 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 flame fearful to behold, and the picture of Mansoul burning in it. When Diabolis Us had thus done, he commanded that his drummer should every night approach the walls of Mansoul, and beat a parley; the command was to do it at nights, for in the day-time they annoyed him with their slings; and he commanded that the drums should beat every night, that through weariness they might at last be forced to yield.

 

 So the Drummer, as commanded, arose and 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. flow did Mansoul tremble! It now looked for nothing but forthwith to be swallowed up. When he had beaten for a parley, he made this speech to Mansoul:-1 My master has bid me tell you, that if you 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 time he had done, the people had betaken themselves to the Captains that were in tile castle; so that there was none to regard, nor give an answer; so he returned again to his master in the camp. The next night he. sent a summons to the town to deliver.

 

They gave him neither heed nor bearing, they remembered what at first it cost them to hear him a few words. But after some consultation among themselves, as also with some of their Captains, they applied themselves to the LORD SECRETARY; of him they begged these three things:

 

 1. That he would look comfortably upon them, and not keep himself so much retired from them as formerly. Also that he would give them a hearing, while they should make known their miserable condition to him; but to this he told them, he was but ill at ease, and therefore could not do as he had formerly done.

 

 2. The second thin; they desired was, that he would be pleased to give them his advice about their important affairs; for that DIABOLIS was 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. To this he said,’You must look to the law of the Prince, and there see what is laid upon you to do.'

 

 3. Then they desired that his Highness would help them to frame a petition to SHADDAZ, and to IMMANUEL, his Son, and that he would set his own hand thereto as a token that he was one with them in it:’ For,' said they,’ my LORD, many a one have we sent, but can get no answer of peace; but surely one with thy hand unto it may obtain God for Mansoul.' But all the answer he gave was,’ That they had offended IMMANUEL, and had also grieved himself, and therefore they must as yet partake of their own devices.' This answer fell like a mill-stone upon there; yea, it crushed them so that they could not tell what to do, yet they durst not comply with the demands of DIABOLUS. So here were the straits that the town was betwixt, when the enemy came upon her: Her foes were ready to swallow her up, and her friends did forbear to help her.

 

 Then stood up my LORD Mayor, my LORD; and said,’ This unavoidably follows upon the saying of my LORD: 1. That we must yet suffer for our sins: 2. The word yet sounds as if at last we should be saved from our enemies; and that after a few more sorrows, IMMANUEL will come and be our help.' Hereupon the Captains began to take courage, and to prepare to make some brave attempt upon the camp of the enemy, and to destroy all that were Diabolians, with the roving Doubters that the tyrant had brought to destroy the town. The next day, therefore, they came together and consulted, and resolved to give an answer to DIABOLIS with slings and so they did tat the rising of the sun, for DIABOLIS had adventured to come nearer again; wherefore he was forced to make another retreat, yet further off from the town. Then did the LORD Mayor cause the bells to be rung, and that thanks should be sent to the LORD High Secretary by the mouth of the 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, he said,’ I will try to flatter them into my net.'

 

 Wherefore, after a while he came down again to the wall, and after he bad called for audience, he proceeded and said 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 thee God. Far be it from me to desire to make war upon you, if ye will but willingly deliver up yourselves unto me. You know that you were mine of old; 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. Be but prevailed with to embrace me again, and I will grant, yea, enlarge your old charter, so that your liberty shall be to take, hold, enjoy, and make your own, all that is pleasant from the east to the west. Nor shall any of those incivilities, wherewith you have offended me, be charged upon you so long as the sun and moon endure. Bear with your Friend. I take the liberty at this time to speak thus freely unto 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 of your Captains, or that IMMANUEL will shortly come to your help, for such strength will do you no service. I am come against you with a stout and valiant army, and all the chief Princes are at the head of it. My Captains are swifter than eagles, stronger than lions! How, then, shall Mansoul think to escape my hand'

 

 DIABOLUS having ended his speech, the LORD Mayor replied as follows: O DIABOLUS, Prince, of Darkness, and Master of all Deceit! thy lying flatteries we have had sufficient proof of; should we again hearken unto thee, and break the commandments of our great SHADDAI, would not our Prince reject us, and cast us off for ever We are rather ready to die by thy hand, than to fall in with thy lying deceits.' When the tyrant saw that there was little to be done by parleying, he fell into a rage, and resolved again to assault the town. 

 

 So he called for his Drummer, who beat up for his men to be in readiness to give battle. Then DIABOLUS drew near with his army, and thus disposed of his men: CAPTAIN CRUEL and CAPTAIN TORMENT he placed against Feel-gate, and commanded them to sit down there for the war. At Nose-gate he placed CAPTAIN BRIMSTONE and CAPTAIN SEPULCHRE, and bid them look well to their ward. But at Eye-gate he placed that grim-faced one, CAPTAIN, and there also now he did set up his terrible standard. Mouth-gate the inhabitants of Mansoul kept for a sally. port: wherefore that they kept strong; for by it the towns, folk did send their petitions to IMMANUEL; that also was the gate from the top of which the Captains played their slings, for that gate stood somewhat ascending, so that the placing of them there did much execution against -the tyrant's army; wherefore for these causes, with others, DIABOLUS sought, if possible, to land up Mouth-gate with dirt.

 

 Now as DIABOLUS was busy in preparing to make his assault without, so the Captains and soldiers were as busy in preparing within; they mounted their slings, theyy 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 order to be ready at the sound of the trumpet. The LORD WILL BE WILL took the charge of watching against the rebels within, and to do what he could to take them while without. Also the townsmen had their hopes and expectations heightened, believing at last the day would be theirs. So DIABOLUS commanded his drummer to beat a charge against the town, and the Captains 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; and the Captains in the castle, with the slingers at Mouth-gate, played upon them atnain. And now there was nothing heard in the camp of DIABOLUS but horrible rage and blasphemy; but in the town, 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 which the townsmen refreshed themselves, and the Captains made ready for another assault. The Captains of IMMANUEL. 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 Immanuel’s engine shot. In the town some were hurt, and some were greatly wounded. The worst was, a Surgeon was scarce in Mansoul, for that IMMANUEL was absent. Howbeit, with the leaves of a tree, the wounded were kept from dying; yet their wounds did greatly putrefy. Of the townsmen these were wounded:

 

My LORD REASON was wounded in the head; the brave LORD MAYOR was wounded in the eye; the honest Preacher, also, received a shot not far off the heart, but none of these were mortal.

 

 In the camp of DIABOLUS were wounded and slain a considerable number. For instance: CAPTAIN RAGE 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 had his brains beat out with a sling-stone. Many also of the Doubters were slain outright, though enough of them are left alive to make Mansoul shake. Now the victory that day falling to Mansoul, put great valor into the townsmen and Captains, and covered DIABOLUS' camp with a cloud, but withal 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. A while after, the Captains resolved to make a sally out upon the camp of DIABOLUS, and this in the night.

 

 So the time being come, they cast lots who should lead the van; the lot fell to CAPTAIN CREDENCE, CAPTAIN EXPERIENCE, and CAPTAIN God HOPE. This CAPTAIN EXPERIENCE the Prince created such when himself resided: In the town of Mansoul: They made their sally out upon the arifiv,, and their hap was to fall irr with the main body of their enemies. Now DIABALOS and his men being 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 again, and blows were hard on every side; the hell-drum also was beat most furiously, whilst the trumpets of the Prince most sweetly sounded. And thus the battle was joined, and CAPTAIN INSATIABLE looked to the enemies' carriages, and waited when he should receive some prey.

 

 The Prince's Captains fought it stoutly; they wounded many; they made the whole army of DIABOLUS retreat. But as they were upon the pursuit, following hard after the enemy, CAPTAIN CREDENCE stumbled and fell, by which fall he caught so great 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 but 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. DIABOLUS, though as yet he was put to the worst, perceiving that a halt was made among the pursuers, and taking it for granted that the Captains were either wounded or dead, makes at first a stand, then faces about, and so comes upon the Prince's army with all his might, and his hap was to fall in just among the three Captains. These he did cut, wound, and pierce so dreadfully, that what through discouragement, what through disorder, and what through the wounds they received, and also the loss of much blood, they scarce were able, though they bad the three best bands in Mansoul, to get safe into the hold again. 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 God a retreat as they could, and so returned by the sally-port again. But DIABOLUS Was So flushed with this night's work, the promised himself an easy and complete conquest; wherefore, on the day following, he comes up, and demands entrance, and that forthwith they deliver themselves up to his government.

 

 But the valiant LORD Mayor replied,’ That what he got, he must bet by force; for as long as IMMANUEL 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 WILLBEWILL stood up, and said,’ DIABOLUS, thou enemy to all that is God; we are too well acquainted with thy rule and government, and with the, end of those things that will follow submitting to thee, to do it. Wherefore, though while we were without knowledge, we suffered thee 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 unto GOD. And though through thy subtlety we have sustained much loss, and also plunged ourselves into much perplexity, yet we shall not yield to so horrid a tyrant as thou: die upon the place we will rather.'

 

 Yet DIABOLUS resolved to have another trial with Mansoul; for, thought he, 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 that they should bend all their force against Feel-gate, and attempt to break in through that: The word that then he did give to his officers was, Hell-fire:’ And,' said be,’if we break in upon them, 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.' The Drummer was also to beat without ceasing, and the Standard-bearers to display their colors; the soldiers too were to put on what courage they could, and to see that they played their parts. When the night was come, and all things ready for the work, he suddenly makes his assault upon Feel-gate, and after he had--a-while 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 DIASOLUS had thus far made his attempt, he placed his Captains, 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 truth, they made what resistance they could; but three of their best and most valiant Captains being wounded, (and all the rest having more than their hands full of Doubters,) they were overpowered, nor could they keep them out of the town. Wherefore the Prince's men and their Captains betook themselves to the castle; and this they did, partly for their own security, partly for the security of the town, and chiefly to preserve to IMMANUEL the prerogative royal of Mansoul.

 

 The Captains being fled into the castle, the enemy, without much resistance, possessed themselves of the rest of the town; and spreading themselves into every corner, they cried out as they marched, according to command, Hellfire, 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' drum; and now the clouds hung black over Mansoul, nor did any thing but ruin seem to attend it. DIABOLUS also quartered his soldiers in the houses of the inhabitants of the town; yea, the 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 WILLI Be WILL's also. They turned the men of the town out of their houses, and would he in their beds, and sit at their tables themselves. Ah, poor Mansoul! now thou feels 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; yea, they fired the town in several places; many young children also were by them dashed in pieces; yea, those that were yet unborn they destroyed in their mother's womb; many v+-omen, both young and old, they forced and abused, so that they swooned, and many of them died, and 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 draGods, an emblem of hell, and a place of total darkness. Now did it he like the barren wilderness; nothing but briers, thorns, and weeds, seemed to cover the face of it. These Doubters turned' the men of Mansoul out of their beds; they wounded them; nay, they almost brained many, yea, most if not all of them Mr. CONSCIENCE they so wounded, and his wounds so festered, that he could have no ease day or night, but lay as if continually upon a rack; but that Shaddai rules all, certainly they had slain him outright. My LORD Mayor they so abused, that they almost put out his eyes; and had not my LORD WILLBEWILL got into the castle, they intended to have chopped him to pieces; for they looked upon him (as his heart now stood) to be one of the very worst that was in Mansoul against DIABOLU5.

 

Yet DIABOLUS’ and his men were not at peace in Mansoul, for they were not there entertained, as were the Captains and forces of IMMANUEL. The townsmen hindered them what they could; nor did they partake of any necessaries but that which they seized against the townsmen's will, what they could not hide from them.

 

 The Captains also from the castle did hold them in continual play with their slings. True, DIABOLUS made a great many attempts to have broken open the gates of the castle, but MR. GODLY FEAR was made keeper of that; and he was a man of that conduct and valor, that all the attempts DIABOLUS made against him were fruitless.

 

 This was the condition of Mansoul for about two wears and a 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 I-lad the enemy lain so long in the plain against the town, it had been enough to have famished them; but now, when they were within, when the town was their tent, their trench, and fort against the castle, this was terrible; and yet this was now the state of the town of Mansoul. After Mansoul had been in this condition for so long a time, and no petitions they presented could prevail, the inhabitants gathered together, and agreed to draw up yet another petition, and to send it away to IMMANUEL for relief. But Mr. GODLYFEAR stood up and answered, that he knew his LORD, the Prince, never did, nor ever would, receive a petition from the hand of any, unless the LORD Secretary's hand was to it; I and this’ said he, I 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 unto it. But MR. GODLYFEAR answered again, that he knew that the LORD Secretary would, not set his hand to any petition that himself had not a hand in composing; wherefore my advice is, that you go to my LORD, and implore him to lend you his aid. (He did yet abide in the castle, where all the Captains and men at arms were.)

 

 They heartily thanked MR. GODLYFEAR, and took his counsel; they went and made known their coming to him. Then said the Secretary to them, `What petition is it that you would have me draw up for you’ But they said, I Our LORD knows best the state of the town of Mansoul, and how we are backslidden from the Prince thou also knows who is come up to war against us, and how Mansoul is now the seat of war. 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 IMMANUEL.' I Well,' said the LORD Secretary, `I will draw up a petition for you, and will also set my hand thereto.' Then said they, ` 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; yea, 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,’No petition goes from me to the Prince,. and to his Father by him, but when the people that are concerned therein join in heart and soul in the matter, for that must be inserted therein.

 

 The contents of the petition were: O, our LORD, and Sovereign PRINCE IMMANUEL! Grace is poured into thy lips, and to thee belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against thee. We, who are no more worthy to be called thine, beseech thee to. do away our transgressions. We confess that thou 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 enemies within our town fright us, and the army of the bottomless pit distresses us. Thy grace alone can be our salvation, and whither to go but to thee we know not. Our wisdom is God, our power is God, because thou art departed from us; nor have we ought we may call ours but sin, shame, and confusion of face. Take pity upon us, O LORD, take pity upon us, and save us out of the hands of our. enemies.'

 

 This petition was signed by the LORD Secretary, and carried to the Court by CAPTAIN CREDENCE. This soon. reached the ears of DIABOLUS, who charged the town with it, saying,’ Thou rebellious and stubborn hearted Mansoul, I will make thee leave off petitioning; art thou yet for petitioning’ Yea, he also knew who the messenger was that carried the petition, and it made him both to fear and rage.

 

Wherefore he commanded that his drum should be beaten again, and the Diabolonians gathered together.

 

 Then said DIABOLUS,’Be it known unto you, that there is treachery against us in the rebellious town of Mansoul; for albeit the town is in our possession, yet they have been so hardy as to send to IMMANUEL for help. Wherefore I command that yet more and more ye distress this town of Mansoul; ravish their women, deflower their virgins, slay their children,, brain their ancients, fire their town, and do what other mischief you can; and let this be their reward from me, for their desperate rebellions against me.'

 

When DIABOLUS had done thus, he went 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. GODLYFEAR replied,' That the gate should not be opened to him, nor to the men that followed after him.' He faid moreover, that Mansoul, when she had suffered awhile, should be made perfect, strengthened, settled.' Then said DIABOLUS,’ Deliver me then the men that have petitioned against me, especially CAPTAIN CREDENCE, and I will depart from the town.

 

 MR. GODLYFEAR replied,' How long will Mansoul be kept out of the dungeon, when she has given up her faith to DIABOLUS As God lose the town, as lose CAPTAIN CREDENCE; for if one be God, the other must follow.' Then my LORD Mayor said,’ O thou devoring tyrant, be it known unto thee, we shall hearken to none of thy words; we are resolved to resist thee as long as a Captain, a man, a sling, and a stone, shall be found in the town of Mansoul.' DIABOLUS answered,’Do you hope, do you wait, do you look for help and deliverance You have sent to IMMANUEL, but your wickedness sticks too close in our skirts, to let innocent prayers come out of your lips. Think you that you shall prosper in this design You will fail in your attempts, for it is not only I, but your IMMANUEL is against you; yea, 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 said the LORD Mayor,’ We have sinned indeed, but that shall be no help to thee; for our IMMANUEL has said, and that in great faithfullness,” Him that cometh 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.'

 

 By this time CAPTAIN CREDENCE was returned from IMMANUEL to the castle of Mansoul with a packet. My LORD Mayor hearing that CAPTAIN CREDENCE was come, sent for all the Captains and Elders of the town. When they were come he opened his packet, and the first note was for my LORD Mayor, wherein was signified,

 

' That the PRINCE IMMANUEL had taken it well that my LORD Mayor had been so true and trusty in his office, that he had been so bold for his Prince, 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 was for the noble LORD WILBEWILL, wherein was signified,

 

That IMMANUEL did well understand how valiant he had been for the honor of his LORD, now in his absence, and when his name was under contempt by DIABOLUS.'

 

 He signified, moreover, that he understood my LORD had with his own hand done great execution upon some of the chief of the rebels, to the great discouragement of the adverse party, and to the God example of the whole town, and that shortly his LORDship should have his reward. The third note was for the Preacher, wherein was signified, That his Prince took it well from him that he had so faithfully performed his office, and executed the trust committed to him while he exhorted, rebuked, and forewarned Mansoul according to the laws of the town. He signified, moreover, that he took well at his hand that he had called to fasting, sackcloth, and ashes, when Mansoul was under her revolt. Also that he called for the aid of 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. GODLYFEAR, wherein his LORD signified, That his LORDship observed he was the first of all the men in Mansoul, that detected MR. CARNAL SECURITY; that he remembered his tears and groaning for the state of Mansoul.' IMMANUEL also took notice, that he stood stoutly 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 so to petition their Prince, that they might obtain an answer of peace; and that therefore shortly be should receive his reward.

 

 After CAPTAIN CREDENCE had delivered his notes, he retired to my LORD Secretary's lodgings, who told him,’ I have made thee the LORD-Lieutenant over all the forces in Mansoul; so that from this day forward, all men in Mansoul shall be at thy word, and thou shall lead in and lead out Mansoul. Thou shall therefore manage the war for thy Prince, against the power of DIABOLUS, and at thy command shall the rest of the Captains be.'

 

 To return: When DIABOLUS saw himself. thus confronted by the LORD.Mayor, and perceived the stoutness of MR. GODLYFEAR, 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 at the head of them, to consult 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, till at length BEELZEBUB spake thus:-' 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 masters of Mansoul; for so long as one in town is able to lift up his finger against us, IMMANUEL will take their parts, and if he shall take their parts, we cannot prevail. Wherefore, there is no way to bring them into bondage to us, like inventing a way to make them sin.' To this they all agreed. So they fell to inventing by what means they might do this thing.

 

 Then LUCIFER stood up and said,’ The way to bring this to pass, in mine opinion, is this: Let us withdraw our force from the town of Mansoul, 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 he in the field at a distance, and be as if we regarded them not. I have also another stratagem: you know Mansoul is a market-town, and a town that delights in commerce; what, therefore, if some of us shall feign to be far countrymen, and shall bring to the market some of our wares to sell. Thus let Mansoul be taken up in much business, and let them grow full and rich; remember ye not that thus we prevailed upon Laodicea, and how many at present do we hold in this snare When they begin to grow full they will forget their misery, and if we shall not affright them, they may happen to fall asleep, and so neglect their town-watch, their castle-watch, as well as their watch at the gates.

 

 Yea, 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 and if we get our Gods and commodities thither, I reckon the castle is more than half ours.'

 

 This advice was highly applauded by them all, and was accounted the very master-piece of hell; to wit, to choke Mansoul with a fullness of this world, and to surfeit her heart with the God things thereof. But just as this counsel was broken up, CAPTAIN CREDENCE received a letter from IMMANUEL, the contents of which were, That upon the third day, h e would meet him in the field in the plains about Mansoul.’Meet me in the field,' quoth the Captain,’ what meaneth my LORD by this' So he took the note in his hand, carried it to my LORD Secretary, and desired his opinion thereof. So my LORD read it, and said,

 

 Your enemies have had a great consultation to-day; they have this day been contriving the utter ruin of the town, and the result of their counsel is, to set Mansoul into such a way, as 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 betake themselves to the field again, and there to he until they shall see whether this their project will take or no. But be thou ready with the men of thy-LORD, (for on the third day they will be in the plain,) there to fall upon them, for' the Prince will by that time be in the field; yea, by that it is break of day, and with a mighty force. So he shall be before them, and thou shall be behind them, and betwixt you both their army shall be destroyed.' When CAPTAIN CREDENCE heard this, he went to the rest of the Captains, and told them what a note he bad received from IMMANUEL; I and,' said he, I that which was dark therein has my LORD Secretary expounded unto me.' he told them, moreover, what must be done to answer the mind of their LORD.

 

 On the second day DIABOLUS and his forces withdrew themselves from Mansoul, and abode in the plains without; but they encamped themselves before Eye-gate, in the strongest manner they could. The time that the Captains were to fall upon them being Lone, they eagerly prepared themselves for action; for CAPTAIN CREDENCE had told them over night, that they should meet their Prince in the field to-morrow. CAPTAIN CREDENCE, with them, 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 the word, which was,’ The Sword of IMMANUEL, and the shield of CAPTAIN CREDENCE;' which is in the Mansoulian tongue, I The Word of GOD, and Faith.' Then the Captains fell on, and began to front, and flank, and rear DIABOLUS'S Camp. They left CAPTAIN EXPERIENCE in the town, because he was yet ill of the wounds given him in the last fight. But when he perceived that the Captains were God, he called for his crutches with haste, and away he got to the battle, saving,’Shall I he here, when IMMANUEL will show himself in the field to his servants' When the enemy saw the man come thus, they were -daunted the more;’for,' thought they, `what spirit has possessed these men, that they fight me upon their crutches' Well, the Captains fell on, still crying out and shouting,’ The Sword of PRINCE IMMANUEL, and the Shield Of CAPTAIN CREDENCE.'

 

 Now when DIABOLUS saw that the Captains were come out, and that they so valiantly surrounded his men, he concluded nothing was to be looked for but blows, and the dints of their two-edged sword. Wherefore he also falls on the Prince's army with all his deadly force. So the battle was joined. Now who was it that first DIABOLUS met with in the fight, but CAPTAIN CREDENCE on the one hand, and LORD WILBEWILL on the other. Now WILBEWILL's blows were like the blows of a giant, for that man had a strong arm, and he fell in upon the life-guard of DIAROLUS, cutting and battering shrewdly. When CAPTAIN CREDENCE saw my LORD engaged, he did stoutly fall on; so they put them to great disorder. The rest of the armies were hotly engaged, and that on every side. 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 awhile, those that were made to fly before the Captains of the Prince, did begin to rally again, and 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 PRINCE IMMANUEL, and the Shield of CAPTAIN CREDENCE!' And with that DIABOLUS gave back, thinking that more aid had been come; but no IMMANUEL as yet appeared.- Moreover, the battle did hang in doubt; and they made a little retreat on both sides.- In the time of respite, CAPTAIN CREDENCE encouraged his men to stand to it, and DIABOLUS did the like.

 

 No sooner had the Captain made his speech, but one came post to the Captain, to tell him IMMANUEL was at hand. This the Captain communicated to the other Field Officers, and they again to their soldiers: wherefore, like men raised from the dead, the Captains and their men arose, made up to the enemy, and cried as before,’ The Sword Of PRINCE IMMANUEL, and the Shield Of CAPTAIN CREDENCE!' When they had, been in the heat of the battle about an hour, CAPTAIN CREDENCE lift up his eyes and saw, and behold IMMANUEL came, and he came with colors flying, trumpets sounding, and the feet of his men scarce touched the ground. Then did CREDENCE wind with his men to the town-ward, and gave DIABOLUS the field. So IMMANUEL came upon him on the one side, and the enemy's place was betwixt them both; then again they fell to it afresh; and now it was but a little while more but IMMANUEL and CAPTAIN CREDENCE met, still trampling down the slain as they came.

 

 When the Captains saw that the Prince was come, and that he fell upon the enemy on the other side, they so shouted that the ground rent again. Now when DIABOLUS saw that he and his forces were so hard beset, he, and the LORDs of the pit that were with him, made their escape, and forsook their army, leaving them to fall by the hand of IMMANUEL and Of CAPTAIN CREDENCE. So they fell all down slain before the Prince, and before his royal army; there was not left so much as one Doubter alive; they lay spread upon the ground, as one would spread dung upon the land. When the battle was over, the Captains and Elders of Mansoul came together to salute IMMANUEL. So he smiled upon them, and said,” Peace be to you.” Then they addressed themselves to go to the town; and this was the manner and order of his going into Mansoul. First, All the gates of the town were set open; yea, the gates of the castle also, and the Elders of the town placed themselves at the gates to salute him at his entrance; and as he drew near, and approached towards the gates, they said,”Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in.” They answered again,”Who is the King of Glory” And they made return,”The LORD, strong and mighty, even the LORD mighty in battle.”

 

 Secondly, The Elders, and the rest of the men of Mansoul answered one another as IMMANUEL entered the town, till he came at the castle-gates with songs and sound of trumpets, saying,”They have seen thy 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, and among them were the damsels playing on timbrels.” Thirdly, The Captains in their order waited on the Prince as he entered into the gates. CAPTAIN CREDENCE went before, and CAPTAIN * 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; and all the while the colors were displayed, the trumpets sounding, and continual shoutings were amongst 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, All the streets were strewed with lilies and flowers, and curiously decked with boughs and branches. Every door also was filled with persons who had adorned every one the fore part of their house with something to entertain him with as he passed the streets; they also themselves, as IMMANUEL passed by, did welcome him with shouts and acclamations of joy, saying,’ Blessed be the Prince- that cometh in the name of his Father, SHADDAI.

 

 At the castle-gates the elders of Mansoul, to wit, The LORD Mayor, the LORD WILBEWII,L, the Preacher, MR KNOWLEDGE, and MR. MIND, with other of the gentry of the place, saluted IMMANUEL 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 returning to them with mercies, to build them up for ever. Thus was he had up to the castle; for that was the royal palace, and the place where his Honor was to dwell; which was ready prepared for his Highness by the presence of the LORD Secretary, and the work of CAPTAIN CREDENCE. Then the people and commonalty of the town 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 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 which the Prince replied: Weep not, but go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom naught is prepared; for the joy of your LORD is your strength. I am returned to Mansoul with mercies, and my name shall be set up, exalted, and magnified by it.' He also took the inhabitants and kissed them, and laid them in his bosom. When IMMANUEL had done all these things for the town of Mansoul, then he said unto them, Wash your garments, then put on your ornaments, and come to me into the castle.' So they went to the fountain that was set open for Judah and Jerusalem to wash in; and there they washed, and made their garments white, and came again to the Prince, and stood before him.

 

 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 did also ring, and the sun shone comfortably upon them for a great while together. The town of Mansoul did also now more thoroughly seek the destruction of all remaining Diabolonians, that abode in the walls and the dens (that they had) in the town of Mansoul. But my LORD WILBEWILL was a greater terror to them now, than ever he had been before; forasmuch as his heart was more fully bent to seek, contrive, and pursue them to the death. They therefore resolved to make another attempt upon Mansoul, and that by an army mixed and made up partly of Doubters, and partly of Blood men. The Doubters are such as have their name from their nature, as well as from the kingdom where they are born; their nature is to question every one of the truths of IMMANUEL; and their country is called the Land of Doubting, and lies off to the north, between the Land of Darkness, and the Valley of the Shadow of Death. The Blood men 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. The name of their country is the Province of Loath God; the remote parts of it are far distant from the Land of Doubting; yet they do both butt and bound upon the bill called Hell gate-Hill.

 

 Of these two countries did DIABOLUS, by the beating of his drum, raise another army against Mansoul, of five and twenty thousand strong. There were ten thousand Doubters, and fifteen thousand Blood men, and they were put under several Captains for the war; and old INCREDULITY was again made General of the army. 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 Blood men, more than in his army of Doubters. These Blood men he had proved 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; yea, upon the Prince of Princes. And that which encouraged him the more was, for that they once did force IMMANUEL out of the kingdom of Universe; and why; thought he, may they not drive him from the town of Mansoul

 

 So this army of five and twenty thousand strong, was by their General, the LORD INCREDULITY, led up against Mansoul. So they beleaguered the town; the Doubters were placed about Feel-gate, and the Blood men set down before Eye gate and Ear-gate.

 

When this army had thus encamped, INCREDULITY did in the name of DIABOLUS, his own name, and in the name of the Blood Men, and the rest that were with him, send a summons to Mansoul, to yield to their demands; threatening, that if they still stood out, they would burn down Mansoul with fire. As for the Blood Men, they were not so much that Mansoul should be surrendered, as that it should be destroyed, and cut off from the land of the living. They must have blood, the blood of Mansoul, else they die; and it is from hence that they have their name. When the townsmen had received this summons, they jointly agreed, in less than half an hour, to carry it to the Prince, which they did when they had writ at the bottom of it,”LORD, save us from bloody men.”

 

 So he took it, and looked upon it, and took notice also of the short petition written at the bottom of it, and called to him CAPTAIN CREDENCE, and bid him take CAPTAIN PATIENCE with him, and go and take care of that side of Mansoul that was beleaguered by the Blood Men. They went and did as they were commanded, and secured that side of Mansoul that was besieged by the Blood Men. Then he commanded that CAPTAIN GODHOPE, and CAPTAIN CHARITY, and my LORD WILLBEWILL, should take charge of the other side of the town. This done, he commanded that CAPTAIN EXPERIENCE should draw up his men in the market-place, and there exercise them day by day before the people of the town. Now this siege was long, and many a fierce attempt did the enemy, especially the Blood Men, 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 was commanded to take the care of Ear-gate and Eye-gate, against the Blood Men.

 

 This CAPTAIN SELF-DENIAL was a young man, but stout, and a townsman in Mansoul, as CAPTAIN Experience also was, and IMMANUEL, at his second return to Mansoul, made him a Captain over a thousand. This Captain therefore being a hardy man, and willing to venture himself for the God of the town, would now and then sally out upon the Blood Men, and give them many alarms; but this could not be done but he must meet with brushes himself; for he carried several of their marks in his face, yea, and other parts of his body. After some time spent for the trial of the faith, and hope, and love of the town of Mansoul, the Prince upon a day calls for his Captains and men of war together, and divides them into two companies; this done, he commands them in the morning very early to sally out upon the enemy, saying,’ Let half of you fall upon the Doubters, and half of you upon the Blood Men. Those that go out against the Doubters, kill and cause to perish so many of them as you can lay your hands on; but for you that go out against the Blood Men, slay them not, but take them alive. Betimes in the morning the Captains went out: CAPTAIN GODHOPE, CAPTAIN CHARITY, With CAPTAIN INNOCENT, and CAPTAIN EXPERIENCE, went out against the Doubters; CAPTAIN CREDENCE, and CAPTAIN PATIENCE, With CAPTAIN SELF-DENIAL, went out against the Blood Men.

 

 Those that went out against the Doubters, drew up in a body, and marched on to give them battle; but the Doubters, remembering their last success, made a retreat, not daring to stand the shock; 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, the rest went straggling up and down the country. They would also after this show themselves in companies before Mansoul, but never to abide it; for if CAPTAIN CREDENCE, CAPTAIN GODHOPE, or CAPTAIN EXPERIENCE did but show themselves, they fled. Those that went out against the Blood Men did as they were commanded; they fore bore to slay any, but sought to compass them about. The Blood Men, when they saw that IMMANUEL was not in the field, concluded that no IMMANUEL was in Mansoul; wherefore, looking upon what the Captains did to be extravagancy, rather despised than feared them; but the Captains, minding their business, at last did compass them round; they also that had routed the Doubters came in again to their aid; so in fine, after some little struggling, for the Blood Men also would have run for it, only now it was too late, (for though they are cruel where they can overcome, yet all Blood Men are cowards when they once see themselves matched,) the Captains took them, and brought them to the Prince.

 

 When they were had before the Prince, and examined, he found them to be of three several countries.1. One sort of them came out of Blindmanshire; and they were such as did ignorantly what they did. 2. Another sort of them came out of Blindzealshire; and they did superstitiously what they did. 3. The third sort of them came out of the town of Malice; and they did what they did out of spite and implacableness. For the first of these, they that came out of Blindman, shire, 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 them as asked him mercy, he touched their lips with the golden scepter. They that came out of Blindzealshire pleaded that they had right to do what they did, because Mansoul was a town whose laws and customs were diverse from all that dwells hereabouts. Very few of these could be brought to see their evil; but those that did, and asked mercy, obtained favor. They that came out of the town of Malice, stood gnawing their tongues before him for anguish and madness, because they could not have their will. These last, with all those of the other two sorts that did not unfeigned ask pardon for their faults, those he made to enter into sufficient bond to answer for what they had done, at the great and general Assize to be held for our LORD the King, where he”himself should appoint, for the country and kingdom of Universe. And thus much concerning this second army that was sent by DIABOLUS to overthrow Mansoul. When the town of Mansoul had rid themselves of so many of their enemies, and the troubles of their peace, the Prince sent to them, and appointed a day wherein he would meet the whole people, and give them charge concerning some further matters, that, if observed, would tend to their further safety and comfort, and to the condemnation and destruction of their homebred enemies. The townsmen met together; IMMANUEL also came down in his chariot, and all his Captains attending him on the right hand and on the left; then the Prince spoke as follows:

 

 Many and great are the privileges that I have bestowed upon you: I have chosen you to myself, not for your worthiness, but for my own sake. I have 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 God. I have taken thee out of the hands of thine enemies, unto whom thou has deeply revolted, and by whom thou was content to be possessed, and also to be destroyed, I came to thee first by my Law, then by my Gospel, to awaken thee, and show thee my glory; and thou knows what thou was, what thou says, what thou didst, and how many times thou rebelled against my Father and me; yet I left thee not, as thou sees this day, but came to thee, have borne thy manners, have waited upon thee, and after all accepted of thee, even of my mere grace and favor; and would not suffer, thee to be lost, as thou most willingly would have been. I also compassed thee about, and afflicted thee on every side, that I might make thee weary of thy ways, and bring down thy heart to a willingness to close with thy God and happiness: and when I had gotten a complete victory over thee, I turned it to thy advantage.

 

 Thou sees, moreover, how I have passed by thy backslidings, and have healed thee. Indeed I was angry with thee, but I have turned mine anger away- from thee, because I loved thee still, and mine anger and mine indignation is ceased in the destruction of thine enemies. Nor did thy Godness fetch me again unto thee, after that I for thy transgressions have hid my face, and withdrawn my presence from thee. The way of backsliding was thine, but the way and means of thy recovery were mina. I invented the means of thy return; it was I that made a hedge and a wall, when thou was beginning to turn to things in which I delighted not; it was I that made thy sweet bitter, thy day night, thy smooth way thorny, and that also confounded all that sought thy destruction; it was I that set MR. GODLYFEAR to work in Mansoul; it was I that stirred up thy conscience and understanding, thy will and affections, after thy great and woeful decay; it was I that put life into thee, O Mansoul, to seek me, that thou inightest find me, and in thy finding, find thine own health, happiness, and salvation. And now, my Mansoul, I am returned to thee in peace, and thy transgressions against me are as if they had not been. Nor shall it be with thee as in former days, but I will do better for thee than at thy beginning; for yet a little while, after a few more times are God over thy head, I will take down this town to the ground, and will carry the stones thereof, and the timber thereof, and the walls thereof, and the dust thereof, and the inhabitants thereof, into mine own country, even into the kingdom of my Father, and will there set it up in such strength and glory as it never’did see in the kingdom where now it is placed. I will there set it up for my Father's habitation, for, for that purpose it was first erected in the kingdom of Universe; and there will I make it a spectacle of wonder, a monument of mercy; there shall the natives of Mansoul see all that of which they have seen nothing here, and there shall thou have. such communion with me, with my Father, and with your LORD Secretary, as is not possible here to be enjoyed, nor ever could be, should thou live in Universe the space of a thousand years.

 

 I There, O Mansoul, thou shall meet with many of those that have been like thee, and that have been partakers of thy sorrows; even such as I have chosen, and redeemed, and set, apart, as thee, for my Father's Court. I Thus, O Mansoul, I have showed unto thee what shall be done to thee hereafter, if thou canst hear, if thou canst understand; and now I will tell thee what at present be thy practice, until I come and fetch thee to myself. First, I charge thee that thou dost hereafter keep more white and clean tile liveries which I gave thee. They are in themselves fine linen, but thou must keep them white and clean. This will be your wisdom, your honor, and for my glory; when your garments are white, then I am delighted in your ways. Deck thyself, therefore, according to my bidding, and make thyself by my law straight steps for thy feet; so shall thy King greatly desire thy beauty, for he is thy LORD, and worship thou him. That thou may keep them white, I have provided for thee an open fountain to wash thy garments in. Look, therefore, that thou wash often in my fountain, and go not in defiled garments. Let not, therefore, the garments I gave thee be spotted by the flesh. Keep them always white, and let thy head lack no ointment. I have lived, I have died, I live for thee. I live that thou may not die. Because I live thou shall live also. I reconciled thee to my Father by the blood of my cross, and being reconciled thou shall live through me. I will pray for thee, I will fight for thee, I will yet do thee God. Remember, therefore, O Mansoul, that thou art beloved of me; as I have taught thee to watch, to fight, to pray, and to make war against my foes, so now I command thee to believe that my love is constant to thee; now have I set my heart, my love upon thee, watch. Behold, I lay none other burden upon thee than what thou hast already; hold fast until I come.'