The Holy War – John Bunyan

When the ways of the old world and of Sodom were in fashion, if anything
happened to molest those that were for the customs of the present times, I
laboured to make them quiet again, and to cause them to act without
molestation. 3. To come nearer home, when the wars fell out between
Shaddai and Diabolus, if at any time I saw any of the town of Mansoul afraid
of destruction, I often used by some way, device, invention, or other, to
labour to bring them to peace again.[7] Wherefore, since I have always been
a man of so virtuous a temper, as some say a peacemaker is, and if a peacemaker
be so deserving a man as some have been bold to attest he is, then let
me, gentlemen, be accounted by you, who have a great name for justice and
equity in Mansoul, for a man that deserveth not this inhuman way of
treatment, but liberty, and also a license to seek damage of those that have
been my accusers.
Then said the clerk, Crier, make a proclamation:
CRIER. 'O yes, forasmuch as the prisoner at the bar hath denied his
name to be that which is mentioned in the indictment, the Court requireth
that if there be any in this place that can give information to the Court of the
original and right name of the prisoner, they would come forth and give in
their evidence, for the prisoner stands upon his own innocency.'
Then came two into the court and desired that they might have leave to
speak what they knew concerning the prisoner at the bar; the name of the one
was Search-truth, and the name of the other Vouch-truth. So the Court
demanded of these men if they knew the prisoner, and what they could say
concerning him, for he stands, said they, upon his own vindication.
Then said Mr. Search-truth, My Lord, I --
COURT. Hold, give him his oath; then they sware him. So he
proceeded.[8]
169