The Holy War – John Bunyan

palace, where first Emmanuel made a short speech unto them, and then did
for them as he had said, and unto them as he had promised.
My Mansoul, said he, that which I now am about to do, is to make you
known to the world to be mine, and to distinguish you also in your own eyes,
from all false traitors that may creep in among you.
Then he commanded that those that waited upon him should go and
bring forth out of his treasury those white and glistening robes that I, 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 them and put them
on, according, said he, to your size and stature. So the people were put into
white, into fine linen, white and clean (Rev 19:8).
Then said the Prince unto them, This, O 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; and
also if you would be known by the world to be mine.
But now! can you think how Mansoul shone? It was fair as the sun, clear
as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners (Cant 6).
The Prince added further, and said, No prince, potentate, or mighty one
of Universe, giveth this livery but myself; behold therefore, as I said before,
you shall be known by it to be mine.
And now, said he, I have given you my livery, let me give you also in
commandment concerning them; and be sure that you take good heed to my
words. First, Wear them daily, day by day, lest you should at sometimes
appear to others as if you were none of mine. Secondly, Keep them always
195