The Holy War – John Bunyan

white, for, if they be soiled, it is dishonour to me (Eccl 9:8). Thirdly,
Wherefore gird them up from the ground, and let them not lag with dust and
dirt. Fourthly, Take heed that you lose them not, lest you walk naked, and
they see your shame (Rev 3:2).[16] Fifthly, But if you should sully them, if
you should defile them--the which I am greatly unwilling you should, and
the prince Diabolus would be glad if you would--then speed you to do that
which is written in my law, that yet you may stand, and not fall before me,
and before my throne (Luke 21:36). Also this is the way to cause that I may
not leave you nor forsake you while here, but may dwell in this town of
Mansoul for ever (Rev 7:15-17).
And now was Mansoul, and the inhabitants of it, as the signet upon
Emmanuel's right hand; where was there now a town, a city, a corporation
that could compare with Mansoul--a town redeemed from the hand and from
the power of Diabolus--a town that the King Shaddai loved, and that he sent
Emmanuel to regain from the Prince of the infernal cave--yea, a town that
Emmanuel loved to dwell in, and that he chose for his royal habitation--a
town that he fortified for himself, and made strong by the force of his army?
What shall I say? Mansoul has now a most excellent Prince, golden captains
and men of war, weapons proved, and garments as white as snow. Nor are
these benefits to be counted little but great. Can the town of Mansoul esteem
them so, and improve them to that end and purpose for which they are
bestowed upon them?
When the Prince had thus completed the modelling of the town, to show
that he had great delight in the work of his hands, and took pleasure in the
good that he had wrought for the famous and flourishing Mansoul, he
commanded, and they set his standard upon the battlements of the castle.
And then,
First, He gave them frequent visits, not a day now but the elders of
Mansoul must come to him, or he to them, into his palace. Now they must
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