The Holy War – John Bunyan

walk and talk together of all the great things that he had done, and yet further
promised to do for the town of Mansoul (2 Cor 6:16). Thus would he often
do with the Lord Mayor, my Lord Will-be-will, and the honest subordinate
preacher Mr. Conscience, and Mr. Recorder. But oh! how graciously, how
lovingly, how courteously, and tenderly did this blessed Prince now carry it
towards the town of Mansoul! In all the streets, gardens, orchards, and other
places where he came, to be sure the poor should have his blessing and
benediction; yea, he would kiss them, and if they were ill, he would lay
hands on them, and make them well.[17] The captains also he would daily,
yea, sometimes hourly encourage with his presence and goodly words. For
you must know that a smile from him upon them would put more vigour,
more life and stoutness into them, than would anything else under heaven.
The Prince would now also feast them, and with them continually.
Hardly a week would pass but a banquet must be had betwixt him and them
(1 Cor 5:8). You may remember that some pages before we make mention of
one feast that they had together, but now to feast them was a thing more
common; every day with Mansoul was a feast-day now. Nor did he, when
they returned to their places, send them empty away, either they must have a
ring [a token of marriage], a gold chain [a token of honour], a bracelet [a
token of beauty], a white stone [a token of pardon], or something; so dear
was Mansoul to him now; so lovely was Mansoul in his eyes.[18]
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 unto them, and therewith would so cover their table,
that whoever saw it confessed that the like could not be seen in any kingdom.
Thirdly, If Mansoul did not frequently visit him as he desired they
should, 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
197