The Holy War – John Bunyan

Notes:
1. Thus poor sinners are in league with hell against their own souls. May
the Lord, by his Word and Spirit, break the horrid confederacy!--Mason.
2. The gate-keeper of Pluto's palace in hell, with three heads, every hair
being a snake; supposed by some to represent the word, flesh, and devil;
or the consumer of mankind.--Ed.
3. As there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, so likewise is
there joy in hell over one backsliding saint. But almighty grace must
prevail. O for watchfulness unto prayer!--Mason.
4. Satan renews his temptations with double force; while lasciviousness,
murder, and mischief unite with him in cunning devices to ruin the soul.
Three means of destruction are proposed in hell:--1. A vicious life; 2.
Despair of mercy; 3. Prevailing pride. Either of these would prove our
ruin, did not grace prevent.--Burder. Beware, O believer, lest a moment's
want of watchfulness produce the bitter fruits of repentance!--Ed.
5. Ignorance and carnal security, or idleness, are the strongholds of sin in
the soul. The more we study to become acquainted with Divine truth,
and labour to show forth the glory of God, the safer and happier we must
become.--Ed.
6. Well may our pious author reiterate the caution--'Take heed, Mansoul!'
Vices in the disguise of virtues are especially dangerous. So when the
pilgrims were led astray, and entangled in a net, by a black man in white
raiment, they said, 'We did not imagine that this fine-spoken man had
been the flatterer.'--Ed.
7. Coarse, home-spun, brown woollen cloth.--Ed.
8. Bunyan does not pretend to fast forty days; and he shows the evils of
Lent, because after so long a fast, there was a need of mirth; and thus
Lord Lasciviousness, alias Harmless-mirth, is hired, and soon produces
great mischief. Who can tell the miseries that have followed Easter
festivities, after Lenten hypocrisies?--Ed.
9. A reckless, profligate fellow; under the disguise of good zeal.--Ed.
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