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The Holy War – John Bunyan

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ead, and because he was an out-landish man, the substance of it was told<br />

him by an interpreter; to wit, That he was there charged with being an enemy<br />

of Emmanuel the Prince, a hater of the town of Mansoul, and an opposer of<br />

her most wholesome doctrine.[22]<br />

<strong>The</strong>n the judge asked him if he would plead? But he said only this, That<br />

he confessed that he was an Election-doubter, and that that was the religion<br />

that he had ever been brought up in. And said, moreover, If I must die for my<br />

religion, I trow, I shall die a martyr,[23] and so I care the less. Judge. <strong>The</strong>n it<br />

was replied, To question election, is to overthrow a great doctrine of the<br />

gospel; to wit, the omniscience, and power, and will of God; to take away the<br />

liberty of God with his creature; to stumble the faith of the town of Mansoul;<br />

and to make salvation to depend upon works, and not upon grace. It also<br />

belied the word, and disquieted the minds of the men of Mansoul; therefore<br />

by the best of laws he must die.[24]<br />

<strong>The</strong>n was the Vocation-doubter called, and set to the bar; and his<br />

indictment for substance was the same with the other, only he was<br />

particularly charged with denying the calling of Mansoul.<br />

<strong>The</strong> judge asked him also what he had to say for himself?<br />

So he replied that he never believed that there was any such thing as a<br />

distinct and powerful call of God to Mansoul; otherwise than by the general<br />

voice of the Word; nor by that neither, otherwise than as it exhorted them to<br />

forbear evil, and to do that which is good, and in so doing, a promise of<br />

happiness is annexed.<br />

<strong>The</strong>n said the judge, Thou art a Diabolonian; and hast denied a great part<br />

of one of the most experimental truths of the Prince of the town of Mansoul;<br />

for he has called, and she has heard a most distinct and powerful call of her<br />

Emmanuel, by which she has been quickened, awakened, and possessed with<br />

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