The Holy War – John Bunyan

they should have peace though they walked in the wickedness of their heart,
“to add drunkenness to thirst” (Deut 29:19). A piece of approved armour this
is, and whoever has it and can hold it, so long no arrow, dart, sword, or
shield can hurt him; this therefore, keep on, and thou wilt keep off many a
blow, my Mansoul.[17]
2. 'My breastplate is a breastplate of iron; I had it forged in mine own
country, and all my soldiers are armed therewith; in plain language it is a
hard heart, a heart as hard as iron, and as much past feeling as a stone; the
which if you get, and keep, neither mercy shall win you, nor judgment fright
you (Rev 9:9). This, therefore, is a piece of armour most necessary for all to
put on that hate Shaddai, and that would fight against him under my banner.
3. 'My sword is a tongue that is set on fire of hell (Psa 57:4), and that
can bend itself to speak evil of Shaddai, his Son, his ways, and people (Psa
64:3). Use this; it has been tried a thousand times twice told; whoever hath it,
keeps it, and makes that use of it as I would have him, can never be
conquered by mine enemy (James 3:3- 5).
4. 'My, shield is unbelief, or calling into question the truth of the Word,
or all the sayings that speak of the judgment that Shaddai has appointed for
wicked men. Use this shield (Job 15:26). Many attempts he has made upon
it, and sometimes, it is true, it has been bruised (Psa 76:3). But they that have
writ of the wars of Emmanuel against my servants, have testified that he
could do no mighty work there because of their unbelief (Mark 6:5,6). Now,
to handle this weapon of mine aright, it is not to believe things because they
are true, of what sort or by whomsoever asserted. If he speak of judgment,
care not for it; if he speak of mercy, care not for it; if he promise, if he swear
that he would do to Mansoul, if it turn, no hurt but good, regard not what is
said; question the truth of all; for this is to wield the shield of unbelief aright,
and as my servants ought and do; and he that doth otherwise loves me not,
nor do I count him but an enemy to me.[18]
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