them often, and their sword did seldom return empty. Besides, he knew that these, like mastiffs, would fasten upon any, upon father, mother, brother, sister, prince, or governor, yea, upon the Prince of princes. And that which encouraged him the more, was for that they once did force Emmanuel out of the kingdom of Universe, and why, thought he, may they not also drive him from the town of Mansoul?1

soul.

So this army of five and twenty thousand strong, They sit down was, by their general the Lord Inbefore Man- credulity, led up against the town of Mansoul. Now Mr. Prywell, the scoutmaster-general, did himself go out to spy, and he did bring Mansoul tidings of their coming; wherefore they shut up their gates and put themselves in a posture of defence against these new Diabolonians that came up against the town.

So Diabolus brought up his army and beleaguered the town of Mansoul; the Doubters were placed about Feelgate, and the Bloodmen set down before Eyegate

How they dispose of them

selves.

and Eargate.

They summon

Now when this army had thus encamped themselves, Incredulity did, in the name of Diabolus, his own name, and in the name of the Bloodmen and the rest that were with him, send a the town with summons as hot as a red hot iron to a threatening. Mansoul to yield to their demands, threatening that if they still stood it out against them, they would presently burn down Mansoul with fire. For you must know, that as for the Bloodmen, they were not so much that Mansoul should be surrendered, as that Mansoul should be destroyed and cut off out of the land of the living." True, they send to them to surrender, but should they so do, that would not stanch or quench the thirsts of these men. Is. lix. 7. They must have blood, the blood of Mansoul, else they die; and it is from hence that they have their name. Ps. xxvi. 9, 10. Is. lix. 7. Je. xxii. 17. Wherefore these Bloodmen he reserved while now that they might, when all his engines proved ineffectual, as his last and sure card, be played against the town of Mansoul.

Now when the townsmen had received this red hot summons, it begat in them at present some changing and interchanging thoughts, but they jointly agreed, in less than half an hour, to carry the summons to the Prince, the which they did when they had writ at the bottom of it, Lord, save Mansoul from bloody men. Ps. lix. 2.

So he took it and looked upon it, and considered 10 the folly of this lying Diabolus! He tried his Bloodmen upon Christ. They, by putting him to death, crushed the head of Satan, shook his power, and will annihilate it, and fill hell with fresh torments. He pursues the same course with the saints of God, and their blood and groans become the fruitful seed of the church. So does Satan aid in destroying himself. (ED.)

it, and took also notice of that short petition that the men of Mansoul had written at the bottom of it, and called to him the noble Captain Credence, and bid him go, and take Captain Patience with him, and go and take care of that side of Mansoul that was beleaguered by the Bloodmen. He. vi. 12, 15. So they went and did as they were commanded, the Captain Credence went and took Captain Patience, and they both secured that side of Mansoul that was besieged by the Bloodmen.

Then he commanded that Captain Goodhope and Captain Charity, and my Lord Will-be-will, should take charge of the other side of the town, and I, said the Prince, will set my standard upon the battlements of your castle, and do you three watch against the Doubters. This done, he again commanded that the brave captain, the Captain Experience, should draw up his men in the marketplace, and that there he should exercise them day by day before the people of the town of Mansoul. Now this siege was long, and many a fierce attempt did the enemy, especially those called the Bloodmen, make upon the town of Mansoul, and many a shrewd brush did some of the townsmen meet with from them, especially Captain Self-denial, who, I should have told you before, was commanded to take care of Eargate and Eyegate now against the Bloodmen. This Captain Self-denial was a young man, but stout, and a Captain Selftownsman of Mansoul, as Captain denial, the last Experience also was. And Emmanuel, at his second return to Mansoul, made him a captain over a thousand of the Mansoulians, for the good of the corporation. This captain, therefore, being a hardy man, and a man of great courage, and willing to venture himself for the good of the town of Mansoul, would now and then sally His valour. out upon the Bloodmen and give them many notable alarms, and entered several brisk skirmishes with them, and also did some execution upon them; but you must think that this could not easily be done, but he must meet His signs of with brushes himself, for he carried several of their marks in his face; yea, and some in some other parts of his body.3

of those that were put in office in the town of Mansoul.

manhood.

never

Now those that went out against the Doubters The Doubters drew up into a body before the plain, put to flight. and marched on to bid them battle; but the Doubters, remembering their last success, made a retreat, not daring to stand the shock, but fled from the Prince's men, wherefore they pursued them, and in their pursuit slew many, but they could not catch them all. Now those that escaped went some of them home, and the rest, by fives, nines, and seventeens, like wanderers, went straggling up and down the country, where they, The unbeliever upon the barbarous people, showed fights and exercised many of their Diabothe Doubters. lonian actions; nor did these people rise up in arms against them, but suffered themselves to be enslaved by them. They would also after this show themselves in companies before the town of Mansoul, but never to abide it, for if Captain Credence, Captain Goodhope, or Captain Experience did but show themselves, they fled. Those that went out against the Bloodmen did as they were commanded, they forbore are taken, and to slay any, but sought to compass them about. But the Bloodmen, when they saw that no Emmanuel was in the field, concluded also that no Emmanuel was in Mansoul, wherefore they, looking upon what the captains did, to be, as they called it, a fruit of the extravagancy of their wild and foolish fancies, rather despised them than feared them; but the cap

The Bloodmen

how

in our happier times they are invaluable guards to support us in the loss of friends or property.-(ED.)

1 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.' This is the imperative command of Emmanuel to his followers, set forth in his sermon on the mount. Your lusts must be crucified, your doubts destroyed, your persecutors pitied and prayed for.-(ED.)

Fives, nines, and seventeens.' Why these odd numbers are given would not be a bad riddle to give our young friends. Five infernal spirits were the leaders of the Satanic army.

them round, they also that had routed the Doubters came in amain to their aid; so in fine, after some little struggling for the Bloodmen also would have run for it, only now it was too late-for though they are mischievous and cruel where IS they can overcome, yet all Bloodmen are chicken-hearted men when they once come to see themselves matched and equalled-so the captains took them, and brought them to the Prince. Now when they were taken, had before the Prince, and examined, he found them to be of three several counties, though brought to the they all came out of one land.

They

are

Prince, and found to be of three sorts.

1. One sort of them came out of Blindmanshire, and they were such as did ignorantly what they did. 1 Ti. i. 18–15. Mat. v. 44.

2. Another sort of them came out of Blindzealshire, and they did superstitiously what they did. Lu. vi. 22,

3. The third sort of them came out of the town of Malice in the county of Envy, and they did what they did out of spite and implacableness.* Jn. xvi. 2.

For the first of these, to wit, they that came out of Blindmanshire, when they saw where they were, and against whom they had fought, they trembled, and cried as they stood before him; and as many of these as asked him mercy, he touched their lips with his golden sceptre. Ac. ix. 5-6.

They that came out of Blindzealshire, they did not as their fellows did, for they pleaded that they had a right to do what they did, because Mansoul was a town whose laws and customs were diverse from all that dwelt thereabouts. Very few of these could be brought to see their evil; but those that did, and asked mercy, they also obtained favour. Jn. viii. 40.

They that came out of the town of Malice, that is in the county of Envy, they neither wept nor disputed, nor repented, but stood gnawing of their tongues before him for anguish and madness, because they could not have their will upon Mansoul. Re. ix. 20, 21. Now these last, with all those of the other two sorts that did not unfeignedly ask par

It consisted of nine companies of Doubters, and eight of Bloodmen, or persecutors. First, five fallen angels; second, nine classes of doubts; and if this was not enough to enslave the soul, they were to be aided by eight classes of persecutors. This may account for the grouping of these dangerous enemies in fives, nines, and seventeens.-(ED.)

3 Many are led captive by Satan at his will, blinded to their misery and fate by the god of this world, in whose delusive arms many of them sleep till death and judgment awake them to behold their awful and remediless state. Lord, pity them!-(Mason.)

4 These are the three grades of Bloodmen, but all are influe enced by hatred to Christianity and a love of plunder. God hates robbery for offerings, yet some blind fanatics will seize their neighbour's goods to save their own pockets in adorning their temples. May God in mercy convert them, as he did Saul of Tarsus.-(ED.)

Three or four of

whom.

And thus much concerning this second army that were sent by Diabolus to overthrow Mansoul. But there were three of those that came from the land of Doubting, who, after they the Doubters had wandered and ranged the country go into Man awhile, and perceived that they had tained, and by escaped, were so hardy as to thrust themselves, knowing that yet there were in the town Diabolonians-I say they were so hardy as to thrust themselves into Mansoul among them. Three, did I say? I think there were four. Now, to whose house should these Diabolonian Doubters go, but to the house of an old Diabolonian in Mansoul, whose name was Evil-questioning: a very great enemy he was to Mansoul, and a great doer among the Diabolonians there. Well, to this Evil-questioning's house, as was said, did these Diabolonians come-you may be sure that they had directions how to find the way thither; so he made them welcome, pitied their misfortune, and succoured them with the best that he had in his house. Now, after a little acquaintance, and it was not long before they had that, this old Evilquestioning asked the Doubters if they were all of a town-he knew that they were all of one kingdom. And they answered, no, nor not Doubters they of one shire neither; for I, said one, am an Election-doubter; I, said another, am a Vocation-doubter; then, said the third, I am a Salvation-doubter; and the fourth said he was a Grace-doubter. Well, quoth the old gentleman, be of what shire you will, I am persuaded that you are down boys;2 you have the very length of my foot, are one with my heart, and shall be welcome to me. So they thanked him, and were glad that they had found themselves a harbour in Talk betwixt the Mansoul. Then said Evil-questioning to them, How many of your company tioning. might there be that came with you

What sort of

are.

Doubters and old Evil-ques

3

1 Persecutors, who die in impenitence, must appear at the day of judgment, when these ungodly men shall be judged of all their ungodly deeds, and all their hard speeches against Christ in his members. Jude 15.-(ED.)

2 Down boys,' deep, knowing, determined fellows; as 'down bout,' a tough battle, a set to at hard drinking. In 1696, it was altered to 'town boys;' an unmeaning name. This was continued in 1707; but was restored to 'down boys' in 1720.-(ED.)

to the siege of Mansoul? And they answered, There were but ten thousand Doubters in all, for the rest of the army consisted of fifteen thousand Bloodmen. These Bloodmen, quoth they, border upon our country; but, poor men, as we hear, they were every one taken by Emmanuel's forces. Ten thousand! quoth the old gentleman, I'll promise you that is a round company. But how came it to pass, since you were so mighty a number, that you fainted, and durst not fight your foes? Our general, said they, was the first man that did run for it. Pray, quoth their landlord, who was that your cowardly general? He was once the Lord Mayor of Mansoul, said they. But, pray, call him not a cowardly general; for whether any, from the east to the west, has done more service for our prince, Diabolus, than has my Lord Incredulity, will be a hard question for you to answer. But had they catched him, they would for certain have hanged him; and we promise you hanging is but a bad business. Then, said the old gentleman, I would that all the ten thousand Doubters were now well armed in Mansoul, and myself in the head of them, I would see what I could do. Ay, said they, that would be well if we could see that; but wishes, alas! what are they? And these words were spoken aloud. Well, said old Evil-questioning, take heed that you talk not too loud; you must be quat and close, and must take care of yourselves while you are here, or, I'll assure you, you will be snapt.

5

Why? quoth the Doubters.

Why? quoth the old gentleman; why, because both the Prince and Lord Secretary, and their captains and soldiers, are all at present in town; yea, the town is as full of them as ever it can hold. And, besides, there is one whose name is Will-bewill, a most cruel enemy of ours, and him the Prince has made keeper of the gates, and has commanded him that, with all the diligence he can, he should look for, search out, and destroy all and all manner of Diabolonians.

And if he lighteth upon you, down you go, though your heads were made of gold.7

One of the

They are overheard.

And now to see how it happened. Lord Will-be-will's faithful soldiers, whose name was Mr. Diligence, stood all this while listening under old Evil-questioning's eaves, and heard all the talk that had been betwixt

him and the Doubters that he entertained under his roof.

The soldier was a man that my Lord had much confidence in, and that he loved dearly; and that both because he was a man of courage, and also a man that was unwearied in seeking after Diabolonians to apprehend them.

gen

Now this man, as I told you, heard all the talk They are dis- that was between old Evil-questioning covered. and these Diabolonians; wherefore, what does he but go to his Lord, and tells him what he had heard. And sayest thou so, my trusty? quoth my Lord. Ay, quoth Diligence, that I do; and if your Lordship will be pleased to go with me, you shall find it as I have said. And are they there? quoth my Lord; I know Evilquestioning well, for he and I were great in the time of our apostacy. But I know not now where he dwells. But I do, said his man; and, if your Lordship will go, I will lead you the way to his den. Go! quoth my Lord, that I will. Come, my Diligence, let us go find them out. So, my Lord and his man went together the direct way to his house. Now, his man went before to show him his way, and they went till they came even under old Mr. Evil-questioning's wall. Then said Diligence, Hark! my Lord; do you know the old tleman's tongue when you hear it? Yes, said my Lord, I know it well; but I have not seen him many a day. This I know; he is cunning. I wish he doth not give us the slip. Let me alone for that, said his servant, Diligence. But how shall we find the door? quoth my Lord. Let me alone for that, too, said his man. So he had my Lord Will-be-will about, and showed him the way to the door Then my Lord, without more ado, broke open the door, rushed into the house, and caught them all five together, even as Diligence, They are appre- his man, had told him. So, my Lord committed to apprehended them and led them away, prison. and committed them to the hand of Mr. Trueman, the jailer, and commanded, and he did put them in ward. This done, my Lord Mayor waɛ acquainted in the morning with what my Lord The Lord Mayor Will-be-will had done over-night, and is glad at it. his Lordship rejoiced much at the news, not only because there were Doubters apprehended, but because that old Evil-questioning was taken; for he had been a very great trouble to Mansoul, and much affliction to my Lord Mayor himself. He had also been sought for often, but no hand could ever be laid upon him till now.

hended, and

Well, the next thing was to make preparation to try these five that by my Lord had been apprehended, and that were in the hands of Mr. True

1 Thus believers, by the almighty power of grace, are enabled to take those captives whose captives they were. Is. xlv. 2, 3.-(Mason.)

man, the jailer. So the day was set, and the court called and come together, and They are brought the prisoners brought to the bar. My to trial. Lord Will-be-will had power to have slain them when at first he took them, and that without any more ado; but he thought it at this time more for the honour of the Prince, the comfort of Mansoul, and the discouragement of the enemy, to bring them forth to public judgment.

But, I say, Mr. Trueman brought them in chains to the bar, to the town-hall, for that was the place of judgment. So, to be short, the jury was pannelled, the witnesses sworn, and the prisoners tried for their lives. The jury was the same that tried Mr. Notruth, Pityless, Haughty, and the rest of their companions.

Ilis indictment.

And first old Questioning himself was set to the bar; for he was the receiver, the entertainer, and comforter of these Doubters, that by nation were outlandish men;2 then he was bid to hearken to his charge, and was told that he had liberty to object, if he had ought to say for himself. So his indictment was read; the manner and form here follows— Mr. Questioning, Thou art here indicted by the name of Evil-questioning, an intruder upon the town of Mansoul, for that thou art a Diabolonian by nature, and also a hater of the Prince Emmanuel, and one that hast studied the ruin of the town of Mansoul. Thou art also here indicted for countenancing the King's enemies, after wholesome laws made to the contrary: For, 1. Thou hast questioned the truth of her doctrine and state. 2. In wishing that ten thousand Doubters were in her. 3. In receiving, in entertaining, and encouraging of her enemies that came from their army unto thee. What sayest thou to this indictment, Art thou guilty, or not guilty? My Lord, quoth he, I know not the this indictment, forasmuch as I am not the man concerned in it; the man that standeth by this charge, accused before this bench, is called by the name of Evil-questioning, which name I deny to be mine, mine being Honestinquiring. The one indeed sounds like the other; but I trow, your Lordships know, that between these two there is a wide difference; for I hope that a man, even in the worst of times, and that too amongst the worst of men, may make an honest inquiry after things, without running the danger of death.

3

meaning of

His plea.