Bunyan's Holy War (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 15.
Now the army of Mansoul makes a 'sally out' upon the camp of Diabolus with initial success but then with loss.
Diabolus then attacks the Feelgate which was weak and easily made to yield. The Diabolonians get into the town and wreak havoc, although they are unable to get into the castle.
The townspeople ask Mr Godly-fear about sending another petition to Emmanuel and with the Secretary/Holy Spirit's help they send Captain Credence to appeal to Emmanuel.
Emmanuel sends back some words of encouragement to the leaders of the town and the people, but does not come himself.
I liked that when Diabolus got angry with the town for sending a petition to Emmanuel, he was unable to do much: 'Then said Diabolus, "O ye stout Diabolonians, be it known unto you that there is treachery hatched against us in the rebellious town of Mansoul; for albeit the town is in our possession, as you see, yet these miserable Mansoulians have attempted to dare, and have been so hardy as yet to send to the court to Emmanuel for help. This I give you to understand, that ye may yet know how to carry it to the wretched town of Mansoul. Wherefore, O my trusty Diabolonians, I command that yet more and more ye distress this town of Mansoul, and vex it with your wiles, ravish their women, deflower their virgins, slay their children, brain their ancients, fire their town, and what other mischief you can; and let this be the reward of the Mansoulians from me, for their desperate rebellions against me." This you see was the charge, but something stepped in betwixt that and execution, for as yet there was but little more done than to rage.'
We should never forget that the lion is on a chain and 'something' often stops him from doing more than roar.
Read Chapter 16.
Now it's your turn
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