Okay, ready? We're on. That's how most YouTube videos begin, you know. Are we on? Everybody's looking, yeah. Yeah, so anyway. All right, well, good morning to everybody that's following us online as well. And here's our Sunday morning class. We're going to be looking at the Holy War once again, moving through it. But I wanted to also let everybody know that when we're finished with the Holy War, we ought to probably issue some kind of certificates that we have listened and read through three of John Bunyan's works, which lots and lots of people haven't done. But what have we got here? Pilgrim's Progress, and then we did The Life and Death of Mr. Batman. And the Holy War was a big undertaking. We haven't read, this is worth reading. We're not gonna read this in class, but Grace Abounding for the Chief of Sinners by Bunyan. That's really his autobiography and his testimony of how the Lord saved him. And so, Antico Press has a edition of that as well. So, But when we're finished with the Holy War, we're going to be going to Studies in the Sermon on the Mount. This is 60 Messages by Martin Lloyd-Jones. And this edition of it is published by William B. Eerdmans, and they gave me permission to livestream the session. For those listening to it online, you'll have to have a link. I'll send out a link each week to everybody. following us online because the publishers wanted us not to just make it available to the whole world on there. But anyway, and I ordered books for people here. There's some on the back and you can just order them through Amazon, those of you that are following online. And if you prefer, you can get it on Kindle as well. What they've done is, this was originally published, I mean, it's 60 messages, so it's a lot of material here. It was originally published in two volumes. They printed it in two volumes, and if anybody has the two volume set, it's probably worth some money. right now but anyway so this is two volumes in one with the result that the print's a little small. I mean it's not terrible but it is it's a little bit small and you can get around that if you if you look at the Kindle version. And if there's anybody online or wherever that can't afford to buy a book, I think I ordered enough here that are separate and we can send you one. So just all you got to do is ask. OK then, I've got my iPad here. And as we go through in the Sunday morning classes, if any of you following online want to make a comment, no criticism. You can't criticize. Well, see, you can criticize Bunyan, but you can't criticize me. No, you can say anything, anything, but I think I'll see it pop up on the screen here if you text, and if you need the phone number to text on, you can just call me, or I mean email me later on and ask for it. All right, I think I covered the basis here then. Let's go ahead and pray, and then we'll begin. Father, we ask your blessing this Lord's Day upon your church. We thank you for raising up your church here in a dark place. And we pray, Father, that you would use us to be salt and light in a perishing world. We thank you for your word, and we thank you for your servant, John Bunyan, and how, even though he lived centuries ago, he continues to speak and be used by you through the books that he wrote. And so we thank you for this one, the holy war, which teaches us in form of allegory, the reality of being your people and your church in enemy territory in a fallen world. And so we ask your presence and blessing with us this morning. We pray that you would watch over everyone following online or If anyone is ill this morning, that you would strengthen and encourage them. And we pray this in Christ's name, amen. All right, got my marker in here, and it shows that we were on page 296, right? Hi, Aaron. The battle is forming here, Diabolus, the battle continues. Oh, I was gonna mention too, I was looking at this, this Aneko Press edition of the book that we're using, has at the back of it, because I was trying to see how much more we had to read. Yeah, on page 375, they included a not terribly short, but a shortened version on the life of John Bunyan. So that's in there, that's another resource that they gave us in this kind of a bonus section that they gave us in this book. But largely here, the battle just continues to rage in the rest of the story. So yeah, all right, on the Antico Press Edition, page 296, Mr. Conscience, the preacher, did his best to keep all his good moral instruction kindled within the hearts of the people of Mansoul. The captains and brave townsfolk of Mansoul agreed on a time to make an attack against the besiegers within the camp of Diabolos. It must take place at night, they determined, but This turned out to reveal a profound lack of understanding on the part of Mansoul. For the night, I mean, it's the kingdom of darkness, right? The night is always best for the enemy and the worst for Mansoul to fight. Yet they determined this is what they would do since they were filled with courage from the memory of their last victory. So, when darkness fell, the prince's brave captains cast lots to decide who should lead the foremost division in this new and desperate expedition against Diabolos and his army. The lot to lead the mission of uncommon peril and little hope fell to Captain Credence, followed by Captain Experience and Captain Good Hope. Captain Experience was made a captain by the prince himself during the time he had resided in the town of Mansoul. So they rushed upon the Diabolean army, which lay in siege against them. As it happened, they fell into battle, not against a flank, the front line, or at the rear of the troops, but came up against the main body of enemy forces. I think what you're going to see here is Bunyan is showing Christians, the church, battling Satan in their own strength, right, instead of in Christ. Now, Diabolus and his men were experts at night work. So at the sound of the alarm, they were as instantly ready for battle as if they'd been sent word of their coming. They entered the sortie with their full force and strength. Hard-hitting blows landed on every side, while in the background, the hell drum beat furiously, almost drowning out the sweet sound of the trumpets of the prince. The two sides fought and Captain Insatiable looked to the enemy's conquest and acquisitions and eagerly waited for the right opportunity to pounce on available prey. The Prince's captains fought bravely beyond what could be expected of them. They suffered many wounded, but forced the whole army of Diabolus to retreat. I can't tell you how they did it, but the brave Captain Credence, Captain Good Hope, and Captain Experience were in full pursuit, cutting down the enemy in their path and following hard after the enemy in the rear as they fled. Captain Credence stumbled and fell and was so severely injured that he couldn't get up until Captain Experience helped him to his feet. The men with him were thrown into confusion, and as the captain came to his feet, the pain was so severe he couldn't suppress a scream of anguish. When the other two captains heard this, they thought it meant Captain Credence had received a mortal wound, and the two of them fainted. This stirred even more confusion among their men who lost their desire to engage in fight. So here they're relying upon their own strength. Even though Diabolus was caught up in the height of the battle, he stayed observant. He noticed a halt among the men pursuing him. took it for granted that the captains were either wounded or dead, so he pounced on the opportunity to turn around to make his stand. He stood face to face with the prince's army, came against them with as much fury as hell could provide. He entered the mix at the very place where the three captains, Credence, Good Hope, and Experience were fighting, and the tyrant cut, wounded, and pierced them so dreadfully they had to battle their own discouragement, the confusion of their forces, and the loss of blood from their wounds just to get back to Mansoul. They never would have made it into the hold again if they didn't have the power of the three best hands in Mansoul. When the prince's army saw how these three captains fared the worst, they thought it wise to make a safe retreat, so they ended their attempt to thwart the enemy and returned to Mansoul by the back gate. Flushed from this night's work, Diabolus promised himself to make an easy and complete conquest of the town of Mansoul within a few days. With his ambition at a fever pitch, the next day he marched up to the walls of Mansoul and demanded entrance. Deliver yourselves over to me now, he shouted. Within the walls, the Diaboleans who lived in hiding took courage when they heard their master's voice, and they became somewhat lively, as you will see. So Bunyan always reminds us of the dangers of the enemy within, right, in the church. But the valiant Lord Mayor answered the tyrant, what you get of Mansoul will only be by force, for as long as Emmanuel, our prince, is alive, Though he wasn't currently with them, as they wished, we will never agree to yield Mansoul up to another. 1 Corinthians 16, be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Upon hearing Understanding's response, Lord Willbewill stood up and shouted out a response of his own. Diabolos, you master of the den and enemy to all that is good, we poor inhabitants of the town of Mansoul are well acquainted with your rule and government. We know with certainty how things will end for those who submit to you. The first time you came to us, we lacked knowledge and permitted you to gain possession of us. We were like a bird that doesn't see the snare and falls into the hands of the fowler. Things have changed since that time. We have turned from darkness to light and have turned from the power of Satan to God. Acts 26, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among those who have been sanctioned by faith in me. Will B. Will stood a little straighter and gained even more boldness in his words. He said, it is through your cunning and the trickery of the Diaboleans within the town that we have sustained much loss. We plunged ourselves into much embarrassment of mind from doubt and uncertainty. As a result, we gave ourselves up and laid down our arms to yield to so horrid a tyrant as you. He emphasized his words by thrusting his finger toward the ground on which he stood and arched one brow confidently. We have hope that in due time deliverance will come from Shaddai's court to us and we will continue our war against you. Psalm 40, since I am afflicted and needy, let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer. Do not delay, oh my God. Will B. Will's brave speech and that of the Lord Mayor understanding somewhat diminished Diabolos' boldness. However, while it kindled the fury of his rage, it reassured the townsmen and captains and worked like a medicinal balm applied to the brave Captain Credence's wound. For a brave speech, After the captains of the town and their men of war came home defeated, the enemy gathered courage and boldness to demand entrance was perfect timing to be advantageous to the townsmen. Lord Willbewill had contended from within the walls while the captains and soldiers were in the field. He armed himself with others in the town and whenever he spotted a Diabolian, they met with his heavy hand and penetrating edge of his sword. He'd wounded many Diabolians, including Lord Cavill, Lord Brisk, Lord Pragmatic, and Lord Murmur. Plus, he maimed several of the meaner, that means lesser, sort too. Willbewill was able to accomplish this because the captains had gone out to fight the enemy in the field. And the Diabolians within the town thought they had the advantage, thinking, now is our time to stir up trouble. and cause an uproar in the town. The captains no sooner left with their troops than the Diabolians gathered as one and surged through the town of Mansoul like a hurricane." So in other words, he's showing us here that in such times, the Diabolian, the counterfeit Christians that have crept in in the church and worn their disguises, they reveal themselves in an open rebellion here, right? See, Lord Willbewill took this opportunity to fall in among them with his men. See now, that's why they're still in there because they're in disguise, but now the mask comes off. So he falls in among them with his men, cutting and slashing with undaunted courage. Psalm 27, I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. As soon as the Diaboleans realized what was happening around them, they dispersed and hastened back to their holds. This brave act of will be will somewhat avenged the wrong done by Diabolus to the captains. And it let the enemy know they wouldn't be leaving Mansoul because of the loss of a victory or two. Plus, his actions clipped the wings of the tyrant when it came to boasting, because the Diaboleans had hoped to damage the town as much as he had harmed the captains. Diabolus didn't let that deter his plans, though, for he determined to have another bout with Mansoul. He reasoned, since I beat them once, I may beat them twice. Therefore, he commanded his men to be ready to make a fresh assault upon the town the next night. He ordered his officers and soldiers to turn all their force against Field Gate to break into the town. If we break in upon them, as I hope we do, either with some or all of our forces, let those who break in see to it that they never forget the word hellfire. Let it be heard throughout the town of Mansoul. Hellfire, hellfire, hellfire." That was their call. The drummer was told to beat his drums without a pause. The standard bearers were to display their colorful flags. The soldiers too were to take what courage they could and execute their part manfully against the town. When the sun and darkness fell across the town, the tyrant had everything in place to make his move. Without hesitation, he assaulted Fieldgate. Now, why do you suspect Bunyan emphasizes that the enemy attacks at Fieldgate? What is that all about? Yeah, so he attacks in such a way that He kind of does an end run around faith and around the faith in the truth of the promises of God and in God's word. And he attacks us through our emotions, if he can get us feeling discouraged and so on, feeling that there's no hope. And so I think that's pretty much what he's trying to emphasize here then. He assaulted Field Gate, and after a struggle, he threw the gate wide open. The truth be told, those gates were weak and the easiest to give way. Once Diabolus made it this far with his attempt, he placed the captain's torment and no ease there and attempted to press forward. But the prince's captains fought him and made his entrance into Mansoul more difficult than he had hoped. They did their best to resist, but with three of their finest and most valiant captains wounded and incapable of joining the foray, they were overpowered and couldn't keep the doubters and their captains out of the town. When the princess men saw the truth of the matter, they and their captains moved to the castle, the stronghold of the town. partly for their own security and partly for the security of the town, but the biggest reason was to preserve the authority and privilege belonging to the sovereign Shaddai alone, for the castle of Mansoul belonged to him. While the captains fled into the castle, the enemy met with little resistance and they possessed the rest of the town and spread into every corner of Mansoul. As they marched, they cried out, hellfire, hellfire, hellfire. This caused such a ruckus that nothing else could be heard throughout the town of Mansoul except the dreadful noise of hellfire paired with the thunder of Diabolus' drum. Black clouds hung over Mansoul like a shroud, leaving the Mansoulians to think all was ruined. Diabolus put his soldiers up in the houses of the inhabitants of the town of Mansoul. Even Mr. Conscience's house was full of these foreign doubters, as many as it could hold, and the same held true for the house of Lord Mayor Understanding and that of Lord Willbewill. The fact is there wasn't a corner cottage barn or pigsty that wasn't full of these vermin. They threw the men of the town out of their houses, made themselves comfortable, lying in their beds and sitting at their tables. Poor Mansoul, now she felt the fruits of sin, including the venom in the flattering words of carnal security. Galatians 6, do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. The enemy wreaked great havoc throughout the town. They started several fires, dashed young children to pieces, and even destroyed countless unborn children in their mother's wombs. Many women, both young and old, were ravished and abused in a beast-like manner. So many lay dead in every street. But what else could you expect? The hearts of the enemy had no pity, kindness, tenderness, or compassion. Can anyone expect alien doubters to determine right from wrong? After this dreadful night, Mansoul seemed to be nothing more than a den of dragons, symbol of hell, and a place of total darkness, filled with nettles, briars, thorns, weeds, and stinking things. The town looked like a barren wilderness." So you've got to wonder if Bunyan doesn't have the, the reign of Rome in mind here before the Reformation, you know, something of that nature then. These Diaboleans, doubters, turned the men of Mansoul out of their beds and they wounded and beat them. In fact, they almost dashed out the brains of many of them. Did I say many? I probably should say most, if not all of them. They wounded Mr. Conscience so badly, his wounds festered and he couldn't rest day or night, but lay in continual pain like one tormented upon a rack. If it wasn't for the fact that Shaddai rules all, they would have slain him outright. They abused Lord Mayor understanding and almost put out his eyes. Thankfully, Lord Willbewill escaped into the castle, for they intended to chop him to pieces. They detested him now, now that his heart stood against Diabolus and his crew in Mansoul, for he'd proven himself a man for Shaddai and his son. I promise you'll hear more of his exploits. The town seemed somewhat deserted by the Mansoulians. A man could walk for days on end in Mansoul and scarcely see anyone in the town who looked like a God-fearing sort. Oh, the appalling condition of Mansoul! Every corner swarmed with doubter soldiers who walked in the town in clusters. They filled the houses with hideous noises, worthless songs, stories thick with lies and blasphemous language against Shaddai and his son. Psalm 5, there's nothing reliable in what they say. Their inward part is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave. They flatter with their tongue. Paul quotes that in Romans 3. Even the Diabolians who lurked within the walls, dens, and holes around the town came out of hiding and walked openly in the company of the doubters who now occupied Mansoul. Yes, Diabolus' recent victory gave them the boldness to walk the streets, hang out within the houses, and show themselves beyond the walls while the honest inhabitants of the town did their best to remain unseen. So in those times, the counterfeit so-called Christians show themselves what they are and go over to the enemy side fully. Chapter 26. Petition to the Prince. Even with his recent conquest, Diabolus and his rude men were not at peace in Mansoul. They weren't amused or pleased with how the captains and forces of Emmanuel were held up in the castle. They didn't like the stern looks given to them by the townsmen. After all, they didn't destroy any of the necessities of Mansoul. except those they seized against the townsman's will. Now the townspeople hid what they could from them, and what they couldn't hide, they held with an ill will. These poor hearts longed to have their own room rather than the company of these doubters, but they were forced to be captives in their own homes. However, I have to say, they discouraged them as much as possible and showed them all the disapproval they could. The captains in the castle did what they could, too. They employed their slings, much to the worrying and fretting of the enemy. Diabolus made a great many attempts to break open the gates of the castle, but godly fear, the gatekeeper, was a man of great courage, conduct, and valor. As long as godly fear lived, all attempts to break into the castle were in vain. So even though Diabolus desired to break open those gates, all his attempts were fruitless. I've sometimes wished godly fear would have had rule over the whole town of Mansoul. The town of Mansoul remained in this pitiful condition for about two and a half years. The main army of the town stayed within the castle, the seat of war, while the people of the town were driven into holes. All this time, the glory of Mansoul lay in the dust. This left the inhabitants with little rest under these circumstances. What peace could Mansoul have, and how could the sun shine upon it? With the enemy entrenched against the town outside the walls, it was enough to starve them. With the enemy living within the walls and their forts and entrenchment against the castle in the midst of the town, an inner struggle of the town against the town grew. Psalm 27, the Lord is my light and my salvation. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear. Though war arise against me, in spite of this, I shall be confident. The enemy made use of the forts and townholds to secure themselves until they could take the spoil and demolish the castle. It was a terrible situation. But this was now the state of the town of Mansoul. After the town of Mansoul had remained in this sad and lamentable condition for a long time and none of the petitions they presented to their prince were answered, the elders and important inhabitants of the town gathered. They consoled each other regarding their miserable state and the miserable judgment upon them and agreed to draw up yet another petition to send to Emmanuel for relief. However, godly fears stood up in their midst and said, unless the Lord's secretary's signature is on it. And this, he folded his hands behind his back and rocked back and forth, heel to toe, is the reason you haven't prevailed all this while. Romans 8. In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." So, what's he saying here? He's telling them, godly fear is telling them, you guys have gone to Immanuel numbers of times asking him for help. But you haven't asked rightly. And the only way that you're going to ask rightly is to have the Lord's secretary signature him. And he's talking about the Holy Spirit. That's what he means. Somehow or other, the Holy Spirit was not directing their requests. I'm just going to look in the back here real quick here to see if that is listed. Remember, it's got all the characters back here. I'm looking for... Okay, it's not listed under Lord Secretary. Let's see if it's under Secretary. Nope, don't see it. No doubt he's mentioned the Lord Secretary before, but must be representative of the Holy Spirit. That's what we shall do, they said. We will draw one up and get the Lord Secretary's signature on it. Godly fear shook his head. The Lord Secretary won't set his hand to any petition that he doesn't have a hand in composing. So in other words, it's not going to work For you to think up what you want from Christ, your requests have to be directed by the Holy Spirit, right? That's what's going wrong here. So he has to have a hand in composing this petition. Besides, the prince knows the Lord Secretary's handwriting. He can't be deceived by any pretense whatsoever. Therefore, my advice is that you go to my Lord and beg Him to lend you His aid. Now, the Lord's secretary still lived in the castle. Aaron? Oh, it's there. What does it say? law and a person skilled in all mysteries and knowledge of mysteries, along with Shaddai and the man-god. The three of them are all one in nature. In this story, he was a seer in all matters concerning the king and Okay, so Chief Secretary, High Secretary, and Lord Secretary. And Aaron said that it's in the back in that listing of characters under Chief Secretary. Page 417. And he does represent the Holy Spirit. Yeah, okay. Now see, this is a really clear example of biblical truth that Bunyan is presenting us in this allegory, right? You can see it. If our prayers are not directed by the Holy Spirit, if we're praying selfishly or whatever, then they're going to be ineffectual and so on. So for sure, Our prayer has to be offered from a person in whom the Holy Spirit dwells, a genuine Christian, right? And not my will, but thy will be done. And so now the Lord's secretary still lived in the castle. He hadn't departed from them totally, right? where all the captains and men in arms were held up. So they all thanked godly fear and took his advice. They hurried to the castle and came before the Lord's secretary to explain the reason they wanted to see him. Since Mansoul is in such a deplorable condition, would Your Highness please undertake the drawing up of a petition for us to Emmanuel, the son of the mighty Shaddai, and to our king, his father? The secretary studied them for a moment and said, what petition would you have me draw up for you? They looked at one another wondering where to start. Our Lord knows best the state and condition of the town of Mansoul, they said. You know we are backslidden and have slipped in the wrong direction away from the prince. You also know that Diabolus has come against us to wage war and Mansoul has become the seat of that war. Likewise, my Lord knows the cruelty of our men, women, and children have suffered at their hands and how our home-bred Diaboleans walk boldly in the street while the townsmen dare not show themselves. Therefore, we pray that our Lord draw up a petition for his poor servants to our Prince Emmanuel, according to the wisdom of God in him." So now, see, they're not writing the prayer. They want a prayer offered that is in accord to the will of God, right? So the Lord's secretary nodded thoughtfully. I will draw up a petition for you and will sign my name to it. Those standing before the Lord's secretary gained hope. When shall we call for the petition from the hands of our Lord? He answered, for the writing of this petition, you must be present. for you must include your desires in it." The men glanced at one another. The Lord Secretary said, true, the pen shall be mine and the signature will be mine, but the ink and the paper must be yours. Otherwise, how can you say it's your petition? After all, I have no need to petition for myself because I have not offended." He finished by saying, no petition goes from me in my name to the prince and to his father, but I put my name to those sent by the people who are concerned and have joined heart and soul in the matter. That element must be inserted within the petition. His words didn't discourage them in any way. Instead, they agreed with the Lord Secretary's decree, and a petition was drawn up for them. Then they were faced with the decision of who should carry it. The secretary advised Captain Credence should carry it, for he is well-spoken." So the picture there has Captain Credence. He's still using a crutch. They're wounded in battle. They called Captain Credence and proposed the idea of him carrying the petition to Shaddai and to his son Emmanuel. After hearing their business, the captain said, even though I'm lame, I gladly accept and will accomplish this business for you with as much speed as I'm able. The purpose of the contents of the petition is as written. Our Lord and sovereign Prince Emmanuel, the powerful, the long-suffering Prince, grace pours from your lips, and to you belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against you. You are fairer than the sons of men. Grace is poured upon your lips. Therefore, God has blessed you forever. Psalm 45. We who are not worthy to be called your mansoul or fit to share in commonplace benefits bestowed from your hand, implore you and your Father through you, Christ the mediator, through Christ, to do away with our transgressions against your law and commands. We agree we deserve to be driven away for these offenses, but ask that you do not do so for your name's sake. Instead, let the Lord use this opportunity to show His compassion and mercy toward our miserable condition. For, Lord, we are surrounded on every side. Our own backslidings accuse us as the Diaboleans within our town frighten us. The army of the angel of the bottomless pit distresses us. Your grace is our salvation, for there is no place else to turn. Psalm 57, be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. And in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge until destruction passes by. Furthermore, gracious prince, we have weakened our captains. They are discouraged, sick, and some of them were beaten in battle and hammered from the field by the power and force of the tyrant Diabolos. We used to put our confidence in these captains and their valor, and now they are wounded men. While our captains are in such poor shape, Lord, our enemies are energetic and strong. They show off and boast as they threaten to divide us among them as if we are booty. They have not come alone, Lord, but have thousands of doubters with them. We don't know what to do about them. They all move about with a stern, unmerciful countenance and declare defiance against us and you. Our wisdom is gone. Our power is drained because you have departed from us. We have nothing we can count on. What we do have is our sin, shame, and a confused look on our faces. We don't know what to do. Please, Lord, take pity upon us. Your miserable town of Mansoul, save us out of the hands of our enemies. Amen. by my enemies, but my enemies are vigorous and strong. And many are those who hate me wrongfully. Do not forsake me, O Lord. O my God, do not be far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation." Psalm 38. As mentioned before, the Lord Secretary crafted and signed this petition. It was then delivered to the court by the brave and most valiant Captain Credence. To accomplish this, he left by Mouthgate, the back gate of the town. From there, he made his way to the court and handed the message to Emmanuel. Now somehow, news of this petition being carried to Emmanuel reached the ears of Diabolus. The tyrant charged Mansoul with what he considered treachery. He said, you rebellious and stubborn-hearted Mansoul, I will force you to stop petitioning. He raised an angry clenched fist and shook it at them. I promise you I will make you stop. So in other words, Satan fears prayer. That's what that's about, right? Now somehow news of this, oh, wrong one. I'm sure how he received, I'm not sure how he received this information. Spies everywhere, you know. But he knew that valiant Captain Credence was the messenger who carried the petition to the prince. This knowledge made him fearful and filled him with rage. He commanded his drummer, start beating the drum again. Mansoul couldn't bear the sound, but they had no choice. When Diabolus ordered his drum to beat, Mansoul was forced to put up with the noise. As a result, the drum pounded its wretched beat, and the Diabolians gathered together. Diabolus stood before his men and called out with a loud voice, Oh, you brave Diabolians, let it be known that the rebellious town of Mansoul has hatched treachery against us. Although the town is in our possession, these miserable Mansoulians have dared to send to the court for Emmanuel's help. his chest heaved with each angry breath. This I tell you so you can understand what we're up against, and so you will know how to treat the wretched town of Mansoul. So in other words, the persecution of the enemy steps up in intensity right before the final battle. He raised his arms in a show of power as he clenched his fists. Let this be the reward of the Mansoulians from me for their desperate rebellions against me. He pumped his fists into the air to make his point. This you see is what he threatened. But something stepped in between the delivery of this warning and its execution. At this point, little more was done than for him to vent his rage. Then Diabolus went up to the castle gates and demanded that upon pain of death, the gates be opened to him and entrance granted to him and his men. So Bunyan kind of skimmed over that, the Lord intervened there somehow to prevent the enemy from carrying out all of those horrible persecutions against his people. Godly fear who had charge of that gate replied, the gate will not be open to you or the men who followed after you. Then he said, when Mansoul has suffered a little while, she will be made perfect, strengthened and settled. 2 Corinthians 12, and he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses so the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I'm well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties. for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong. Diabolus said, then deliver the men to me who have petitioned against me, especially Captain Credence, who carried your most recent petition to your prince. Deliver that rascal into my hands and I will depart from the town. Then a Diabolian named Mr. Fooling started up. What my Lord offers you is fair. It's better for you that one man perish than your whole man soul be destroyed. I was trying to, that Mr. Fooling, I kind of had an image in my mind crop up from Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. There's one character, maybe it's when the king, that king was held in bondage and spelled by Sauron. I get them mixed up, Sauron or Sauron. Wormtongue, I think that was his name. And he's in the court and he keeps coming up and talking to the king, you know, and putting lies and stuff into, that's kind of like this Mr. Fooling, right? What my Lord offers you is fair. It's better for you that one man perish than your whole man soul be destroyed. John 11, but one of them Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, you know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people and that the whole nation not perish. Now Caiaphas there, he was an enemy, but he spoke the truth. But now what Bunyan's doing is this Mr. fooling. He's like taking those words and twisting them. Well, the Bible even says it's better for one man to die, right? Godly fear replied, when Mansoul has given up her faith to Diabolus, how long will she be kept out of the dungeon? If we lose Captain Credence, it's as good as losing the town of Mansoul. Because if one goes to Diabolus, the other must follow. At this, Mr. Fooling said nothing. Lord Mayor Understanding spoke up next, you devouring tyrant, let this be clear. We won't listen to any of your words. We are determined to resist you as long as a captain, a man, a sling, or a stone can be found in the town of Mansoul. Diabolus glared at the mayor with hooded eyes. Do you hope? Do you wait? Do you look for help and deliverance? You've sent to Emmanuel, but your wickedness clings to you. It's too close to let innocent prayers come out of your lips. Do you really think that you will prevail and succeed in this plan? I'm telling you that you will fail in your wish and in your attempts because I'm not the only one against you. Don't forget, your Emmanuel is against you too. See, typical lies of the enemy. He is the one who sent me against you in the first place. Knowing this, what is it that you hope for? Or by what means do you think you will escape? Bunyan here, I'm sure, is writing from his own experience. He's in prison, and the enemy comes to him. He says, even the Lord is against you. There's no hope, right? Those kind of lies. The Lord's understanding wasn't gullible enough to believe the tyrant's lies. He said, we have sinned. But that won't help you. In great faithfulness, our Emmanuel has said, the one who comes to me, I will certainly not cast out. He has also told us that any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people. For this reason, we dare not despair, but we'll look for, wait for, and hope for deliverance. By this time, Captain Credence had returned from his errand to the court and had delivered the petition to Emmanuel. He returned to the castle of Mansoul with a packet. So when the Lord Mayor heard Captain Credence had arrived, he withdrew from the noise of the roaring tyrant and left him to yell at the wall or against the gates of the castle. He hurried to the captain's lodgings, greeted Captain Credence, and asked him, how did you fare? What news do you bring from the court? Tears brimmed in Captain Credence's eyes. He said, cheer up, my lord, for everything will be well in time. With that, he produced his packet of letters from Emmanuel and laid it down in front of them. The Lord Mayor and the rest of the captains took this as a sign of good news. They glanced at one another with hope that a season of grace had arrived. Understanding sent for all the captains and elders of the town who were scattered here and there in various rooms throughout the castle and for their guard. He wanted all of them to know Captain Credence had returned and he had something special to tell them. They gathered around Captain Credence, greeted him, and asked about his journey. What's the good news from the court? He gave them the same answer he'd offered to Lord Understanding earlier. Everything will be well in the end, Psalm 97. Hate evil, you who love the Lord, who preserves the souls of his godly ones. He delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Once the captain greeted everyone who gathered around him, he opened his packet and drew out several letters. The first letter was for the Lord Mayor. Within this note, Emmanuel said he was well pleased that Lord Mayor understanding had remained true and trustworthy in his office, even with the great concerns which lay upon him for the town and people of Mansoul. In the letter, he told understanding that He was happy with the fact that he acted boldly for his Prince Emmanuel and had engaged faithfully in his cause against Diabolus. At the close of his letter, he mentioned the mayor would receive his reward shortly. The second letter pulled from the packet was for the noble Lord Willbewill. The letter made it clear that Prince Emmanuel understood how valiant and courageous he had served for the honor of his Lord in his absence when his name was held in contempt by Diabolus. His prince also expressed delight in his faithfulness to the town of Mansoul and how he had kept strict watch over it. He said he appreciated Willbewill's firm restraint upon the necks of the Diaboleans who lurked in several places around Mansoul. This letter indicated he considered Will Be Will to be a good example to the whole town of Mansoul, because he had executed some of the chief Diabolean rebels by his own hands, which generated great discouragement among the enemy camp. He finished by stating Will Be Will should have his reward shortly. The third letter plucked from the packet was for the preacher, Mr. Conscience. It said his prince was well pleased with him, for he honestly and faithfully performed his responsibilities and fulfilled the trust committed to him by his lord. He accomplished this when he exhorted, rebuked, and forewarned Mansoul according to the laws of the town. Second Timothy 4, Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season. Reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience and instruction." He admitted it made him happy that Mr. Conscience had called for fasting, sackcloth, and ashes when Mansoul lived in her rebellion, and that he had called, and that he called for the aid of Captain Bonagas to help in such important work. The letter closed by saying he would shortly receive his reward. In the fourth letter written to Mr. Godly Fear, his Lord said that he had observed all he had accomplished. This included the fact that he was the first of all the men in Mansoul who detected the presence of Cardinal Security and his cunning and identified a falling away and a decay of goodness in the blessed town of Mansoul because of Diabolus. His Lord let him know he still remembered his tears and mourning for the state of Manzul. The letter mentioned how godly fear took notice when carnal security sat at his table among his guests. He had detected carnal security in his own house in the midst of his jolliness, even while he sought to perfect his crimes against the town of Mansoul. Emmanuel took notice that godly fear stood against all the threats and attempts of the tyrant at the gates of the castle. He had also recommended the townsmen make their petition to their prince in a way that he might accept it and they might obtain an answer of peace. The letter closed with the prince saying, therefore shortly you will receive your reward. Luke 6, be glad in that day and leap for joy for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets. After this, a letter to the whole town of Mansoul was read. It said that their lord noticed their repeated petitions to him. He offered encouraging news. In the future, they would see more fruits for such efforts. In this letter, their prince said, I am pleased your heart and mind are at last fixed upon me and my ways, even though Diabolus has made inroads upon the town. It pleased him that neither flatteries nor hardships could make them concede to take part in his cruel schemes. At the bottom of this letter, The prince added that he had left the town of Mansoul in the hands of the Lord Secretary, and under the guidance of Captain Credence, he said, beware that you continue to yield yourselves to their authority and direction. And in time, you shall receive your reward. After the brave Captain Credence delivered the letters to each recipient, he withdrew to the Lord Secretary's quarters. where the two of them spent time talking. These two were well acquainted with one another and knew more how things would go with Mansoul than any of the townsmen. The Lord Secretary often showed his love for Captain Credence by sending him many good bits from my Lord's table as a show of goodwill, while the rest of Mansoul lay under the clouds. After the two of them conversed for some time, the Captain said goodnight and went to his chambers to rest. He had barely laid his head upon the pillow when the Lord's secretary sent for him again. He hurried through the castle halls and returned to the Lord's secretary's quarters. They greeted one another in the usual way, but the captain quickly asked, why did you send for me? Tell me, has something happened? Lord Secretary took him into his room away from the door and said, I've made you the Lord's Lieutenant over all the forces in Mansoul. His countenance shined with joy as he shared the news. From this day forward, all men in Mansoul shall act upon your word and you will be the one who leads in and out of Mansoul. Therefore you shall manage the war for your prince and for the town of Mansoul against the force and power of Diabolus. The rest of the captains will be at your command. Now the townsmen noticed the captain's part in both the court and with the Lord Secretary in Mansoul. No man had ever succeeded when sent on this task, nor was there any other able to bring such good news from Emmanuel like him. After some weeping, they decided not to bother him with their distresses, but turned to Mr. Conscience to make known their concerns to the Lord Secretary. and let him know that they desired all they were and had to be under control, care, custody, and authority of Captain Credence." Romans 13. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same, for it is a minister of God to you for good." So their preacher, Mr. Conscience, did as they requested, and received this answer from the mouth of the Lord's secretary, Captain Credence. will be the great doer in all the king's army against the king's enemies and for the welfare of man's soul. Upon receiving this message, Mr. Conscience bowed to the ground, thanked his lordship, returned to the townsfolk and delivered his news. This was accomplished with all imaginable secrecy because the adversaries still had great strength within the town. but I've strayed somewhat from the story. So let's return to where I left off. All right, well, we'll end right there then. And next time we'll pick up chapter 27, plans to take the castle. So there we are. Father, we thank you for these lessons from your servant, John Bunyan, and thank you for the truths of your word for these, We are clearly reminded here of the promises in your word that your spirit intercedes for us even when we don't know how we should pray ourselves. And we give you thanks for this in Christ's name. Amen.