So, when they had found the place, they shouted horribly for joy, and roared against it like a lion upon its prey, saying, “Now we have found the prize! Now we will take revenge on King Shaddai for what He’s done to us!” So, they sat down and called a council of war. They considered amongst themselves what ways and methods they could best engage this war to win for themselves this famous town of Mansoul— and these four things were proposed for their consideration:
First. Was it the best strategy for all of them to appear before the town of Mansoul?
Secondly. Was it best for them to go and sit down against Mansoul in their now ragged and beggarly appearance?
Thirdly. Was it best to show Mansoul their intentions and purpose, or was it best to assault it with words and ways of deceit?
Fourthly. Was it advantageous in their plan of war to give private orders to some of their companions in order to target one or more of the principal townsfolk; to shoot them in order to more easily make their assault?
1. The answer to the first proposal was negative. If they all showed themselves before the town, the appearance of so many of them might alarm and frighten the town; whereas a few, or perhaps only one of them, was not so likely to do so.
Diabolus spoke up and endorsed the advice not to alarm or frighten Mansoul. “It is impossible,” he said, “that we should take the town by force of numbers: because none can enter into it without its own consent. Let, therefore, only a few, or just one, assault Mansoul. Moreover,” Diabolus continued, “I should do it myself.”
To this, they all agreed.
2. To the second proposal, “Was it best for them to go and sit down against Mansoul in their now ragged and beggarly appearance?” the answer also came in the negative. “By no means,” said the fierce Alecto, “because, though the town of Mansoul has been given wisdom to know and respond to invisible things, they have never yet seen any of their fellow-creatures in so sad and rascally condition as we have become.”
Then said Apollyon, “The advice is pertinent; for even one of us appearing to them as we are now, will stir their minds and imaginations to both alarm them and cause them to be on their guard. And if so,” said he, “then, as my Lord Diabolus said just now, it would be vain for us to think of taking the town.”
Then said that mighty giant, Beelzebub, “The advice already given is safe; for though the men of Mansoul have seen such things as we once were, yet they have never beheld such things as we are now; and it is best, in my opinion, to come upon them in such a disguise as is common to and most familiar among them.”
To this, when they had consented, the next thing to be considered was, in what shape, hue, or disguise would be best for Diabolus to show himself when he went about to make Mansoul his own. Then one said one thing. Another spoke the contrary.
At last, Lucifer answered. “In my opinion, it would be best for his lordship, Diabolus, to assume the body of one of those creatures the townsfolk had dominion over. Because,” he continued, “these are not only familiar to them, but, being subject to them, they will never imagine one of these subordinate creatures attempting to capture the town. In fact, to blind everyone, let Diabolus assume the body of one of those beasts Mansoul deems to be wiser than any of the rest (Gen 3:1; Rev 20:1-2).”
This advice was applauded by all. So, they determined the giant Diabolus should assume the form of a dragon, for in those days, he was as familiar with the town of Mansoul as now is the bird with the boy; for nothing in its primitive state was at all amazing to them. Then they proceeded to the third thing, being:
3. “Was it best to show Mansoul their intentions and purpose, or was it best to assault it with words and ways of deceit?” The first part of the proposal was also answered in the negative. The people of Mansoul were a strong people who lived in a strong town. The wall and gates were impregnable (to say nothing of their castle); and again, it could not be won except by their own consent.
“Besides,” said Legion, who offered his advice with regard to this third proposal, “if they discover of our intentions, it may cause them to send for their King for help; and if that happens, I know quickly what time of day it will be for us. Therefore, let us assault them in all pretended fairness, covering our intentions with all kinds of lies, flatteries, delusive words; inventing things that will never be, and promising things to them that they shall never find. This is the way to win Mansoul and cause them to freely open their gates to us; yes! and to desire us too to come into them. And the reason why I think this plan will work is because the people of Mansoul are now, every single one of them, simple and innocent; every one of them, honest and true; nor do they as yet know what it is to be assaulted with fraud, guile, and hypocrisy. They’re strangers to lying and dissembling lips. If we’re disguised, they will be unable to discern our intent. Our lies will be received as true sayings, and our falsehoods for upright dealings. They’ll believe whatever we promise them, especially if, in all our lies and feigned words, we pretend to love them greatly, and that our purpose is only for their advantage and honor.”
Now there was not one bit of a reply against this. It went down as smoothly as water in a thirsty throat. Finally, they considered the last proposal, being:
4. “Was it advantageous in their plan of war to give private orders to some of their companions in order to target one or more of the principal townsfolk; to shoot them in order to more easily make their assault?” This was carried in the affirmative; and the man who must be targeted for destruction in this strategy was one Mr. Resistance, also called Captain Resistance. The Captain was a great man in Mansoul, and a man who the giant Diabolus and his associates feared more than they feared the whole town of Mansoul besides. Now, who should be the agent to perform the murder? They appointed one Tisiphone, a fury of the lake, to do it.
Thus, having ended their council of war, they rose up, and attempted to do as they had determined. They marched towards Mansoul, but all in a manner invisible, except one, only one; nor did he approach the town in his own likeness, but under the shade and in the body of the dragon.