In my travels, as I walked through many regions and countries, I came to that famous continent of Universe. It was a very large and roomy country: lying between the two poles, and just among the four points of heaven. It is a place well-watered, and richly adorned with hills and valleys, bravely situated, and for the most part, at least where I was, very fruitful. It was also well populated and possessed a very sweet atmosphere.
The people have different ethnic backgrounds. They speak different languages and practice different religions. They differ as much, it is said, as the planets do themselves. Some are right and some are wrong, even as it is in lesser regions.
It was my opportunity, as I said, to travel in this country; and my journey was so long there, I even learned much of their mother tongue, that is, their main language, as well as their customs and manners. And, to tell the truth, I was very delighted to see and hear many things which I saw and heard among them. Yes, I surely even lived and died as a native among them (since I was so captured by their behavior). If my Master had not called me to come home to His house, to serve Him, I would have stayed longer.
Now there is in this gallant country of Universe a beautiful, yet fragile town, a community called Mansoul; a town built quite curiously— situated as vast as eternity itself and privileged with blessings because of its origin— and like the continent which I mentioned before, there is not its equal under all of heaven.
This town is situated just between the two worlds; and the first Founder and Builder of it, as far as I understand, has been written in the best and most authentic records, was one Shaddai; and He built it for His own delight. He made it the reflection and glory of all He made. It was the crowning achievement beyond anything else He did in that country. Yes, so excellent a town was Mansoul when first built, it is said by some, the angels came down to see it after it had been set up and they sang for joy. And as He made it so good to behold, Shaddai gave the town dominion over all the country round about. Ineed, all were commanded to acknowledge Mansoul for their metropolitan and all were instructed to honor it. Truly, the town itself had positive commission and power from her King to demand service of all, and also to subdue any who neglected that responsibility.
A famous and majestic palace was raised in the middle of this town; for strength, it might be called a castle; for joy, a paradise; for space and location, a place so abundant as to contain all the world. King Shaddai intended this place for Himself alone and no one else; partly because of His own delights, and partly because He didn’t want the terror of strangers to come upon the town. Shaddai also made this place a fortress, but only commanded the men of the town to protect it.
The walls of the town were well built so firm and steadfast, and were knit so close together, had it not been for the townsmen themselves, the walls could not have been shaken or broken at all. For here is the excellent wisdom of Him who built Mansoul— that the walls could never be broken down nor hurt by the strongest wicked king unless the townsmen consented to it.
This famous town of Mansoul had five gates for entry and exit. These gates were made just like the walls. They were impregnable; that is, they could not be opened by force except by the will and approval of the townsmen within. The names of the gates were these: Ear-gate, Eye-gate, Mouth-gate, Nose-gate, and Feel-gate.
There were other things belonging to the town of Mansoul; and if you connect to them, it will be a testimony to all of the glory and strength of the place. There was always sufficient provision within its walls. It had the best, most wholesome, and excellent law existing in the world. In the beginning, there was not a rascal, rogue, or traitorous person within its walls. They were all true men who joined together faithfully; and this, you know, is a great matter. And to all these who had the goodness to remain true and loyal to King Shaddai, Mansoul was always blessed with His countenance, His protection, and it was His delight, etc.
Well, once upon a time, there was a mighty giant named Diabolus. He made an assault upon this famous town of Mansoul, to take it, and make it his own home. This giant was king of evil and father of lies; a most insane prince he was. We will, if you please, first talk about the origin of this Diabolus, and then of his taking of this famous town of Mansoul.
This Diabolus is indeed a great and mighty prince, but at the same time, both poor and beggarly. When he was born, at first, he was one of King Shaddai’s servants. The King put him into the most high and mighty place; yes, was put into a position overseeing the best of His territories and dominions. This Diabolus was made “son of the morning,” and a brave place he made of it (Isa 14:12). It brought him much glory and gave him much brightness. This should have made Diabolus content and joyful, but because his Luciferian heart was so greedy, his lust was as wide and wicked as Hades itself.
Well, seeing himself so exalted to greatness and honor, and raging in his mind for even greater glory, he begins to think about how he might be set up as lord over everything, having sole power under Shaddai. (Now, you see, the King reserved this position for His Son; and yes, had already bestowed it upon Him.) For this reason, Diabolus started talking to himself in his insanity about what was the best way to take this high position; and then shared his thoughts to some of his other companions, who also agreed. So, finally, they came to conclusion that they should attempt to destroy the King’s Son so the inheritance might be theirs. Well, to be short, the treason, as I said, was concluded, the time appointed, the word given, the rebels met, and the assault attempted. Now the King and His Son being ALL and always EYE, could not but discern all passages in His dominions; and He, having eternal love for His Son as for Himself, was greatly provoked and offended at what was done: therefore, the King arrested them in their first attempt to overthrow the kingdom, convicted them of treason, horrid rebellion, and conspiracy they had devised and attempted. The King then cast them altogether out of all place of trust, benefit, honor, and favor. This done, He banished them from the court, threw them into the horrible pits, bound them securely in chains, never more to expect the least favor from His hands. The rebels must await the final and everlasting judgment King Shaddai appointed them (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6).
Now, having been cast out of all place of trust, profit, and honor, and also knowing they had lost their Prince’s favor forever (being banished from His court, and cast down to the horrible pits), you can be sure they added to their former pride hatred and anger against Shaddai, and against His Son, with every ounce of their beings. Therefore, they sought revenge. They furiously wandered in ranks like an army from place to place, hoping to find something, anything, belonging to the King so they could take the King’s possessions by force and keep it for themselves (1 Pet 5:8). Finally, they came to the vast country of Universe and they set their course toward the town of Mansoul; and considering that that town was one of the chief works and delights of King Shaddai, once they took counsel together, they made their assault upon it. I must say, they knew Mansoul belonged to Shaddai; for they were there when He built it and made it beautiful for Himself. 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….
To be continued…
