The garments, too, which Emmanuel had given them were but in a sorry case; some were rent, some were torn, and all in a nasty condition; some also did hang so loosely upon them, that the next bush they came at was ready to pluck them off.

After some time spent in this sad and desolate condition, the subordinate preacher called for a day of fasting, and to humble themselves for being so wicked against the great Shaddai and his Son.  And he desired that Captain Boanerges would preach.  So he consented to do it; and the day being come, and his text was this, ‘Cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground?’ And a very smart sermon he made upon the place.  First, he showed what was the occasion of the words, namely, because the fig-tree was barren; then he showed what was contained in the sentence, namely, repentance, or utter desolation.  He then showed, also, by whose authority this sentence was pronounced, and that was by Shaddai himself.  And, lastly, he showed the reasons of the point, and then concluded his sermon.  But he was very pertinent in the application, insomuch that he made poor Mansoul tremble.  For this sermon, as well as the former, wrought much upon the hearts of the men of Mansoul; yea, it greatly helped to keep awake those that were roused by the preaching that went before.  So that now throughout the whole town, there was little or nothing to be heard or seen but sorrow, and mourning, and woe.

Now, after sermon, they got together and consulted what was best to be done.  ‘But,’ said the subordinate preacher, ’I will do nothing of mine own head, without advising with my neighbour Mr. Godly-Fear.  For if he had aforehand understood more of the mind of our Prince than we, I do not know but he also may have it now, even now we are turning again to virtue.’

So they called and sent for Mr. Godly-Fear, and he forthwith appeared.  Then they desired that he would further show his opinion about what they had best to do.  Then said the old gentleman as followeth:  ’It is my opinion that this town of Mansoul should, in this day of her distress, draw up and send an humble petition to their offended Prince Emmanuel, that he, in his favour and grace, will turn again unto you, and not keep anger for ever.’

When the townsmen had heard this speech, they did, with one consent, agree to his advice; so they did presently draw up their request, and the next was, But who shall carry it?  At last they did all agree to send it by my Lord Mayor.  So he accepted of the service, and addressed himself to his journey; and went and came to the court of Shaddai, whither Emmanuel the Prince of Mansoul was gone.  But the gate was shut, and a strict watch kept thereat; so that the petitioner was forced to stand without for a great while together.  Then he desired that some would go into the Prince and tell him who stood at the gate, and what his business was.  So one went and told to Shaddai, and to Emmanuel