so not able to perform that office of love, which, with all their
hearts, they are willing to do (and will do also when well and in
health), slight them not, nor despise them, but rather strengthen
them and encourage them, though weak and ready to die, for they are
your fence, and your guard, your wall, your gates, your locks, and
your bars. And although, when they are weak, they can do but
little, but rather need to be helped by you, than that you should
then expect great things from them, yet, when well, you know what
exploits, what feats and warlike achievements they are able to do,
and will perform for you.

'Besides, if they be weak, the town of Mansoul cannot be strong; if
they be strong, then Mansoul cannot be weak; your safety,
therefore, doth lie in their health, and in your countenancing
them. Remember, also, that if they be sick, they catch that
disease of the town of Mansoul itself.

'These things I have said unto you because I love your welfare and
your honour: observe, therefore, O my Mansoul, to be punctual in
all things that I have given in charge unto you, and that not only
as a town corporate, and so to your officers and guard, and guides
in chief, but to you as you are a people whose well-being, as
single persons, depends on the observation of the orders and
commandments of their Lord.

'Next, O my Mansoul, I do warn you of that, of which,
notwithstanding that reformation that at present is wrought among
you, you have need to be warned about: wherefore hearken
diligently unto me. I am now sure, and you will know hereafter,
that there are yet of the Diabolonians remaining in the town of