The Holy War is a Christian allegory by John Bunyan, published in 1682. It is like Pilgrim's Progress, but focuses most deeply on Christ, the fairest, the fall, salvation and backsliding in the Christian.
The story concerns Emmanuel, the Just and Fair Son of Shaddai, who must embark on a mission to save the city of Mansoul who has been captured on the tyranny of Diabolus, a rebellious ex-servant of Shaddai. Wil the people accept Him, or die in their sins?
Summary
Chapter 1
The narrator is travelling through the state of Universe, on business sent by his Master. He tells of the great and majestic city of Mansoul, which he has come to stay in and has come to love. Meanwhile, he gets wrapped up into the wars of Mansoul, and the story of Emmanuel.
Shaddai, the Great Glorious Creator, created Mansoul for His own delight and glory. He fortified the city so that no one could enter without consent from the townsfolk. Shaddai's rule is that of law and order, justice, and fairness-so much so that there is not one criminal or wayward man in all the city. Shaddai has also built a Castle in the center, not only for His delight but to protect the city from intruders.
While the city was being constructed, Diabolus, a rouge servant of Shaddai, became arrogrant with all the territory that was given to him. He lusted for the second position in the kingdom, which was given to the Just, Fair and Righteous Emmanuel, Son of Shaddai. He plotted, along with other evil servants, to assassinate Emmanuel. Shaddai and Emmanuel, being all-knowing, nipped this plan in its bud, and charged the servants with conspiracy and treason, casting them out of their positions of power. Since then, Diabolus has looked for something of Shaddai's to corrupt, and he has found it in Mansoul.
Mansoul is lead by Captain Resistance, the mayor Lord Understanding, the Recorder Lord Conscience, Lord Innocency and Lord Willbewill, an aristocrat.
The demons plan many plans, and decide on deception. At the Hear-gate, Diabolus and Ill-pause, the evil orator, tell the people that Shaddai's law and order is tyranny; meanwhile Ill-pause murders Innocency, and another demon kills Captain Resistance.
Chapter 2
Without leadership, the citizens give up, and Diabolus takes over. He replaces Understanding with Lord Incredulity; Understanding is put under house arrest, and his house is kept in utter darkness. Affection, a well-respected citizen, is twisted into Vile-affection. Conscience is led into such sin that he becomes numb to sin, though he occassionally speaks of Shaddai; he was replaced by Lord Lusting, and Diabolus convinced the people he was crazy. Lord Willbewill, thinking of himself too great to be a normal citizen, switches sides completely, wanting always to do the will of Diabolus.
When news comes to Shaddai and Emmanuel, They confer privately. Emmanuel seals a covenant with Shaddai, promising that at the set time He would conquer Mansoul, after He accomplished redemption. The servants of Shaddai rejoice at the news, but Diabolus supresses media coverage of this event.
Chapter 3
Meanwhile, Shaddai sends an army,flaked by four captains-Boanegeres, Conviction, Judgement, and Execution-to cause repentance in Mansoul. They do not do any ill; rather, they bless in the Name of Shaddai. But the citizens refuse to listen. For three months, they enter a sort of cold war, with the people shooting in mockery, and the four men reciprocating. This is worsened by three recruits-Tradition, Human Wisdom, and Man-Invention-who don't even hit the ground running, and are taken captive by Diabolus, a great delay in the battle. Ultimately, the mission is deemed a faliure. The captains petition Shaddai to send Emmanuel.
Emmanuel is thrilled to be able to save the citizens, and waves goodbye to Shaddai to go conquer. Emmanuel brings with him 5 captains-Good-hope, Charity, Innocence, Patience, and Credence, who is chief-and the four captains.
Chapter 4
Mansoul is intrigued, but they ignore Him completely. This grieves Emmanuel.
Diabolus is evidently frightened, as he sends compromise after compromise to Emmanuel. Emmanuel utterly rejects each and every one. He, rather, reveals the truth: Diabolus has "changed and rechanged so often", he is untrustworthy. He also reveals that He bought Mansoul with His own blood, offering Himself as a surety for their treason to His Beloved Shaddai. He presents a logical argument for why Mansoul is His. Despite this, Ill-pause delivers another message: that Mansoul's citizens don't care. They have rejected Him. He will have to conquer - by force.
Spare the rod, spoil the child: Emmanuel rises to challenge. A long battle ensues. 54 battering rams and 12 slings are positioned on Mount Justice, Mount Gracias and (most importantly) Mount Hearken, near the Hear-gate. The captains bravely fight. Good-hope kills Ill-pause. Boanegeres and Conviction try to rouse Conscience, who has hid in his fortified home. Emmaneul focuses on defeating Diabolus, hiding in the fortified Castle.
Chapter 5
Meanwhile, the citizens are struck with fear and realize the preciousness of their Rejected King. Licking the dust of His feet as He passes by, they comment on His beauty, valor, sponatenity and other virtues. Conscience and Understanding petition Emmanuel for mercy. Lord Willbewill is captured. Many Diabolians are killed; the natives of Mansoul are untouched.
Emmanuel uses His Godly Authority to order Diabolus out of the Castle, and the devil is forced to comply. He is stripped of his armor, and is chained, and tied to the golden Chariot of Emmanuel. Understanding, Conscience, and Willbewill are arrested. The tyrant has fallen, and the citizens celebrate.
Chapter 6
Now that Diabolus is gone, Emmanuel focuses on remodelling the city. The citizens, afraid for their lives, send petitions to Emmanuel. He does not respond, to see if they mean it. Each petition is more humble and gracious than the next. The last is true repentance. Mr Desires-Awake and his neighbor Mr Wet-eyes deliver it.
"'Prince Emmanuel, great Lord of all worlds and Master of mercy -- we, your poor, wretched, miserable, dying town of Mansoul, confess that we have sinned against you and your Father. We are no longer worthy to be called your Mansoul. We deserve to be thrown into the pit. If you kill us, we are aware that it's only what we deserve. If you condemn us to the pit, we acknowledge that you are righteous and fair in doing that. Whatever you do to us, we have no right to complain. But please let mercy reign, and let your mercy extend far enough to reach us! Please let mercy take hold of us and free us from our transgressions, and we'll sing about your mercy and your judgment forever after that! Amen."
Emmanuel does not immediantly respond, but asks for the three prisoners to appear before him tomorrow. Then He will decide.
Chapter 7
Sure enough, the trio confess their sins, the sins of Mansoul,and are deeply repentant. Emmanuel signs a full pardon, mercy for the three prisoners and the citizens. They are deeply grateful! They plead with Emmanuel to stay, as many Diabolians still lurk.
The captains each stay with one citizen (Conviction specifically asks for Boanegeres and Conviction!). The last signs of Diabolus's takeover are purged from the city.
Emmanuel is the very life and strength of Mansoul! The people plead with Him to stay in the Castle. His entry is celebrated by the townspeople with music, garlands of flowers, and palm branches. The people see themselves as untrustworthy, and beg Emmanuel to stay with them and stop them from sinning. The people adored Him so much they pleaded that He visit them every day in town. Emmanuel hosts a banquet, and teaches them doctrine through life situations and mysteries. His wisdom enchants the people to no end.
The old men and leaders of the town couldn't get enough of the Prince. All that he said, what he did, his manner, everything about him was so appealing, so enchanting, and so desirable to them. So they begged him that, even though he lived in the castle (and they hoped he would live there forever), he might visit the streets and homes and citizens frequently, 'because, your Majesty, your presence, your glances, your smiles, your words are the very life and strength of the town of Mansoul.'In addition, they requested that they might have easy, uninterrupted, continual access to him so that they could watch and learn about his doings, and the strength of the castle and his royal mansion. In order to grant their request, the Prince commanded that the castle gates should always remain open.
Any time he spoke, the people hushed to listen. When he walked, they loved to follow him wherever he went.
Chapter 8
Emmanuel arrests the remaining Diabolians, and they await their trial in jail under the supervision of Mr. True-Man. The trials are fair and just, with 11 jurors (one short of the American 12), three witnesses known for their truth, Lord Willbewill and the Clerk. When declared guilty, execution will be at hand.
The prisoners were brought to the front. Mr. Do-Right, the town clerk, said, 'Bring Atheism forward, jailer.' When that was done, the town clerk said, 'Mr. Atheism, hold up your right hand. You are hereby accused, as an intruder in Mansoul, of treacherously and ignorantly teaching that there is no God, so nobody needs to pay any attention to religion. In doing this, you have trespassed against the person and the honour of the King, and acted against the peace and safety of the town of Mansoul. How do plead? Are you guilty, or not guilty?'Atheism responded, 'Not guilty.' The courier asked for the witnesses -- Mr. Know-All, Mr. Tell-True, and Mr. Hate-lies -- to be brought in. So they appeared before the court. The clerk said, 'You are all called on as witnesses for King Shaddai. Take a look at the prisoner. Do you recognize him?' Mr. Know-All said, 'Yes, your Honour, we know him. His name is Atheism. He has been a corrupting influence in Mansoul for many years.' Clerk: 'Are you sure you know him?'
Mr. Know-All: 'Know him? Oh, yes! I've been in his company more times than I can count. He is a Diabolian, and the son of a Diabolian. In fact, I knew his father and grandfather before him.'
Some of the Diabolians repent, and they are put to good works. The rest remain in jail. But then the unimaginable happens: Mr. Incredulity escapes!
Chapter 9
When Mr. True-Man realizes this, the town begins a search, with Emmanuel leadings. Many witnesses have spotted the Diabolian in the streets of Mansoul. Incredulity runs back to Diabolus, who is horribly angry at the happiness in Mansoul and Emmanuel's victory-but he can't do anything about it.
The prisoners are executed. They are angry, and they must be supervised. Mr.Experience, a Mansoul native, is promoted by Emmanuel over 1,000 men in His beloved Mansoul. Emmanuel also establishes a teaching ministry, and renews the charter with Mansoul, giving them authority over all animals, plants and the world, and the ability to call upon Him at anytime. The teachers of the teaching ministry are: Shaddai's Chief Secretary (who also wrote the puzzles and the comission of Glorious King Shaddai to His Beloved Son Emmanuel) and Conscience, who can only teach of the moral duties, but must be subordinate to the Secretary.
Chapter 10
Emmanuel presents many tokens of His grace to the people of Mansoul, to identify them from the rest of Universe. He is delighted at this, and pours many blessings on them.
The Prince was so gracious and loving and courteous with the town of Mansoul! Wherever he went, in the streets, or gardens, or orchards, he gave blessings to the poor, and greeted those passing by, and laid hands on those who were sick and healed them. He also encouraged his Captains with his presence and encouraging words every day -- sometimes every hour! A kind smile from him would strengthen and cheer them more than anything else under heaven.
He would host banquets almost every week. When the people would return home, He would give them a ring, a gold chain, a bracelet, a white stone, or something else. He would send out food, and visit each citizen, and sup with them. He also appoints Mr. God-Peace to lead Willbewill, the Mayor, the new Recorder Mr. Knowledge, and Conscience the junior preacher. With his laws, Mansoul was happy and peaceful. The women and children sang all the day long!
But there is still one remaining diabolian: Carnal-security. His mother being Lord Willbewill's daughter, Lady Fear-nothing, he remained in Mansoul and was not executed with the other Diabolians. When Mansoul was saved, he decided to act all religious and holy, and the people began to admire him, so that they had dinner every day. Even the Mayor, the Recorder and Willbewill were amazed. Emmanuel knew what was happening, and commanded them not to be misled by the appearance of godliness.
The Prince had also told them that their security didn't lie in the strength of their walls and fortifications, but in making use of what they had in a way that pleased Emmanuel, and in a way that made Emmanuel feel welcome to keep his presence in the castle. His overall teaching was that they should be careful to remember his Father's love, and they should do whatever they needed to in order to remain in that love. Of course, becoming enchanted with a Diabolian like Mr. Carnal-Security and heeding all of his suggestions was not the way to do that. They should have listened to their Prince, respected and loved him, and stoned that hateful brute to death. If they had been careful to walk in the ways their Prince recommended, then their peace would have been like a river, and their righteousness would have been like the waves of the sea
Then, the tragic happens: the people's love for Emmanuel becomes cool.
Emmanuel tells the Secretary how grieved this has made Him feel! He considers returning to Shaddai's court. The Secretary agrees, as He had warned the people two times of their transgressions, but He had been ignored. Common-sense was not with Mansoul. The two decided that putting distance between Themselves and Mansoul, to led Mansoul back to repentance, was nescessary. The gist of the problem was that Mansoul no longer depended on Emmanuel, as they had done in times past. they had become carnally-secure.
Mr. God's-Peace is also grieved,and he resigns from his post. He joins Emmanuel and the Secretary in a tent near the town-gate, hoping that the drastic changes might alert Mansoul of her sin. It doesn't. Mr. Carnal-security soon has the audacity to host a feast for Mansoul. Mr. Godly-Fear is invited, to be mocked of. He feels like a stranger among the people that had once admired him. He tells them all that Mansoul is now weak and vulnerable. Emmanuel has been driven away.
How have you done this? Ever since you became an important person in Mansoul, the Prince who has been our strength has been neglected and offended. In fact, now he has left and is gone. If you doubt me, ask yourselves: Where is the Prince? When was the last time he was seen here? When did anyone last hear from him, or taste any of his food? Here you sit, eating with this Diabolian monster, but when was the last time you ate with your Prince? If you had been on your guard, your enemies from the outside could never have made you their prey. But now that you have sinned against your Prince, your enemies within have overpowered you.
Mr. Conscience, the junior preacher,agrees and becomes repentant. The people follow, completely pale. Mr. Godly-Fear says, "You won't find the Prince in Mansoul. He's gone, and it's the fault of the leaders. They rewarded his kindness and grace with unbelievable thoughtlessness". They all agree that they must do something to repent. First, they must punish Mr. Carnal-Security, as Emmanuel had taught them that all Diabolians must be killed. So, they burn down Mr. Carnal-Security's house-with him inside.
The Secretary refuses to meet with the people, as they have grieved him, and neither does Emmanuel. He has completely disconnected, hung up. The people realize that He has gone back to Shaddai, and now they are in grave danger. Mr. Godly-Fear is now Mansoul's prophet. Mr. God's-Fear is also gone.
Chapter 11
That Sabbath Day, Conscience strikes up the strength to preach to the people. He preaches on Jonah 2:8, fierce judgement; the people are quite convicted and cannot return home to their returns. Conscience is also experiecing guilt for his part in the tragedy. The town comes down with a horrible disease; all catch it, even the Captains who would be in critical condition, and then seem to recover, and lapse into sickness again. The people's white garments, which Emmanuel had commanded them to never tear nor stain, where in fact teared and stained. If an invasion had occured, the town would have been powerless, as no man was fit to fight.
Captain Boanegeres, however, was spared. He preached a sermon on Luke 13:7-how a barren fig tree would be destroyed, and a barren town would also be. The people decide they had to do something instead of sitting here miserable. Conscience knows Mr.Godly-Fear understands Emmanuel, so they call him, and he decides they should send a petition by the hand of the Mayor. At Shaddai's Palace, the Mayor finds the door locked. He asks the courtier to ask Emmanuel and Shaddai for entrance - but they don't allow it. Why now, do they come to Him whom they have hurt and grieved? Let them go back to Carnal-security. The Mayor goes away weeping. The people are lamenting.
Mr. Godly-Fear tells them to persist, as Emmanuel had taught them, in petitioning. The whole winter was spent with messengers going to or returning from Shaddai with petitions.As Emmanuel had signed a commission instructing Willbewill to round up Diabolians to arrest, try fairly, and punished. The people had neglected this comission, and so the villians had grown secure and began associating with the people, as you already know. They now plotted to ruin Mansoul, meeting in the home of Mr. Mischief, and then sent a letter to Diabolus of the ruin! They now plotted to lead Mansoul into sin that Diabolus may destroy them completely. Three Diabolians-Lord Covetousness, Lord Lewdness, and Lord Anger-under assumed names, entered Mansoul to be hired as servants. Mr. Mind (Willbewill's servant), Mr. Godly-Fear and Mr. Willbewill hire these servants. They began corrupting Mansoul, but Godly-Fear caught Lord Anger, and the Diabolian escaped, or Godly-Fear would have killed him. The Diabolians write Diabolus again, planning the attack for a market day when the people would be busy at work.
Chapter 12
Mansoul was in a poorly state, and the Diabolians seemed to be in complete control. Emmanuel was disconnected from them-He wouldn't receive their petitions, or talk to them. And for all the right reasons. The corrupton from the Diabolians hired as servants had been so successful that all hope seemed lost.
The Diabolians are still planning their hellish attack, and Mansoul was now akin to a languishing patient-completely unable to do anything, yet so regretful. They sent petitions, but embraced sin and the Diabolians, thinking that since over 11,000 Mansoulians had died of the plague (men, women and children), that there was no use in pursuing righteousness. The day of the attack lingered closer and closer, and Mansoul was unable to do anything about it. They were lukewarm, and had mixed in with sin thinking Emmanuel would still come back to them.
Shaddai sent Mr. Prywell, a lover of Mansoul, to check on the people. At Vile Hill(a meeting place for Diabolians), Mr. Prywell overheard the Diabolians talking arrograntly of their plot. He immediantly warned the Mayor, who called on the Junior Preacher, as the Secretary was hiding for sadness and fear, being grieved. The bells were rung, and the people solemnly warned throughout (very similar to Paul Revere's Midnight Ride). The Captains immediantly develop a plan to lock up the city, examine those going in, instituing a week of fasting and prayer, and searching for Diabolians throughout the city to shame and punish publicly, all with the hope of discovering the ringleaders. Mr. Prywell is promoted to Scoutsmaster General.
Chapter 13
Mr. Prywell is, in fact, so good at scouting, he makes a journey to Diabolus's westland, and interrogrates the Diabloians, and they reveal than an army of over 20,000 men with evil princes commanding will be coming to Mansoul any day now. Even more, Lord Incredulity-that evil one-was general.
The Captains finally realize that Emmanuel's laws were just, fair and republican, so they enact them, and search for Diabolians in all houses. They find Lord Lewdness and Lord Covetenous, and they are jailed under Mr.True-Man, that good jailer;they are sickened in prison and die. The rest of captured Diabolians are punished in the Town Square, and promise to change their lives. The remaining Diabolians hide as they once did before, only going out at night.
Then, they come. The Diabolian army, and with Diabolus. The people are horribly frightened, but strengthened and prepared. The 54 battering rams and 12 slings are used against the Diabolian army, and Diabolus is completely blindsided. The drummer boy drums every night to annoy the people. Then he tries to compromise. But the Mansoulians have learnt their lesson, and refuse to grieve Emmanuel any more. Despite this, they are evidently discouraged.
They go to the grieved Secretary, who meets with them. They ask for His help, His advice; they have grieved Him, but a petition to Emmanuel and Shaddai with His signature would be best. The Secretary explains that the Mansoulians cannot just sin and go back thinking He will solve everything. They have grieved Him, as Emmanuel warned them not to, and so they must fix themselves. After all, they have dug their own grave.
The Mayor takes comfort in this saying, as the Secretary's words have timeless truths, but also answers for one's problems. It must mean that, after more punishment, Emmanuel will save them in the end, as they will not be tempted beyond what they can bear. The Captains agreed, and they set out to bravely send Emmanuel's golden slings to Diabolus, who is forced to retreat, as he is quite afraid of Emmanuel. Diabolus decided to resort again to deception, and sounded so sweet and nice. But the Mansoulians knew better now-he was the master of lies and deceit! They declared that they would rather die than yield again to Diabolus-because then, Emmanuel would be gone forever.
Chapter 14
The Mansoulians fortify their city with slings and battering rams. Willbewill is stationed at the gate, hoping to kill the enemy if he even is close. Willbewill had been experiencing domestic trouble too. The two fiendish sons of Lewdness (who had died in prison) were bothering his daughters and causing trouble amongs the servants, who had caught them many times. Willbewill crucified them, in Diabolus's view, as more protest and bravery against tyranny. This commends the Mansoulians and the Captains to fight from freedom, liberty and justice. Mr. Mind also does the same with the illegimate sons of his daughter (who had fornicated with Covetousness) and hung them. The Mansoulians had a spirit of peace, bravery and a sound mind; they fought bravely. The Junior Preacher gave a sermon on Genesis 49:19; Mansoul had to suffer, and fight for freedom. They sung hymns, prayed fiercely, and did good works all the while. Many townspeople had died, or being wounded. Emmanuel, who was their Doctor all the while, was gone, and they resorted to a tree Emmanuel had left with healing properties. They still fought.
Diabolians were still being looked for by the zealous Willbewill. Spies, Diabolians, and many of the enemies from the past war in Mansoul were captured and imprisoned, tried fairly and convicted, and awaited crucifixion, which would occur when the enemy needed to be warned. The Mayor, who had been wounded in the eye, strictly disciplined the people to be diligent, and the men to be ready if they needed to battle. Conscience the Junior Preacher did his best to kept the Word in their hearts and minds.
The Captains plan to attack by night to weaken the Diabolians. They cast lots for who will lead-and it fell to Captain Exeperience, Captain Belief, and Captain Good-hope. The three fought bravely-but soon Belief was wounded. So severely, he cried, and the soldiers began to think he was dying, and scattered. Experience and Good-hope rescued him, but were also wounded. They decided a retreat was in order, and by God' grace escaped.
Diabolus demands tyranny, but the Mayor bravely defies the order. He tells Diabolus that as long as Emmanuel is alive, even if He does not return, they will never fall back into immorality. This heals Belief's wound a little. Willbewill captures, tries and arrests more of the Diabolians. It seems that Mansoul will be saved.
And then it happened. The Touch-gate, quite weakened, was broken through by Diabolians. The Captains fought bravely, but with three captains wounded, they were forced to retreat. Mansoulians were thrown on the streets, and the Diabolians ate their food and slept in their beds. The leaders retreated to Emmanuel's castle-if it was defiled, they lost hope. The children were killed. Women were raped and molested by the Diabolians, and their bodies lay all over the town. Many were mauled and beaten to death. Conscience would have been killed with God's grace; so would Understanding and Willbewill, who were now in Emmanuel's house.
The Mansoulians, however, were angry. They hid supplies, gave those horrid Diabolians a thrashing, and purposely thwarted many plans. This angered Diabolus. They drove the Mansoulians into ditches and holes, taking over their homes, quartering soldiers inside. The Castle, though, was secure under Mr.Godly-Fear's leadership-if only he was in charge of Mansoul itself! The Captains bravely defended it. But Mansoul was not to be so soon relieved.
This sad state of things lasted for two and a half years. The Diabolians used the whole town for their evil purposes. The townspeople were driven into holes, and Mansoul's glory was trampled and flattened. There was no rest or peace or cheer for the people. If the Diabolians had kept the town in a siege from outside the walls, it would have been enough to famish them. Imagine how much worse to have the Diabolians actually inside the town, living in the homes, fighting the town from within! That was the pitiable situation of Mansoul.
Chapter 15
After two and a half years, the leaders realized that their own strength was fruitless. Mansoulians were being tortued, molested, and killed in cold blood, without rule of law. They needed Emmanuel now. The Castle had been tense. The Secretary had been living there, but refused to speak to the leaders. Mr.Godly-Fear told them that only a petition of His own making and with His signature would appease Emmanuel; forging His signature was not an option, as Emmanuel knew Secretary too well-that was how close They were.
They beg the Secretary, reminding Him of the Mansoulian abuses-how they've been molested, raped, robbed, attacked, thrown into the smelly ditches, and killed in cold blood, including pregnant women and their unborn children-and the Secretary decides that He will write to His Dear Emmanuel. The leaders, however, must put their hearts and souls into the petition-after all, who wronged Emmanuel again? Captain Belief, though ill and now lame, will deliver it.
'Dear Sovereign Lord, patient and long-suffering Prince; your lips are full of grace, and mercy and forgiveness belong to you, even though we have rebelled against you. We aren't worthy any more to be called your Mansoul, nor are we fit to receive even the most common benefits from you. But we beg you, and your Father, to take away our transgressions. We are aware that you could destroy us forever for our sins, but please don't do it because it wouldn't honour your name and reputation. Instead, please take this opportunity to have compassion on our miserable condition. We're surrounded and oppressed everywhere we turn. Our own backslidings shame us and show us our guilt. The Diabolians within our walls frighten us, and his army from the pit distresses us. Your grace can be our salvation, and we don't know where else to go for help. Furthermore, gracious Prince, our Captains are weakened, discouraged, and sick. Recently, some of them were beaten and wounded by the tyrant's soldiers. The brave Captains in whom we trusted are disabled. But our enemies are strong and thriving. They boast arrogantly, and threaten to divide us up as their booty. They have conquered us with their army of doubters. We don't know how to handle them. They're all grim-faced and unmerciful, and defy us and you. Our wisdom is gone, and our power is gone because you have left us. We have nothing left to us except sin, shame, and confusion. Please take pity on us, Lord. Take pity on your poor, pitiful town of Mansoul, and save us out of the hands of our enemies. Amen.
Captain Belief dearly loves Emmanuel, and so He sends him back with an envelope. Belief does not read it till all the leaders are settled together. There is a note for the Mayor, the Junior Preacher, Mr. Godly-Fear and Willbewill, saying that Emmanuel is very pleased with their bravery, fortitude and valiance. The last one is for the town, saying that they had done so good in resisting and being indigant with the Diabolians. Belief would now lead Mansoul under the Secretary.
And speaking of, though the Secretary had been grieved by the town, He had never been grieved with Captain Belief. The two would have long talks of Mansoul, knowing Emmanuel so well, they knew what would be the end. Many times, He even fed Belief food from His own table! After another long talk, the Secretary meets Belief in his quarters, saying that he is now in charge of the Prince's army and Mansoul.
Chapter 16
The Mansoulians regret ignoring Belief, and not realizing how he loved Emmanuel. Meanwhile, Diabolus (who is a tad crazy right now) and the Diabolians plan to conquer the castle by materialism. All seems lost. And then hope arrives. Emmanuel is coming back.
Belief receives a letter saying Emmanuel will meet him in a field near Mansoul in 3 days time. Confused, Belief seeks the Secretary, who explains the Diabolians' newest failure plot. They will e attacking in a field near Mansoul, He says, and Belief's army must be ready. The Golden Prince Emmanuel will be in this same field-with an army of His own.
The battle is fierce-Mansoul is preserving, but many times is forced to retreat. They are kept going by the promise of Emmanuel's Presence. Captain Belief, Lord Willbewill and Captain Experience fight fiercely. Belief gives this speech.
Gentlemen soldiers, and my brothers in this battle, I am rejoiced to see such a strong and valiant army fighting for our Prince because of their love for Mansoul. You have fought as well as I expected and shown yourselves to be men of truth and courage against the enemy. For all of their boasting, they can't boast of many spoils from this battle. Gather your courage, and prove yourselves men just once more, because in a few minutes, you will see Prince Emmanuel in the field. We must make one more assault against the tyrant Diabolus, and then Emmanuel will come.
Suddenly, Mr. Speedy the Messenger comes with blessed news: Emmanuel is at hand! The army rallies up and advances. And then, in glory, the image so longed for by Mansoul-Emmanuel is back.
Belief's army and the Prince's men surround the Diabolians, pushing themselves to the middle. Diabolus and the villians fled, and soon not one Diabolian was left alive. Prince Emmanuel was, once again, glorified.
The leaders of Mansoul were overjoyed to see the Prince after such a long time, and in such bleak times! This was the first thing they did with Emmanuel after the battle was over. All of Mansoul rejoiced with a thousand welcomes, and the Prince smiled. They threw open the gates and praised Him. They sang hymns, entertained Him with music, and flew flowers in His path, lilies, roses, and boroughs. Emmanuel couldn't stop smiling. It was one of His best days ever. The leaders had prepared the castle for Him, and He returned to His royal home, after two years.
The Mansoulians wept and wept for their sin that caused Him to hang up in the first place. The Golden Prince comforts the people, telling them that the joy of Christ is their strength, and kisses and blesses all the people. He commands them to wash their garments, and gives the leaders gold chains and their wives jewerlly. He asks them to meet Him at his palace, where they dance to music, now that the Prince Emmanuel is back to bless Mansoul with His Presence and smiles.
The Mansoulians have learnt their lesson, and are now more diligent in seeking out the nastly Diabolians. Willbewill is even more strict, and he kills them all. The Prince commands them to dispose of the bodies of the dead Diabolians, and that their memory would be wiped out in the records for proterity.
Chapter 17
The dear Mayor puts Mr. Godly-Fear and Mr. Upright in charge of the burials. All limbs are buried together, and out of the sight of Mansoul. It is quite organized, with some in charge of digging the graves, burying the bodies, and ensuring that no limbs are left behind. This is to make sure that the children to be born would not know what a Diabolian looked like. All seems well.
But the Diabolians have other plans. They plan another attack on Mansoul, and begin charging toward the city. This time, they don't care if they conquer or not -this time, they will kill. The Mansoulians are struck with fear, and decide the best course of action is to tell the Prince. They send Him the summons delivered by the Diabolians, with a footnote pleading for mercy.
Emmanuel acts quickly; Captain Belief and Patience are stationed where the Diabolians threaten. Captain Good-hope, Charity and Lord Willbewill station on the other side of town. Emmanuel raises His flag on the castle. Captain Experience trains the soldiers in the center of town. And then Captain Self-Denial, a brave but young captain newly promoted by Emmanuel on His glorious return, guards the Eye-gate and Ear-gate, bravely fighting these Diabolians.
Emmanuel soon sends the Captains out into the field to defeat the Diabolians. Captain Belief, Captain Patience, and Captain Self-Denial chase down the new Diabolians, or bloodmen, while the rest chase down the orginal Diabolians.
When the original Diabolians see Captain Good-Hope, Captain Charity, Captain Innocent and Captain Experience, they flee, not putting up a fight (though some go to join the bloodmen). They remember too well the last battle. Some join the tribes of Barbarians in the wastelands, who blindly allow themselves to be enslaved. From then on, the original Diabolians never approached Mansoul again, because of their fear of the 4 captains.
Meanwhile, the bloodmen scoff at the captains. Since Emmanuel is defending the Castle, they think the whole thing is a joke. But by the time they find out the truth, they have already been captured (as Emmanuel ordered the captains not to kill these). They are brought before Prince Emmanuel.
Each bloodmen is from a different place in the wastelands: Blind-man-shire (where they are ignorant), Blind-zeal-shire (where they are supersititious), and the town of Hate (where they are stubborn). Most of the Blind-men (who were weeping) and some of the Blind-zeal (who keep arguing why they were right) ask for mercy, which Emmanuel grants by placing His Golden Scepter on their lips to show favor. But none of the Hate-men ask for mercy-they are angry, chewing their lips in rage. These and those of the other groups who did not plead for mercy are arrested and await trial, the trial in which Emmanuel the Golden Prince will judge all of Universe. Mansoul is finally safe!
Chapter 18
Finally at peace, Emmanuel celebrates with the Mansoulians. But something darker is lurking in the midst.
Lord Willbewill continues his search for the remaining Diabolians. He has a soldier under him, Mr. Diligent, who he loves dearly for his trustworthiness. One night Diligent is on his rounds, when he comes to an old, beaten-down hovel. He listens, and overhears a Diabolian, Mr. Evil-Questioning, sheltering 3 of the Diabolians who ran from the 4 captains during the last battle. They blasphemize God, mock Emmanuel, and wish death upon the Mansoulians.
Mr. Diligent hurries to get Willbewill, who is brought to the hovel. He hears everything as well. Mr. Diligent finds the door, and the two arrest the evildoers. They are brought to Court, under the same jury, witnesses and clerk.
Evil-Questioning tries to mask his sins by calling them 'sweet' names. But both Mr. Diligent and Willbewill acts as witnesses to his failings, and their testimony agrees. He has broken two laws: one, hosting Diabolians, and two, being a Diabolian himself (for if he had been Mansoulian, he would have turned them in). The three other Diabolians are also brought forth. They confess their sins, which is doubting the doctrines of election, calling, and salvation through grace. The jury returns a verdict of guilty, and they are hanged.
Chapter 19
Many Diabolians remain, and Emmanuel and the leaders work to find, try them fairly, and execute them. Willbewill and Diligent are tasked with not only finding the Diabolians, but also the sons of Evil-Questioning, and to demolish the old Diabolian's house on Bad Street. Most of them were found and killed, but Carnal-Sense and Mr. Unbelief escaped, and still lurk in Mansoul.
For his great heroism, the Golden Prince Emmanuel makes Captain Self-Denial a ruler in Mansoul, along Mr.God's-Peace. He teams with Willbewill to continue the search for Diabolians.
Finally, Mansoul was somewhat peaceful. The Prince stayed in Mansoul, and the Captains, leaders and rulers of Mansoul were faithful to Emmanuel. The town was content and happy, chasing after Diabolians and in communion with her Prince.
One day, Emmanuel calls for a meeting in the marketplace. He rides in on His chariot, flaked by the captains. He and the townspeople exchange expressions of affection, and so He begins a speech. He starts like this:
I have given many great privileges to you, beloved Mansoul. I have singled you out and chosen you, not because you're so worthy, but just because I wanted to. I have saved you, not only from the dread of my father's law, but from the power of the tyrant Diabolus. I have done all of this because I loved you and determined in my heart to do good to you. I have offered complete satisfaction for your souls so that nothing will draw you away from the path that leads to the pleasures of paradise, and I have brought you to myself. The price I paid to redeem you is not an earthly price, like money made of silver and gold. No, I freely spilled my own blood on the ground to make you my own. In this way, I have made peace between you, my Mansoul, and my father, and assigned mansions to you that are with my father in the royal city. In that place, my Mansoul, there are things so wonderful that no one has ever seen them, and no person could even imagine the wonder of them.
Emmanuel recounts His adventure, how He loved Mansoul even among their sin, brought them His Gospel, built them up and created a Paradise in Him, sent them captains and fortified their leaders. How even in their backslidings, Emmanuel was loving them, and sent Mr. Godly-Fear to rouse them back to the truth. Even in His anger, Emmanuel returned, and defeated the Diabolians again. He promises them that this time, their communion will be even sweeter than before the backslidings two years ago. He also tells them that one day, Mansoul will be destroyed, but the Prince will take the Mansoulians to His Father Shaddai's courts, where they will have mansions and peace. Mansoul will be rebuilt for Shaddai's happiness, and Emmanuel's own. They will enjoy even sweeter communion, and no plots or Diabolians will ever come to forge against them again. No Diabolians will be among them, either. Then, the captains would have to retire, and the soldiers too!
Life there will last longer than you'd want it to last here. But even though it goes on and on, you won't get tired of it because it will always seem sweet and fresh, and not fraught with difficulties.
He commends them to keep their white clothes fresh, and to continue clefting to Him. The clothes won't keep themselves clean, you know, He tells them-that will be their wisdom, and His glory. They will be dazzling, to show His delight, so that they will catch the eye of every passerby. They must wash them in a fountain the Prince buil just for that purpose in the town square.
Mansoul must remember Emmanuel's Glory. "It used to be that cords tied the sacrifice to the altar -- let the thoughts of my love be the cords that tie you to the sacrifice of self-denial and right living. Reflect on what I'm telling you.". Emmanuel also describes His Sacrifice on the Cross for their horridness, and His blood. He will never die again. He will intercede for Mansoul, pray and fight for them, now they have been reconciled to His Father Shaddai.
Mansoul, I lived a human life, I died for you, and now I'm alive again. I won't die for you again. I'm alive now, and because I live, you will not die. Since I live, so will you. My blood when I died on the cross bought you back for my father. Now that there's peace between you and my father, you will live through me. I will pray for you, fight for you, and continue to do good to you.
Emmanuel warns them from sin, the only thing that grieves Him and degrades Mansoul, as it did once before. Emmanuel also tells them why some Diabolians are left: to keep them vigilant and "on your toes", and to draw them closer to the Prince, acknowledging their powerlessness and His Power. It also reminds them of their deplorable condition of before, when they were ruled by Diabolians, so they must prove their love by trying fairly and executing them. He also commands them to value their Captains, leaders and rulers who have guided them to Emmanuel, and not to disfavor them, as they did before with Belief and Mr. Godly-Fear. They mustn't cause them affliction, as they have been abused to guide Mansoul (as during the backslidings). When Mansoul is in sin, these Captains become ill, so they mustn't cause the illness. Without the Captains, Mansoul cannot be valiant for Shaddai, or against the Diabolians. They must remember that they are in Emmanuel's heart and mind always.
Don't forget, Mansoul, that you are greatly loved by me. I've already taught you to watch, to fight, to pray, and to make war against my foes. Now I'm telling you -- believe that my love for you is constant. Mansoul, I have set my heart and my love on you! Stay alert and watchful. I won't lay any further burdens on you than that. Stand firm until I come back for you.
Commentary
The Holy War is an allegory of Christ's conquering of man's soul. Below is the characters, events, teachings of Emmanuel, and items explained.
The Heroes
Emmanuel: Jesus Christ. Emmanuel is Jesus in His personality, actions, and teachings.
King Shaddai: God, the Glorious Creator and King.
the Secertary: The Holy Spirit.
The Captains
Captain Belief: The Christian Belief.
Captain Good-hope: Christ's Faith.
Captain Patience: Christ's Patience.
Captain Innocence: Christ's Innocence.
Captain Charity: Christ's Charity.
Captain Boanegeres: The Fiery Preaching of the Gospel.
Captain Conviction: The Conviction of the Scriptures.
Captain Judgement: The Judgement of Christ.
Captain Execution: The Justice and Punishment of Christ.
Captain Experience: The godly experience of life and learning.
Captain Self-Denial: Nailing your desires to the Cross.
The Original Leaders and Citizens of Mansoul
Captain Resistance: The resistance of man before sin.
Lord Innocency: The innocency of man before sin.
Affection(under Diabolus Vile-Affection): The affection of man, corrupted by sin. Later set on Christ.
Lord Understanding: The understanding of man, corrupted by vices and pleasures.
Lord Conscience: The conscience of man, numbed of viles of Satan.
Lord Willbewill: The will of man, corrupted by sin.
Mr Desires-Awake and Mr Wet-eyes: A humble and contrite spirit, nescessary for repentance.
Mr. God's-Peace: Hope, love, peace and respect gained from a merciful pardon.
Mr. Godly-Fear: The fear of God.
Mr. Prywell: Represents the logic of humans; only the solid facts, and always to the gist of things.
Mr. Diligent: Represents the diligience and trustworthiness of Christians.
The Villians
Diabolus: The devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion, and who subjects Mansoul to tyranny. He is defeated by glorious Emmanuel.
Lord Ill-pause: The corruption of man's soul. He is killed by Good-hope.
Lord Incredulity: The disbelief of unbelievers. He is exiled from Mansoul with a warrant for his arrest if he ever returned.
Lord Lusting: Sexual immorality of unbelievers. He is executed.
Carnal-security: The flesh that remains in a Christian.
The Diabolians: The evil traits of Satan.
Bloodmen: The carnal and physical desires of the flesh.
The Barbarians: The world, who is blindly enslaved by Satan, and do not realize the cult they are in.
Mr. Evil-Questioning: The questioning of the flesh, which tries to mask sins in sweet names.
Carnal-Sense and Mr. Unbelief: The flesh and unbelief. A christian forever wrestles with these until the Rapture, which is why these two were not able to be apprehended.
Events and Places
Mansoul: Man's soul, created for God's delight and with His image.
The Gates: The senses, two of which (Hear-gate and Eye-Gate) are where the Gospel is received, where the devil and immorality can enter and one (Feel-gate) which is weak and deceiving, as feelings are.
Mount Justice: God's Justice.
Mount Gracious: God's Mercy.
Mount Hearken: The hearing of man to the Gospel (this is why Emmanuel places the battering rams and slings on Mount Hearken).
54 Battering Rams and 12 Slings: The 66 Books of the Bible, of which Christ is the subject, always, no exceptions. The slings are also the promises to Christ, and His promises. The enemies of Emmanuel fear nothing more!
The battles by Emmanuel: The preaching of the Gospel. Each captain has one purpose that relates to the Gospel. For example, Boanegeres and Conviction rouse Conscience.
The Castle: The heart. In other words: who sits on the throne of your heart? Emmanuel, or Diabolus? The heart, with Christ in reign, is protecting you from intruders.
Puzzles and Mysteries, the Charter and the Comission: The Holy Scriptures of Truth and Grace.
Ring, Gold chain, Bracelet, White stone, Something: Covenant, Honor, Beauty and Pardon.