Bunyan’s Forgotten Allegory
Commentary
The Pilgrim’s Progress is one of the best-selling books of all time, with over 250 million copies sold since its release in 1678. Look no further than the Read the Puritans logo to see where this classic sits in the heart of this ministry. If you haven’t read this book, it’s not too late to repent and turn; go buy Pilgrim’s Progress now!
However, even if you’ve already read Pilgrim’s Progress, you may not know that Bunyan wrote another allegory in 1682 called The Holy War. This Lord of the Rings style epic follows the city of “Mansoul” (Man’s soul) which becomes besieged by Diabolus (Satan) and reclaimed by Prince Emmanuel (the Son of God). A.R. Buckland writes that “if Bunyan had written nothing else, The Holy War would have established its place among the masters of English prose.” He asserts that had there been no Pilgrim’s Progress, then The Holy War would have taken its place as the “first” among religious allegories. It’s simply that good.
Like Pilgrims Progress, The Holy War stresses obedience in a way that promotes a healthy fear of God and a sensitivity to sin, while at the same time, communicating the absolute inability for the Christian to remain faithful apart from the sovereign grace of God through His Son. These two themes run throughout the book. Warning: although there are spoilers ahead, if you’re a follower of Christ, this saga will sound quite familiar.
After being deceived by Diabolus and his hosts, the town of Mansoul falls into ruin by the appetites of their own flesh, having their conscience repressed and affections completely under the rule of lust and carnal desires.
In response, King Shaddai (God the Father), in coordination with His Son, Prince Emmanuel, sends the first wave of messengers and armies to the rebellious town to convince them of their folly. We see in this initial phase God communicating to the poor sinner what danger he is truly in, using the law as a mirror (Rom 3:20). The names of Shaddai’s generals paint the picture of Sinai: Captain Thunder, Captain Conviction, Captain Judgement, and Captain Execution. I can't help but think of the faithful preachers throughout the history of the church, seeking to rouse a passive congregant out of their sleep to tremble and seek repentance. These generals also echo the mission of John the Baptist, preparing the way for the Lamb of God to come and do his work of salvation (Isaiah 40:3).
While the captains succeed in stirring up the town of Mansoul, the throne (heart) of the city is still firmly occupied by Diabolus (Rom 8:3). This is where Christ enters the scene. A great battle ensues where we see the power of the Lamb vastly superior to all the forces of hell and death itself (1 Cor. 15:55-57). Emmanuel defeats Diabolus and reclaims Mansoul for Himself. The town, now in a very repentant frame of mind, offers several petitions, resembling Joseph and his brothers (Gen 45:15-16). The Prince pardons Mansoul and all the residents receive white robes along with many precious promises. This section is a beautiful imagery of the new birth where we enter a new covenant with God though Christ. With Emmanuel on the throne, they receive the Lord Secretary (The Holy Spirit), ushering in many days of wonderful communion with the Prince while enjoying the benefits of grace.
This is where the allegory gets quite compelling. Although Mansoul has been made new, Shaddai sovereignly allows some diabolonians to remain within the walls to keep the town in a state of shrewd caution, lest they forget the ugliness of their former rebellion, while spurring them in the way of holiness (John 17:15 & James 1:4). Unfortunately, we see a diabolonian named Carnal Security sneak into the town and fool many into thinking their security is in their own hands. While they never outright deny their Prince, their affection for Him is greatly diminished and over time He departs the town altogether, leaving behind the grieved Lord Secretary. This section causes the reader to meditate on the horrible consequences of sin as well of the dangers of grieving the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 3:12).
This backsliding leaves Mansoul vulnerable to fierce attacks and sustained offensive siege operations from the armies of Diabolus. At length, through much striving, prayer, and assistance from the Lord Secretary Himself (1 Cor. 14:15), Prince Emmanuel returns, once again saving the town in a climactic battle on the plains of the city (John 14:15). These chapters resemble the violent process of sanctification, while encouraging the reader that despite our sin, the schemes of the world, or the stratagems of the devil, Christ will continue to hold us fast.
Finally, this amazing allegory ends with the Prince exhorting the citizens of Mansoul to hold fast to His words until the town is relocated brick by brick to their eternal home with King Shaddai. Of note, this final speech by Emmanuel might be one of the most beautiful pieces of literature ever penned.
In the end, Bunyan’s The Holy War successfully and compellingly illustrates some of the deepest doctrinal truths in Scripture. And unlike CS Lewis, Bunyan, the man whose very “blood is Bibline”, doesn’t keep you guessing at the rich Systematic Theology this action-packed allegory is illuminating.
So, along with Pilgrim’s Progress, add The Holy War to your line-up!
It will not disappoint.
Structure of the Book
The book is best divided into the following sections:
Ch 1: The Origin of Mansoul
Ch 2-8: The Fall of Mansoul & the Armies of Shaddai
Ch 9-19: The Coming of Emmanuel and Mansoul Made New
Ch 20-28: Mansoul’s Backsliding and Diabolus’ Siege
Ch 29-31: Mansoul’s Restoration & Judgment Day
Ch 32: Emmanuel’s Final Message
Five Key Quotes
“In the midst of this town stood a most famous and stately palace. For its strength, it might be called a castle; for its pleasantness, a paradise; for largeness, a place so copious as to contain all the world. King Shaddai intended this place for Himself alone.” – Mansoul: It’s Origin
“First, we need to decide if it is best for us to seek its ruin by making Mansoul careless and vain. The second option they offered was to drive Mansoul to doubt and despair, and the third was to endeavor to blow it up by the gunpowder of pride and self-conceit.” – Diabolus’s Plan
“Let all who are concerned about the condition of Mansoul know that the Son of Shaddai, the great King, is appointed by covenant with His Father to return Mansoul to Him again. Through the power of His matchless love, He will put Mansoul in a far better and happier condition than she was in before being taken by Diabolus.” – The King’s Message of Mercy
“Backsliding was your choice, but the way and means of your recovery was Mine. I invented the way of your return. I built a hedge and a wall, when you were beginning to turn to things in which I did not delight. I’m the One who made your sweet bitter, your day night, your smooth way thorny, and who confounded all who sought your destruction. I am the One who set Mr. Godly-Fear to work in Mansoul.” – Emmanuel’s Message
“Remember, therefore, My Mansoul, that you are beloved by Me. Since I have taught you to watch, to fight, to pray, and to make war against My enemies, I now command you to believe that My love for you is constant. My Mansoul, I have set My heart and My love on you! Watch! Behold, I lay no other burden upon you than what you have already received. Hold fast, till I come.” – Emmanuel’s Message
Recommended Complementary Reading
The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall
Heaven Taken by Storm by Thomas Watson
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks
Where to Buy the Book
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