The Holy War

by John Bunyan

Nevertheless, Macaulay suggests that if there had been no Pilgrim’s Progress, then The Holy War would have been the first of religious allegories.

The fortifications of the city, the movements of opposing forces, and the changes in the municipal offices of Mansoul were reproductions of scenes and events he had recently witnessed. He adapted these real-life experiences with extraordinary success and used them to present the doctrine of grace and the temptations present in the Christian life.

Well, go forward now; step within the door, And there behold five hundred times much more. Of all such rarities seated in the mind and soul That will both please the mind and feed the eyes. With those, which, if a Christian, you will see Not small but things of greatest value be.

The location of this town is between the two worlds and, according to the best and most authentic records, its founder and builder was one Shaddai. He built it for His own delight, and the pattern and splendor were beyond anything else He did in that country. (Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and virtue; for thou hast created all things, and by thy will they have their being and were created. – Revelation 4:11)

(Who shall separate us from the charity of Christ? shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? Nevertheless, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Therefore I am certain that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any creature shall be able to separate us from the charity of God, which is in Christ, Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:35, 37-39) This famous town of Mansoul had five gates used to enter and exit. These were built in conformity with the walls; that is to say, they were impregnable. They could not be opened or forced by any outsider but only by the will and permission of those within. The names of the gates were Ear-gate, Eye-gate, Mouth-gate, Nose-gate, and Feel-gate.

This Diabolus was made “son of the morning,” and granted a dignified place, which brought him much glory and gave him much brightness. (Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering: the sardius, topaz, diamond, turquoise, onyx, and beryl, the sapphire, ruby, and emerald, and gold; the works of the tambourines and of thy pipes were prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. – Ezekiel 28:13)

However, the King reserved that position for His Son and had already bestowed it upon Him. (Therefore, God also has highly exalted him [His Son] and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is Lord in the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:9-11)

They planned how they could attempt to destroy the King’s Son, so the inheritance might become theirs. (But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us take his inheritance. – Matthew 21:38) To keep it short, they determined to commit treason and decided on the appointed time. Then together they vowed to accomplish it. The rebels assembled in a predetermined place and attempted the assault.

With this done, He banished them from the King’s residence, turned them upside down, and dropped them into the horrible pit where He bound them firmly in chains, never again to expect the least favor from His hands. There they would abide the judgment He had appointed forever. (And the angels who did not keep their first estate but left their own habitation, he has reserved in eternal chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. – Jude 1:6)

The reason they knew Mansoul belonged to Shaddai was that they were there when He built it and adorned it for Himself. So when they found the place, they shouted horribly for joy and roared like a lion upon its prey: “Now we have found the prize, the way to attain revenge on King Shaddai for what He has done to us!” (Be temperate and vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour. – 1 Peter 5:8)

“Besides,” Legion said, “if they discover our intentions, they may send to their King for aid. If they do that, I know very well what it will mean for us. For this reason, let us assault them with the false appearance of fairness, covering our true intentions with all manner of lies, flatteries, and deceptive words; feigning things that never will be, and promising that which they shall never find. This is the way to win Mansoul and make them open their gates to us and even make them desire us to come in to them.

What we promise them, they will believe, especially if we pretend to have great love for them and that our intention is only for their benefit and honor, as we deliver all our lies and contrived words.” (For these false apostles are deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And it is no marvel, for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. – 2 Corinthians 11:13-14)

While Diabolus spoke these words to Mansoul, Tisiphone shot at Captain Resistance who stood on the gate and mortally wounded him in the head. To the amazement of the townsmen and with the encouragement of Diabolus, the captain fell quite dead over the wall. Now, Captain Resistance had been the only man of war in the town, and once he was dead, poor Mansoul lacked courage. His death left her without the heart to resist, which was exactly what the Devil had planned all along.

Diabolus’s trick worked. The townsfolk saw the tree was good for food and pleasant to look at, and they desired it. They wanted it to make them wise. And so they did what old Ill-Pause advised. They plucked the fruit from the tree and ate it. (And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was desirable to the eyes, and a tree of covetousness to understand, she took of its fruit and ate and gave also unto her husband with her; and he ate. – Genesis 3:6)

Thus, these two brave men died, Resistance and Innocency – brave men, I say, for they were the beauty and glory of Mansoul while they lived there. Now, there no longer remained a noble spirit in Mansoul, for all the townsmen fell down and yielded obedience to Diabolus, and just as you might expect, they became his slaves and vassals as you shall hear. (No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. – Matthew 6:24)

And he accomplished his plan. He corrupted the man’s morals and purity of character, and little by little drew him into sin and wickedness. (Be not deceived: evil companions corrupt good character. – 1 Corinthians 15:33) Recorder became so defiled he was almost past all consciousness of sin, but this was as far as Diabolus could go.

These changes provided freedom to practice the lusts of the flesh, including the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life, which are not of Shaddai but are of the world. (For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. – 1 John 2:16) He encouraged, approved, and promoted all ungodliness and the abandonment of lustful restraint. (Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like. – Galatians 5:19-21)

So Diabolus made a plan of his own. Again, he flattered Lord Willbewill, and with strict orders delegated the responsibility for him to keep watch day and night at all the gates of the town, especially Ear-gate and Eye-gate. (Hearing ye shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see and not perceive; for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed. – Acts 28:26-27a)

“Do you think you will live in pleasure with Him as you do now under me? The answer to that is no. With Him, you must be bound by laws that will oppress you with want, and you’ll be made to do the very things you loathe now. I am ready to stand with you, if you are ready to stand with me, for it is better to die valiantly than to live like pitiful slaves. But, I say, the life of a slave will be counted a life too good for Mansoul now.”

will prepare you to fight like men. “My helmet is worn in the hope of doing well for the rest of your lives. Those who have worn this reported having peace, even though they walked in the wickedness of their heart in order to add drunkenness to thirst. Whoever can keep possession of this piece of approved armor cannot be hurt by any arrow, dart, sword, or shield. For this reason, keep it on and you will thwart many a blow, my Mansoul.

“My breastplate is a breastplate of iron. I had it forged in my own country and all my soldiers there are armed with one. In plain language, it is a hard heart – a heart as hard as iron and as much past feeling as a stone. If you get it and keep it, mercy shall not win you, and judgment will not frighten you. For this reason, this is a most necessary piece of armor for all to put on who hate Shaddai and are willing to fight against Him under my banner. (And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. – Revelation 9:9)

“My sword is a tongue set on fire of hell that can bend itself to speak evil of Shaddai, His Son, His ways, and His people. Use this. It is well known that it has been tried a thousand times. Whoever possesses it keeps it, and makes use of it, as I desire him to do, and can never be conquered by my enemy. (Thy tongue devises wickedness like a sharp razor, working deceitfully...

“My shield is unbelief. It calls into question the truth of the Word and all the sayings, which speak of the judgment Shaddai has appointed for wicked men. Use this shield. He has made many attempts upon it. Sometimes it has been broken, but those who have written of the wars of Emmanuel against my servants have testified He could do no mighty work there because of their...

“Another piece or part of my excellent armor is a dumb and prayerless spirit – a spirit that distains the very thought of crying for mercy. Be sure you make use of this, my Mansoul. Never beg for mercy if you want to be mine. I know you are strong men, and I am confident I have clad you with proven armor. Therefore, don’t even consider crying to Shaddai for mercy. Cast such thoughts far from yourself. Besides all this armor, I have useful hand weapons all ready to perform. These include a heavy wooden hammer, firebrands, arrows, and death.”

They came up to Mansoul under the command of four brave generals, each man being a captain of ten thousand men. The name of the first was Boanerges (And James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, whom he surnamed them Boanerges, which is The sons of thunder. – Mark 3:17); the name of the second was Captain Conviction (And those who heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one. – John 8:9a); the third was Captain Judgment (And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in me. – John 16:8-9), and the fourth was Captain Execution (But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain, for he is a minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. – Romans 13:4). These were the captains Shaddai sent to regain Mansoul.

King Shaddai gave each of these captains a banner to display because of the goodness of His cause and the right He had to Mansoul. (Thou hast given a banner to those that fear thee that they raise up for the truth. – Psalm 60:4) Ten thousand men were given to Captain Boanerges, for he was the chief, and his banner’s name was Mr. Thunder. He wore black colors, and the emblem on his shield was the three burning thunderbolts.

The second captain, Captain Conviction, also had charge of ten thousand men. On his banner was the name Mr. Sorrow. He wore the pale colors and on his shield was the book of the Law, wide open with a fiery flame issuing from it.

The third captain, Captain Judgment, also had ten thousand men in his charge; on his banner was written the name Mr. Terror. He wore red colors an...

The fourth captain was Captain Execution, and he too was given ten thousand men. The name upon his banner was Mr. Justice. He also wore red colors and on his shield was a fruitless tree with an axe lying at the root. (And now the axe is also laid unto the root of the trees; therefore, every tree which doe...

The captains marched up to Ear-gate and sat down there before the town, for it was the place of hearing. (So then faith comes by hearing, and the ear to hear by the word of God. – Romans 10:17) When they had pitched their tents and entrenched themselves, they discussed their assault strategy.

There, in the name of the great Shaddai, he was to summon Mansoul to listen to the message he was commanded to deliver to them in his Master’s name. So the trumpeter, whose name was Take-Heed-What-You-Hear, went up to Ear-gate and sounded his trumpet for a hearing, but no one appeared or responded in any way. Remember, this is how Diabolus had commanded the people of Mansoul to behave.

“Again I say to you, Mansoul, think about it. Is it anything but amazing grace that Shaddai should humble Himself in this way now? That through us He attempts to earnestly petition and reason with you by agreeable persuasions, so you will subject yourselves to Him? Does He need anything from you? No. But we are sure you have need of Him. He is merciful, and it is His will that Mansoul turn to Him to live and not die.” (The Lord is not late concerning his promise, as some count lateness, but is patient with us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9)

First, they fortified their troops against Ear-gate, because they knew that unless they could penetrate that gate, no good could be done for the town. After they finished positioning troops at Ear-gate, they put the rest of their men in strategic places. Then they passed this message on with a shout, “You must be born again!” (Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a person be born again from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God. – John 3:3)

Their names were Tradition (Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. – Mark 7:9), Human-Wisdom (There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. – Proverbs 16:25), and Man’s-Invention (And now they sin more and more, and of their silver they have made molten images according to their own intelligence, idols, all of it the work of the craftsmen. – Hosea 13:2a). These three approached the captains and offered their services to Shaddai.

The three prisoners didn’t hesitate to answer. When they finished, he sent them back to prison under guard. Not many days later, he sent for them again. This time he asked if they would be willing to serve him against their former captains. The three looked at each other, shrugged, and nodded. This offer seemed agreeable to them. They said, “We don’t so much live by religion as by the fates of fortune. Since his lordship is willing to treat us with hospitality, we are willing to serve him.” (And his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after greed, receiving bribes and perverting that which is right. – 1 Samuel 8:3)

They beat down the roof of the Lord Mayor’s house, and with a sling they almost slew Willbewill, but he made a turn for the better and recovered. However, not everyone was so fortunate, for the captains had made a notable slaughter among the aldermen. With just one shot they cut off six of them, including Mr. Swearing, Mr. Whoring, Mr. Fury, Mr. Stand-to-Lies, Mr. Drunkenness, and Mr. Cheating.

The time drew near for the King’s Son to depart from the court and set out to save Mansoul. His Father had made Him the captain of the forces, and His preparations were complete. He focused on marching out with five noble captains and their forces, whom He planned to take with Him. The first captain, the famous Captain Credence, wore red colors, and Mr. Promise carried his standard. (O LORD, according unto thy word, which teaches me discernment and knowledge, for I have believed thy commandments. – Psalm 119:65b-66) The holy lamb was the symbol on his golden shield, and under his command he had ten thousand men.

The second captain of renown was Captain Good-Hope. (My soul, rest thou only in God, for my hope is from him. – Psalm 62:5) He wore the blue colors and his standard-bearer was Mr. Expectation. The three golden anchors marked his shield, and he too had ten thousand men under his command.

The third was the valiant Captain Charity. (Charity works no evil to a neighbor; therefore, charity is the fulfillment of the law. – Romans 13:10) His standard-bearer was Mr. Pitiful and he wore the green colors. On his shield was the symbol of three naked orpha...

The fourth was the gallant commander Captain Innocency. (Do all things without murmurings and doubts, that ye may be blameless and innocent. – Philippians 2:14-15a) His standard-bearer was Mr. Harmless. Captain Innoc...

The fifth was the truly loyal and well-loved Captain Patience. (For patience is necessary, so that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. – Hebrews 10:36) He dressed in black and his standard-bearer was Suffer-Lon...

When good Prince Emmanuel surrounded Mansoul in this way, He hung out the white flag among the golden slings on Mount Gracious. He did this for two reasons: first, to make it clear to Mansoul that He could and would still be gracious, if they turned to Him. (Unto him all prophets give witness, that whosoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins through his name. – Acts 10:43) And secondly, He wanted to leave them without excuse and to know if they continued in their rebellion, He would destroy them. (If I had not come and spoken unto them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. – John 15:22)

Then He commanded, “Set the red flag upon Mount Justice.” This was the red flag of Captain Judgment, whose shield bore the emblem of the burning fiery furnace. It represented the Prince’s right and power to pass sentence. (For we are sure that the judgment of God is according to the truth against those who do such things. – Romans 2:2) This red flag stood waving in the wind in the view of all for several days, but above it waved the white flag. Yet He didn’t advance on them.

When the Prince witnessed Mansoul’s lack of response to mercy, judgment, and even execution of judgment, His heart filled with sorrow. (Because of my strong sorrow, my heart is faint in me. – Jeremiah 8:18) When He considered the fact that none came close to touching the heart of Mansoul, He said, “Surely Mansoul’s strange behavior must come from ignorance of the traditions and exploits of war rather than from a hidden rebelliousness toward us and an abhorrence of their own lives. (Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart. – Ephesians 4:18) Or perhaps they only know their own customs and don’t know the meaning of the practices used when I go to war against My enemy Diabolus.”

Therefore, He sent a messenger to the town of Mansoul to make clear to them the meaning of the flags and ask them which of the things they would choose: grace and mercy, or judgment and the execution of judgment.

Diabolus’s Appeal to Emmanuel “First of all, it is mine by right of conquest. I won it. Shall the booty be taken from the mighty or the lawful captive be delivered?” (Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? – Isaiah 49:24) Again, he recoiled from the greatness of the Prince. “Secondly, this town of Mansoul is mine because they have been brought under my dominion. They opened the gates of their town to me, swore loyalty to me, and openly chose me to be their king. They even placed their castle under my control.” His top lip curled in a smile that stretched into a sneer, but he continued to cower, for he could not stand in His greatness. “Yes, they have put all the strength of Mansoul under my authority.

“First, my Father fashioned the town of Mansoul. With His hand He built every part of it, including the palace at the center of town. He built it for His delight. Therefore, this town of Mansoul is My Father’s by rights of highest power, and he who denies the truth of this is a liar.

“Secondly, O you master of the lie, this town of Mansoul is Mine. I am My Father’s heir, His firstborn, and the only delight of His heart. Therefore, I come against you in My own right to recover My inheritance from out of your hand.

“Mansoul is also Mine by right of purchase, for I have bought it for Myself, Diabolus. Now, since it was My Father’s and Mine, as I was His heir, I have also made it Mine because I have purchased it. (Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of the promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance unto the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:13b-14)

“Now, the reason I purchased Mansoul was this: It voluntarily violated My Father’s divine Law and commands. On the day they broke His Law, My Father said they would die. (For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived in the rebellion. – 1 Timothy 2:13-14) And My Father’s Word is true, for it is more possible for heaven and earth to pass away than for My Father to break His Word. (The grass withers, the open flower fades; but the word of our God shall stand for ever. – Isaiah 40:8)