Other editions of book The Holy War

John Bunyan (1628-88) was an English writer and Puritan preacher best remembered for his Christian allegory The Pilgrim's Progress (1678) which is regarded as one of the most significant works of theological fiction in English literature. It has been translated into over 200 languages and never been out of print, and has been cited as the first novel written in English. In addition to The Pilgrim's Progress, Bunyan wrote nearly 60 titles, many of them expanded sermons. At 16 he joined the Parliamentary Army during the first stage of the English Civil War, serving for three years, after which he took the trade of a tinker. After his marriage he became interested in religion and at the instigation of members of the Bedford Free Church which he had been attending, he began to preach, both in church and to groups of people in the surrounding countryside. The religious freedom which had allowed him to preach was curtailed with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and soon led to his arrest. As he refused to give up preaching he was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment and it was during this time he started writing The Pilgrim's Progress. Bunyan was freed in May 1672 and obtained a licence to preach under the declaration of indulgence. He continued as pastor of the Bedford Meeting and travelled around the adjoining counties preaching, and also as far afield as London. His other allegorical works include The Life and Death of Mr Badman (1680) and The Holy War (1682). His spiritual autobiography Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners was published in 1666 while he was still in jail.

"The Holy War," John Bunyan's fourth work of major importance, appeared in 1682. Although "The Pilgrim's Progress" has always been the most popular of Bunyan's numerous works, "The Holy War" holds a firm second place in the hearts of Christians throughout the world. As in "The Pilgrim's Progress," "The Holy War" is a fascinating allegory, a delightful narrative. As Ernest W. Bacon describes it in "John Bunyan: Pilgrim and Dreamer": "The story sets out to recall the fall and redemption of mankind under the guise of a besieged city. The city of Mansoul originally belonged by right to Shaddai or God, but was betrayed through Ear Gate and Eye Gate into the hands of Diabolus or the Devil, besieging giant who takes control. In the hands of the enemy, Mansoul loses its Major, Lord Understanding, and Mr. Conscience is dismissed from his post as Recorder. Lord Will-be-Will becomes the Lord of Mansoul - man's fallen will, self-will, and ill-will all combined in one unpleasant and anti-God character." In the end Mansoul is recaptured by Emmanuel's army, and Diabolus is driven out. There is triumph over sin and evil - one of the Bible's most comforting themes.

"The Holy War," John Bunyan's fourth work of major importance, appeared in 1682. Although "The Pilgrim's Progress" has always been the most popular of Bunyan's numerous works, "The Holy War" holds a firm second place in the hearts of Christians throughout the world. As in "The Pilgrim's Progress," "The Holy War" is a fascinating allegory, a delightful narrative. As Ernest W. Bacon describes it in "John Bunyan: Pilgrim and Dreamer": "The story sets out to recall the fall and redemption of mankind under the guise of a besieged city. The city of Mansoul originally belonged by right to Shaddai or God, but was betrayed through Ear Gate and Eye Gate into the hands of Diabolus or the Devil, besieging giant who takes control. In the hands of the enemy, Mansoul loses its Major, Lord Understanding, and Mr. Conscience is dismissed from his post as Recorder. Lord Will-be-Will becomes the Lord of Mansoul - man's fallen will, self-will, and ill-will all combined in one unpleasant and anti-God character." In the end Mansoul is recaptured by Emmanuel's army, and Diabolus is driven out. There is triumph over sin and evil - one of the Bible's most comforting themes.

"The Holy War," John Bunyan's fourth work of major importance, appeared in 1682. Although "The Pilgrim's Progress" has always been the most popular of Bunyan's numerous works, "The Holy War" holds a firm second place in the hearts of Christians throughout the world. As in "The Pilgrim's Progress," "The Holy War" is a fascinating allegory, a delightful narrative. As Ernest W. Bacon describes it in "John Bunyan: Pilgrim and Dreamer": "The story sets out to recall the fall and redemption of mankind under the guise of a besieged city. The city of Mansoul originally belonged by right to Shaddai or God, but was betrayed through Ear Gate and Eye Gate into the hands of Diabolus or the Devil, besieging giant who takes control. In the hands of the enemy, Mansoul loses its Major, Lord Understanding, and Mr. Conscience is dismissed from his post as Recorder. Lord Will-be-Will becomes the Lord of Mansoul - man's fallen will, self-will, and ill-will all combined in one unpleasant and anti-God character." In the end Mansoul is recaptured by Emmanuel's army, and Diabolus is driven out. There is triumph over sin and evil - one of the Bible's most comforting themes.

"The Holy War," John Bunyan's fourth work of major importance, appeared in 1682. Although "The Pilgrim's Progress" has always been the most popular of Bunyan's numerous works, "The Holy War" holds a firm second place in the hearts of Christians throughout the world. As in "The Pilgrim's Progress," "The Holy War" is a fascinating allegory, a delightful narrative. As Ernest W. Bacon describes it in "John Bunyan: Pilgrim and Dreamer": "The story sets out to recall the fall and redemption of mankind under the guise of a besieged city. The city of Mansoul originally belonged by right to Shaddai or God, but was betrayed through Ear Gate and Eye Gate into the hands of Diabolus or the Devil, besieging giant who takes control. In the hands of the enemy, Mansoul loses its Major, Lord Understanding, and Mr. Conscience is dismissed from his post as Recorder. Lord Will-be-Will becomes the Lord of Mansoul - man's fallen will, self-will, and ill-will all combined in one unpleasant and anti-God character." In the end Mansoul is recaptured by Emmanuel's army, and Diabolus is driven out. There is triumph over sin and evil - one of the Bible's most comforting themes.

John Bunyan may have authored the most influential book in the English language (other than the Bible) when he penned Pilgrim’s Progress, but he also wrote another dramatic allegorical novel – The Holy War. In this second classic, Bunyan’s readers experience the struggles of the city of Mansoul as a fierce battle rages to take control of it. Wrapped into this knife-edge drama is much truth about how the struggles of our souls run parallel to those of the wretched inhabitants of Mansoul. The righteous and honorable ruler Shaddai and his son Immanuel rule Mansoul with justice and equity. But the ruler of darkness - Prince Diabolus - has other plans. With his evil captains and their battalions Diabolus plots the fall and destruction of the once happy city. The fall of Captain Resistance is followed by numerous battles and the eventual fall of Lord Innocency, until the city is lost. So goes a story of treachery and deceit, foolishness and pride, forgiveness and final redemption. The good news is that there is a happy ending, for this book, as Bunyan intended, is ultimately the story of a sinner saved from ruin by the grace of God.

"The Holy War," John Bunyan's fourth work of major importance, appeared in 1682. Although "The Pilgrim's Progress" has always been the most popular of Bunyan's numerous works, "The Holy War" holds a firm second place in the hearts of Christians throughout the world. As in "The Pilgrim's Progress," "The Holy War" is a fascinating allegory, a delightful narrative. As Ernest W. Bacon describes it in "John Bunyan: Pilgrim and Dreamer": "The story sets out to recall the fall and redemption of mankind under the guise of a besieged city. The city of Mansoul originally belonged by right to Shaddai or God, but was betrayed through Ear Gate and Eye Gate into the hands of Diabolus or the Devil, besieging giant who takes control. In the hands of the enemy, Mansoul loses its Major, Lord Understanding, and Mr. Conscience is dismissed from his post as Recorder. Lord Will-be-Will becomes the Lord of Mansoul - man's fallen will, self-will, and ill-will all combined in one unpleasant and anti-God character." In the end Mansoul is recaptured by Emmanuel's army, and Diabolus is driven out. There is triumph over sin and evil - one of the Bible's most comforting themes.