The Holy War, Made by King Shaddai upon Diabolus, for the Regaining of the Metropolis of the World; Or, the Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Mansoul

An allegorical narrative written in the late 17th century. The book details the symbolic battles within the human soul, represented by the town of Mansoul, depicting the struggle between good and evil forces. Central to the story are the characters Shaddai, the King representing divine providence, and Diabolus, a giant embodying temptation and sin. The opening of the work introduces the town of Mansoul, which was once a joyful and well-governed place under the benevolent rule of Shaddai. However, it falls under the sinister control of Diabolus, who uses deceit and manipulation to lead the townsfolk away from their King. Diabolus' strategy includes enacting a false sense of freedom while instilling fear and division among the citizens, provoking a decline in their moral state. The setting thus lays the groundwork for a narrative filled with conflict, illustrating the consequential moral and spiritual struggles faced by the inhabitants of Mansoul in their quest for redemption and truth.