WHERE, then, is the army of the Lord? It is not in an aggregated body, some vast assembly headed by great clergymen, making display and show, of imposing ceremonies and vast assemblies. Like the ancient disciples, they are “scattered abroad,” and are going “everywhere preaching the word.” In their humble homes, their neighborhoods, among plain and sincere people, they are sowing the good seed of the kingdom of God, training their children in the way of the Lord, and, by their godly lives, personal influence and pious instructions, spreading the knowledge of God, and building up congregations. These are scattered in all these States, and in all the principal Territories in our countries. Some of them are found in all the British Provinces, except Newfoundland, in America, in England, Ireland and Scotland, in Wales and Australia, as also in Jamaica. If we could enumerate these, we should find a larger army of them than many think. All of these, true to their principles, and at work where the work is in their reach, and most convenient to them, and so far as they, in any respect, promote the work, advance the cause, and build up the kingdom of God, they are co-operating in the same great work of saving man, and are “laborers together with God.” Their work is “associated effort” in spreading the knowledge of God, and filling the world with his glory. They are standing together as one man, and “striving for the hope of the gospel.”
A Book of Gems, or, Choice selections from the writings of Benjamin Franklin
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About This Book
A curated anthology of sermons, debates, tracts, and miscellaneous religious writings arranged by subject and indexed for quick reference. Selections treat biblical authority, church order and practices (such as baptism and communion), pastoral responsibilities and preaching, moral exhortation, repentance and salvation, missionary effort, and reflections on life’s brevity. Short homiletic pieces blend doctrinal argument with practical counsel and urgent appeals for immediate personal and communal reform, offering guidance for Christian conduct and for those engaged in ministry or church renewal.