NO people can or ought to prosper that will not respect the wisdom of God as set forth in both the teaching and example of our Lord and his apostles. We can not make ourselves, as a great, rapidly increasing and prospering body, an exception to this rule. If we desire and intend to prosper in the great and good work of uniting saints, building up the church and saving men, we must confine ourselves strictly to the gospel—to the things of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ—determined to know nothing but Christ and him crucified—to glory in nothing but the cross of Christ. Our mission, as a religious body, as a christian ministry, and as christian writers, is not of this world. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in the heavenly regions.” Our King commanded one of his men, when he drew a sword, and commencing battle with it, struck off the ear of the servant Malchus, to put up the sword, adding that they who take the sword shall perish by the sword. The apostle Paul fits out the christian soldier and equips him for his work. The following are the habiliments for the warfare: The loins are to be girt about with truth, the breast-plate of righteousness is to be put on, the feet are to be shod with a preparation of the gospel. The shield of faith is to be taken, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Here is the christian armor—our preparation for war. There is nothing carnal about it—no preparation to war against flesh and blood. We must hold fast to this armor—the heavenly armor—and use it with skill, resorting to no other, and we shall see the tall sons of men in thousands fall before us and join the army.
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.