CHOSEN BATTLE GROUND by R. F. COTTRELL

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 15, 1868

CHOSEN BATTLE GROUND.

By R. F. COTTRELL

In the conflicts of opposing armies much often depends upon selecting the most favorable position in the field of action. The general who knows the situation of the field the best, and skillfully seizes the advantage of position, other things being equal, will be pretty sure to gain the victory. Hence when one army is posted in a strong position, the skillful opposing general will not venture to meet them upon their own chosen ground, but will maneuver to decoy by strategy the enemy from his position, or by some coup de main force him to change his well-formed line of battle.

In spiritual warfare also it is important to choose, as far as possible, the most advantageous ground, and not unnecessarily venture upon the chosen ground of the enemy. There is something in this. By our own acts we may put ourselves in a position where it will be next to impossible to overcome. The youthful warrior fancies that he has great strength, and without fear throws himself upon the Devil’s chosen battle ground. Then he finds himself in difficulty, and repents too late his rashness. He prays, “Lead us not into temptation;” and then goes right into temptation. This is unwise. This is not exercising the same skill in spiritual things that they do in temporal things.

Some have ventured on the enemy’s battle ground by choosing to associate with evil companions, joining the gay and thoughtless crowd, seeking for pleasures with the lovers of pleasures, at the festival, the circus, or the theater; and, worse still, have contracted the most intimate connection, lasting as life, with those who have chosen to serve the god of this world, laying all upon the altar of fashion and frivolity, giving themselves over to the spirit that works in the hearts of the disobedient. These have been decoyed upon the Devil’s battle field, and the chances against them are heavy, to say the least. I do not say this to

wound such. I would not add affliction to their bonds, or add one pang to their sufferings. I pity them from my inmost heart, and would they might still get the victory. But if I can deter one who is not thus unequally yoked with an unbeliever, to avoid the snare, and keep off the chosen ground of their most deadly foe, my object in these remarks will be accomplished.

How can you love God with all your heart while you voluntarily set your love upon one who is an enemy of God, and possesses qualities that are hateful in his sight. God is love; and to love God is to love one that is altogether lovely. How can you love the opposite at the same time? It seems as difficult as it is to serve God and mammon; a thing the Lord Jesus expressly says we cannot do.

Let no one who would love God undertake so hopeless a task. While you may choose the battle ground that gives some prospect of success, and not willingly throw yourself into the arms of the Devil, you are none too strong to cope with the enemy under the most advantageous circumstances. Keep to your stronghold, and not presumptuously seek a battle on his own chosen ground, venturing into the very jaws of death.

R. F. COTTRELL.