THE CHRISTIAN'S STRENGTH by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 13, 1880

THE CHRISTIAN'S STRENGTH

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

THE power of the Christian religion lies in its simplicity. Kingdoms are overthrown, thrones demolished by the diffusing of its spirit in the hearts of its opposers. The weapons of the Christian are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. To an impetuous people Peter our Saviour said, "Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." "The cup which my father hath given me; shall I not drink it?" He took upon himself our nature, became subject to the frailties of mortals and voluntarily laid down his life for a fallen race. It was by this act he became victor over the world, flesh, and the devil, and rose from the dead a triumphant conqueror.

Never was there such a moral phenomenon exhibited upon this earth, as the first establishment and progress of Christianity. The instruments by which it was established, the opposition with which it was met, and the success which attended its career, were all of the most extraordinary character. The nature of the work was humiliation, yielding of personal honor, glory, and every selfish comfort, while the opposing party apparently triumphed. Of the author of the Christian religion it is said, "he made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

While the Roman kingdom was in its glory and the whole world reposing in security under the protecting wings of the most august of all Cæsars and Polytheism, with her myriads of temples, and her myriads of myriads of priests triumphantly seated in the affections of a superstitious people; and the clouds of incense arose from every city, town, and hamlet, in honor of the gods of the Roman superstition, that Christ the star of Bethlehem appeared. He, born in a stable. What fearful odds? what a contrast,—idolatry on the throne, the author of principles which were to shake the world lying in a manger.

Unattended in his birth, unseconded in his outset, he begins his career. After thirty years of obscurity we find him followed by what the wisdom of the world, the wealthy and the proud would call a contemptible company. The Saviour announces to one of them, an uncouth fisherman, that he had discovered a truth which would modify the whole world. All the powers of earth and hell combined cannot rid the earth of this truth. Here a dozen individuals from the humblest walks in life, commence a work under the direction of Jesus Christ, which is finally to triumph over the wealth and the most powerful kingdoms on earth. Their life was to be one of self-denial and sacrifice. They were to leave home, houses, lands, and the nearest ties, for the truth's sake, and for a reward a crown of glory in the world to come. Such was the army of faith and the inducements set before them. Thus commences the work of the gospel at the first advent of our Saviour.

In the language of another: "The land of Judea is smitten with the sword of the spirit. Jerusalem falls, Samaria is taken. The coasts of Asia, maritime cities, islands and provinces, vow allegiance to a crucified King. Mighty Rome is aroused, shaken and affrighted. Sacrifices are unbought. Altars moulder and temples decay. Her pontiffs, her senators, and her emperors stand aghast. Persecution, the adjunct of a weak and wicked cause, unsheaths her sword and kindles her fires. A Nero and Caligula prepare the fagots and illuminate Rome with burning Christians. But the scheme soon defeats itself, for anon, 'tis found that the blood and ashes of martyrs are the seed of the church. So the battle is fought till every town of note from the Tiber to the Thames, from the Euphrates to the Ganges, bows to the cross. On the one side superstition and the sword, the mitred head, and the sceptered arm combine, on the other, almighty truth alone pushes on the combat. Under these fearful odds the truth triumphs."

Now shall those to whom is committed the closing work of the gospel tremble and fear to enter the conflict before us. Does not our God live and are not his truths the same? "It is not by might nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord."

We want an army of thousands to enter the field as missionaries, to sell our publications, obtain subscribers for our periodicals, remail those sheets which are laden with the truths of God to the thousands who now sit in darkness, and to act as colporters in the cause of Jesus Christ. Where are the self-denying and self-sacrificing men and women to do this work? who will enter the ranks as a worker in the cause of our divine Lord?

S. N. HASKELL.