THERE is no quality or element in religion which can take the place of aggressive earnestness. Activity is the condition of growth. “Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion.” No divine malediction is necessary to consign them to their “own place” among the non-producers in the Lord’s vineyard. It is only by eternal vigilance and wise and ceaseless effort that we hold our own and make advances on the enemy’s lines. We are not enlisted to hold the fort but to capture the enemy. The campaign is offensive, not defensive; it is one of conquest, not compromise. Christianity in all its forms as developed in history, has been aggressive. It aims after the spiritual conquest of the whole world, and whatever it has achieved has been done through its power to inspire men and women to go forth as missionaries animated with this sublime and far-reaching idea. Whatever progress the religion of Jesus has made, in spite of all errors and superstitions, has been accomplished largely through this one all-mastering passion. This was the secret of Paul’s power; and the same is true of every preacher, whatever his creed, who has achieved success.—Selected.