Whom Do We Oppose? by J. Clarke

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 14, 1858

Whom Do We Oppose?

By J. Clarke

Do we war with flesh and blood, with principalities and powers of this world? Nay verily; we are directed to live peaceably with all men. But we are soldiers, and we are commanded to fight manfully. With whom then do we make war? What kind of an enemy have we to contend with? What are his precedents? What are his modes of warfare? Who are his allies? How long has he been in the field? What is his strength? What is the number of his army? Does he fight openly or covertly? Does he lie in wait like the tiger, to spring suddenly upon his victim? or does he go boldly forth like the lion for his prey? What kind of arms and armor does he use? What success has he had generally in battle? Whom has he conquered? When he is victorious, how does he use his acquired power? What is his object in making war? Where is his country and kingdom? How did he come by his kingdom? How does he support his power? How does he fill his ranks?

Alas! Let poor, deluded, fallen man answer these questions from bitter experience, and from the word of God. Too well he knows the arts of the tempter, and what is more lamentable, he has learned only to imitate, and fall in with the arch-seducer's power.

Poor man! Lost in the night of error, yet self-wise; benighted, yet ready to lead the blind; sick and diseased, yet boasting of health and strength; ignorant, yet ready to teach; vile, yet having no desire for purity; weak, yet proud of his little strength; oh, who can hope!

But there is a gleam of hope; the day star of Israel has arisen; the day dawns, and hope revives, as truth arises and walks forth in her majesty and power. Yes, there is hope for those who know and realize their blindness, and ignorance, and folly; there is hope in thine end, O forsaken one; thy Redeemer lives, and will stand in the latter day on the earth, triumphant over evil; he will intercede for those who feel the need of an advocate, who will obey his commands, and follow in his steps.

O thou tempted one, be courageous. Soon thy King will conquer his and thy foes; soon he will avenge all thy grievances; will end thy warfare; will heal all thy wounds; and though now thy way is thorny, soon it will be paved with transparent gold.

Thy foes are strong, but Jesus is strongest. Satan rages, but Jesus still rules the universe with mild but absolute sway. He will lead his saints to final victory, and glorious conquest over death and hell. Then thy warfare will have been accomplished.

J. CLARKE.