When the Dutch fleet drew near to Chatham, fearing it might effect a landing, the Duke of Albemarle determined to prevent it by inspiring the men with his own dauntless spirit. Calm, as if beyond the touch of death, he took his position in the fore front of the battle, thus exposing himself to the hottest fire from the hostile ships. A loving, but over-cautious friend, seeing him in such peril, darted forward, seized him by the arm, and exclaimed in great agitation, "Retire, I beseech you, from this shower of bullets, or you will be a dead man!" The noble Duke, releasing himself from his grasp, turned coldly on the man who would tempt him to cowardice in the hour of his country's need, and replied, "Sir, if I had been afraid of bullets, I should have quitted the profession of a soldier, long ago." He had counted the cost before going to war, while, alas, many who enroll their names beneath a holier banner, do so only in view of the sunshine, the music and the pay. But there is fighting to be done in the holy war, there are reprisals to be made and captives to be taken and cared for. The follower of the Crucified may be alone and in a humble station, among men of influence and talent. Unbelief may whisper, the odds are against you; one cannot chase a thousand, nor two put ten thousand to flight. Yield only a little, guard your reputation for politeness and delicacy of feeling; the world cannot appreciate your motives; they will call your principle, bigotry; your steadfastness, obstinacy; your faithfulness, insolence. He that would have friends, must show himself friendly. If this reasoning on behalf of self fail to convince, the tempter tries another motive. He appeals to the Christian's love for the Saviour and his cause, which, he whispers, will both gain friends, by leniency and concession. Let the disciple but listen and falter, and woe to his peace of mind, woe to his religious influence! He finds in the end that he has made great sacrifices for naught; for the whispered promises of the enemy all prove false. He does not gain even a worldly friend, by such a course, while he compromises the cause he loves by his cowardice. It is easy to be true warriors in time of peace, when there is nothing to fear. Then we can sail manfully over a smooth sea, side by side with our foe, chatting in melodious tones the chorus of union and brotherly love. But in God's army, the time of prosperity is the time of conflict. When the Spirit comes to draw men to himself, then comes our arch enemy, in battle array, to dispute his claim to the hearts of men. Jesus, whose heart was love, said, "I come not to bring peace, but a sword," and from the day he spoke those words until now, has great spiritual blessing ever been accompanied by persecution and hatred. Such a time has now come upon us, and shall not those who love his appearing, say with the brave Albemarle, "If I had been afraid of bullets, I should have quitted the profession of a soldier, long ago." Shall we ask for the laurel and the crown before the conflict begins? Labor comes before rest. Sinners are looking to Christians to see if they stand firm against the assaults of the foe; and by their courage or cowardice, will they judge of the power of faith. When the soldier of the cross puts on the whole armor, and manfully meets the foe, then shall we raise the triumphant shout of victory.—Sel.