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Christian Warfare

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 7, 1863

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 21, No. 19.

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Christian Warfare.

By E. House

THE Christian warfare is not an imaginary one, but real, and earnest; and those who would leave the battle-field successful, must take heed that none of the instructions given by the great Leader of righteousness be disregarded, but that all are implicitly followed. The enemy ever stands ready to send some unexpected shot or shell, or, lying in ambush, suddenly take us prisoners; and so great is the danger that never for a moment must we desert our post; neither (as far as possible) let a feeling of doubt as to our final success take possession of our minds; for it is one of the qualifications of him who cometh up to battle against us, that he readeth the thoughts; and his forces are thereby strengthened or diminished.
But notwithstanding the formidable appearance of our enemies, the numbers of whom are as "legion," it is our privilege to be victorious, and lay them low. We must remember that in God's armory is everything requisite. We must unlock it by fervent prayer, the key which he has placed in reach of all who will avail themselves of it; and when we have gained admittance all we have to do is to equip ourselves in the habilitments of war, with the shield of faith, the girdle, the helmet, the sword, and the shoes of that peculiar pattern of which we have often read; and then can we step forth fearless and strong to fight the battles of the Lord, realizing that with these we "shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy," and then, though the conflict be never so severe, we shall hear the soul-inspiring voice of our Commander, bidding us lift up our heads, for our redemption draweth nigh, telling us that speedily will the contest be ended, and the victory won.
The Lord is calling by his Spirit for all who will volunteer, to share in the toils and privations of the Christian soldier in this life, and offers as the inducement that, if they will enter the ranks, counting not their lives dear unto them, but all things as loss if they but win Christ, by and by when the reward is given they shall receive a crown of unfading beauty, a robe of righteousness, share with all the redeemed in the unspeakable glories of endless life. Catlin, N. Y. E. HOUSE.