We do not need proud and vain young men to invent something new and glorify themselves, but humble and devoted young men, who will be content to “preach the word,” “contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints,” and persevere in pushing the gospel through the world. We have no faith in these young sap heads who are trying to render themselves famous by pointing out to the world the errors of Alexander Campbell. It is true that it is not absolutely impossible that even a very young man should discover some important new truth, or an old one, that had, for a time, been neglected and covered up, but it is not at all probable; and certain it is, that it is not the province of young men to spend a large share of their time in trying to present something new. We claim not to have comprehended all truth, so as to render it impossible for any thing more to be discovered; but the main work is to impress the truth we have upon the rising generation, and bring as many as possible under its influence. We want humble, working, and pious men, to spread the principles of the gospel through the world.
[“MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD.”]
NO people can or ought to prosper that will not respect the wisdom of God as set forth in both the teaching and example of our Lord and his apostles. We can not make ourselves, as a great, rapidly increasing and prospering body, an exception to this rule. If we desire and intend to prosper in the great and good work of uniting saints, building up the church and saving men, we must confine ourselves strictly to the gospel—to the things of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ—determined to know nothing but Christ and him crucified—to glory in nothing but the cross of Christ. Our mission, as a religious body, as a christian ministry, and as christian writers, is not of this world. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in the heavenly regions.” Our King commanded one of his men, when he drew a sword, and commencing battle with it, struck off the ear of the servant Malchus, to put up the sword, adding that they who take the sword shall perish by the sword. The apostle Paul fits out the christian soldier and equips him for his work. The following are the habiliments for the warfare: The loins are to be girt about with truth, the breast-plate of righteousness is to be put on, the feet are to be shod with a preparation of the gospel. The shield of faith is to be taken, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Here is the christian armor—our preparation for war. There is nothing carnal about it—no preparation to war against flesh and blood. We must hold fast to this armor—the heavenly armor—and use it with skill, resorting to no other, and we shall see the tall sons of men in thousands fall before us and join the army.
[POLICY IN PREACHING.]
