Morning, March 2
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“But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every
man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.”
1 Samuel 13:20
We are engaged in a great war with the Philistines of evil. Every weapon within our reach must be used . Preaching, teaching, praying, giving, all must be brought into action,
and talents which have been thought too mean for service, must now
be employed. Coulter, and axe, and mattock, may all be useful in slaying
Philistines; rough tools may deal hard blows, and killing need not
be elegantly done, so long as it is done effectually. Each moment
of time, in season or out of season; each fragment of ability, educated
or untutored; each opportunity, favourable or unfavourable, must be
used, for our foes are many and our force but slender.
Most of our tools want sharpening ; we need quickness of perception, tact, energy, promptness, in a
word, complete adaptation for the Lord’s work. Practical common sense is a very scarce thing among the conductors
of Christian enterprises. We might learn from our enemies if we would,
and so make the Philistines sharpen our weapons . This morning let us note enough to sharpen our zeal during this
day by the aid of the Holy Spirit. See the energy of the Papists,
how they compass sea and land to make one proselyte, are they to monopolize
all the earnestness? Mark the heathen devotees, what tortures they
endure in the service of their idols! are they alone to exhibit patience
and self-sacrifice? Observe the prince of darkness, how persevering
in his endeavours, how unabashed in his attempts, how daring in his
plans, how thoughtful in his plots, how energetic in all! The devils
are united as one man in their infamous rebellion, while we believers
in Jesus are divided in our service of God, and scarcely ever work
with unanimity. O that from Satan’s infernal industry we may learn to go about like good Samaritans,
seeking whom we may bless!