Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 2.pdf/234

 Church, can be defended; and as out of the Lord's mouth, according to the book of Revelation, goes forth a sharp two-edged sword, how plain must it be, that as this sword can be no carnal weapon, it can be no other than Truth itself. Truth divine goeth forth against the enemies of the spiritual Israel, with the view of cutting them off, that so the true Church may not be placed in jeopardy. But let us remember that the Church of the Lord is not only general, but individual; and that it is the desire of the Lord to preserve His individual Church from danger, as well as His general Church; and He gives a charge to His sword, that is, to His Word of Divine Truth, to go forth against these enemies, and to take no rest, nor return to his scabbard, till they are altogether subdued.

The Holy Word assures us that a man's greatest enemies are those of his own household; that is, they are the evils and falses which dwell within, which contain within them a soul-destroying power, covering the understanding with a darkness equal to that of Egypt. While these evils and falses remain within, how can the sword of the Lord be quiet? How can it rest and be still when the noblest of His works—that soul which He hath created for an eternity of bliss—is imperilled by the seductive pleadings of sensuality, aided by the specious reasonings of a corrupt and perverted understanding? How can the love of the Lord sleep while man's direst enemies are in a state of unwearied watchfulness? How can the sons of Israel rest in peace, while Amalek is at her gates? No, the sword of the Lord will not rest; it will go forth to its work. The Divine Truth will ever be on the watch, detecting evil, fighting against it, casting it out, and slaying it. The