it is wise to be strong and courageous; if we are meeting the tempest
alone, the best thing we can do is to fear, for the fear may drive us
to seek for His help, and He ever stretches out His hand to him who is
afraid, as he ought to be, when he feels the cold water rising above
his knees, and by his very fear is driven to faith, and cries, 'Lord,
save; I perish!'

Courage that does not rest on Christ's presence is audacity rather than
courage, and is sure to collapse, like a pricked bladder, when the
sharp point of a real peril comes in contact with it. If we sit down
and reckon the forces that we have to oppose to the foes that we are
sure to meet, we shall find ourselves unequal to the fight, and, if we
are wise, shall 'send the ambassage' of a humble desire to the great
King, who will come to our help with His all-conquering powers. Then,
and only then, shall we be safe in saying,' I will not fear what man
can do unto me, or devils either,' when we have said,' In God have I
put my trust,' and have heard Him answering, 'I will not fail thee, nor
forsake thee.




THE CHARGE TO THE SOLDIER OF THE LORD

'Only be then strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to
do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded thee...
that thou mayest prosper wheresoever thou goest. 8. This book of the
law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shall meditate therein
day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is
written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then