1912 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

hard thing to do, as evidenced by His words, "Father, ifit be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless,not as I will, but as Thou wilt."--Matt. 26:39.THE WARFARE IN PROGRESS FOR CENTURIESBut there is another side of this warfare which wehave not yet considered, and which we dare not overlookif we would be faithful overcomers. The Truth has itsenemies now as well as in the days of the Apostles, andwe are set for the defense of the Truth. Hence, theforces against which we must contend are not only thosewithin, but also those without. To be listless and indifferentunder such circumstances as surround us is certainlyevidence that we are not fighting the good fight offaith.To fight the good fight of faith implies, first, that wehave a faith for which to fight. No man can fight thisgood fight who has not come to some knowledge of theTruth--a knowledge sufficient to awaken his sympathiesand enlist his energies in its propagation and defense.Now look at the warfare from this standpoint and seehow the faithful soldiers of the cross from the beginningof the Age to the present time have contended for thefaith delivered to the saints. (Jude 3.) Have they calmlyand comfortably rested in luxurious ease, enjoying whatthey knew of the Truth themselves, and saying nothingabout it where it would cause a ripple of opposition, andthen flattered themselves with the idea that their lazy, do-nothingtranquility was evidence of their growth in grace?By no means!The saints have endured hardness as good soldiers forthe Truth's sake. They have proclaimed it boldly andhave taken the consequences of public scorn and contempt,the loss of earthly friends, the sacrifice of businessinterests and earthly prospects, together with stripes, imprisonments,and perils to life on every hand; and in manycases they have met violent deaths. They have not onlyenjoyed the glorious prospect of future blessedness, buthave become active to the extent of their ability in carryingout God's Plan for securing that end. Had they doneotherwise they would have proved themselves unworthyof the high honors to which they were called. So it hasbeen throughout the entire Age, and continues still.When the great Mystery of Iniquity, or Papal system,had reached the height of its power and the very depthsof its corruption, and the eyes of a few faithful childrenof God were opened to see its true character, noble reformersstepped out and boldly declared their convictionsin the face of most violent persecution. Encouraged bytheir example, many other noble souls braved the samedangers and endured great hardships while contendingfor the Truth. Thus they gave evidence of their zeal andconsecration by their faithfulness, even unto death byviolent hands, and unto persecution and torture of themost revolting and fiendish character.