But the Christian warfare is not confined to front line trenches and distant battlefields, It is not necessary to go on far crusades or distant campaigns, the battlefield is everywhere and we need to practice the art of holy warfare every day of our lives. It is not the crusading spirit that we need so greatly today, as it is the need of a quiet Christian heroism and steadfastness, which may be practised by people in their several walks of life and wrought out in the fabric of our daily words and deeds. A spirit that dares to declare its allegiance to Christ at home, in the office and at the Club. That is not afraid to reprove a brother or to speak honestly to a friend. That is not ashamed to read his Bible or pray in hut or billet, to take a stand against some questionable practice in his mess or club. "Nor hesitate to tell a Sunday afternoon visitor that it is your custom to go io Church or to invite him to accompany you. The spirit that dares to say, "No." That refuses, if wrong, to do in Rome as the Romans do. That will stand firm for Jesus amid moral cowardice and time Serving. Are we among the number? 1f rot, let us hear the message of the hymn tonight.
Stand up. stand up for Jesus The solemn watch word hear For while ye sleep he suffers Away with shame and fear. "Quit ye like men, be strong!"
The cause of Jesus Christ has need of steadfast and fearless men and women, who will, to use the refrain of the hymn, stand up for Jesus, who will at all times and everywhere be steadfast and loyal, not only in word but in deed, devoting their time and their talents, their best thought and effort toward the spread of His teaching and its logical result, the uplift and the beautifying of every department of life. Some time ago, I stood, as many of you have done, before the tomb of one of our national heroes, General Gordon, in St. Paul's Cathedral. One cannot stand here unimpressed. Here was one who left no doubt in the minds of those who knew him as to where he stood in regard to Jesus Christ. Always and everywhere, his was a truly heroic life, the life of a gallant Christian soldier. The inscription reads, "Major General George Gordon, who at all times and everywhere gave his strength to the weak, his substance to the poor, his sympathy to the suffering and his heart to God." Such a life is not easy, we cannot live it in our own strength. The hymn suggests the preparation that is necessary in order that we may live the steadfast life.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus Stand in his strength alone The arm of flesh will fail you Ye dare not trust your own Put on the Gospel armour Each piece put on with prayer Where duty calls or danger Be never wanting there.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.