And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first.
Young men encouraged to band together for the holy war
I. The mighty enemies to be opposed.
II. The glorious monarch under whom we fight.
III. The instruments employed on this occasion in his service. “The young men of the princes of the provinces.” Such it was, that God selected on this occasion, that His hand might be more clearly revealed. Thus the faith of His people was called forth and exercised; thus bold zeal in His cause would be encouraged. Nor is it only in the history of Israel, that young men have been employed. There have, in our own country and in our own Church, been in past days associations of young men, that have been eminently blessed of God. The societies for thereformation of manners originated with young men; and from 1668, for nearly a century, their associated efforts greatly blessed our country. Vice was discouraged and put down; and innumerable books of piety, circulated by the young men of that period, produced a great reformation of morals, especially in the city of London, but which spread also through other parts of the country.
IV. The victory obtained. (E. Bickersteth, M. A.)
Step in anywhere
During a great battle, a recruit who had lost his company in the tumult of strife, approached the general in command, and timidly asked where he should “step in.” “Step in?” thundered the general. “Step in anywhere; there’s fighting all along the line.” A heavy piece of machinery was being moved into a building by means of a block and tackle. Suddenly one of the ropes parted, and the machine began to slide backward. The two men who had charge of the work sprang to stay its progress. “Give us a lift!” one of them shouted to a bystander. “Where shall I take hold?” asked the man thus addressed, unmindful of the fact that there was net a second to lose. “Grab hold anywhere!” yelled the mover. It may be that we are in a field where we are unaccustomed to work, and aretimidly asking where we shall “step in.” We may find our answer in the words, “Step in anywhere; there’s fighting all along the line.” Are you waiting to be called into some special Church work? “Step in anywhere.” If you are willing, you can be used. This is not the time to pick and choose as to what work we shall do. The need is so great, the force against us so strong, that only oneduty awaits the Christian disciple--to “take hold anywhere.” (Signal.)
