But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines,
to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter,
and his ax, and his mattock.
1 Samuel 13:20
"We are engaged in a great war with the Philistines of evil.
Every weapon within our reach must be used.
Preaching, teaching, praying, ...all must be brought into action,...
Coulter, and axe, and mattock, may all be useful in slaying Philistines; rough tools may deal hard blows, and killing need not be elegantly done, so long as it is done effectually.
Each moment of time, in season or out of season;
each fragment of ability, educated or untutored;
This morning let us note enough to sharpen our zeal during this day by the aid of the Holy Spirit. See the energy of the Papists, how they compass sea and land to make one proselyte, are they to monopolize all the earnestness?
Mark the heathen devotees, what tortures they endure in the service
of their idols! are they alone to exhibit patience and self-sacrifice?
of their idols! are they alone to exhibit patience and self-sacrifice?
Observe the prince of darkness, how persevering in his endeavors, how unabashed in his attempts, how daring in his plans, how thoughtful in his plots, how energetic in all!
The devils are united as one man in their infamous rebellion, while we believers in Jesus are divided in our service of God, and scarcely ever work with unanimity. O that from Satan's infernal industry we may learn to go about like good Samaritans, seeking whom we may bless!"
Charles Spurgeon
